Picks for 5/1/24
NBA
7:30 PM EST
Rotation # 502
Celtics -14 over Heat (win)
The Celtics look to close out the series tonight and already have a massive talent edge over the battered Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler is out for the playoffs, which hurt Miami, but now Jaime Jaquez and a few role players are out. The Celtics will win this game by double digits and only will not cover if they allow Miami to outscore them by a significant margin in the fourth quarter. The Heat lack scoring ability in the paint and will get blown out by the Celtic’s three-point shooting, which allows them to go on big runs. Boston can get easy buckets in the paint and should clinch the series. Miami doesn’t have the offense to keep pace. Take the Celtics.
MLB
8:10 PM EST
Rotation # 916
Astros -1.5 runs over Guardians +120 (loss)
Verlander/McKenzie
In a nail-biting finish, the Astros clinched a victory with a walk-off home run, a win that could potentially ignite a winning streak. Tonight, the ever-reliable Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Astros, who are grappling with a few injuries in their pitching staff. Given the high money line, we recommend taking the run line tonight. Take the Astros -1.5 runs +120.