One of the more interesting games this weekend could take place Sunday, when the Seattle Storm will square off against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Seattle has been playing some high-level basketball as of late, with seven wins in its last nine contests, and the Storm are a bona fide offensive powerhouse. Gabby Williams is a two-way stud and already leads the WNBA in steals, but her perimeter shooting and playmaking is also a major asset. Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike provide veteran savvy that has fueled Seattle’s recent play, highlighted by a blowout victory over Connecticut later in the week. The Golden State Valkyries have been one of the pleasant surprises of the young WNBA season, as the expansion club is already 6-3 at home. Golden State already owns a victory over Seattle earlier in the month and are built for a home win on Sunday. Kayla Thornton has been a stalwart offensively for the Valkyries with consistent scoring and rebounding. Tiffany Hayes has come into her own as a smooth and effective veteran presence as well. The Valkyries also have a bit of a defensive identity which should allow them to slow down Seattle’s potent offense. The Storm are slight favorites, but this is shaping up as a close one, particularly with Golden State being so confident on their home court. I'll take the Valkyries on Sunday. 

Jim's Play: 630. GS Valkyries

Washington heads into Dallas on Saturday night riding a three-game win streak, looking to maintain some positive momentum after returning to .500 at 8-8. The Mystics have won three in a row, capped by an overtime win over these same Wings last weekend. In that game, rookie Sonia Citron scored 27 and made a three-pointer in the closing seconds to seal the deal. Washington has been playing well despite Brittney Sykes on the sidelines and a few other rotation players questionable, they’re able to find scoring from all around the roster and playing with more and more confidence. Dallas is 4-13 but has managed to show some signs of life following a 1-11 start. They’ve won two of their last three games, with freshman Paige Bueckers on fire and 6’7” center Li Yueru giving them some much-needed rim protection. They still have major injury issues though, missing multiple rotation players including Teaira McCowan and DiJonai Carrington. Washington has won the last four meetings in this series, but Dallas has more continuity and a deeper bench this season. Unless Bueckers goes off and Dallas dictates the pace, the Mystics should be able to extend their win streak.

Take:  619. Mystics 

The New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury will face each other Friday night in one of the more interesting games on the WNBA docket. These two played just over a week ago, with the Mercury picking up an 89-81 win on the road, and now they are at home. The Mercury come into tonight's contest with a six game win streak, an attempt to move to the front of the pack in the league standings. The Mercury have been cooking so far this season, scoring just over 82 points per game, while holding opponents to 78. The inside presence from Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas has been solid thus far, with Sabally leading the team in scoring at over 19 per night, and Thomas racking up the counting stats on both sides of the court.

On the other side, the Liberty enter the game at 11-3 but have some major injury concerns. Jonquel Jones will not play due to her ongoing ankle injury, and they will also be missing Leonie Fiebich and a couple key reserves as well, which means Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu will have to carry even more of the load than they have been. While they still have a lot of punch offensively, leading the league in both points and shooting efficiency, they will likely struggle defensively without Jones in the paint against Phoenix’s strong and physical frontcourt.

This game may come down to if the New York backcourt is able to run and make shots from the perimeter while avoiding foul trouble on defense. For the Mercury, they want to run the ball inside and continue to turn up the efficiency and execution we have seen from them of late. The Mercury are at home, have the form, the health, and the momentum, so the betting edge here goes to Phoenix as a small home favorite. 

Jim's Play: 616. Phx Mercury (WNBA Game of the Month)

On Wednesday night, the New York Liberty make their way to the West Coast to take on the Golden State Valkyries in a game that should be a lot of fun to watch. New York comes in at 10-3, but the Liberty have lost two of their last three, and two of their recent losses were to Phoenix (in a blowout) and Seattle (in a flat performance). The bigger issue for New York is the absence of Jonquel Jones, who will be sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury. She leaves a hole in the paint that will put more burden on Breanna Stewart and New York’s bench to step up. Sabrina Ionescu continues to be the engine of the offense, and she’s been solid, but the Liberty will need some extra help from role players Natasha Cloud and Marine Johannès to maintain their offensive efficiency on the road in a tough environment.

Golden State comes in at 7-6 and is exceeding expectations as an expansion team. The Valkyries have been especially tough at home, posting a 5-2 record at Chase Center, and they’re coming off an 87-63 blowout of Connecticut. Kayla Thornton, a former Liberty forward, has been the catalyst for Golden State. She is physical on defense and a timely scorer. Temi Fágbénlé is their rebounding force, and head coach Natalie Nakase has embraced a defense-first identity that makes the Valkyries competitive even when their shots aren’t falling. They’ve been shooting under 40% from the field, but they make up for it with hustle, rebounding, and a deep rotation that’s giving strong minutes to young players like Bree Hall and Kaitlyn Chen.

I think this one will be a grind-it-out first game. This Liberty team isn’t the same juggernaut club without Jones, and the Golden State Valkyries have grit and motivation (not least of which is Thornton wanting to show her former team what she’s been able to do with more minutes). I'm going to take the points here tonight with the host and look for a close game. 

Jim's Play: 602. GS Valkyries 

L.A. is on the road at Chicago as a slight favorite, with most outlets having the Sparks anywhere from –5.5 to 6 early on . Despite a rough patch (they’re 3-game ATS losers and 5-9 against the spread overall), this is one matchup and personnel advantage they have tonight.

Chicago is really poor on both ends (12th in offensive and defensive efficiency), and they’re 1-4 at home this season. They’re missing some players up front, too, with Kamilla Cardoso (questionable) after a recent limited run and Angel Reese (beast on the boards) not shooting the ball efficiently. That’s an opening for the Sparks.

On the other side, L.A. has more consistent scoring punch in Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens and Rickea Jackson, and their veteran lineup is more than capable of exploiting Chicago’s defense. Plum, for one, averaged 20+ points and scored 28 in their last matchup.

Chicago’s defense is porous, their offense is stale, and L.A.’s perimeter punch and post depth should be enough to keep this one in control. Even if the Sky keep it close early, the Sparks should have enough distance on the by the final whistle.

Jim's Play: 625. Sparks

Game 6 was a statement. Indiana took it to OKC 108-91 thanks to ball movement, great defense, and contributions from the likes of Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard while Tyrese Haliburton played through a calf injury . That’s exactly the type of game plan needed for Game 7. For the Thunder, their home court is important. Home teams have won 15 of the past 19 Finals Game 7s and this young, disciplined group has MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising All-Star Jalen Williams .

In terms of the bet, Jim Feist has clearly sided with the Pacers. He took Indiana +8.5 (now +7.5 in some shops) and backed it up—he hit his Game 6 selection and has gone 35-28 (55.6%) during the playoffs for a net profit of +$4,820 . He likes Indiana’s momentum, control of the pace and the ball and how they force turnovers and thrive off of it. Game 7 is a continuation of that game plan.

Sure, OKC’s 68-14 regular season record still matters. They have a great defense and more depth . But the Pacers have tournament-long stretches where they have dominated, where they defend to the death and when they run in transition and shoot it. They are clearly not an underdog . If Haliburton, Siakam and Turner can repeat what they did in Game 6, Indiana can stay within that 7.5 to 8.5 point spread.

So, this isn’t just who will win the title. It’s where the value lies. Feist isn’t betting the Pacers just survive, they think they can win it or lose it by less than eight. If Indiana can replicate that second-quarter burst and slow down the Thunder, they can win the ring, or at least cover.

So betting the Pacers + points isn’t a longshot. It’s a calculated wager on momentum, matchups and betting analytics. Expect high energy, great defense and a final game worthy of its buildup.

Jim’s Play: Pacers

Winnipeg arrives in Vancouver after a convincing 34–20 win over the Lions one week ago, despite missing their QB Zach Collaros due to suspension. Backup Chris Streveler was sharp at QB, throwing three TDs and rushing well, while rookie Matthew Peterson replaced injured RB Brady Oliveira for 130 yards . With Collaros back, the Bombers regain their two-time Most Outstanding Player at QB, a boost to their rhythm and offensive identity.

B.C. comes into the rematch uncertain at QB. Nathan Rourke, who was hurried into 12 completions on 27 attempts in the loss, is questionable due to an upper-body injury sustained late in that same game . Backup Jeremiah Masoli is expected to play if Rourke is unable to go, but Masoli’s return from an Achilles injury last season had mixed results. The B.C. offense that flew so high last week has shown some cracks against the Bombers.

Winnipeg defended B.C. by containing Rourke and relying on coverages to shut them down last week . The Bombers will try to do the same on the road. B.C. will have to tighten up its secondary and put pressure on Collaros early to prevent him from getting into a rhythm in the slick dome.

The Bombers also have some depth in the backfield, as well. They’ve brought in rookie Quinton Cooley to dress and made an O-line shift to slot Gabe Wallace at left guard . That continuity in the trenches should allow them to maintain balance between run and pass, even without Oliveira.

Simply put, Saturday’s game in Vancouver promises a classic rematch: Winnipeg with fresh QB strength and a versatile run game, while B.C. looks to bounce back despite QB uncertainty. I'll take the points at home here on Saturday with the Lions. 

Jim's Play: 724. BC Lions 

Calgary heads into McMahon Stadium looking to continue their hot start to the 2025 season. Calgary’s offense is operating on all cylinders with QB Vernon Adams Jr. under center and Dedric Mills, who is leading the team in rushing yards, contributing on the ground. Meanwhile, a stingy defense that’s allowed 22.5 points per game is tied for third in the league and has a secondary that’s picked off multiple passes already.

Ottawa heads into the matchup at 0–2 and struggles on both sides of the ball. Originally expected to start Dru Brown at quarterback, the Redblacks instead went with Matthew Shiltz, who threw three interceptions last week in the 39–18 loss to Montreal. Their running back position has been inconsistent, and the team leads the league in penalties (23 in two games) to start the season, making it even harder on a defense that’s given up 35 points per game. First-year defensive coordinator William Fields will need to get the group to clean up their act and play a cleaner, more disciplined game.

The key to the game: Ottawa has to limit turnovers and penalties that have plagued them early on, while disrupting Adams Jr. and dictating tempo. Calgary will look to continue their dominance by keeping possession and controlling the pace of the game. 

Simply put, Ottawa needs a clean game from Shiltz and clean play across the board to stay in this game. Calgary is playing at home and is firing on all cylinders, and they’ll be looking to put the screws to Ottawa early and control this game into the fourth quarter.

Jim's PLay: 722. Cal Stampeders (Game of the Week)

6/19 05:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET  

NBA   (511) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER  VS  (512) INDIANA PACERS

Take: 512. Pacers +6.5 

Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals begins Thursday, June 19, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With the Thunder taking a 3–2 series lead after winning Game 5 by a final of 120-109, they’re now one victory away from clinching their first-ever title in Oklahoma City .

Oklahoma City is entering this game full of confidence and balance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 32.7 ppg in the regular season and eclipsing 30 per game in the playoffs They shot the three well - OKC hit 14 threes at nearly 44%—and forced 22 turnovers, giving them a decisive advantage .

Meanwhile, Indiana is on the ropes. Their own star duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam battled OKC’s starters head-to-head, but Haliburton’s calf injury sapped him to just four points in Game 5 . Siakam’s still scoring at a clip of 28, but with Haliburton limited, the Pacers couldn’t sustain momentum and struggled to create scoring opportunities . They’ll need more to advance, but with Haliburton at less than full strength, they may have a tougher road to traverse.

Coach Rick Carlisle has received plaudits for his strategic ingenuity—using zone defense, full-court pressure, and long-range passing to remain competitive at home . I don't believe it matters if Haliburton is not 100% today, this Pacers team will fight tooth and nail to the end with the personel they have at hand. 

The Thunder are favored again on the road, a place they have covered just once in all the playoffs this season, going 1-8 ATS. Oklahoma City is playing with confidence and momentum, using elite shooting, pressure defense, and star playmakers to move on to Game 6. Indiana has fight and a home-crowd boost and I look for them to fight all the way to end in this game. They might not win, but I do see them covering the spread here on Thursday. 

Jim's Play: 512. Pacers  

On Tuesday the Golden State Valkyries will travel to Arlington to face the Dallas Wings in their WNBA matchup. The Valkyries demonstrated strong development in their inaugural season with a balanced 5-5 standing after securing consecutive victories against veteran teams Seattle, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Kayla Thornton delivered an outstanding inside performance and effective defense held opponents to less than 41% shooting for the 76-70 win against the Storm.

The Golden State roster expanded with valuable depth prior to this match after acquiring Kaitlyn Chen and Chloe Bibby to replace players participating in EuroBasket. Paige Bueckers' previous acquaintance with Chen from their UConn era brings intrigue to the team while Bibby's global background will support the Valkyries' rotational stability.

In contrast, Dallas has struggled mightily. Dallas Wings have only one victory after 12 games and face a 11-game home defeat streak but they have had offensive highlights like Arike Ogunbowale scoring 26 points yet their defensive performance is weak because they allow almost 88.5 points per game. Dallas faces depth issues after losing Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder to EuroBasket and now having Maddy Siegrist injured with a leg problem .

That matchup is critical: The Warriors interior game led by Thornton’s double-digit rebounding totals should take advantage of Dallas’s diminished paint protection. The Valkyries' team identity which focuses on aggressive and adaptable defensive strategies started to emerge during Natalie Nakase’s first season as head coach.

The Valkyries are expected to establish control over the game's tempo from the beginning. They’ve demonstrated their ability to establish fast leads and maintain them yet the Wings have struggled with maintaining their composure when facing pressure at home.  Golden State’s extended bench depth will maintain rotational freshness while their strategy targets the Wings' depleted front line. 

Jim's Play: 621. Valkyries +3 (5 PT / 8 ET)

Game 5 of the NBA Finals series moves to Oklahoma City after currently being tied at 2-2. The Thunder benefits from home-court advantage because they achieved a strong 68-14 regular season record. After delivering a dominant Game 4 performance where they outscored Indiana 31-17 in the fourth quarter and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of the final 16 points OKC enters game 5 feeling confident and in control. 

Indiana, however, arrives with resilience. Tyrese Haliburton provided critical Game 1 and Game 3 performances to stun OKC with a game-winning jumper in the opener and a near triple-double output in Game 3. Coach Rick Carlisle has maintained his team’s concentration throughout the series by labeling the Thunder as a “daunting challenge” and encouraging his players to focus on each game individually. Despite facing criticism for its lack of aggressiveness the team still relies heavily on Haliburton for their offensive tempo and ball distribution.

The Oklahoma City Thunder's disciplined defense led by MVP Shai and their top-five historical standing faces off against Indiana's dynamic high-tempo offense spearheaded by Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Alex Caruso's strong bench play gives OKC an advantage through their deep roster but Indiana's late-game performance could turn the tide if the match reaches crunch time. The outcome of Game 5 depends on Oklahoma City locking down defensively and controlling the fourth quarter versus Indiana using their clutch momentum and ball movement to win Game 5 on their home ground.

It's been a tough series thus far and the Pacers have been there at the end in most of the games. If we can get +10 all the better, but I'll take +9.5 with Indiana. 

Jim's Play: Indiana Pacers

The Phoenix Sun head to Las Vegas in the best physical condition of their entire season. The team expects Kahleah Copper to return from knee surgery to join Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally who has been leading in both scoring and rebounding . Sabally's 20-point performance led the Mercury to a 93-80 victory against Dallas while their season rankings show them at eighth in shooting efficiency and within the top five for defensive performance.

Las Vegas secured an 88-84 victory against Dallas but their performance was inconsistent since MVP A’ja Wilson was absent due to concussion protocol. Jackie Young scored 28 points during that match while Jewell Loyd added 21 points to the scoreboard. The Las Vegas Aces experience defensive struggles which let opponents shoot over 47 percent and fail to control rebounds while their offensive output stays around the mid?80s each game.

A healthy Mercury team with good balance faces an Aces side missing their key player. Phoenix will take control in the fourth quarter if both Copper and Thomas perform well alongside Sabally's continued strong play. Las Vegas possesses skilled players in Young and Loyd yet must strengthen its defense and rebounding to maintain competitiveness in this game. 

I expect the Sun to run away with this contest as they are the healthiest they have been all season long.

Jim's Play: Phx Mercury

The Indiana Fever will play against the New York Liberty who remain unbeaten in the WNBA when they return home Saturday, June 14. Indiana will have a significant boost: After injury-induced absences, Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham will now return to the hardcourt. Clark missed five games due to a quad strain but returns with her league-leading stats of 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game while playing a key role in Indiana's narrow 90-88 defeat against New York on May 24. Cunningham missed three games but practiced on Friday and appears prepared to contribute. The return of Clark and Cunningham resulted in Aari McDonald’s removal from the team but simultaneously enhanced roster depth and playmaking capabilities.

Still, the Fever have shortcomings: DeWanna Bonner continues to be out for personal reasons while the team shows signs of trouble with rebounds and interior defense stability. Indiana's record stands at 4-5 because they must improve their performance on both offense and defense fronts.

The Liberty team keeps pushing forward with unstoppable momentum. The New York Liberty maintain an undefeated 9-0 record while scoring approximately 90 points per game and keeping their opponents below 72 points. The team lost a tight 90-88 match to Indiana but has otherwise defeated opponents by at least ten points with several games reaching blowout margins of nearly 20 points. Breanna Stewart maintains her position as the leading offensive force by scoring roughly 19 points each game while Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud provide consistent playmaking abilities. Kennedy Burke has shown remarkable shooting ability from beyond the arc by successfully making over 63 percent of his three-point attempts.

Both teams strive for a Commissioner’s Cup spot which makes the stakes very high. Indiana’s depth returns but New York’s dominance is clear: The Liberty leads with an elite offense and stout defense while boosted by confidence from their recent victories. Liberty stands out as the favorites to keep their winning streak alive on Saturday . 

Jim's Play: 603. Liberty  

The Indiana Pacers claimed Game 3 decisively to establish a 2–1 advantage in the series following their initial two game splits. The upcoming Indianapolis matchup features both teams retaining their primary game plans as they prepare for Friday’s game.

Indiana arrives on the upswing. Coach Rick Carlisle has guided the Pacers to embrace their underdog status while teaching his team to remain focused and acknowledge the Thunder's powerful presence. Game 3 was a showcase of their depth: Tyrese Haliburton directed the team's offense superbly while approaching a triple-double as Bennedict Mathurin led the bench with 27 points. Draymond Green highlighted Pascal Siakam as the primary playmaker whose performance will determine their momentum. The Pacers are playing with a deeper purpose that connects their current performance to the city’s ABA roots and their ongoing season journey.

Oklahoma City continues to depend on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who leads the Finals in scoring with nearly 30 points per game. Coach Mark Daigneault described Game 3 as atypical and plans to implement strategic adjustments to combat fatigue and pressure that hindered their performance. Jalen Williams rebounded in Game 3 with 26 points and now faces heightened expectations to restore his deep-shooting form as analysts predict multiple three-point makes from him .

The upcoming game will be defined by momentum shifts and strategic adjustments alongside the energy from playing at home. The Pacers maintain their advantage at Gainbridge with a performance marked by strong confidence and team unity. The Thunder have not experienced consecutive playoff losses this season so their resilience following defeats could change the game dynamics if they repeat their response like they did against Denver in an earlier playoff round.

Another interesting note is that the Thunder have yet to cover a game on the road in the playoffs.  Just as we saw here in game 3 at Indy.  

In short: expect intensity. The Pacers will exploit every mismatch on the floor while drawing energy from their home crowd while OKC must regain their defensive strength and put Gilgeous-Alexander in a consistent rhythm. The outcome of Game 4 is highly significant because a victory in this game could determine the series' remaining trajectory. For me, I have to go with the home team as the Thunder have yet to prove they can cover even one game away from home. 

Jim's Play: 508. Pacers 

After a spectacular 111–110 buzzer-beater the Pacers in Game 1 by shutting down the Thunder’s narrow lead and making consistent plays in critical moments. The Pacers took over home court with that win. Indiana’s success during Game 1 revealed Oklahoma City’s primary weakness which is their offense becomes stagnant when both Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam perform well. The Thunder made a strong comeback in Game 2 with a commanding 123–107 home victory thanks to Shai Gilgeous Alexander's 34 points along with a 20-point bench contribution from Alex Caruso and comprehensive team defensive rebounding which limited Indiana’s scoring efficiency. That bounce-back showcased why the Thunder are the favorite: Their rotation achieves balanced scoring while also applying top-tier perimeter pressure.

Now playing three of their next five games at home in Indiana gives the Pacers perfect conditions to let Haliburton set game pace and for Siakam to exploit mismatch opportunities while role players Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin secure key attempts. To maintain their position in the game Oklahoma City needs to minimize turnovers because they depend on converting mistakes into transition points and even a short scoring lapse might prove expensive.

The upcoming Game 3 promises to be an intense battle for team momentum. Indiana stands a chance to earn a 2-1 series lead by capturing their Game 1 energy while keeping their half-court game effective. Oklahoma City’s defensive strength combined with their roster depth would be able to completely overwhelm that energy if they gain an early lead. The upcoming match promises intense competition where early advantages might determine the series' outcome. 

That being said, the fact that the Thunder have yet to cover a road game in the playoffs and the Pacers looking to bounce back here on Wednesday will have me the host dog in this one.  I'm taking the Pacers in game 3. 

Jim's Play: 506. Indiana Pacers

With Oklahoma City Thunder favored by 11 points for Sunday's Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 8, the Indiana Pacers face the matchup as considerable underdogs. Indiana's recent performance suggests the Pacers plus the points present a valuable betting opportunity.

The Pacers demonstrated their perseverance by recovering from a 15-point fourth-quarter shortfall to win Game 1 with a score of 111–110 which became their fifth postseason victory after trailing by at least 15 points setting a record in the play-by-play NBA era. Indiana demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure when Tyrese Haliburton made a crucial jumper with only 0.3 seconds remaining to win game one.

The Thunder's strong defense and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 38-point performance couldn't stop the Pacers from succeeding through their balanced offense and team depth. The Pacers lead all playoff teams with 28.1 assists per game and shooting percentages of 49.7% overall and 40.1% from three-point range. The Pacers pose a formidable challenge because they effectively spread scoring duties between their starting lineup and bench players such as Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin.

The Thunder have established a strong home-court advantage over time yet the Pacers have shown they can handle pressure situations and surpass expectations. Indiana's current performance paired with the significant point spread suggests they can cover in Game 2 is a sound betting decision.

Jim's Play: Pacers +11

Heading into the final game, the Rays come off a three-game split series while gaining momentum from their recent dramatic 11–10 extra-inning win on Saturday. Right-hander Drew Rasmussen will pitch with his impressive 5-4 record and 2.14 ERA while leading a team rotation that maintains an overall average of 3.43 ERA . Rasmussen's performance demonstrates stability and precision which are essential factors for successfully covering a run line.

On the opposing team stands Miami’s Sandy Alcantara who once won the Cy Young Award but now faces difficulties with a 7.89 ERA over 12 starts this season. Alcantara shows inconsistent command and maintains a high ERA which makes him a dangerous choice when pitching.

Throughout the season Tampa Bay Rays have managed to generate approximately 4.1 runs during each game and launched 64 home runs. The Rays have demonstrated both powerful hitting and disciplined patience which becomes particularly threatening during home games. The Marlins have shown moments of potential with their hitting performance although inconsistent play remains worrisome.

Tampa Bay has a significant advantage because of Rasmussen's command and Miami's inconsistent pitching. The Marlins tend to score runs sporadically yet their chances of covering the spread remain slim without consistent pitching. 

Jim's Play: 976. Rays -1.5 runs 

Tonight, the Golden State Valkyries will face the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena in a Commissioner's Cup matchup. The Valkyries, currently 2-4, are looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Their offense has struggled, ranking last in the league with an average of 74.0 points per game and shooting percentages of 36.8% from the field and 27.5% from beyond the arc. However, they have been solid on the boards, averaging 36.0 rebounds per game, tied for fourth in the league. Key contributors include Kayla Thornton, who averages 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and Veronica Burton, who adds 12.0 points and 4.2 assists per game.  

The Phoenix Mercury, with a 5-3 record, are also coming off a loss but have been strong defensively, allowing just 76.9 points per game, third-best in the league. Their offense averages 77.9 points per game, with Satou Sabally leading the team at 20.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. The Mercury are dealing with injuries to key players, including Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, which may impact their performance.  

This game marks the first regular-season meeting between the two teams, following a preseason matchup won by the Valkyries. Both teams are looking to gain momentum in the Commissioner's Cup standings, with the Mercury currently at 1-0 and the Valkyries at 0-1 in Cup play.

Jim's Play: 603. GS Valkyries +6.5

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals tips off Thursday night in Oklahoma City, where the top-seeded Thunder host the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder are heavy favorites, but the Pacers have been defying expectations all postseason. For bettors, this game presents an intriguing opportunity: backing the underdog Pacers or laying big points with the host Thunder. 

The Thunder boast the league's best record at 68–14 and have dominated the playoffs with a 12–4 run. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 points per game during the regular season, Oklahoma City has been nearly unbeatable at home, going 8–1 in the playoffs with an average margin of victory of 21.3 points.  

However, the Pacers have been on a remarkable journey. After a 10–15 start to the season, they turned things around, finishing with a 50–32 record. Indiana's offense, orchestrated by Tyrese Haliburton and bolstered by Pascal Siakam, has been potent, leading the league in assist percentage and true shooting percentage. Their depth and resilience have been evident throughout the playoffs, culminating in a 125–108 victory over the Knicks to clinch their first Finals appearance since 2000.  

Betting odds heavily favor the Thunder, with Oklahoma City at -750 to win the series and Indiana at +525. Despite this, the Pacers' high-powered offense and recent form suggest they could cover the spread and keep the game competitive. 

In summary, while the Thunder are the favorites, the Pacers' momentum and offensive prowess make them a compelling underdog pick. 

Jim's Play: 501. Pacers +9.5

The Minnesota Twins will take on the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento with the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET. The Twins maintain a 32–27 record and plan to continue their winning streak after the Athletics were defeated 10–4 thanks to Byron Buxton's five RBIs.

Minnesota will send Pablo Lopez to the mound who has a 4–3 record with a 2.75 earned run average. During six away starts, Lopez achieved a 2.38 ERA which demonstrates his road game effectiveness. Jacob Lopez from Oakland faces challenges this season with three losses and a 6.32 ERA.

The Twins have an advantage to win because they face a struggling Athletics team that has lost 18 of their last 19 games and due to the pitching matchup. I have no problem laying the Run Line here today with the Twins.  Minnesota's powerful offense combined with Pablo Lopez's reliable performance puts them in prime position to achieve another strong win tonight.

Jim's Play: Take: 923. Twins -1.5 Runs

The undefeated Minnesota Lynx (5-0) will play against the Phoenix Mercury (4-1) tonight at PHX Arena starting at 10:00 p.m. ET on ION.

The Lynx have shown strong performance throughout this season with forward Napheesa Collier leading the charge by averaging 26.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in each game. The Minnesota Lynx offense stands as the second-ranked team in the league with an average score of 86.2 points per game from a 47% shooting percentage which includes 35.4% accuracy from three-point range. The team has a formidable defense that limits opponents to 77.4 points per game. The Lynx won their latest game against the Seattle Storm with a final score of 82-77 while Courtney Williams gathered 23 points and Collier reached a double-double by scoring 16 points and pulling in 10 rebounds.

The Mercury aim to keep their flawless home game streak going. The Mercury leads the league defensively by giving up just 74.6 points per game. Phoenix's offensive production totals 80.4 points each game through Satou Sabally's average of 19.8 points and 7.4 rebounds coupled with Alyssa Thomas who brings in 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. Phoenix Mercury won their latest match against the Chicago Sky by overcoming a 16-point deficit to end with a score of 94-89 thanks to Sabally's 20 points and rookie Kitija Laksa's season-best 18 points.

Tonight's game could be impacted by player injuries. Guard Kahleah Copper and forward Natasha Mack will not play for the Mercury. Forward N.Collier (knee) is questionable for the Lynx and if she misses that will be a big loss for the team. 

The way Phoneix plays at home coupled with their excellent defense should keep them close in this game with a good chance to get the upset win and give the Lynx their first loss. 

Jim's Play: 616. Phx Mercury +4

The Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm face off tonight at Climate Pledge Arena with distinct team capabilities and opposing performance trends.

The Dream enters this contest with momentum from a three-game winning streak that takes their record to 4-2. The Dream scores powerfully with an average of 84.5 points per game making them the fourth highest-scoring team in the league. Allisha Gray plays a crucial role for her team by averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while maintaining a shooting percentage of 48.7% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range. Atlanta's interior strength has improved with Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones joining the team which has resulted in strong rebounding performance including third-place defensive rebound percentage at 79.6%.

The Storm have won three games and lost two but remains unbeaten at home this season. The Storm's defensive performance stands as a key strength by permitting only 77 points per game which puts them third in WNBA defensive rankings. The team scores 79 points per game on average with both Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike delivering 19 points per game. Seattle Storm's home defense stands out with a powerful +27 point differential across two games.

Brittney Griner from Atlanta is currently day-to-day with injuries and Jordin Canada remains sidelined. The Seattle Storm will be without Katie Lou Samuelson for the entire season after she tore her ACL.

The matchup between Atlanta's improved offense and Seattle's strong home defense is set to be a closely fought contest. 

I'll take the hosts in this one tonight. 

Jim's Play: 612. Sea Storm -5.5

The Boston Red Sox will take on the Atlanta Braves in the first game of their three-game series tonight at Truist Park when they face off at 7:15 p.m. ET on Apple TV+. Both teams are seeking to reverse recent struggles: After five consecutive losses the Red Sox now stand at 27–31 while the Braves at 26–29 have lost seven of their ten most recent games.

Boston will send Lucas Giolito to the mound with a 1–1 record and a 5.27 ERA while Atlanta counters with Grant Holmes who boasts a 3–3 record and 3.68 ERA. Giolito delivered an impressive performance against Baltimore by pitching seven shutout innings. During his previous start against Atlanta on May 17 he gave up six earned runs across four innings. Holmes has demonstrated recent consistency by permitting just four runs across three starts totaling 19.1 innings.

Injuries have impacted both teams. Alex Bregman the Red Sox third baseman is sidelined due to a major right quadriceps strain while first baseman Triston Casas will miss the entire season due to knee surgery. Rafael Devers might resume playing third base since Alex Bregman is unavailable. Following his recovery from a torn ACL sustained in 2024 Ronald Acuña Jr. made an immediate impact for the Braves by hitting a home run on his first pitch seen after his return.

Both teams looking to get something going, but for me I'm taking the Braves here tonight on the Run Line and taking the plus money. 

Jim's Play: 926. Braves -1.5 +1.30

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., the Indiana Fever will play the Washington Mystics at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. The change from Capital One Arena to a new venue has been necessitated by ongoing renovations and the expected increase in crowd numbers. The Fever must play without Caitlin Clark who has been sidelined due to a left quadriceps strain that will keep her out for a minimum of two weeks.

Indiana faces major challenges without Caitlin Clark because she tops the league in assists and ranks eighth in scoring. However, this is a talented Indiana team that has lots of depth.  The Fever expects top players Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to take on bigger roles. Boston has controlled the paint with strong averages of 18.5 points and 10.8 rebounds each game and Kelsey Mitchell needs to step up in scoring and playmaking.

The Mystics are trying to end their run of three consecutive defeats. The team maintained late-game leads during their losses but failed to secure victories in those matches. The rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have stood out with meaningful performances during their first seasons. The team must manage their roster issues as Georgia Amoore sits out from a knee injury and Shakira Austin remains questionable following a concussion.

The two teams aim to build momentum during the early part of the season. Without Clark the Fever must adapt their offensive strategies while increasing their dependence on Boston's inside play and Mitchell's outside shots. The Mystics will use their home-court advantage to take advantage of any changes the Fever need to make. Even without Clark I still believe the Fever have the talent and depth to win and cover here tonight. 

Jim's Play: 601. Fever -2.5

The Seattle Storm will face the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. This early-season matchup features two of the WNBA's top teams: The Minnesota Lynx entered the matchup with a perfect 4–0 record while the Seattle Storm approached the game following three consecutive wins to reach a 3–1 season record.

The Lynx maintain their dominant start to the season with Napheesa Collier leading the way as she scores an average of 29.5 points per game. Minnesota ranks third in league scoring with an average of 87.3 points per game while maintaining solid defensive performance by permitting opponents 77.5 points per game. The success the team has achieved early in the season stems from their evenly distributed offensive approach combined with strong rebounding efforts.

Seattle recently defeated the Las Vegas Aces with a decisive 102–82 win. Nneka Ogwumike put up 23 points and eight rebounds as Skylar Diggins-Smith added 19 points and eight assists. The Storm has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities with their opponents scoring only 76.0 points per game which ranks second in the league.

This matchup may be influenced by injuries to key players. Seattle's Katie Lou Samuelson will miss the game because of a knee injury while Lynx guard Kayla McBride has been upgraded to probable with personal reasons.

Expect a competitive showdown between two leading teams in the league.

Jim's Play: 630. Min Lynx 

The Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream face off this Saturday, May 24, at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, with tipoff set for 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT).

The Wings search for their first victory after a 0-3 start to the season. Though they began slowly, the team displayed progress in their close 85-81 defeat against the Minnesota Lynx. In that game Paige Bueckers achieved her first career double-double with her performance of 12 points and 10 assists while Arike Ogunbowale scored the most points for her team with 21 points.

The Dream suffered a defeat against the Indiana Fever with a final score of 81-76 leaving them at 1-2 in the standings. Rhyne Howard scored 24 points to lead the Dream in their recent match. Head coach Karl Smesko has introduced a new system to the Dream that prioritizes perimeter shooting and spacing.

The match offers a captivating study of two teams seeking to define their early-season identities while undergoing transitions. I like the the Dream here on Saturday to take this matchup. 

Take: Atl Dream

The Western Conference Finals Game 2 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder will occur on Thursday, May 22 at 8:30 p.m. The Western Conference Finals Game 2 between the Timberwolves and Thunder will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City according to Eastern Time. The Thunder maintain a 1–0 series advantage following their dominant 114–88 Game 1 victory. The Thunder's recently crowned league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 31 points and nine assists during the game while demonstrating his game-changing abilities especially in the second half with 20 points.

The game-winning performance by Oklahoma City included a strong defensive effort that played a major part in their Game 1 victory. The Thunder limited the Timberwolves to only 34.9% shooting accuracy and caused them to commit 17 turnovers. Minnesota's top scorer Anthony Edwards ended the game with 18 points from 13 attempts while noting that Oklahoma City's defense mirrored an "AAU" style through its aggressive and unpredictable tactics. Julius Randle stood out for the Timberwolves by scoring 28 points and making five three-pointers although he also gave the ball away five times.

The Timberwolves must see better play from their bench players to secure a victory in Game 2. In Game 1 both Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker combined to shoot only 6-of-25 from the field as they struggled to find their rhythm. The team's head coach Chris Finch demanded improved decision-making and faster ball movement as strategies to overcome the Thunder's intense defense.

The Thunder maintains its depth advantage through defensive versatility and bench energy provided by Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace. The rotation of fresh defenders against the Timberwolves' key players effectively disrupted Minnesota's offensive rhythm.

The Timberwolves must implement substantial strategic changes throughout the series to prevent a 2–0 disadvantage before moving the games to Minnesota. Game 2 provides the Timberwolves with a chance to show their toughness and bounce back against the powerful Thunder team.  I’ll take the points with the visitors in this one. 

Jim’s Play : Timberwolves

Game 1 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals begins Tuesday night when the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder host sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center. Both teams have momentum but reached this point through very different journeys.

The Oklahoma City Thunder ended the regular season as the league's best team with a 68–14 record which secured their home-court advantage throughout the playoff series. The Thunder eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round with ease before defeating the Denver Nuggets in a challenging seven-game series which concluded with an extraordinary 125–93 victory in Game 7. The main force behind the team's success is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who maintains a postseason average of over 30 points per game while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams deliver strong support on both ends of the floor.

The playoff season has brought Minnesota Timberwolves unexpected success as the biggest surprise. The Timberwolves achieved a winning streak of 17 out of their final 21 games and secured the sixth seed following the midseason trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks and brought Julius Randle to Minnesota. The team succeeded in defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in five games before they quickly eliminated the Golden State Warriors in another five-game series. Anthony Edwards has become a legitimate superstar by leading the team in scoring while Rudy Gobert remains the defensive cornerstone after winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.

This matchup was evenly matched during the regular season with both teams claiming two victories each. The Thunder have roster depth and the benefit of playing at home. Minnesota though is the more rested teams and I look for the Wolves to be right there at the end in game one Tuesday. 

Jim’s Play: Take: 527. Timberwolves 

The Chicago Cubs begin Monday's series against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park with a strong momentum from their recent four-game sweep against the White Sox that improved their record to 28–19. The Marlins are battling through difficulties with a record of 18–27 and losing 11 games out of their most recent 14 contests.

The Cubs' starting pitcher Ben Brown enters the game with a career record of 3 wins and 3 losses and a 4.75 ERA. He has maintained strong performances recently with a 2.76 ERA through his last three starts and allowed only two runs in his most recent game against Miami. The Marlins will send Edward Cabrera to the mound against the Cubs with a 0–1 record and a 5.52 ERA. Edward Cabrera makes his return to the pitching rotation after recovering from a blister problem.

The Cubs lead the MLB in offensive performance with an average of 5.7 runs per game which secures their position as MLB's second-ranked team. The productive Cubs lineup with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki will likely challenge Edward Cabrera early in the game. The Marlins are currently scoring an average of 4.2 runs in each game but show significant inconsistency with their batting performance.

I’m going to lay the Run line here today with the Cubs. It doesn’t hurt to have baseball’s top scoring team on your side against a struggling Marlins team. 

Jim’s Play: Take: 953. Cubs -1.5 runs

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to clash in a decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday, May 18, 2025.   The playoff series stands even at 3-3 as both teams demonstrated determination and resilience during their confrontations.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets leads the series with averages of 29.6 points and 12.7 rebounds in each game. Game 6 victory that pushed the series to a seventh game occurred because of his essential performance for the Nuggets' 119-107 win. Denver Nuggets face an uncertain situation because forward Aaron Gordon remains questionable after sustaining a left hamstring strain during Game 6. Throughout the series Gordon's performance has been essential as he maintains averages of 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. If he cannot play, Julian Strawther who scored 15 points in Game 6 might receive more playing time.

The Thunder hopes to leverage their home-court advantage while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintains his 28.4 points average from the past 10 games. The Thunder has maintained a strong home playoff presence with a record of 4 wins to 1 loss. Players such as Lu Dort and Alex Caruso have delivered substantial defensive impact which together with team depth has been essential to their achievements.

Oklahoma around a 8.5 point favorite here today. That is less than they have been, but the oddsmaker adjustment is because they expect a closer contest here today. The Nuggets have a lot of heart and even if Gordon doesn’t play today, I expect the Nuggets to stay close in this game. I’ll take the points with Denver.

Jim’s Play: Denver Nuggetss. 

On Friday, May 16 the WNBA's 2025 season begins with a significant game when the Los Angeles Sparks play against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. The Valkyries make their first regular-season appearance in this game which brings professional women's basketball back to the Bay Area for the first time since the Sacramento Monarchs folded in 2009 .

The Sparks begin their season with both a new roster and revitalized goals. Los Angeles undertook major organizational changes after ending 2024 with the league's poorest performance record by hiring Lynne Roberts as their new head coach from her position at the University of Utah. The team added three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to their roster with the goal of strengthening their backcourt presence while reuniting with standout Dearica Hamby who produced 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season. Rickea Jackson who was chosen for the 2024 All-Rookie Team will play an essential role in leading the team's comeback.

The WNBA's newest team since 2008 Golden State has built substantial anticipation ahead of their first game. Community support for the Valkyries has been demonstrated through their sale of more than 10,000 season tickets. The WNBA's first Asian American head coach Natalie Nakase manages a team with experienced guard Tiffany Hayes who received the 2024 Sixth Woman of the Year award and forward Kayla Thornton who won a championship with the New York Liberty last season. Despite being newcomers, the team showed signs of future competitiveness in their preseason when they suffered a close game defeat by the Sparks with a score of 83-82.

The debut matchup between these two teams gives insight into how the WNBA continues to develop as they both work to define their team identities. The Sparks aim to overcome their difficult past season as the Valkyries attempt to impress their local fans during their debut game.

Take: 605. Sparks

The Oklahoma City Thunder face the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT). With the series standing at 3-2 in their favor the Thunder will attempt to clinch victory and advance to the Western Conference finals with a win tonight.

Oklahoma City won Game 5 with a final score of 112-105 despite Nikola Jokic's impressive 44-point and 15-rebound performance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the Thunder's scoring with 31 points while showing his calmness during key moments of the game. Lu Dort and Jaylin Williams provided valuable support that demonstrated both the team's depth and their ability to remain resilient.

Facing elimination the Nuggets will depend heavily on Jokic who played a central role throughout the series. The team faces challenges with limited depth and Jokic's fatigue after his high-minute performance in Game 5 . The Nuggets' success in prolonging the series hinges on their capacity to back their star player while effectively handling their player rotations.

The Thunder will once again be a road favorite here tonight. I’m sticking with the defending champs getting points at home to keep this series alive and send it back to OKC. 

Take: 508. Nuggets 

The Eastern Conference semifinal series moves to TD Garden in Boston for Game 5 between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The Knicks maintain a 3-1 series lead against the Celtics, giving them a chance to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since their 1999-2000 season.

The Knicks won Game 4 at Madison Square Garden with a score of 121-113 due to Jalen Brunson's performance of 39 points and 12 assists. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns both scored 23 points during the game while OG Anunoby contributed 20 points. The Knicks managed to turn the game in their favor when they scored 70 points to the Celtics' 51 during the second half which enabled them to erase their halftime deficit.

Boston faces a serious obstacle because star forward Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 which removes him from the playoffs and possibly the entire next season. Boston needs Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White to step up without Tatum to maintain their playoff title aspirations. Still, this is a deep team and I fully expect a big performance out of the other players tonight. 

The Knicks can move on to the Eastern Conference finals with a win or the Celtics can force a game six back in New York. I expect the latter here tonight. 

Jim’s Play- Boston Celtics. 

The Western Conference Semifinals will see the Denver Nuggets face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 at Paycom Center on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Both teams are competing for an essential advantage as the series stands even at 2-2 in this best-of-seven matchup.

The Thunder entered the playoffs as league leaders with an exceptional 68-14 regular-season record which showcased their roster depth and steadfast resilience. As Oklahoma City Thunder competes in home playoff games Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads his team by scoring more than 30 points per game. His control of the game tempo combined with his clutch performances has played a vital role in Oklahoma City's success. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have delivered steady performances throughout the game while supporting their team on both offensive and defensive ends of the court.

The Nuggets count on three-time MVP Nikola Joki? who struggles against the Thunder's athletic defense. Oklahoma City has managed to decrease Joki?'s shooting efficiency while causing him to commit more turnovers than assists throughout the series through their effective defensive strategies. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon must step up their game to relieve pressure from Joki? so the Nuggets can remain a strong contender.

Both teams will battle fiercely in their quest to gain control of the series and progress towards the Western Conference Finals. Denver seems to have the personnel to compete with the Thunder. So I’ll take the points here with the visitors. 

Take:  581. Nuggets

Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors is set for Monday, May 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM PDT at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold a 2-1 series advantage following their 102-97 Game 3 win. Anthony Edwards dominated with 36 points including a 13-point fourth quarter performance as Julius Randle recorded a triple-double by contributing 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. The Warriors endured difficulties as Stephen Curry stayed out with a hamstring injury despite Jimmy Butler's 33 points and Jonathan Kuminga's 30 bench points.

The Warriors' offensive system operates without its normal flow in Curry's absence while Butler shows signs of fatigue after his 43-minute performance in Game 3. The Warriors' performance suffered additional setbacks when Draymond Green fouled out during the game's closing moments.

Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels serve as the foundation of Minnesota's defense which has successfully restricted the Warriors' scoring chances. Minnesota took advantage of second-chance scoring opportunities while surpassing Golden State in rebounds with a 44-36 advantage during Game 3.

The Warriors' path to evening out the series remains challenging without clear information on Curry's potential return.  However, I expect an all out performance from the Warriors as they can ill afford to go back to Minnesota down 1-3 in the series. 

Take: 578. Warriors

Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks is set for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 4:30 PM PDT at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks hold a 2-1 series advantage following the Boston Celtics' 115-93 Game 3 win. A remarkable shooting performance propelled Boston to a resurgence when they hit 20 of their 40 three-point attempts as Payton Pritchard achieved a playoff career-high 23 points while playing off the bench. Jayson Tatum produced 22 points while also delivering nine rebounds and seven assists for a well-rounded offensive performance.

The Knicks who took an unexpected 2-0 series lead with victories in Boston experienced difficulties in Game 3 where they made just 5 of their 25 attempted three-pointers. Jalen Brunson scored 27 points to lead New York while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 15 rebounds. Coach Tom Thibodeau identified team slow starts as a persistent problem and called for more defensive intensity and urgency from the beginning of games.

The Celtics gained control through their Game 3 triumph and now seeks to tie the series before returning to their home court for Game 5. The Celtics must succeed in taking advantage of open shots while keeping defensive pressure to achieve victory. The Knicks must reassert their defensive identity while improving offensive execution to take back control of the series. The result of Game 4 will play a decisive role in determining how this evenly matched series will progress. 

I don’t expect the same effort from the Knicks here in game four. The Knicks will come out strong and fast in this game.  They don’t want to give back home court to the Celtics and that means a win here in game four. 

Take: 576. Knicks  

Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The Oklahoma City Thunder finds itself behind in the series with a 2-1 deficit. Oklahoma City faces the difficult situation of keeping the series alive after their dominant regular season performance and first-round sweep because they now confront the possibility of falling 3-1 behind the defending champions.

Despite maintaining their lead throughout most of the match the Thunder lost steam at the end which forced the Nuggets into overtime before winning 113-104. As Oklahoma City's leading MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed poor shooting efficiency he scored 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting. Despite Jalen Williams delivering a strong 32-point performance the Thunder could not surpass Denver's enduring resilience. A decisive three-pointer from Aaron Gordon sent the game into overtime, marking his key contribution to the Nuggets' success. Even though Nikola Jokic had an inconsistent shooting performance he delivered 20 points along with 16 rebounds and six assists which demonstrated his comprehensive game impact.

Denver Nuggets prove their championship quality by utilizing home-court advantage to make key plays during game-clinching moments. The Thunder need to secure a victory in Game 4 to restore their momentum and prevent a challenging series position. This contest features two teams battling intensely for a chance to reach the Western Conference Finals. I’m once again taking the points here with the defending champs on their home court.

Jim’s Play: Denver Nuggets 

The San Diego Padres complete their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Coors Field in Denver. Game kickoff for the San Diego Padres against the Colorado Rockies is at 12:10 PM PDT. The Padres built their dominance in the series by winning both initial games by scores of 13-9 and 21-0 to reach a five-game victory streak against the Rockies this season.

Right-hander Nick Pivetta will make his appearance on the mound for San Diego. Throughout the season Nick Pivetta has maintained a 5-1 record while recording a 2.01 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP across 40.1 innings. During his April 11 start against the Rockies he struck out 10 batters over seven scoreless innings to claim his first victory against Colorado. Rockies' right-hander Germán Márquez will face his opponent after an 0-6 season record with a 9.90 ERA in 30 innings pitched.

The Padres' offense has performed exceptionally well by scoring 34 total runs throughout the first two games of this series. Fernando Tatis Jr. tops the team with nine home runs and 22 RBIs while Manny Machado shines with a .326 batting average. Jackson Merrill has maintained a strong batting average of .538 since his comeback from a hamstring injury. The Rockies face challenges in both offense and defense with a 6-33 record and have let in 10 or more runs in each of their last four games.

The Rockies look like a team trying to lose and as such I’m going to grant them the favor. Take the Padres on the Run Line today.

Jim’s Play: San Diego Padres -1.5 Runs

The Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets begins tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Following two contrasting games the series stands even at 1–1. Aaron Gordon delivered a clutch performance for the Nuggets by hitting a game-winning three-pointer and collecting 12 rebounds to win Game 1 on the road. The Thunder delivered a powerful answer in Game 2 when they defeated Denver 149–106 by combining a dominant defense with outstanding three-point shooting performance.

The Thunder ranks among the league’s top road teams with a 32–8 away-from-home record this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps his team ahead with playoff averages of 29.7 points and 6.7 assists while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contribute with versatile scoring and rim protection. Alex Caruso recently described the Thunder’s defense as their “superpower” due to their success in forcing Memphis to commit more turnovers than made shots during the second half of their first-round series.

The essential challenge for Denver now lies in recovering from their demoralizing defeat in Game 2. After collecting 22 rebounds in Game 1 Nikola Jokic must find ways to make his presence felt throughout the early stages of the game. Following playoff blowouts Jokic typically recovers by taking control of the rebounding game in the next contest. Jamal Murray must step up his scoring and playmaking while the Nuggets face difficulties defending Oklahoma City’s perimeter players.

I fully expect the Nuggets and Jokic to bounce back here on Friday.  I won’t be surprised by a straight-up Denver win tonight. However, I’ll take the generous points the oddsmaker is giving me.

Jim’s Play: Denver Nuggets

The Texas Rangers will face the Detroit Tigers tonight at Comerica Park with the first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. ET. The Texas Rangers seek to bounce back from their recent struggles having lost 18 games while winning 20, while the Detroit Tigers hope to continue their winning ways and strengthen their top spot in the AL Central with a record of 25 wins and 13 losses.

The Detroit Tigers' left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal takes the mound with a solid 3–2 record and a 2.21 ERA across 40.2 innings this season. Tarik Skubal produced an impressive performance against the Angels by giving up only one earned run throughout six innings. His most effective performances have taken place at Comerica Park where he maintains an impressive 1.06 ERA this season.

Texas responds with veteran pitcher Patrick Corbin who stands at a 2–1 record with a 3.28 ERA through 24.2 innings. During his most recent start against Seattle Patrick Corbin pitched for 5.2 innings and gave up one earned run. His performance deteriorates during road games where he posts a 5.00 ERA .

The Tigers have demonstrated strong offensive performance averaging close to eight runs in each of their previous ten games. Spencer Torkelson leads with ten home runs and 32 RBIs while Trey Sweeney maintains an eight-game hitting streak with a .395 batting average during that stretch.

Throughout the season the Rangers have encountered offensive difficulties which have resulted in their low ranking across various batting categories. Wyatt Langford stands out on the team with his performance of six home runs and a .279 batting average. The team has failed to score runs with regularity as they managed only 3.7 runs per game across their most recent ten games.

Skubal at home for the Tigers is tough to pass on. Skubal is a big favorite, but I have no issue laying the run line with him tonight.

Jim’s Play: Tigers 1.5 Runs.

The Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves are set to clash in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals tonight 5:30 PM PDT at Minneapolis' Target Center. The Warriors earned the 1-0 series lead after defeating the Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 despite losing Stephen Curry to a Grade 1 hamstring strain early in the match. Golden State will need to depend on their other key players since Curry will miss three upcoming games.

With Curry out the Warriors plan to depend on Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield, and Draymond Green for offense. Hield scored 24 points during Game 1 while Butler added 20 points with 11 rebounds and 8 assists and Green contributed 18 points together with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The Warriors secured their victory by limiting the Timberwolves to a shooting percentage of 39.5% overall and 17.2% from beyond the arc.

Game 1 exposed the Timberwolves' offensive difficulties. Anthony Edwards recorded a single point during the first half before accumulating a total of 23 points through an impressive performance in the second half. Naz Reid delivered strong bench performance with 19 points which displayed his capability to stretch the floor. Minnesota requires stronger showings from their bench players and enhanced shooting accuracy to balance out the series.

The absence of Curry poses a major obstacle for the Warriors as they attempt to keep their offensive flow. The Timberwolves plan to take advantage of this chance by using their bigger roster to overpower the paint and dictate the game's pace. The second game will prove critical because both teams will refine their strategies during this closely fought series. I look for the Wolves to bounce back with a big win here on Thursday

Jim’s Play: Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Kansas City Royals will face the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on May 7, 2025 where they aim to maintain their lead over division opponents. The Royals currently hold a seven-game winning streak against the White Sox.  Kansas City is 21-16 which includes 13-5 at home while Chicago struggles with a 10-26 overall record and a poor 3-15 road performance.

Michael Wacha will pitch for the Royals while carrying a 1-4 record and a 3.52 ERA through the current season. In four home starts at Kauffman Stadium Wacha posted a 3.00 ERA demonstrating his effectiveness there. Jonathan Cannon of the White Sox holds a 2-3 win-loss record with a 4.26 earned run average. The White Sox's Jonathan Cannon has found away games challenging with a 6.35 ERA in three road starts.

Maikel Garcia leads the Royals with a .322 average while Bobby Witt Jr. contributes with a .314 average and 43 hits. Vinnie Pasquantino delivers offensive strength through six home runs and 22 RBIs. The White Sox rank near the bottom of the league in offensive categories with the league's lowest team batting average of .215 which demonstrates their difficulty in producing runs.

The Royals' recent victories over the White Sox combined with their strong home performance positions Kansas City to successfully cover the 1.5-run spread.

Jim’s Play: Royals -1.5 Runs

The first Western Conference Semifinals matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors will take place at Target Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Following their decisive 4-1 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers the Timberwolves have enjoyed plenty of rest time since their last matchup on May 1. The Warriors begin this series off a demanding seven-game series against the Houston Rockets that ended with their Game 7 triumph on May 4.

Anthony Edwards' 26.8 points per game performance along with Julius Randle's 22.6 points and his additional 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game drove Minnesota to success in the first round. Rudy Gobert and Randle's size advantage benefits the Timberwolves against the Warriors' smaller lineup. The experienced Golden State team might face difficulties controlling Minnesota's frontcourt strength and rebounding skill.

To overcome the Timberwolves' physical game plan the Warriors must draw from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler's championship backgrounds and utilize perimeter shooting skills. Buddy Hield's outstanding Game 7 performance against Houston which included 33 points and nine three-pointers set an NBA record while emphasizing the importance of role players stepping up. Golden State struggles with team depth which becomes more apparent when facing Minnesota's balanced and well-rested lineup.

Game 1 is scheduled at 6:30 PM PDT. The Timberwolves are favored by 6.5 points which sets up a captivating opening for the series. Minnesota stands out to me with their combination of youth, size and rest. The Warriors have experience, but they are coming of that demanding, physical, and emotional 7-game win vs the Rockets. I don’t expect much from the Warriors here in game one and that makes this the perfect spot to strike with the Timberwolves.

Jim’s Play: Minnesota Timberwolves (Western Conference 2nd Round Game of the Year)

The Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics will tip off on Monday, May 5, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston at 7:00 PM ET. These storied rivals will play in their 16th playoff meeting since their last encounter in 2013. The Celtics retained their NBA champion status after defeating the Orlando Magic in five games while the Knicks secured their advancement through a challenging six-game series against the Detroit Pistons.

Jalen Brunson has led the Knicks with 31.5 points and 8.2 assists per game throughout the first round and delivered a critical 40-point effort in Game 6. The NBA recognized him as Clutch Player of the Year because he delivered excellent performances when it mattered most. Brunson will need to overcome a strong defensive challenge from the Celtics' backcourt duo Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Holiday who earned two NBA championships and three All-Defensive First Team selections continues to recover from a hamstring injury without a set return date. Brunson scored an average of 26.7 points in his regular-season matchups against Boston yet the Knicks lost all four games to the Celtics.

Jayson Tatum leads Boston's offense by scoring 33.5 points per game against the Knicks throughout the regular season. Boston's offensive strategies together with Tatum's pick-and-roll maneuvers have proven highly successful in breaking down New York's defensive setup. The Celtics have a robust backup squad featuring Jaylen Brown alongside Kristaps Porzi??is and the Sixman of the Year Payton Pritchard. The Knicks face a major challenge from Boston's depth and versatility.

The success of New York's performance relies heavily on how well Karl-Anthony Towns plays. He delivered uneven performances throughout the first-round series and experienced a significant decline in output during Game 6. New York must improve his defensive performance because he will face Porzi??is who dominated their previous regular-season matchups.

Several key statistical advantages favor the Celtics. During the regular season the Celtics achieved a superior offensive rating at 119.5 while the Knicks recorded 117.3 and demonstrated greater efficiency in both shooting and ball movement. The Celtics' ability to manage game tempo and reduce turnovers may become a crucial factor in determining the outcome of this series.

Despite the Knicks' impressive clutch performances and resilience, the Celtics stand out as the frontrunners due to their team depth and veteran experience combined with their strategic strengths. This initial game is expected to establish the atmosphere for a highly competitive battle between two legendary sports organizations.

I'll take the Celtics here in game one.

Jim's Play: Boston Celtics

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland will host the opening game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 6: The game will begin at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT) and will be broadcast across the nation on TNT.

The Cavaliers head into this match with renewed confidence after achieving their largest point differential against the Miami Heat in a first-round series sweep. Donovan Mitchell distinguished himself as a key player by scoring 23.8 points per game during the first round. Mitchell will break Michael Jordan's record for consecutive 30-point playoff opening performances if he scores 30 points during Game 1.

The Cleveland Cavaliers face potential uncertainty as All-Star guard Darius Garland remains day-to-day with a toe injury. Garland did not attend practice on Saturday but took part in a full-contact session on Friday. His status will be a game-time decision .

After securing a five-game series victory against Milwaukee Bucks, the Pacers now head to their matchup in Cleveland. Tyrese Haliburton has played a critical role in Indiana Pacers' winning streak by delivering 17.6 points and leading the playoffs with an average of 11.6 assists per game. The Cavaliers' defense must focus on stopping his playmaking abilities which enable him to generate scoring chances for his teammates.

The Pacers' defensive approach concentrates on reducing three-point shot attempts while they usually refrain from switching screens and maintain less emphasis on protecting the paint. 

Cleveland ranks first in the league with 121.9 points per game while Indiana holds seventh place with 117.4 points per game in offensive scoring throughout the regular season. The series is expected to produce many points while the Cavaliers maintain their lead by controlling Haliburton's playmaking skills and using their offensive depth to their advantage.

As the series begins fans will closely monitor Darius Garland's condition and how teams adjust their strategies to neutralize each other's strengths. I believe the Pacers will be competitive in this series and as such I'm taking the points here in game one. 

Jim's play: Indiana Pacers +points

5/03 04:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET  

NBA   (537) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS  VS  (538) DENVER NUGGETS

Take: 538. Nuggets 

The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Denver Nuggets in a crucial Game 7 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The playoffs between the two teams have reached a competitive balance since both teams ended the regular season with 50-32 records and now share three victories each. The team that wins this matchup will move on to play against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

During Game 6 the Clippers avoided elimination by winning 111-105, thanks to James Harden's 28 points and eight assists plus Kawhi Leonard's 27 points and 10 rebounds. Norman Powell delivered a substantial performance by scoring 24 points in the game. The Clippers defense played a key role in their victory by containing Nikola Jokic to only five points during the second half with 2-of-9 shooting.

The Nuggets will aim to leverage their home-court benefit during Game 7. Throughout the series Jamal Murray maintained consistency with averages of 24.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Denver requires improved performance from their supporting players including Michael Porter Jr. who has shown inconsistency throughout the series. The Nuggets need to minimize their turnovers which reached 14 during Game 6 while the Clippers managed only seven.

Game 7 situations have historically proven difficult for both teams. Denver remains winless in Game 7s since their NBA bubble triumph against the Clippers in 2020 yet Los Angeles Clippers continue to struggle in clutch situations including their Game 7 defeat to Denver in last year's playoffs. 

Jim's Play: Denver Nuggets

The San Francisco Giants will play against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park starting at 7:15 PM PDT on Friday, May 2, 2025. Left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray who has a 3–0 record with a 3.73 ERA will be toe the rubber as the Giants look to improve their 19–13 season record. The Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela (1–4, 5.22 ERA) will face Robbie Ray on the mound.

The Giants stay favored for the series even after their unexpected 4–3 defeat to Colorado in the opening game on Thursday. The Rockies have faced numerous challenges throughout the season with an overall record of 6–25 and their road performance stands out as particularly poor at 2–14. MLB's weakest offense belongs to the team that bats .211 with a .282 on-base percentage and a .350 slugging percentage resulting in a 63 wRC+. The Giants will face Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela (1–4, 5.22 ERA), but their pitching staff has performed poorly as well by posting a 5.30 team ERA that ranks them near the bottom of the league.

San Francisco has benefited from Robbie Ray's dependable performance which has produced consistent results alongside his undefeated track record. Senzatela has had difficulty this season permitting 50 hits and seven home runs across 29.1 innings pitched. The Giants' strategic advantages make them strong contenders for a convincing win.

Based on the pitching matchup and the Rockies' ongoing difficulties, betting on the Giants to cover the 1.5-run spread seems to be a wise decision.

Jim's Play: 914. Giants -1.5 runs

The Houston Rockets will travel to Chase Center in San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series on May 2, 2025. Golden State Warriors maintained a 3-2 series advantage after Houston Rockets dominated them with strong defense and excellent shooting to win Game 5 by a substantial 131-116 margin. Stephen Curry faced a notable defensive challenge from Amen Thompson after a strong 36-point Game 3 performance .

The Warriors approach Game 6 as favorites by five points while the expected total points scored stands at 203.5. The Warriors have demonstrated impressive home performance at the Chase Center with a 17-3 record over their most recent 20 playoff games there. The Rockets have demonstrated resilience through their "double bigs" lineup with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams disrupting the Warriors' offensive flow.

Physical confrontations and escalating tensions defined the series while Dillon Brooks revealed he specifically hit Curry's injured thumb. While Warriors faced challenges in their composure due to the physical play, their expertise from past high-pressure games may become a key advantage.

The Warriors have the home-court advantage and playoff experience needed to finish off the series. The Warriors do not want to go back to Houston for a game seven. They have depth in their bench, a great coach and lots of playoff experience. I'm taking the Warriors to close out the series and cover the spread. 

Jim's Play: 530. Warriors 

The Cincinnati Reds will start their home series against the Washington Nationals on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 6:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park. With a 3-2 record and 2.70 ERA, Huntger Greene has maintained a strong presence on the mound by striking out 43 batters across 36.2 innings while keeping opponents to a .185 average. His fast-paced pitching proves highly effective and presents a tough challenge for any opposing batting order. The Nationals demonstrate sporadic power in their offense but fail to maintain consistency, particularly during away games where their record stands at 4-11.

The Reds' offense has delivered impressive results by scoring more than five runs per game and standing among the leading teams for both batting average and slugging percentage. Gavin Lux sustains a batting average of .317 while Elly De La Cruz leads the team with 24 RBIs. The Reds lineup stands ready to exploit Mitchell Parker's recent performance decline despite his 3-1 record and 2.65 ERA because he surrendered six earned runs in his last game.

The Reds' strong home performance combined with Greene's pitching mastery and the Nationals' poor road record positions Cincinnati to win by two or more runs. Take the Reds and lay the Run Line. 

Jim's Play: 902. Reds -1.5 runs 

Tonight at Citizens Bank Park the Philadelphia Phillies will seek to finish off a three-game series against the Washington Nationals with the first pitch at 6:45 p.m. ET. Philadelphia Phillies have won the first two games of their current series including their Wednesday 7-2 win which extended their winning streak to four games.

The starting pitcher for Philadelphia tonight will be Taijuan Walker who has a 1-2 win-loss record and maintains a 2.78 earned run average. Despite Walker's effectiveness this season his underlying metrics indicate he may experience regression. His expected ERA stands at 3.93 and his WHIP registers at 1.37. During seven career starts against the Nationals Walker earned a 2-1 win-loss record and posted a 3.76 ERA.

The Nationals have chosen rookie pitcher Brad Lord to make his debut appearance as he works toward his first victory in major league baseball. After three losses, Lord's performance shows a 4.67 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. During his most recent start he gave up two earned runs through four innings. The Nationals' bullpen is ranked at the bottom in MLB with a 5.27 ERA.

Kyle Schwarber has led the Phillies' offense by hitting a three-run homer during the first inning of Wednesday's game. During their five matchups this season Philadelphia scored 33 runs while Washington scored only 22 runs.

The Phillies are second in the NL East with 17 wins and 13 losses while the Nationals remain fourth with a 13-18 record. The Phillies have performed well at Citizens Bank Park with a record of 11 wins and 4 losses.

With the Phillies performing well lately and the Nationals facing pitching issues Philadelphia comes into the game with the advantage. 

Take: 958. Phillies -1.5 runs (3:45 PT / 6:45 ET)

The Milwaukee Brewers aim to finish their three-game series against the Chicago White Sox with another victory on Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Brewers increased their win streak against the White Sox to eight games after defeating them 7-2 and 6-4 in the opening two games of this series.

The Milwaukee Brewers turn to right-handed pitcher Chad Patrick to take his position on the mound. Through his first season as a rookie Patrick has achieved a 2.45 ERA while recording 22 strikeouts during 25.2 innings pitched. Sean Burke from Chicago faces adversity with a 6.00 ERA and seven home runs allowed in 27 innings pitched.

Catchers William Contreras and outfielder Jackson Chourio have propelled Milwaukee's offense with Contreras on a nine-game hitting streak and Chourio delivering six home runs and 24 RBIs this season. Throughout their recent games the White Sox have struggled to show consistent hitting power but Miguel Vargas has shone with a batting average of .462 across seven games.

The Brewers stand as the clear favorites to win the series finale because of their superior pitching and recent winning streak. The Brewers are a promising run line bet because Chad Patrick dominates on the mound while their lineup shows powerful and balanced production. Jim Feist supports Milwaukee to win this game by a margin and designates the Brewers at -1.5 as the best bet for Thursday.

Take: 971. Brewers -1.5 runs (11:10 PT / 2:10 ET)

The Lakers start as 5½ to 6-point favorites for Game 5 against the Timberwolves Wednesday but Jim Feist argues this advantage is excessive because the Timberwolves have shown superior performance over the first four games. Minnesota maintains a 3-1 series advantage after defeating the Lakers twice at Crypto.com Arena by controlling the game pace through excellent defense and balanced scoring. Anthony Edwards stands out as the series top performer by successfully dismantling the Lakers' perimeter defense to generate open shots for himself and his teammates. The Lakers experience difficulty in half-court situations because they depend on single-player plays from Luka Doncic and LeBron James who both encounter double teams and defensive pressure throughout the series. The Lakers' offensive rhythm has suffered because of Minnesota’s defensive switching capabilities and their bench led by Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson has made crucial contributions that shift the game's momentum. Because Los Angeles plays with pressure while Minnesota maintains composure and confidence Jim Feist predicts the Timberwolves will maintain control. The value of scoring so many points against the better overall team is too significant to overlook. The play is on Minnesota to cover.

Jim's Play: Timberwolves +6

The Chicago Cubs (18–12) look to continue their winning streak against Pittsburgh Pirates (11–19) in their second matchup of an upcoming three-game series at PNC Park scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The Cubs' strong offense and beneficial pitching matchup set them up to beat the 1.5-run spread.

Chicago sends Left-hander Matthew Boyd to pitch with a solid 2.54 ERA and a 2–2 record. Boyd has proven to be successful during his starting appearances by restricting opposing hitters to a batting average of .264 while maintaining steady command. The Pirates will respond with right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski who has had difficulty this season as shown by his 6.95 ERA and 1–3 record. The Pirates' recent struggles stem from Mlodzinski's performance issues on the mound which included their 9–0 defeat to the Cubs in the series opener.

The Cubs have established the league's top record for runs per game at 6.03 while displaying a .263 batting average and .456 slugging percentage. The team's success hinges on key contributors including Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Tucker leads the team with a batting average of .288 along with seven home runs and 26 RBIs but Crow-Armstrong also contributes through six home runs and 10 doubles. The Cubs' batting lineup persistently takes advantage of opposing pitchers' errors which should remain effective during their game against Mlodzinski.

Pittsburgh's team offensive performance has been poor with an average of 3.4 runs per game and a batting average of .224. The team continues to face serious challenges at the plate despite exceptional individual achievements from players like Oneil Cruz who recorded eight home runs and 16 RBIs.

The Chicago Cubs should win the game and cover the 1.5-run spread due to their superior offensive strength and a clear edge in starting pitching compared to their opponents. The team’s recent games combined with their statistical strengths indicate they will likely win this matchup decisively.

Jim's Play: Cubs -1.5 Runs (MLB Game of the Month)

Tonight marks a decisive Game 5 for the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena against the Los Angeles Clippers while the series remains evenly matched at 2-2. The Denver Nuggets earned back their momentum and home-court advantage thanks to a dramatic 101-99 Game 4 win finalized by Aaron Gordon's buzzer-beater dunk. Nikola Jokic remains the foundation of Denver's success through his commanding performance in Game 4 which featured 36 points alongside 21 rebounds and 8 assists. Jokic's series averages of 28.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game demonstrate his MVP level performance.

Jamal Murray hasn't yet reached his full potential but the Nuggets have received strong performances from Christian Braun and Michael Porter Jr. who played despite his shoulder injury. Although Russell Westbrook faces a foot injury and Porter Jr. has a probable status, Denver shows strong depth and resilience.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have led the Clippers to demonstrate strong defensive abilities by keeping Denver below its season scoring average across their four matchups. Leonard leads the series with an average of 26.5 points per game but Harden provides 21.3 points and 9.5 assists per game.

The Denver Nuggets hold a potential advantage to take the series lead since they benefit from home-court support and Nikola Jokic’s leadership while the series remains even. If Denver wins tonight they will lead the series 3-2 and get the chance to finish the series in Los Angeles. 

Nuggets also a small dog here tonight, which I'll gladly take. 

Jim's Play: Denver Nuggets

The Detroit Pistons face elimination in tonight's Game 5 at Madison Square Garden as they trail 3-1 in the series against the New York Knicks. The Detroit Pistons have shown both resilience and competitiveness in the series despite their current deficit. Cade Cunningham played an exceptional game in Game 4 by achieving a triple-double with 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds which showcased their team's tenacity. Cunningham's persistent turnover problem included 24 giveaways during the series which allowed the Knicks to effectively score from these mistakes.

The players supporting the Pistons such as Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Dennis Schroder have made notable contributions by achieving double-figure scoring averages. Jalen Duren dominates the court with a game average of 11 rebounds. If Isaiah Stewart cannot play due to a knee injury this might weaken the Pistons' interior defense and rebounding performance.

The Pistons must reduce turnovers and manage the game pace while maximizing their scoring chances against the Knicks' experienced lineup led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to prolong the series. If the Pistons win tonight they would secure Game 6 at their home court allowing them to decrease the deficit between the teams. Detroit possesses the necessary weapons to achieve an upset victory and prolong their season thanks to Cunningham's comprehensive play and their deep roster. Detroit Pistons will face their opponent in this critical game.

Jim's Play: Detroit Pistons

The Milwaukee Bucks must secure victory in their Game 5 clash against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as they trail 3-1 in their first-round playoff series. Without star guard Damian Lillard who tore his Achilles tendon during Game 4 Giannis Antetokounmpo must now carry the team's offensive responsibilities. Giannis Antetokounmpo has maintained his dominance this season by posting averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Milwaukee needs strong performances from players like Gary Trent Jr., who set a franchise playoff record with nine three-pointers in Game 3 and Bobby Portis to continue their series against the Pacers.

With Tyrese Haliburton distributing 9.2 assists per game the Pacers have showcased balanced and efficient offense during the series. During Game 4 Indiana demonstrated their team strength when they managed to get eight players into double-figure scoring which showcased their team depth and versatility. By leveraging their home-court advantage Indiana Pacers target to finish off this playoff series after winning their first game at Indianapolis against the Bucks.

Injuries continue to impact both teams. The Bucks will likely miss Tyler Smith as he is doubtful and Indiana lacks Isaiah Jackson while Benedict Mathurin remains questionable. What is the difference for me is the depth of bench. The Bucs rely on Giannis too much while the Pacers have shown they can go deep on the bench.

I look for the Pacers to wrap up the series here tonight and cover the spread.

Jim's Play: Indiana Pacers.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets will play Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The Clippers currently lead the series 2-1.

The Denver Nuggets won Game 1 in overtime with a final score of 112-110 thanks to Nikola Jokic who delivered 29 points together with 12 rebounds and 9 assists. Aaron Gordon scored 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Jamal Murray added 21 points to the team's effort. James Harden scored 32 points to lead the Clippers while Ivica Zubac contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds.

The Clippers leveled the series to 1-1 after their 105-102 victory in Game 2. Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points shooting 15-of-19 while Nikola Joki? achieved 26 points and a triple-double of 12 rebounds and 10 assists for Denver.

The Clippers secured a commanding 117-83 win in Game 3 to move ahead in the series with a 2-1 lead. Leonard finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds while Harden and Norman Powell each scored 20 points and Zubac provided 19 points and 9 rebounds. Jokic achieved a triple-double performance with 23 points and 13 rebounds and assists but Denver faced overall team challenges.

Denver faces multiple injury concerns. Michael Porter Jr. remains questionable for Game 4 because of a left shoulder sprain while he states his performance level is between 20-30%. Russell Westbrook faces uncertainty in Game 4 because of left foot inflammation. DaRon Holmes II continues to be sidelined because of his right Achilles tendon repair. 

The Nuggets have an uphill battle here tonight on the Clippers home court. Plus they are dealing with numerous injured players. Still, I believe this line is way over compensated by the oddsmaker. I can't pass on this many points.

Jim's Play: Denver Nuggets

The Cincinnati Reds have gained positive momentum and appear to have good chances heading into Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Reds appear ready to meet the -1.5 run line expectations after their slim 8-7 win in the first game because they have both strong pitching capabilities and steady offensive performance. Hunter Greene, Cincinnati's right-handed starter this season, maintains a 2-2 win-loss record with both a 2.35 ERA and 0.78 WHIP across 30.2 innings pitched. The combination of Greene's ability to keep baserunners to a minimum and strike out many batters gives him an advantage over the Rockies who have been struggling offensively. The Rockies' pitcher Antonio Senzatela has a 1-3 record with a 4.81 ERA and a 1.93 WHIP which suggests he might struggle to keep the Reds' strong offense under control. The Cincinnati team shows strong offensive performance by scoring 5.23 runs each game while maintaining a batting average of .245 with an on-base percentage of .328 and a slugging percentage of .394. The team's key contributors feature Elly De La Cruz who leads with five home runs and 22 RBIs, along with Austin Hays who maintains a .375 batting average in his most recent ten games. The Reds maintain a well-rounded offensive approach supported by a pitching staff that is ranked eighth in MLB for ERA with 3.53 and fifth for WHIP at 1.12. Rockies entered the match with a poor performance record of 4 wins and 21 losses along with a 5.19 team ERA. Colorado's negative 60 run differential indicates their team difficulties despite standout performances like Jordan Beck's power surge. The Rockies are having a rough season and it won't get any better today against an excellent starter and very good offense.

Jim's Play: Cincinnati Reds -1.5 Runs

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently lead their first-round playoff series 2-0, will travel to Miami for Game 3 against the Heat on April 26, 2025. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET at the Kaseya Center. The Cavaliers demonstrated their superiority throughout the series by winning the initial games with scores of 121-100 and 121-112. Donovan Mitchell's scoring leadership above 30 points each game includes his critical 17-point fourth-quarter performance in Game 2 which stopped Miami from mounting a comeback. Evan Mobley who won Defensive Player of the Year has reinforced the Cavs' defense while Darius Garland gives substantial game contributions with 24 points and seven assists per game. The status of Darius Garland for Game 3 remains unclear because of a sprained left toe which could disrupt Cleveland's backcourt setup. As of this writing, Garland is officailly listed as questionable for today's contest. 

The Miami Heat begin their playoff journey as the eighth seed while approaching a decisive moment in the series. The team displayed resilience by turning a 19-point deficit into a two-point edge in Game 2 because of Tyler Herro's 33 points. Bam Adebayo maintained his consistent performance while almost reaching a triple-double in their last match. The Miami Heat will miss Kevin Love because of personal reasons and Terry Rozier who is sidelined with an injury. The Heat possess an impressive home playoff performance track record which they must utilize to prevent falling into a 3-0 series deficit because no NBA team has ever come back from that position. 

This is really a must win spot for the Heat. They might as well give up if they lose game three on their home court. Therefore, I'm looking for their best effort here on Saturday.  I'll take the points with the Heat here on Saturday.

Jim's Play: Miami Heat

Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic of their first-round NBA playoff series will take place at the Kia Center in Orlando on April 25, 2025. The Celtics lead their playoff series 2-0 after winning their initial two home games and aim to maintain this advantage with another win on the road.

Boston managed to secure a win in Game 2 without their star forward Jayson Tatum who is currently doubtful for Game 3 because of a right wrist bone bruise. Jaylen Brown delivered an impressive performance by scoring 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while dishing out five assists. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 20 points and 10 rebounds while Derrick White scored 17 points through key three-pointers during the final period. The Celtics demonstrated their team depth and resilience to handle Orlando's physical defense while keeping the series lead.

While implementing an aggressive defensive strategy, the Magic have failed to establish any offensive flow. Paolo Banchero's 32 points and Franz Wagner's 25 points could not compensate for the team's poor 24% shooting percentage from the three-point line. The Magic can prevent a 3-0 deficit by increasing their shooting precision and reducing turnovers while utilizing their home crowd's support.

Boston aims to stay dominant in Florida to advance to the second round while the Magic have a critical chance to regain control and maintain their playoff chances.

No reason the Celtics have to hurry Tatum back into the lineup. Better to probably let his bruised wrist heal completely. That being said, the Magic got in under the number and covered game two. No reason they can't cover game three here at home on Friday at around a 4 1/2 to 5 point dog. 

Jim's Play: Orlando Magic

The Denver Nuggets will square off against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Both teams enter Game 3 knowing that the winner will gain a substantial advantage in this evenly matched series since they currently have equal wins.

The Denver Nuggets won Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers with an overtime victory of 112-110 thanks to Nikola Jokic's near triple-double performance. The celebration after the victory faded because of internal conflicts which resulted in the dismissal of coach Mike Malone and Nikola Jokic's public criticism of Michael Porter Jr. regarding his commitment to the game. Assistant coach David Adelman took over team leadership responsibilities for the upcoming games. The Clippers secured a 105-102 victory in Game 2 thanks to Kawhi Leonard's exceptional 39-point performance which demonstrated his ability to dominate crucial moments. By strengthening their defense during crucial moments the Clippers executed important stops that helped them maintain their lead until the end.

The Nuggets must consider lineup changes for Game 3 because Michael Porter Jr. has a questionable status while DaRon Holmes II is unavailable. The Clippers benefit from both a healthy roster and the home-court advantage.  Denver faces immediate pressure to establish stability through their temporary coaching leadership while enhancing the output of their supporting players. The Clippers aim to capitalize on their veteran players and Game 2's momentum to secure what may become a definitive victory at their home arena. The upcoming game will test teams' self-control and roster strength against star player performances while determining the series' direction.

We find the Clippers around a 5-point favorite here on Thursday. The way the first two games played out, this one looks to be another contest that comes down to the buzzer. And, as such, I'm taking these points with a Denver team that could easily steal game three. 

Jim's Play: Denver Nuggets.

The Eastern Conference first-round playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons continues on April 24th, 2025 with Game 3 scheduled at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday. This game stands as a decisive match because the series remains deadlocked at 1-1 and both teams arrive with self-belief after excellent performances in the first two games. The Knicks captured Game 1 through a dominant fourth-quarter run when they scored 21 consecutive points to erase the deficit and secure a 123-112 victory. Jalen Brunson acted as the leading force by scoring 34 points while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby delivered essential support throughout the game. Detroit showed determination in Game 2 to secure a 100-94 win through Cade Cunningham's breakout performance which delivered 33 points and 12 rebounds. Dennis Schröder ignited the game from the bench with crucial playmaking and delivered a decisive three-pointer during the last minute that secured the victory.

The Knicks stay healthy and intend to maintain their core lineup for Game 3 while the Pistons face potential player shortages if Isaiah Stewart misses action due to a knee problem. Jaden Ivey remains sidelined. Brunson continues to lead the charge with his series average of over 35 points while the Knicks must seek improved performance from Towns after his 10-point showing in Game 2. Detroit finds success through Cunningham's versatile performance and Schröder's veteran skills and plans to maintain their intense defensive approach at home. 

This looks to be another hard fought contest. The Knicks are now a 1-point favorite but really we just need them to win the game. I look for a healthy Knicks team to be the team to beat here on Thursday.

Jim's Play: NY Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead over the Miami Heat after their decisive 121-100 Game 1 victory as they prepare to face off again on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell achieved a game-high 30 points with four steals while Cleveland's backcourt trio of him, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome exceeded 80 total points in Game 1. Garland contributed 27 points to the team's effort while Jerome produced a game-changing 28-point performance from the bench that included 16 points in the fourth quarter to help secure the victory. The Cavaliers displayed strong three-point shooting by hitting 18 out of their 43 attempts which demonstrated their depth and power on offense.

Miami entered the playoffs as the first No. 10 seed to move past the Play-In Tournament. To reach the playoffs from the Play-In Tournament as the first No. 10 seed to do so Miami depended primarily on Bam Adebayo's 24 points and Tyler Herro's 21 points. Miami could not stop Cleveland’s perimeter attack from advancing while their offense failed to maintain an equivalent pace. The absence of veteran players Kevin Love and Terry Rozier due to injuries has left Miami Heat with fewer players and reduced scoring ability.

Miami needs strategic defensive improvements primarily against three-point shooters and additional offensive support besides their two leading scorers for Game 2. Cleveland aims to maintain their scoring drive to build a 2-0 series advantage before moving to South Florida. The betting lines favor the Cavaliers with a double-digit advantage after they demonstrated their superior performance in Game 1 against Miami's significant challenges. The Heat must deliver sharp performances from all players to prevent falling into a 0-2 series deficit against the strong playoff-aspiring Cavaliers.

Big line here in game two as the Cavs around a 12-point favorite. While I don't expect a Heat win, I do look for them to slide in under that line.

Jim's Play: Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers took a 1-0 series lead with their commanding Game 1 win over the Bucks by 117-98 after establishing their dominance with a 24-point halftime lead that they maintained throughout the game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points to lead Milwaukee but received minimal support from his starting teammates who only scored 14 points combined. The Bucks showed poor performance from beyond the arc by making only 24.3% of their shots which they need to fix to bring the series to a tie. The main focus as Game 2 approaches will be the playing status of Damian Lillard who has moved from doubtful to questionable. After multiple weeks sidelined by a calf blood clot Damian Lillard completed full practice sessions on Monday which would boost Milwaukee's offense if he receives clearance to play.

The Pacers demonstrated a balanced offensive strategy during their first game. Pascal Siakam scored 25 points and led the team as Myles Turner contributed 19 points along with four blocks. Tyrese Haliburton struggled with shooting yet managed to create multiple scoring opportunities by delivering 12 assists. Indiana demonstrated strong defensive depth in their initial game performance and they aim to preserve this progression while taking advantage of their home-court standing in Game 2.

If Lilliard can play tonight it will be a huge boost to this Bucks lineup. Either way, the Bucks have to play with urgency here on Tuesday. I'll take the points with Milwaukee. 

Jim's Pick: Bucks

Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference playoff series between the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets on Monday, April 21 from Ball Arena in Denver. After the Denver Nuggets won Game 1 of their series against the Los Angeles Clippers with a close 112-110 overtime victory, Jim Feist predicts the Clippers will bounce back in Game 2.

The Clippers remained competitive in Game 1 even though they had 20 turnovers and lost their late lead and at times led by 15-points. James Harden delivered 32 points and performed impressively while Kawhi Leonard contributed 22 points and Ivica Zubac controlled the paint with 21 points and 13 rebounds. The Clippers showed strong performance by outshooting Denver throughout the game and maintaining control during most periods until their last-game failure. 

Despite Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double performance of 29 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds, Denver demonstrated both resilience and signs of vulnerability during their play. The Nuggets scored 25 points from Aaron Gordon and reaped the benefits of several late-game clutch successes involving Russell Westbrook’s decisive corner shot which might not occur again under similar high-pressure situations.

Jim Feist believes the Clippers are better prepared as they head into Game 2. The Clippers displayed better efficiency during the majority of the opener but need to address their turnovers through adjustments. The combination of L.A.'s team depth and veteran experience results in their slight advantage which remains valid even during road games and oddsmakers confirm this by listing L.A. as an uncommon road favorite.

L.A. should establish dominance early while displaying urgency after their loss in Game 1. The current matchup gives L.A. great chances to achieve a victory and even this series at 1-1 as they head back to Los Angeles. 

Jim Feist's Play: Clippers

The Detroit Pistons will play the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden on Monday, April 21, 2025. New York Knicks currently lead the series 1-0 with their impressive 123-112 comeback win in Game 1. New York staged an impressive 21-0 fourth-quarter comeback that was powered by Jalen Brunson's 34 points and Cam Payne providing 11 crucial points. Both Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby scored 23 points each to demonstrate the depth and resilience of the Knicks team.

Detroit showed potential for three quarters during its playoff return since 2019 before succumbing to the final period's pressure. During his first playoff game Cade Cunningham scored 21 points with 12 assists but displayed inefficient play through an 8-of-21 field goal performance and six turnovers. Tobias Harris scored 25 points to lead the Pistons but managed only three points during the second half. The team's 21 turnovers which featured eight in the fourth quarter turned out to be detrimental.

After losing Game 1 veteran handicapper Jim Feist believes the Pistons will cover the spread in Game 2. The Knicks hold a 6.5-point advantage while the total points stand at 222. According to Feist's endorsement Detroit demonstrates strong potential to make necessary adjustments and improve performance in their next game. The Pistons looked great for three quarters in game one so they know they can play with the Knicks. 

The Pistons hope to even this series at 1-1 before moving the venue back to Detroit. Jim looks for the Pistons to make this one close and at least cover the spread if not win outright. 

Jim Feist's Play: Pistons 

The first-round playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat starts on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.  The Cavaliers took home the top seed in the Eastern Conference thanks to their 64–18 record while the Heat claimed the eighth seed after moving forward from the Play-In Tournament.

Cleveland boasts the highest offensive rating in the league by scoring 121.9 points for every 100 possessions. The team ranks eighth defensively because they permit opponents to score 111.8 points per 100 possessions. Donovan Mitchell has spearheaded the Cavaliers' offense by averaging 26.5 points per game while Darius Garland steers the team as an efficient floor general with 6.7 assists per game. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen serve as the foundation for Cleveland’s inside defense and rebounding efforts.

The Heat took an alternate route to reach the playoffs. After Jimmy Butler left the team during the regular season Miami finished with a record of 37–45 and went on to win against Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In round. Tyler Herro has assumed the lead position for Miami Heat by scoring 23.9 points per game and receives crucial support from Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins during both offensive and defensive plays.

The Cavaliers secured victories in two of three regular-season games against the Heat through wins with scores of 126–106 and 112–107. Miami achieved a 122–113 victory during their latest matchup. The upcoming series will largely revolve around the battle between Cleveland's explosive offensive style and Miami's tough and structured defensive approach.

Cleveland stands to benefit from home-court advantage as they have shown dominant play at home during Game 1 projections. The combination of Mitchell’s scoring ability and Cleveland’s comprehensive offensive strategy gives the Cavaliers a strong position to start the series with an advantage. 

The Cavs offense will be too much for the Miami defense and the home crown should have the Cleveland team pumped-up for game one. 

Take: Cleveland Cavaliers.  

The Detroit Tigers expect to finish their four-game series with the Kansas City Royals on April 20, 2025 at Comerica Park. Tarik Skubal of Detroit has maintained dominance by delivering 13 scoreless innings across his last two starts while surrendering only eight hits and striking out 15 batters without any walks. Kansas City's Michael Wacha has encountered difficulties this season because the Royals have lost three out of his four starts.

The Tigers' offensive strength comes from Spencer Torkelson who is batting .294 with two home runs and nine RBIs over his last five games and Kerry Carpenter who leads the team with a season batting average of .290. The Royals produce only 2.9 runs per game while maintaining a team batting average of .208 which ranks near the bottom of the league.

Detroit stands as a solid choice to win by several runs because of Skubal’s outstanding performance along with their offensive momentum and Kansas City’s ongoing difficulties. Lay the -1.5 run line with Detroit.

Take: Tigers -1.5 Runs 

The Los Angeles Lakers launch their 2025 NBA Playoffs season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 19 at Crypto.com Arena. Game 1 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured the third seed in the Western Conference for the postseason after finishing the regular season with a 50–32 record and their first Pacific Division title since 2020. The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a major midseason trade which boosted their offensive capabilities. After Doncic joined the Lakers their record stands at 19 wins and 5 losses while he delivers 28.2 points together with 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in each game. LeBron James' performance of 24.6 points, 8.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds this season alongside Luka Doncic proved essential for the team's rise through the standings.

The Lakers have discovered their rhythm under head coach JJ Redick with a starting lineup that includes Doncic, James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith. The team has reached elite standards through superior offensive and defensive play which includes effective ball movement paired with perimeter shooting and strong physical on-ball defense.

Minnesota's sixth-seeded Timberwolves present a tough matchup with Anthony Edwards as their leading guard who posted averages of 27.6 points along with 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. The Minnesota team boasts Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert which creates a powerful frontcourt strength. The Wolves stand as one of the league's premier defensive teams by maintaining fifth place in point allowance with only 109.1 points given up per game.

Both teams achieved two victories each during their regular season matchups while defending their respective home courts. The Lakers have two of the biggest names in the NBA with James and Doncic and that experience should take them far in the playoffs this year.

Take; LA Lakers

The Eastern Conference first-round matchup of the 2025 NBA Playoffs begins with a strong contest between third-seeded New York Knicks and sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons on Saturday, April 19 at Madison Square Garden.

The Detroit Pistons achieved an impressive season turnaround by going from last year's league-low 14 wins to a 44–38 record this season under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The Detroit Pistons returned to the playoffs for the first time since their appearance in 2019. The Pistons were led by All-Star guard Cade Cunningham who averaged 26.1 points and provided 9.1 assists with 6.1 rebounds each game. The Pistons have won three out of four regular-season matchups against the Knicks while Cade Cunningham posted averages of 30.8 points and 8.3 assists during these games with shooting accuracy at 56.3%.

With a regular-season record of 51–31 the Knicks join the playoffs with extensive experience and notable star power. New York plans to take advantage of its home-court advantage and experienced team led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson has consistently delivered high-scoring playoff performances by averaging more than 30 points in 11 out of his 24 postseason games for the Knicks. 

I'll be on the Knicks here in game one at home.

Play: New York Knicks

The Western Conference first-round matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers will take center stage during the 2025 NBA Playoffs Saturday, April 19th. The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers both ended the regular season with 50–32 records but Denver earned the No. 4 seed due to a tiebreaker. A tiebreaker awarded Denver the No. 4 seed which allows them to host the first playoff game at Ball Arena. Denver Nuggets star three-time MVP Nikola Jokic achieved a historic triple-double average this season by scoring almost 30 points per game and grabbing more than 12 rebounds while dishing out over 10 assists. Nikola Jokic stands as Denver’s offensive center and their main chance at winning a championship. The outcome of the season depends heavily on Jamal Murray's health and performance because Denver entered the playoffs after making a coaching change late in the season.

The Clippers have reached the postseason riding a successful eight-game winning streak which has allowed them to play at their peak. After healing from his injuries, Kawhi Leonard performs at maximum capacity while James Harden has become a stabilizing force in the backcourt through his combination of scoring and ball distribution. The Clippers stand among the top defensive teams in the league and intend to disrupt Denver's successful offensive plays. The dynamics of the series will be significantly influenced by the performances in key matchups including Leonard versus Aaron Gordon and Zubac's defense against Jokic.

The Clippers have hit their peak here at the end of the season and that coupled with Leonard being healthy and Harden leading the way, I look for the Clippers to cover here in game one. 

Take : LA Clippers

The NBA Playoffs open on Saturday, April 19, 2025 with an exciting first-round Eastern Conference series between the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers and the No. 5 seed Milwaukee Bucks. The first game between Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks starts at 1:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana Pacers head into the playoffs as a strong team by winning 14 out of their last 17 regular-season games. Indiana's offense demonstrates considerable potency under the leadership of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam through its top league standings in field-goal percentage and assists. Indiana maintains home-court advantage which becomes vital considering their impressive home performances after the All-Star break. 

As the regular season came to a close the Bucks had eight consecutive victories. Giannis Antetokounmpo maintains his dominance as a two-time MVP by delivering averages of over 30 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for every game he plays. Damian Lillard will miss the start of Game 1 because of a calf injury but hopes remain high for his participation in subsequent games. Milwaukee managed to secure victories in three out of four matchups with the Pacers during the regular season which demonstrated their capability to handle Indiana's rapid style of play.

Indiana and Milwaukee's upcoming series will showcase a fierce competition between Indiana's roster depth together with their home-court advantage juxtaposed with Milwaukee's playoff-hardened team and Antetokounmpo's exceptional talent. 

I like the depth of this Indiana team and coupled with home court, I look for them to take and cover game one.

Play: Indiana Pacers

On April 18th, 2025, during a crucial NBA Play-In Tournament match on Friday, the Dallas Mavericks will face the Memphis Grizzlies with the victor earning the 8th seed position in the Western Conference.

Dallas enters the matchup with newfound optimism after defeating Sacramento thanks to Anthony Davis who achieved 27 points and secured 9 rebounds. After trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Davis the Mavericks developed a new team identity. The offense maintains productivity because Klay Thompson has risen to become a reliable second option and Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

Memphis aims to recover from their close defeat against Golden State. The team stayed competitive under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo after Taylor Jenkins was dismissed in the season's middle. Ja Morant battles his ankle injury while Desmond Bane sustains his role as the main scoring option after achieving a 30-point game. The Grizzlies must assign Jaren Jackson Jr. to control Davis inside the paint.

With their offense standing as one of the league's top scoring forces the Grizzlies achieve an average score of nearly 122 points per game. The Mavericks have reached their peak performance at an advantageous time despite the Grizzlies' home court advantage and fast-paced play offering them a marginal lead. Both teams will push the pace throughout the game resulting in high scores as their main players step up.

I'm taking the points here on Friday with the Mavs.

Take: Dallas Mavericks

On Friday April 18th, 2025 Citi Field will host the second match of a four-game series between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mets head into the matchup with a strong 12–7 record including a 6–1 performance at home while the Cardinals stand at 9–10 and have shown poor results on the road with a 1–6 record away from their home stadium. Timely hitting combined with strong pitching helped the Mets win the series opener 4–1.

David Peterson will start for New York as a left-handed pitcher who performed impressively with a 2.70 ERA and 17 strikeouts throughout his initial three starts and 16.2 innings on the mound. This will be Peterson's first career game when he faces the Cardinals. Veteran right-handed pitcher Miles Mikolas represents St. Louis on the mound after starting his season with a 9.00 ERA and allowing 13 earned runs across 13 innings. Miles Mikolas owns a career 2–4 win-loss record against the Mets with a 5.31 earned run average from eight games.

The Cardinals have demonstrated strong offensive performance by batting .272 on average which ranks them second highest in the league while scoring five runs per game. Brendan Donovan is at the forefront of the Cardinals' lineup with his 13-game hitting streak and .373 batting average. Despite batting only .221 as a team the Mets benefit from their pitching staff which maintains a league-leading 2.30 ERA. Pete Alonso stands as the primary offensive weapon for the Mets with a batting average of .343 including five home runs and 21 RBIs.

The Mets' outstanding pitching combined with their home-field advantage makes them the side to back here on Friday. I will lay the Run Line with Mets.

Take: Ny Mets -1.5 Runs

The Miami Heat will compete against the Atlanta Hawks in a crucial Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament matchup on Friday, April 18th, 2025 at State Farm Arena located in Atlanta. The team that wins this game will obtain the 8th seed position and will face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers during the first round of the playoffs.

The Miami Heat enters this contest with fresh momentum after their previous Play-In game victory against the Chicago Bulls with a score of 109-90. Tyler Herro delivered a stellar 38-point performance which highlighted his offensive skills and defensive capabilities. Bam Adebayo achieved a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds and Andrew Wiggins contributed 18 points and nine rebounds which showed the Miami Heat's strong team depth and versatility. Off the bench Davion Mitchell delivered a notable performance by scoring 15 points and providing eight assists.

The Hawks aim to recover from their 120-95 defeat to the Orlando Magic during their first Play-In game. Trae Young stands as the essential playmaker for Atlanta’s offense with his regular season averages of 24.2 points and 11.6 assists. The team needs his leadership and playmaking capabilities to successfully advance past Miami’s defense. The Hawks completely surrendered to the Magic during that game. I always feel bothered when a team decides to forfeit. That also weighs on my decision today.

I predict tonight will be a close contest while my concern remains about how the Hawks performed in their last game. After their dominant win over Chicago Miami Heat looks set to replicate that success facing Atlanta's struggling defense.

Take: Miami Heat.

The high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament match between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls will take place at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The winner of this match will play against the team the Atlanta Hawks, who lost to the Orlando Magic 95-120 on Tuesday. This game will determine the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot.

The Bulls hold a slight edge as they proceed into the game with a 9th seed secured by their 39-43 record while the Heat stand as the 10th seed with 37 wins and 45 losses. The Chicago Bulls won all three matchups with Miami this season including a recent home win of 119-111. The Bulls have shown exceptional performance by winning 10 of their most recent 13 games while scoring an average of 117.8 points per contest which places them sixth in team scoring within the league. The team's performance relies heavily on Coby White and Nikola Vucevic while rookie Matas Buzelis stands out for his shooting prowess from three-point range.

The Miami Heat encountered difficulties during this season which intensified after Jimmy Butler's trade. Following the All-Star break Miami Heat have compiled a 12-17 record while their offensive play has dropped to an average of 110.6 points per game. The Miami Heat stand as a strong defensive team since they permit only 110.0 points per game which positions them seventh in NBA defensive rankings. The Miami Heat have Tyler Herro as their top scorer and playmaker while Bam Adebayo acts as their defensive leader. The Heat's roster depth has been compromised due to multiple players remaining on day-to-day injury lists.

The outcome likely depend on whether Bulls guard Josh Giddey can play after his forearm injury recovery. Giddey is currently listed as probable for tonight's contest.  The Chicago Bulls have thrived recently due to Giddey who recorded averages of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists during his last 19 games. 

With Giddey likely to play, I like the Bulls at home to just win this game on Wednesday.

Take: Chicago Bulls 

The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies clash on Tuesday, April 15, in a high-stakes Western Conference Play-In Tournament matchup at the Chase Center. The winner secures the No. 7 seed and a first-round series against the Houston Rockets, while the loser faces the winner of the Kings-Mavericks game for the final playoff spot.

Golden State concluded the regular season with a 48–34 record, narrowly missing a top-six seed after a 124–119 overtime loss to the Clippers in their finale. Stephen Curry remains the focal point, averaging 24.4 points and 6.0 assists per game, and recently erupted for 52 points in a victory over Memphis on April 1. The addition of Jimmy Butler has bolstered the Warriors, contributing 30 points in the recent loss to the Clippers. Golden State has been formidable at home, posting a 24–17 record at the Chase Center. Against the spread (ATS), the Warriors finished the season at 42–40.

Memphis also ended the season at 48–34, securing the No. 8 seed. Despite a challenging season marked by injuries and the midseason dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins, the Grizzlies have shown resilience. Under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis has improved, ranking sixth in efficiency differential (+8.8) over their last six games. Ja Morant leads the team with 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game, while rookie center Zach Edey has been a force inside, averaging 9.3 points and 15.7 rebounds in April. However, the Grizzlies are dealing with significant injuries, including the absences of Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Luke Kennard. Memphis concluded the season with a 39–43 ATS record.

Golden State won three of the four regular-season meetings against Memphis, including a 134–125 victory on April 1, where Curry's 52-point performance was pivotal. Given the Warriors' home-court advantage, playoff experience, and the Grizzlies' injury woes I'm looking for a Grizzlies win and cover here on Tuesday.

Play: Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors (48-33) host the Los Angeles Clippers (49-32) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET. This pivotal matchup carries significant playoff implications for both teams. 

The Warriors are currently sixth in the Western Conference and can secure a guaranteed playoff spot with a victory over the Clippers. A loss, however, would leave their fate dependent on other outcomes, potentially relegating them to the play-in tournament. The Clippers, holding the fifth seed, aim to solidify their position and avoid the play-in scenario. They enter the game on a seven-game winning streak, showcasing strong form as the regular season concludes. The Clippers are tied with Denver at 49-32 and trail the Lakers by 1-game. 

In their previous three meetings this season, the Clippers have emerged victorious each time, with scores of 112-104, 102-99, and 102-92. The Warriors. Stephen Curry leads the team with an average of 24.4 points per game, supported by Jimmy Butler's all-around contributions of 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Curry is currently questionable for this game. 

Considering the Clippers' recent dominance in head-to-head matchups and their current winning streak, it's difficult to pass on the few points they are getting. I look for the Clippers to come away with the win. 

Take the LA Clippers.

The Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox meet Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Guaranteed Rate Field in the series finale, and it’s a matchup that clearly tilts in Boston’s favor. With momentum on their side and a strong edge in offensive production, this game sets up as an ideal spot to lay the 1.5 runs with Boston.

The White Sox will send left-hander Garrett Crochet to the mound. Crochet has shown impressive velocity and strikeout potential, but he’s still adjusting to a full-time starter’s workload. His command has been inconsistent, and he’s struggled to pitch deep into games. That’s a concern against a Boston offense that is disciplined and patient, ranking near the top of the league in pitches per plate appearance. If Crochet can’t find the strike zone early, expect the Red Sox to work deep counts, get on base, and capitalize on scoring chances.

Opposing Crochet will be right-hander Shane Smith, who has emerged as a reliable arm in Boston’s rotation. Smith has been effective at keeping the ball on the ground and minimizing hard contact. Against a White Sox team that continues to underperform at the plate—particularly versus right-handed pitching—Smith should be able to navigate the lineup with limited damage. The Chicago offense has been among the least productive in the American League, plagued by low on-base numbers and a lack of power threats beyond a couple of hitters.

Boston also brings the better bullpen into this matchup, which adds confidence when laying the run line. With Crochet’s early exits often putting pressure on Chicago’s relievers and Boston’s late-inning arms performing well, the Red Sox have a clear advantage in the later innings.

Given the starting pitching matchup, Boston’s offensive depth, and the continued struggles from Chicago’s lineup, this is a strong run-line spot for the Red Sox. 

I look for Boston to win this game by at least 3-runs today.

Take: Red Sox -1.5 runs. 

The Los Angeles Lakers (49-31) host the Houston Rockets (52-28) on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in a pivotal Western Conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET. The Lakers are riding high after a 112-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, where Luka Doncic scored 45 points in his return to Dallas. LeBron James added 27 points, and the team forced 20 turnovers while securing 15 offensive rebounds. Los Angeles has won five of their last seven games and currently holds the third seed in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers. The Rockets have secured the second seed in the West and are likely to rest key players, Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks, all of whom are dealing with injuries or rest. In their recent 134-117 loss to the LA Clippers, Houston rested most starters, with Reed Sheppard leading the team with 20 points. 

With the Rockets potentially resting several starters, the Lakers' full-strength lineup, featuring Doncic and James, will look to capitalize and secure the third seed. The Lakers' defense, which recently held the Mavericks to 97 points, will be tested against Houston's depth. The Lakers could fall as far as far a 6th in the standings so this game is important to keep that No 3 slot. 

Given the Rockets' likely shorthanded roster and the Lakers' motivation to secure playoff positioning, Los Angeles is the side to back here on Friday.

Play the LA Lakers 

The Miami Heat (36-44) are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans (21-58) on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The Heat are aiming to rebound after a 119-111 loss to the Chicago Bulls on April 9. In that game, Miami shot 47.8% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. Tyler Herro led the team with 30 points, supported by Bam Adebayo's 18 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season.  Offensively, the Heat average 110.0 points per game, ranking 25th in the league, with a field goal percentage of 46.3%. They allow the same number of points per game defensively, placing them 7th in the NBA. The Pelicans are on a four-game losing streak, including a recent 119-114 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets on April 8. In that matchup, New Orleans shot 47.6% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. Karlo Matkovic contributed 17 points and 4 rebounds. This season, the Pelicans average 110.0 points per game (24th in the league) with a field goal percentage of 45.4%. Defensively, they allow 118.7 points per game, ranking 26th. 

The Heat have several players listed as game-time decisions, including Alec Burks (SG) and Isaiah Stevens (G). Nikola Jovic (F), Pelle Larsson (G), and Kevin Love (PF) are out. The Pelicans also face injury concerns, with Kelly Olynyk (PF), Yves Missi (C), Bruce Brown (SF), Jose Alvarado (PG), and Jordan Hawkins (G) listed as game-time decisions.  

Just two days of games left before the Play-In tournament begins on Tuesday. The Heat have clinched the 10th play-in spot but are one game back of the Bulls and two games back of the Hawks. So a win here and Sunday could move the Heat up from that 10th spot.

As for the Pelicans, they play out the season here and on Sunday. I look for them to play lots of minutes to bench and younger players. Heat still need to compete so I'll take them here on Friday.

Play the Miami Heat

The Cleveland Cavaliers (63-16) face the New York Knicks (50-29) on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The Cavaliers are leading the Eastern Conference and have already secured the top seed. They boast the NBA's highest-scoring offense, averaging 122.3 points per game, and rank 11th in defense, allowing 112.3 points per game. Cleveland has dominated the season series against New York, winning all three previous meetings. The Knicks are currently second in the Atlantic Division and have clinched a playoff spot. They average 116.1 points per game and allow 111.8 points per game. New York is looking to avoid a season sweep by Cleveland and gain momentum heading into the playoffs. Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell (SG), Darius Garland (PG), Evan Mobley (PF), and Max Strus (SG) are all listed as game-time decisions. I expect most of these players to rest as this game has no meaning to the Cavaliers. Knicks: Mitchell Robinson (C), Josh Hart (SG), and OG Anunoby (SF) are listed as game-time decisions. Ariel Hukporti (C) is out. Conversely, the Knicks players will go if possible. The Knicks are 3rd in the East, but only by one game over the Pacers. They want to secure that 3rd spot so expect players to play. This game serves as a potential playoff preview, with both teams looking to make a statement. Cleveland played last night at the Indiana Pacers, losing a close 112-114 contest. Now they travel for this 2nd of a back-to-back spot and with no meaning to the game look for players to rest.

Your Free play in on the New York Knicks. 

04/10 04:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET  

NBA   (503) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (504) INDIANA PACERS

Take: (504) INDIANA PACERS

The Indiana Pacers (48-31) are set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers (63-16) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Cavaliers enter this matchup as the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 63-16 record. Their offense has been electric this season, leading the NBA with an average of 122.3 points per game. Defensively, they’re also strong, allowing just 112.3 points per game, ranking 11th overall. The Pacers, meanwhile, are currently fourth in the East and have been one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch. They average 117.3 points per game (7th in the NBA) but allow 115.0 points per game (17th), indicating their tendency to get into high-scoring affairs. 

Indiana comes into the game riding a five-game winning streak, including a gritty 104-98 win over the Washington Wizards. Cleveland has also been sharp lately, winning seven of their last ten games. They recently dismantled the Chicago Bulls with a dominant 135-113 performance. Cleveland likely will be without Donovan Mitchell due to his ankle issue, a significant potential absence. They will also be missing guard Darius Garland. Two big cogs in this Cleveland offense. 

The season series is tied 1-1. Indiana won the first meeting 108-93 on January 12, while Cleveland responded with a 127-117 win on January 14. This game will decide the regular-season series. This game doesn't mean anything to Cleveland as they hold the top spot and won't be giving it up. The Pacers can still move up or down so the games has more impact on their seeding. 

The Pacers are a big favorite vs the Cavs because of Mithchel and Garland being out of the lineup.  I'm taking the Pacers as this game means nothing to the Cavs. 

The Charlotte Hornets (19-60) will face the Toronto Raptors (29-50) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention and are wrapping up disappointing seasons. The Hornets are on a four-game losing streak and have just one win in their last ten games. Offensively, they rank 28th in the league, averaging 105.7 points per game, and are last in field goal percentage at 43.1%. Defensively, they allow 114 points per game. Injuries have taken a toll, with LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, Brandon Miller, and Grant Williams all out for the season. Charlotte has covered just two of its last 10 games and is 36-40-2 overall this season. 

Toronto recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a 120-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets. They rank 23rd in scoring offense (110.7 PPG) and 20th in field goal percentage (45.8%). They give up 115.2 points per game defensively. The Raptors are managing injuries too, with Ochai Agbaji and Jamal Shead being rested and Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Brandon Ingram listed as questionable.  The Hawks have covered six of their last 10 games and are 46-30-3 for the season. 

This is the third meeting between these two teams this season, with the series tied at 1-1. The Raptors won the most recent matchup on March 28 with a 108-97 victory. I look for Toronto to cover the spread here on Wednesday,  especially considering their edge in rebounding and points in the paint. With the Hornets short-handed and struggling offensively, the Raptors are positioned to take control of this matchup. Neither team has anything to play for, but Toronto does have some momentum and depth on their side. 

Play Toronto Raptors. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32) head to Milwaukee to face the Bucks (44-34) in a pivotal late-season showdown at Fiserv Forum. Both teams come into the contest riding hot streaks—Minnesota with five straight wins and Milwaukee with four—as they aim to solidify playoff seeding with only a few games remaining. Minnesota has been red-hot, winning 14 of its last 17 games. The Timberwolves are coming off a strong win over the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Anthony Edwards, who dropped 37 points. Rudy Gobert dominated inside with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks, underlining his importance on both ends. Defensively, Minnesota has been one of the best teams in the league, allowing just 109.4 points per game—sixth-best in the NBA. Their ability to control the tempo and contest shots has made them a tough out lately.

The Bucks are also surging, having notched four straight victories, most recently edging out the New Orleans Pelicans. Gary Trent Jr. led the way in that game with 29 points, supported by Brook Lopez and Kevin Porter Jr., who each added 20. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the focal point of the team, averaging 30.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. However, his availability is uncertain due to a shoulder injury. Damian Lillard continues to be sidelined, putting added pressure on Milwaukee’s supporting cast.

The Bucks average 114.9 points per game; Timberwolves average 114.1. The Timberwolves allow 109.4 PPG; Bucks give up 112.9 PPG. 

Giannis’ Health: His presence—or absence—will heavily impact Milwaukee’s ability to compete inside.

This game promises to be a hard-fought battle with postseason implications. The Bucks are tied with the Clippers and Grizzlies for positions six through eight. In addition, they all three trail both Golden State and Denver by just a 1/2 game for the No 3 and No 4 spots. 

The Wolves just too hot to pass on here today. I'll lay the  points on the road with Minnesota. 

Take Minnesota

After a long college basketball season that started back in November, we have finally arrived at the NCAA Championship game between Houston and Florida.  The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship features a compelling clash between two No. 1 seeds: the Florida Gators (35-4) and the Houston Cougars (35-4). Both teams showcased resilience in the Final Four, each mounting significant comebacks to secure their spots in the title game. Florida overcame a nine-point deficit to defeat Auburn 79-73, while Houston rallied from a 14-point shortfall to edge out Duke 70-67. The Cougars were down 11 points with under two minutes to play and had that improbable comeback late. Florida boasts a potent offense, averaging 85 points per game this season. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been instrumental, delivering back-to-back 30-point performances in the Elite Eight and Final Four, a feat last achieved by Larry Bird in 1979. The Gators demonstrated grit, notably overcoming a 10-point deficit with under six minutes remaining against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. Houston prides itself on a stifling defense, leading the nation by allowing just 58 points per game. Graduate guard L.J. Cryer has been pivotal, scoring 26 points against Duke, including crucial free throws in the final moments. The Cougars' path has been marked by resilience, highlighted by their dramatic comeback against Duke, closing the game on a 9-0 run.  Florida's Offense vs. Houston's Defense: The Gators' high-scoring offense, led by Clayton Jr., will be tested against the Cougars' top-ranked defense. Houston's ability to contain Clayton will be crucial. Both teams excel in rebounding. Florida ranks fifth nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (38.9%), while Houston's physicality under the boards has been a hallmark. This championship showdown promises an exhilarating battle between Florida's dynamic offense and Houston's formidable defense. Both teams have displayed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion to the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball season. I like to side with the great defenses as we saw what they did to Duke late. I'm taking Houston to win the National Championship on Monday. 

The Sacramento Kings (38-40) are set to face the Detroit Pistons (43-35) in a crucial inter-conference matchup here on Monday. The Kings are battling for a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, while the Pistons have secured the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Kings sit 9th right now a half game ahead of Dallas for 10th and three-games ahead of Phoenix for that final play-in spot. I fact, Phoenix is the only team that can still make the play-in that sits below the 10th spot line. As for Detroit, they have a solid hold on the East No6 Spot. That's important since they have a playoff spot and not a play-in position. They sit five games ahead of Orlando for the coveted 6th spot but could improve to 5th as they trail the Bucks by just a half game. With the regular season ending on April 20th, this makes every game important for positioning. 

The Kings average 115.8 points per game, ranking 10th in the league, with a field goal percentage of 47.7%. Defensively, they allow 115.6 points per game, placing them 20th in the NBA. DeMar DeRozan leads the team with 22.2 points per game, while Domantas Sabonis contributes significantly with 19.1 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. Sabonis is Questionable due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain sustained on March 3. He had missed three straight games and nine of the last 11.  Detroit scores an average of 115.2 points per game, holding the 11th spot in the league, with a shooting accuracy of 47.4%. The Pistons concede 113.1 points per game, ranking 14th in defensive performance. Cade Cunningham is the standout performer, averaging 25.7 points and 9.1 assists per game.  

The Kings enter this game on the second night of a back-to-back, having played the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. They pulled a big upset on Sunday, beating the Cavs 120-113. Sabonis played in that game and scored 27 points and just missed a Triple Double. Having played yesterday, have to keep in mind if they rest Sabonis here on Monday.  The Pistons, with a day's rest and home-court advantage, are positioned favorably. Cade Cunningham's leadership and playmaking abilities will be crucial, especially if key players like Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris are unavailable. 

I usually stay away from teams in the back-to-back spot. However, as long as Sabonis plays I believe they are the more motivated team. The Pistons can only improve one slot up, but the Kings could still miss the postseason. And the Pistons might give their starters more rest in a spot like this. Sabonis was amazing on Sunday and will make a huge impact on Monday. I'm counting on his playing tonight and I will break my rule and take the Kings here plus the points.

The Portland Trail Blazers (34-44) are set to host the San Antonio Spurs (32-45) at the Moda Center on Sunday, April 6, 2025, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM ET. Both teams are striving to keep their slim postseason hopes alive, making this Western Conference matchup crucial. Currently 12th in the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers are 3.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Sacramento Kings. In their recent outing on Friday, they fell to the Chicago Bulls 118-113, despite a standout performance from Deni Avdija, who recorded 37 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Sitting 13th in the Western Conference, the Spurs are 4.5 games behind the Kings. They narrowly lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-113 on Friday, with Devin Vassell contributing 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The Spurs have dominated the season series thus far, winning all three previous encounters. November 7, 2024: Spurs 118, Trail Blazers 105, December 13, 2024: Spurs 118, Trail Blazers 116, December 21, 2024: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 94. The Spurs will be without key players though on Sunday. Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) and De'Aaron Fox (finger) and Jeremy Sochan (back) are all out. Portland Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija is averaging 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Anfernee Simons is leading the team with 19.3 points per game. San Antonio Spurs are led by Devin Vassell who is averaging 16.4 points per game. Both teams are grappling with significant injuries to key players, which could impact their performance. The Trail Blazers' depth will be tested, especially if multiple players listed as questionable are unable to play. The Spurs, missing both Wembanyama and Fox, will rely heavily on Vassell and Castle to lead their offense. The Spurs have won the previous three meetings this year but that was with a healthier squad. Without their two top players and playing on the road today, I'm taking Portland to win and cover this contest. Play Portland. 

The NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four features a compelling matchup between the Houston Cougars and the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Duke Blue Devils (35-3) enter the Final Four on a 15-game winning streak. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 91.8 points per game during the tournament, with standout performances from freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. The Houston Cougars (34-4) boast a 17-game winning streak, underpinned by the nation's top-ranked defense, allowing only 56.5 points per game in the tournament. Their defensive prowess was evident in their 69-50 victory over Tennessee in the Elite Eight. A pivotal battle will be between Duke's freshman forward Cooper Flagg and Houston's defensive stalwart Joseph Tugler. Flagg, averaging 18.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, will be challenged by Tugler, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, known for his versatility and 7-foot-6 wingspan.  Duke leads the nation with an average of 91.8 points per game in the tournament. Houston tops the charts in defensive efficiency, allowing 56.5 points per game during the tournament. This matchup presents a classic contrast between Duke's high-powered offense and Houston's stifling defense. Duke's success will hinge on their ability to navigate Houston's defensive schemes, particularly the performance of Cooper Flagg against Joseph Tugler's defense. Conversely, Houston will need to find consistent scoring to keep pace with Duke's offensive output. While Duke's offensive firepower is formidable, Houston's defensive tenacity and experience could neutralize the Blue Devils' attack. I expect a close contest here on Saturday and won't be surprised by a outright Houston win. Still, I'll take the points with Houston. 

The NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four features an all-SEC showdown between the Florida Gators and the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Florida Gators (34-4) have been on an impressive run, losing only once since February 1. Their journey to the Final Four included victories over Norfolk State, UConn, Maryland, and Texas Tech. The Auburn Tigers (32-5), the No. 1 overall seed, secured their Final Four spot with wins against Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan, and Michigan State. Despite their strong performance, they enter this matchup as 2.5-point underdogs. A pivotal battle will be between Florida's guard Walter Clayton Jr. and Auburn's forward Johni Broome. Clayton has been exceptional, averaging 22.3 points per game in the tournament and shooting 45.2% from three-point range. Broome, averaging 18.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, suffered a right elbow injury during the Elite Eight but is expected to play. The Gators and Tigers met earlier this season on February 8, with Florida securing a 90-81 victory on the road. In that game, Clayton led with 19 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, while Broome contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds.  The Gators' success hinges on Clayton's offensive prowess and their ability to contain Broome. Their depth, despite a shorter rotation, has been bolstered by contributions from players like Thomas Haugh. The Tigers will look to leverage their greater depth and the performance of key players like Broome and sixth man Tahaad Pettiford. Containing Clayton will be crucial to their defensive strategy. Auburn's depth and motivation as underdogs could make this a closely contested game. Tough to beat a great team twice in a season. I'm taking Auburn here on Saturday to advance to the finals.

The Dallas Mavericks (38-39) are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers (44-32) on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT). Currently holding the ninth spot in the Western Conference, the Mavericks are striving to secure a position in the play-in tournament. They recently edged out the Atlanta Hawks with a 120-118 victory on April 2, where Anthony Davis led with 34 points, including the game-winning basket. The Clippers are tied for the sixth seed in the Western Conference and have been on an impressive run, winning 10 of their last 12 games. Their latest triumph was a 114-98 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 2, with Kawhi Leonard contributing 28 points. The teams have split their previous two meetings this season: December 19, 2024: Clippers defeated the Mavericks 118-95. December 21, 2024: Mavericks responded with a 113-97 victory over the Clippers. Dallas Anthony Davis (PF): is questionable due to a left groin strain. Dereck Lively II (C): Out with a right ankle injury.  Anthony Davis is averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His availability will significantly impact the Mavericks' performance. The Clippers Kawhi Leonard is contributing 20.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Leonard's two-way play is crucial for the Clippers' success. The Mavericks are averaging 114.3 points per game with a field goal percentage of 47.9%. The Clippers are averaging 113.5 points per game with a field goal percentage of 47.8%. The Mavericks are allowing 113.7 points per game while the Clippers are allowing 112.1 points per game. The Clippers enter the game with momentum, aiming to strengthen their playoff positioning. The Mavericks face uncertainty with key injuries, particularly concerning Anthony Davis's availability. The Clippers' defensive prowess and recent form position them as favorites in this matchup. Even if Davis plays you have to believe he won't be 100%. I'm taking the Clippers here on Friday Night. 

The Villanova Wildcats and the USC Trojans are set to face off in the second round of the College Basketball Crown tournament on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Villanova Wildcats concluded their regular season with a 20-14 record, finishing sixth in the Big East Conference with an 11-9 conference record. They secured a first-round victory over Seton Hall in the Big East tournament before falling to UConn in the quarterfinals. Villanova accepted a bid to the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament, where they advanced to the second round. USC Trojans (17-17) ended their season with a 17-17 overall record, placing 12th in the Big Ten Conference with an 8-14 conference record. Despite a challenging season, USC's balanced scoring and defensive efforts have been pivotal in their tournament run. Villanova averages 73.4 points per game, shooting 42.4% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. USC averages 76.9 points per game with a field goal percentage of 44.8% and 32% from beyond the arc. The Wildcats allow an average of 67.7 points per game, while the Trojans concede 75.5 points per game. Villanova: Forward Eric Dixon leads the Wildcats with an average of 23.0 points per game, providing a significant offensive presence. USC: Guard Desmond Claude is the Trojans' top scorer, averaging 16.0 points per game, and also contributes 4.3 assists per game. I'm looking at taking the dog here tonight. USC has had its ups and downs this year but they are close to home in Las Vegas and should have a good crowd presence. Take USC. 

The San Antonio Spurs (31-44) are set to face the Denver Nuggets (47-28) at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM PDT. The season series is currently tied 1-1, with each team securing a win on the other's home court earlier this year. The Spurs are on a five-game losing streak, including a 116-105 loss to the Orlando Magic on April 1. They not only play the second of a back-to-back spot here but had to travel for this game. Devin Vassell: Leading the team with 16.4 points per game. The Nuggets have won four of their last five games, including a dominant 129-93 victory over the Utah Jazz on March 28. Nikola Jokic: Averaging 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. Jamal Murray adding 21.6 points and 6.0 assists per game. Jamal Murray (right hamstring tightness) and Michael Porter Jr. (undisclosed) are listed as out for the upcoming game. The Spurs are averaging 114.2 points per game, 46.5% field goal percentage. The Nuggets average 120.9 points per game, 50.7% field goal percentage. The Spurs have struggled on the second night of back-to-back games, holding a 3-11 record in such situations, while the Nuggets excel with a 12-2 record.  Denver's offense, led by Jokic, presents a significant challenge for San Antonio's defense, which has allowed at least 122 points in six of their last seven road games. The Spurs had 61 points at the half last night then laid an egg in the 2nd half, scoring just 44 points and blowing a lead. It gets worse against an much better Denver team tonight. Lots of points to lay here tonight, but the Nuggets can do it against this depleted and tire Spurs club. Play Denver. 

The College Basketball Crown tournament tips off in Las Vegas with an intriguing first-round matchup between the Colorado Buffaloes (14-20) and the Villanova Wildcats (19-14). Both programs are looking to cap their seasons with a strong showing in this inaugural postseason event. Despite a tough season overall, Colorado found late momentum during the Big 12 Championship, notching impressive upsets over TCU and West Virginia before falling to Houston in the quarterfinals. That stretch demonstrated the Buffaloes’ grit and ability to play up to their competition when it matters most. Colorado averages 69.9 points per game on 44.6% shooting while allowing 71.5 points defensively. Guard Julian Hammond III leads the team in scoring with 12.5 points per game, and Andrej Jakimovski adds value on the boards and defensively. Villanova enters the tournament with a solid 19-14 record, but recent coaching changes have added an extra layer of intrigue. The Wildcats are turning to assistant coach Mike Nardi as interim head coach, and how the team responds could be a key factor in this game. Offensively, Villanova has been more efficient than Colorado, putting up 73.4 points per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and an impressive 39.8% from three-point range. Defensively, they allow 67.5 points per game. Forward Eric Dixon leads the scoring attack with 23.0 points per game, with guard Wooga Poplar contributing 14.5 points per game. This game is a classic clash of tempo and efficiency. Villanova’s offensive polish, particularly from beyond the arc, will test Colorado’s perimeter defense. Villanova’s consistent shooting and experience give them the edge here tonight, especially if Dixon and Poplar find early rhythm. I'm taking Villanova in what shouldn't be a close game. 

The Oregon State Beavers (20-12) take on the UCF Knights (17-16) in a first-round clash of the newly launched College Basketball Crown (CBC) tournament. Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, this game offers both teams a chance to build momentum and make a postseason statement. The Beavers average 76.3 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.4% from the field. They allow 72.8 points per contest, with opponents shooting 44.2% against them. Michael Rataj leads the team with 16.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, anchoring the offense and providing a strong inside presence. UCF puts up 79.3 points per game, though their overall shooting percentage sits at 42.4%. The Knights give up 75.5 points per game, with opponents hitting 45.1% from the floor. Keyshawn Hall is the go-to scorer, averaging 18.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His versatility makes him a constant threat. This game features two offensively capable squads who have struggled to consistently lock things down on the defensive end. Oregon State holds the advantage in shooting efficiency, while UCF boasts a slightly higher scoring average and a more up-tempo style. I'm taking Central Florida here on Tuesday.

The Houston Rockets (48-26) travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers (45-29) in a key Western Conference showdown. Both teams have clinched playoff spots, with the Rockets holding the second seed and the Lakers sitting at fourth. This game could have serious implications for playoff seeding as the regular season winds down. Under Coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets have emerged as a legitimate contender in the West. Their offensive strategy thrives on balance and depth, with seven players averaging at least 12 points per game. Center Alperen Sengun has been a standout, averaging over 19 points and 10 rebounds, and anchoring both ends of the floor. Houston leads the league in rebounding and boasts one of the top defensive units, allowing just over 109 points per game. The Lakers are powered by the ever-reliable LeBron James, who continues to defy age with averages of 24.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. The recent addition of Luka Don?i? has added a new dimension to their offense, although the team has struggled recently with a 2-4 record in their last six games. With the postseason looming, the Lakers will be looking to regain momentum at home. In their previous matchup on January 5, the Rockets edged the Lakers 119-115 in a high-intensity battle led by a 33-point performance from Jalen Green. Expect both teams to come out motivated in what could be a playoff preview. One drawback for the Rockets is that they played last night in Phoenix, blowout out the Suns. This is the 2nd of a back-to-back spot for the Rockets with travel. That gives an edge to the Lakers here tonight. I'm going to take the Lakers here at home with more rest than the Rockets. Play the Lakers

The Utah Utes (16-16) and Butler Bulldogs (14-19) face off in the opening round of the College Basketball Crown tournament from Las Vegas, NV. Both teams are looking to finish their seasons strong after inconsistent conference play. Utah is slightly favored heading into the matchup, with the game expected to be high-scoring. Utah finished with a .500 overall record and went 8-12 in Big 12 competition. They were eliminated early in the conference tournament with a loss to UCF. Gabe Madsen: Leading scorer with 15.1 points per game and also adds 2.6 rebounds. Keanu Dawes: Coming off a 21-point performance in their most recent game. Utah excels at ball movement, averaging 17.5 assists per game, ranking among the top teams nationally in that category. Butler ended their regular season 6-14 in Big East play. They notched a win over Providence in the conference tournament before falling to St. John’s. Jahmyl Telfort: Pacing the Bulldogs with 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Pierre Brooks: Contributing 15.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest. Butler averages 14.0 assists per game and looks to move the ball effectively to create perimeter shots. Utah averages 75.3 points per game, while Butler averages 73.8. On defense, both teams give up around 73 points, suggesting a potentially balanced and competitive game. Utah has lost five of their last six games, while Butler has dropped four of their last five. Pretty even matched game so this one could be who is more motivated. I'm counting on Butler to be that team here tonight. Play Butler. 

The New Orleans Pelicans (41–32) will welcome the Charlotte Hornets (19–54) in a cross-conference matchup that holds more weight for the home team. The Pelicans are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, looking to secure positioning in the top six and avoid the play-in. The Hornets, meanwhile, have long been eliminated from postseason contention and are shifting focus toward player development and lottery odds. New Orleans has been playing solid basketball over the past few weeks, winning six of their last eight games. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have led the charge, with Ingram playing with poise on the wing and Williamson dominating inside. Their defense has improved lately, holding opponents under 110 points in four of their last six games. Charlotte comes into this game having lost four straight. Injuries have decimated the roster, and their offensive consistency has been a major issue. Despite that, young players like Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. have shown promise and are getting extended minutes in March. The Hornets injuries: LaMelo Ball remains out with an ankle injury. Mark Williams and Gordon Hayward are also unavailable, leaving Charlotte thin on both ends of the floor. The Pelicans have a clear edge in talent, depth, and motivation. They're solid at home and have one of the more physical frontcourts in the NBA, which should dominate a short-handed Hornets team lacking size and experience. New Orleans' ability to push the pace and get easy buckets in transition may overwhelm Charlotte early. Take the Pelicans here today as I look for a double digit New Orleans win!

The 2025 NCAA Tournament’s South Regional Final brings a high-stakes clash between two powerhouse programs as the No. 2 seed Michigan State Spartans face off against the No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers on Sunday in Atlanta. Tip-off is set for 5:05 PM ET at State Farm Arena, and a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio is on the line. Michigan State Spartans (30-6) under Tom Izzo has once again led his Spartans deep into March, relying on a disciplined, defense-first approach. Michigan State has allowed just over 67 points per game this season while holding opponents to 40% shooting from the field. Offensively, they average 78 points per game, with solid ball movement and efficient perimeter play. Freshman guard Jase Richardson has emerged as a clutch performer, dropping 20 points in the Sweet 16 win over Ole Miss. Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard provide veteran leadership in the backcourt, while Malik Hall anchors the frontcourt with grit and experience. The Auburn Tigers (31-5) led by Bruce Pearl. The Tigers have ridden a high-octane offense to the brink of the Final Four. Auburn averages nearly 84 points per game, powered by a deep and athletic rotation. In their Sweet 16 comeback win over Michigan, the Tigers showed resilience behind Johni Broome’s 22 points and 16 rebounds. Guards Denver Jones and freshman sensation Tahaad Pettiford have given Auburn perimeter scoring punch, while their defense has held opponents to under 70 points per contest. Auburn also boasts one of the nation’s top shot-blocking teams, averaging six swats per game. Both teams are battle-tested. Michigan State thrives in gritty, close games, while Auburn can explode offensively in spurts. Whichever team dictates pace will hold the upper hand. Expect a physical, tightly contested battle with shifting momentum. Michigan State’s defense will slow Auburn’s tempo early, but the Tigers’ athleticism and depth may wear down the Spartans over 40 minutes. I look for Michigan State to come in under the spread if not win outright. Play Michigan State. 

The Elite Eight clash between the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils and No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide is set for Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with tipoff at 8:49 p.m. ET. Duke comes in with a 34-3 record, driven by an efficient and balanced roster. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg has led the way, averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His performance in the Sweet 16 — 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks — was nothing short of elite, proving he’s built for March. Alabama (28-8) brings one of the most potent offenses in the country, fresh off a 113-88 win over BYU where they set an NCAA Tournament record with 25 made three-pointers. Senior guard Mark Sears exploded for 34 points, hitting 10 from beyond the arc. Alabama’s experience and tempo-heavy attack make them a unique threat. The defining battle could be between Duke’s top-ranked two-point defense (holding opponents to 43.2%) and Alabama’s explosive two-point offense (converting 60.1%). Another critical factor will be Alabama’s outside shooting against Duke’s strong perimeter defense, which has limited opponents to around 30% from deep. Duke leads the all-time series 8-3 and has won seven straight matchups against Alabama. However, these teams haven’t met since 2013, and both programs have evolved significantly since then. This game pits Duke’s polished, defensive-minded approach against Alabama’s free-flowing, high-octane offense. The outcome may depend on whether Duke can limit Alabama’s three-point barrage and slow down their pace. Either way, this one has all the makings of a classic.  I look for Alabama to come in under the spread here today. This is too many points for a team of this caliber. I'm taking Alabama.