Picks for 5/22/24
NBA
8:30 PM EST
Rotation #552
Timberwolves -4.5 over Mavericks (loss)
The homecourt counts for a lot in this series. Dallas has a tough time scoring in the paint, which is never a good sign away from home. It’s easier for teams to win on the road when they get second-chance shots. Minnesota has a clear advantage on the defensive end and in securing defensive rebounds, limiting Dallas’s chances of getting second looks. The Mavericks have a great offense and can catch fire, but their defense has held them back this season. Nobody is playing better than Anthony Edwards. Minnesota is a veteran team sprinkled with young superstars. Teams playing at home must win on their court. Take the Timberwolves.
MLB
6:40 PM EST
Rotation #956
Pirates -125 over Giants (loss)
Jones/Snell
We were on the losing end of a heartbreaker as the Giants led 6-2 with one out in the bottom of the ninth with nobody on base. Disaster struck, and the Pirates tied the game and won extra innings. Morale is high in the Pirates clubhouse coming into tonight’s game. Blake Snell will start for the Giants. Snell has struggled and is coming back from the IR. Who knows how long he will even pitch? Look for Pittsburgh to hit him well. Pirates starter Jared Jones is a hard-throwing young pitcher who should get close to double-digit strikeouts. Take the Pirates.