JEFF BENTON
Monday freebie is Under the total in Oklahoma City-Memphis.
Oklahoma City used to be a high-scoring outfit, but when James Harden left, the Thunder offense to a hit, and of course when Russell Westbrook went down to injury, the Thunder really took a hit.
OKC has played 9 games this postseason, and 7 of the 9 have landed Under the total. That includes 2 of the 3 played versus the Grizzlies.
The Under has also been the play 4 of the last 7 times these teams have faced one another.
Until I see either team consistently put the ball through the hoop, I have to play the Thunder-Grizzlies Under the posted total.
2* OKLAHOMA CITY-MEMPHIS UNDER
CRAIG DAVIS
Free play of the day on the Milwaukee Brewers on the road at Pittsburgh... a team they have completely dominated over the last six years or so.
On paper this looks like a horrible selection as the Brewers have dropped nine of their last 10 and have lost four straight... looking for a very important first win on this 10-game road trip.
Plus, AJ Burnett (3-3, 2.57 ERA) looks like a completely dominant pitcher over a guy like Marco Estrada (2-2, 6.05 ERA), but sometimes paper can be deceiving.
Let's start with the fact that Milwaukee is desperate for a win and simply can't continue losing this way with the talent they have.
Try these two juicy nuggets on for size...
First, the Pirates have won a season-high three games on four occasions, but have never won four straight.
Second, Milwaukee is 71-25 against the Pirates since the start of 2007. That's nearly three wins for every loss in this series... I like our side for sure.
This is more of a value play than anything, but I like our chances. Take the Brewers as the dog to win outright as your free play of the day.
3* MILWAUKEE
SCOTT DELANEY
My free winner for tonight is going to be on the Angels of Anaheim, laying a cheap price to the visiting Kansas City Royals. And even though I'm going straight action with the Halos, I will say I don't mind having right-hander Joe Blanton on the hill. I know the guy is 0-6 with a 5.66 ERA, but he's been much better than those numbers.
Blanton has now fired three straight quality starts while giving up nine runs (eight earned) in 20-2/3 innings over that span. He is in after limiting the Astros to three runs over six innings last Wednesday in a loss. And because he lost to the lowly 'Stros, I think he will be hungrier than ever for a W today.
And for the record, Blanton is 3-1 with a 1.76 ERA in six career starts against the Royals, and that ERA is Blanton's best against any Major League team.
Take the Halos tonight.
3* ANGELS
NHL Predictions
Maple Leafs +0.5
This write up doesn’t differ from the 4 times we’ve taken the Leafs this series either to win or +0.5 in regulation (we are 3-1 in those plays). Toronto is getting great goaltending and with a solid penalty kill they always seem to be in these games with the Bruins. They’ve beaten the Bruins twice in Boston and I could see them shocking everyone with another victory tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bruins get more chances to score than the Leafs, but right now they are failing to convert many of their chances (just two goals in their past two games) and James Reimer is playing great. Instead of taking the Maple Leafs to win I will take the generous price on them to at least force an overtime or win outright with a +0.5 in regulation bet.
Rangers / Capitals Under 5
The Rangers and Capitals will also come down to a deciding Game 7 in Washington tonight. So far we’ve seen totals in this series starting with Game 1 of 4, 1, 7, 7, 3, and 1. Every game that has been played in Washington has gone UNDER the total as Holtby has allowed just 2 goals against in those 3 games. I expect Henrik Lundqvist to match those efforts, as he has looked sharp lately allowing just 2 goals over his past 2 starts (including a shutout yesterday). These two teams played in a Game 7 last year and we saw a final score of 2-1 for 3 total goals scored. Game 7"s often see teams tighten up defensively as they know that one mistake can cost them their playoff lives. Both teams have the ability to score, but will be focusing on good defensive hockey tonight and with two hot goalies I like the UNDER here.