Ricky's 10* play on the Philadelphia Phillies.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- History of success. For Phillies’ starter Aaron Nola (1-0, 7.45 ERA) vs. the Rockies. Philadelphia is injured and it’s lost the first two games of this series. Nola himself has gotten out to a shaky start to 2019. However I think both he and the Phillies bounce back here, as note that Nola is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA and 17 K’s compared to only two walks in two outings vs. Colorado. Antonio Senzatela (1-0, 1.35) got off to a great start vs. the light-hitting Padres, but note that he has given up three runs over six innings and owns a 4.05 ERA vs. the Phillies.

Key Trends:

- The Phillies are 7-2 in their last nine road games after losing back-to-back contests.

- The Rockies are only 4-9 in their last 13 after back-to-back home victories and as an underdog in the +105 to +150 range.

The verdict: Look for Nola to get back on track with his best effort of the season. Lay the price!

Ricky's 8* play on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

Key Trends:

Analysis posted shortly.

icky's 10* play on the St. Louis Blues.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Smell blood in the water. St. Louis was one of the best teams over the second half and with a chance to end this series here and now, I think it makes the most of it. Note that the Jets average 2.95 goals and conceded 3.02 on the road this season, while St. Louis averages 3.19 goals at home and it allows 3.02.

Key Trends:

- Winnipeg is just 2-7 in its last nine following a one goal loss in its previous game.

- St. Louis is 6-2 in its last eight home games following a win by one or more goals.

The verdict: I think the home side risks life and limb here to finish this series off. The Jets get grounded, lay the price!

Ricky's 9* play on the Denver Nuggets.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Great in revenge role. I’ll admit that the Spurs have looked much better than I thought they would. When we look closer at the numbers though we find that San Antonio has a 32-9 home record, while Denver is only 20-21 on the road. The Spurs are better offensively, scoring 111.5 ppg to the Nuggets' 110.5 ppg, while Denver is better defensively, allowing 106.6 ppg to SA’s 109.9. Spurs have better percentages both in field goals (47.8% to 46.5%) and in 3-pointers (39.2% to 35%). However note that Denver is 4-1 ATS this year revenging a road loss vs. an opponent of ten points or more.

Key Trends:

- Additionally note that Denver is 19-10 ATS in its last 29 off a road loss of ten points or more.

- The Spurs are just 11-20 ATS this season after scoring 115 points or more.

The verdict: I think the desperate and talented visiting side has a legitimate shot at scoring the outright upset, but in a contest which I envision coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m grabbing the points!

Ricky's 10* play on the Detroit Pistons.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Nothing to lose. Well, they’ve already lost the first two games of this series and they’ve already lost their super star Blake Griffin, so at this point its pretty safe to say that the Pistons have little to lose today. I like the home side to come out fired up and to ride the wave of emotion to a much more competitive outcome than what this spread would suggest. And the numbers support that theory.

Key Trends:

- As note that Milwaukee is already 0-2 ATS this year off two consecutive wins vs. division rivals.

- The Bucks are also a mine-burning 3-5 ATS this season after playing four consecutive home games.

- Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last six off two straight road losses by ten points or more (including 2-0 ATS this season.)

The verdict: Whether Griffin plays or not, look for the Pistons to go down fighting. Grab the points!