Joe D’Amico

Over in the Heat/Nuggets Game 2 matchup.

Games 513/514.

85:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST.

There is no debating that coming into the NBA Finals, the Denver Nuggets were better-rested, hotter, and showed more consistency. But I also think there’s a lot more pressure on them to win. However, having said all that, Game 1’s are a bit unpredictable. The oddsmakers put out a total, and it flew under by more than 20-points. We all know how good both defenses play. Thus, both teams being here in the NBA finals. And, I am well aware of the fact that the Heat have played to five consecutive unders, while the Nuggets, five of their last seven games played, went under the total. But this total here today comes in a little bit low. If you look at the series-opening matchup, Miami workhorse and team leader, Jimmy Butler had a poor outing. Granted he had 13 points and seven rebounds. But for him that was way under his averages.  I expect him to come back today and play very strongly as the entire team will be a lot more competitive. You will definitely see a faster pace and a lot more scoring in this matchup. Please understand that prior to Thursday’s meeting, these two teams have played the five consecutive overs, which does include all four meetings in the regular season this year. The over is 4-1 in the Heat’s last five games played on two days rest, 10-4 in their last 14 games played on the road, and 4-1 in their last five games played versus teams with a winning record. The over is also 6-1 in the Nuggets last seven games played versus teams with a winning record. Take the over. Thank you.

Chicago Cubs.

Game 957.

2:30 PM PST/5:30 PM EST.

Both Chicago and San Diego have underachieved so far this season. Neither team possesses winning records either at home or on the road. They have split Games 1 and 2 of this series. So far this season, the Cubs have gotten the better of the Padres, taking three of five overall meetings in 2023. Marcus Stroman and Ryan Weathers are scheduled to start this game. The Chicago right-hander is 5-4 with a 2.59 ERA, while the Padres left-hander is 1-3 with a 4.28 ERA. The Cubs hurler has become one of the toughest pitchers in the Majors this season. He leads the league with 12 starts and his 0.986 WHIP also tops all pitchers, while holding opposing batters to just .188 against him. And in four career starts versus the Padres, Stroman is 3-0 with a 2.19 ERA. The Padres pitcher is 1-3 with a 4.28 ERA on the campaign. In four career appearances, which includes three starts against Chicago, he is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA. My friends, he has gotten shelled in his last three outings. On the other hand, Stroman has pitched three stellar turns in a row, resulting in three straight wins for him. I am well aware of the fact that Chicago isn’t greatest road team. However, they have won five of their last seven meetings played at Petco Park. They are also very good against left-handers winning 15 of their last 21 games played against left-handed starters. Meanwhile, San Diego is just 2-5 their last seven games played at home and 1-4 their last five games played following a win. Take the Cubs. Thank you.

Arizona Diamondbacks.

Game 960.

1:10 PM PST/4:10 PM EST.

This is a big series, my friends. Both Atlanta and Arizona are in first place in their divisions. In the NL East, the Braves own a 3.5-game lead, while in the West, the Diamondbacks are tied with the Dodgers atop the division, both possessing a 5.5-game cushion. This matchup will have serious playoff implications down the road. So far, these two teams have split Games 1 and 2 of the series. Arizona took the series-opener, only to lose yesterday’s meeting, ending their six-game win streak. For most of the season, Atlanta has been a good away team. However, they’re starting to show cracks, dropping three of their last five as a visitor. As a matter fact, they have problems at Chase Field too, where they are just 1-4 their last five meetings with the Diamondbacks. I feel today’s contest is all about the starting pitchers. Michael Soroka, and Zac Gallen are starting here. The Atlanta right-hander is making just his second appearance of the campaign. And going back a bit, if you recall, he has not pitched since 2020, prior to this season. In his first start on May 29, he got lit up by one of the worst teams in baseball, Oakland, allowing four earned runs in just six innings pitched. On the other hand, the Arizona, right-hander has been one of the most solid pitchers in the NL this season. He is 7-2 with a 2.72 ERA this season. And over his career, in two starts against the Braves, he is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA. The ‘Zona offense has been a bit more consistent of late. And I look for them to bounce back here today. They are 6-1 their last seven games played at home, 13-3 their last 16 games played versus right-handed starters, and 15-7 their last 22 games played versus teams with a winning record. On the other hand, Atlanta is just 3-7 their last 10 games played on the road, 1-4 their last five games played versus the National League West, and 3-8 their last 11 games played versus teams with a winning record. Take the Diamondbacks. Thank you.