The set-up: Denver pulled away for a 132-126 win vs. the Spurs last night, but I think that the Nuggets will predictably come up short here with their overall offensive effort in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. 

The pick: The Blazers are playing well and still have a shot at a playoff spot if they can continue to find ways to win. Last time out Portland controlled the tempo and beat the high-scoring Rockets 110-102 and I expect a similar game-plan deployed tonight as well. This one has the feel of a "chess match," rather than a high-scoring "run and gun shootout." This number is a little high.

This is a 10* TOTAL COACH'S CORNER on the UNDER Blazers/Nuggets.

The set-up: The Astros turn to Brandon Bielak (2-0, 1.69 ERA) here and he most recently gave up one run and struck out six over five innings in a win out of the bullpen vs. the Angels. 

The pick: Zac Gallen (0-0, 2.70) gets the nod for the D-Backs after allowing two runs over six innings vs. the Dodgers on Friday. The problem for Gallen here is the lack of production that his team is making right now at the plate. The Astros are raking and I believe they'll get the job done here in this favorable road matchup. Lay it.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the Houston Astros.

The set-up: Tyler Chatwood (0-0, 0.71 ERA) gets the nod for the visitors and I think he'll easily get the better of his counterpart Brad Keller (0-0, 0.00) who makes his season debut here after starting the season on the IL due to Covid 19 positive test. Keller isn't expected to see many innings, and it's ultimately why I feel extremely comfortable laying this steeper price on the road team. 

The pick: Chatwood dominated over seven innings on Saturday vs. the Pirates, allowing three hits, two walks and striking out 11 and allowing no runs. Chatwood is on top form and I expect him to dominate this weak Royals lineup. Lay the price.

This is an 8* ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION on the Chicago Cubs.

The set-up: Two veteran pitchers who have been accustomed to success over their careers, but who have struggled somewhat to open this abbreviated season, collide in this AL matchup on Thursday afternoon and suffice it to say, I'm expecting this total to fly over sooner, rather than later. Mike Minor (0-2, 5.91 ERA) gets the nod for the Rangers and he most recently got rocked for six runs off nine hits in a loss to the Giants on Friday. Over 10.2 innings of work Minor now has a poor 1.41 WHIP.

The pick: The A's counter with Mike Fiers (0-0, 5.40) who allowed two runs off four hits and one walk over six frames in a no-decision vs. the soft-hitting Mariners on Saturday, also striking out three. Previous to that Fiers was rocked for four runs off seven hits over four innings in a fortunate no-decision vs. the Angels. These two pitchers have seen better days and I think they'll each "get the hook" early, which will ultimately help in pushing this total over the posted number as the game comes down the stretch.

This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE MONTH on the OVER Rangers/A's.

The set-up: The Wild won Game 1 by shutting down the Canucks, but Vancouver bounced back in Game 2 by pushing the pace from the outset and the result was a 4-3 victory. So which way will Game 3 go? A defensive affair like Game 1, or a more wide open contest like Game 2? In my opinion, it will definitely be more like Game 2. Vancouver looked sluggish in its first game back, but it got its "game legs" underneath it and all signs point to this young team pushing the pace from the opening face-off, until the final horn blares.

The pick: It's interesting to note as well that Vancouver has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last 11 after scoring four or more goals in a victory. As mentioned off the top, this one has wide open "shootout" written all over it.

This is a 10* TOTAL DESTRUCTION on the OVER Canucks/Wild.