Picks for 4/27/26
NBA
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 565-566
Pistons/Magic Under 215.5 (win)
The Pistons are a unique #1 seed, as they have long stretches when they are a sloppy, offense-stunted basketball team. Detroit made its living on the defensive end, propelling them to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Orlando might not be as talented, but they can get away with a lot in this series because the Pistons can’t go on multiple quick scoring runs. The Magic have been the better team through three games, and the only way the Pistons can get back in it is to play the defensive style of basketball that got them here. If both teams can do enough to make it a high-scoring game, then so be it, but chances are there will be enough scoring droughts in our favor. Detroit is the NBA’s best team at forcing turnovers, which would limit the Magic’s attempts. Fewer shots typically equals less offense. It’s hard to trust Pistons center Jalen Duren, whose offense has gone out the window in this series, which doesn’t help the league’s best offense in the paint and ultimately could be the reason the #8 Magic advance. Look for a lower-scoring contest. Take the Under.
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 565-566
Pistons/Magic Under 215.5 (win)
The Pistons are a unique #1 seed, as they have long stretches when they are a sloppy, offense-stunted basketball team. Detroit made its living on the defensive end, propelling them to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Orlando might not be as talented, but they can get away with a lot in this series because the Pistons can’t go on multiple quick scoring runs. The Magic have been the better team through three games, and the only way the Pistons can get back in it is to play the defensive style of basketball that got them here. If both teams can do enough to make it a high-scoring game, then so be it, but chances are there will be enough scoring droughts in our favor. Detroit is the NBA’s best team at forcing turnovers, which would limit the Magic’s attempts. Fewer shots typically equals less offense. It’s hard to trust Pistons center Jalen Duren, whose offense has gone out the window in this series, which doesn’t help the league’s best offense in the paint and ultimately could be the reason the #8 Magic advance. Look for a lower-scoring contest. Take the Under.
MLB
10:10 PM EST
Rotation # 906
Dodgers -1.5 runs over Marlins -140 (loss)
Yamamoto/Paddack
The Dodgers are a massive home favorite tonight over the Marlins. The Dodgers have the best slugging percentage in baseball against right-handed pitching. Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a massive skill advantage over Marlins starter Chris Paddack. The wind is blowing out at Dodger Field, so I expect the Los Angeles offense to put this game away early. The Marlins might have a chance to steal a game late in this series with Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz on the IL, but Los Angeles should be in clear control as we get into the later innings this evening. Take the Dodgers -1.5 runs -140.
10:10 PM EST
Rotation # 906
Dodgers -1.5 runs over Marlins -140 (loss)
Yamamoto/Paddack
The Dodgers are a massive home favorite tonight over the Marlins. The Dodgers have the best slugging percentage in baseball against right-handed pitching. Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a massive skill advantage over Marlins starter Chris Paddack. The wind is blowing out at Dodger Field, so I expect the Los Angeles offense to put this game away early. The Marlins might have a chance to steal a game late in this series with Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz on the IL, but Los Angeles should be in clear control as we get into the later innings this evening. Take the Dodgers -1.5 runs -140.