Picks for 4/20/26
NBA
10:30 PM EST
Rotation # 505
Timberwolves +7.5 over Nuggets
Minnesota got out to a nice lead in game one and actually shot the ball better than the Nuggets did. The game really got away from the Timberwolves, as Denver got to the foul line and knocked down their shots, and there was a dreadful stretch in the third quarter that made you question what the Timberwolves were doing at break, as they looked like they had swapped jerseys with a middle school team at halftime. Minnesota has the experience of being a veteran team, whereas a younger team would be totally overwhelmed. Minnesota should be able to stick around if it doesn’t beat itself, as the Nuggets aren’t known for turning opponents over. Denver was the worst team in the NBA at generating steals, so if the Timberwolves can win the turnover battle, they will give themselves a chance. Minnesota’s defense played the league’s top-scoring offense well in game one and now needs to work on not sending Denver to the foul line at a disproportionate rate. The Timberwolves’ issues in game one had more to do with them than with the Denver defense, which isn’t anything to write home about. Anthony Edwards didn’t play much during the regular-season stretch and will take a few quarters to get his conditioning back, but he has the luxury of Peyton Watson being out for the Nuggets. Denver had a fantastic ending to the regular season, winning 10 straight, but for much of the season, they were neck and neck with the Timberwolves. I know the Nuggets can go on big runs in a hurry with the play of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, but I still think there is value in the underdog of this size. Take the Timberwolves.
10:30 PM EST
Rotation # 505
Timberwolves +7.5 over Nuggets
Minnesota got out to a nice lead in game one and actually shot the ball better than the Nuggets did. The game really got away from the Timberwolves, as Denver got to the foul line and knocked down their shots, and there was a dreadful stretch in the third quarter that made you question what the Timberwolves were doing at break, as they looked like they had swapped jerseys with a middle school team at halftime. Minnesota has the experience of being a veteran team, whereas a younger team would be totally overwhelmed. Minnesota should be able to stick around if it doesn’t beat itself, as the Nuggets aren’t known for turning opponents over. Denver was the worst team in the NBA at generating steals, so if the Timberwolves can win the turnover battle, they will give themselves a chance. Minnesota’s defense played the league’s top-scoring offense well in game one and now needs to work on not sending Denver to the foul line at a disproportionate rate. The Timberwolves’ issues in game one had more to do with them than with the Denver defense, which isn’t anything to write home about. Anthony Edwards didn’t play much during the regular-season stretch and will take a few quarters to get his conditioning back, but he has the luxury of Peyton Watson being out for the Nuggets. Denver had a fantastic ending to the regular season, winning 10 straight, but for much of the season, they were neck and neck with the Timberwolves. I know the Nuggets can go on big runs in a hurry with the play of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, but I still think there is value in the underdog of this size. Take the Timberwolves.
MLB
6:40 PM EST
Rotation # 952
Marlins -135 over Cardinals (win)
Meyer/McGreevy
The Marlins were happy to snap out of a four-game losing streak last night and will look to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak of their own. The Cardinals have struggled against right-handed pitching, and their bullpen has been inconsistent. St. Louis starter Michael McGreevy isn’t going to strike out many batters, so Miami should be able to make decent contact. Miami’s offense is much better at home. I don’t trust the Cardinals’ bullpen if the game is close down the stretch. Take the Marlins.
6:40 PM EST
Rotation # 952
Marlins -135 over Cardinals (win)
Meyer/McGreevy
The Marlins were happy to snap out of a four-game losing streak last night and will look to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak of their own. The Cardinals have struggled against right-handed pitching, and their bullpen has been inconsistent. St. Louis starter Michael McGreevy isn’t going to strike out many batters, so Miami should be able to make decent contact. Miami’s offense is much better at home. I don’t trust the Cardinals’ bullpen if the game is close down the stretch. Take the Marlins.