Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#50) Montreal Canadiens | ML | . 

Coming off the big Game 5 win on the road, Montreal has a chance to close out the series on its home ice here this evening. What an opportunity. The Bell Centre might just have the loudest and best atmosphere in the NHL when it comes to this time of the year and there's no better place to have this hockey game if you're the Montreal Canadiens. They made the postseason last year and are even stronger this time around. 

Don't get me wrong, I do think the Lightning are as elite as they come as well. As a matter of fact, the winner of this series could definitely go on to win or challenge for the Stanley Cup. That being said, that loss back at home in Gm5 is going to haunt the Lightning all summer long. Give me the Habs to finish the series here at home on Friday evening. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Canadiens.

(#905) Milwaukee Brewers @ (#906) Washington Nationals | OVER | . 

Jacob Misiorowski (1-2, 3.31 ERA) vs. Jake Irvin (1-3, 4.85 ERA) . 

I do really like what I've seen from Jacob Misiorowski so far this season, despite the losing record. However, he's running into a very hot Nationals lineup that's scored 19 runs over the past two games. Washington doesn't have as many superstars as say maybe Milwaukee. But, the Nats can sure hit and are averaging 5.5 runs per game which is the T-2 in the MLB. 

On the other hand, Milwaukee also ranks in the top five in runs per game at 5.1. Yes, the Brewers pitching has been quite strong and limiting runs. But, I expect Washington to be able to score some here. Irvin's been rocked a ton against the Brewers as well. Give me the "over" on Friday afternoon. 

Burns' Prediction: 8-6 Brewers.

(#917) Houston Astros @ (#918) Boston Red Sox | OVER | . 

Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.25 ERA) vs. Jake Bennett (0-0, 0.00 ERA) . 

I like the "over" quite a bit here on Saturday. Houston got shut down in the first couple games of its last series, scoring just six runs. But, in the finale yesterday, the Astros piled on 11 runs on the Orioles. Houston has been one of the highest scoring teams in the MLB throughout the first 30+ games this season & I'm all here for it. 

Boston will start Jake Bennett, as he'll make his big league debut. Although there's no real numbers to go on here, I do expect the 'Stros to continue their hot hitting. Mike Burrows hasn't been good for Houston either (today's other starter.) Give me the "over" and expect a ton of runs to get put on the board here. 

Burns' Prediction: 8-5 Red Sox.

(#911) Atlanta Braves | ATS | . 

Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.63 ERA) vs. Jose Quintana (1-2, 4.91 ERA) . 

I like Atlanta quite a bit in this matchup. Grant Holmes isn't my favorite starter out there. But, he gets the job done. Yes, he picked up the loss against Colorado in last seasons outing (allowed just 2 ER's in 6 IP.) But, that game was at home and this one's going to feature a lot more runs. Atlanta's been playing some excellent baseball to begin the season & the hot hitting of Matt Olson should continue at Coors Field. 

Jose Quintana's been solid, but not anything great either. In his lone home start, he allowed six runs, four earned, in a five inning loss against the Dodgers. This is his first year as a member of the Rockies & I'm pretty positive that he's not going to enjoy his time here nearly as much as he has over the past couple of seasons, on the field at least. Give me ATL big. 

Burns' Prediction: 9-4 Braves.

(#525) Detroit Pistons | ATS | . 

Still playing to stay alive, the #1 seeded Pistons looked much, much better in Game 4 despite not covering the spread. I know that Cade Cunningham had to score 45 in that game to keep Detroit alive. But, the momentum of having won the last game in a playoff series is definitely real, especially as the higher seed. 

Orlando also got a 45 point showing from Paolo Banchero in Game 4. That being said, it wasn't good enough. Franz Wagner remains out for Game 6 and that's a crucial injury for this series. I believe that Banchero won't have as strong as a game here on Friday, which should ultimately lead to a Detroit W. Lay the points (consider ML as well ... if want to be safe.) 

Burns' Prediction: 114-105 Pistons.

(#907) Philadelphia Phillies | ML | . 

Zack Wheeler (0-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. Eury Perez (2-2, 4.60 ERA) . 

Philadelphia managed to win both games with game winning walk-offs in yesterday's double header. Now, on a three game winning streak, I like the Phillies to keep rolling on Friday. Zack Wheeler gets the nod for the second time this season. I liked what I saw from Philadelphia's #1 arm (in my eyes) in that opening start. He didn't pick up the win. But, Philadelphia has been playing much better lately and should definitely be able to give Wheeler a couple of runs to work with in this one. 

Eury Perez will get the ball, on the other hand. He's still a very young arm, with not the best numbers to begin this season. The Marlins began the season on a heater, but have also cooled off recently. Don't get me wrong, he does have great stats at home this season (and bad on the road.) But, I expect those numbers to even out over the course of the season. Philadelphia gets another win here this evening. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-3 Phillies.