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Best Bets Today - Betting Picks for May 29, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 05/29/2026, 03:00 AM ET
Best Bets Today from Expert Handicappers at Stat Salt - May 26, 2026
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Friday’s card offers a mix of playoff hockey, WNBA action, UFL football, and MLB opportunities. Rather than forcing a long list of plays, these are the strongest betting angles based on recent form, matchup advantages, and statistical trends. Get in on all the action with our Free picks.

🏒 NHL

Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens — Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5

Carolina has completely flipped this series after dropping the opener and now enters Game 5 with a chance to advance on home ice. The Hurricanes have won three consecutive games while steadily tightening up defensively, culminating in the dominant 4-0 shutout victory last time out.

The biggest difference has been puck possession. Carolina continues to spend extended stretches in the offensive zone while limiting Montreal's opportunities at the other end. After generating overwhelming shot volume in Game 4 and controlling play from start to finish, the Hurricanes look capable of winning by multiple goals once again.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens — Pick: Under 5.5 Goals

The recent trend in this series points toward another defensive battle. Montreal has managed only four total goals across the last three games while Carolina's structure continues to eliminate quality scoring chances.

The Hurricanes have consistently dictated pace and forced Montreal into low-volume offensive performances. With elimination pressure on the Canadiens and Carolina likely content to continue playing disciplined hockey, another lower-scoring contest feels likely.

Sebastian Aho Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Aho continues to be one of Carolina's most active offensive players and remains heavily involved whenever the Hurricanes establish pressure in the attacking zone.

Carolina generated enormous shot volume in the previous game, and with the opportunity to close out the series at home, their top offensive players should remain aggressive. Given the amount of time Carolina spends controlling possession, Aho should have plenty of opportunities to clear this number.

⚾ MLB

New York Yankees vs Athletics — Pick: New York Yankees Moneyline

The Yankees enter Friday playing some of their best baseball of the season. New York has rattled off four straight victories while absolutely dominating opponents on both sides of the ball.

The offensive production continues to stand out, but the pitching has been equally impressive during this recent run. Meanwhile, the Athletics arrive after a difficult series against Seattle and have struggled to generate consistent offense. With New York carrying momentum and holding clear advantages across the board, the Yankees remain one of the strongest moneyline plays available.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies — Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline

Los Angeles continues to look like one of the hottest teams in baseball. The Dodgers have been piling up runs at an impressive pace while maintaining strong pitching performances throughout their winning streak.

Philadelphia has played quality baseball recently, but few teams can currently match the combination of offensive firepower and pitching consistency that Los Angeles brings into this matchup. With the Dodgers rolling at home and producing offensively from top to bottom, they remain difficult to fade.

Seattle Mariners Team Total Over 3.5 Runs

Seattle's offense finally appears to be finding another gear after a productive sweep of the Athletics. The Mariners showed the ability to score in bunches throughout that series and now enter another favorable offensive matchup.

Power has been a major strength for Seattle all season, and recent performances suggest the lineup is beginning to string together quality at-bats more consistently. With momentum building and a favorable pitching matchup ahead, four runs feels like a realistic target.

🏀 WNBA

Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky — Pick: Minnesota Lynx -2.5

Minnesota continues to look like one of the stronger teams in the league, especially away from home where the Lynx remain undefeated.

The offense has been efficient throughout the season, but the more impressive aspect has been the team's balance. Minnesota rebounds well, shares the basketball effectively, and has shown the ability to respond after setbacks. Chicago enters struggling defensively and carrying a losing streak, which gives the Lynx a favorable opportunity to continue their strong road form.

🏈 UFL

Dallas Renegades vs St. Louis Battlehawks — Pick: St. Louis Battlehawks -4.5

St. Louis enters this matchup with one of the strongest defensive profiles in the league and continues to win games through physical, disciplined football.

The Battlehawks have consistently limited opposing offenses while controlling field position and tempo. Dallas, meanwhile, continues searching for answers during a lengthy losing streak and has struggled on both sides of the ball. With St. Louis playing at home and carrying significant momentum into this game, the Battlehawks stand out as one of the stronger football plays on Friday's schedule.

Final Thoughts

The strongest positions on Friday's board center around teams carrying significant momentum into favorable matchups. Carolina appears poised to close out Montreal, both New York and Los Angeles remain among baseball's hottest clubs, Minnesota continues thriving on the road, and St. Louis brings a major defensive advantage into its UFL matchup.

If building a smaller card, the Hurricanes -1.5, Yankees Moneyline, Dodgers Moneyline, Mariners Team Total Over 3.5, and Lynx -2.5 would be the five selections that stand out most.