Picks for 4/16/24
NBA
7:30 PM EST
Rotation #542
Pelicans -1 over Lakers (loss)
The Pelicans were eliminated from the play-in tournament last season against the Thunder and find themselves with a chance to redeem themselves a year later. This is the first time the New Orleans’ top players have all been healthy together as they will look to advance against a Lakers team with banged-up and aging superstars. The Lakers could have been better on the road and had internal drama with players doubting head coach Darvin Ham. New Orleans does some of everything well enough to be a dangerous team. The Lakers don’t have an excellent three-point shooting team, and their three-point defense is just as bad. The Lakers will go as far as their starters take them because their bench play is poor. Lebron James and Anthony Davis are not entirely healthy, but they will play tonight. Look for Zion Williams to play physical basketball and for Brandon Ingram to be a good enough floor general to get the home win. Take the Pelicans.
MLB
8:10 PM EST
Rotation #975
Braves -120 over Astros (win)
Lopez/Brown
The Braves, with the best slugging percentage against right-handed pitchers in the league, are set to face Astros starter, Hunter Brown. Brown had a forgettable start to the 24 campaign with no control and an ERA of 16.43. The Braves, currently in red-hot form, will start Reynaldo Lopez and then rely on their outstanding bullpen. In contrast, the Astros are struggling. This combination of the Braves’ strength and the Astros’ struggles should instill confidence in taking the Braves.