Free Expert Picks and Predictions

Since arriving in New York in 2022-23, Jalen Brunson has averaged 30 points in the playoffs, and he’s scored 30 or more in 16 of 33 appearances. Only Devin Booker (32.1) has averaged more postseason points across the last three seasons. The Knicks need a monster performance from Brunson in Game 4, and I expect him to cross the 30-point threshold for the first time in this series. His scoring line is set at 27.5 for -115 odds, but I’m happy to bet it up by one bucket for plus-money odds.

Bridges scored 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting in Game 3’s blowout loss, scoring eight of those points in the second half once the game was well out of reach. After Game 3, Bridges preached about starting Game 4 with more urgency and aggression. Madison Square Garden is the place to be if we’re betting on a strong start from Bridges, who has been a home body all year. He averaged 19.6 points on 52% shooting in MSG, compared to just 15.6 points and 48% shooting on the road. His slow start to this series has trimmed his scoring props, which were bouncing between 15.5 and 16.5 O/U versus the Pistons and sat at 15.5 O/U for Game 3 in New York. The current total of 13.5 O/U is offering solid value with player models expecting more from Bridgers tonight. Game models range from 16.2 to 17.7 for the Knicks small forward.

KAT went 0 for 1 in each of the first two games and finished 1 for 5 from deep in Game 3, pumping up the payout on his Over 1.5 triples to +180 in Game 4. His most recent action from outside is more indicative of this usual activity from 3-point range, after the 7-footer averaged two triples on 4.7 attempts in the regular season and put up two or more makes from the perimeter in three of the four games with Detroit in Round 1 (averaged 2.0 on 4.2 3PA). Despite playing through a hand injury, Game 4 player projections are flirting with two 3-pointers from KAT, with models ranging from 1.8 to 2.0 long-range bombs. Game script also gives Towns the green light, especially after what we witnessed in Game 3. Boston is a 6-point road favorite and should the Celtics bury New York under a sea of triples, KAT will be more inclined to take – and make- from outside.

The Brewers have the pitching edge with Freddy Peralta starting opposite Guardians right-hander Ben Lively. However, Peralta tweaked his groin in his last start and may not be at 100%. A shorter leash plus the home-field advantage has me eyeing the plus money on Cleveland.

The Cardinals have won eight straight and — outside of games in Boston and New York — have been very strong this season. One reason has been the emergence of starter Matthew Liberatore. While Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez is a tough opponent, the plus-money odds on the ML for the visitors is where the value lies.

Marlins right-hander Cal Quantrill has a 7.11 ERA and is facing the best offense in baseball with three lefty bats boasting an OPS above .800. Most of the damage will be done with Quantrill on the mound, but neither Miami nor the Cubs have good bullpens.

The Capitals and Hurricanes have been throwing it back this series with some low-event, tight-checking hockey. The Canes held the Capitals to 14 shots on goal in Game 1 before Washington got up to 21 SOG in the last two contests. And when there have been scoring chances, Logan Thompson and Frederik Andersen have stood tall to deny them. There hasn’t been much open ice in this series and I expect that to continue for another low-scoring game on Monday night.

The Edmonton Oilers have really impressed with their play of late. They’ve won six of the last seven games and have posted strong underlying numbers to boot. Through three games against the Vegas Golden Knights, they’ve been able to control 56.72% of the high-danger chances at 5-on-5. Their +8 high-danger chance differential is second-best among all teams in this round of the playoffs. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, the Oilers possess three of the best weapons in the sport at their respective positions.