The NBA and NHL playoffs are heating up as the first-round series are coming to a close. One of the most exciting matchups has been between the 76ers and the Knicks, with the Knicks currently leading the series 3-1. Despite the Knicks’ lead, all games have been closely contested, with two games decided by fewer than six points. Joel Embiid of the 76ers scored an impressive 50 points in Game 3, but Jalen Brunson of the Knicks responded with a playoff-record 47 points in Game 4.
In the NHL, the Rangers swept the Capitals in a four-game series, with three of the games decided by two or more goals. On the betting front, road favorites have been performing well in the NBA playoffs, with a 58.7% success rate since 2010. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry also made headlines by winning the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, beating out Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer in a playoff.
In terms of upsets, the Heat shocked the Celtics in Game 2 of their series, and the Canucks surprised the Predators in Game 5. Looking ahead, new NFL odds markets have been established following the draft, with Caleb Williams favored to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Dallas Turner favored for AP Defensive Player of the Year. Despite the draft, Super Bowl odds remain unchanged, with the Kansas City Chiefs leading the pack. Stay tuned for more exciting sports action as the playoffs continue.