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Deadspin | Lightning try to take down Hurricanes in latest clash

Deadspin | Lightning try to take down Hurricanes in latest clash

Mar 8, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) looks to control the puck during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay put it together in 60 minutes of winning hockey during its last outing, but the Lightning may have to be even better when the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes visit on Saturday night.

The East’s heavy hitters will meet for the final time this regular season after facing each other shortly after the Olympic break on Feb. 26.

On home ice in Raleigh, Carolina won that matchup 5-4 in regulation, avenging Tampa Bay’s 6-4 home win on Dec. 20 – two high-scoring affairs by skilled clubs who excel at putting the puck in the net.

Sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division, coach Jon Cooper’s Lightning score 3.52 goals per game (fourth-most in NHL) and won 4-1 Thursday night over the Detroit Red Wings.

It was just the home team’s second win in eight contests (2-6-0).

Gage Goncalves and Jake Guentzel netted two goals apiece, and playmaking right wing Nikita Kucherov, who dealt one assist each to the wingers, achieved 1,100 career points in the win.

He became the second Lightning member with 1,100, joining Steven Stamkos, who notched 1,137 points in 16 seasons playing bayside.

Goncalves reached 10 goals to set a new career high for a season, just as he has in assists (13) and points (23).

“He’s always had (a high hockey IQ),” Cooper said of Goncalves. “It was just about how he was going to develop … what he can and can’t do. Pretty turnover-prone when he first came into the league, so he had to learn kind of the hard way.

“Great example of a kid that’s fought through everything to get here and is doing a heck of a job.”

Since Feb. 1, Carolina is 8-3-0 but went 1-1-0 on its two-game homestand, beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 before falling 3-1 to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.

The Hurricanes rank sixth in scoring by averaging 3.46 goals.

They lost for the first time in regulation at home since Jan. 3 and had a 12-game home point streak come to an end last time out.

Mark Jankowski scored the lone goal for the losing side on Team Canada silver medal-winning goaltender Jordan Binnington – his second straight game with a tally – and said he and his teammates have to be better in the middle period.

“We had a good start, but our last few games, our second period, we kind of had a lull,” Jankowski said. “We can’t have that. We’ve got to play a full 60 minutes. Every game in the NHL is a battle. Every night we’ve got to bring it for 60 minutes or else that’s going to happen.”

Coach Rod Brind’Amour said the Jankowski-centered fourth line, featuring left wing William Carrier and right wing Eric Robinson, was rather unfortunately the team’s best grouping.

“They were our best line,” said Brind’Amour. “That’s generally not a good thing because they don’t play that much. We’ve got to get more out of our top guys.”

Seth Jarvis has tallied a team-high 28 goals, while Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov have 23 apiece.

Goaltender Brandon Bussi (25-5-1, 2.37 goals-against average, .899 save percentage) made 14 saves vs. St. Louis but lost his second straight start for the first time in his career.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Lightning #Hurricanes #latest #clash

A disciplined Mirra Andreeva saw off a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to ​prevail 6-4 7-6(8) in a battle of nerves on ‌Thursday to reach the final of the Madrid ​Open.

Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, will ⁠face Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova in the final of the claycourt tournament, with the two set to face off ‌later in the day.

“I feel so much adrenaline inside, I feel like I’m still nervous,” ‌Andreeva said in the post-match interview.

“Honestly, I’m ‌just ⁠so happy that I won… I’m very happy ⁠with how I served today.”

Baptiste had shocked world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, but the 24-year-old struggled as ninth ​seed Andreeva conceded only ‌two points on serve in the first set.

The American stood firm until the seventh game, when Baptiste’s forehand landed wide, handing Andreeva a break point. ‌The former French Open semi-finalist sent a perfect ​backhand down the line to earn the decisive break that sealed the set.

ALSO READ: Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid Open

Baptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.

But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.

The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.

Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Andreeva #overcomes #Baptiste #secure #final #spot">Madrid Open 2026: Andreeva overcomes Baptiste to secure final spot  A disciplined Mirra Andreeva saw off a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to ​prevail 6-4 7-6(8) in a battle of nerves on ‌Thursday to reach the final of the Madrid ​Open.Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, will ⁠face Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova in the final of the claycourt tournament, with the two set to face off ‌later in the day.“I feel so much adrenaline inside, I feel like I’m still nervous,” ‌Andreeva said in the post-match interview.“Honestly, I’m ‌just ⁠so happy that I won… I’m very happy ⁠with how I served today.”Baptiste had shocked world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, but the 24-year-old struggled as ninth ​seed Andreeva conceded only ‌two points on serve in the first set.The American stood firm until the seventh game, when Baptiste’s forehand landed wide, handing Andreeva a break point. ‌The former French Open semi-finalist sent a perfect ​backhand down the line to earn the decisive break that sealed the set.ALSO READ: Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid OpenBaptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #Madrid #Open #Andreeva #overcomes #Baptiste #secure #final #spot

Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid Open

Baptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.

But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.

The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.

Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Andreeva #overcomes #Baptiste #secure #final #spot">Madrid Open 2026: Andreeva overcomes Baptiste to secure final spot

A disciplined Mirra Andreeva saw off a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to ​prevail 6-4 7-6(8) in a battle of nerves on ‌Thursday to reach the final of the Madrid ​Open.

Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, will ⁠face Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova in the final of the claycourt tournament, with the two set to face off ‌later in the day.

“I feel so much adrenaline inside, I feel like I’m still nervous,” ‌Andreeva said in the post-match interview.

“Honestly, I’m ‌just ⁠so happy that I won… I’m very happy ⁠with how I served today.”

Baptiste had shocked world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, but the 24-year-old struggled as ninth ​seed Andreeva conceded only ‌two points on serve in the first set.

The American stood firm until the seventh game, when Baptiste’s forehand landed wide, handing Andreeva a break point. ‌The former French Open semi-finalist sent a perfect ​backhand down the line to earn the decisive break that sealed the set.

ALSO READ: Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid Open

Baptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.

But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.

The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.

Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Andreeva #overcomes #Baptiste #secure #final #spot
April 30th NBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com  Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images   Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKingsBest NBA plays todayCeltics (-5.5) at 76ersKnicks (-2.5) at HawksNuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ETPhiladelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ETThe Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ETMinnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.comApr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.

The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.

We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings

Best NBA plays today

  • Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers
  • Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks
  • Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)

Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ET

Philadelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.

The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.

Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6.

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Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ET

The Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.

In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.

Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.

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Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ET

Minnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.

The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.

Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6.

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#April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com">April 30th NBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com  Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images   Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKingsBest NBA plays todayCeltics (-5.5) at 76ersKnicks (-2.5) at HawksNuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ETPhiladelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ETThe Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ETMinnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com

against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.

We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings

Best NBA plays today

  • Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers
  • Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks
  • Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)

Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ET

Philadelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.

The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.

Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6.

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Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ET

The Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.

In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.

Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.

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Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ET

Minnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.

The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.

Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6.

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#April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com">April 30th NBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com
April 30th NBA Playoffs Best Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com  Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images   Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKingsBest NBA plays todayCeltics (-5.5) at 76ersKnicks (-2.5) at HawksNuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ETPhiladelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ETThe Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ETMinnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.comApr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Two home teams are facing elimination in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night.

The Philadelphia 76ers extended their series back home for Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, while the Atlanta Hawks try to stay alive against the New York Knicks in Atlanta.

We’ll break down three plays for the Thursday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NBA picks for Thursday, April 30. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings

Best NBA plays today

  • Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers
  • Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks
  • Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5)

Celtics (-5.5) at 76ers – 8:00 p.m. ET

Philadelphia stunned Boston in Game 5 as 10.5-point road underdogs, 113-97 to stay alive. The 76ers return home looking to force a Game 7, but Philadelphia has lost both home games to Boston.

The Celtics were held to 11 points in the fourth quarter in Game 5, while shooting 28% from 3-point range. Boston limited Philadelphia to an average of 98.0 points per game in two road wins, capped off by a 128-96 blowout in Game 4.

Philadelphia is 2-11 straight-up and 3-9-1 against the spread in the last 13 games as a single-digit underdog. Boston should bounce back tonight and eliminate Philadelphia with a road cover in Game 6.

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Knicks (-2.5) at Hawks – 8:00 p.m. ET

The Hawks led the Knicks, 2-1 through three games, but New York has rebounded with consecutive victories. New York seeks its fourth consecutive trip to the second round as the Knicks are favored on the road.

In each of the past two wins, the Knicks dominated with a pair of double-digit blowouts. Jalen Brunson dropped 39 points in the Game 5 rout, as the Knicks shot 57% from the floor.

Hawks G CJ McCollum is coming off his worst offensive game of the series, getting held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Atlanta’s two victories came by one point apiece, so New York was that close to sweeping this series. Let’s lay the short number with the Knicks to finish off the series.

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Nuggets/Timberwolves Under (224.5) – 9:30 p.m. ET

Minnesota Timberwolves can finish off the Denver Nuggets at home tonight, but has to do so without leading scorer Anthony Edwards. He remains sidelined after getting injured in Game 4, as the Nuggets took advantage with a Game 5 home triumph.

The Wolves still lead the series, 3-2 returning to Target Center off a 125-113 loss in Denver on a 225.5 total. Tonight’s total has dipped one point after the teams combined for 39 points from the foul line in Game 4.

Each of the two games in Minneapolis finished under the total easily, with the Nuggets getting held to 96 points each time. Look for a defensive battle after the highest-scoring game of the series in tonight’s pivotal Game 6.

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#April #30th #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com

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