Rating; 2 Units

The Avalanche look to close out this series and I see them controlling this game from the first period. The Avalanche, who have scored 22 goals in this series, should pile on the goals with Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and the rest of the forward unit controlling the puck in the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Avalanche, who have allowed only five goals in the last three games, should limit the Jets offense with Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Alexandar Georgiev to make plenty of big saves. The Avalanche should win the game and advance to the Second Round with a strong performance on the road.

Rating; 2 Units

Indiana's offense has been just as efficient as Milwaukee's in this series. The Pacers are winning the rebounding and turnover battle. Indiana is much healthier, especially when it comes to the stars in this series. Expect game five to bring this series to an end, especially if Antetokounmpo and Lillard don't play again. Milwaukee can't reach 115 points in an April game, even at home, and can't prevent the Pacers from exceeding 120 points. The Pacers are up 3-1 despite 68.8% free throw shooting. It's over. Take Indiana to win and cover.

Rating; 2 Units

The Magic looked dominant at home, but I don't put too much value in those outcomes. They weren't competitive in games one and two in Cleveland, and the Cavaliers are due for positive shooting regression. I expect Cleveland to get back to its winning ways by holding their own on the glass (+14 rebounding margin in game one and +7 in game two) and scoring more buckets in the paint. Limiting Orlando's fast break opportunities will also be a key to game five. The Magic are unlikely to shoot the ball as efficiently as on Saturday (55.8%). As long as the Cavs score early and often inside, offensively-challenged Orlando will crumble under the pressure of matching baskets with Cleveland. I predict the Cavs will get out to an early lead and use their home court to their advantage, holding off the Magic's comeback efforts. Cleveland will win and cover in game five!

Rating: 2 Units

Right-hander Javier Assad (2-0, 2.00 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs against left-hander Sean Manaea (1-1, 3.33). Assad didn't factor into the decision in his latest start, when he gave up one run over 5 2/3 innings in the Cubs' 3-1 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday. He is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in two career games (one start) against the Mets. Manaea also got a no-decision the last time he took the mound. He tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings -- but gave up four hits and four walks -- in the Mets' 8-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. He is 0-1 with a 4.67 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota will continue its dominance of Chicago today. Soroka has been home-run prone in the past two seasons, allowing 16 home runs in 13 appearances. He will have a tough time keeping the Twins (30 HR) in the ballpark on a warm and breezy evening at Guaranteed Rate Field today. Minnesota scored 32 runs in its three-game set versus the Angels and averaged 8.1 runs during its seven-game winning streak. Soroka will face the Twins in consecutive starts, a tall task for any pitcher. I have more faith in Woods Richardson to get through five innings. The Twins have a much more reliable bullpen (third in ERA) than the White Sox (4.40 ERA and 16 HR allowed), as well. With a significant pitching advantage and a hot lineup, the visitors will will win tonight!

Rating: 2 Units

I like the Blue Jays to get some good swings against Ragans in their second meeting with the lefthander in a week. Last year, the Blue Jays batted .272 as a team against lefties and they still have a lineup of solid right-handed bats such as Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Justin Turner, and Alejandro Kirk to battle the lefty. Ragans has not been as sharp this season as he was in his 12-start stint with the Royals last year. He has given up 33 hits in 30 innings of work already and his WHIP has jumped up to 1.43 compared to 1.07 last year. Berrios took the hard-luck loss against the Royals in that rain-shortened game last week. He has been outstanding thus far with five quality starts in his six starts this season. Berrios has allowed just 26 hits in over 36 innings of work and his WHIP is a tidy 1.04. I'm going with the Jays to avenge last week's rain-shortened loss against Ragans.