Ivica Zubac is having an exceptional series where he is averaging a healthy 16/10 on 57% shooting from field. Zubac had a career best season and he has been a difference maker in this series. With that being said, this number is simply massive for the Croatian Center and I anticipate a better performance defensively from Daniel Gafford who has really been underwhelming in this series, despite an incredible 20 game stretch to close out the regular season. Zubac has the best plus/minus of any member of the Clippers so it will be imperative for Dallas to try to keep him at bay and/or off the floor.

Justin Verlanders strike out metrics have been on the decline for a while and last season was the first time he had a sub 10% SwStr% since the 2014 season. He will face a Guardians lineup that has the 4th lowest K rate against opposing right handed pitchers and has been the stingiest lineup in baseball from a strikeout standpoint for three consecutive seasons.

Triston McKenzie has the unenviable task of facing the Houston Astros who possess the lowest K rate in the league this season. McKenzie's underlying metrics haven't been great either and 5 Ks is a tall order for him against a lineup like Houstons.

This is a huge number for Bam who has only eclipsed this line in 1/4 games of this series, despite playing nearly 40 MPG in the playoffs. Adeabyo has played well but the Heat are simply overmatched and without Jimmy Butler there is just a massive disparity in talent between these teams and it is simply too much for Miami to overcome. Boston stewed over their first round loss to Miami last season and I believe will be highly motivated to take care of business and complete the gentleman's sweep of the Heat.

Patrick Sandoval has struggled to start the season although his strikeout numbers are in mostly in line with his career averages. However he is facing a Phillies lineup that has been as potent as any over their last 10 games. In addition to racking up a ton of runs, the Phillies are barely striking out and I believe there is a good chance they are able to end Sandoval's night prematurely.

The Phillies bats have been red hot and have scored five or more runs in six consecutive games. They will face lefty Patrick Sandoval who has really struggled to start the season posting a 6.33 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP. Sandoval has failed to record 6 IP in one of his six starts this season and 25/34 starts dating back to last season.

Kenta Maeda has struggled this season and while his strikeout metrics don't look great, I don't believe hes suddenly fallen off a cliff. Maeada has been a very consistent strikeout artist over the last seven seasons and he has a "get right" matchup against a Cardinals lineup that sports the seventh highest K rate against opposing right handed pitchers this season. Look for Maeda to get back on track in a favorable matchup.

Tyler Anderson has gotten off to a very good start for the Angels but I believe he is a major regression candidate and his current numbers simply aren't sustainable long term. The lefty will face a Phillies lineup that possesses the eighth highest OPS against southpaws, in addition to having excellent career numbers against Anderson. The Phillies bats have also been on fire lately and I like their chances of getting to Anderson in this matchup.

This is a big number for Bobby Portis even without Damian Lillard and Giannis in then lineup. Portis is a very productive player that typically comes off the bench when the Bucks are at full strength. He is much bigger offensive responsibilities with Milwaukee missing their two stars and leading scorers. While Portis usage should obviously increase he tends to struggle when hes a primary or secondary scoring option which is why I like fading him tonight.

Both of these squads played very little defense in the regular season and that has translated to the playoffs. I am surprised this total is as low as it is considering they have easily eclipsed this total in three consecutive games. I personally don't see that trend suddenly changing in Game 5 and I have no clue why this total has actually shrunk a few points. Both teams like to get out and run, in addition to routinely getting shots up with double digits seconds left on the shot clock. Until they prove otherwise, I'm riding OVER.

7 Ks is a big ask for Mackenzie Gore who has failed to eclipse this line in 4 of 5 starts this season. He is facing a Texas Rangers lineup that possesses the 7th lowest overall K rate, however they do struggle against opposing lefties. I believe the Rangers bats are due for some positive regression considering essentially the same lineup last season was 4th in OPS and 21st in K rate to opposing lefties. Gore hasn't been great this season and the Rangers are due for a scoring outburst.

Going to pick on Sean Manaea in this matchup against the Cubs. Manaea appears to be a major regression candidate and has run hot on Ks thus far, in addition to taking advantage of some soft matchups. He will face a Cubs lineup that possesses the 11th lowest K rate against opposing southpaws, in addition to having the second highest OPS.