Picks for 5/11/26
NBA
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 509
Pistons +3.5 over Cavs (loss)
The Cavaliers got a much-needed victory in game three of this series. It’s hard to trust the Cavs’ defense, as they probably have the worst unit left in the NBA playoffs, but it’s also tough to rely on the Pistons’ offense, so this truly is a great matchup that will be won or lost by the coaching staffs. Cleveland shot 58% the other night, and I am not so sure that is sustainable against this Pistons defense two games in a row. It doesn’t help that Cleveland missed a lot of foul shots, which could come back to bite them in a close finish. Donovan Mitchell was brilliant the other night, scoring 35 points, but it will be tough for him to replicate that this evening against a great Pistons defense. Look for Detroit to protect the basketball a little bit better tonight and for Cade Cunningham to have another solid performance. Detroit was the best team in the NBA in the paint and must take advantage against a suspect Cavs defense. Take the Pistons.
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 509
Pistons +3.5 over Cavs (loss)
The Cavaliers got a much-needed victory in game three of this series. It’s hard to trust the Cavs’ defense, as they probably have the worst unit left in the NBA playoffs, but it’s also tough to rely on the Pistons’ offense, so this truly is a great matchup that will be won or lost by the coaching staffs. Cleveland shot 58% the other night, and I am not so sure that is sustainable against this Pistons defense two games in a row. It doesn’t help that Cleveland missed a lot of foul shots, which could come back to bite them in a close finish. Donovan Mitchell was brilliant the other night, scoring 35 points, but it will be tough for him to replicate that this evening against a great Pistons defense. Look for Detroit to protect the basketball a little bit better tonight and for Cade Cunningham to have another solid performance. Detroit was the best team in the NBA in the paint and must take advantage against a suspect Cavs defense. Take the Pistons.
MLB
8:05 PM EST
Rotation #912
Rangers -130 over DBacks (Eovaldi scratched. No action)
Eovaldi/Soroka
Both Michael Soroka and Nathan Eovaldi are high strikeout pitchers who will limit their walks. The starting pitchers are about as evenly talented as it gets. Texas has the advantage in its bullpen and, on offense, a better slugging percentage against right-handed pitching. Arizona has not been great on the road, so we give the edge to Texas, especially in the later innings. Take the Rangers.
8:05 PM EST
Rotation #912
Rangers -130 over DBacks (Eovaldi scratched. No action)
Eovaldi/Soroka
Both Michael Soroka and Nathan Eovaldi are high strikeout pitchers who will limit their walks. The starting pitchers are about as evenly talented as it gets. Texas has the advantage in its bullpen and, on offense, a better slugging percentage against right-handed pitching. Arizona has not been great on the road, so we give the edge to Texas, especially in the later innings. Take the Rangers.