After losing Game 2 by only three points, the Clippers shouldn't be overly worried. They shot the ball horribly in that game and still almost came back to win (37% field goals & 27% from three.) Today, we should see vast improvements from that performance. I believe that they'll be ready for this challenge on the road. Los Angeles was actually slightly better on the road in the regular season than at home. Dallas, on the other hand, owned a better road record (% wise.) In their last meeting back in this arena, the Clippers won by nine points. One thing to know is that the Clippers were 11-1 ATS this season after playing three consecutive home games. For Dallas, they are just 2-9 ATS in their eleven games following a win as an underdog this season. I expect Kawhi to have a much stronger game and lead his Clippers to a 2-1 series lead. 

Score Prediction: 115-104 Clippers.

While the Pacers shot horribly in Game 1, they picked things up with a tremendous performance in Game 2. Yes, the playoffs are normally played with much more defensive intensity. However, this is a series that should still see plenty of points, like last game. Having said that, I believe that the Pacers will come out hot again. They average the most points per game out of any team, with the Bucks sitting in 4th in that category. Both teams like to push the pace as well. Not only have we seen plenty of offense throughout the season between these teams, but we've also seen plenty of offense throughout the years between these two teams. As a matter of fact, nine of the past twelve meetings have gone "over" the total. Don't forget that some of those totals were in the 230's, 240's, 250's and even 260's. Getting an even lower line than Game 2, this total is hard to pass up in Game 3. 

Score Prediction: 124-114 Pacers

After sweeping the Houston Astros, the Chicago Cubs are looking very good to start the season. They now turn to the Japanese phenom in Shota Imanaga (3-0, 0.84 ERA,) who has yet to lose a game in the Major's. Not only are the Cubs a better hitting team, but I believe that they have the better pitcher in this matchup. Kutter Crawford (1-0, 0.66 ERA,) has been great. However, I don't expect him to keep it up as he's never really even had a very good season in short his career so far. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that Crawford will have improved numbers from last year. But, the Cubs should be able to figure him out today. Boston is coming off a series loss against Cleveland. I believe that they will continue to trend downwards as the season progresses. Chicago is on a roll. Expect another gem from Imanaga and another win for the Cubbies in the first game of this weekend series. 

Score Prediction: 6-2 Cubs