Best bets today: Knicks-Pistons among SportsLine's top plays for NBA, MLB, NHL for May 1

We've officially reached May, and what better way to start off a new month than with NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs and MLB games throughout the day? In the NBA, the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers try to extend their seasons at home. The NHL has four games on the slate, highlighted by a Game 6 matchup between Dallas and Colorado, with the Stars trying to close out the series on the road.  

We highlight the top betting opportunities with links to full game analysis and picks throughout the article while providing the top betting tips for today's matchups.

There is also a link to the best sportsbook promotion today from FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel offers new users a "bet $5, get $250" bonus if your first bet wins. No promo code required. See more about the offer below. 

Best NBA bets today

 New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons (-2, 212.5): 7:30 p.m. ET

After a controversial ending to Game 4, the Pistons went on the road and defeated the Knicks, 106-103, to extend the series. Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson combined for 46 points in the win. After averaging 33.3 points in the first four games, New York's Jalen Brunson shot just 4-of-16 from the field and was held to 16 points. 

The Pistons are trying to become just the 14th team in NBA playoff history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a series. However, playing at home might not be an advantage for Detroit. The road team has won four of five games in this series, and the Pistons have lost an NBA record-tying nine straight home playoff games dating back to 2008. 

Mike Barner, who is 148-104 in his last 252 NBA player prop picks, has a play in this game. Get full analysis and expert picks for Knicks-Pistons Game 6 at SportsLine!

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5, 212.5): 10:00 p.m. ET 

The Clippers will try to keep their season alive at home after falling to Denver in Game 5, 131-115. Nikola Jokic was held to just 13 points in the win, but the Nuggets didn't need him to score thanks to Jamal Murray's 43-point outburst. Murray hit eight three-pointers and shot 17-of-26 overall from the field. 

Los Angeles needs a win to avoid its third-straight exit in the first round of the playoffs. The Nuggets and Clippers tend to play lower-scoring games when they get together. Four of the five games in this series and seven of the last 10 meetings overall have gone under the total. 

Four SportsLine experts have plays in this game. Get full analysis and expert picks for Nuggets-Clippers Game 6 at SportsLine!

Best NHL bets today

Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche (-180, 6.5): 9:30 p.m. ET

Dallas took a 3-2 series lead after blasting Colorado 6-2 in Game 5. Luckily for the Avalanche, they return to home ice with their season on the line, where they are 27-12-4. 

Dallas has led for just 61 minutes in the series, but the Stars' defense is shutting down Colorado's power play. Through five games, the Avalanche are converting on just 17.7 percent of power play opportunities. For Colorado to extend the series, it will need goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to play well after allowing five goals on 13 shots in Game 5.

Get full analysis and expert picks for Stars-Avalanche Game 6 at SportsLine!

Best MLB bets today

Detroit Tigers (-125, 8) at Los Angeles Angels: 9:30 p.m. ET

The Angels enter Thursday's game ice cold. Los Angeles is just 2-8 in its last 10 games and has lost five straight, where they were outscored 35-11. 

Yusei Kikuchi will try to turn things around for the Angels, but that might not be the best recipe for a win. Kikuchi is 0-4, and Los Angeles has lost five of his six starts this season. The Tigers will counter with Casey Mize. The 27-year-old is 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA and has allowed one run or fewer in five of six starts. 

The under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between the two teams. 

Two SportsLine experts have plays in this game. Get full analysis and expert picks for Tigers-Angels at SportsLine!

Today's featured sportsbook promo

FanDuel Sportsbook offers new customers the ability to deposit as little as $5 and then make a first bet of at least $5. New users will receive $250 in bonus bets if their first bet wins. Plus, there are no minimum odds required, and the first wager can be made on any sport or market. So you can bet $5 on the biggest favorite you can find, and if it wins, you'll still receive $250 in bonus bets. 

Bonus bets cannot be cashed out and must be wagered within the following seven days or they will expire. In addition to the bonus bets, any winning first bet earns the customer their winnings in cash. 

For example, let's say you bet $10 on a big favorite like Los Angeles to beat Denver in the NBA Playoffs tonight, and the Clippers win. You will receive your $10 back plus winnings from the bet in cash. FanDuel will also give you $250 in bonus bets. Bonus bets are not included in any cash winnings.

Other games to bet on for Thursday, May 1

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators (7:00 p.m. ET)

NHL: Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild (7:30 p.m. ET)

NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers (10:00 p.m. ET)

MLB: Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays (7:05 p.m. ET)

Make sure to check out all the game breakdowns and expert advice at SportsLine for every sport, every day. You can also join the SportsLine Discord channel for more betting tips. 

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