MIKE'S AL CENTRAL GAME OF THE MONTH | TOP-RATED MLB MAJOR WAGER

This looks like a tough spot for the hitters after playing Friday night and now asked to play early Saturday on very short rest. 

Additionally, we have two hot pitchers on the mound. 

KC right-hander Brady Singer (0-2, 3.77 ERA) is coming off six scoreless innings of two-hit ball against Toronto (2-0 Royals win). Detroit left-hander Matthew Boyd (2-1, 2.03 ERA) has allowed 0, 3, 1, 2 runs in his four starts on the season. Under is 17-4 in Royals' last 21 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Detroit is 12-7 to the under on the season and ranks among the worst for most offensive stats. 

10/10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets have been held to fewer than 100 points in three of their last four games. In their last game, the Rockets took a 112-89 loss to Utah. Under is 12-4 in Rockets last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home, and here they'll run into one of the best defensive teams in the league. 

The under is 4-1 in the Clippers last five overall. Under is 35-15-1 in Rockets last 51 home games.

10/10* play on UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE MONTH ALERT | TOP-RATED TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging a league-worst 103.8 points per game. Through their last four games, they've put up  103, 101, 96, and 105 points for a 101.3 ppg average. Here they'll face a Chicago Bulls team that has held two straight opponents to 96 points, one of them the Cavs in a 106-96 win just last week. I think this will be another low-scoring affair.  

Bulls are 8-1 to the under in games with a total of 220 or lower this season. Under is 7-3 in Bulls last 10 games as a favorite. Under is 9-3 in Cavaliers last 12 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH ALERT | TOP-RATED 10* NL TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The San Francisco Giants came from behind the beat the Philadelphia Phillies 10-7 on Tuesday. I expect a much low-scoring affair in this one. 

Philadelphia righty Zach Eflin (1-0, 3.15 ERA) struck out six through seven innings of two-run ball against the Cards last time out. Eflin has posted a 1.93 ERA with 14 Ks and only 10 hits allowed over 14 innings in two home starts on the season. San Francisco righty Anthony DeSclafani (1-0, 1.06 ERA) has allowed only two runs over 17 innings in 2021.

Under is 7-2 in Giants' last 9 road games and 12-4 in all Giants' games on the season. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Knicks are top of the league for most defensive ratings. Oddsmakers have struggled to make the totals low enough for games involving the Knickerbockers all season (25-33 over/under overall), and that is particularly true when games are expected to be extremely low-scoring. Note that the Knicks are 10-2-1 to the under in games with a total of 210 points or lower this season, and here they'll face a Hornets team that has struggled to score points of late. 

Under is 6-1 in Hornets last 7 games as an underdog. Under is 16-5 in Hornets last 21 overall.

10* play on UNDER 209.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* MONDAY NIGHT BREWERS @ PADRES *BEST BET*

The San Diego Padres are 11-6 to the under on the season and right-hander Joe Musgrove (2-1, 0.47 ERA) has allowed only one run with 24 strikeouts over his 19 innings on the mound.

The Milwaukee Brewers have been held to two runs or fewer in three of their last six games and they're batting only .209 on the season (28th).

Brewers righty Brandon Woodruff (0-0, 2.12 ERA) limited the Cubs to one run on three hits in six innings last time out.

Woodruff has 19 Ks over 17 innings on the mound and has yet to serve up a home run in 2021. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY D'BACKS @ NATS TOTAL TOP PLAY | 1:05 FIRST PITCH

The Washington Nationals won Friday's matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0. I expect another low-scoring affair when the two teams clash for Game 3 of this series on Saturday. 

Arizona right-hander Luke Weaver (1-0, 2.13 ERA) is off to a fast start to the season. In his last start, Weaver held Cincinnati to one hit with eight Ks through seven scoreless innings. Weaver has not faced the Nats since the 2018 season, and note that the Nats are averaging only 3.76 runs per game (28th). 

Washington counters with Erick Fedde (0-1, 8.53 ERA) who was roughed up by Atlanta in his first start of the season, but he held the Cards to one run on two hits in 4 2/3 frames last time out. Fedde has not faced Arizona since the 2019 season. 

Arizona's relievers have combined for a 3.91 ERA (12th) while the Nats' bullpen ranks 20th with a 4.23 ERA. Still, I like the under in this one.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT | TOP-RATED MLB TOTAL

Good spot for an under when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night. 

Philly right-hander Zach Eflin (0-0, 3.46 ERA) was excellent in his lone home start of the season so far, limiting Atlanta to one run on four hits with eight ks through seven innings of a 2-1 Phillies win. 

Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez (0-2, 6.30 ERA) has had two rough outings, but here he'll face a Philadelphia team that averages only 3.73 runs per game (28th). 

Neither bullpen is spectacular, but not awful either. I expect a low-scoring game. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

I expect to see fireworks when the Texas Rangers clash with the Tampa Bay Rays for the finale of a four-game series Thursday night. 

Tampa Bay left-hander Rich Hill (1-0, 7.20 ERA) has allowed four runs in each of his two starts on the season, covering four and six frames respectively. Those two games both saw 15+ runs scored. Rangers righty Jordan Lyles (1-0, 4.50 ERA) has allowed five runs on 11 hits with three homes through 11 innings on the season. I think the Rays can get to him and Texas' bullpen is among the worst in baseball with a 5.17 ERA (25th), one of the few worse is Tampa Bay's (29th). 

Over is 7-0 in Rangers last 7 during game 4 of a series. Over is 8-4 in Rays' 12 games on the season. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat are top 5 defensive teams. Miami is coming off a pair of wins, holding the Lakers and the Blazers to 104 and 98 points respectively. While the majority of the Suns' recent games have been of the high-scoring variety, I don't see either them or the Heat push the pace here. Under is 9-1 in Heat last 10 road games. Under is 6-2 in Heat last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 7-3 in Heat last 10 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

Reds righty Wade Miley held Pittsburgh to two hits through six scoreless innings in his season debut. Giants righy Aaron Sanchez limited San Diego to one run through five innings in his first start of the year. The under is 7-2 in Giants' games on the season and they've won four in a row while the Reds have gone cold, coming off a pair of losses at Arizona. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

This will be the first meeting of the season between the LA Lakers and the New York Knicks. The two meetings last season saw 204 and 192 points. While the Lakers have started to pick up wins again, I think they're in for a tough one here without Lebron and Anthony Davis against the best defensive team in the league.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back the under in this Saturday night game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Sixers will be playing on short rest after taking a 101-94 loss at New Orleans on Friday. Slow down the tempo and just get out of here with a result seems like a likely game plan. Under is 8-0 in 76ers last 8 games as a road favorite and 5-1 in 76ers last 6 overall. The Thunder are averaging only 105.7 ppg on the season, and running up the score against this Philly team is not an easy task.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder avenge only 105.8 ppg on the season and they've averaged 103 ppg over their last three games. Under is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Charlotte Hornets took a 132-108 loss to Detorit oast time out, and they've conceded 130+ points in three straigt games. However, under is still 12-2 in Hornets last 14 overall and 8-0 in Hornets last 8 road games.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Lakers have been held to fewer than 100 points in five of their last 10 games, but also limited opponents to fewer than 100 points four times. Under is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 games as an underdog and 21-5 in Lakers last 26 road games. The Toronto Raptors have been held to 104 points or fewer in three of their last four games, the exception a blowout win against Golden State. Under is 17-8 in Raptors last 25 games as a home favorite.

Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Toronto.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 28-20-1 to the under on the season while averaging a league-worst 102.7 points per game. Through their last five games, the Cavs have been held to 86, 98, 75, 94 and 101 points and under is 9-1 in Cavaliers last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. 

The San Antonio Spurs have a 12-16 home record on the season and they're going through a rough patch, having won only two of their last nine games. Under is 11-3 in Spurs last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, which the Cavs have as they've won only six of 25 away games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Lakers are 33-16 to the under on the season, and their point production has not surprisingly gone way down since losing first Anthony Davis and then Lebron James to injuries. Under is 20-6 in Lakers last 26 road games, and here they'll face a Clippers team that has the No. 6 scoring defense in the league, holding opponents to 108.3 points per game. Under is 14-5-3 in Clippers last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings in Los Angeles.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 28-19-1 to the under on the season. Through their last four games, they've been limited to 86, 98, 75 and 94 points. The Miami Heat had been held to 98 and 92 points through their last two games prior to a 116-109 win over Golden State on Thursday. Under is 6-0 in Cavaliers last 6 overall. Under is 13-3 in Cavaliers last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT | SUPER EARLY NHL TOTAL MAX BET

The Boston Bruins took a 4-1 loss to this Pittsburgh team a couple of nights ago. They are 21-11 to the under on the season and eight of their last 10 have gone under the total. Under is 9-2 in Penguins last 11 overall, and scoring goals on Boston's No. 5 ranked defense ain't easy. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Boston. Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH ALERT | NBA WESTERN CONF TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging only 105.3 points per game on the road and the under is 7-1 in their last 8 away from home. Here they'll face a Phoenix team that is holding opponents to 107.3 points per game on the season (4th). Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Phoenix.

10* play on UNDER. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 27-19-1 to the under on the season. In their last three games, the Cavs have scored 86, 98, and 75 points. Last time out, they took 114-75 loss at Utah, and under is 7-2 in Cavs' last 9 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points. Tonight they'll take on a Philadelphia team that took a 104-95 loss at Denver in their last game. Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 road games and 18-6 in the last 24 meetings with the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

10* play on UNDER.

GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT | TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers are 27-17-1 to the over on the season, but the under is 22-10 in Pacers' last 32 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. In their last game, the Pacers defeated Washington 132-124. I think we'll see a very different tempo here against the Miami Heat who boast a top-5 scoring defense and are 7-1 to the under in their last 8 road games.

Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Indiana.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Clippers are 28-19-1 to the over on the season, but the under is 12-3-1 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing straight-up record. Here they'll take on an Orlando team that is 15-31 straight-up on the season and averages only 104.3 points per game (29th). 

Through their last nine games, the Magic have been held to fewer than 100 points six times, including a 96-93 loss to the Lakers here in LA a couple of days ago. 

Under is 6-1 in Magic's last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 4-0-1 in Magic last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight-up record.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Toronto Raptors will be playing on short rest after taking a 122-117 loss to Portland on Sunday. It will be in the Raptors best interest to keep the tempo low, and they'll face a Pistons team that is averaging only 100.8 possessions per game (22nd). Detroit's offensive efficiency rating (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions) for the season ranks only 25th in the league and the Pistons have averaged only 100 ppg through a four-game losing streak. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT | NBA TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Los Angeles Lakers are a hot mess with their big guns sidelined due to injuries. They had lost four on the bounce prior to a 100-86 win against Cleveland on Friday. While they're struggling to score, they've played fairly well on the defensive end and here they'll take on a Magic team that is averaging only 104.6 points per game (29th). 

Under is 9-2 in Magic last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 5-1 in Magic last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 7-1 in Lakers last 8 games as a favorite. Under is 9-3 in Lakers last 12 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* TGIF NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors will be playing on short rest after taking a 141-119 loss at Sacramento on Thursday. Under is 7-0 in Warriors last 7 games playing on 0 days rest and 6-2 in Warriors last 8 games as a home underdog. 

The Atlanta Hawks have held three of their last six opponents to 94 points or fewer. 

Four of the last five meetings in this series have gone under the total.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* SHARKS @ YOTES NHL TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The San Jose Sharks are conceding 3.4 goals per game on the season. The Arizona Coyotes are allowing 3.0 goals per game overall. They're coming off a 5-4 SO loss to Colorado and each of their last three games has seen at least six goals. Over is 5-0 in Coyotes' last 5 games at home where they tend to open up a bit compared to when playing on the road. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR ALERT | INTERCONFERENCE TOTAL *BEST BET*

The under is 28-16 in LA Lakers games on the season, and now they'll be without their two best players with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis sidelined.

In their last game, the Lakers took a 128-111 beating at New Orleans, but note that under is 8-2 in Lakers last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game and 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points.

They'll face a Philadelphia team that held Golden State to 98 points last time out, and four of the Sixers' last five games overall have gone under the total. 

Under is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 5-0 in 76ers last 5 games as a road favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT | TOP-RATED 10* NHL TOTAL

The San Jose Sharks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 a couple of days ago. The under is 13-4-6 in the last 23 meetings, and with both teams chasing a playoff spot I think we have reason to believe that this will be another tight and low-scoring affair. 

Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 overall. Under is 6-2-1 in Sharks last 9 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Cavaliers an averaging a league-worst 104.1 points per game overall that drops to an abysmal 98.7 ppg on the road. Under is 7-1 in Cavaliers last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record, which the Bulls have as they're only 9-15 home at United Center. 

Over their last four games, the Bulls have been held to 100 points or fewer three times, the exception an overtime loss at Denver. Under is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 overall. Under is 7-2 in Bulls last 9 games as a home favorite.

Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Chicago.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH ALERT | NBA EASTERN CONF *BEST BET*

The Washington Wizards are scoring and allowing fewer points on the road compared to at home. Here they'll face a Knicks team that is holding opponents to a league-best 104.8 points per game, but the Knickerbockers are also only putting up 104.7 ppg (28th). 

Under is 10-4 in Wizards last 14 games as a road underdog. Under is 7-2 in Knicks last 9 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* HORNETS @ SPURS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Charlotte Hornets have dropped three in a row. They took a 125-98 loss at LA Clippers last time out and had scored only 104 and 105 points in the two previous losses. Now they have to be without LaMelo Ball, front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a fractured wrist. The San Antonio Spurs can step it up on the defensive end when needed and rank eighth in the NBA for points allowed per game. Under is 9-1 in Spurs last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in San Antonio.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH ALERT | NHL CENTRAL TOTAL *BEST BET*

The Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning are two of the highest-scoring teams in the NHL, with Tampa Bay averaging a league-best 3.6 gpg and Florida ranking third at 3.4 gpg. This will be the fourth head-to-head meeting on the season. The previous three matchups saw 7, 7 and 10 goals scored. I think we'll see both teams light up the lamp plenty again in this one. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic managed to end a nine-game slide with a 121-113 win over Brooklyn last time out. it was a rare high-scoring performance from an Orlando team that had put up 77, 97 and 93 points in its past three games prior to that outing and the Magic are averaging only 104.7 points per game on the season (29th). The Boston Celtics have slso struggled lately, winning only one of five games since the All-Star break and they took a 107-96 home loss to Sacramento last time out.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* HAWKS @ LAKERS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Under is 6-1 in Hawks last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and I fully expect a low-scoring contest when they visit the best team ine NBA on Saturday. The Lakers are 26-15 to the under on the season and they've been a particularly good bet to the under lately with Anthony Davis.  

10* play on UNDER.

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Indiana Pacers are 23-15-1 to the over on the season, but I expect a relatively low-scoring affair when they visit the Miami Heat Friday night. The under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings and note that over its last eight games, Miami has held seven of its opponents to fewer than 100 points and not allowed more than 103 points. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Knicks are 24-17 to the under on the season overall and 16-7 to under in games with a total of 215 or lower. They own the #1 scoring defense in the league and held a dangerous Sixers team to 99 points last time out. The Orlando Magic are unraveling and not playing good basketball right now, coming off eight straight defeats and in their last two games they've put up only 77 and 97 points respectively. 

Under is 10-4-1 in Magic last 15 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT | TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL

This might very well close as the highest total of the NBA season up to date, but I still don't think the bookmakers can make it a big enough number to lay off. Of 15 games closing with a total of 240 points or more this season, the over is 12-2-1. Neither team can play defense, and the Wizards have the highest pace factor in the league at 106.6 possessions per game.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Bucks are 21-15-1 to the over on the season. Last time out, they came through with a 134-101 win over the Knicks, and here they'll face a defensively challenged Wizards team that is allowing 119.6 ppg on the season. Both these teams have plenty of scorers, and I don't think the bookmakers can make the total high enough for this one. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Denver Nuggets are 23-13 to the over on the season and the over is 20-6 in Nuggets last 26 games as a road favorite. They'll be well-rested and ready for a fast-paced game coming out of the All-Star break, They'll face a Memphis Grizzlies team that already has played a high-scoring game since the break, a 127-112 win over Washington. I fully expect to see 230+ points in this game. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Brooklyn Nets are 25-12 to the over on the season, and I don't think the bookmakers can adjust the totals high enough. We saw only a total of 218 points in the most recent meeting back on December 25, but that was before James Harden joined Brooklyn. Since then, the Nets have put a lot more emphasis on offense than defense, and I think they'll force the Celtics to run up and down with them in this one. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics are riding a three-game winning streak, mostly powered by solid play on the defensive end of the court.

Thursday night they'll host a struggling Toronto team that has dropped three of its last four games, scoring 102, 108, and 105 points in the losses. The Raptors were without three of their top five scorers (Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby) in addition to head coach Nick Nurse in a 129-105 loss to Detroit last night due to COVID-19 protocols. They are unlikely to be available for this game. 

Under is 11-3-2 in Raptors last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* WARRIORS @ BLAZERS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors have played more unders than overs on the season, but they are 20-7 to the over in their 27 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

I also think the Warriors will go off here after being held to 91 points by the Lakers in their last game. While the LA Lakers is one of the best defensive teams in the league, we find the Blazers on the other end of the spectrum allowing 115.1 ppg (25th).

Over is 25-10 in the last 35 meetings. Over is 17-5 in the last 22 meetings in Portland.

The Blazers and the Warriors are a combined 12-4 to the over in games with a total closing number above 233. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* SUNS @ LAKERS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Lakers have answered a four-game losing streak by winning back-to-back games. They've done so behind solid defense, holding Portland to 93 points and Golden State to 91 points. Here they'll face a red hot Phoenix Suns team that has held three of its last five opponents to fewer than 100 points. Both teams have top-5 scoring defenses and the Lakers' three-point shooting ranks only 25th in the NBA. Under is 4-1 in Suns last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight-up record. Under is 6-2 in the Lakers' last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Brooklyn Nets are 23-12 to the over on the season, despite bloated totals pretty much every game. They are 10-3 to the over in games closing with a total of over 234 points. Here they should be particularly motivated as they took a 115-98 loss to Dallas last time out. Playing defense is optional in Nets' games, and I expect to see another run-and-gun type of game involving Brooklyn. Over is 17-4 in Nets last 21 games as a favorite.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL *BAILOUT PLAY*

The Sacramento Kings are owners of one of the worst scoring defenses in the league, giving up 120.1 ppg. Last time they held Detroit to 107 points, but they had allowed boatloads through a nine-game losing skid prior to that outing. Here they'll face a Charlotte team that just put up 121 points against Golden State, but still lost as the Warriors scored 130 points. 

The Kings and the Hornets are a combined 5-1 to the over in games with a total of more than 235 points. 

Over is 6-0 in Hornets last 6 road games. Over is 25-10 in Kings last 35 home games.

10* play on OVER. 

NBA TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Indiana Pacers took a 118-112 loss at Boston last night. I expect much fewer points here when they visit the New York Knicks the very next night. While heavy legs can affect a team's defense negatively, the Knickerbockers is not really a team that'll push the pace and take advantage. 

The Knicks are 22-11 to the under on the season and under is 5-1 in the last 6 head-to-head meetings with the Pacers. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* PACERS @ CELTICS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Neither the Boston Celtics nor the Indiana Pacers are playing good basketball at the moment. The Celtics are losers of three straight and eight of their last 11 while the Pacers have only three wins in their last nine games. Boston's scoring offense ranks 21st in the league, but it is allowing only 110.3 ppg (7th). I expect a low-scoring contest between two struggling teams. 

Under is 37-16-1 in Pacers last 54 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Boston.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Wizards are 16-13 to the over on the season and the Denver Nuggets have a 21-10 over/under record. The Nuggets average 115.4 ppg (5th) while Washington has one of the worst scoring defenses in the league, allowing 119.9 ppg. Last time out, the Wizards took a 135-116 Los at LA Clippers. 

Over is 9-1-1 in Nuggets last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 18-6 in Nuggets last 24 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 36-17-1 in Nuggets last 54 games as a favorite.

The two teams are a combined 9-4 to the over in games with a total closing at 235 points or more and 4-1 to the over in games with a total of 237 or more. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR | WEST CONF TOTAL

Two top-3 defenses in the league will clash at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday when the Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Lakers. I think the bookmakers have set total for this game way too high.

The Lakers are struggling without injured All-Star center Anthony Davis and guard Dennis Schroder. They have dropped four of their last five straight up and had scored 105, 112, 98 and 94 points in their last four games prior to a 127-124 OT loss to Washington last time out. Under is 10-2 in Lakers last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Utah is the hottest team in the NBA and it has held four of its last six opponents to fewer than 100 points. Last time out, the Jazz put a 132-110 beating on Charlotte, but note that under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 15-7 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

BLAZERS @ NUGGETS 10* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing on no rest following a 132-100 loss at Phoenix on Monday. Over is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last 4 games playing on 0 days rest and 7-0 in their last 7 games as an underdog. The Denver Nuggets are 21-9 to the over for the season, and they'll be looking to bounce back from a 123-115 loss to Atlanta. The Nuggets own the fourth-best points-per-game average in the league while the Blazers have a bottom-five scoring defense. I expect Denver to push the tempo and force the visitors into a shootout. 

10* play on OVER. 

HEAT VS THUNDER TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 5-1 to the under in their last six games and 4-0 to the under in their last four as a home underdog. 

The Miami Heat held the Lakers to 94 points in a win on Saturday and they are 11-4 to the under in their last 15 games playing on 1 days rest. 

OKC Thunder have the second-worst offensive efficiency rating in the league while Miami ranks 24th.  

Lastly, the Heat and the Thunder are a combined 8-3-1 to the under in games with a total closing at 215 or lower. 

10* play on UNDER. 

*BAILOUT PLAY* KINGS @ BUCKS TOP-RATED 10* PLAY OF THE DAY 

The Milwaukee Bucks have been held to fewer than 100 points in back-to-back games, but this looks like a good spot to get their offense going against a Kings team that is one of the worst in the NBA on the defensive end. On the season, the Kings are allowing 119.3 ppg on 48.9% shooting from the field.

The Kings are 19-10 to the over on the season, Milwaukee is 17-12-1 to the over. Over is 21-7 in the last 28 meetings. Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Milwaukee.

The Kings and the Bucks are a combined 10-2 to the over in games with totals closing at 233 points or more this season. 

10* play on OVER. 

HEAT @ LAKERS 10* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Lakers took a 109-98 loss to Brooklyn on Thursday. Each of their last two games has gone under the total, and they are 19-11 to the under on the season. Miami is coming off a 118-110 win at Sacramento, but the Heat have not been great offensively in recent games. Under is 11-3 in Heat last 14 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 games following a straight up loss.  Under is 13-6 in Lakers last 19 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

I am delighted to get this number for the total as I think it should be a couple of points higher. The Atlanta Hawks have struggled on the defensive end through a five-game losing streak, and they have allowed 118 points or more in six of their last eight games. These two teams played just a couple of days ago, a game Atlanta won 122-114 and the over is 9-4-1 in the last 14 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK 

The New Orleans Pelicans have the third-worst defensive efficiency rating in the league, giving up 113.3 points per 100 possessions. Over their last three games, they have allowed 129, 143 and 123 points. Here they'll face a Memphis Grizzlies side that has scored 120+ points in two of its last three games. 

Over is 7-1 in Pelicans last 8 road games. Over is 18-3 in Pelicans last 21 overall. Over is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

BLAZERS @ MAVS 8* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off a 129-110 win over Cleveland, and they've really been humming on offense lately. Six of the Blazers last eight have gone over the total, and here they'll face a Mavs team that is allowing 114.4 ppg (24th). 

Portland is weak on the defensive end as well, allowing 115.1 ppg (25th) and the Mave have averaged 126.7 ppg through their last six games. 

Over is 13-5 in the last 18 meetings in Dallas. Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

Sure, this is a big number, but I think we'll see 240+ points in this game.

8* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP-RATED 10* CBB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Two offensively challenged teams will clash at Fifth Third Arena Sunday afternoon. 

The Cincinnati Bearcats are 9-4 to the over on the season, despite putting up only 68.8 ppg. They are allowing a fair amount of points, but that won't be an issue here against a UCF team that is averaging 65.1 ppg. 

The Knights held Tulane to 49 points on 31.6 percent field-goal shooting last time out and have allowed only 56 ppg over their last three games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NHL TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks combined for nine goals in a 5-4 Vegas win a couple of days ago. Seven of Vegas' last eight have gone over the total, and I think we'll see another high-scoring affair tonight with John Gibson (2.48 GAA) and Robin Lehner (2.96 GAA) expected to tend the nets. Gibson has given up at least three goals in four of his last five starts while Lehner's GAA of almost 3 over the season says it all. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* EPL TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Tottenham has scored only one goal in its last two games, both losses. The absence of star striker Harry Kane hurts Spurs' offense immensely, but the team's defense is solid with only 21 goals allowed 20 EPL games on the season. Chelsea is also a good defensive team with 23 goals allowed in 21 games, and it is coming off back-to-back clean sheets. 

10* play on UNDER. 

*BAILOUT PLAY* | TOP-RATED 10* SUNS VS PELICANS TOTAL | 8-3 RUN!

The Phoenix Suns are riding a three-game winning streak, and improved defense has been a key component in their success. Over their last four games, the Suns have held opponents to an average of 102 ppg, and here they'll face a New Orleans team that has a bottom-third scoring average. As for Phoenix, its offense is far more potent at home than on the road. 

Under is 8-3 in Suns last 11 road games. Under is 5-1 in Suns last 6 games as a road favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* EPL TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Man United is coming off a 0-0 draw at Arsenal. It was a small miracle the game ended in a goalless draw considering the number of quality goalscoring opportunities both teams created. I think we'll see compensation and plenty of goals in this one with Man U pushing the tempo home at Old Trafford. 

10* play on OVER.

*MAJOR WAGER ALERT* TOP-RATED 10* EPL TOTAL SOCCER GAME OF THE MONTH

Aston Villa is winless through its last four games while Newcastle is on an ugly streak of nine games without a win. The visitors have scored only 18 goals in 18 games while Aston Villa has conceded 18 goals in 16 games. I don't see many goals in this one. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MAN UTD @ BURNLEY PREMIER LEAGUE *MAJOR WAGER*

Manchester United is 11-5 to the over on the season. They have scored 33 goals but also conceded 24 goals in their 16 EPL games. Burnley is a low-scoring side, but I think Man U will force them to open up in this one. Note that Man U has a 21-11 goal differential (total average of 4.57 goals) through their seven away games. 

10* play on OVER. 

OHIO STATE VS ALABAMA CFP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BEST OF THE BEST

The Alabama Crimson Tide limited Notre Dame to 14 points in their semi-finals matchup, but here they'll face a much more accomplished offense in Ohio State. 

The Buckeyes put up 49 points on Clemson, and QB Juston Fields completed 22-of-28 passes for 385 yards and six TDs against only one INT. Bama is an elite team, but it ranks only 76th in the nation against the pass. The Buckeyes are even worse at 103rd in the country, and they gave up 400 passing yards to Tigers' Trevor Lawrence in the win last week. I think we'll see both QBs air it out and drive up the score. 

This is a massive number, but the bookies just can't make it big enough IMO.

10* MAX BET on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NAPOLI @ UDINESE SERIE A TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Napoli is 9-6 to the over through its 15 Serie A games on the season. Its last two games have seen a total of eight goals while Udinese's last two have seen a total of nine goals.

Four of the last five head-to-head meetings have seen three goals or more. 

10* play on OVER. 

WILD CARD ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR ~ RAMS @ SEAHAWKS 10* TOTAL

This is a low number, but note that NFL games with a total lower than 45 points went 37-17 (68.5%) to the under this season. 

As for these two teams, the Rams are 12-4 to the under on the season and they rank No. 1 for scoring defense and passing yards allowed while Seattle's defense has quietly been one of the best in the league over the last month. Through their last four games, the Seahawks have allowed, 3, 15, 9 and 23 points.

In the two regular season meetings between these two teams we saw 39 and 29 points scored. I expect this to be another low-scoring affair, especially as Rams' QB Jared Goff won't be 100% if he even suits up at all. 

10* game of the year top play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* SUNS @ PISTONS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detroit Pistons are winless through their last three games and gave up 130 points to the Bucks last time out.

However, note that the under is 16-4 in Pistons' last 20 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game, and in this one, they'll face a Phoenix Suns team that owns the no. 1 scoring defense in the NBA, holding opponents to 102.4 ppg.

Last time out, Phoenix knocked down 21-of-40 three-point attempts in a 123-115 win over Toronto, far above its season average, and the Suns are still 6-2 to the under on the season and average only 98.7 possessions per game, dead last in the NBA.  

10* play on UNDER. 

NCAAB GAME OF THE YEAR ~ TOP RATED 10* BIG SKY TOTAL

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds are 4-1 to the over on the season, but I think this one will go under the total. 

They'll face an Idaho team that averages only 60.0 ppg, and Southern Utah's 84.6 ppg average is misleading as they've been running up the score against cupcake teams. We can also note that both teams make just about 2/3 free throw attempts. 

This will be Idaho's highest closing total of the season. The previous was a 137 total at Utah on December 18. That game went under by 17 points and I am confident that this to be a low-scoring affair.  

10* game of the year play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* WOLVES @ NUGGETS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets are 5-1 to the over on the season. I think this total looks high though considering the Wolves offensive struggles. Sure, the first game of this two-game det saw 233 points, but I expect a lower-scoring affair here as the teams are more familiar with each other's offensive schemes.

10* top play on UNDER. 

*MAJOR WAGER ALERT* NFL TOTAL GAME OF THE YEAR - REG SEASON 

The Cincinnati Bengals offense has come alive here at the end of the season, putting up a combined 64 points in back-to-back wins over Pittsburgh and Houston. Quarterback Brandon Allen threw for a career-high 371 yards and two touchdown in a 37-31 win at Houston last week. 

Their defense remains a liability though, and here they'll face a Ravens side that has averaged 37 ppg through a four-game winning streak. 

The Ravens need a win to have a shot at a playoff berth, so there's no question whether they will bring it or not while the Bengals would love nothing more than to play spoiler for their division-rival. 

10* play on OVER. 

SOCCER TOTAL OF THE WEEK - WEST HAM @ EVERTON 10* MAJOR WAGER

Everton closed out 2020 strong with four wins in their last five games. They sit fourth in the EPL standings, despite a rather leaky defense that has allowed 19 goals in 15 games. West Ham has a 23-21 goal differential in 16 EPL games and should be due for some fireworks after playing a sleepy 0-0 draw at Southampton last time out. The Hammers' last two games prior to that outing saw three goals each. 

10* play on OVER 2.5. 

10* play on OVER. 

VIKES @ SAINTS CHRISTMAS DAY NFL 10* TOP PLAY

The Saints' QB Drew Brees is less than 100% dealing with rib and lung injuries and he'll be without a major weapon in All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas who is on injured reserve. I think they (much like the Vikes) will run the ball a lot which will eat a lot of time off the clock. 

The Saints defense is elite and ranks fourth against the run, bad news for the Vikes who go as running back Dalvin Cook goes. 

Under is 6-2 in Vikings last 8 road games. Under is 7-2 in Saints last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* SOCCER TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Eight of Besiktas last nine games have seen three goals or more. Ankaragucu has allowed 20 goals in 12 league games. 

10* play on OVER. 

WEST HAM @ CHELSEA 10* TOP PLAY TOTAL

Chelsea has a 26-14 goal differential over its 13 EPL games on the season. West Ham has a 21-16 goal differential over 13 games. I expect Chelsea to go off here following back-to-back away losses at Everton and Wolves. Both teams have scored in each of West Ham's last four games, while Chelsea has scored three goals by itself in three of its last five home games. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) - PATRIOTS @ CHARGERS 10* TOP PLAY

The Los Angeles Chargers have an impressive QB in Justin Herbert, but if we exclude a 34-28 win over the Jets on Nov 22, then the Chargers have put up an average of only 21.3 ppg over their last three games. Perhaps teams are starting to figure out how to stop the rookie, and I think Herbert and the rest of Chargers offense will face a tough test here against New England. 

Sure, the Pats offense is not what it used to be with Brady under center, but you better believe Belichick will make sure their defense is still serviceable. Note that they were outgained 298-179 in total yards by Arizona last week, but still managed to grind out a 20-17 victory. Over their last three games, the Patriots have now allowed an average of 20.3 ppg while their offense is putting up just 20.8 ppg on the season. 

The Chargers are 3-8 SU on the season, 2-3 at home. Under is 11-2 in Patriots last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 14-6 in Patriots last 20 vs. a team with a losing record overall. Under is 13-6 in Chargers last 19 home games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Auburn Tigers opened the season with a 96-91 OT win over St. Joe's, but they have managed only 67 and 55 points in their last two games, losses to Gonzaga and UCF. South Alabama is averaging 80.5 points per game, but against much lesser opponents than the Tigers. Last time out, the Jaguars limited Emmanuel Lions to 47 points. Auburn has yet to find its scoring touch, and I think this will be a low-scoring contest. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY 10* NCAAB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Texas Longhorns put a 91-55 beating on Texas Rio Grande Valley in their season opener. They shot 57% from the field (41% from 3-point range) and five players scored in double-figures. 

Here they'll face a Davidson squad that opened the season with an 82-73 win over High Point Panthers. While that's a good offensive output, giving up 73 points to a team like High Point does not bode well for its defense.  

Both sides hit the ground running offensively, and I expect to see another shootout. 

10* play on OVER. 

EARLY AUBURN VS GONZAGA 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

My premium pick subscribers and I won with the #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs as an ATS favorite when they flexed their muscles and showed no mercy in an impressive 102-90 win over Kansas on Thursday. Auburn meanwhile needed overtime to defeat Saint Joseph’s as an 8.5-point favorite (we won a free pick on the Hawks) in its season opener. 

Gonzaga is the team to beat, and as it is playing at a blistering tempo it will win more shootouts than low-scoring affairs. I expect to see this game fly over the total by a wide margin. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) - PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL TOP PLAY

Aston Villa has been arguably the biggest surprise in the Premier League this season, entering the week in sixth place, only three points behind league-leading Leicester.

Five of their last six games have seen three goals or more, and midfielder Jack Grealish has scored in each of his past four appearances against Brighton in all competitions while Ollie Watkins has scored six goals in seven Premier League games.

I think we'll see a high-scoring affair when they host the Seagulls this Saturday, especially as Brighton will be looking to set a club record of scoring in eight straight top-flight away games. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) - UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE TOP PLAY

Switzerland are sitting bottom of Group 4, all but certain to get relegated from UEFA Nations League League B. A win here against Spain would give them a fighting chance, and I think the Swiss will come out swinging in this one. They own a 5-7 goal differential through four games, and they'll host a Spain side that has conceded first in every UNL away game thus far.

10* play on OVER 2.5. 

FALCONS VS PANTHERS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL TOP PLAY

The Carolina Panthers (3-4) host the Atlanta Falcons (1-6) in a battle between NFC South teams Thursday night. I think we have several reasons to believe that the final score for this contest will go under the total.

Atlanta is allowing 29.6 points per game on the season, but it has held its opponent to 23 points in three straight games, including a 23-16 loss to Carolina in Week 5. 

The Falcons are a pass-heavy team, but the Panthers rank 10th in the NFL against the pass. 

Carolina has really struggled o move the ball on the ground in recent weeks, and here it'll face an Atlanta defense that ranks 6th in the NFL against the pass. The Panthers will have to rely on QB Teddy Bridgewater to move the sticks, but he can only do so much without a rushing threat to take some of the pressure off of him. 

The Panthers rank 25th in the NFL for points scored per game, averaging only 23.1 ppg, and with this being a Thursday night game, both teams have had less time than usual to come up with creative game-plans on offense. 

Under is 4-0 in Falcons last 4 Thursday games and 5-1 in their last 6 games in October.

10* play on UNDER 49.5 points. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB) - BRAVES VS DODGERS GAME 2 MAX BET

The first game of this series went under the total as the teams combined for six runs (four of them in the ninth inning) in a 5-1 Atlanta Braves win. I see no reason why Game 2 wouldn't be another pitchers duel.

Braves righty Ian Anderson (3-2, 1.95 ERA) has not allowed a single earned run over his last three starts while recording 23 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings of work. This will be the rookie's first career matchup with the Dodgers who counter with left-hander Clayton Kershaw (6-2, 2.16 ERA). Kershaw gave up three runs over six innings against San Diego last time out, but note his 1.78 ERA in 11 career starts against Atlanta. 

Under is 9-3-1 in Braves last 13 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5-2-1 in Dodgers last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.

UPDATE: Kershaw has been scratched due to back spasms and he will be replaced by Tony Gonsolin. The right-hander has not pitched for 17 days, but note his solid 2.31 ERA with 46 strikeouts and seven walks in 46 2/3 innings during the regular season. I still think this will go under the total, and now we get an even better number. 

10* play on UNDER. 

BUCS VS BEARS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL TOP PLAY

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave up 31 points to the Chargers last Sunday, but they still own the 4th best total defense in the NFL giving up only 312 yards per game.

The Chicago Bears are coming off a loss to Indianapolis, despite the defense doing its job allowing only 19 points on 289 total yards. Nick Foles replaced Mitch Trubisky under center but was not much of an improvement completing 26-of-42 passes for 249 yards and one TD vs. one INT. 

On the season, Tampa Bay is allowing only 5.1 yards per play (4th) and Chicago 5.2 yards per play (7th). 

Under is 6-1 in Bears last 7 home games and 13-3 in their last 16 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER. 

RAYS VS YANKEES ALDS GAME 4 MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees have been swinging hot bats since entering the postseason, scoring 40 runs in five games, all going over the total. Here they'll get a look at Tampa Bay right-hander Ryan Thompson who will serve as the opener for the Rays. Thompson has posted a 4.44 ERA on the season as is likely to be followed by left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (1-4, 3.56 ERA) who posted a 7.56 ERA in 11 innings on the road during the regular season. 

The Yankees hand the ball to Jordan Montgomery (2-3, 5.11 ERA) who has allowed seven runs in 10 innings over his last two starts. He gave up four runs on five hits in less than an inning against the Rays during the regular season. 

The Rays have scored 30 runs through their five postseason games with all but the first one going over the total. I expect this to be another high-scoring affair. 

10* play on OVER. 

EARLY MARLINS VS BRAVES NLDS BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Atlanta Braves didn't give up a single run in their 2-0 sweep of Cincinnati in the Wild Card round. Max Fried (0-0, 0.00 ERA) tossed seven scoreless innings in his start in that series and he has held Miami to two runs through 7 1/3 frames on the season. 

The Miami Marlins held the Cubs to one run in a 2-0 sweep of their own in the Wild Card round. Marlins' right-hander Sandy Alcantara (1-0, 1.35 ERA) held Chicago to a solo homer and a total of three hits over 6 2/3 innings on the mound. Alcantara has posted a 2.41 ERA in previous meetings with the Braves. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) - EPL MAJOR WAGER MAX BET

Everton has opened the season with three straight EPL wins and an 8-3 goal differential. Brighton is off to a slower start in the league at one win and two losses, but they didn't really deserve to lose 3-2 to Man U last weekend and their 6-6 goal differential is encouraging for our over play here. 

Both teams were in action in the EFL Cup midweek with Everton beating up on West Ham 4-1 while Brighton took a 3-0 loss to Manchester United. 

Unlike most other teams in the mid-table / bottom-half, Brighton rarely sits back trying to grind out a point and it is never shy from going on the attack. I expect to see a high-scoring affair with three goals at the very least.

10* play on OVER 2.5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL - MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Atlanta Braves put a 9-4 beating on the Marlins yesterday. I expect a lower scoring affair here in the finale of this four-game series Thursday night. 

Atlanta right-hander Ian Anderson (3-1, 2.36 ERA) has posted a 2.00 ERA in two home starts on the season, and the under is 6-2 in Marlins last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Miami right-hander Pablo Lopez (5-4, 3.96 ERA) has punched out 13 while conceding only three runs through 12 1/3 innings of work in his last two starts combined, both at home. While Lopez has not been quite as sharp on the road as at home, he's hot right now and I also don't expect the Marlins' bats to contribute enough runs to push the final score over the total. 

Note that Miami has scored only 11 runs through its last five games and that the under is 7-3-2 in the last 12 head-to-head matchups with Atlanta.

10* play on UNDER. 

PHILLIES @ NATIONALS WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL TOP PLAY

Phillies' right-hander Zach Eflin (3-2, 4.28 ERA) gave up four runs in six frames of a 6-5 extra-inning Philadelphia win over the Nats earlier this month. For his career, Eflin is 3-3 with a 4.43 ERA in eight starts against the Nationals. Washington righty Erick Fedde (2-3, 4.36 ERA) has faced the Phillies twice this season, allowing 10 runs on 11 hits over 11 innings for an ugly 8.18 ERA. 

Phillies' bullpen ranks dead last across the major leagues with a 7.21 ERA while the Nats rank 18th with a 4.48 ERA. Additionally, the bullpens were quite heavily used in Tuesday's doubleheaders. 

The over is 14-5 in Nationals last 19 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

10* play on OVER. 

MAJOR WAGER - TUESDAY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The St. Louis Cardinals had won four straight prior to a 4-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series on Monday. They remain desperate for wins as they enter Tuesday tied with Cincinnati for second in the NL Central, but the Royals won't roll over, especially not with rookie right-hander Brady Singer (3-4, 4.14 ERA) on the mound. Singer is coming off a pair of scoreless starts while allowing only three overs 14 frames, and the Cards have struggled to produce runs all season ranking only 20th with 4.64 runs per game. 

Left-hander Austin Gomber (0-1, 2.37 ERA) will take the ball for St. Louis, filling in for Dakota Hudson. Gomber was knocked around as a reliever at Pittsburgh on Friday, but he has 6 2/3 scoreless frames against Kansas City throughout his career. We can also note that KC ranks just 27th for runs scored per game with 4.26 rpg average. 

Under is 20-6-1 in Cardinals last 27 interleague road games. Under is 6-0 in Royals last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - NUGGETS VS LAKERS WCF GAME 1 TOP PLAY

The Denver Nuggets held the Clippers to 96, 105, 98 and 89 points through the last four games of their Western Conference semi-finals series. The LA Lakers also stepped up defensively in their series with Houston, holding the Rockets to 102, 100 and 96 points through the last three games. Denver ranked second to last for pace during the regular season and will surely be looking to slow down the tempo in this one. 

Under is 6-0-2 in Nuggets last 8 overall. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

BRAVES @ METS FRIDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY

I think we will see a relatively low-scoring affair in this battle between left-handers. 

Mets' southpaw Steven Matz (0-4, 8.63 ERA) is having a tough year, but note that he is 6-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 14 starts against the Braves who are hitting just .233 against left-handers on the season.

Atlanta lefty Max Fried (6-0, 1.98 ERA) is having a great year and he is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 12 games (seven starts) against the Mets who are hitting right-hander better than left-handers. 

Under is 5-1 in Braves last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 head-to-head meetings at Citi Field. 

10* play on UNDER.

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB) - INDIANS @ TWINS TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Minnesota Twins are going for the sweep on Sunday after winning the first two games of the series 3-1 and 8-4. The under is 39-16-3 in the last 58 meetings between these two clubs and I expect this to be another low-scoring affair. 

Minnesota righty Michael Pineda (1-0, 2.77 ERA) owns a 2.81 ERA in three career starts against the Indians who's 23-year-old right-hander Triston McKenzie (2-0, 2.57 ERA) will make his first career start against Minnesota. McKenzie has had a very encouraging rookie season with just 11 hits allowed while punching out 26 over his 21 innings of work. 

Additionally, both bullpens are among the best in baseball with Cleveland's in 4th with a 3.50 ERA and Minnesota's in 7th with a 3.69 ERA. 

10* play on UNDER 8. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA) - RAPTORS VS CELTICS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

This might look like a low number at first glance, but note that through the first five games of this series, the most points scored were 107 points. 

These two division rivals know each other very well, and both have proven themselves more than capable of playing lockdown defense. 

The over/under is 24-32-2 in the NBA playoffs so far. Celtics won the last game 111-89 and the under is 18-7-1 in Raptors last 26 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points and 5-1 in their last 6 games as an underdog. Under is 10-1 in Celtics last 11 overall.

10* play on UNDER 210. 

YANKEES VS BLUE JAYS TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees are struggling to put runs on the board without injured Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Over their last four games, the Bronx Bombers have scored just a total of six runs and here they'll come up against left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu who's having a terrific year. Through his last six starts, Ryu (3-1, 2.51 ERA) has allowed a total of just four earned runs.

The Yankees counter with left-hander Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 5.76 ERA) who was lit up for four runs on five hits while recording just two outs before getting chased off the mound last time out. He is however 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in four career outings (three starts) against Toronto. 

Under is 9-2-1 in Yankees last 12 games as a road underdog and 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Blue Jays last 6 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER 9. 

NUGGETS VS CLIPPERS GAME 1 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Utah Jazz 80-78 in Game 7 of their first-round series a couple of days ago. That was one of only two contests to go under the total in that series, and I think we'll see a high-scoring affair when they take on the LA Clippers in the opener of round 2. 

The Clippers showed they can score in their first-round series with Dallas, averaging 126.6 ppg. Four of six games went over the total, and while they were clutch offensively, the Mavs showed the Clips are vulnerable on the defensive end. The Nuggets have the weapons to hurt them in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

The last two head-to-head meetings have both seen 230+ points, most recently a 124-111 Clippers win in the Orlando bubble on Aug 12. 

10* play on OVER 223. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA BEST BET

The Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder have combined for 204 points in each of the last two games of the series. 

The scoring has gone down significantly, which shouldn't come as a surprise as teams tend to step up defensively deep into close series, and it doesn't get any deeper or closer than this Game 7 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. I expect another low-scoring affair. 

Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 games as a favorite. Under is 48-21-1 in Thunder last 70 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER 216.5. 

AVS VS STARS GAME 6 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

Each of the first five games of the series has seen seven goals or more. The average is a bloated 8.6 goals per game, and I just don't see either team slowing down. 

The Avs fought off elimination with a 6-3 win last time out but will of course be in the same situation again. 

Virtually all goalies have struggled in this series, and we can note that Avs No. 1 netminder Philipp Grubauer has been missing since sustaining a lower-body injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round. 

Colorado will have to rely on its high-octane offense to stay alive, and I expect to see both teams keep scoring fast and easy.

10* play on OVER 6. 

AVS VS STARS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The first three games of the series have seen eight, seven, and 10 goals respectively. The Avs have been scoring boatloads of goals since going into the bubble and the Stars have also played way looser than they did during the regular season. 

Over is 6-0 in Avalanche last 6 overall. Over is 4-0 in Stars last 4 overall.

10* play on OVER 5.5.