Sports Handicapper Michael Alexander's Picks & Predictions

Rating: 2 Units

These teams have clashed seven times since November. Indiana is 5-2, including a 2-0 home record, because they've scored more than 120 points in all but one of those meetings. Considering that the Bucks have only scored more than 115 points once in April (117 on April 10), this game does not bode well for them. As is, Milwaukee has plenty of issues on the road, hence their 18-22 (16-24-0 ATS) record in away games. With a cold offense, no Giannis Antetokounmpo, and a defense that can't contain the Pacers, the Bucks are in danger. Milwaukee's weak offensive rebounding also doesn't challenge Indiana's awful defensive rebounding, an area where they could get points back. Take the Pacers to win by more than five points again now that this series is in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Rating: 2 Units

If Demko was healthy for this game, the Canucks would be favored and likely would be up 2-0 in the series. Instead, he’s banged up and coach Rick Tocchet has said that DeSmith is going to be between the pipes for this contest. We saw how he struggled in the opener, stopping 12 of 15 shots before the empty net goal that closed the scoring. Vancouver was down a goal 74 seconds into the game and never managed to get even the rest of the way. With the backup goaltender between the pipes, Vancouver can’t be as freewheeling offensively as they usually are. Look for Nashville to feed off their home crowd and take Game 3 to earn the series lead.

MLB Free Pick - Oakland at Baltimore

The Orioles send ace right-hander Corbin Burnes (3-0, 2.76 ERA) to face right-hander Ross Stripling (0-5, 5.34) in today's opener. Burnes struggled a bit his last time out, allowing three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings during a 9-7 win against the Royals on Saturday. He retired 17 of the first 19 batters he faced and gave up a three-run homer to his final batter but got strong support from his offense. Baltimore is 5-0 in games started by Burnes, who has never faced the A's. Oakland, meanwhile, has lost each game started by Stripling, including on Sunday when he allowed three runs on five hits in five innings during a 6-2 loss to the Guardians. He gave up three runs or fewer in three of his five starts. Oakland has scored a total of nine runs in games started by Stripling, who has gone 27 games (16 starts) without a win, dating back to the start of last season.

Rating; 2 Units

The Phillies have won eight of their last 10 games and three of their last five road games. They are playing well offensively and scored 17 runs in their last three road games. They will play well offensively in this game because they’ve hit the ball well against right-handers and Musgrove has been shaky on the mound in recent starts, giving up 10 runs in his last three starts. He gave up six runs in his last start against the Phillies and will have a hard time slowing them down in this game. The Padres have lost two of their last three home games. They struggled offensively during that stretch, scoring only six runs. Their offensive struggles will continue in this game because Nola has been dominant on the mound in recent starts, giving up five runs in his last four starts. He gave up four runs in his last two starts against the Padres and will keep their offense in check once again. 

Rating: 2 Units

Lugo has been outstanding thus far with four quality starts of his five starts. He's kept the ball on the ground, thus avoiding big innings despite giving up 30 hits in 31 innings of work. He will benefit from a Tigers team that has not hit the ball well at home and keep them in the park thanks to the daunting dimensions at Comerica Park as well as the ability to keep the ball on the ground. The Royals have shown surprising pop despite a relatively no-name lineup this season. They have 28 home runs but, more importantly, they can generate runs with a lineup that has some speed to complement the power. Olson has yet to win a game this season, has a WHIP of 1.45, and has given up more hits than innings pitched thus far. Look for the Royals to generate runs with speed and execution and Lugo to once again stay out of the big inning.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tampa Bay Rays have not been at their best but this is a great spot to gain some confidence against the worst squad in baseball. The Chicago White Sox are rarely winning games, dropping nine of their last ten games. They could be on the way to 110 defeats this season. The Rays have Zach Eflin on the mound. The veteran has been dominant, posting 12.1 scoreless innings in his last two performances including a gem against the Yankees. He has conceded zero or one run in three of his last four outings. Chris Flexen has been shaky. He has been solid out of the 'pen but has surrendered 13 runs in 13.1 innings in his three starts this season.