NBA and NHL playoffs: These props are the pop

Some series are whittling down in the NBA and NHL, but that's not stopping us from finding some quality prop looks. We'll once again diversify our looks with a wager on the hardwood and ice for tonight's postseason play, as we're finding player props to be a bit more consistent than game results at this juncture in the playoff calendar.

The Cs are forging forward with Al Horford

A few weeks ago, we had a ton of NBA betting success by simply looking at who steps in when a key player can't play, and we have another situation to dig into with the Boston Celtics.

Kristaps Porzingis suffered a scary injury on Monday and is expected to be out for a few weeks, and considering Porzingis plays about 30 minutes a game, his absence opens up opportunities for others.

The first name that sticks out has to be Al Horford, who is expected to start tonight. On the year, Horford averages just 8.6 points per game, and he's put up 10+ just once in four tries this series.

That should change tonight with an elevated role. In 19 games this year sans Porzingis, Horford averages 11.6 points per game, and his last four such games has yielded point totals of 11, 24, 14 and 23 points. Given that, this number seems a tad low and worth jumping on.

Betting: Al Horford over 9.5 points (-112 DraftKings)

Why stop backing Wyatt?

We highlighted Wyatt Johnston on Monday, and he delivered big time. Quite simply, Johnston has been the best player on the ice for Dallas in their past two games, both of which have coincidentally been their only two wins this series.

Johnston now has 13 shots on goal and three goals in his past two, and he seems likely to just keep it rolling. Considering how many high-quality looks he's had, we're liking his goal tonight.

Betting: Wyatt Johnston goal (+210 FanDuel)

In the news ...

Plenty of NBA Game 6s on the way: Sixers stay alive, Cavs escape Magic, Bucks win — We've got some series! Philadelphia won a huge road game on Tuesday thanks to some crazy Tyrese Maxey shots, and now the Sixers host the Knicks on Thursday in Game 6, with Philly currently -155 to win. Elsewhere, Cleveland squeaked by Orlando in an awesome game, and the home team has now won all five games in this series. The Magic -162 on Friday to force a deciding Game 7. Then, despite some injuries, Milwaukee beat Indiana at home, and the Pacers will have to try and close things out on Thursday night at home.

Leafs force Game 6; Hurricanes move on to a Round 2 matchup vs. Rangers — Our first second-round matchup has been finalized after Carolina took down the Islanders 6-3 on Tuesday. It will be Rangers vs. Hurricanes, and Carolina is currently -140 favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. One Eastern clash isn't done yet, as even without Auston Matthews, Toronto took down Boston in OT on the road and now head home down 3-2. Could Boston blow a 3-1 series lead for two straight seasons? The Maple Leafs are +290 to come all the way back and win.

Out West, the Avalanche took care of business against Winnipeg, beating the Jets in five games. Colorado awaits the winner of Vegas-Dallas, which is currently tied 2-2. Nashville took a game against Vancouver after some tough losses, and all is not over there either, as the Preds head back home down 3-2.

Mike Trout to undergo meniscus surgery, out indefinitely — The next frustrating chapter is upon us in the Mike Trout career arc, as the Angels star is getting surgery on his knee and will be out for an undisclosed amount of time. It's not believed to be season-ending, but a major issue in his age-32 season figures to be a concern upon his return. Los Angeles is currently 11-18 despite Trout's league-leading 10 homers. It seems like another wasted year of Mike Trout's dominance is coming.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.