Daily tips for May 1

Racing for May 1

Horse racing: Warrnambool (Vic), Warwick Farm (NSW), Balaklava (SA), Eagle Farm (Qld), Pinjarra (WA)

Harness racing: Dubbo (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Swan Hill (Vic), Redcliffe (Qld)

Greyhound racing: Warrnambool (Vic), Ballarat (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Cannington (WA), Rockhampton (Qld), Nowra (NSW), Shepparton (Vic), Albion Park (Qld), Angle Park (SA), The Meadows (Vic)

A tough old day at the office yesterday but we managed to almost break even. The Warrnambool Racing Carnival is usually a tough gig for punters but there’s value aplenty and we’ll be suiting up once again with our best on Galleywood Hurdle/Wangoom Hcp day.

It’s $4 the field in another typically even running of the Listed Midfield Group Wangoom Handicap (race 7 over 1200m) with the slow (6) throwing another consideration into the already intriguing mix. Sixth here in this race last year, #11 Population found himself in the worst going in the straight, while the majority of horses that went past went on to bigger and better things after the carnival.

Trained by Anthony Freedman and with Daniel Moor taking the ride, the 5yo gelding has weight relief on several of the horses who finished prominently in last year’s Wangoom, is coming off a nice seven-week breather and doesn’t mind the sting out of the track. At $21, it’s each-way all the way!

Suggested bet: Warrnambool R7 #11 Population E/W (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Others tips

Warrnambool R3 #8 Centauraine (win) LOSE (3rd)

Warrnambool R5 #1 Brungle Cry (win) WIN ($2)

Warwick Farm R3 #1 Mulaqen (win) WIN ($1.60)

Warwick Farm R7 #1 Gasquet (E/W) WIN ($6.60/$2.10)

Harness racing tip: Geelong R2 #4 Major Lloyd (win)
Greyhound racing tip: Warrnambool R6 #2 Proven Nitro (win)

MLB for May 1

Los Angeles Angels (9-16) @ Oakland Athletics (15-12), O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA, Wednesday, May 1, 12.05pm

Though Garrett Richards has filled in nicely since ace Jered Weaver went on the disabled list, the Los Angeles Angels have sunk to the bottom of the AL with a team ERA even one of baseball's most expensive offenses can’t regularly overcome. LA had a 3.11 ERA through its first five games, but since Weaver suffered a broken left elbow, it has posted a 5.08 ERA and ranks last in the AL with a 4.69 overall mark.

The Oakland Athletics’ pitching hasn’t been much better, largely because of Jarrod Parker’s struggles. After a wild 19-inning affair in the series opener, Richards opposes Parker as the AL West rivals continue their three-game set in Oakland. The A’s (15-12) have a 4.28 team ERA, though Parker (0-4, 8.10) appeared to be getting back on track after a solid outing in a 1-0 defeat at Tampa Bay on April 20. However, he gave up six runs and eight hits while walking three in Friday’s 10-2 loss to Baltimore.

Suggested bet: Angels WIN (two units) LOSE, game total +8 (two units) WIN (7-13)

Other tips

Phillies @ Indians WIN WIN (2-14)

Nationals @ Braves WIN WIN (1-8)

Astros @ Yankees -8 LOSE (4-7)

Mets @ Marlins -8 WIN (1-2)

Red Sox @ Blue Jays WIN WIN (7-9)

Padres WIN @ Cubs WIN (13-7)

Twins @ Tigers WIN WIN (1-6)

Reds @ Cardinals WIN WIN (1-2)

Rays WIN @ Royals LOSE (2-8)

Rockies @ Dodgers +6.5 WIN (2-6)

Orioles @ Mariners WIN LOSE (7-2)

NHL playoffs for May 1

Western Conference quarter-finals, game 1: Detroit Red Wings @ Anaheim Ducks, Honda Center, Anaheim, CA, Wednesday, May 1, 12.40pm

The Red Wings string of 21 consecutive playoff berths was in serious jeopardy a few weeks ago when they could only manage one victory during a seven-game skid. They turned things around just in time with a four-game winning streak to close out the regular season that snuck them in as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

Anaheim remained near the top of the standings in the West all season long but a very pedestrian 5-4-1 record down the stretch has to raise some concern heading into what could be a very dangerous series.

Much about the match-up seems favourable to Detroit, which won two of three against Anaheim in the regular season. The Red Wings took back-to-back games at Honda Center immediately after the Ducks' cathartic, come-from-behind win over NHL-best Chicago on March 20.

Suggested bet: Red Wings WIN (two units) LOSE, game total -5 (two units) WIN (1-3)

Other tips

WCQF1: Wild +1.5 @ Blackhawks WIN (1-2)

WCQF1: Kings @ Blues -5 WIN (1-2)

NBA playoffs for May 1

Western Conference playoffs, round 1, game 5: Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets, Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, Wednesday, May 1, 9.40am (Warriors lead 3-1)

This series shifts back to Denver where the Nuggets must stave off elimination in hopes of extending its season, as they have no margin for error versus the Warriors, who will attempt to close it out on the road and advance to the next round of the playoffs.

We’re going with something a bit different today with thanks to our sports betting partner Centrebet. Under the Money Back Special that Centrebet is offering on the NBA playoffs, they will refund your bet up to $100 if your team scores 100 points and loses.

That’s exactly what we expect in this game, with the Nuggets to win outright but the Warriors to score at least 100 points and lose. So bet the Warriors at the generous price of $4 and hope that they crack three figures behind the three-point shooting of Stephen Curry.

Suggested bet: Warriors WIN (three units) PUSH (100-107)

Other tips

W5: Grizzlies @ Clippers +180 WIN (103-93)

Daily tips for April 30

Racing for April 30

Horse racing: Warrnambool (Vic), Kembla Grange (NSW), Taree (NSW), Townsville (Qld)

Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Northam (WA), Terang (Vic)

Greyhound racing: Angle Park (SA), Bendigo (Vic), Devonport (Tas), Gosford (NSW), Goulburn (NSW), Horsham (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Lismore (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Townsville (Qld), Warragul (Vic)

The TAB Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is the one of the best carnivals in Australia, and the only one that is held over three successive days. The carnival kicks-off today in fine conditions with the main track rated a dead (5) and the steeple course a slow (6).

The feature race of the opening day is the 3YB Scotty Stewart Brierly Steeplechase, a traditional lead in to the Wheelie Waste Grand Annual Steeplechase and run over 3450 metres. It also is a leg of the Callaghan Motors Trainers Bonus. With this bonus, the Warrnambool Racing Club will offer each trainer participating in the TAB Warrnambool May Racing Carnival a Mercedes Benz A-Class valued at $54,800.

There’s always great value across the three days of racing and we’re hoping to get a good price for our best of the day, which comes up in race 9, the Southwest Communications BM72 Handicap over 1200m.

#11 General Orders won over this distance here back in November to break his maiden before winning at Ballarat over the same distance to end 2012. The 3yo gelding, trained at Warrnambool by Matthew Williams, has had one run back for a fourth at Donald and looks primed for a good run here at a great each-way price of $11.

Suggested bet: Warrnambool R9 #11 General Orders E/W (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Other racing tips

Warrnambool R3 #3 Prince Diablo (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Warrnambool R6 #4 Regal Heir (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Warrnambool R10 #1 Wells (E/W) 3rd ($1.90)

Kembla Grange R6 #2 Monbazillac (E/W) 1st ($6.30/$2.20)

Townsville R2 #1 Tat Zephyr (win) LOSE (4th)

Harness racing tip: Terang R5 #6 Weallwantano (win) LOSE (U/P)

Greyhound racing tip: Warragul R7 #4 Glasses Up (win) LOSE (3rd)

MLB for April 30

Houston Astros (7-18) @ New York Yankees (15-9), Yankee Stadium, New York, NY, Tuesday, April 29, 9.10am

Andy Pettitte will pitch against the only other major league team he’s played for when the Yankees go for a fifth straight win. Trying to post victories in each of his first four starts for the first time, Pettitte (3-1, 2.22 ERA) gave up all of the runs in Thursday’s 3-0 loss at Tampa Bay.

The AL-worst Astros (7-18) don't appear to be in any position to improve that mark as they arrive in the Bronx on a nine-game road-losing streak. The AL’s newest team was outscored 28-10 in a four-game set in Boston over the weekend, going 5 for 38 (.132) with runners in scoring position. Yankees win here, and win well.

Suggested bet: Yankees -1.5 (three units) LOSE, game total +7.5 (one unit) WIN (9-1)

Other tips

Nationals WIN @ Braves LOSE (2-3)

Twins @ Tigers +8.5 LOSE (3-4)

Mets WIN @ Marlins LOSE (3-4)

Padres @ Cubs WIN WIN (3-5)

Angels @ Athletics -1.5 WIN (8-10)

Pirates WIN @ Brewers LOSE (4-10)

Orioles @ Mariners WIN WIN (2-6)

Rockies @ Dodgers WIN LOSE (12-2)

NBA playoffs for April 30

Eastern Conference round 1, game 5: Chicago Bulls @ Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, Tuesday, April 29, 9.10am (Bulls lead 3-1)

No use looking back now for the Brooklyn Nets. Game 4 hurt, physically and mentally, but there's nothing they can do about it. The missed free throws, the blown boxouts, cost them what should have been a victory, and they realise things would be a whole lot different if they were coming home tied at two games apiece instead of trailing the Chicago Bulls 3-1.

We have a small lean towards the Nets here, but will making our play the +180.5 game total. Bulls starting point guard Kirk Hinrich is out for the Bulls tonight and his defence will be sorely missed. With the Chicago captain sidelined, Nate Robinson will spend more time on the floor and there’ll be less pressure on Brooklyn’s Deron Williams.

Suggested bet: Game total +180.5 (three units) WIN, Nets 1-10 (one unit) LOSE (91-110)

Other tips

E4: Pacers @ Hawks +187.5 WIN (91-102)

W4: Thunder @ Rockets WIN WIN, +205.5 WIN (103-105)

Daily tips for April 29

Racing for April 29

Horse racing: Kilmore (Vic), Ballina (NSW), Dubbo (NSW)

Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Canberra (ACT), Pinjarra (WA), Strathalbyn (SA), Warragul (Vic)

Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Angle Park (SA), Bathurst (NSW), Bulli (NSW), Cranbourne (Vic), Geelong (Vic), Launceston (Tas), Northam (WA), Shepparton (Vic)

It’s another stunning Melbourne day, just perfect for the short trip north of the city to Kilmore for one of today’s three race meetings. Our best of the day comes up in race 5, the Avenal Seniors Citizens F&M 0-62 Hcp over 1612m.

The run of #3 Proserpina at Caulfield just on four weeks ago was certainly eye-catching. At her eighth start, the 3yo filly probably went for home a bit early and struggled to run out the 2000m. She’s down in distance and class here and, with Dean Holland back in the saddle for Steve Richards, she looks hard to beat on the good (3) at Kilmore.

Suggested bet: Kilmore R5 #3 Proserpina E/W (two units) 2nd ($1.50)

Other racing tips

Kilmore R6 #2 Tiryns (win) WIN $1.70

Ballina R7 #2 Don’t Get Me Rong (win) LOSE 2nd

Dubbo R2 #5 Dr Zou (win) LOSE 3rd

Harness racing tip: Warragul R4 #6 Scruffy Major (win) LOSE U/P

Greyhound racing tip: Bulli R3 #3 Zulu Zircon (win) WIN $1.70

NBA playoffs for April 29

Western Conference round 1, game 4: Denver Nuggets @ Golden State Warriors, Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA, Sunday, April 29, 11.35am (Warriors lead 2-1)

Fast, physical and flamboyant, the Golden State Warriors have been beating the Nuggets at their own game. Denver has dropped two straight against the Warriors to fall into a 2-1 hole in the best-of-seven playoff series. The Nuggets are clearly playing with more at stake than the Warriors, and for good reason.

Denver earned the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed after winning an NBA franchise-best 57 games. The Nuggets also had a league-best 38-3 record at home, where they had won a franchise-record 24 straight until Golden State snapped that streak in Game 2. We’re tipping the Nuggets will square it up here and go on to take the series.

Note: We’re quite wary of the Spurs-Lakers clash in LA. With San Antonio in such a dominant spot and the Lakers decimated by injury, Gregg Popovich won’t allow his side to expend too much energy running up a big score. We’ve listed a tip, but feel free to watch on.

Suggested bet: Denver Nuggets WIN (two units) LOSE (101-115), Nuggets SERIES WIN (one unit)

Other tips

E4: Knicks @ Celtics +2 (Knicks lead 3-0) WIN (90-97)

E4: Heat -8.5 @ Bucks (Heat lead 3-0) WIN (88-77)

W4: Spurs -11 @ Lakers (Spurs lead 3-0) WIN (103-82)

MLB for April 29

Atlanta Braves (15-8) @ Detroit Tigers (12-10), Comerica Park, Detroit, MI, Sunday, April 29, 10.05am

The Detroit Tigers have moved past their slump, and will look to get on an extended run with Doug Fister on the mound against the road-weary Atlanta Braves. The unbeaten right-hander will try to lead the Tigers to a three-game sweep when they take on the Braves in the finale of Atlanta’s 10-game trip.

Now the Tigers will send Fister (3-0, 2.00 ERA) to the mound as he looks to pitch the home side to its first three-game sweep of the season. Fister has posted a 1.23 ERA in his last three outings.

The Braves (15-8) have lost seven of 10 since their red-hot start to the season, and they’ll be trying to avoid their season-worst fourth straight defeat. Making his first appearance against the Tigers, left-hander Mike Minor has dropped his last three outings against AL opponents with a 4.96 ERA.

Suggested bet: Tigers WIN (three units) WIN, game total +7.5 (one unit) WIN (3-8)

Other tips

Blue Jays @ Yankees -8.5 WIN (2-3)

Phillies WIN @ Mets WIN (5-1)

Astros @ Red Sox -9.5 WIN (1-6)

Reds @ Nationals -1.5 LOSE (5-2)

Rangers @ Twins WIN WIN (0-5)

Brewers WIN @ Dodgers LOSE (0-2)

Giants WIN @ Padres LOSE (4-6)

Rays @ White Sox WIN LOSE (8-3)

Pirates WIN @ Cardinals WIN (9-0)

Daily tips for April 28

Racing for April 28

Horse racing: Sale (Vic), Nowra (NSW), Sunshine Coast (Qld), Port Augusta (SA), Albany (WA), Tamworth (NSW), Ararat (Vic)

Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Launceston (Tas), Echuca (Vic), Kellerberrin (NSW)

Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Nowra (NSW), Sandown Park (Vic), Canberra (ACT), Sale (Vic), Strathalbyn (SA), Healesville (Vic)

On a day when racing returned to the headlines for all the wrong reasons, let’s try to find an antidote with a winner on today’s solid provincial card ahead of a sensational week highlight by the three-day Warrnambool carnival.

For our best of the day, we’re heading to Nowra for the sixth on the seven-race card, the Terminus Hotel Marulan Benchmark 55 Hcp over 1600m. Third here over 1400m three weeks ago, #2 Thousand Carat looks ready for the step up to 1600m. Trained by David Pfieffer at Warwick Farm, Sam Clipperton again gets the ride – the first time this 3yo filly has had the same hoop for successive races.

• The other highlight of today’s program is the 47^th running of the Miracle Mile. Team McCarthy play a strong hand this year after securing three invitations headed by race favourite Excel Stride, emerging big race star Mach Alert and the only mare in the field Baby Bling.

Mach Alert, stunned rivals courtesy of his crushing victory in the Coca Cola Sprint two weeks ago when he led throughout in a career best time of 1:50.9 and we’ll be leaning his way in the eighth of 10 races at Tabcorp Park Menangle this afternoon.

Suggested bet: Nowra R6 #2 Thousand Carat WIN (two units) LOSE (4th)

Other racing tips

Sale R3 #8 Hilton Miss (E/W) 3rd ($1.50)

Tamworth R8 #3 Aghamore (E/W) 3rd ($1.50)

Sunshine Coast R8 #7 Red Hot Dazzler (WIN) LOSE U/P

Harness racing tip: Menangle R7 #8 Mach Beauty (win) 1st ($1.80)

Greyhound racing tip: Healesville R11 #4 Surfonic (E/W) 3rd ($1.50)

NRL (rd 7) for April 28

Sharks v Bulldogs, Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, Sunday, April 28, 3.05pm

We suspect the Bulldogs will enjoy getting out of town after last week’s 38-0 drubbing at the hands of the Roosters and, perhaps, the neutral turf of Bluetongue Stadium will provide the backdrop to kick start their season.

For the Sharks, Todd Carney has been named in their line-up after missing his team’s past two matches with a foot injury while Canterbury has surprisingly named the same squad that played the Roosters last round, with Trent Hodkinson again named at halfback with Kris Keating still unavailable due to injury.

Cronulla has won just two matches – against the Titans and the Warriors at home – while Canterbury have recorded just one victory, against the Eels in round two. Much more is expected of their star-studded line-ups. We’re leaning to the UNDER game total here, with a small play on the Bulldogs straight out.

Suggested bet: Game total -39.5 (two units) WIN, Bulldogs WIN (one unit) WIN (8-24)

Other tip: Gold Coast v Knights WIN WIN (6-30)

AFL (rd 5) for April 28

Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, Gabba, Brisbane, Sunday, April 28, 3.20pm

It’s 16th taking on 17th on a balmy afternoon in Brisbane, which mightn’t be the most anticipated game of the round from a purist’s perspective. But it’s high stakes for these 1-3 sides, which have failed to impress so far in 2013.

With the vultures starting to circle around Michael Voss in the final year of his contract, the Lions need to stand up and defend their home turf – a task made more difficult following the suspension of in-form Irishman Pearce Hanley.

Conversely, Mark Neeld has taken a brief step out of the pressure-cooker this week and could ease tensions even further with an upset at the Gabba. However, we suspect the spotlight will be back on Neeld after his Demons cop a hiding here in our best bet of the AFL round (rated an 80 per cent probability).

Suggested bet: Lions -33.5 (three units) LOSE (122-94)

Other tip: Hawthorn v Nth Melbourne +30.5 WIN (99-96)

NHL for April 28

Nashville Predators (16-22-9) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (23-17-7), Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, April 28, 9.10am

This might be the most important regular-season game in Columbus Blue Jackets history. When they host the Nashville Predators in the final game on their schedule, the Blue Jackets still hold out hope of making the Stanley Cup playoffs.

For fans used to a team playing out the string, this has been a welcome jolt of optimism. The club was 30th of the 30 NHL teams a year ago, and was trolling the depths of the league two months ago.

In order to make the playoffs, the Blue Jackets (23-17-7) must beat floundering Nashville (16-22-9) while seventh-place Detroit (54 points) loses its regular-season finale in regulation at Dallas, also on Saturday and at the same time. We’re tipping the Blue Jackets will hold up their end of the bargain here.

Suggested bet: Blue Jackets -1.5 (three units) WIN (1-3)

Other tips

Devils @ Rangers -5 WIN (0-4)

Red Wings WIN @ Stars WIN (3-0)

Bruins @ Capitals WIN WIN (2-3)

Wild WIN @ Avalanche WIN (3-1)

Canadiens WIN @ Maple Leafs WIN (4-1)

Flyers @ Senators WIN LOSE (2-1)

Hurricanes @ Penguins -1.5 WIN (3-8)

NBA playoffs for April 28

Western Conference round 1, game 3: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Houston Rockets, Toyota Center, Houston, TX, Sunday, April 28, 11.40am (Thunder lead 2-0)

The Houston Rockets could be without starting point guard Jeremy Lin when they host the Oklahoma City but the Thunder will definitely be missing their point guard, with All-Star Russell Westbrook out indefinitely with a knee injury that will require surgery.

The Thunder lead the first-round series 2-0, but the injury to Westbrook, which occurred in the first half of Game 2, could change the complexion of the series. He averaged 24 points and 6.5 rebounds this post-season.

It’s difficult to know just how Westbrook’s absence will change the Thunder since he's never missed a game in his career. But it’s probably safe to say superstar Kevin Durant, who is averaging 26.5 points in the series, will have to do even more than usual.

Suggested bet: Rockets WIN (two units) LOSE (104-101)

Other tips

E4: Nets @ Bulls -2.5 WIN, +177 WIN (134-142)

W4: Clippers @ Grizzlies -3.5 WIN (83-104)

E3: Pacers WIN @ Hawks LOSE (69-90)

MLB for April 28

Colorado Rockies (15-8) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (13-10), Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ, Sunday, April 28, 10.10am

Colorado (15-8) has won six of the last nine meetings, but it may be in for stiff tests in the final two games of this series with Arizona (13-10) scheduled to start southpaws Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, who have combined to go 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA.

The Rockies will send Jeff Francis (1-2, 8.44) to the mound on three days’ rest due to Tuesday's doubleheader. They were swept in that twinbill with Atlanta, and Francis was charged with a 4-3 defeat in the opener. Francis has won his last two start at Arizona, compiling a 2.45 ERA.

Despite the power of the Colorado bats, we reckon Miley is something special and should lead the hosts to a comfortable win in the uncomfortable heat of the Arizona desert.

Suggested bet: Diamondbacks -1.5 (two units) LOSE (2-3)

Other tips

Braves @ Tigers WIN WIN (4-7)

Reds @ Nationals WIN WIN (3-6)

Phillies WIN @ Mets WIN (9-4)

Orioles @ Athletics -6.5 LOSE (7-3)

Pirates WIN @ Cardinals WIN (5-3)

Rangers @ Twins WIN WIN (2-7)

Cubs @ Marlins -7.5 WIN (3-2)

Rays @ White Sox WIN LOSE (10-4)

Indians @ Royals -1.5 LOSE (2-3)

Daily tips for April 27

AFL (rd 5) for April 27

Footscray v Geelong, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Saturday, April 27, 7.40pm

After serving up a gift for us on Thursday night, the bookies have provided another solid gold betting opportunity in tonight’s game featuring the Bulldogs (1-3) and the undefeated Cats. Geelong has won the last five encounters against the Bulldogs, who have dropped their last three games, after a positive opening-round win over the Brisbane Lions.

Injuries are also starting to mount at Whitten Oval. Footscray managed just four goals against the Crows last week and it’s hard to see them booting more than 10 here so we’ll be loading up on the Cats, buoyed by that ultra-impressive win in Sydney last week, at the very generous line of 65.5.

Suggested bet: Geelong -65.5 points (four units), Geelong by 100+ (one unit)

Other tips

GWS +15.5 v Giants LOSE (104-148)

Carlton -13.5 v Adelaide WIN (115-83)

MLB for April 27

San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres, Petco Park, San Diego, CA, Saturday, April 27, 12.10am

On face value, the Giants should win here. They’re 21-7 in the last 28 against the Padres, have a 13-9 record against the home side’s 6-15 for the season so far and have pitcher Tim Lincecum showing signs of returning to his dominant best. They’ve also swept the Padres this season with a 3-0 series result at AT&T Park.

But we’re not quite sold. San Diego avoided its longest losing streak of the season with a 2-1 win over Milwaukee on Thursday while Lincecum is still unpredictable on the mound. Through his first three starts he allowed 10 ER on 13 hits and 12 walks in 16 innings. In a coin toss game, we’re leaning towards the Padres to score a rare win over their NL West rivals.

Suggested bet: Padres WIN (two units) WIN (1-2)

Other tips

Blue Jays @ Yankees WIN WIN (4-6)

Braves @ Tigers WIN WIN (0-10)

Astros @ Red Sox -8.5 LOSE (3-7)

Phillies @ Mets WIN LOSE (4-0)

Indians @ Royals WIN PP

Orioles @ Athletics WIN LOSE (3-0)

Pirates @ Cardinals -1.5 WIN (1-9)

NHL for April 27

Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks, United Center, Chicago, IL, Saturday, April 27, 10.40am

Just a small slate of four games today, headlined by the Flames trip to Presidents’ Trophy winners Chicago. With the playoffs looming, we fully expect the Blackhawks to use the final two regular-season games as a chance to build more momentum heading into the playoffs.

Chicago (35-6-5) opened this shortened season by earning at least one point in an NHL-record 24 straight games, then remained consistent en route to earning the league's best record and Presidents' Trophy for the first time since 1990-91.

That work continues versus Calgary (19-24-4), which has been outscored 52-23 while dropping 12 straight regular season and playoff games at Chicago. The Flames conclude their fourth straight season without a playoff appearance and looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat here.

Suggested bets: Blackhawks -1.5 (three units) WIN (1-3)

Other tips

Islanders @ Sabres WIN WIN (1-2)

Oilers @ Wild -1.5 LOSE (6-1)

Avalanche @ Coyotes -5.5 LOSE (5-4)

NBA playoffs for April 27

Western Conference round 1, game 3: San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, April 27, 12.40pm

Is it time to stick a fork in the Lakers and see if they’re done? Steve Nash needed three injections for pain relief on the Lakers’ day off, and he’s still more likely to play in Game 3 than Steve Blake or Jodie Meeks. And just in case anybody forgot, Kobe Bryant is at home in a walking boot, his season over.

Late in a season featuring just about every tribulation imaginable, the Lakers have almost no healthy guards – never mind anybody who could keep up with Tony Parker. If they can't cover the gaping holes in their backcourt and figure out how to slow the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers' tumultuous season probably won't extend past the weekend.

Suggested bets: Spurs -5.5 (two units) WIN, game total -185.5 (one unit) LOSE (120-89)

Other tips

Knicks @ Celtics WIN LOSE (90-76)

Nuggets WIN @ Warriors LOSE (108-110)