Lots of major sports action is headed our way tonight. Colorado looks to close out Nashville for a sweep, while Memphis needs players to step up for an ailing Ja Morant. I looked through and found my best picks for Monday, which includes a less than fortunate Pirates team.
Here are my favorite bets for tonight, with all odds referenced from BetMGM:
LOS ANGELES DODGERS VS PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Dodgers continue their NL Central conquest following a three game sweep of the Cubs with another three game stint at home against the Pirates. They’ve won six in a row and are 7-3 in their last ten.
Los Angeles has impressed all season–and for good reason. The Dodgers rank first in the MLB in runs per game (5.08), ERA (2.11) and defensive efficiency (.749). They score a lot and let up even less.
The Pirates are the other side of the coin. 2-8 in their last ten, including a series loss to the lowly Reds. Pittsburgh is averaging 3.78 runs per game, a 4.83 ERA and only .689 in defensive efficiency.
The best spread for the Dodgers is -2.5, a margin they can eclipse and hold with ease. With Julio Urias on the mound to start, the Dodgers should wrap up their first game at home with a comfortable lead.
PICK: DODGERS -2.5 (+115)
NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS COLORADO AVALANCHE
With the series on the line, the Avs take on the Preds in Nashville for what could be the first series conclusion in the NHL Playoffs. Up 3-0, Colorado has shown they can win anyway they want. Whether it be the seven goal blowouts in Game 1 and 3, or a tightly contested OT win in Game 2.
Regardless of the game plan or game script, Cale Makar will be involved. The top defenseman on the Avalanche notched seven points in their three games, including the game winner in OT. Makar is prolific against Nashville, with points in three out of four of their regular season matchups.
I expect Colorado to win tonight (as most do). To win, they have to score. If they win by one or by five, Cale Makar will be involved in one way or another. Take the OVER on his point total tonight.
PICK: CALE MAKAR OVER 0.5 POINTS (-225)
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The obvious pick from the NBA would be the OVER/UNDER on the Bucks-Celtics game. I talked at length on Milwaukee’s great record for the UNDER last Tuesday. For the sake of variety, I’ll pick one from the Grizzlies-Warriors game tonight, but the Milwaukee UNDER is still very much in play.
The Grizzlies continue to be the Ja Morant show in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. He’s averaged 38.3 points per game against the Warriors and over eight assists. Memphis will have to find a way to cope without him, as he’s expected to miss Game 4 with a knee injury.
The good news (for us at least) is the Grizzlies played 20 games this year without Morant. The two highest scorers in his absence are due for stronger games tonight.
Desmond Bane and Dillion Brooks both averaged just over 19 points when Morant was out during the season. So far this series they’ve been unnoticable, with Bane averaging 10 points per game and Brooks missing a game and a half due to an ejection.
Both are shooting under their expected field goal percentage so expect a bounceback night from either one or both players. There is a large points hole to fill with Morant out, Bane and Brooks will be the first options to add scoring.
PICK: DESMOND BANE OVER 18.5 (-110)/DILLION BROOKS OVER 18.5 (-105)
Check my betting record and track my current bets on Betstamp.
Wolveridge Langan 