Sports Handicapper Nick Parsons's Picks & Predictions

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL MOUND MISMATCH on the Mets runline.

I like the Mets to bounce back here in the finale of this four game series and to, at the very least, keep it tight enough to earn the cover on the runline option. The first two games were played in New York, and yesterday's game was in Philly.

The Phillies welcome Washington to town tomorrow and hand the ball to Taijuan Walker (3-0, 4.82 ERA), while the hungry Mets counter with Jose Quintana (1-4, 5.44.) 

With nearly 85% of the early public money, this one definitely appeals to my contrarian side.

I say Walker regresses and the hungry visiting side does indeed have the real potential of winning this one outright. It's an important game for New York as it looks to regain its footing before a series in Miami tomorrow. 

The official is to play the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance, the play is NEW YORK on the RUNLINE option.

Good luck, NP

This is an 8* POWER TOTAL on the OVER Yanks/Twins.

These two teams have been involved in several lower-scoring games of late, but all signs point to some offensive fireworks finally here on Thursday afternoon in my opinion.

New York has now won three straight after taking the first two games of this series, including yesterday's contest by a score of 4-0. Note though that the Twins have seen the total eclipse the posted number in eight of their last 12 in trying to avenge a shutout home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent.

Minnesota has now seen the total go UNDER in three straight after yesterday's loss, but that's also significant to note here as the Twins have seen the total go OVER the number in four of their last five after playing to three or more straight UNDERS in a row.

Both starters have been decent. But this is an "action" play. Clarke Schmidt and Joe Ryan are the scheduled starters, but the overall situation, combined with the above listed numbers/trends now swings the pendulum in favor of a higher-scoring outcome here in the finale of this three-game series.

And that's the play, the OVER.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EAST-CONF GOW on Indiana.

I came up short with Indiana in its opening game vs. the veteran-laden Connecticut Sun, and now Caitlin Clark and company face another tough, experienced side in the Liberty.

But with that first game under their belts, I believe the home side will make the necessary adjustments to be a lot more competitive this time around and I expect them to, at the very least, to keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the large amount of points that they've been afforded on Thursday night.

New York is off the 85-80 road win at Washington, but was unable to cover the large 14.5-point spread.

This is the opener and of a home and home set between these teams, with the reverse-fixture happening in New York on Saturday.

Look for the FEVER to get the job done on Thursday.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the OVER Rangers/Canes.

Here is a great situational play. This has been a difficult series to predict obviously, as the Rangers had a commanding 3-0 lead, before Carolina bounced back by taking the following two games.

That includes a 4-1 win at New York in Game 5. Note though that the Rangers have seen the total eclipse the posted number in four of their last five in trying to avenge a home loss vs. an opponent. Game 5 also represented the first time these teams haven't played to a one goal decision.

Either way, with each team pushing the pace like I anticipate, all signs do indeed point to this total flying OVER the number well before the final horn blares.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOTAL BLOOD-BATH on the UNDER Nuggets/Wolves.

Everyone was quick to jump ship on the Nuggets, but now here The Joker is back in familiar territory, about to finish off a series and move onto the Western Conference Finals.

Will that happen?! If not now, almost assuredly in Game 7 back at home I'd say. Clearly, Minnesota won't be rolling over here. 

Quite the opposite obviously! But to beat the Nuggets, they're going to have to body up against Denver and turn this Game 6 into a brawl.

Note as well that Minnesota has seen the total go UNDER the number in eight of its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss vs. an opponent in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in.

And with Denver committed to running its offense through its super-star big man, look for this slower-paced affair to produce a lower-scoring outcome.

The play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP