Pivotal Game 5s in NBA, NHL playoffs offer great value

Two teams can advance to the next round tonight while three more Game 5s offer an all-important intersection to determine the future of the series. It's a great night of postseason action once again, with betting angles worth following.

Bucks-Celtics meet for pivotal Game 5 - Boston mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback in Game 4 to even this series with Milwaukee, and now it returns to Boston. Game 5 will likely dictate the direction of these two teams, and while Giannis Antetokounmpo has been powering the Bucks all series, the momentum and the home crowd is on the Celtics side. We're backing Boston to come out ahead, covering the 5.5-point spread.

Warriors look to put away Memphis - The Grizzlies and NBA fans alike were handed some brutal news: Ja Morant is doubtful to return to the postseason. It's a disappointing development, as Morant has flourished to a full-blown star in front of our eyes. While Memphis kept it close in Game 4 without him and has had strong success without their point guard during the regular season, the best approach here is to bet on Golden State closing out the series. We're backing the Warriors to cover the -4 and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

New York Rangers fight for their postseason lives - The Rangers have had a disappointing series up to this point, down three games to one to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who was just named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy for top overall goalie, has really struggled thus far. Back in Madison Square Garden, we're going to back Shesterkin and this Rangers team. While it's an uphill climb to win the series, the hope is that they can extend it. We'll be taking New York moneyline at -130.

In other news...

Jacob deGrom trending in the right direction - The Mets ace is progressing in his injury recovery, which is welcome news for the New York faithful. However, the team moved him to the 60-day injury list, which may be a sign that they hope to extend his recovery as long as possible. New York has an NL-high 21 wins up to this point. If they can maintain their winning ways and get deGrom back after the All-Star break? Look out. We'll toss out a future for the Mets to win the World Series at +700, just in case.

The rich get richer, Erling Haaland joins Manchester City - The 21- year-old star striker has been acquired by Man City from his former club Borussia Dortmund, a massive get for the English Premier League club. Haaland has 85 goals in 88 games and is well-regarded as one of the best young players at his position. Manchester City is currently -750 to win the EPL this season with three games to go, and should be considered your betting favorite for the new season.

Toronto picks up a massive win in Game 5 over Tampa - The Maple Leafs stormed back after quickly going down 2-0 to the Lightning on Tuesday night. Toronto picked up the pace toward the end of the second period before exploding for three third-period goals, including Auston Matthews' game-winner. The series now heads back to Tampa for Game 6, and this win has vaulted the Leafs' Stanley Cup futures, now +600, the second-highest in the league.