Picks for 4/19/25
8:30 PM EST
Rotation # 507
Timberwolves +4 over Lakers (win)
The Lakers started the season with a new coach in JJ Redick and endured a lot of turnover with their roster during the season. It was impressive that Los Angeles won 50 games. Minnesota was a game behind the Lakers as they finished the season red-hot. Chris Finch strung together four winning seasons in a row as head coach and looks to get his team back to the Western Conference Finals this year. Anthony Edwards is the leader of the Timberwolves and has the talent to carry them on his back. Rudy Gobert is great on the boards, and the addition of Julius Randle has helped them be more assertive on the offensive boards. The Lakers are not a good rebounding team, which hampers their ability to get second-chance points. If Minnesota can avoid a disastrous quarter, they can steal game one. The Take the Timberwolves.
2:20 PM EST
Rotation # 953
Diamondbacks -105 over Cubs (loss)
Gallen/Brown
The Diamondbacks have the best slugging percentage against right-handed pitchers, and their offense has been outstanding on the road this year. Zac Galen and Ben Brown will strike many batters out, but I trust Gallen much more at this price, as his career body of work has been much more impressive. The Diamondbacks blew a monster lead yesterday after scoring 10 runs in the eighth inning, only to give back six runs in the bottom of the frame. The winds won’t be as crazy as last night, so look for a lower-scoring game where Arizona will take control and not allow a late bullpen collapse. Take the Diamondbacks.