Jeff Benton
My Sunday freebie is the Spurs and Grizzlies to hold Under the total in Game Four of their best-of-seven set.
Each of the 3 previous games contested have ALL held Under the total, as that makes 4 straight and 7 of the last 9 overall between these Western rivals having held Under the total.
Dating back to the regular season, San Antonio is on a 6 game Under run, while battered Memphis has seen 5 of their last 6 go Under the total.
The bottom line is this postseason has been chock-full-of-Unders, so it makes no sense right now to play the Over, especially based on the past Under nunbers I have just listed for you both on these teams individually, and against one another.
Spurs-Grizzlies Under.
4* SAN ANTONIO-MEMPHIS UNDER
Gabriel DuPont
Free play for tonight, as I look to improve on my 47-32 run with complimentary plays: Cleveland (+6') at DETROIT
The STORYLINE in this game today - Anyone else impressed with the defending Eastern Conference champs? I know most are enamored by the Detroit Pistons and Stanley Johnson, and the bravado that makes it seem like he isn't afraid of LeBron James. But the fact is the Cavaliers are up 3-0, and are in a good position to end this series tonight.
The X-FACTOR in making this choice on this game - The Big Three has been impressive and appears to have the chemistry this team needs. Kevin Love has been instrumental, with three double-doubles, averaging 21.3 points and 11.7 rebounds, while Kyle Irving's scoring average is at 26.3 - much more than his season average of 19.6. Big help for James, and it looks great for the Big Three.
BOTTOM LINE is - The Cavaliers can match the longest postseason winning streak over an opponent in league history, while the Pistons are in danger of losing their 12th straight postseason game to Cleveland and 10th in a row overall. After beating the Cavs in three of four regular-season meetings, and testing them in Games 1 and 3, I just don't know if the Pistons have enough in the tank for this game.
4* CAVALIERS
Brad Wilton
Sunday comp play is the Dodgers over the Rockies.
Los Angeles has gotten some fine pitching of late, as the staff ERA is 1.38 over their last 10 games, 7 of the 10 wins! Yesterday the Dodgers took it 4-1 over the Rockies, and today they give the ball to southpaw Alex Wood.
Wood was rocked in a pair of starts at Coors Field last year, and has not been too impressive this season, but I believe today he keeps pace with what the rotation has been doing and give L.A. the quality start they need.
Jordan Lyles will counter with an 0-4 mark his last 5 home starts, and an over 8 ERA in those starts.
Los Angeles snapped a 4-game series losing streak that had dated back to last year with last night's win, today they build with a series clinching victory before they head back home to host the Marlins tomorrow.
Play the Dodgers.
2* L.A. DODGERS
Chris Jordan
Take the Kansas City Royals on the Run Line, against the Baltimroe Orioles, as my complimentary winner.
The defending World Series champion is a half-game behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central, whiiel the Orioles are on top of the A.L. East. Both teams have seen a decent start to the campaign, but I think in this series finale you have to give the nod to the Royals due to the starters.
Ventura (1-0, 2.81 ERA) get the nod for the Royals after navigating his way through five innings, allowing two runs, in an 8-6 win over Detroit on Tuesday. He has been consistent thus far and should be able to use his versatile arsenal to neutralize Baltimore's big bats.
Meanwhile, Wright is on the bump after going six innings on Tuesday night, suffering a loss against the Blue Jays. The right-hander was hit hard early, and I would't be surprised if the Royals do the same to him today.
The Royals win this big, and be sure the pitchers are of record.
5* ROYALS -1.5
Greg Shaker
Nationals -1.5 +105
Duffy struggled in Spring Training and started at AAA Level. He did well there but Strasburg has been Spot On and the Nat's have many advantages including a Bullpen that is performing very well. Laying the 1.5 here..
Joe Williams
Cavs / Pistons Under 198.5
The 'under' has connected in five of the past seven meetings in Auburn Hills, and you can expect more of the same in Game 4.
The under is 5-1 in Cleveland's past six Quarterfinals round playoff games, and 29-9 in their past 38 against a team with a straight up winning record.
The under is 5-1 in Detroit's past six games at The Palace, and 38-14 in their past 52 against teams with a straight up winning record.