Daily tips for May 6

We'll be right back

No tips will be posted for Tuesday, May 7 but we'll be back with a full rundown of racing and sport for Wednesday.

Racing for May 6

Horse racing: Bairnsdale (Vic), Murwillumbah (NSW), Quirindi (NSW), Pioneer Park (NT)

Harness racing: Albion Park (Qld), Cobram (Vic), Globe Derby (SA), Devonport (Tas), Menangle (NSW), Pinjarra (WA)
Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Angle Park (SA), Ballarat (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Bulli (NSW), Cranbourne (Vic), Launceston (Tas), Northam (WA), Shepparton (Vic)

For something a bit different today, we turn our attention to Australia’s red centre and the running of the XXXXGold Alice Springs Cup. Not surprisingly, it’s a fine and sunny day for the meeting, which is run on dirt at Pioneer Park. This is no novelty meeting – the four-day event is one of the richest provincial carnivals run anywhere in the country with a $110,000 prizepool up for grabs in today’s Cup (race 8) , which is run over 2000m.

Favourites don’t have a great record in the race, but it’s very hard to go past #9 Patience. Trained in Darwin by Gary Clarke, this 4yo gelding has two massive ticks in his favour. He won here in the Chief Minister’s Cup over 1600m on April 27 carrying a WFA 59kg. He drops to 54kg here, and gets a 3.5kg advantage over #3 I Am Magic, which trailed Patience in his last win. Today, Glen Boss returns to the saddle having twice ridden the horse at Sandown a few weeks back. It’s Boss’s first trip to the Alice for the Cup, and he’d love to add this unique race to his decorated CV.

Suggested bet: Alice Springs R8 #9 Patience E/W (two units) 2nd ($1.50)

Other tips

Alice Springs R6 #8 Welldoya (win) 1st ($1.60)

Bairnsdale R7 #2 Bedouin Express (E/W) WIN ($3.00/$1.40)

Murwillumbah R4 #6 Yo Ferdinand (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Harness racing tip: Globe Derby R6 #3 Carbohydrate (E/W) 2nd ($1.50)

Greyhound racing tip: Shepparton R4 #5 Kokoda Spirit (win) 1st ($2.60)

MLB for May 6

Los Angeles Dodgers (13-16) @ San Francisco Giants (18-12), AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA, Monday, May 6, 10.05am

Matt Cain is trying to halt his worst start to a season and help the San Francisco Giants to a sixth consecutive win. After his team posted back-to-back walk-off wins, Cain again goes for his first victory as the Giants seek a three-game sweep of the Dodgers. Cain (0-2, 6.49 ERA) has failed to win through six starts for the first time in his nine-year career, but the three-time All-Star is not entirely to blame. He’s been backed by an average of 1.8 runs, second lowest in the majors.

Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Hyun-Jin Ryu looks to end San Francisco’s run with a third straight impressive showing. The Dodgers are countering with Ryu (3-1, 3.35), who is starting to show why they spent a $25.7 million posting fee combined with a six-year, $36 million contract to lure him from South Korea’s Hanwha Eagles. The Dodgers have been unlucky in the past two against the Giants and should pinch this one as outsiders.

Suggested bet: Dodgers WIN (two units @ $2.02) LOSE (3-4)

Other tips

Twins @ Indians -9 WIN (4-2)

Nationals @ Pirates +7 WIN (6-2)

Mariners @ Blue Jays +8.5 WIN (2-10)

White Sox @ Royals WIN WIN (5-6)

Reds WIN @ Cubs WIN (7-4)

Red Sox @ Rangers -8 WIN (3-4)

Orioles @ Angels -8.5 LOSE (8-4)

Diamondbacks @ Padres WIN WIN (1-5)

Tigers -1.5 @ Astros WIN (9-0)

NHL playoffs for May 6

Western Conference quarter-finals, game 3: Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks, HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA, Monday, May 6, 12.05pm (Sharks lead 2-0)

Raffi Torres is making quite a positive impact in his return to the playoffs. A year after being kicked out of the postseason for his vicious hit on Chicago’s Marian Hossa, Torres has played a major role in helping the San Jose Sharks take a 2-0 series lead after winning two straight games in Vancouver.

Torres helped set the tone for the series with his physical play in Game 1 when he delivered six hits against his former team. He then gave the Sharks control in the series with his overtime game-winner in Game 2. The series shifts to San Jose for Game 3 Sunday where a raucous crowd is expected at HP Pavilion, where the Sharks lost just twice in regulation all season.

The Canucks have bigger concerns than dealing with Torres. They have lost eight of nine playoff games since taking a 3-2 lead over Boston in the Stanley Cup finals two years ago. They were knocked out as the top seed in five games in the opening round by eventual champion LA last season and have fallen into a deep hole against the Sharks after allowing the tying goal to Marleau in the final minute of regulation before losing on Torres’ game-winner.

Suggested bet: Sharks WIN (three units @ $1.70) WIN (2-5)

Other tips

ECQF3: Penguins WIN @ Islanders (1-1) WIN (5-4)

ECQF3: Canadiens @ Senators -5 (1-1) LOSE (1-6)

WCQF3: Blackhawks WIN @ Wild (2-0) LOSE (2-3)

NBA playoffs for May 6

Eastern Conference semi-finals, game 1: Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Monday, April 29, 5.10am

The Knicks wrapped up their first series victory since 2000 on Friday night by holding off the Boston Celtics in Game 6. They had just one day to rest before facing the Pacers, who were also pushed to six games before finishing off Atlanta on Friday night. This isn’t a great match-up for the Knicks, considering that the level of defence the Pacers bring will be similar to that which they struggled with in the first round against the Celtics.

The difference is that the Pacers are a younger and more athletic team that shouldn’t have nearly as much trouble as Boston did trying to score for long stretches. Carmelo Anthony is battling a sore left shoulder, an injury originally sustained when he was whacked in a victory over the Pacers on April 14. If the Pacers can control him, and the might of New York’s three-point arsenal, we think they can win the series opener

Suggested bet: Pacers WIN (two units @ $2.80) WIN, game total +183 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (102-95)

Other tips

WCSF1: Grizzlies @ Thunder WIN WIN, +186.5 LOSE (91-93)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 5

NBA playoffs for May 5

Eastern Conference round 1, game 7: Chicago Bulls @ Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, Sunday, April 29, 9.10am (series tied 3-3)

Just one of the eight round one playoff series has reached game eight as the banged-up Bulls head back to Brooklyn where the Nets are hosting the biggest since their short move from New Jersey. The Nets never hosted a Game 7 during their 35 years in New Jersey, dropping the only one they ever reached at Detroit in 2004. But they get one right away in their first season in Brooklyn, which looked unlikely just a week earlier.

The challenge for the Bulls is putting together a healthy team. Luol Deng won’t play in this game as he remains hospitalised in Chicago with an illness that kept him out of Game 6. He’s unable to travel, but Chicago hopes to have Kirk Hinrich back after missing the past two games with a bruised left calf. Nate Robinson and Taj Gibson played with the flu on Friday, and Derrick Rose still isn’t back, so the Bulls will have to battle their way through tough circumstances at least one more time.

The Nets have clearly caught a break with the injury to Hinrich, whose absence has made things much easier for point guard Deron Williams. However, if we've learned nothing else it's that the Bulls have plenty of resolve and even if they don't win this one outright, we suspect they'll keep it very close.

Suggested bets: Bulls +6.5 (two units @ $1.95), game total +182.5 (two units @ $1.91)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 4

Racing for May 4

Horse racing: Flemington (Vic), Hawkesbury (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA), Newcastle (NSW), Benalla (Vic), Ballina (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Mackay (Qld), Pioneer Park (NT), Toowoomba (Qld)

Harness racing: Canberra (ACT), Newcastle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Globe Derby (SA)

Greyhound racing: The Gardens (NSW), Traralgon (Vic), Richmond (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Cannington (WA)

Some unfamiliar venues take centre stage for today’s racing, with the annual stand-alone meeting at Hawkesbury, Hollindale Stakes day at the Gold Coast and the Group 1 Centrebet South Australian Derby at Morphettville.

We reckon #3 Shoreham is a huge chance to give Chris Symons his first Group 1 winner. Just shaded by Hvasstan and Hioctdane in the market, Shoreham ran out an excellent 2500m to win at Flemington in the Galilee Final on April 13 and looks a massive chance for trainer Saab Hasan here.

For our best of the day, we head to race 3 (the Secondbite Fresh Food Rescue Hcp over 1400m) at Flemington. Owned by John Singleton, #6 Strawberry Boy was moved to the moody stables well before last week’s bust-up with Gai Waterhouse.

The 4yo gelding is having his first start in Melbourne but has won four of his seven starts, including two first-up, and was placed at G3 level two starts back. He looks a class above this bunch and should salute at a good’s thing price of $1.90.

Suggested bet: Flemington R3 #6 Strawberry Boy (three units @ $1.90) WIN

Others tips

Hawkesbury R2 #3 Zoustar (win) 1st ($2.40)

Hawkesbury R3 #5 Calvo (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Morphettville R6 #9 Couldn’t Agreemore (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Morphettville R7 #3 Shoreham (E/W) 3rd ($1.70)

Gold Coast R1 #4 Studio (win) WIN ($1.70)

Gold Coast R2 #5 Typhoon Red (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Greyhound racing tips

The Meadows R8 #1 Veyron Bale (win) LOSE (2nd)Cannington R7 #7 Freeway Ace (win) WIN ($1.70)

AFL (rd 6) for May 4

Essendon v Greater Western Sydney, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 4, 1.45pm

While the soap opera continues off the field, the Bombers continue to leave their troubles in the change rooms with their 5-0 start to the season the best since their premiership-winning year of 2000.

It’s hard to see their massive percentage of 176.7 suffering too much damage here as the ladder leaders take on 18th-placed Greater Western Sydney, who’ve made seven changes for this game.

Kevin Sheedy (coaching against his former club for the final time) has watched his young side drop away badly in the final quarter of their past two games, and the injury list steadily grow. If the Bombers come to play, this could be an ugly afternoon for the Giants.

Suggested bet: Essendon -90.5 LOSE (120-81)

Nth Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Blundstone Arena, Hobart, Saturday, May 4, 2.10pm

Toughest game of the round to call – the undefeated Power start three-goal outsiders against a Kangaroos (1-4) outfit given no favours by the draw in their opening five games.

Despite competitive showings against Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn, Brad Scott’s side now have little margin of error if they are to feature in the finals picture.

It promises to be cold and blustery for this game, which won’t help the tall timber at either end of the park. As impressive as Port have been, they fell over the line against an Eagles side that kicked itself out of the game last week and face their toughest test of the season to date.

Suggested bet: Nth Melbourne 1-39 (WIN 93-83)

Adelaide v Hawthorn, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, May 4, 4.40pm

It’s hard to believe the last time these two sides met that the Hawks barely scraped over the line and into the 2012 Grand Final. Since then, Kurt Tippett has headed for the Swans in controversial circumstances and Taylor Walker’s season ended last week due to injury, leaving the Crows forward line sorely undermanned.

Their average score had already fallen 15 points per game on last year. Hawthorn lost a star of its own last week when Cyril Rioli suffered another hamstring injury last week but they look well placed to improve on a record that reads 1-11 in their past 11 visits to AAMI Stadium.

Suggested bet: Hawthorn -23.5 (two units) LOSE (78-89)

Richmond v Geelong, MCG, Saturday, May 4, 7.40pm

This is the first meeting between the Tigers and Cats at the MCG since 2008 and you have to look back to 2006 to find the last time Richmond has claimed victory in this fixture. While the Tigers will be desperate to atone for last week’s nail-biting loss to Fremantle, this looks a tough task for a Richmond side that has yet to hits its straps this season.

A lack of pressure on the opposition ball carriers has proved telling for the Tigers in the past fortnight (the return of Chaplin, Morris and King will help), and while Geelong hardly impressed in last week’s 21-point win over the Bulldogs, it’s just two weeks since Chris Scott’s side went to Sydney and beat the reigning premiers by the same amount.

Suggested bet: Geelong -17.5 WIN (87-131)

Gold Coast v Fremantle, Metricon Stadium, Saturday, May 4, 7.40pm

Freo escaped with the points here last year and face another stern test from the drastically improved Suns, who are coming off a club record score and winning margin over GWS last year.

Both sides have taken strides since last year, with the Suns increasing their scoring output and ability to clear the ball at stoppages while the Dockers defensive intensity is the envy of the competition.

Harley Bennell returns for the Suns while the Dockers will be without Stephen Hill, Nate Fyfe and Kepler Bradley. Gold Coast isn’t quite up to this standard yet, but will certainly keep the visitors honest.

Suggested bet: Fremantle 1-24 (LOSE 54-99)

MLB for May 4

Detroit Tigers (16-11) @ Houston Astros (8-21), Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Saturday, May 4, 10.10am

The Tigers’ Doug Fister and the Astros’ Bud Norris are five-year Major League veterans, but both will venture into uncharted territory here. With the Astros in their first season in the American League and facing only their second series against the Tigers since 2006, neither hurler comes in with any experience against their opponent.

The Astros will be trying to even the series after the Tigers outlasted them for a 7-3, 14-inning victory. Houston has lost seven of its past eight, while Detroit has won six of seven. Fister has found success against everyone in his path this season, going 4-0 with a 2.38 ERA.

Norris (3-3, 4.20) has a 2.45 ERA outside of one rough outing at Oakland on April 17. The righty is responsible for two of Houston’s seven quality starts, which ranks them last in the Majors. That’s a number manager Bo Porter hopes his rotation can turn around soon, especially coming off a game in which he deployed all seven of his relievers.

Suggested bet: Tigers -1.5 (two units @ $1.87*) LOSE, game total -8 (two units @ $2.00*) WIN (4-3)

Other tips

Reds WIN @ Cubs WIN (6-5)

Athletics @ Yankees -8 WIN (2-0)

Mariners WIN @ Blue Jays WIN (4-0)

Nationals @ Pirates WIN WIN (1-3)

Red Sox @ Rangers -9 WIN (0-7)

Mets @ Braves WIN LOSE (7-5)

Rays @ Rockies -9 LOSE (7-4)

Orioles @ Angels WIN WIN (0-4)

Dodgers @ Giants -7.5 WIN (1-2)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

NHL playoffs for May 4

Eastern Conference quarter-finals, game 2: New York Islanders @ Pittsburgh Penguins, CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA, Saturday, May 4, 9.10am (Penguins lead 1-0)

The New York Islanders had plenty of issues to address after the Pittsburgh Penguins cruised to a remarkably easy 5-0 victory in Game 1. Now, they’ll also have to figure out how to stop Sidney Crosby (pictured below). He makes his return to the ice after missing more than a month with a broken jaw as the Penguins look to take a 2-0 lead on the inexperienced Islanders.

The question of when Crosby would return lingered in the lead-up to this series, but Pittsburgh hardly looked like it needed its captain in Game 1, scoring four times in less than 20 minutes from the middle of the first period to the middle of the second.

One player who didn't look comfortable at all in Game 1 was the center who was taken No. 1 overall four years after Crosby. Budding Islanders star John Tavares, the NHL’s third-leading goal scorer, failed to get a shot away, the first time all year Tavares failed to get at least one puck on the net.

Suggested bet: Penguins -1.5 (two units @ $2.22*) LOSE, game total +5.5 (two units @ $1.91*) WIN (4-3)

Other tips

ECQF2: Senators @ Canadiens WIN (1-0) WIN (1-3)

ECQF2: Islanders @ Penguins -1.5 LOSE, +5.5 (1-0) WIN (4-3)

WCQF2: Wild @ Blackhawks -1.5 WIN, -5 (0-1) LOSE (2-5)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

NBA playoffs for May 4

Western Conference playoffs, round 1, game 6: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Houston Rockets, Toyota Center, Houston, TX, Saturday, May 4, 12.40pm (Thunder lead 3-2)

Kevin Durant has scored 74 points combined in Oklahoma City’s past two games against the Houston Rockets. The problem is that his teammates haven't stepped up to take some pressure off the superstar, and the Rockets have won both of those games.

Houston has cut the Thunder’s lead to 3-2 in the series, and is looking to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 0-3 series deficit to win a best-of-seven playoff series.

While Oklahoma City is without All-Star Russell Westbrook for the rest of the season, the Rockets are dealing with several health issues as well. Point guard Jeremy Lin has missed the past two games with a bruised chest muscle while James Harden had been diagnosed with strep throat, but is expected to play.

Suggested bet: Rockets WIN (three units @ $1.83*) LOSE (103-94)

Other tips

E6: Knicks @ Celtics +2 LOSE, +181 (3-2) WIN (88-80)

E6: Pacers WIN @ Hawks (3-2) WIN (81-73)

W6: Clippers @ Grizzlies WIN (3-2) WIN (105-118)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 3

NRL (rd 8) for May 3

Bulldogs v Tigers, ANZ Stadium, Friday, May 3, 7.35pm

It hasn’t been an easy few weeks for Des Hasler’s men. Decimated by injury in the early rounds, they were also hampered by a horror draw that saw them face North Queensland, Melbourne, Souths, Manly and the Roosters in the first six weeks. Canterbury won none of those but, other than a 38-8 shut-out against the Roosters, have been far from disgraced.

Already on the Tigers’ injured list have been Benji Marshall, Keith Galloway, Braith Anasta, Lote Tuqiri and Liam Fulton so the last thing coach Mick Potter needed was to lose three more key players in their 20-10 loss to Brisbane last Saturday.

We’ve pegged this game at about 36 points, with the Bulldogs forward pack still to find the form of 2012 and Potter’s strong emphasis on defence at training during the week. A small play on the line is also in order.

Suggested bet: Game total -40.5 (three units @ $1.80) LOSE, Bulldogs -14.5 (one unit @ $2.00) WIN (40-4)

Other tips

Broncos v Rabbitohs -36.5 LOSE (12-26)

Racing for May 3

Horse racing: Bendigo (Vic), Muswellbrook (NSW), Sunshine Coast (Qld), Wagga Wagga (NSW)

Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Melton (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Port Pirie (SA), Gloucester Park (WA)

Greyhound racing: Casino (NSW), Mt Gambier (SA), Bendigo (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Geelong (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Winnellie Park (NT)

Two big collects yesterday have us back in the black after Faithful Jester ($12.60) and Banna Strand ($7.80) both saluted on the final day of the Warrnambool Racing Carnival. We stay with the Victorian provincials for our best of the day. Conditions look ideal at Bendigo today with a dead (4) and sunny skies, although it promises to be very windy.

Race 6 is the National Heating and Cooling Class 1 Handicap over 1000m, which looks an ideal spot for #8 Klishina to pick up her second win in just four starts. Trained at Seymour by David Bourne, this 3yo filly won on debut at Kilmore in January before being pipped at the post by Ferlax at Ballarat three weeks later. Experienced hoop Steven Arnold takes the ride here with barrier 11 unlikely to be a serious impediment.

Suggested bet: Bendigo R6 #8 Klishina E/W (two units @ $3.40) LOSE (U/P)

Others tips

Bendigo R4 #3 Lyndhurst (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Muswellbrook R7 #3 Jest Crewsin (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Wagga Wagga R4 #3 Talbanga (win) LOSE (3rd)

Wagga Wagga R7 #13 Devised (E/W) 2nd ($3.90)

Greyhound racing tips
The Gardens R4 #1 Belfast Kaiser (win) 1st ($2.40)
Wentworth Park R9 #3 Osteria Mozza (win) 1st ($1.90)
Geelong R8 #8 Classy Maldini (win) 1st ($1.70)

AFL (rd 6) for May 3

Collingwood (3-2) v St Kilda (1-4), Etihad Stadium, Friday, May 3, 7.50pm

It’s hard to see the Magpies being beaten here, not that either side has reached any great heights so far this season. However, the play of the round looks to be on the game total line, which looks overblown even for a game at Etihad.

St Kilda has struggled for goals in all games except their big win over the Gold Coast, with limited output from both their small and tall forwards. Stephen Milne (back after a week’s suspension) and Justin Koschitzke, in particular, have been anaemic in front of goal.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has Darren Jolly back in the ruck and Andy Krakouer making his first of the season – he’ll be keen for a better showing from his leaky defence while his Saints counterpart Scott Watters won’t want a shootout his side can’t win.

Suggested bet: Game total -200.5 (three units @ $1.80) WIN (103-77)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

MLB for May 3

Chicago White Sox (11-15) @ Texas Rangers (17-10), Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX, Friday, May 3, 10.10am

We’re riding the MLB roller coaster at the moment with day-to-day inconsistency in several bullpens proving costly. We still have our noses in front and hope things settle down this month after a torrid April! For our play of the day, we head to Arlington where the White Sox will be out to claim the series after splitting the first two games against the Rangers.

Jake Peavy was scheduled to get the start for the visitors but the White Sox scratched the right-hander due to back spasms and will instead send Hector Santiago to the hill for his season debut. Santiago (0-1, 2.51 ERA) has made seven appearances out of the bullpen this season, and he didn't allow a run in the first six.

The Rangers counter with rookie Justin Grimm (2-0, 1.59), who has won his last two starts while yielding two runs (one earned) and yielding 11 hits with 13 strikeouts in 13 innings. We like the look of Grimm here to get the win.

Suggested bet: Rangers -1.5 (two units @ $2.35) LOSE, game total -8.5 (two units @ $1.80) WIN (3-1)

Other tips

Red Sox @ Blue Jays -8.5 WIN (3-1)

Marlins @ Phillies -7.5 LOSE (2-7)

Nationals WIN @ Braves WIN (3-1)

Tigers WIN WIN @ Astros +9.5 WIN (7-3)

Cardinals @ Brewers WIN LOSE (6-5)

Orioles @ Angels WIN LOSE (5-1)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

NHL playoffs for May 3

Western Conference quarter-finals, game 2: Los Angeles Kings @ St Louis Blues, Scottrade Center, St Louis, MS, Friday, May 3, 11.40am (Blues lead 1-0)

Alexander Steen’s overtime goal could be a lot more than a game-changer for the St Louis Blues. However fluky the finish, they know they can beat the Los Angeles Kings. Now, they’ll try to keep the upper hand against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Most of Game 1, the Blues looked like the team that won 12 of its last 15 to earn the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and home-ice advantage against the Kings, who finished just one point behind.

The Blues were thrown off their game by the Kings' physical play last spring, and made it a point to initiate the contact in Game 1. They were out-hit 41-38, but got the Kings’ attention. We expect the Kings to respond here and win a low-scoring affair.

Suggested bet: Game total -5 (three units @ $1.62*) WIN, Kings WIN (one unit @ $2.10*) LOSE (1-2)

Other tips

ECQF1: Senators @ Canadiens -5 LOSE (4-2)

ECQF1: Rangers @ Capitals -5 WIN (1-3)

WCQF2: Red Wings @ Ducks (Ducks lead series 1-0) -1.5 LOSE (5-4)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

NBA playoffs for May 3

Western Conference playoffs, round 1, game 6: Denver Nuggets @ Golden State Warriors, Oracle Arena Center, Oakland, CA, Friday, May 3, 12.40pm (Warriors lead 3-2)

After a game 5 that often resembled a pro wrestling battle royale, the battered and bruised Warriors return home needing just one win to wrap up this series against the Nuggets.

We fully expect that they’ll do so here, and we’re returning to a play that worked out nicely two days ago 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.

The Warriors average more than 102 points at home this year, while Denver averages less than 105 points against on the road. Golden State went 28-13 at home, while Denver went 19-22 on the road. Denver did win the regular season series 3-1 but in two of the losses, Golden State scored more 100 points.

Suggested bet: Warriors WIN (three units @ $1.74*) WIN (88-92)

Other tips

E6: Nets +1 WIN @ Bulls, +184.5 (Bulls led series 3-2) WIN (95-92)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 2

Racing for May 2

Horse racing: Warrnambool (Vic), Wagga Wagga (NSW), Rockhampton (Qld), Kalgoorlie (WA), Gosford (NSW)

Harness racing: Maryborough (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Newcastle (NSW), Penrith (NSW), Kilmore (Vic)

Greyhound racing: Warragul (Vic), Dubbo (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Maitland (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Mandurah (WA), Sandown Park (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Dapto (NSW), Hobart (Tas)

It’s the final day of the three-day Warrnambool Racing Carnival with sunny skies the order of the day for the punters still standing. Highlights of the card include the time-honoured $250,000 Wheelie Waste Grand Annual Steeplechase over a marathon 5500 metres and the $200,000 Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup over 2350 metres.

Banca Mo heads out a deserved favourite for the Brunton boys in the Cup, but we think there’s terrific value around #3 King Diamond. Winner of the Ballarat Cup back in November, the 6yo gelding finished his late-Spring campaign strongly with second in the Werribee Cup and third in the Bagot on New Year’s Day.

He’s only had two runs back this campaign at Caulfield over 1700m and 1800m but trainer Jarrod McLean has put plenty of work into his charge and has been set for this race specifically. Barrier 16 is far from ideal but it’s a long run to the first turn from the 2350m start and we think he’s overs at an each-way price of $12 on the Centrebet fixed odds market.

Suggested bet: Warrnambool R8 #3 King Diamond E/W (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Others tips

Warrnambool R2 #2 Faithful Jester (E/W) 1st ($12.60/$3.60)

Warrnambool R5 #7 Bloomingdale Miss (E/W) 3rd ($1.60)

Warrnambool R6 #9 Banna Strand (E/W) 1st ($7.80/$3.30)

Gosford R3 #4 Brannickers (win) WIN 1st ($2.10)

Gosford R7 #3 The Investor (E/W) 3rd ($1.70)

Harness racing tip: Kilmore R7 #8 Ohoka Mach (win) LOSE (2nd)
Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R1 #2 Spirit to Excel (win) LOSE (U/P)

MLB for May 2

Chicago White Sox @ Texas Rangers, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX, Thursday, May 2, 10.35am

The Texas Rangers' struggling offence busted out in a big way in the series opener, though runs haven't been easy to come by against Chicago White Sox starter Chris Sale lately. Texas looks to stay hot as it continues its three-game series with visiting Chicago.

The Rangers (17-9) totalled eight runs while splitting a four-game series with Minnesota – including a 5-0 loss – before getting homers from Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre and Jeff Baker in Tuesday's 10-6 victory over the White Sox.

Aside from giving up eight runs in 4 1/3 innings of a 9-4 loss to Cleveland, Sale (2-2, 4.09 ERA) has pitched to the level that led him to last season's success. The Rangers will counter with rookie Nick Tepesch, who had another solid outing Thursday after allowing one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 2-1 win at Minnesota.

Suggested bet: Texas Rangers WIN (two units) LOSE (5-2)

Other tips

Mets @ Marlins +8 WIN (7-6)

Pirates WIN @ Brewers WIN (6-4)

Phillies WIN @ Indians LOSE (0-6)

Reds @ Cardinals WIN WIN (2-4)

Astros @ Yankees -9 PUSH (4-5)

Nationals @ Braves WIN LOSE (2-0)

Red Sox WIN @ Blue Jays WIN (10-1)

Padres WIN @ Cubs LOSE (2-6)

Rays WIN @ Royals LOSE (8-9)

Rockies WIN @ Dodgers WIN (7-3)

Orioles WIN @ Mariners LOSE (3-8)

• Place a bet on the “head to head” market for any MLB match and if your team is ahead coming into the 9th but lose, our sports betting partner Centrebet will refund your first bet up to $100 cash!

NHL playoffs for May 2

Eastern Conference quarter-finals, game 1: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Boston Bruins, TD Garden, Boston, MA, Thursday, May 2, 9.10am

After a nine-year playoff drought the Toronto faithful will be rewarded as they take on one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. Certainly the Leafs have their work cut out for them tonight after having dropped 11 of their last 13 games at the Garden

The Bruins missed a chance to finish second in the Eastern Conference by losing seven of their last nine games including the season finale to Ottawa but the drop to fourth seed isn’t too concerning given their dominance over the Leafs.

Also factor in that the Bruins played a gruelling schedule down the stretch with games cancelled due to the Boston Marathon bombings and consequently jammed into alternate dates. Nathan Horton returns, and the Bruins have had a decent breather so we’re happy to load up on the shorts being offered.

Suggested bet: Boston Bruins WIN (three units) WIN (1-4)

Other tips

ECQF1: Islanders @ Penguins +5.5 LOSE (0-5)

WCQF1: Sharks @ Canucks WIN LOSE, -5 WIN (3-1)

NBA playoffs for May 2

Western Conference playoffs, round 1, game 5: Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK, Thursday, May 2, 11.35am (Thunder lead 3-1)

Despite leading ahead of this crucial game 5, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a big problem that does not appear to have an immediate solution. Kevin Durant has been the driver of Oklahoma City's offense since fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook was lost for the remainder of the playoffs prior to Game 3. Durant has become the primary ball-handler, attracting even more attention from the Houston Rockets’ defence.

Meanwhile, the Rockets are heating up from three-point range, just in time to avoid playoff elimination. After setting a franchise record for 3s in the regular season, Houston has steadily improved its accuracy over the course of the series before hitting 44 per cent from behind the arc in a 105-103 victory in Game 4.

Suggested bet: Rockets +9 (two units) WIN, game total +208 (two units) WIN (107-100)

Other tips

E5: Celtics @ Knicks +182 (Celtics lead 1-3) LOSE (92-86)

E5: Hawks @ Pacers -7 WIN, -187.5 (series tied 2-2) LOSE (83-106)