Don’t miss out on a thrilling weekend of games from the NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA football playoffs. The Houston Texans hope to use Mahomes’ injury and topple down the Chiefs. Knicks are favored to win on the road, while the best team in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers, want to continue their winning ways against Giannis and the Bucks.

NCAA football playoffs start with the Indiana vs Notre Dame game, with the Fighting Irish being heavy favorites at home. But enough about the games, let’s see what your betting opportunities might look like.

*Sports betting carries inherent risks, and outcomes can be unpredictable. The recommendations offered here are based on current data and analysis but should not be viewed as guarantees of success.

The upcoming matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on December 21, 2024, promises to be a pivotal game for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning. The Chiefs, currently favored by 3.5 points, are looking to secure the top seed in the AFC, while the Texans aim to maintain their momentum after clinching the AFC South title. 

With Patrick Mahomes nursing a high ankle sprain, bettors should consider the potential impact on Kansas City’s offensive performance.

For betting tips, consider taking the Texans with the points (+3.5), especially if Mahomes’ mobility is compromised. Additionally, the game has a low over/under of 42.5 points, indicating a likely defensive battle. Betting on the under may be wise, given both teams’ recent trends in low-scoring games.

Here are two interesting suggestions when it comes to NBA:

The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 21, 2024, in an important matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavaliers, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a strong home record, are favored by 7.5 points against a Bucks team that has had more success recently, has strung a 3-game streak, and are 8-2 in their last 10 games.

For betting tips, consider taking the Cavaliers to win and cover the spread. They have won their last four home games and have already defeated the Bucks twice this season. Additionally, with an over/under set at 224.5 points, betting on the under could be wise, given both teams’ recent defensive performances.

The New York Knicks will continue their race to the playoff against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 21. The Knicks enter the game with a solid 16-10 record and are favored by 5 points against a struggling Pelicans team that has only won 5 of their 22 games this season.

Rather obviously, pick the Knicks to cover the spread, as they have been performing well on the road and have a strong offensive output averaging over 116 points per game. Additionally, with an over/under set at 220 points, betting on the over may be worthwhile given the Pelicans’ defensive struggles and the Knicks’ scoring ability.

The NCAA playoffs begin with the Indiana Hoosiers taking on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 21, 2024. Both teams enter the game with impressive 11-1 records, but Notre Dame is favored by 7 points, thanks to their strong home advantage and a well-rounded offense led by quarterback Riley Leonard.

As far as betting tips go, consider backing Notre Dame to cover the spread, as they have consistently performed well at home and possess a powerful rushing attack that could exploit Indiana’s defensive weaknesses. Additionally, with an over/under set around 56 points, betting on the over might be a good option, given both teams’ high-scoring capabilities throughout the season.

In the NHL, the New York Rangers will face off against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Both teams are looking to shift their current momentum for the season. The Rangers are struggling, having lost their last three games and sitting at a 15-15-1 record, while the Stars boast a stronger 19-12-0 mark and are favored by 1.5 points in this matchup.

Consider taking the Stars to win, as they have a solid home record and are known for their strong defensive play, allowing only 2.58 goals per game. Additionally, with an over/under set at 6 goals, betting on the under may be prudent given the Rangers’ recent scoring struggles and Dallas’s defensive capabilities.