What a week we have ahead of us: The NFL schedule release on Wednesday, the PGA Championship starts Thursday, the Preakness on Saturday along with deciding games in the NBA and NHL playoffs.
We have two NBA games today:
Game 4: Thunder (-6) at Nuggets, 3:30 ET, ABC. Denver leads 2-1.
Game 4: Cavaliers (-5) at Pacers, 8 ET, TNT. Indiana leads 2-1.
Later this morning: Zach Cohen will post his daily Best Bets and Steve Makinen will file his Analytics Report.
>Today’s selections from the KillerSports NBA Playoff Challenge will be available shortly after 2:30 p.m. ET.
Saturday recap: The Celtics (-5.5) beat the Knicks 115-93 to cut their deficit to 2-1; the Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 102-97 (but didn’t cover the closing -5.5) to take a 2-1 series lead.
We have two games in the NHL tonight:
Game 3: Jets (+128) at Stars (-143), 4:30 ET, TBS. Tied at 1.
Game 4: Maple Leafs (+165) at Panthers (-185), 7:30 ET, TBS. Toronto leads 2-1.
Jonathan Davis will post his Best Bets later today.
Saturday recap: The Golden Knights saved their season on a Reilly Smith goal with .4 seconds left, beating the Oilers 4-3 to avoid a 0-3 hole. The Hurricanes took a 2-1 series lead with a 4-0 victory over the Capitals.
Today in MLB
Greg Peterson already has filed his top plays for today.
Steve Makinen, Adam Burke and Josh Appelbaum will post their contributions later this morning.
>Our daily matchup page with more detail by clicking on “Matchup Analysis.”
>Makinen’s daily power ratings
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits
Makinen’s NASCAR predictions
Steve Makinen has posted his final simulation for today’s stop in Kansas.
Kyle Larson races to the pole on Saturday at Kansas and also posts the best 10-lap average pace in practice, hence solidifying himslef as the driver to beat on Sunday. Kansas boasts a C handicap-ability grade in that it has been known for producing some calamity. The last five races here have produced 9.2 cautions per race, so its best to be running out front. Larson should be there for much of the Advent Health 400, but will be challenged by other top Kansas contenders like Tyler Reddick, William Byron, and Christopher Bell.
Denny Hamlin didn’t have a great day Saturday in practice and qualifying but boasts the #1 track rating on my scale. He could be worth a lower price.
Here are my projections for Sunday at Kansas:
Top 5: Larson, Bell, Hamlin, Bowman, Gibbs
Top underdogs to consider: Gibbs, Chastain, Suarez, McDowell, Haley
Favorites to struggle: Elliott, Logano, Busch
Quick Hits
Soccer: Nigel Seeley has some remaining Best Bets for the weekend EPL menu.
Horse Racing: “Mr. Ed” Sehon has picks for today’s Belmont meet at Aqueduct.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Sunday, May 11. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
