Follow @SBTSportBetting [Get Exclusive Tips on our Patreon, Ad-Free]
The NHL playoffs kicked off last night with some crazy games. The Penguins and Islanders saw their game go to overtime where a Josh Bailey goal sent the home fans home happy.
We also saw the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning and presumptive Stanley Cup favorite lose against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Lightning had a 3-1 lead in the third period and looked every bit as the favorite that they are. The Jackets then stormed back with three goals in the final period to steal the win.
Last night also send the end of the NBA regular season and all of the first round matches being put in place. The first round series odds are as follows:
#1 Milwaukee Bucks -10000 vs. #8 Detroit Pistons +1700
#2 Toronto Raptors -5000 vs. #7 Orlando Magic +1400
#3 Philadelphia 76ers -2500 vs. #6 Brooklyn Nets +1100
#4 Boston Celtics -560 vs. #5 Indiana Pacers +400#1 Golden State Warriors -10000 vs. #8 Los Angeles Clippers +2000
#2 Denver Nuggets -286 vs. #7 San Antonio Spurs +220
#3 Portland Trail Blazers +115 vs. #6 Oklahoma City Thunder -143
#4 Houston Rockets -305 vs. #5 Utah Jazz +230
At a glance, the Pacers look like the best bet out there followed by the Blazers. The Celtics have more talent, but we’ve been saying that all season and there is something about this team that just doesn’t work. I think the Celtics should win, but I also think they are being overrated a tad here.
As for Portland, they are a home seed for a reason. The last couple months of the Thunder has not been pretty and until we see Paul George look like the MVP-candidate again, I can really see the Blazers avenging the demons of last year’s first round exit.
For those of you interested in NBA Futures talk, I’ll be writing a lot more about them over at NBAFutures.com.
MLB Betting Tips:
Colorado Rockies at San Francisco Giants Betting Tips:
I am a big fan of Jon Gray as a pitcher and I am not a big fan of the San Francisco offense. This is a great match-up for that reason. Gray has huge strikeout stuff, but he’s been rather unlucky over the past year with his batting average on balls in play and his left on base percentage. His xFIP is way lower than his ERA and he has huge strikeout stuff. This Giants offense should be a great opportunity for him to have his best start of the young season.
The Giants will send Jeff Samardzija and this is a guy who has his best days behind him. I am not a fan and I think the Rockies should hit him here.
NHL Betting Tips:
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals: The Capitals are back to defend their Stanley Cup and i think they are going to go far in this playoffs. They destroyed a lot of their playoff demons and I think they come out strong here. I see them winning this series in five games so coming out strong in game one is a must. The crowd should be hot for this one and the Caps should roll.
