Sports betting: Vegas Vic’s lines and picks for Thursday’s NBA and NHL playoff games

LAS VEGAS - There are three games in the NBA playoffs on Thursday night, and three games in the NHL playoffs.

Inquirer handicapper Vegas Vic takes a look at the lines and over-unders and makes his picks:

Vic is gonna get close to Pop and grab the Spurs over the Nuggets.

San Antonio got exactly what it wanted out in Denver, a split. Now the Spurs come back home to defend the Alamo, where they’ve won 14 of the last 16. San Antonio’s also a gorgeous 8-1 at home against the number when favored by five points or less. Gregg Popovich’s crew knows how to win the tight ones, so gimme $55 to win $50 on the Spurs.

Can’t figure out the Sixers now that they’re listing Joel Embiid as questionable. So, it’s a pass. But do have some numbers for that final game Thursday night.

After a comeback for the ages, how are the Clippers gonna respond in the first game back at home? Well, you gotta be careful because the Clips have covered only one of the last six overall and just one of the last eight as a home dog. Golden State has been kinda up and kinda down, covering only two of six.

Looking at the big picture, the Dubs overall spread log sits at 36-47-1, 19-22 on the road and 32-44-1 as a favorite. The Clips overall spread mark is 46-37-1, 22-19 at home and 17-22-1 as an underdog. Plenty of mediocrity here to suggest looking elsewhere ... like at the hockey slate!

Series standings: All three series are tied 1-1 entering tonight.

If you’re wondering how the Hurricanes will respond after seeing rookie Andrei Svechnikov getting knocked out COLD in a fight with Alex Ovechkin, don’t. Think we found that answer in Game 3.

The KO happened in the first period, and Carolina went to the break with just a 1-0 lead. Then the 'Canes scored two in the second and two in the third, feeding the Caps a 5-0 bagel. WHAT a response! Did I mention that the Hurricanes are doing exceptional work at home in Raleigh, winning seven of the last nine and 17 of the last 23.

So, you know that Carolina is on my mind, and my wallet, for $60 to win $50.

Series standings: Capitals up 2-1, Jets-Blues tied 2-2, Vegas up 3-1.

Gonna pass on the Phillies, who are -110, but will make a visit out west and rock $70 to win back $50 on the Padres with Chris Paddack over the Reds. Paddack doesn’t have any wins, but he’s given up just one run in each of his first three starts and San Diego has won each. That’s good enough for me to jump on this game, which starts at 10:10 p.m. Philly time.