Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#69) Colorado Avalanche | ML | . 

Even though Colorado did me dirty in Game 3, blowing that 3-0 lead that would've made me victorious on my NHL GOY, I believe that the Avs still have as good of a chance as anyone to come back from being down 3-0. It's never easy, especially in this Game 4, on the road. But, Colorado should be able to produce a bit of magic nonetheless, and have a much stronger goaltending performance in this one. 

Vegas has struck back every time adversity has hit so far in these playoffs. But, the Knights have also dropped games in both of its earlier series'. They aren't as superstar loaded as the Avalanche, and have been getting dominant showings from Carter Hart in the goal. But, if Hart shows any weakness here, expect COL to jump all over it. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Colorado.

(#560) Oklahoma City Thunder | ATS | . 

After opening as a -5.5 point favorite, the line has come down to this -4.0 number. I believe that OKC is going to be angry after losing the last one, which should definitely fuel it to win this game. The Thunder have been elite on their home court throughout the season & that has continued throughout the postseason (only loss being in 2OT to SAS.) Game 5 is back in Oklahoma City. I like the Thunder to come out swinging, and early. 

San Antonio is capable of beating anyone in the NBA including this OKC Thunder side. But, the Spurs do lack the ability to keep the foot on the gas pedal at times. Numerous times in these playoffs, yet alone this series, San Antonio has opened up games with big runs. But, teams are able to hang around. That's not what you want, especially in a game like this one the road. Give me OKC at home at a much better price than we saw yesterday. 

Burns' Prediction: 117-107 Thunder.

(#967) New York Yankees | ATS | . 

Cam Schlittler (6-2, 1.50 ERA) vs. Bailey Falter (0-1, 9.82 ERA). 

I know that the line for this contest is pretty steep. That's why I'm going to lay the run & a half. But, I also would consider laying the juice on the moneyline if it wasn't a concern for you. Looking at the matchup, Schlittler is an AL Cy Young candidate while Falter might not have many more starts in the big leagues at this pace. The Yankees came back to win yesterday's game after being down a run heading into the ninth. Consecutive wins in the ninth inning should have the Yankees fired up for this game on Tuesday. For the Royals, they've simply been underwhelming all season long. While their stats aren't horrible by any means, they just aren't producing enough runs and that's never going to help in the long run. I'm expecting a much bigger win today for NYY compared to the past couple of wins. Hammer the Yankees. 

Burns' Prediction: 7-2 Yankees.

(#977) Atlanta Braves @ (#978) Boston Red Sox | UNDER | . 

Spencer Strider (2-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Ranger Suarez (2-2, 2.40 ERA) . 

Even though I believe that both of these offenses could definitely breakout in this series, I'm expecting a lower scoring opening game of this three-game set. Not only does Strider have a perfect record so far. But, I also like him very much in this matchup. Boston's been horrific here at home at Fenway so far and are the last team remaining in the big leagues with single digit home wins (at this very moment.) 

Looking at the other side of things, Ranger Suarez has looked pretty dominant for the most part this season. Boston expected brilliance & he's been one of their lone bright spots on the year. Having allowed only a run in 13.2 innings pitched here in May so far, I believe that he's going to be great again here on Tuesday. Give me the "under" w/ this pitching matchup this evening. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-2 Braves.

(#966) Detroit Tigers | ML | . 

Jack Kochanowicz (2-3, 4.55 ERA) vs. Keider Montero (2-3, 3.83 ERA) . 

Neither of these two teams have been very good so far this season. As a matter of fact, these have been to two worst teams in the American League (record wise.) That being said, I believe that Detroit is much better than its record suggests & the tides are about to turn real fast real soon. But, looking at LA first, the Angels lineup just hasn't been good enough so far this year. Yes, they've been able to drive in some runs at times. But, with Trout & Adell both hitting less than .250, it's just not consistent enough for the Angels to be successful. 

Looking at the Tigers, it's just been straight free-fall down the standings since Tarik Skubal went down. Now, I know that it takes a toll on a team when its superstar gets hurt. But, the Tigers are definitely good enough to keep afloat without him. Despite the ridiculously bad record, they are still a winning baseball team here at home this season. Keider Montero is also a very solid pitcher and has been better here at Comerica Park. I'm on Detroit in this one. 

Burns' Prediction: 7-4 Tigers.