The NBA and NHL playoffs are nearing the end of their first-round series, and 76ers-Knicks has been among the most entertaining so far.
The Knicks lead the series 3-1, but all games have been decided by fewer than 12 points, including two by fewer than six points. 76ers big man Joel Embiid scored 50 points in Game 3, and then Knicks guard Jalen Brunson nearly matched him with a Knicks playoff-record 47 points in Game 4.
In the NHL, the Rangers made quick work of the Capitals with a four-game sweep ending Sunday night. Three of the four games were decided by two or more goals.
TRENDS OF THE WEEK
In the first round of the NBA playoffs, road favorites have done well against the spread over the last several years. Since 2010, road favorites are 86-60-3 (58.7%). On Saturday, two of three road favorites (Celtics and Thunder) covered the spread, while the Nuggets did not.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry teamed up to win the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, the only official team event on the PGA Tour. At 25-under, the pair beat Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer on the first playoff hole. Going into the tournament at BetMGM sportsbook, McIlroy/Lowry pulled in the third-most bets to win outright (8.8%) and the third-most money (10.6%).
UPSETS OF THE WEEK
The Heat, who closed as 14.5-point underdogs, upset the Celtics in Game 2 of their first-round series Wednesday night. It matched the third-largest NBA playoff upset since 1991.
The Canucks stunned the Predators on the road in Sunday’s Game 5, scoring two late third-period goals and then winning in overtime for a 3-1 series lead. Bettors heavily favored Nashville, as they pulled in 86% of the money on moneyline bets.
COMING UP
Following last week’s NFL draft, several new NFL odds markets have been established ahead of the regular season.
No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is the favorite to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year at +200. Marvin Harrison Jr. is next at +600, followed by Jayden Daniels at +750. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is fourth at +850.
When it comes to the AP Defensive Player of the Year, Dallas Turner is the favorite at +400, followed by Laiatu Latu at +750. Jared Verse has the third-best odds at +800, with Quinyon Mitchell after him at +900.
Nobody’s Super Bowl odds moved during the draft. Kansas City remains the favorite with +550 odds to win a third straight Super Bowl. The 49ers are the next closest at +600, followed by the Ravens at +900.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by BetMGM Sportsbook.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports