Jimmy Adams
Play Rating: D units
Play: Los Angeles Clippers +1.0 (-110)
The last second alley-oop from Deandre Ayton was a devastating blow to LA, but it put them in the perfect spot to play them for game 3. For whatever reason, the Clippers seem to play at their best with their backs up against the wall. Let’s not forget that they were down 0-2 in both of their previous series. Patrick Beverley has stepped up big, and we can expect another strong performance out of him as well the rest of the “supporting cast.” LA is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games and getting them as a slight underdog is even better. Take the Clippers.
Line Parameter: 4 units as underdog, 3 units as favorite
Play Rating: D units
Play: Houston Astros -1.5 (-140) L Garcia (RHP), J Urena (RHP) Must Start
The Astros are on an absolute tear, winners of their past 10 games, with all but 1 coming by more than a run. Most of the wins came by extremely large margins, and that was the case again on Wednesday in a 13-0 win over the Orioles. Houston will now look to feast on another “bottom feeder” when they open up a 4 game set in Detroit Thursday. Luis Garcia has been about as “bet on” a pitcher as we’ve come across this season. Garcia has a 2.82 ERA on the season and has allowed just 1 run in 4 of his last 5 starts. Jose Urena owns an ERA of 5.79 and has given up 7 and 8 runs in his last 2 starts. Take the Astros run line.
Line Parameter: 4 units at -140 or lower, 3 units at higher than -140
Play Rating: D units
Play: Washington Nationals -108 J Ross (RHP), C Poteet (RHP) Must Start
The Nationals are coming off possibly their most impressive win of the season Wednesday. First down, 5-0, then 9-5, Washington was relentless in a 13-12 victory over the Phillies. Washington has now won 9 of their past 10 games, and giving up runs won’t be as big of a problem with Jon Lester on the hill. Lester has given up 2 earned runs or fewer in all of his past 5 starts. Meanwhile, the Marlins have lost 3 straight and 7 of 9. Cody Poteet doesn’t have great numbers and more importantly he doesn’t go deep into games. Poteet has thrown 3.2 and 2.2 innings in his last 2 starts. We’re getting a good price on a team that’s flying under the betting radar. Take the Nationals.
Line Parameter: 4 units at -115 or lower, 3 units at higher than -115
*Correction: Joe Ross is currently listed as the starting pitcher for Washington. This REMAINS a 4 unit play and has been changed to ACTION