4* MLB POD + 3.3* NBA POD - Guaranteed 2-0!
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 7:03 pmPirates -109 4* MLB POD
The Pirates have been decent at home and have the better bullpen, but what I like the most in this spot is the advantage they have on the mound. Chris Tillman has been a consistently good pitcher, but he comes off a complete game shutout which in which he threw a ton more pitches than he's used to. That usually does not bode well for a starting pitcher in their next start. Tillman has already struggled following a game where he threw 115+ pitches this year when he allowed 7 in his next outing. The Orioles will face Wandy Rodriguez and are 25th in the league in OPS vs. LHP.
Thunder +5.5 3.3* NBA POD
The Spurs had a ton of time to prepare and get fresh against the Thunder and it clearly showed in their blow out victory, but the oddsmakers have not budged on the line. The Thunder are without Ibaka but they have enough depth to push the Spurs at home. After all the Mavericks did. Spurs also will be on shorter rest here which could play a factor, but most of all I don't see the Spurs shooting 57% again against a top 5 defense like the Thunder in what is a huge game.