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The Miami Marlins open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch set for 10:10 PM ET on SN LA. Miami comes in at 13-15 and second in the NL East, but the road profile is the real concern. The Marlins are 3-9 away from home and have dropped two straight after letting Sunday’s game get away late in San Francisco.
The Dodgers are 19-9, leading the NL West, and they look a lot more comfortable in this spot. They are 11-4 at home, have won two straight, and just blanked the Cubs 6-0 behind another strong overall performance. Shohei Ohtani also ended his 12-game home run drought Sunday, which matters here because this lineup already leads MLB in batting average, OBP, slugging, and home runs.
The market reflects the gap. Los Angeles is priced as a heavy favorite behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while Miami sends Chris Paddack to the mound still looking for his first win of the season. The Dodgers are not cheap, obviously, but the run line and total are where this game gets more interesting.
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Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a position.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Marlins | +243 | +1.5 (+114) | O 8.5 (-105) |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -300 | -1.5 (-136) | U 8.5 (-115) |
Miami Marlins Betting Form
Miami’s offense is not the issue on paper. The Marlins are hitting .255 as a team with a .331 on-base percentage, both ranking inside the top six. Xavier Edwards has been a steady contact piece at the top of the order, and Liam Hicks has supplied the best run production with five home runs and 24 RBIs. That profile gives Miami a little more bite than the moneyline suggests, especially against right-handed pitching.
The problem is the way this team has played on the road. Miami is just 3-9 away from home, and the bullpen wasted a winnable game Sunday after Max Meyer gave the Marlins five innings without an earned run. That is the kind of loss that matters in betting, because it puts more pressure on a bullpen that now has to open a series in one of the toughest environments in the National League. For updated team context, the broader MLB previews page is useful when comparing matchups across the full board.
Chris Paddack gets the ball, and this is not an easy landing spot. He is 0-4 with a 6.38 ERA, and he allowed five runs across 4 2/3 innings in his last start against St. Louis. There was a better stretch before that, where he gave up only four earned runs across three outings, so I do not want to say he has been completely unplayable. Still, his margin for error is thin here. Against a Dodgers lineup that can punish mistakes from either side of the plate, Miami probably needs Paddack to keep this close for five innings just to make the +1.5 run line live.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Form
Los Angeles is in a strong position because the offense is starting to look dangerous again, and Ohtani getting back into the home run column changes the feel of this matchup. Before Sunday, he was in an 8-for-44 slide and had gone 12 games without a homer. Then he went 3-for-3 with a solo shot in the 6-0 win over Chicago. Maybe that does not automatically mean he is fully locked back in, but it is not exactly ideal timing for a Miami pitching staff that just let one slip away.
The Dodgers’ offense ranks first in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. That is the main reason the moneyline is sitting around -300. Los Angeles has the lineup depth to create traffic early, force Paddack into hitter’s counts, and get into Miami’s bullpen before the late innings. That is where the run line starts to make more sense than laying a massive moneyline price.
Yamamoto gives the Dodgers the clear starting pitching edge. He is 2-2 with a 2.48 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP, and even in his loss at San Francisco, he still covered seven innings while allowing three runs. That matters because Los Angeles has bullpen injuries and several arms unavailable, so length from the starter is important. Yamamoto also handled Miami well last season, allowing two runs over eight innings in his lone start against the Marlins. If he is commanding the splitter and keeping the ball off barrels, the Dodgers should control the first half of this game.
Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers Matchup Breakdown
This matchup starts with the gap between Yamamoto and Paddack. Yamamoto has the better command profile, the better contact-management profile, and the better chance to work deep enough to protect the Dodgers’ bullpen. Paddack has shown flashes, and his changeup can still miss timing when it is down in the zone, but the Dodgers are not a lineup that gives pitchers many free resets.
The Marlins do have enough contact and on-base skill to avoid being dismissed completely. They are not a dead offense, and they have hit the over in a high percentage of road games. The issue is whether they can turn singles and walks into runs against Yamamoto. Los Angeles does a good job limiting free baserunners with him on the mound, and Miami does not have the same power depth as the Dodgers if this game turns into a slugging contest.
The ballpark is another part of the handicap. Dodger Stadium can play fair for power, but it is not automatically an over park at night if the marine layer helps keep some balls in. That makes run sequencing important. Miami may need crooked-number innings to push this total over, while Los Angeles can still get to five or six runs without everything being loud contact.
From a betting angle, the Dodgers have the cleaner side profile, but the moneyline is too expensive by itself. That pushes the conversation toward the run line, first five innings, or even a Dodgers team total depending on the number. For bettors still working on market selection, the MLB betting guide is a good fit because this is exactly the kind of game where price matters more than just picking the better team.
Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Dodgers, but not at -300. That price leaves almost no room for error, and even good teams lose weird MLB games. The more playable angle is Los Angeles -1.5, because the pitching matchup, home-field edge, lineup power, and Miami’s road form all point in the same direction. The model projection of Dodgers 5-3 also lands right on a run-line cover.
The biggest concern with the run line is Miami’s ability to put the ball in play. The Marlins are not a high-strikeout, empty lineup, so they can hang around if Paddack gives them five decent innings. But that is a pretty big ask against this Dodgers offense. Los Angeles should be able to create pressure early, especially if Ohtani’s timing is really starting to come back.
On the total, I lean Under 8.5, but it is not quite as strong as the side. Yamamoto should keep Miami from building many rallies, and the Dodgers do not necessarily need a huge offensive night to win this game. Still, Paddack’s form makes the under a little uncomfortable. If he exits early, Miami’s bullpen could turn a 4-1 type of game into something much messier.
For first five innings, the Dodgers also make sense if the price is more reasonable than the full-game moneyline. Yamamoto has the edge over Paddack, and that isolates the best part of the handicap before bullpen variance gets involved. But with the posted market in front of us, the best value is still backing Los Angeles to win by margin rather than laying -300 straight.
Best Bet: Dodgers -1.5 (-136).
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The Chicago Cubs visit the San Diego Padres on Monday night to open a three-game series at PETCO Park, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET on MARQ. Chicago enters at 17-11 and second in the NL Central, but the Cubs are trying to stop a two-game skid after running into trouble against the Dodgers over the weekend.
San Diego is 18-9 and second in the NL West, and even after blowing a 7-1 lead in a 12-7 loss to Arizona in Mexico City, the Padres have still won 16 of their last 20 after a slow 2-5 start. They are 9-4 at home and have gone 7-3 over their last 10, so this is not exactly a soft bounce-back spot for Chicago.
The pitching matchup is interesting because Randy Vásquez has been one of the better early-season stories for San Diego, while Matthew Boyd is still working back after a left biceps strain. Chicago is a slight road favorite, but the line is tight enough that this feels more like a matchup handicap than a simple “better team” spot.
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Chicago Cubs vs San Diego Padres Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a play.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | -114 | -1.5 (+146) | O 8.0 (-106) |
| San Diego Padres | -104 | +1.5 (-175) | U 8.0 (-114) |
Chicago Cubs Betting Form
Chicago’s offense is still the main reason to take the Cubs seriously here. The Cubs rank near the top of MLB with a .263 batting average and a .353 on-base percentage, and they have already produced 149 runs and 37 home runs. Even after getting shut out Sunday, this is not a lineup I want to overreact against too hard. They can build innings with contact, walks, and power, which is the exact mix that keeps pressure on a pitcher like Vásquez.
Nico Hoerner has been a steady table-setter, and Moisés Ballesteros has added real contact value. Dansby Swanson has shown the ability to change a game with one swing, too. The Cubs’ broader offensive profile makes their MLB previews and matchups worth tracking because this team is not winning in only one way. They can grind out plate appearances, but they also have enough home run pop to flip a total quickly.
Matthew Boyd starts for Chicago, and this is where the bet gets a little more complicated. He is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA, but he returned from the injured list last week and gave the Cubs 4 2/3 innings against Philadelphia, allowing two runs with no walks and five strikeouts. That was encouraging. Still, the workload probably matters. If Boyd is capped around the mid-80s in pitches again, Chicago may need plenty from a bullpen that has been hit hard by injuries.
San Diego Padres Betting Form
San Diego comes into this game in good overall form, even if Sunday’s loss was ugly. Blowing a six-run lead is never ideal, especially in a travel spot back from Mexico City, but the Padres have been one of the hotter teams in baseball over the last three weeks. They have also played well at PETCO Park, where the run prevention usually gives them a little more margin.
The Padres’ offense is not quite as statistically loud as Chicago’s, but there is enough impact in the order to punish Boyd if his command is loose. Manny Machado just hit two home runs and drove in five in the Mexico City loss, and Luis Campusano also went deep. San Diego ranks fifth in doubles and sits around the middle of the league in home runs, which fits this matchup. They may not need constant traffic if Boyd leaves a few hittable pitches up.
Vásquez is the main reason the Padres are live. He is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA and has already thrown two scoreless starts this season, including seven shutout innings at Coors Field on just 84 pitches. That outing was not a small thing. His velocity bump has helped him miss more bats, limit walks, and work cleaner innings. Against a Cubs lineup that leads with on-base pressure, strike throwing matters. If Vásquez keeps the ball on the edges and avoids free passes, San Diego can control the first five innings.
Chicago Cubs vs San Diego Padres Matchup Breakdown
This game has a clean split between offensive edge and starting pitching edge. Chicago has the better overall lineup numbers, especially in OBP, and that gives the Cubs a real path to win if they make Vásquez work. The Cubs are not just swinging for power. They can extend at-bats and get into a bullpen that has been good but may be asked to cover meaningful innings again.
The Padres have the better starting pitcher form. Vásquez has been sharper than Boyd, and his ability to pitch efficiently could be a huge factor after San Diego’s bullpen had to deal with the chaos of Sunday’s loss. Boyd, meanwhile, is still being judged through a post-injury lens. I liked the no walks in his return, but PETCO is a different type of test because San Diego can stack right-handed pressure and make him execute from the start.
Bullpen health is another key angle. Chicago’s relief group is dealing with several injuries, and that matters with Boyd unlikely to be pushed too deep. Riley Martin hitting the injured list adds another problem, while Daniel Palencia and Phil Maton are not fully back yet. That makes the Cubs’ moneyline a little less comfortable than the offensive numbers suggest.
The total at 8 is tricky because PETCO can hold down scoring, especially with mild coastal weather. But the Cubs have been strong offensively, Boyd’s workload is uncertain, and San Diego’s lineup just showed some power. For bettors looking at how to price bullpen and lineup edges, the MLB betting guide is useful in a matchup like this because the better full-game number may not be the same as the better first-five angle.
Chicago Cubs vs San Diego Padres Predictions and Best Bets
I lean slightly toward the Cubs on the moneyline, but I do not love laying even a small road favorite price against Vásquez at home. Chicago has the better offense and the deeper on-base profile, so the model projection of Cubs 5-4 makes sense. The issue is that the Padres have the starting pitching edge, and that makes the full-game side harder to attack with confidence.
The Padres first five innings angle is the cleaner side if the market gives a playable price. Vásquez has been efficient, his command has improved, and he has already shown he can keep good lineups quiet when he is ahead in counts. Boyd is capable, but he is still building back after the biceps issue, and San Diego has enough right-handed power to push early.
For the full-game total, I lean Over 8. This is not a perfect over park, and the weather does not scream offense, but the matchup points to enough run creation. Chicago’s lineup gets on base at an elite rate, San Diego has power in form, and the Cubs’ bullpen injuries make the final three innings less stable than usual. A 5-4 type of game feels very realistic.
The best bet is the over because it does not require choosing between Chicago’s lineup edge and San Diego’s starting pitching edge. It just needs Boyd to be average, the Cubs to create some traffic, and one of these bullpens to bend late. That feels more realistic than trusting either moneyline at this price.
Best Bet: Over 8.0 (-106).
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MLB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Daily baseball betting is all about comparing angles. One capper may like the Cubs’ offense, another may isolate San Diego early behind Vásquez, and another may only attack the total. That is why checking the full board of MLB picks can help bettors find better price points instead of forcing one bet on every matchup.
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The New York Yankees open a road series against the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, with first pitch set for 8:05 PM ET on YES. New York enters at 18-10 and first in the AL East, although its eight-game winning streak ended Sunday in a 7-4 loss to Houston.
Texas comes in at 14-14 and second in the AL West. The Rangers have been more uneven, splitting their last 10 games and dropping a tight 2-1 game to the Athletics over the weekend. The setting should be controlled with Globe Life Field’s retractable roof limiting weather impact, so this handicap is more about pitching, lineup health, and price.
The Yankees are favored behind Max Fried, who has been excellent through the first month. Texas counters with Jack Leiter, who has shown flashes but still carries a 4.97 ERA. The market is giving New York clear respect here, but the run line and total are where this matchup gets a little more interesting.
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New York Yankees vs Texas Rangers Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before making a final play.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | -180 | -1.5 (-108) | O 8.0 (-114) |
| Texas Rangers | +150 | +1.5 (-112) | U 8.0 (-106) |
New York Yankees Betting Form
New York’s offense still looks dangerous even after the winning streak ended. The Yankees matched Houston in hits Sunday, and Aaron Judge went deep on his birthday for his 10th home run of the season. This lineup ranks second in home runs, and Ben Rice has been one of the biggest early-season pieces with a .326 average and nine homers.
The Stanton situation matters, though. Giancarlo Stanton has missed time with right calf tightness, and if he is unavailable or limited, the Yankees lose some of their right-handed thump in the middle of the order. Even so, the lineup has enough power and on-base ability to pressure Leiter, especially if Judge, Rice, and the top half of the order are seeing the ball well. For broader matchup context across the board, the MLB previews page is useful when comparing teams in similar road favorite spots.
Fried gives the Yankees the cleanest edge in this game. He is 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP, and he just threw eight scoreless innings against Boston with nine strikeouts. That is the kind of form that travels. Fried’s command, weak-contact profile, and ability to work deep into games give New York a strong first-five angle, especially against a Texas lineup that has been more solid than explosive.
Texas Rangers Betting Form
Texas has enough talent to make this uncomfortable for a road favorite, but the offense has been inconsistent. The Rangers rank around the middle of the league in slugging, and they are coming off a game where they managed only one run despite Josh Jung doubling twice. Corey Seager still gives this lineup a dangerous left-handed bat, but the matchup against Fried is not ideal.
Jung is the key right now. He has been swinging it well, and his move into the cleanup spot gives Texas a more active run-producing bat behind the top of the order. The Rangers also have 28 home runs, which puts them in the top half of the league, so they can still change the game with one swing. The issue is whether they can create enough traffic before that swing comes.
Leiter is the swing piece. He is 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA, and while his fastball can play at the top of the zone, his innings can unravel when command slips. That showed up in his last start against Pittsburgh, where he looked like he might cruise before the fifth inning got away from him. Against the Yankees, mistakes up in the zone are dangerous. If Leiter limits walks and keeps the ball in the yard, Texas has a path. If not, New York can separate early.
New York Yankees vs Texas Rangers Matchup Breakdown
The starting pitching edge is clearly with the Yankees. Fried has been sharper, more efficient, and more reliable than Leiter, and his ability to suppress baserunners is a major part of this handicap. Texas needs to make him work, but that is easier said than done when he is landing his breaking ball and keeping hitters off the barrel.
The Yankees also have the power edge. Judge, Rice, and the rest of the lineup can punish Leiter if he falls behind. Stanton’s status takes away some certainty, but New York has still been producing without needing one specific bat to carry the offense. That matters when laying a road number.
Texas does have a bullpen and pitching-depth argument. The Rangers rank sixth in team ERA, and they have been competitive at home. They are also 9-6 on the run line as underdogs, so this is not a team that automatically folds when priced plus money. But against Fried, the Rangers may need Leiter to keep the game close through five innings, and that is where the confidence starts to thin out.
The total is the more delicate part. Globe Life Field can play neutral with the roof involved, and Texas has leaned heavily under at home. But the Yankees have gone over in three straight, and Leiter’s volatility always leaves room for a crooked inning. This is a good spot to think through market type, not just side, and the MLB betting guide fits that kind of approach.
New York Yankees vs Texas Rangers Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Yankees, but the straight moneyline price is a little heavy at -180. New York has the better starter, the better power profile, and the stronger current form. The model projection of Yankees 5, Rangers 3 lines up with that. Still, on the road, laying close to two dollars is not my favorite way to attack MLB.
The run line is more attractive. Fried gives New York a good chance to control the first half, and Leiter’s command issues create a path for the Yankees to build an early lead. Texas can keep this close if Leiter is efficient, but the matchup is not forgiving. One walk in front of Judge or Rice can change the entire inning.
On the total, I lean Under 8.0, but it is not a runaway play. Fried should keep Texas in check, and the Rangers’ home under trend supports a tighter scoring environment. The concern is Leiter. If he gives up traffic early, the Yankees could push this total close by themselves. That is why I prefer the Yankees run line over the under.
The best angle is New York to win by margin. It avoids the expensive moneyline, leans into Fried’s starting edge, and gives the Yankees’ power lineup a chance to separate against Leiter before Texas can turn the game into a bullpen contest.
Best Bet: Yankees -1.5 (-108).
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MLB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
MLB cards are built for comparison because every matchup has a different betting angle. One game may be about a starting pitcher edge, another may be about bullpen fatigue, and another may come down to lineup splits. Checking daily MLB picks helps bettors see where the strongest positions are across the full board.
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The St. Louis Cardinals open a four-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night at PNC Park, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. St. Louis enters at 14-13 and fifth in the NL Central, which says more about how competitive the division has been than anything else. Every team in the division is above .500, so a four-game losing streak can move a club quickly in the wrong direction.
Pittsburgh is 16-12 and third in the NL Central. The Pirates were shut out 5-0 by Milwaukee on Sunday, but they still return home after a 3-3 road trip against Texas and Milwaukee. That is not bad, especially with this being a divisional series at PNC Park, where Pittsburgh took five of six from St. Louis last season.
The Cardinals turn to Dustin May, who has quietly started to settle down after a rough opening month. Pittsburgh will use Mason Montgomery to start what looks like a bullpen game. The Pirates are favored at home, and the total sits at 8.0 in a matchup where pitching depth and run prevention matter more than the records alone.
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St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a position.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | +111 | N/A | O 8.0 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | -131 | N/A | U 8.0 (-107) |
St. Louis Cardinals Betting Form
The Cardinals are not playing badly enough to panic, but they are losing the close ones right now. They were swept at home by Seattle, dropping three games by a combined four runs, and Sunday’s 3-2 loss was another one that slipped away late. That can be frustrating for bettors because the underlying performance has not been terrible, but the results are still not there.
There are some positives in the lineup. Nathan Church has been one of the better recent stories, hitting .406 over his last nine games while recording at least one hit in eight of them. JJ Wetherholt also went deep Sunday, and St. Louis ranks sixth in MLB with 34 home runs. The Cardinals are not a high-average offense, but they have enough power and a .322 on-base percentage to make this more dangerous than their losing streak suggests. For broader board context, the MLB previews and matchups page can help compare this spot with the rest of Monday’s slate.
May is the real swing factor. His season ERA is still ugly at 5.84, but that number is a bit misleading because he has allowed just one earned run in each of his last three starts and won all three. That is a massive turnaround from where he started. The concern is matchup history, since Pittsburgh tagged him for seven runs, six earned, in 5 1/3 innings last August. If this newer version of May shows up, St. Louis is a live underdog. If the command backs up, the Pirates can get into the Cardinals’ weaker pitching staff.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Form
Pittsburgh’s offense is coming off a rough day. The Pirates struck out 18 times and had only two hits in Sunday’s shutout loss to Milwaukee, which is not the kind of performance you want before opening a division series. Still, they have been better overall than that one game. The Pirates rank seventh in on-base percentage and have enough contact quality to create pressure when the lineup is not chasing.
Ryan O’Hearn has been the most stable bat, hitting .315 with four home runs, while Brandon Lowe adds real power with seven homers. Pittsburgh does not always overwhelm teams with offense, but this group can put runners on base and force pitching staffs to execute. That matters against a St. Louis team with a 4.87 ERA, one of the weaker staff marks in the league. This is the type of matchup where daily MLB picks often come down to whether you trust the better staff or the underdog power bats.
The Pirates will start Montgomery, but this is not a traditional starter spot. Montgomery is 1-0 with a 3.97 ERA across 12 appearances and has not allowed a run in his last seven outings. That current form is encouraging, though the bullpen-game setup always creates some uncertainty. Pittsburgh needs him to cover the first part cleanly, then let the deeper pitching staff control the middle and late innings.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Matchup Breakdown
The Pirates have the better team pitching profile. Pittsburgh ranks fourth in ERA at 3.34 and third in opponent batting average at .218. That gives the Pirates a clear run-prevention edge, especially against a Cardinals offense that can hit home runs but still ranks only 15th in batting average.
St. Louis has the more interesting upside because May’s recent form has been much better than his season numbers. Three straight starts with only one earned run allowed is not nothing. If he keeps the ball on the ground and avoids the big inning, the Cardinals can absolutely win this game at plus money. The problem is that Pittsburgh has seen him before, and that prior meeting went badly for May.
The bullpen setup leans Pittsburgh, even with Montgomery starting. It may sound strange to back a bullpen game, but the Pirates’ staff has simply been more reliable. The Cardinals have lost too many tight games lately, and late-inning execution has been part of the issue. In a matchup projected around 4-3, that matters.
PNC Park and the weather also support a lower-scoring script. Mild conditions, scattered clouds, and a light breeze do not create an obvious boost for offense. The Cardinals have enough power to threaten the over, but Pittsburgh’s pitching profile and the park shape this more like a controlled divisional game. For bettors weighing bullpen games, starting-pitcher form, and park factors, the MLB betting guide is useful for understanding why the best side and the best total angle do not always come from the same team.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Pirates on the moneyline. The price at -131 is reasonable, and Pittsburgh has the better pitching staff, the better bullpen profile, and home-field advantage in a division series where small edges matter. The Cardinals are not far off, but they are in a rough results stretch, and losing close games can become a real tax on the bullpen and lineup confidence.
The case for St. Louis is May. If he keeps pitching the way he has over the last three starts, the Cardinals can steal this game. Their lineup has enough power through Walker, Wetherholt, Church, and the rest of the order to punish a bullpen-game script if Pittsburgh’s relievers do not execute. I just do not love trusting the full St. Louis pitching staff right now.
The total leans under 8.0. Pittsburgh’s offense is coming off a shutout, and the Pirates’ staff has been one of the better groups in baseball at limiting hits. May’s recent form also points toward a more controlled game than his season ERA suggests. A 4-3 type of result feels realistic, which lines up with the market lean toward the under.
The best bet is Pittsburgh on the moneyline. The under is playable, but at a full 8.0, one bad bullpen inning can ruin it. The Pirates have the cleaner full-game profile, especially if Montgomery gives them a stable opening turn and the bullpen handles the rest.
Best Bet: Pirates Moneyline -131.
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This is the type of MLB game where the handicap is not just about the starting pitcher. May’s recent form is better than his ERA, Pittsburgh is using a bullpen game, and the total is priced around a narrow divisional score. That is why comparing expert opinions through the handicapper leaderboard can help bettors see who is consistently finding value in these lower-margin spots.
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The Seattle Mariners visit the Minnesota Twins on Monday night to open a three-game series at Target Field, with first pitch set for 7:40 PM ET. Seattle comes in at 14-15 and third in the AL West, but the recent form is moving in the right direction. The Mariners have won four straight and six of their last eight after finishing off a sweep of the Cardinals.
Minnesota is heading the other way. The Twins are 12-16, third in the AL Central, and have lost five straight. They have also dropped nine of their last 10, so this seven-game homestand feels important. Not must-win in late April, obviously, but this is the kind of stretch where a struggling team needs to stop the slide before the market fully turns against it.
Seattle is favored behind Luis Castillo, while Minnesota sends rookie left-hander Connor Prielipp to the mound for just the second start of his big-league career. Weather could be part of the handicap with moderate rain expected, although wind and game-time conditions will need to be monitored closer to first pitch.
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Seattle Mariners vs Minnesota Twins Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a play.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Mariners | -141 | N/A | O 8.5 |
| Minnesota Twins | +119 | N/A | U 8.5 |
Seattle Mariners Betting Form
Seattle is playing its best baseball of the season right now. The Mariners have won four in a row, and the bullpen has been a big reason why. In Sunday’s 3-2 win over St. Louis, the relief group covered three scoreless innings, with Jose A. Ferrer earning his first save. That matters for this matchup because Seattle may not get a long outing from Castillo based on his recent workload.
The offense has enough pop to support him. Seattle ranks eighth in MLB with 31 home runs and ninth in on-base percentage at .323. Cal Raleigh homered Sunday, giving him six on the season, and this lineup can create damage even when the overall batting profile gets a little streaky. The Mariners’ power gives them a clear path against a rookie starter, especially if they force Prielipp into fastball counts. For more context on Seattle’s current board position, the broader MLB previews page is a useful place to compare this matchup with the rest of the slate.
Castillo is the key. His 0-1 record and 5.01 ERA do not look great, but there are some better signs underneath. He has 23 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings, and he allowed only two runs over five innings in his last start against the Athletics. The concern is that he has not completed six innings in any of his last four starts. That puts more weight on Seattle’s bullpen, but right now that is actually a strength rather than a weakness.
Minnesota Twins Betting Form
Minnesota is in a rough stretch. The Twins have lost five straight and nine of 10, and the main issue has been missed chances. They lost 4-2 to Tampa Bay on Sunday, with Brooks Lee driving in both runs on a homer. James Outman and Ryan Jeffers also reached with hits, but the offense has not been turning enough traffic into crooked innings.
There is still power in this lineup. Minnesota ranks seventh in home runs, and that matters against Castillo because he has been more hittable than his reputation suggests through the first month. Byron Buxton, Josh Bell, Brooks Lee, and Ryan Jeffers give the Twins enough right-handed and switch-hitting pressure to make this interesting if Castillo is not sharp. The issue is consistency. One swing can keep Minnesota in the game, but the lineup has not been stringing at-bats together well enough lately.
Prielipp gets the start, and this is the most volatile part of the handicap. He made his debut against the Mets and allowed two runs over four innings with six strikeouts and no walks. That is encouraging. He showed enough swing-and-miss to be taken seriously, but this is still a rookie making his first home start. Seattle has enough veteran bats and enough power to punish mistakes if he falls behind.
Seattle Mariners vs Minnesota Twins Matchup Breakdown
The Mariners have the form edge, the bullpen edge, and probably the more stable full-game profile. That does not mean the moneyline is automatic, but it does explain why Seattle is favored on the road. They are winning close games right now, and their bullpen is giving them a lot of confidence in the late innings.
Minnesota’s best path is early offense. If the Twins can make Castillo work, get him out after five innings, and take advantage before Seattle’s best relief arms line up, they can make this a live underdog spot. Castillo has not been going deep, and his career numbers against Minnesota are not dominant. He has a 4.82 ERA in nine career starts against the Twins, so this is not some automatic shutdown matchup.
The rookie factor cuts both ways for Prielipp. He has strikeout ability, and the no-walk debut was impressive. But Seattle ranks inside the top 10 in home runs and on-base percentage, which is not the easiest matchup for a young lefty trying to settle in. If Prielipp is nibbling, the Mariners can turn this into a bullpen game early.
The total at 8.5 is interesting. Minnesota has gone over often in lower-total games, and Seattle has gone over after wins at a solid rate. Rain could suppress offense a bit, but unless conditions are heavy enough to change the game environment, the pitching setup still leans toward runs. For bettors weighing pitcher form, bullpen usage, and weather, the MLB betting guide fits this matchup well.
Seattle Mariners vs Minnesota Twins Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Mariners on the moneyline. Seattle is in better form, has the stronger bullpen, and has the more proven starter even if Castillo has not fully found his best rhythm yet. Minnesota has the underdog case because Prielipp’s debut was promising and the Twins still have power, but asking a rookie lefty to stop a five-game losing streak against a hot team is a tough spot.
The price at -141 is fair enough. It is not a huge bargain, but it is playable because Seattle has multiple ways to win. Castillo can give them five solid innings, the bullpen can shorten the game, and the lineup has enough power to attack Prielipp or Minnesota’s middle relief.
On the total, I lean Over 8.5. The model projection of Mariners 5, Twins 4 lines up with that. Castillo has strikeout upside, but he has not been pitching deep. Prielipp has promise, but this is still his second career start. Add in two lineups that rank top eight in home runs, and there is enough scoring potential to get to nine.
The cleanest bet is Seattle to win. The over is live, but weather introduces a little more uncertainty there. With the Mariners’ bullpen in strong form and Minnesota stuck in a deep slump, I would rather back the better current team at a manageable road favorite price.
Best Bet: Mariners Moneyline -141.
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Baseball betting changes every day because starters, bullpens, weather, and lineups all move the market. A game like Mariners vs Twins is a good example. The side, total, and even first five innings market can all tell a different story. Checking daily MLB picks helps bettors compare those angles across the full card.
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The Los Angeles Angels visit the Chicago White Sox on Monday night at Rate Field, with first pitch set for 7:40 PM ET on CHSN. Los Angeles enters at 12-17 and fourth in the AL West, and the Angels are trying to stop a three-game losing streak after a frustrating extra-inning loss to Kansas City.
Chicago is 11-17 and fourth in the AL Central. The White Sox have lost two straight, but they have been slightly more competitive lately at 5-5 over their last 10 games. The issue is still consistency. Some nights the power shows up, other nights the offense disappears for long stretches.
The pitching matchup has Jack Kochanowicz going for the Angels against Anthony Kay for the White Sox. Los Angeles is a small road favorite, and with moderate rain in the forecast, this is a game where bettors need to watch conditions closely before first pitch.
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Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a position.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Angels | -119 | N/A | O 9.5 (-101) |
| Chicago White Sox | +101 | N/A | U 9.5 (-120) |
Los Angeles Angels Betting Form
The Angels are losing games, but the offense showed real life Sunday. They had 16 hits in an 11-9 loss to the Royals, with Mike Trout homering and Zach Neto adding two doubles and two RBIs. That kind of production is encouraging, even if the pitching staff wasted a 6-0 lead and turned a winnable game into another loss.
Los Angeles still has a dangerous offensive profile. The Angels rank fifth in on-base percentage and fourth in home runs, which gives them a useful blend of traffic and power. Trout and Jorge Soler can change a game quickly, and Neto’s recent contact gives the lineup another table-setting piece. For bettors comparing offensive matchups around the league, the MLB previews page is a useful reference point.
Kochanowicz is the main reason the Angels deserve to be favored. He is 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA, and after a rough season debut, he has settled in nicely. His April form has been much better, and he has already handled the White Sox well in past meetings. The question is whether he gets enough bullpen support, because the Angels’ relief group has not exactly been trustworthy.
Chicago White Sox Betting Form
Chicago has been hard to read. The White Sox had a recent power surge, especially from Munetaka Murakami, but then the bats cooled off against Washington. They scored only one run Sunday and managed four hits in a 2-1 extra-inning loss. That is the concern with this team. There is power, but the offense can get too quiet.
Murakami is still the centerpiece. He has 11 home runs and gives Chicago one of the best pure power bats in the league right now. The White Sox also rank seventh in home runs and sixth in stolen bases, so they are not a dead lineup. They can create pressure with power and speed, especially if the Angels give them free baserunners.
Kay gets the ball for Chicago, and this is where the White Sox need a cleaner outing. He is 1-1 with a 5.57 ERA, and his last start at Arizona was rough. He allowed eight runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings with three walks and only one strikeout. That is a bad setup against an Angels lineup that can slug. If Kay does not locate early, Los Angeles can build an early lead.
Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is really about which version of each offense shows up. The Angels have been inconsistent, but their underlying power and on-base numbers are stronger than their record. When Trout, Soler, and Neto are involved, they can score in bunches. That was clear in Kansas City, even in a loss.
The White Sox have a similar issue, just with a thinner margin. Murakami gives them a huge power threat, and their stolen-base profile can stress defenses, but the lineup has not been steady enough inning to inning. Against Kochanowicz, Chicago probably needs to avoid chasing early and force him into longer counts. If the White Sox are too aggressive, he can work through six innings and tilt the game toward Los Angeles.
The weather matters because moderate rain can change the rhythm of the game. Wet conditions can hurt defense, create pitching discomfort, and sometimes lead to bullpen-heavy scripts. That leans slightly toward chaos, but it also makes a high total harder to attack confidently if the conditions suppress carry or create delays.
The pitching matchup points to the Angels. Kochanowicz has been the more reliable starter, while Kay is coming off a start where command and contact both became problems. For bettors thinking through side versus total in a game with weather uncertainty, the MLB betting guide is useful because this is not just a simple favorite versus underdog handicap.
Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Angels on the moneyline. The price is manageable at -119, and Los Angeles has the better starting pitcher, the more reliable offensive profile, and enough power to punish Kay if he is still fighting command. The record is ugly, but this is a good matchup for them to stop the slide.
Chicago can absolutely make this uncomfortable. Murakami’s power is real, and the White Sox have enough speed to manufacture runs if they get men on base. The problem is trusting Kay to keep the Angels quiet. After his last outing, that is a tough ask, especially against a lineup that just put together 16 hits.
The total is more complicated. The model projection lands around Angels 5, White Sox 4, which is just under the listed 9.5. Both teams have power, and both pitching staffs have problems, so I would not be shocked if this turns into another messy game. Still, with rain in the forecast and Kochanowicz in better form, the under has slightly more value at the inflated number.
The best angle is Los Angeles to win. I would rather back the Angels at a short favorite price than trust the under in a weather-affected game where one delay or one bullpen inning can change everything.
Best Bet: Angels Moneyline -119.
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The Tampa Bay Rays visit the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night to open a three-game series at Progressive Field, with first pitch set for 6:10 PM ET. Tampa Bay enters at 16-11 and second in the AL East, and the Rays are rolling right now with four straight wins after finishing off a sweep of the Twins.
Cleveland is 15-14 and still holding first place in the AL Central, but the Guardians are trying to reset after dropping the final two games of their series in Toronto. This is a good response spot for them, though. They have won all five of Parker Messick’s starts this season, and each of those starts came after a Cleveland loss.
The market has Cleveland favored behind Messick, while Tampa Bay counters with Steven Matz. The Rays have the hotter recent form, but the Guardians have the better starting-pitcher profile and a strong home run prevention setup if Messick is commanding his changeup.
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Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a position.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | +122 | N/A | O 7.5 (-113) |
| Cleveland Guardians | -145 | N/A | U 7.5 (-107) |
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Form
The Rays are playing with confidence. They have won four straight and just swept Minnesota, taking Sunday’s finale 4-2 behind a Yandy Díaz home run and a key Jonathan Aranda two-run single. Tampa Bay’s offense has not been all-or-nothing either. The Rays are hitting .258 as a team, ranking fifth in MLB, and they are third in stolen bases with 29.
That speed matters in this matchup. Cleveland has strong pitching depth, but Tampa Bay can create pressure without needing three extra-base hits in an inning. Chandler Simpson just had a three-hit game, Junior Caminero brings power with eight home runs, and the Rays have enough contact to make Messick work if they do not chase the changeup. For broader matchup context around the league, the MLB previews page is a good way to compare this spot with the rest of the board.
Matz gets the ball for Tampa Bay, and his profile is a little uneven. He is 3-1, but the 4.81 ERA points to some risk. He is also still building back into a starter’s workload after spending time in relief the last two seasons. The positive is his history against Cleveland. He has been excellent in eight career appearances against the franchise, going 3-0 with a 1.71 ERA. Still, he has completed six innings only once this season, so the Rays’ bullpen could be involved early.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Form
Cleveland is coming home after a mixed trip to Toronto. The Guardians won the opener, then lost the next two, with the sixth inning becoming a problem in both defeats. That is the kind of detail bettors should notice. Cleveland’s starters have generally been good, but the decision point between trusting the starter and going to the bullpen has burned them recently.
The Guardians’ offense is not as consistent as Tampa Bay’s on batting average, but there is real power. Cleveland has 30 home runs, ranking ninth in MLB, and José Ramírez remains the tone-setter. Angel Martínez has also shown signs of impact, including a multi-homer game earlier in the Toronto series and an RBI double in Sunday’s loss. This lineup does not need to dominate Matz. It needs to get his pitch count up and force Tampa Bay into a bullpen that has had some recent workload.
Messick is the main reason Cleveland is favored. He is 3-0 with a 1.76 ERA and 29 strikeouts, and the Guardians have won all five of his starts. His changeup has been the separator, and he already handled Tampa Bay well late last season, allowing just one earned run across 13 innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks. That matters. The Rays are hot, but Messick has the exact kind of pitch mix that can slow a lineup down if he gets ahead.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians Matchup Breakdown
This is a really good contrast. Tampa Bay has the better recent form and the more active offense. The Rays can hit for average, run, and create stress on the basepaths. Cleveland has the stronger starting-pitcher edge, the better strikeout profile, and a lineup that can turn one mistake into quick runs.
Messick versus the Rays is the key handicap. Tampa Bay’s offense is hot, but Messick’s changeup gives him a real weapon against aggressive bats. He has already shown he can attack this lineup without giving away walks. If he works ahead, Cleveland should control the first five innings.
The Matz side is trickier. His career numbers against Cleveland are strong, but he is not consistently giving length right now. Tampa Bay’s bullpen has also had to lean on key arms recently, with Cole Sulser and Bryan Baker both pitching twice in the last two days against Minnesota. That adds some late-game risk if Matz only gives the Rays four or five innings.
The total at 7.5 is low, but not unfair. Messick can keep Tampa Bay down, while Cleveland’s offense is not always explosive. Still, the Rays have gone over in low-total games, and the model projection of 5-4 points toward enough scoring. For bettors weighing starter strength against bullpen exposure and lineup pressure, the MLB betting guide fits this matchup well.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Guardians on the moneyline. Tampa Bay is the hotter team, so I understand the underdog case, but Messick gives Cleveland the cleaner pitching edge. He has been excellent all season, the Guardians keep winning behind him, and this is another start coming after a Cleveland loss. That pattern is not everything, but it does support the bounce-back angle.
The Rays are dangerous because their offense is not one-dimensional. They can get on base, steal, and make Cleveland defend. If Matz gives them five clean innings, Tampa Bay can absolutely make this a late coin flip. The issue is that his current workload and the Rays’ recent bullpen usage make the full-game profile less comfortable.
On the total, I lean over 7.5. That is not because I expect Messick to get hit hard. It is more about the number. A 4-3 game only pushes close, but a couple of middle-relief runs can move this past the total quickly. Tampa Bay’s offense is in rhythm, and Cleveland has enough power to get to Matz before the late innings.
The best bet is Cleveland on the moneyline. The over is playable, but I would rather trust Messick’s starter edge and Cleveland’s strong bounce-back profile at home.
Best Bet: Guardians Moneyline -145.
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Games like Rays vs Guardians are why MLB betting is not just about recent streaks. Tampa Bay has momentum, Cleveland has the starting-pitching edge, and the total depends heavily on when both managers go to the bullpen. Daily MLB picks help bettors compare those angles across the full card.
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The Boston Red Sox visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night at Rogers Centre, with first pitch set for 7:07 PM ET on NESN. Boston enters at 11-17 and fifth in the AL East, but the Red Sox have won two straight since the organization fired Alex Cora and shifted to Chad Tracy as interim manager.
Toronto is 12-15 and fourth in the AL East, but the Blue Jays are also starting to show signs of life. They have won two straight and five of their last seven, including a weekend series win over Cleveland. For two teams that have underperformed early, this series has a little more urgency than the records suggest.
The pitching matchup gives Toronto the market edge. Dylan Cease starts for the Blue Jays with a 2.10 ERA and 44 strikeouts, while Boston counters with left-hander Ranger Suarez, who has a 4.00 ERA and has not consistently worked deep into games. Toronto is favored at home, and the total sits at 7.5.
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Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Odds
These are the current betting lines for Monday’s matchup, and bettors should always monitor the latest MLB odds before locking in a position.
| Team | Moneyline | Run Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Red Sox | +120 | N/A | O 7.5 (+104) |
| Toronto Blue Jays | -142 | N/A | U 7.5 |
Boston Red Sox Betting Form
Boston is coming off one of its better weekends of the season, even with all the noise around the managerial change. The Red Sox beat Baltimore 5-3 on Sunday behind a strong start from Connelly Early, and that followed another solid pitching performance from Garrett Crochet. That matters because Boston’s rotation had been a major source of instability during the 10-17 start.
The lineup has some useful pieces, even if it has not fully clicked. Boston ranks around the middle of the league in batting average, but the Red Sox are sixth in doubles and eighth in stolen bases. That gives them a path to manufacture runs without needing constant home run power. Willson Contreras homered Sunday, while Ceddanne Rafaela added extra-base damage, and that type of production helps offset some of the injuries in the lineup. For broader matchup context, the MLB previews page is a helpful way to compare Boston’s spot with the rest of the card.
Suarez is the swing factor. He is 1-2 with a 4.00 ERA, and he has failed to complete five innings in three of his five starts. That is a problem against a Blue Jays lineup that is starting to get more comfortable. Suarez did dominate Toronto in his lone previous start against them, but current form matters more here. If he is nibbling or falling behind, Boston’s bullpen could be involved early.
Toronto Blue Jays Betting Form
Toronto’s offense is beginning to look more stable. The Blue Jays took two of three from Cleveland, and Kazuma Okamoto has been a real spark after signing in the offseason. He homered twice in that series and leads the team with five home runs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also swinging well, carrying a .340 batting average and giving Toronto a reliable middle-order anchor.
The Blue Jays rank sixth in batting average and sixth in doubles, which is important in this matchup. They do not need to rely only on power. They can create pressure with line drives, extra-base hits, and longer innings, especially if Suarez is not efficient. Toronto is still missing key bats, including George Springer and Anthony Santander, but the current lineup has done enough lately to justify some market confidence.
Cease gives Toronto the stronger starting-pitching profile. He is 1-0 with a 2.10 ERA, and he struck out 12 in his last start against the Angels while allowing two runs over five innings. The one concern is his history against Boston, where he owns a 6.04 ERA in six career starts. Still, this version of Cease is missing bats at a high level, and Boston’s lineup is not healthy enough to assume that old matchup history will carry the day.
Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Matchup Breakdown
The starting pitching edge belongs to Toronto. Cease has been sharper, has more strikeout upside, and gives the Blue Jays a better chance to control the first five innings. Suarez is capable, but his shorter outings this season are hard to ignore. If Boston has to cover four or more innings with the bullpen, Toronto’s home lineup becomes more attractive.
Boston’s best path is to turn this into a pressure game. The Red Sox can run, hit doubles, and force defenses to make plays. They are not built only around one-swing power, and that matters against a pitcher like Cease. If they get runners on and make him work from the stretch, they can push his pitch count up and reach Toronto’s bullpen earlier than the Blue Jays want.
Toronto’s offense has the cleaner matchup. Guerrero, Okamoto, and Jesús Sánchez give the Blue Jays enough middle-order damage to make Suarez pay for mistakes. The Blue Jays’ ability to hit doubles also matters indoors at Rogers Centre, where contact in the gaps can pile up quickly if Boston’s outfield positioning is not sharp.
The total at 7.5 feels a little low. Cease can miss bats, but he is not always an automatic deep-game arm, and Suarez has not been working long enough to make the under comfortable. For bettors thinking through pitcher form, bullpen exposure, and lineup value, the MLB betting guide fits this matchup well.
Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Blue Jays on the moneyline. Toronto has the better starter, the better recent offensive rhythm, and home-field advantage in a division matchup where both teams are still trying to stabilize. The market price at -142 is fair, not cheap, but fair enough given the Cease vs Suarez gap.
Boston has some live underdog qualities. The Red Sox have won two straight, and sometimes a managerial change does create a short-term bump, even when players dislike the decision. The problem is that emotion only goes so far. Suarez has not consistently given Boston length, and this is a tough lineup to face if he is not getting early-count outs.
The total leans over 7.5. Toronto’s offense is in better form, Boston’s road over trend is strong, and both teams have enough extra-base ability to get this into the 5-3 range. Cease is good enough to limit Boston for stretches, but the number does not leave much margin if either starter exits after five innings.
The best bet is Toronto to win. I considered the over, and I do think it is playable, but the clearest edge is the Blue Jays behind Cease against a Boston team still dealing with injuries, instability, and a starter who has not worked deep enough.
Best Bet: Blue Jays Moneyline -142.
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Despite 2-1 series deficit, Golden Knights not panicking vs. Mammoth
After an unlikely Game 3 victory, the Utah Mammoth will try to secure their third straight win over the visiting Vegas Golden Knights on Monday in Salt Lake City during Game 4 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
Vegas secured a 4-2 home win in Game 1, but the Mammoth erased the Knights’ home-ice advantage by winning Game 2. Utah then took command of the series with a 4-2 victory Friday in the first-ever NHL playoff game in Salt Lake City.
The Mammoth won Game 3 despite being outshot by a 32-12 margin. Utah became the eighth team since 1974 to win a playoff game with 12 or fewer shots, while the Golden Knights lost despite allowing the second-lowest shots total in any game (regular season or playoffs) in Vegas franchise history.
Sunday’s practice saw the Knights deploy some new line combinations and new power-play units. Vegas has gone 2-for-9 on the power play in the series and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill, though coach John Tortortella felt “we lost the special teams battle in the first three games.”
While the lineup may have some new looks in Game 4, Tortortella said neither his coaching staff or his veteran players have any panic.
“We’ve made some adjustments, as you do in (the) playoffs. Not crazy stuff, but when you get down in a series and you lose a couple in a row, it’s belief,” Tortortella said. “It’s believing in what we’re doing, belief in how we’re preparing. This is mental. This is where I feel very comfortable with this team. … We can draw as much stuff as we can on the board x’s and o’s-wise, this is belief. I think we have that in that room.”
Utah defenseman MacKenzie Weegar said his team also has a few new tricks in mind for Game 4.
“We expect a really good response from a really good opponent over there, so we’re going to need to be focused and prepared,” he said.
As efficient as the Mammoth were with their shots in Game 3, Weegar knows that level of production won’t normally win games.
“We’re definitely going to make some corrections for the next game, which will I think build a little bit more speed and we’ll get a little more offense going.”
Twelve different Mammoth players have at least one point in the series, and five players share the team lead with three points apiece. Weegar, Dylan Guenther, Lawson Crouse, and Logan Cooley each have two goals and an assist, and Kailer Yamamoto has three assists.
Playing in his first career playoff games, Karel Vejmelka has risen to the occasion with a 2.36 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in the series. The numbers are a step beyond Vejmelka’s solid 2.75 GAA and .897 save percentage in the regular season.
Mark Stone, Ivan Barbashev (each with two goals and one assist) and Jack Eichel (one goal, two assists) all have three points in the series, sharing the Vegas team lead.
Though Carter Hart allowed four goals on 12 shots in Game 3, he’ll be back in the Vegas net on Monday. Hart went 7-1-0 with a .932 save percentage over his last eight starts spanning the end of the regular season and first two postseason games.
–Field Level Media
Pistons need All-Star version of Jalen Duren to hang with Magic
Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic.
That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008.
Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando.
The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss.
Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory.
Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range.
The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday.
“He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.”
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead.
“It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.”
The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games.
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining.
Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range.
Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter.
“Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts.
“That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.”
–Field Level Media
