d mitch

Las Vegas - Utah was the number one seed out West for a few reasons. But mostly because they WIN! And they WIN at home BIG TIME! The Jazz posted a fabulous 31-5 record at home, and did not lose back-to-back games at the Vivint Arena all season long. If you're not familiar with Vivint, it started life as the Delta Center, then EnergySolutions, then the Vivint. So, why did they lose to Memphis in the opener? Got a few thoughts. They had not played in over week and looked rusty for sure, while the Grizzlies were all JACKED UP after beating the Warriors and Spurs in the Play-In games. Lemme take you back to the end of March when these two hooked up for a back-to-back. Utah (-10) won the first game 117-114 but did not cover. The Jazz (-9) came back in the second game and rocked the Grizz, 126-110. In the first game, Ja Morant went nuts, scoring 32 points with 4 boards and 11 assists. But the next night, Utah put the clamps on Ja, and he had ONLY 12 points, 1 board and just 4 dimes. Expecting the same thing tonight. And the final piece of the puzzle is Donovan Mitchell. Utah missed its leading scorer (26.4 ppg) in the opener and even if he is only 70/80%, having him on the floor will be a GIGANTIC boost for the Jazz. And just as a side note, Mitchell had 35 points in each of those games against Memphis back in March. Eight & a hook is a large ask, so we'll keep it light, but if you don't mind laying some heavy wood, the money line at -$380 is calling my name!

Quick jump out to Chicago and looking at the White Sox with Carlos Rodon against the Cardinals. Rodon had one bad start this season, losing to the Royals. But he bounced back with a GEM against the Yankees the next time out, throwing six innings worth of bagels, allowing only two hits and posting THIRTEEN Ks!!! Sox for the money!

------------------------------------------------------------------