Handicapper Profile

#501 4* Golden State Warriors -3.5 (9:00 edt) ESPN

Portland had a good start in game 3 but they fell apart in the 2nd half and the Warriors ended up easily getting the win to go up 3-0.  Just don't see the Blazers having anything left in the tank here after that demoralizing defeat.  Golden State has been better on the road than at home all season long and they will be very interested in getting as much rest as possible to prep for the Finals.  Look for a big win and cover here from Golden State.  Thank you and good luck.

#550 4* Toronto Raptors -2.5 (7:00 edt) TNT

Look for the Raptors to bring everything they have here to avoid going down 3-0 and look for the Toronto crowd to be ready for this one as well.  This is the classic down 2-0 home team here and that has long been a profitable betting angle in the NBA playoffs.  Don't see the Bucks "other" players being quite as effective here on the road as they have been at home and Toronto will come out flying here to defend their home turf.  Lay this small number with Toronto.  Thank you and good luck.

# St. Louis Blues ML +115 (3:15 edt) NBC

The Blues could very easily be up 3-1 in this series after the way game 3 ended but they got back on track getting a win in game 4 and the Blues have been very strong in this playoff season away from home.  Just have to believe the Karlson injury is going to be a huge issue for the defense of the Sharks which is a huge edge for St. Louis here as well.  Play the Blues to get this road win in game 5.  Thank you and good luck.

#548 4* Portland Trail Blazers -2.5 (9:00 edt) ABC

Have to love the Blazers here since they have their backs to the wall down 2-0 on in this series and they have been excellent all season long against the number at home.  Portland had their chances to win game 2 for sure so they will be extra motivated for a good win here.  Lay this very small number here with Portland to win with Jimmy.  Thank you and good luck.

#546 4* Milwaukee Bucks -6.5 (8:30 edt) TNT

Only one way to look here after Milwaukee got the win and cover in game 1.  That was the road game that should have been the one to get for Toronto since the Bucks were going to be rusty having too much rest but that was not the case.  Just like the other teams in the east the Raptors don't know how to stop the Greek Freak and do you really get the feeling that the Raptors trust anyone not named Kawaii in a pressure situation?  They don't.  Love the Bucks here to get a big win and cover.  Thank you and good luck.

#17 - #18 4* San Jose Sharks - St. Louis Blues OVER 5.5 -110 (8:10 edt) NBCSN

Have to go over here since the 3 previous games in this series have all gone over the number and the goals don't show any sign of slowing down.  Both teams are getting glorious scoring chances and there have been enough power plays to provide both teams with great scoring opportunities.  The goaltending has actually been quite good it is just that each team has had so many quality chances.  Play this one over the numbers here.

#544 4* Golden State Warriors -7.5 (9:00 edt) ESPN

Only one way to look after the way Golden State dominated game 1.  The loss of Durant seems to have motivated the Warriors to be better on both offense and defense and the Blazers simply can't match them from the 3-point area.  Look for another dominating win and cover here by Golden State.  Thank you and good luck.

#15 Boston Bruins ML -120 (8:10 edt) NBCSN

Carolina had their chance for a win in this series in game 3 but just could not put the biscuit in the basket on some golden chances.  Now they are down 3-0 and they have to be very depressed.  Boston has playoff experience and they have a huge edge in net and they will be very happy to get maximum rest here by winning this series in a sweep.  Take Boston to end this series tonight.  Thank you and good luck.

#532 4* Milwaukee Bucks -6.5 (8:30 edt) TNT

Love the Bucks here since they have had the extra rest and they had the opportunity to watch the last few games of the Raptors in the previous round.  Big edge to them for that and they will have the much fresher legs.  Toronto enters this one off of a very emotional game 7 win which sets them up to be flat here.  The Raptors are not strong ATS on the road and the Bucks are very strong ATS at home.  Lay this reasonable number here with Milwaukee.  Thank you and good luck.

#14 4* St. Louis Blues ML (8:10 edt) NBCSN

Give me the Blues here who will be juiced up with the home crowd here and with their much better performance in game 2 than game 1.  Just not convinced I trust Jones fully in net for the Sharks - especially on the road in a pivotal game 3.  Look for the Blues to get it done in front of the home town crowd here.  Thank you and good luck.