BlackJack’s Plays of the Day: Must Win

All right, baby, it's our last night here in Las Vegas for a little while before we head home to cover the Belmont and touch base there for a bit. We have baseball, Game 3 of the NBA Finals and there are some good ones — even a couple chances to crush some plus-money winners. So let's get after it and get these wins.

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WINNERS

Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox (-210)

7:10 p.m. ET

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

I like the Red Sox. I respect that they are one of the best teams in baseball, and I know how hard they are to beat at Fenway Park. I also know the Detroit Tigers, for whatever reason, are crushing against left-handed pitching. Tonight they get left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who despite being 6-1 has been inconsistent this season. Add in the fact that Boston won't have Mookie Betts, and we are going to take a shot at some serious value here.

THE PICK: Tigers ML +190

Golden State Warriors (-4) at Cleveland Cavaliers

9 p.m. ET

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cavaliers gave away Game 1 and then got their doors blown off in Game 2. Most people have this game marked as the one the Cavs will steal in this series, and they may well do that. I think the safer play is the one we made in Game 1, which is to take Cleveland in the first half.

THE PICK: Cleveland first half (pick'em)

Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels (-235)

10:07 p.m. ET

Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani takes the mound tonight at home against the Royals. Realistically, I could probably stop there. Ian Kennedy starts for KC tonight, and after starting the year very well, he has fallen back to earth with a thud. With a number this high, the trick is trying to find some value, so I'll play with a half a run in the first five innings.

THE PICK: Angels -0.5 first five innings

Let's get after it, baby!

Editor’s note: The opinion on these games is from the individual writer and is based on his research, analysis and perspective. It is independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.