Thursday's playoff action features two major betting opportunities through BetMGM's latest promo code CBSSPORTS, which rewards new users with $150 in bonus bets on winning first wagers or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial bet loses. The platform highlights NBA and NHL postseason games as prime opportunities for new sign-ups looking to capitalize on the action.

The New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 after their dramatic Game 1 comeback, with SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein backing the Knicks to cover the 6.5-point spread. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes open the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens, who enter as +165 underdogs despite their strong 6-2 road playoff record. The SportsLine Projection Model simulates each NHL game 10,000 times and favors Montreal in this matchup.

For baseball fans, the model projects the Blue Jays-Yankees Over 8 total runs (-115) based on Thursday's pitching matchup featuring Carlos Rodon's 5.63 ERA. Combining these three best bets creates a Thursday parlay with +845 potential payout. The Knicks' recent 8-game playoff winning streak and Montreal's road success this postseason provide solid foundational data for these betting recommendations.