Picks for 4/19/26
NBA
6:30 PM EST
Rotation #590
Pistons -8.5 over Magic (loss)
The Magic were on the brink of elimination in the play-in tournament, but responded well by demolishing the Hornets to secure the #8 seed. Orlando is a young basketball team that is about average across all statistical categories. Anything can happen on any given night in a seven-game series, but I am not sure this current team has the bench or veteran presence to have a shot at advancing. Detroit was the best team in the Eastern Conference and played a defensive style that could take them very far in the playoffs. The Pistons are the best in the NBA at turning opponents over, which isn’t good news for a young Magic team on the road in a hostile environment. The Pistons pride themselves on defending the three-point line better than any team in the league, and they are the best team in the NBA in the paint on both offense and defense. The Magic will have to earn every point. Cade Cunningham is one of the most well-rounded young players in the game, and Jalen Duren is a beast on the boards. At some point, the Detroit defense will force a few Orlando scoring droughts, and behind the home crowd, should put the game out of reach. Take the Pistons.
6:30 PM EST
Rotation #590
Pistons -8.5 over Magic (loss)
The Magic were on the brink of elimination in the play-in tournament, but responded well by demolishing the Hornets to secure the #8 seed. Orlando is a young basketball team that is about average across all statistical categories. Anything can happen on any given night in a seven-game series, but I am not sure this current team has the bench or veteran presence to have a shot at advancing. Detroit was the best team in the Eastern Conference and played a defensive style that could take them very far in the playoffs. The Pistons are the best in the NBA at turning opponents over, which isn’t good news for a young Magic team on the road in a hostile environment. The Pistons pride themselves on defending the three-point line better than any team in the league, and they are the best team in the NBA in the paint on both offense and defense. The Magic will have to earn every point. Cade Cunningham is one of the most well-rounded young players in the game, and Jalen Duren is a beast on the boards. At some point, the Detroit defense will force a few Orlando scoring droughts, and behind the home crowd, should put the game out of reach. Take the Pistons.
MLB
7:20 PM EST
Rotation #909-910
Braves/Phillies Over 8 runs
Holmes/Painter
We have picked on the Phillies a lot this year, but finally, they get relief: they won’t be facing a left-handed starter, and the lineup might be able to get into a rhythm on offense. Both teams, in fact, are much better against right-handed pitching, and although the weather conditions are not favorable, Citizens Bank Park is a good place for hitters. Phillies rookie starter Andrew Painter has a big arm, but the Braves are one of the better teams in the league at not striking out. Braves starter Grant Holmes will allow his fair share of walks, which could give Philadelphia the spark to get a crooked inning on the board, finally. Look for both teams to do enough to make this a higher-scoring game. Take the Over.
7:20 PM EST
Rotation #909-910
Braves/Phillies Over 8 runs
Holmes/Painter
We have picked on the Phillies a lot this year, but finally, they get relief: they won’t be facing a left-handed starter, and the lineup might be able to get into a rhythm on offense. Both teams, in fact, are much better against right-handed pitching, and although the weather conditions are not favorable, Citizens Bank Park is a good place for hitters. Phillies rookie starter Andrew Painter has a big arm, but the Braves are one of the better teams in the league at not striking out. Braves starter Grant Holmes will allow his fair share of walks, which could give Philadelphia the spark to get a crooked inning on the board, finally. Look for both teams to do enough to make this a higher-scoring game. Take the Over.