Picks for 5/6/26
NBA
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 561
Sixers/Knicks Over 213.5 (loss)
The Sixers were embarrassed in Game 1 as the Knicks jumped out of the gate early and won every quarter. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was away from the team the last few days on a personal matter, and I expect his team to rally behind him and play their best tonight. The Knicks are an outstanding veteran team, but I think the wagering line is a bit inflated given New York’s blowout wins in its last two games. That said, it’s not worth taking the underdog, hoping they hang around, especially now that Joel Embiid is sidelined. The Sixers’ defense is the worst remaining in the playoffs, so it’s hard to have faith they’ll slow Jalen Brunson and company down. It really is hard to back the Sixers, especially if they allow the Knicks to continue their domination on the glass, and with no Embiid, it won’t get easier. Philly needs to hit their shots because New York is not going to miss much. The first game in this series flew over the total because the Sixers’ defense couldn’t stop anything. How in the world is it possible for the Sixers to change things in 48 hours? Look for another high-scoring game. Take the Over.
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 561
Sixers/Knicks Over 213.5 (loss)
The Sixers were embarrassed in Game 1 as the Knicks jumped out of the gate early and won every quarter. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was away from the team the last few days on a personal matter, and I expect his team to rally behind him and play their best tonight. The Knicks are an outstanding veteran team, but I think the wagering line is a bit inflated given New York’s blowout wins in its last two games. That said, it’s not worth taking the underdog, hoping they hang around, especially now that Joel Embiid is sidelined. The Sixers’ defense is the worst remaining in the playoffs, so it’s hard to have faith they’ll slow Jalen Brunson and company down. It really is hard to back the Sixers, especially if they allow the Knicks to continue their domination on the glass, and with no Embiid, it won’t get easier. Philly needs to hit their shots because New York is not going to miss much. The first game in this series flew over the total because the Sixers’ defense couldn’t stop anything. How in the world is it possible for the Sixers to change things in 48 hours? Look for another high-scoring game. Take the Over.
MLB
7:40 PM EST
Rotation # 958
Cubs -1.5 runs over Reds +120 (loss)
Rea/Singer
The Cubs have rallied back-to-back nights to steal victories and now have a decent cushion atop the NL Central. Chicago has won 7 of 10. The Reds have lost 7 of 10. I trust the Chicago starting pitching and bullpen a bit more tonight, and with the wind blowing in, the Reds’ offensive struggles might continue. Chicago has a great slugging percentage against righties, while the Reds are ranked towards the bottom of the league in that department. The money line is a tick too high tonight. We will take the run line. Take the Cubs -1.5 runs +120.
7:40 PM EST
Rotation # 958
Cubs -1.5 runs over Reds +120 (loss)
Rea/Singer
The Cubs have rallied back-to-back nights to steal victories and now have a decent cushion atop the NL Central. Chicago has won 7 of 10. The Reds have lost 7 of 10. I trust the Chicago starting pitching and bullpen a bit more tonight, and with the wind blowing in, the Reds’ offensive struggles might continue. Chicago has a great slugging percentage against righties, while the Reds are ranked towards the bottom of the league in that department. The money line is a tick too high tonight. We will take the run line. Take the Cubs -1.5 runs +120.