Wednesday Betting Preview: NBA and NHL Playoff Odds, Spreads, and Best Bets for April 29

Wednesday Betting Preview: NBA and NHL Playoff Odds for April 29 The NBA and NHL playoffs are hitting that beautiful mid-series stretch where every game feels like a Game 7. With elimination games, massive point spreads, and injuries shaking up the board, Wednesday, April 29th, offers a loaded slate for sports bettors. Here are the top games and betting lines to target tonight. Lakers vs. Rockets: Game 5 Showdown The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a decisive Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, and they are currently sitting as 4.5-point favorites. The big news here is Kevin Durant. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has listed KD as "day-to-day" with an ankle injury, but it seems highly unlikely he will suit up for Game 5. If Durant is out, the Lakers moneyline and covering the -4.5 spread become very attractive plays. Houston has struggled to generate consistent offense without him, and LeBron James and Anthony Davis smell blood in the water. The Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead, and this is a prime spot for them to close it out at home. Magic vs. Pistons: Historic Upset on the Line The Orlando Magic are on the verge of history, leading the 1-seed Detroit Pistons 3-1 in their series. The Magic are now favored to close out the series in Game 5. For bettors, the under has been the play of the series, with Game 4 finishing at a rock-fight score of 94-88. Detroit is desperate, but they shot a miserable 20% from 3-point range in Game 4. If you believe the Pistons have one last push in them, taking them on the moneyline as home underdogs might offer value. But fading this Orlando defense right now is a risky proposition. Lightning vs. Canadiens: Game 5 NHL Action Over on the ice, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are tied 2-2 in their series, and Game 5 is essentially a pick'em. The Lightning are currently -161 favorites on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 5.5 goals (Over -118, Under -104). Tampa Bay is looking to take a 3-2 lead, and their experience in these pivotal Game 5 situations is hard to ignore. The over 5.5 goals could be a strong play here, as both teams have shown they can score in bunches when the game opens up. Penguins vs. Flyers: Game 6 Drama The Pittsburgh Penguins kept their season alive with a 3-2 win in Game 5, and now they head back to Philadelphia trailing 3-2 in the series. The Flyers are -125 favorites on the moneyline, while the Penguins are +105 underdogs. The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. Pittsburgh has all the momentum after back-to-back game-winning goals from Kris Letang, but closing out a series at home is exactly what the Flyers are built to do. If you like chaos, grab the Penguins at plus money to force a Game 7. --- Related reading: - 2026 NFL Draft Rounds 1-3 Recap: Mendoza Goes #1, Jets Make Noise, and Early Rookie of the Year Odds - Weekly Recap: AI Picks Went 19-10 (66% Win Rate) — Apr 20 – Apr 26, 2026 - NBA Playoffs Heating Up: McCollum's Heroics, Barnes' Eruption, and Tonight's Best Bets