Best Bets Today - Betting Picks for May 24, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 05/24/2026, 03:30 AM ET
Best Bets Today from Expert Handicappers at Stat Salt - May 26, 2026
Use Code SSWC

Sundayโ€™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

๐Ÿ€ 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.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that StatSalt may use third-party services to process my data.

๐Ÿ€ 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

๐Ÿ€ 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 Cityโ€™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.

๐Ÿ€ Deโ€™Aaron Fox Over 14.5 Points

Fox continues to be one of San Antonioโ€™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.

๐Ÿ‘‰ For more daily betting analysis and updated odds, check out these free picks

NHL Best Bets

๐Ÿ’ 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 NHLโ€™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.

๐Ÿ’ 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

๐Ÿ’ Jack Eichel Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Eichel continues to be one of Vegasโ€™ 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

โšพ 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 Diegoโ€™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

๐Ÿ€ 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. Atlantaโ€™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 Sundayโ€™s board centers around Oklahoma City continuing its offensive momentum, Colorado responding in a critical playoff spot, and Atlanta taking advantage of Phoenixโ€™s defensive struggles. The Thunder-Spurs total also continues standing out as one of the best offensive playoff trends currently running.

BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Review
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No
FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users โ€“ Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Review
Requirement New Users โ€“ Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Cashable No
Fanatics

10 x $100 bet match in FanCash

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer Fanatics Review
Cashable No
>

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Copyright ยฉ 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.