Sports fans are in for a treat tonight as the NHL and the NBA has lined up two blockbuster playoff games that will definitely tickle your fancy. Kicking things off later this evening is the much-anticipated Game 6 showdown between the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Then, over at the NBA, it’s Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Can Golden State and Anaheim punch their tickets to the finals? Or will Chicago and Houston live to fight another day? Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two crucial games and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Anaheim Ducks (+120) at Chicago Blackhawks (-140); total: 5.0 – view all Stanley Cup lines
[sc:NHL240 ]The Anaheim Ducks moved to within a victory of the Stanley Cup Finals with a gripping 5-4 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. Matt Beleskey was the hero for the Ducks in that pivotal Game 5, scoring the game-winner 45 seconds into overtime to give the Ducks that all-important 3-2 series lead. Beleskey has now scored seven goals for Anaheim this postseason.
Action now shifts to Chicago for Game 6 with the Blackhawks now fighting for their tournament lives. For them to force a winner-take-all Game 7, they will need a towering performance from goalie Corey Crawford. The 30-year-old has been disappointing the past two games, allowing a total of nine goals during that stretch. He had a mediocre .821 SV% in Chicago’s Game 5 defeat.
The Blackhawks are 6-1 in their last seven home games. The Ducks, on the other hand, are 8-2 in their last 10 games on the road.
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Writer’s Prediction
Chicago wins, 4-3, to force a Game 7.
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (9:00 PM ET)
Line: Houston Rockets (+10) at Golden State Warriors (-10); total: 217.5 – view all NBA lines
The Houston Rockets kept their championship hopes alive with a resounding 128-115 win against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. James Harden was the star of the show on Tuesday night, pouring in a playoff career-high 45 points for the Rockets. He was sizzling from beyond the arc, knocking down seven of his 11 three-point attempts. In fact, the entire Houston team was red-hot from deep, shooting 53.1% (17-of-32) from downtown.
With that being said, the Warriors will still fancy their chances of finishing the series at home in Game 5. The Warriors are 6-1 at Oracle Arena this postseason. Golden State will also be delighted with the news that Stephen Curry will be available tonight after suffering a nasty fall the previous game. Curry has been superb for the Warriors in these playoffs, averaging 29.4 points and 6.4 assists, both team-high numbers.
The Warriors are 5-0 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five home games against the Rockets.
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Writer’s Prediction
Golden State wins, 111-98, to book a place in the NBA Finals. Create a betting account now and bet on the best games for tonight.
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