Sports fans are in for a treat later tonight as the NBA and NHL have lined up two blockbuster playoff games that will definitely keep you at the edge of your seats. First off, the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks lock horns in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
Not to be outdone, the NBA has also served up a mouth-watering clash with Golden State and Houston squaring off in Game 2 of their Western Conference Final. Who will grab the edge in these two crucial games? Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two pivotal matchups and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of Cleveland vs. Atlanta.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Anaheim Ducks (+115) at Chicago Blackhawks (-135); total – 5.0 – view all Stanley Cup lines
[sc:NHL240 ]The Chicago Blackhawks will head home with momentum on their side after escaping with a nerve-wracking 3-2 triple overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Marcus Kruger scored the winning goal for the Blackhawks who played the longest game (116 minutes and 12 seconds) in their 89-year franchise history.
Their weary bodies will have to do it all over again later tonight for Game 3 with both sides looking to grab that all-important 2-1 advantage. All eyes will be on the respective goalies of both squads as Chicago’s Corey Crawford and Anaheim’s Frederik Andersen have played phenomenal hockey between the pipes in this series thus far. They were simply outstanding in that epic Game 2 with Crawford fending off a career-high 60 shots (.968 SV%) while Andersen made a career-high 53 saves (.946 SV%).
The Ducks are 4-1 in their last five road games against the Blackhawks.
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Writer’s Prediction
Chicago wins, 3-1, to grab a 2-1 series lead.
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (9:00 PM ET)
Line: Houston Rockets (+10.5) at Golden State Warriors (-10.5); total: 220.0 – view all NBA lines
The Golden State Warriors drew first blood in their much-anticipated best-of-seven series with the Houston Rockets, posting a dramatic 110-106 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals Tuesday night. Stephen Curry (34 points, five assists) led the way for the Warriors who improved to 44-3 at home this season.
Game 2 is set later tonight with Dwight Howard’s injury a major concern for the Rockets. Howard (16.4 PPG, 13.8 RPG) suffered a sprained left knee in the first quarter of Game 1 and his status for the remainder of the series is still up in the air. James Harden did all he can in the series opener, putting up 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists but he needs more support tonight for Houston to stand a chance of knotting the series up.
The onus is on frontcourt duo Terrence Jones and Josh Smith to hold the fort down low for the Rockets in Game 2. They combined for 22 points on a horrendous 8-of-26 shooting from the field in Game 1.
The Warriors are 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Rockets.
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Writer’s Prediction
Golden State wins, 107-92, to build a commanding 2-0 series lead. Create a betting account now and bet on the best games for tonight.
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