Sports Handicapper Tom Macrina's Picks & Predictions

The Golden State Valkyries have quickly established one of the league’s top defenses in the early season, and it’s a perfect matchup against a Connecticut Sun team that has clear vulnerabilities.
Connecticut is allowing over 90 points per game and has been particularly leaky in transition and turnover-prone. While the Sun still rebound well and crash the offensive glass effectively, their inability to protect the ball and defend in the open floor plays directly into Golden State’s hands. The Valkyries have thrived by forcing mistakes, generating live-ball turnovers, and limiting easy paint opportunities for opponents.
Offensively, Veronica Burton has been the engine for Golden State. She’s been excellent at controlling tempo, creating for teammates, and producing at a high level early in the season. That steady, disciplined pace should help Golden State dictate this game and exploit Connecticut’s defensive lapses.
Additionally, the Valkyries have already shown they belong among the elite, with a strong win over the defending champion New York Liberty earlier this week.
Best Bets:

Valkyries -12.5 (Primary recommendation)
Sun Team Total Under (if the number is in the mid-to-high 80s or better)

Golden State’s defensive identity and home advantage make them a strong favorite to cover here.

The New York Knicks are one win away from clinching the Eastern Conference and advancing to the NBA Finals. Cleveland is facing elimination on their home floor in a must-win Game 4.
Why the Knicks are in firm control:

Dominance throughout the series: New York has won the first three games by double digits, showing complete control on both ends of the floor.
Star power and depth: Jalen Brunson has been absolutely dominant, while Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT), and Josh Hart have delivered strong two-way contributions. The Knicks balance has been too much for Cleveland to handle.
Momentum: New York has won 10 straight games and has looked like the clearly superior team against every opponent in these playoffs.
Historical edge: The Knicks have taken 5 of the last 6 meetings against the Cavs.

Cleveland’s struggles:
The Cavaliers look both physically and mentally fatigued. After three straight losses, they’re in a desperate spot. While teams facing 3-0 deficits often come out with extra aggression at home (especially in the first quarter), that energy has rarely been sustainable against a locked-in Knicks squad.
Betting Recommendation:
Main Pick: Knicks -130 (Best bet)
The Knicks are the significantly better team right now and have shown no signs of letting their foot off the gas. I see no reason to expect Cleveland to suddenly flip the script after three lopsided losses.
Side Angle: Cavaliers 1Q +115
Expect Cleveland to come out desperate and aggressive early at home. Backing them in the first quarter offers nice value as a hedge or small lean.
Final Verdict: The Knicks look firmly in control of this series. Take Knicks -130 as the primary play.

The series shifts to Montreal for Game 3, and the momentum feels like it’s flipping with it.
Bell Centre is one of the loudest and most intimidating playoff environments in the NHL. That raucous home crowd should give the Canadiens a major boost after splitting the first two games on the road.
Carolina looked much more like their usual dominant selves in Game 2 — controlling possession, generating a strong forecheck, and limiting Montreal’s high-danger chances. However, this series has highlighted a clear stylistic clash: Montreal’s speed, creativity, and transition game versus Carolina’s structured pressure and defensive discipline.
The Habs have shown they can punish mistakes. Their top offensive unit has been excellent, and they’ve proven dangerous when given even small openings. This has all the makings of a pivotal swing game in the series.
Key Trend Supporting Montreal:

The Canadiens have been outstanding as home underdogs in these playoffs.
They’re a perfect 6-0 when the series is tied.

Betting Recommendation:
Main Play: Canadiens ML +115
Additional plays:

Canadiens 1st Period +105
Lane Hutson to Record an Assist (-140)

Montreal at home in a tied series with the building rocking feels like the right side. I’m backing the Habs to take a 2-1 series lead tonight.