We’ll find out a lot about some NBA and NHL playoff teams today with two favorites down 2-0 and on the road.
The betting market still has faith that the Celtics (-120 in the series) can come back against the Knicks (+100). Not so much for Vegas’ hometown heroes, the Golden Knights, who are +400 underdogs vs. the Oilers (-550).
Which brings us to today’s NBA games:
- Game 3: Celtics (-5.5 at Circa) at Knicks, 3:30 ET, ABC. NY leads 2-0.
- Game 3: Timberwolves (-5) vs. Warriors, 8:30 ET, ABC. Tied at 1.
Although Zach Cohen had some discouraging words for the Warriors’ chances in my newsletter yesterday, it is pretty clear that Steve Kerr used Game 2 to experiment with his lineup. Did he find the right rotation with Steph Curry out until at least Game 6? We will find out tonight.
Later this morning: Zach 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.
Friday recap: The Cavs (-5) finally woke up and beat the Pacers 126-104 to cut their series deficit to 2-1; The Nuggets (+6) took a 2-1 series lead by beating the Thunder 113-104 in OT.
We have two games in the NHL tonight:
- Game 3: Capitals (+170 at Circa) at Hurricanes (-190), 6 ET, TNT. Tied at 1.
- Game 3: Golden Knights (+112) at Oilers (-125), 9 ET, TNT. Edmonton leads 2-0.
Jonathan Davis will post his official Best Bets later today.
Friday recap: The Panthers (-202) needed overtime, but edged the Leafs 5-4 to avoid going down 3-0; the Jets (-135) evened their series vs. the Stars with a 4-0 victory.
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
Quick Hits
Horse Racing: We’re a week away from the Preakness, but still plenty of good racing today. Here are picks from Mike Somich and from “Mr. Ed” Sehon, plus Adam Burke‘s Peter Pan preview.
ICYMI: Mike and Aaron Halterman covered a lot of topics — including how to put together a superfecta — on VSiN At The Tracks. >>Watch the replay.
Soccer: Nigel Seeley has his Best Bets for the weekend EPL menu.
UFC: Lou Finocchiaro has his top plays for UFC 315 in Montreal, featuring Belal Muhammad (-180) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (+155). Britton Hess will add his picks for every fight on the card later this morning.
College Football: Need your CFB fix? Tim Murray and Ari Wasserman of On3 discuss the loaded rosters at Miami and Clemson, among many topics, on the VSiN College Football Betting Podcast.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Saturday, May 10. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
