This is an 8* PITCHING MISMATCH on the Orioles.

I'm contrarian by nature, but I don't always follow that rule or methodology for every single play.

The public is heavily on Baltimore here, and rightfully so in my opinion.

These two teams are heading in opposite directions, and Baltimore has the clear starting pitching advantage, with Grayson Rodriguez (3-0, 2.63 ERA) getting the call for the Orioles, and Griffin Canning (0-3, 8.05) countering for the Angels.

Baltimore has control of the AL East now and I'm expecting it to keep the foot on the gas for at least one more game here.

Great overall value, the play is BALTIMORE.

Good luck, NP

This is an 8* TOP-SHELF DESTROYER on the Lightning.

Florida won the first game of this series by a score of 3-2. Tampa needed a late power play goal to get it within one goal, and Florida wasn't able to put in the empty-netter with only a minute remaining.

Suffice it to say, I'm expecting another "nail-biter" here as well. Tampa's responded well in this spot for bettors as well by going 7-3 in its last ten in trying to avenge a road loss vs. an opponent.

I think Florida does enjoy a home ice advantage, but this line is now way out of whack, with the majority of the general betting public quick to back the home side and lay the price.

But in a game that I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

The play is TAMPA on the PUCKLINE option.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the OVER Mavs/Clippers.

I had a play on the "over" in Game 1, and that came up short. It was because the Mavericks' offense looked terrible in the first half, only scoring eight points in the second quarter.

The Mavs though scored 34 and 33 points in the third and fourth quarters respectively, and that's the offense that I'm expecting to show up here tonight.

The Clippers looked great though and there's no reason not to think the offense won't be firing on all cylinders again, especially with the expected return of Kawhi. 

But whether he plays or not, in my opinion all signs point to this total flying OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP

This is an 8* RUNLINE BLOWOUT on the Royals.

In a contest that I see being tight, possibly even decided in extra innings, I'm going to suggest to lay this very reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance.

Yariel Rodriguez (0-0, 2.35 ERA) gets the call for Toronto. In my opinion he looks poised for regression.

The Royals counter with the red hot Alec Marsh (3-0, 3.22), who continues to show consistency at the start of the season here.

Toronto is once again getting too much respect from the oddsmakers in my opinion.

The outright is possible, but the official call is to grab KC on the RUNLINE option.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the UNDER Knights/Stars.

The first game went OVER the numberin the Knights 4-3 victory, but I'm anticipating a much more defensive battle here in Game 2. 

Vegas has already stolen home ice advantage, so Dallas will be risking life and limb here to avoid the 0-2 hole. And to do that, I'm fully expecting the home side to double down on the defensive end.

Logan Thompson looked good in net for Vegas, stopping 27 of 30 shots. Adin Hill could see action here as well.

Jake Oettinger has all the tools in place here to bounce back for the Stars.

Look for Game 2 to be much more defensive overall, as the play is indeed on the UNDER.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Pels.

The Pels had a chance to win Game 1 in their 94-92 setback. I'm anticipating another tight game until the end here. I even considered taking New Orleans on the moneyline, but in the end let's grab up all these points.

Zion Williamson is still out likely to next weekend, but CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas will be able to once again pick up the slack in my opinion.

The Thunder were a great regular season team, but they're in unchartered territory right now for most of these guys.

Playing as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs puts a target on your back.

Both teams shot poorly in Game 1. New Orleans has the depth and veteran experience to once again make Game 2 interesting.

While I do think an outright is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can with NEW ORLEANS.

Good luck, NP