NBA

NBA and NHL Playoff Betting Strategies: Capitalising on Shifting Odds and Lines

9 May 2026

In this article, we are going to show you how to utilise HOF's data to filter through and to utilise filters during playoffs to ensure the most accurate playoff picture possible so that you're able to make smarter predictions.

How Playoff Analytics Create a Betting Edge Over Regular Season Stats

As the NHL and NBA playoffs are fully underway, engaging in online sports betting during the postseason requires additional context when analysing data compared to the regular season. Playoff matchups are inherently more unpredictable than regular season games for several reasons.

You have players like Paul “Playoff P” George who turn their production up a notch when it matters most. Conversely, certain rotational or role players receive less playing time or see less ball distribution, causing their baseline stats to drop significantly. Utilising the playoff filters in the HOF app allows you to analyse this precise game data and find hidden value. You can utilise home versus away filters to highlight external factors that contribute to a players overall performance. The platform also allows you to track if a specific player performs better or worse against a certain team over the course of the year and, more specifically, how they adjust throughout the course of a playoff series.

Finding the Value in NBA Playoff Player Props

When engaging in NBA sports betting during the playoffs, you must remember that sports betting odds are frequently inflated for star players. The public anticipates increased output and pressure. This makes it crucial that when you select player props, you maintain a complete understanding of how the player performs specifically in the postseason.

HOF app data visualization displaying Jalen Brunson clearing 26 points in 57 percent of his 166 total games played over the last two seasons to help evaluate NBA betting odds.

Looking at Jalen Brunson, we see his performance is heavily impacted by the playoff environment. Out of 166 total games played across the last two seasons, Brunson has a 57% chance of hitting 26+ points, clearing that line 94 times. This sits just below his overall average of 26.4 points per game. However, when we apply the playoff filter, that hit rate jumps from 57% to 67%. While the sample size tightens to 27 playoff games, we clearly see a 10% increase in his likelihood of beating this average during the postseason.

HOF app playoff filter graph showing Jalen Brunson scoring 26 or more points in 67 percent of his 27 playoff games across the last two seasons for NBA player props analysis.

We also must factor in his home versus away performance since hostile playoff atmospheres directly impact on court production. Looking at his recent splits, Brunson hit 26 points in 7 of his last 9 home games. In his away games, he only hit that line 1 out of 3 times. The probability of Brunson underperforming on the road during the playoffs is significantly higher than at home. As a bettor, you can use this data to understand how point distribution shifts. If Brunson faces a tough road environment, the sharp move is targeting secondary players who over perform in away games.

NHL Playoff Props: Exploiting Volume Metrics for Increased Value

When pivoting to NHL playoff betting, the variance is inherently higher, meaning relying strictly on the traditional over under for goals or total points can be a risky strategy. Instead, the smartest way to utilise the HOF app is by applying the filters to identify spikes and dips on volume and effort metrics like Shots on Goal and Blocked Shots.

HOF app data graph showing the Anaheim Ducks hitting 27 or more shots on goal in 74 percent of their 91 games during the 2025 to 2026 NHL regular season.

Looking at the Anaheim Ducks, you can see their offensive volume increases under postseason pressure. Their regular season average sits at 30.8 shots on goal per game, but when analysing the playoffs specifically, that number increases to 32.1 shots on goal per game. This team level data helps identify value in the sports betting odds for overall game totals, specific player props, and highly profitable alt lines.

HOF app playoff filter chart highlighting the Anaheim Ducks achieving 27 or more shots on goal in 100 percent of their 9 playoff matchups to identify high value NHL playoff props.

The same way we see an increase in offensive volume, we also see a higher willingness for defencemen to put their bodies on the line and block shots. Looking at the Carolina Hurricanes, the team averaged 11.6 blocked shots per game during the entirety of the 2025 to 2026 season. When utilising the HOF playoff filter, we are able to see that number jumps to 14.6 blocked shots per game across the playoffs. Spotting these statistical jumps allows you to capitalise on mispriced lines before the sports books fully adjust to the postseason intensity.

Dominate the Postseason with HOF Data

Navigating the shift from regular season to playoff sports betting requires more than just a gut feeling. Whether you are avoiding inflated NBA lines on star players or finding hidden value in NHL volume metrics, having the precise data is the only way to maintain a true edge. By utilising the specific playoff and home versus away filters within the HOF app, you can easily identify player props with high rates and profitable alt lines before the sports books adjust. Download the HOF app today and maximise your sports betting odds for the entire postseason.