Michael Alexander

Rating: 2 Units

Dallas stands tied for 7th in the league in goals per game as they average 2.80 goals per contest in postseason play. The Stars stand 4th in the league in goals against as they allow an average of 2.40 goals a night this season. Dallas is 4th when it comes to success on the power play as they convert on 29.2% of their chances with the man advantage this season. Colorado heads into this one 1st in the league in goals per game as they average 4.50 goals a night in the postseason. The Avalanche are 11th in goals against as they allow an average of 3.38 goals a contest. Colorado is tied for 2nd in the league with the man advantage as they convert 33.3% of their chances with the man advantage. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Celtics seem to thrive away from the pressure of playing in front of the home faithful at TD Garden in the playoffs. They are just 2-2 at home in the playoffs but they haven't lost yet on the road. The Celtics took full advantage of the Cavs' lack of size in the paint in game two, particularly Brown and Tatum. The duo combined for 61 points and Tatum made nine trips to the free-throw line, sinking all nine. The Celtics also shifted Jrue Holiday on Mitchell primarily defensively and he spent a good portion of the game playing single courage on him until the Cavs increased using the high screen to free Mitchell. The Celtics' distinct advantage at every other position showed through in game three. As long as the Celtics stick to that aggressive defense and force the likes of LeVert, Garland, and Isaac Okoro into difficult shots, they should roll again.

Rating: 2 Units

Los Angeles has gotten hot again as they have opened up some breathing room in the NL West playoff picture. The Dodgers are a deep lineup and they have gotten production from their big free-agent acquisitions. Stone has been pretty solid as a back-of-the-rotation type of guy this season. Shohei Ohtani is a solid power bat and Hernandez has stepped into the middle of the lineup to put some more pop in the mix. Hicks has been decent after being converted back to a starter but it’s tough to get excited about a guy that tends to go five innings. Give the edge to the Dodgers, especially with their powerful lineup, to get the win here.

Rating: 2 Units

Today's matchup against Washington right-hander Trevor Williams (4-0, 1.96 ERA) forecasts another potential dreary day for a Chicago offense that has been shut out an MLB-high 10 times this season. Williams most recently surrendered a run on April 26, three starts ago to Miami. He tied his career high with eight punchouts in his latest outing on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles. The 32-year-old is the only starter this season to throw at least 35 innings without allowing a home run. Williams gave up 34 homers in 2023, the most in the National League.

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Sixto Sanchez (0-1, 7.50) will make his 11th appearance and fourth start of the season for the Marlins. Sanchez, who didn't appear in a major league game for three seasons after multiple shoulder surgeries, hasn't pitched since May 5, his third straight start. In that outing, Sanchez gave up two runs and three hits in four innings against Oakland. Sanchez has not faced the Tigers in his career. Hinch could stack his lineup with plenty of left-handed batters, as lefties are hitting .379 with a 1.022 on-base-plus-slugging percentage against Sanchez this season.