Money Moves | April 17, 2026 | Hour 1

In this episode of Money Moves on VSiN, hosts Stormy Bonantoni and Jonathan Von Tobel dive into a packed Friday slate of sports betting action, covering the NBA and NHL playoffs, MLB matchups, and key player developments. The conversation kicks off with the shocking news that Texans edge rusher Will Anderson signed a massive $150 million, three-year extension—making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The hosts then shift focus to the MLB, highlighting Mike Trout’s resurgence with a five-home run stretch at Yankee Stadium and his improved swing mechanics, including a dramatic drop in whiff rate. They also discuss the Cubs' early offensive surge against the Mets, with Moises Ballesteros homering in the first inning and Kodai Senga struggling with command and a high ERA. In the NBA, the focus is on the play-in games, with strong arguments for Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets to advance, though Will Hill advocates for betting on the underdogs Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns as value plays. The NHL discussion centers on playoff matchups, with Mike Palm favoring the Edmonton Oilers’ favorable draw against the Ducks and cautioning against overestimating San Antonio’s chances due to lack of playoff experience. Throughout, the hosts emphasize avoiding recency bias and highlight strategic betting angles across multiple sports. Key takeaways include: 1) Don’t overreact to single-game outcomes—especially in playoff prep; 2) Look for value in underdog teams with strong recent form, like the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz; 3) Monitor player health and matchups closely, especially for high-impact players like Steph Curry and Mike Trout; 4) Consider prop bets on players with hot streaks, such as Moises Ballesteros’ home run and RBI production; 5) Be cautious with teams that have strong regular-season records but poor playoff experience, like San Antonio and the Kings; 6) Use advanced metrics like whiff rate and run differential to uncover hidden value; 7) Watch for pricing inefficiencies, such as the Angels being undervalued despite strong pitching and offense; 8) Hedge with point spreads on favorites to protect against volatility. The overall sentiment is optimistic and energetic, reflecting the excitement of the postseason kickoff.