Here’s an overview of some of the top games in sports being played on June 18. Today, we’re taking a closer look at five games from Major League Baseball and the NHL Playoffs.

Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs – 1:20 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves have a 37-28 record this season and today they face the Cubs. On the road, the Braves have done well this season, going 17-14. Recently, they won three straight games over the Washington Nationals on the road. On the mound tonight for Atlanta is the 7-3 Kyle Wright. Wright has an ERA of 2.57 and leads the Braves pitching rotation.

The Chicago Cubs will, unfortunately, have to send out the 1-5 Justin Steele tonight. Steele has an ERA of 4.33 this season, putting the Cubs in a tough spot. The Cubs were able to steal a 1-0 win over the Braves yesterday. However, we don’t think that will be the same case tonight. We’ll take the Braves on the road at -170.

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays – 3:07 PM ET

There’s some great news for the Yankees as Luis Severino has been cleared to play. However, getting the start tonight is the 7-1 Jameson Taillon. Taillon has an ERA of 2.93 over the course of 67.2 innings. The important thing to remember here is that the batters of New York are in for a tough game. As a team, they’re batting .248 this season, but now they face Alek Manoah.

This season, SP Alek Manoah has a record of 8-1 with an incredible 1.67 ERA. Manoah has been the catalyst that has helped the Blue Jays in their 37-27 record. Tonight, he’s tasked with slowing down the batters of New York. Sure, it’s a tough task but Manoah is up for it. His own batters are averaging a .257 this year. We’ll go with the Blue Jays at home -135.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds – 4:10 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers have a 36-30 record this season and beat the Reds yesterday. Sealing a 5-4 victory over the Reds should give the Brewers a bit of momentum today. Jason Alexander, who has only pitched 16.2 innings this year will get the start tonight. He has an ERA of 2.16 and has thrown six strikeouts in that time.

The Cincinnati Reds have a 23-41 record, which has been vastly improved lately. Although they’ve lost their last two games, the Reds won the three before that. For a team that started off slow, the Reds are pulling together now. Taking the mound today is Graham Ashcraft (3-0), arguably one of their best pitchers. We’ll take the Reds tonight at home -110.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – 7:15 PM ET

This game will be an important one for the Guardians. At the moment, the Guardians have won their last five games, including yesterday’s against LA. If they can get another win over Los Angeles, they’ll improve their record to 34-27. Getting the start is Cal Quantrill, who has a 4-3 record as a starter with an ERA of 3.38.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a great rotation, but Julio Urias has struggled lately. Urias is 3-6 this season but still has an ERA of 2.80. The Dodgers batters can also help out to keep this game close. The Guardians have a slight edge in the batting average category at .250. Considering they have the edge in pitching and batting, we’ll take the Guardians +195.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche – 8:00 PM ET

Although only one game has gone by in this series, the Lightning could be in trouble. At the moment, they’re down 1-0 after losing 4-3 in Game 1. The Avalanche offense scored quickly against the Lightning, putting them behind early. If the Lightning can’t avoid this happening again, the Avalanche will win another one.

The offense of the Avalanche isn’t the only important aspect of their game. Their defense has been nearly impeccable during the post-season, especially in the series against Edmonton. With them playing at home tonight, we expect to see another great game from Colorado. They come in as -150 favorites and we think they’re the best choice.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.