LAS VEGAS -- The NBA Western Conference Finals are in full swing, and the energy is off the charts. Meanwhile, the NHL Eastern Conference Finals bring more playoff drama on the ice. Plus, there’s a solid lineup of MLB games to keep things rolling all day.
First Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves Over 215.5
Rundown: Game one of the Western Conference finals showed us a lot. Oklahoma is the legitimate contender that we thought they were. In that second half, they outscored Minnesota by 30 and won the game by twenty-six. However, Minnesota only put up eight eight points which was very uncharacteristic of them. Tonight should be different. Although I believe OKC takes this one, I see game two being a lot different. Minnesota should punch back tonight and score way more points than game one, I expect this one to be a shootout and with the over at 215.5, both teams should score enough to cover.
Second Pick: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline
Rundown: Carolina has been dominant in these playoffs, especially at home. After dropping game one on their home ice, expect Carolina to come back with everything they have. Although the series wouldn't be over with a loss tonight, Carolina will be playing like it is a must-win game. After giving up five goals in game one, the Hurricanes were given the reality check they needed. They had been coasting up until that point, so a jab like that might be exactly what they needed. Carolina's crowd will be the loudest we have seen in years to add to that must-win mentality. Carolina's moneyline odds are currently -130. For such a meaningful home game like this for the Hurricanes, these odds are fantastic. Take this now before anything changes.
Third Pick: Boston Red Sox Moneyline
Rundown: Although the Red Sox have been as inconsistent as they could be this year, nothing compares to the absolute shambles that the Baltimore Orioles are in. From being one of the most improved teams last season and making a playoff appearance, this season has been nothing short of disastrous for them. With a record of 16-32, and firing their manager, bettors need to start putting their money on whoever plays them. Boston is at -130 for the money line, so jump on them early.
Parlay of the Day: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 and Seattle Mariners Moneyline
Rundown: Philly has covered this run line for three straight games against the struggling Colorado Rockies, and is alsoon quite the win streak. The Phillies have won six straight, and have looked to put all their pieces together in their talented lineup. Philly just recently took over first place in the NL East, so I expect some urgency from them to rack up wins against teams like Colorado to gain more ground on the Mets. Our Second leg is the Seattle Mariners Moneyline. Seattle has Houston to worry about, but the Mariners have looked fantastic so far this season. Seattle has three games on Houston, so just like Philly, expect some urgency from Seattle to get more games up on Houston.