Best Bets Today - Betting Picks for May 24, 2026

Sunday’s card features several strong playoff angles across the NBA and NHL along with a few MLB and WNBA spots that stand out based on recent momentum, offensive production, and matchup trends. Rather than forcing a large slate of plays, these are the strongest positions from the board.

NBA Best Bets

🏀 Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs

Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder +1.5

Oklahoma City enters Game 4 carrying major momentum after back-to-back wins over San Antonio to take control of the series. The Thunder looked extremely sharp in the 123-108 Game 3 victory and continue proving they can win away from home after posting a dominant road record throughout the season.

The offense has remained highly efficient during this playoff run, and Oklahoma City continues forcing turnovers while pushing tempo effectively. With the Thunder already showing they can handle the environment at Frost Bank Center, taking the points feels like the stronger side Sunday night.

🏀 Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs

Pick: Over 219.5 Total Points

This series continues producing offense at an extremely high level. The first three games have totaled 237, 235, and 231 points, and neither defense has consistently slowed down the opposing offense.

Both teams average nearly 120 points per game on the season, and the pace has remained aggressive throughout the series. With elite scorers on both sides and recent games comfortably clearing this number, another high-scoring battle looks likely again.

NBA Player Prop Best Bets

🏀 Jalen Williams Over 14.5 Points

Williams has consistently produced offensively throughout this playoff stretch and has cleared this number in four of his last five games before the quieter outing in Game 3.

Oklahoma City’s offense continues generating opportunities for secondary scorers because defenses are focusing heavily on slowing down the primary offensive options. In another fast-paced matchup, Williams is in a favorable position to bounce back offensively and return above this scoring total.

🏀 De’Aaron Fox Over 14.5 Points

Fox continues to be one of San Antonio’s steadiest offensive contributors and has now cleared this number in five straight games entering Sunday night.

Even during the Game 3 loss, he still found ways to contribute offensively despite Oklahoma City controlling much of the second half. With the Spurs returning home needing a critical response to avoid falling behind further in the series, Fox should continue carrying a major scoring role.

👉 For more daily betting analysis and updated odds, check out these free picks

NHL Best Bets

🏒 Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights

Pick: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline

Colorado enters Game 3 in a desperation spot after dropping the first two games of the series, but the Avalanche have been outstanding on the road all season and continue generating one of the NHL’s strongest offensive attacks.

Despite the losses, Colorado still controlled stretches offensively throughout the first two games and continues producing elite shot volume. With the series shifting deeper and urgency increasing significantly, the Avalanche are in a strong position to respond.

🏒 Colorado Avalanche vs Vegas Golden Knights

Pick: Under 5.5 Goals

While many expected offense in this matchup, the series has instead leaned toward structured defensive hockey and strong goaltending. Vegas has won the opening two games by scores of 4-2 and 3-1, and both teams have tightened up defensively in key moments.

The goaltending performances have also been strong on both sides, and playoff intensity typically creates even more disciplined defensive play as series progress. Another lower-scoring matchup feels realistic in Game 3.

NHL Player Prop Best Bets

🏒 Jack Eichel Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Eichel continues to be one of Vegas’ most active offensive players and remains heavily involved whenever the Golden Knights generate scoring pressure.

He has repeatedly cleared this number during the recent playoff stretch while continuing to log major offensive minutes and power-play opportunities. In a competitive playoff environment where Vegas will continue leaning on its top offensive playmakers, the over remains appealing.

MLB Best Bets

⚾ San Diego Padres Moneyline vs Athletics

San Diego enters this matchup with the stronger pitching profile and continues to play excellent baseball at home. The Padres already handled the Athletics successfully in the series opener and now return with another favorable mound advantage.

The Athletics have shown offensive flashes, but San Diego’s overall pitching consistency and home-field success make the Padres one of the stronger MLB sides on the board Sunday afternoon.

WNBA Best Bets

🏀 Atlanta Dream -5.5 vs Phoenix Mercury

Atlanta enters this matchup playing significantly better overall basketball early in the season. The Dream have defended at a high level, controlled the glass effectively, and consistently kept games competitive against strong opponents.

Phoenix continues struggling defensively and has dropped four of its last five games entering this matchup. Atlanta’s balance on both ends of the floor gives the Dream a strong opportunity to control the pace and cover the number at home.

Final Thoughts

The strongest value on Sunday’s board centers around Oklahoma City continuing its offensive momentum, Colorado responding in a critical playoff spot, and Atlanta taking advantage of Phoenix’s defensive struggles. The Thunder-Spurs total also continues standing out as one of the best offensive playoff trends currently running.