Bryan Power

THE PLAY: Cleveland Cavaliers Total Under 99.5 (-115)

In the first round vs. Orlando, Cleveland averaged just 95.9 points per game. You go back to last year and the Cavs have failed to score 100 pts in 7 of 9 playoff games. Boston’s defensive numbers are pretty comparable to Orlando, so I like the Cavs' team total Under in Game 1 of this best of seven series.

The Cavs are not good on the road when it comes to playoff time. HC JB Bickerstaff has NEVER won a playoff road game before (he's also just 1-11 SU/2-10 ATS as a playoff dog). And in the three first road road games vs. the Magic, the Cavs finished with 83, 89 and 96 points. 

Outside of Donovan Mitchell, who I expected to see double teamed more in this series, the Cavs don't offer up much offensively. Unless someone like Max Strus goes off from three, tough to see this team having a big night offensively. Jarrett Allen (16.5 PPG) is still injured and Evan Mobley hasn't even attempted a single 3PA the L4 games. 

THE PLAY: Tampa Bay Rays Total Over 4.5 (-125) M Soroka (RHP), Z Eflin (RHP) Must Start

A lot of people (myself included) were ready to give up the Rays on last week. But then they swept the Mets and are now hosting the White Sox, the worst team in all of baseball, and have revenge after being swept (in Chicago) last month. 

I think we would all concur the idea of the White Sox sweeping the same opponent twice is a little far-fetched. So no surprise that the Rays took Monday's opener 8-2. I think we see plenty of runs scored from the Rays again tonight as they face Mike Soroka.  All seven times Soroka has started this season, the White Sox opponent has scored at least 5 runs.

And even if you think there’s a chance Soroka might pitch better than expected here, guess what? The White Sox bullpen is pretty bad as well. So they’re should be some opportunities to put runs on the board in the late innings as well. By the way, Tampa Bay’s offense has scored the 2nd most runs at home since April 15th (trailing only the Phillies).