15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Indiana Pacers +2.5

I love the spot for the Indiana Pacers tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a 98-101 (OT) loss at Boston on Monday.  They don't have to wait long for a shot at revenge here just two days later Wednesday, and they get the Celtics at home this time around.  

The Pacers were last seen at home upsetting the Jazz 125-113 as 4-point dogs on Saturday.  They will be playing just their 3rd game in 7 days tonight so they are rested and ready to go.  And there's a chance they get Malcolm Brodgon, Caris LeVert and Chris Duarte back tonight, who are all questionable.

The Celtics are a tired team right now playing their 5th game in 8 days.  And they will be without their leader in Marcus Smart, who got hurt against the Pacers last game and is out with a thigh injury.  He is one of the most underrated players in the NBA with what he's able to do on both ends of the floor for this team.

Boston is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games after allowing 105 points or less in two straight games.  Indiana is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games after losing six or seven or its last eight games.  The Celtics are 0-6 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a losing record.  Boston is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite.  Take the Pacers Wednesday.

20* Warriors/Grizzlies NBA TV No-Brainer on OVER 219.5

The Warriors are loaded on offense now with Curry, Poole and Wiggins all healthy plus the return of Klay Thompson.  They take a hit defensively tonight with the loss of Draymond Green, plus both Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. are questionable.

The Grizzlies are healthier now and have JA Morant back and their offense has been dominant.  They could be without Steven Adams, who is questionable and would hurt them defensively if he sits.  They are also without another great defender in Dillon Brooks.

The Grizzlies have won nine straight coming in and have scored at least 110 points in eight of the nine wins.  This figures to be a shootout with the Warriors, who have struggled offensively of late but they won't be held down for long and should get right against the Grizzlies here on that end.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Suns/Raptors UNDER 224.5

The Phoenix Suns just got back three of their best defenders in DeAndre Ayton, JaVale McGee and Jameson Crowder.  They lose one of their best offensive weapons in Cameron Johnson, who is out with an ankle injury.  He has scored in double figures in 18 straight games and shoots 43.8% from 3-point range, so it's a huge blow to them offensively.

The Raptors could be without their 4th and 5th leading scorers in Gary Trent Jr. (16.4 PPG) and Scottie Barnes (14.7 PPG), who are both questionable.  I think this sets up as a defensive battle between two teams who are more than capable of playing great defense given the current players in their lineup.

Toronto ranks 23rd in pace and will control the tempo here playing at home.  Phoenix ranks 2nd in defensive efficiency allowing just 102.2 points per 100 possessions.  Toronto has won six straight largely due to improvement on defense as they have allowed 11 or fewer points in all six victories.

Phoenix is 8-1 UNDER when the line is +3 to -3 this season.  The Suns are 18-5 UNDER In their last 23 games following a double-digit loss as a home favorite of 6 or more.  The UNDER is 8-1-2 in Suns last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 12-3-1 in Suns last 16 games following a loss.  Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Portland Trail Blazers +10

Both the Blazers and Nets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back tonight.  But this is clearly a worse spot for the Nets than it is for the Blazers, who will still be playing just their 5th game in 10 days and their 8th game in 20 days.

The Nets will be playing their 6th game in 10 days.  They needed overtime to beat the Spurs 121-119 at home on Sunday.  Now they have the long flight out to the West Coast overnight while the Blazers get to stay at home after beating the Kings 103-88 at home last night.

That was a taxing game for the Nets last night as Kevin Durant and James Harden both played over 43 minutes.  They aren't going to have much left in the tank for the Blazers.  Plus, the Nets have been grossly overvalued of late in going 2-4 SU & 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall with their two wins coming by single-digits over the Pacers and Spurs.  They should not be double-digit favorites at Portland tonight.  The Nets are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as favorites.  Roll with the Blazers Monday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on 76ers/Rockets OVER 225.5

The Houston Rockets have been just fine on offense and terrible on defense.  They have scored 102 or more points in 22 of their last 24 games overall with the OVER going 19-5 in those 24 games.  But they have allowed 104 or more points in 21 straight games, including 111 or more in 11 straight contests.

The Rockets and their opponents have combined for 222 or more points in 12 straight games and 230 or more in six of their last seven.  That includes a 113-133 road loss at Philadelphia for 246 combined points.  So I don't think the 76ers and Rockets will have too much trouble topping 225.5 combined points in the rematch here tonight.

The 76ers are humming on offense right now with a recent return to health being a big reason why.  They have scored 110 or more points in six straight games.  Look for them to top 120 tonight and for the Rockets to do their part on offense in getting this OVER as well.

Houston is 7-0 OVER when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back this season.  The OVER is 7-0 in 76ers last seven games vs. a team with a losing record.  The OVER is 7-0-2 in 76ers last nine games as road favorites.  The OVER is 7-0 in Rockets last seven home games.  These four trends combine for a perfect 28-0 system in his analysis.  Take the OVER in this game Monday.

20* Grizzlies/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -3

This is a great spot to 'sell high' on the Memphis Grizzlies.  They have won eight straight coming in.  Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a win over the Clippers last night.  It will also be the 5th game in 7 days for the Grizzlies, who have injury concerns with JA Morant, Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson all questionable.

The Lakers are as healthy as they have been in a long time and playing up to their potential because of it.  They are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall with their only loss coming on the road at Memphis on December 29th on the 2nd of a back-to-back.  They only lost by 5 points, and now they are the team in the favorable situation and out for revenge.  This is a great spot for the Lakers as they are the fresher, more motivated team playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.

Plays against road underdogs of 3 to 9.5 points (Memphis) - after covering four or five of their last six ATS, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a team with a winning record are 73-36 (67%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Lakers Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Timberwolves/Rockets OVER 232

Both the Timberwolves and Rockets are dead nuts OVER teams right now.  The Timberwolves just got their Big 3 back healthy in Russell, Towns and Edwards and hung 135 points on the Thunder last time out.  Russell is the key as their offense is way more efficient with him and they play at a faster tempo.

The Rockets have been just fine on offense and terrible on defense.  They have scored 102 or more points in 21 of their last 23 games overall with the OVER going 18-5 in those 23 games.  But they have allowed 104 or more points in 20 straight games, including 111 or more in 10 straight contests.

The OVER is 7-1 in Timberwolves last eight road games.  The OVER is 11-5 in Timberwolves last 16 games overall.  The OVER Is 6-0 in Rockets last six home games.  Roll with the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Atlanta Hawks -4

This is a terrible spot for the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks had yesterday off and will be playing only their 4th game in 9 days.

The Hawks will be motivated to end this six-game road trip a winner.  They have gotten healthier as the trip has gone on and are actually as healthy as they have been in a long time as they just got Trae Young and John Collins back among other.  Expect a big effort from them this afternoon.

The Clippers are just 3-9 SU & 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They are really struggling without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.  They have lost their last three games in blowout fashion to the Timberwolves by 18, the Suns by 17 and the Grizzlies by 15.  I don't expect them to be competitive today either given the spot, and they have even less rest considering this is an afternoon game.

The Clippers are 3-11 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season.  Los Angeles is 7-21 ATS in its last 28 games after four straight games where they were outrebounded by 5 or more boards.  The Hawks are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 Sunday games.  The Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games playing on zero rest.  Take the Hawks Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Bucks/Hornets OVER 234.5

Two OVER teams square off tonight when the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Charlotte Hornets.  The Hornets rank 1st in pace, 3rd in offensive efficiency and 28th in defensive efficiency this season.  The Bucks also play at a fast tempo and rank 6th in offensive efficiency.

The Hornets combined with the Pistons by 251 points and the Wizards for 245 points in their last two games coming in.  They also faced the Bucks earlier this season and gave them a run for their money, only losing 125-127 for 252 combined points as 9-point road underdogs.

The Bucks and their opponents have combined for at least 221 points in seven straight games and 228 or more in six of those.  I think these teams easily get over this 234.5-point total given the matchup.  Three of the last four meetings have seen 240 or more combined points.  Roll with the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Hawks/Lakers ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -3

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten healthy of late and are starting to play up to their potential.  They are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their only loss coming on the road to the red-hot Grizzlies on the second of a back-to-back by a final of 99-104.  They have handled their business at home winning their last three home games by a combined 46 points.

Now they are a short home favorite hosting the Atlanta Hawks.  The Lakers got some important rest as they come in having the last two days off last playing on Tuesday.  Look for them to put their best foot forward on National TV tonight, and it should be good enough to win and cover this short number.

The Hawks are 5-10 SU & 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  They are starting to get healthier, but there are still several question marks with this team in the injury department.  Trae Young (28.4 PPG, 9.5 APG), John Collins (17.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG) and Bogdan Bogdonovic (11.7 PPG) are all questionable tonight.  Obviously Young and Collins are the big ones because they are their top two scorers.  I like the Lakers whether or not they play tonight, if they don't and Young misses a second straight game it would be an added bonus.

The Hawks are 0-6 ATS in their last six games following a win.  Atlanta is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Hawks are 1-9 ATS as underdogs of 3 to 9.5 points this season.  Roll with the Lakers Friday. 

25* NBA Northwest Division GAME OF THE YEAR on Oklahoma City Thunder +6

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall despite missing several key players along the way.  But they are as healthy as they have been in a long time and get Luguentz Dort back from injury tonight.

I love the spot for the Thunder tonight.  This is a home-and-home situation.  They will be out for revenge from a 98-90 road loss at Minnesota on Wednesday.  Now they get their shot at revenge at home this time around just two days later, and they are healthier than they were in that first meeting.  I expect them to win this game outright, let alone cover the 6-point spread.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have gone 7-5 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  This is the perfect letdown spot for them as they won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Thunder again after just beating them two days ago.

Oklahoma City is 10-1 ATS after losing three of its last four games this season.  The Thunder are 11-3 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  Oklahoma City is 9-0 ATS after allowing 100 points or less this season.  The Thunder are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games.  Oklahoma City is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Bet the Thunder Friday.

20* Wizards/Bulls Eastern Conference No-Brainer on Washington +6.5

The Washington Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They get some key players back tonight in Spencer Dinwiddie (13.1 PPG, 5.6 APG) and Aaron Holiday (6.4 PPG) and could be getting back Montrezl Harrell (14.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG), who has been upgraded to questionable.

I love the spot for the Wizards, who will be out for revenge after losing 119-120 as 2-point home underdogs to the Bulls on January 1st less than a week ago.  They lost at the buzzer after Kyle Kuzma hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in the closing seconds, only to see DeMar DeRozan to win it.  They want this game a lot more than the Bulls do, and motivation is everything in the NBA.

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Bulls.  They have won eight straight coming in.  They started to show signs of complacency last time out, only beating the depleted Magic 102-98 as 14-point home favorites.  I think they will be complacent here as well having just beaten the Wizards last than a week ago.

Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last five games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a loss.  Chicago is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games playing on three or more days' rest.  I think all this rest actually works against them because they had momentum with that eight-game winning streak.  Take the Wizards Friday.

20* Celtics/Knicks TNT No-Brainer on New York ML +106

This is a terrible spot for the Boston Celtics.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 97-99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs last night.  Four of five starters played at least 32 minutes last night including over 37 from Tatum, over 35 from Brown and over 33 from Smart.

The Celtics really should be 1-5 SU in their last six games overall as they needed a 14-point comeback in the final five minutes to beat the Magic in overtime as 10-point home favorites.  They just aren't playing well right now despite being healthy as the chemistry is just bad with this team.

The Knicks have recently gotten healthy and are starting to play up to their potential.  They are 4-2 SU & 4-2 ATS in their last four games overall.  They will likely be without Kemba Walker tonight, but he is one of the most overrated players in the NBA, just ask the Celtics.  They aren't missing much not having him on the floor.

New York is 31-13 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 over the last two seasons, including 20-6 ATS at home with a line of +3 to -3 during this stretch.  Boston is 6-23 ATS in its last 29 games vs. teams that average 7 or fewer steals per game.  The Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Knicks Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder +7.5

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves after going 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They are coming off a double-header at the Staple Center where they had a close loss to the Lakers before beating the short-handed Clippers outright.  Now they return home and this is a definite flat spot.

The Timberwolves go from being an underdog in 12 of their last 13 games overall to being a 7.5-point favorite against the Thunder.  In fact, the Timberwolves haven't been more than a 3.5-point favorite in any of their last 31 games.  We'll take advantage and fade them in this hefty favorite role when it's uncertain whether or not D'Angelo Russell or Karl-Anthony Towns will return to the lineup tonight.

What I do know is the Oklahoma City Thunder have been undervalued all season.  They are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall and now they get three key players back tonight in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley and Tre Mann from COVID.  They have won five of their last nine games outright as underdogs and they are a live dog again tonight, especially with their best player in Gilgeous-Alexander back.

The Thunder are 6-1 SU in their last seven meetings with the Timberwolves with their lone loss coming by 3 points.  Oklahoma City is 8-0 ATS after allowing 100 points or less this season.  The Thunder are 9-1 ATS after losing three of their last four games this season.  Minnesota is 1-8 ATS in home games vs. a team that allows 108 or more points per game this season.  Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games playing on two days' rest.  The Timberwolves are 9-22 ATS in their last 31 games as home favorites.  Bet the Thunder Wednesday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Toronto Raptors +7.5

The Toronto Raptors have gotten healthy recently and are playing as well as anyone in the NBA.  They have gone 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They beat the Clippers by 8, the Knicks by 15 and the Spurs by 25 in their last three games overall coming in.

Yes, the Raptors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but that is being factored too much into this line tonight.  Because they won 129-104 over the Spurs, they were able to rest their starters in the 4th quarter and nobody played more than 32 minutes.  They'll have plenty left in the tank tonight, and they won't be lacking any motivation facing the defending champion Bucks.

Milwaukee has played and extremely soft schedule of late with its last four games coming against the Magic (twice), Pelicans and Pistons.  They lost outright as 16-point favorites against the Pistons.  Their previous two games against better teams in the Celtics (won by 4) and Mavericks (won by 7) were close.  They'll be without both Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen tonight among a few others.

The Raptors are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  Toronto is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with four outright wins as underdogs.  The Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Milwaukee.  Roll with the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Rockets/Wizards OVER 228.5

The OVER is 15-3 in Rockets last 18 games overall.  They have allowed 104 or more points in all 18 games.  But they are getting it done on the other end by scoring 102 or more points in 19 of their last 21 games overall.  They are playing at a fast tempo and playing no defense, making them a perfect OVER team.  The OVER is 4-0 in their last four games overall with combined scores of 230 or more points in all four.

The Washington Wizards are 5-1 OVER in their last six games overall.  They ahve score 109 or more points in six of their last seven games.  But they have allowed 117 or more points in five of their last six.  They are coming off two straight high-scoring games with 245 combined points against the Hornets and 239 combined points against the Bulls.  It should be more of the same against the Rockets tonight.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.  The Rockets and Wizards have combined for 250 or more points in four of their last five meetings.  Houston is 9-0 OVER in its last nine games after allowing 120 points or more in three straight games.   The OVER is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 games following a loss.  The OVER is 6-0-1 in Wizards last seven games following a win.  Take the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Cavaliers -3

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.  They have gone 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  That includes their win in Brooklyn last night as 6.5-point underdogs.  That makes this a letdown spot for them after beating the Nets, and they will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back as well.

Cleveland has been grossly undervalued all season.  The Cavaliers are 21-16 SU & 25-11-1 ATS in their 37 games this season.  They had yesterday off and will be the fresher team.  They get one of their best players back from COVID tonight in Darius Garland (19.5 PPG, 7.3 APG), which is huge because they are already without Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.  They are healthier than they have been in a few weeks right now.

Cleveland is 10-2 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Cavaliers are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Cleveland is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 home games.  The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Cleveland is 21-8 ATS in the last 29 meetings.  Roll with the Cavaliers Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Atlanta Hawks -5.5

The Atlanta Hawks recently got some players back from COVID and they are getting even more back tonight, including Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari and Delon Wright.  They already got Trae Young and Clint Capela back.  They are getting closer to full strength and should make easy work of the struggling, short-handed Blazers tonight.

The Blazers are 3-14 SU & 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  They have lost four straight games by 14 points or more.  It won't go any better for them tonight as they will be without three starters in CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic.  They could be without Anfernee Simons as well.

Portland is 2-12 ATS as an underdog this season.  The Blazers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  Portland is 1-8 ATS in its last nine home games.  Atlanta is 7-2 ATS in its last nine road games.  Take the Hawks Monday.

20* Heat/Warriors NBA TV No-Brainer on OVER 216.5

The Golden State Warriors are back to close to full strength and it showed in their 123-116 win over the Utah Jazz on the road last time out.  Look for them to hang a big number on the Miami Heat, who are missing their key defensive player in Bam Adebayo and have taken a step back on defense without him.  They are also missing several other key defenders.

The Heat have had to try and outscore teams of late because they have allowed 110 or more points in four of their last five.  They have done a good job of it by going 5-1 in their last six games while scoring 113 or more points in five of those six games.

Recent meetings between the Warriors and Heat have topped this 216.5-point total.  In fact, each of the last seven meetings have seen 214 or more combined points with six of those seeing 218 or more combined points.  They have averaged 226.1 combined points per game at the end of regulation in their last seven meetings.

The OVER is 35-15-1 in Heat last 51 games playing on zero rest.  The OVER is 9-1 in Heat last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The OVER is 6-1 in Warriors last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Rockets/76ers OVER 219.5

The OVER is 14-3 in Rockets last 17 games overall.  They have allowed 104 or more points in all 17 games.  But they are getting it done on the other end by scoring 102 or more points in 18 of their last 20 games overall.  They are playing at a fast tempo and playing no defense, making them a perfect OVER team.

The 76ers figure to hang a big number on them as they recently got all their playmakers back on offense and have now scored 110 or more points in three straight.  They should top 120 tonight as the Rockets have allowed 118 or more points in seven straight coming in.  The 76ers have allowed at least 101 points in nine of their last 12 and the Rockets should top 100 tonight.

The Rockets and 76ers have combined for at least 226 points in each of their last four meetings.  They have averaged 234.3 combined points per game at the end of regulation in those four meetings.

The OVER is 10-1 in Rockets last 11 games following a loss.  The OVER is 6-0 in 76ers last six games vs. a team with a losing record.  Take the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Mavs/Thunder UNDER 209.5

Both teams are missing a ton of players that will have this game being played at a snail's pace and make points hard to come by.  Look for a defensive battle between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks tonight because of it.

The Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Tre Mann, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and could be without Luguentz Dort tonight.  They just played in a defensive battle in a 95-80 win over the Knicks last time out for just 175 combined points.

The Mavericks will be without Kristaps Porzingis and Trey Burke and could be without Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Frank Ntilikina tonight.  They just combined for 189 and 208 points in their last two games, both against the Kings who are a great offensive team and terrible defensive team.

The UNDER is 11-4 in Mavericks last 15 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-2-1 in Thunder last eight games overall.  The Thunder are 15-4 UNDER in their last 19 games when revenging a home loss by 10 points or more.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* Pacers/Cavs NBA TV No-Brainer on UNDER 212.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be without their top three guards in Collin Sexton, Ricky Rubio and Darius Garland tonight.  The Indiana Pacers are going to be without their PG as well in Malcolm Brogdon as well as two other key guards in Jeremy Lamb and Chris Duarte.

Because of these absences due to COVID or injury, both offenses are going to be out of sync.  Points are going to be hard to come by and this is going to be a defensive battle with the offenses run through their big men more than normal.  It will be slowed down to a snail's pace.

The UNDER is 10-1 in Pacers last 11 games as underdogs.  The UNDER is 11-2 in Pacers last 13 road games.  The UNDER is 8-0 in Pacers last eight games as road underdogs.  The UNDER is 12-5 in Cavaliers last 17 home games.  The UNDER is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.  Cleveland is 9-1 UNDER in its last 10 games vs. poor 3-point shooting teams that make 33% or less.  Take the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* Warriors/Jazz NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Golden State +5

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Utah Jazz off six straight victories.  That includes their 120-108 home win over the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves last night.  They will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 10 days and won't have much left in the tank for the Golden State Warriors tonight.

Meanwhile, the Warriors come in on three days' rest and playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.  They will give a big effort here, especially since they have recently gotten a lot healthier with Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins returning to the lineup.  This is arguably the best team in the NBA when healthy and they should not be catching 5 points to the Jazz given the favorable spot for them and the terrible one for the home team.

Utah is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 home games following a division game.  Golden State is 10-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record this season.  The Warriors are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Golden State is 35-17-2 ATS in its last 54 games overall.  Utah is 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight games overall.  The Jazz are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six home games.  They are getting way too much respect from the books of late, including tonight.  Roll with the Warriors Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Spurs/Pistons UNDER 224.5

This will be the 2nd meeting in a week between the Spurs and Pistons.  Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games, and I look for this game to go well UNDER this 224.5-point total because of the familiarity and a few other reasons.

I just don't know how the Pistons are going to score enough points to get this game over the total.  They have 12 players out due to injury or COVID, including their two best scorers in Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham.  They only managed 85 points last time out against the Knicks while being short-handed.

The Spurs aren't going to be looking to push the tempo much because they are a tired team.  They are playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 105-118 loss in Memphis last night.  That came after a 104-110 loss in Salt Lake City the game prior.

San Antonio is 12-4 UNDER in road games this season.  Detroit is 27-14 UNDER in its last 41 games when revenging a same-season loss.  The UNDER is 8-2 in Spurs last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 220 or greater (Detroit) - after one or more consecutive unders, a terrible offensive team scoring 104 or fewer points per game against an average defensive team that allows 108-114 points per game are 35-10 (77.8%) since 1996.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Mavericks/Kings UNDER 217.5

The Sacramento Kings just beat the Dallas Mavericks 95-94 for 189 combined points on Wednesday.  Now they meet in Sacramento just two days later and familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This one will stay well UNDER the total as well.

Amazingly, the Kings and Mavericks combined for just 189 points despite both teams shooting well from the floor.  The Mavericks shot 48% and the Kings 46.9%.  But the Mavericks have to play at a snails' pace to have a chance right now with all their are missing.

Indeed, the Mavericks are without Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr, Maxi Kleber and Trey Burke right now due to COVID.  They have been smart in staying competitive by slowing down the pace and playing great defense.  That will be their formula against the Kings again tonight.

The UNDER is 5-0 in Mavericks last five games as favorites.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Mavericks last 14 games overall.  The UNDER is 14-6-1 in Mavericks last 21 games following an ATS loss.  The UNDER is 6-0 in the last six meetings.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Sacramento.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Chicago Bulls -4.5

The Chicago Bulls just got several players back from COVID and are playing like one of the best teams in the NBA right now because of it.  They are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with all five wins coming by 5 points or more.  That will be enough to cover this 4.5-point spread at Indiana.

The Pacers are really struggling right now in going 2-5 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall with their two victories coming against two of the worst teams in the NBA in the Pistons and Rockets.  Each of their last four losses have come by 8 points or more.  They are without Malcolm Brodgon and Chris Duarte right now due to COVID among a few others.

Chicago is 9-1 ATS vs. teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  The Bulls are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as favorites, including 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as road favorites.  Chicago is 21-11 ATS in all games this season.  Take the Bulls Friday.

20* Suns/Celtics Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Phoenix -4.5

The Phoenix Suns are 27-7 this season and in much better shape than the Boston Celtics right now in the COVID and injury department.  They have five of their top six scorers available for this game against the Celtics with the exception behind De'Andre Ayton, who they have managed to play well without anyway.

The Boston Celtics will be without their best player in Jayson Tatum (25.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG) and their third-leading scorer in Dennis Schroder (16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG) today.  Boston has lost three straight coming in, including an 82-91 upset home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers as 6-point favorites last time out.

Plays against underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Boston) - revenging a blowout road loss by 20 points or more against an opponent that is off a cover as a double-digit favorite are 77-37 (67.5%) ATS since 1996.  The Suns are 18-6 ATS in the last 24 meetings, including 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Boston.  They won 111-90 at home in their first meeting this season.  Bet the Suns Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hornets/Pacers OVER 227

Charlotte ranks 1st in pace this season and 2nd in offensive efficiency.  The Hornets are also dead last (30th) in defensive efficiency.  That has made them a tremendous OVER team this season and they should take part in a shootout with the Indiana Pacers, who rank 20th in defensive efficiency.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings between the Pacers and Hornets with combined scores of 261, 245 and 239 points.  So this total of 227 simply has not been set high enough based on recent history between these two teams.  None of those three games went to overtime, either.

The OVER is 7-0-1 in Hornets last eight games playing on one days' rest.  The OVER is 9-2 in Pacers last 11 home games.  The OVER is 8-1 in Pacers last nine games as home favorites.  Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers just continue being a gravy train and the books continue to fail to adjust for it.  They have gone 20-13 SU & 25-8 ATS this season.  They should be more than 5.5-point favorites tonight over the lowly New Orleans Pelicans, who are 12-22 SU & 15-19 ATS this season.

The Pelicans will be without Nickeil Alexander-Walker and could be without both Brandon Ingram (doubtful) and Josh Hart (questionable) tonight.  This team is getting too much love for a recent 4-1 SU run against some weak competition.

The Cavaliers are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games overall.  They are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games with all 11 victories coming by double-digits!  That includes a 144-99 home win over the Raptors last time out.  And the Cavaliers are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game 6 days.  They will be missing a few guys due to COVID, but they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA.

Cleveland is a perfect 9-0 ATS as a favorite this season and winning by 23.0 points per game.  Take the Cavaliers Tuesday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Philadelphia 76ers -7

The Toronto Raptors are a mash unit right now.  They are missing three of their top five scorers in Fred VanVleet (20.1 PPG), OG Anunoby (19.3 PPG) and Scottie Barnes (15.6 PPG).  The other two in the top five are questionable in Pascal Siakam (19.1 PPG) and Gary Trent Jr. (16.8 PPG).

The Raptors have a whopping 12 players on the injury report with nine listed as out and three as questionable.  It's no wonder they had their doors blown off last time out in a 144-99 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  It won't go much better against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

The 76ers are close to being back to full strength and it showed last time out in a 117-96 win at Washington.  They key is that they have each of their top four scorers healthy in Embiid, Harris, Maxey and Curry, who all average at least 16.2 points per game.

The 76ers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  The Raptors are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games as home underdogs.  Roll with the 76ers Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Celtics/Timberwolves UNDER 217.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a world of hurt right now, and I think it will lead to a low-scoring game tonight against the Boston Celtics.  They will be missing at least seven players tonight due to COVID and four of their top five scorers.

The Timberwolves will be without Karl Anthony-Towns (24.5 PPG), Anthony Edwards (22.1 PPG) and De'Angelo Russell (18.7 PPG, 6.7 APG).  They had been playing better with a healthy Russell back, and he makes them an OVER team.  Without him plus both those guys they are definitely an UNDER team because I don't know where the offense is going to come from.

The Celtics have six players OUT due to COVID and three more either probable or questionable.  One guy they will be missing that will impact this total is PG Dennis Schroder (16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG).  He is a guy that likes to push the tempo and create easy baskets for himself and his teammates.  Without Russell and Schroder, this is definitely an UNDER game.

The UNDER is 9-4-1 in Celtics last 14 road games.  The UNDER is 13-5 in Celtics' 18 games as a favorite this season.  The UNDER is 9-2 in Timberwolves last 11 Monday games.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -5

The Chicago Bulls had five days off prior to beating the Pacers 113-105 last night.  So I'm not concerned about them having to play the 2nd of a back-to-back here, especially since they just got Zach LaVine and five others back from COVID last night.  They are a deep team and won't be tired anyway after having five days off prior to that game.

The Bulls should have plenty in the tank to blow out the short-handed Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks have 12 players out due to either COVID or injuries.  That includes Trae Young, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Heurter, Lou Williams and John Collins.  They are without seven of their top 10 scorers and coming off an 87-101 loss to the Knicks on Christmas Day.

Chicago is 31-13 ATS in its last 44 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Atlanta is 3-11 ATS when playing a team with a winning record this season.  The Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as road favorites.  The Hawks are 0-8 ATS in their last eight home games.  Atlanta is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take the Bulls Monday.

15* Pacers/Bulls NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Chicago -6.5

The Chicago Bulls are champing at the bit to get back on the court.  They have been off since December 20th.  That can only be a good thing as this time off has allowed them to get healthy and get several players back from the COVID list.

The Bulls get Zach LaVine and five others back from COVID today.  They have compiled a 19-10 record this season despite battling through some COVID and injury issues.  They are one of the best teams in the NBA when healthy, and that is pretty much the case now here at the end of December.

The Indiana Pacers are just 14-19 this season, including 3-12 on the road.  They could be without their two best players in Malcolm Brogdon (achilles) and Domantas Sabonis (calf), who are both questionable.  But they haven't been playing well even when healthy with recent blowout road losses to the Heat by 29 and the Bucks by 15.  And it's worth noting the Heat were without Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo while the Bucks were without Giannis among others.

The Pacers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on two days' rest.  The Bulls are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 Sunday games.  Chicago is 35-17 ATS in its last 52 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Bulls are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games as favorites.  Take the Bulls Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Oklahoma City Thunder PK

The Oklahoma City Thunder have quietly gone 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with three outright upset victories over the Clippers, Grizzlies and Nuggets.  They also covered in losses to the Pelicans and Suns.

Now the Thunder get their shot at revenge after a 110-113 home loss to the Pelicans on December 15th.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied the game with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, only to lose on a heave from beyond half court at the buzzer.  They haven't forgotten, and they will get their revenge.

While the Thunder are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA with nobody on the injury report, the same cannot be said for the Pelicans.  They have eight players on the injury report and will be without both Jonas Valanciunas and Nickeil Alexander-Walker tonight, which are their 2nd and 3rd-leading scorers behind Brandon Ingram.

The Pelicans are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games.  New Orleans is 1-5 ATS in its last six Sunday games.  The Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on two days' rest.  The Thunder are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall.  Oklahoma City is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 Sunday games.  The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on two days' rest.  Oklahoma City is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Bet the Thunder Sunday.

20* Warriors/Suns ABC No-Brainer on UNDER 215

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 3rd meeting between the Suns and Warriors since November 30th.  They combined for 200 points in that first meeting and 214 points in the 2nd meeting.  This 3rd meeting will stay UNDER this 215-point total as well.

A big reason the Warriors and Suns have the two best records in the NBA is because they are the top two defenses.  Indeed, the Warriors rank 1st in defensive efficiency, allowing just 99.3 points per 100 possessions.  The Suns are 2nd at 100.5 points per 100 possessions.

The Warriors are without some offensive firepower today as they will be without Jordan Poole (17.9 PPG) and Andrew Wiggins (18.7 PPG), their top two scorers behind Steph Curry.  Points will be a lot harder to come by for the Warriors, especially with 5th-leading scorer Damion Lee (8.4 PPG) out as well.

Golden State is 9-0 UNDER when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The UNDER is 10-0 in Warriors' 10 games against teams with winning records this season.  The UNDER is 12-0 in Warriors 12 games vs. good passing teams that average 23 or more assists this season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* Spurs/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 223.5

The Lakers are missing so many players right now that they will have no other choice but to slow it down.  They are without Anthony Davis, Malik Monk, Avery Bradley, Austin Reaves and Kent Bazemore.  Look for them to continue slowing it down and run the offense through LeBron.

The Lakers are averaging just 101 points per game in their last five games.  They have been solid defensively in holding nine of their last 11 opponents to 110 points or fewer.  They are allowing just 103.1 points per game at the end of regulation in their last eight contests.

The Spurs are 11-3 UNDER in road games this season.  The UNDER is 8-1 in Spurs' last nine road games revenging a loss this season.  The Lakers are 30-16 UNDER in their last 46 games with a total of 220 to 229.5.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Lakers last eight games overall.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Lakers last six games as favorites.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Thunder/Suns UNDER 214.5

The Phoenix Suns are one of the best teams in the NBA this season due to ranking 2nd in defensive efficiency.  They'll be up against an Oklahoma City team that ranks 29th in offensive efficiency tonight.

But the Thunder have been getting after it defensively of late in holding three straight opponents to 103 points or less and an average of 98.7 points per game.  The Thunder will be tired tonight playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 108-94 win over Denver last night, so they won't be looking to push the tempo.

The UNDER is 9-2 in Thunder last 11 games following a win.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Thunder last six games overall.  The UNDER is 67-32-1 in Thunder last 100 games as road underdogs.  The UNDER is 19-11 in Thunder's 30 games this season, while the UNDER is 17-12-1 in Suns' 30 games.  Take the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Wizards PK

The Washington Wizards come in on four days' rest having last played on December 18th in a 109-103 upset win at Utah as 9.5-point underdogs.  Not only are the rested and ready to go, but they are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA right now.

The same cannot be said for the New York Knicks.  They are just 3-8 SU in their last 11 games overall and decimated by COVID and injuries right now.  They will be without Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Immanuel Quickley, Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel tonight.

Plays on road teams (Washington) - after losing five or six of their last seven games, with a winning record on the season playing a losing team are 33-9 (78.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Knicks are 0-6 ATS in their last six games as underdogs.  New York is 0-5 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.  The Wizards are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 trips to New York.  Take the Wizards Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Houston Rockets +10.5

The Milwaukee Bucks have been a juggernaut when Giannis, Middleton and Holiday have been on the floor at the same time this season.  Unfortunately for them, that has been few and far between.  And the Bucks are not only without Giannis tonight, but also the underrated Bobby Portis.

Milwaukee has gone just 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in its last three games overall with losses to the Celtics by 14, the Pelicans in overtime and the Cavaliers by 29.  There's no way they should be a double-digit favorite against the Houston Rockets without Giannis and Portis.

This is a Rockets team that is about as healthy as any team in the NBA right now and playing well over the past month.  The Rockets are 9-5 SU & 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They lost by 9 at home to a healthy Bucks team during this stretch on December 10th and will be out for revenge here tonight.

Milwaukee is just 1-12 ATS in its last 13 vs. Southwest Division opponents.  The Bucks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.  Milwaukee is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and haven't lost any of the last five meetings by more than 9 points.  Roll with the Rockets Wednesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt rout on Indiana Pacers -1.5

The Indiana Pacers have gone 4-2 SU in their last six games overall with their only losses coming to the Warriors (by 2) and the Bucks on the road.  They are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA right now and should be able to handle the short-handed Miami Heat tonight.

The Heat are coming off an upset loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons as 6.5-point favorites.  They are without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Markieff Morris, PJ Tucker and Caleb Martin.  They would be without Tyler Herro, who is questionable.  They won't even be able to compete with a team the caliber of Indiana without these guys.

The Pacers have had the last four days off, so they are fresh and ready to go.  Indiana is 39-19-2 ATS in its last 60 games playing on 3 or more days' rest.  The Pacers are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Pacers Tuesday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder +8.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games overall and are way more competitive than they get credit for.  Look for them to stay within this lofty number against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.

While the Thunder are rested playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, the Grizzlies will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 100-105 home loss to Portland last night.  It will also be the 8th game in 13 days for the Grizzlies.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on Memphis as it is considering they are 10-2 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have done most of this without Ja Morant and being short-handed without Brandon Clark and a few others as well.  But now these injuries will start to catch up with them in this tough rest spot tonight.

Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games after losing two of its last three games.  The Thunder are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Oklahoma City is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games as an underdog.  Memphis is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  

Finally, Oklahoma City wants revenge from the worst loss in NBA history, a 79-152 loss at Memphis on December 2nd earlier this month.  You know they are going to be motivated to avenge that defeat.  And their best player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21.6 PPG) did not play in that game and he is playing at an All-Star level right now.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on San Antonio Spurs -4.5

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA and it is showing with their play. They have gone 7-4 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall and coming off an upset win at Utah as 11.5-point underdogs.

The Spurs are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 3rd game in 7 days. They should make easy work of a struggling Sacramento Kings team that is just 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with their last three losses coming by 14 points or more.

Things aren't getting any better for the Kings any time soon due to COVID hitting them hard. They will be without De'Aaron Rox, Marvin Bagley, Alex Len, Terence Davis and Davion Mitchell tonight. They could also be without Richaun Holmes, who is questionable.

The Spurs are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as favorites. The Kings are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as home underdogs. Sacramento is 0-5 ATS in its last five Sunday games. San Antonio is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with all three wins by 9 points or more. Bet the Spurs Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They have gone 9-2 SU in their last 11 games with all nine wins coming by double-digits!

The two losses were to the Jazz by 1 and the Bucks by 8. Now they have a chance to avenge that defeat to the Bucks, who are in a terrible spot tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days after a 112-116 (OT) loss in New Orleans last night.

It will also be the 11th game in 18 days in December for the Bucks. Making matters worse is that they will be without Giannis antetokoumpho, Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews and could be without Khris Middleton, who is questionable. I don't give them much of a chance against the Cavaliers tonight without Giannis and in this awful rest spot. Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +10.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Washington Wizards tonight after going 1-7 SU & 0-7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall. They are now catching double-digits against the Utah Jazz. The Wizards are as healthy as they have been in a while and should give the Jazz a run for their money tonight.

The reason is simple. This is a terrible spot for the Jazz. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a hard-fought 126-128 upset loss to the San Antonio Spurs as 11.5-point favorites last night. Now they come back as 10.5-point favorites tonight against a better Washington team, which makes no sense. Take the Wizards Saturday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -2.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are fully healthy and a dangerous team when that is the case. That has shown in their last two games as they have pulled outright road upsets over the Blazers 116-111 and Nuggets 124-107.

Having De'Angelo Russell healthy has really made all the difference for this game. With him, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards on the floor at the same time the Timberwolves are capable of beating anyone. They will take down the short-handed Lakers tonight.

The Timberwolves are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and their 6th game in 14 days. The Lakers won their last three games against three short-handed, terrible teams in the Thunder, Magic and Mavericks. Now they take a step up in class here and it's time to 'sell high'. 

The Lakers will be without Russell Westbrook, Avery Braldey, Malik Monk, Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard tonight due to COVID. Los Angeles is 7-25 ATS in its last 32 games following a win. Take the Timberwolves Friday.

15* NBA Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on New York Knicks -5

This is a terrible spot for the Houston Rockets tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days in their 4th difference city.  They won't have much left in the tank for the New York Knicks tonight.

Making matters worse for the Rockets is that they are likely to be pretty short-handed.  They will be without Jalen Green (14.0 PPG), Danuel House (4.8 PPG) and Christian Wood (16.5 PPG), who is doubtful.  Both Kevin Porter Jr. (12.8 PPG) and Eric Gordon (15.1 PPG) are questionable tonight as well.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Knicks, who have gone just 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall against a brutal schedule.  Their seven losses have come to the Nets, Bulls, Nuggets, Pacers, Raptors, Bucks and Warriors.  Now they take a big step down in class here against the Rockets and should get back on track with a blowout victory.

Houston is 3-18 ATS in its last 21 games vs. a team with a wins between 40% & 49% of their games.  The Rockets are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 home games.  New York is 7-1 ATS in its last eight trips to Houston.  Take the Knicks Thursday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -2

The Indiana Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and it's starting to show.  They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 points to the Golden State Warriors, who are one of the best teams in the NBA.

The Milwaukee Bucks are in a world of hurt right now in the injury department.  They were already wtithout Brook Lopez and Donte DiVencenzo, but now they will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wesley Matthews, DeMarcus Cousins and Semi Ojeleye tonight.  Khris Middleton is questionable as well.  Missing Giannis gives the Bucks almost no chance of winning this game against the Pacers tonight, let alone all these other injuries.

The Pacers are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and their 5th game in 12 days.  The same cannot be said for the Bucks, who will be playing their 9th game in 15 days and in their 5th different city in 8 days.  That makes matters even worse considering their injury situation.

Indiana is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games after playing three consecutive home games.  The Pacers are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Bucks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as underdogs.  Milwaukee is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

15* Lakers/Mavs ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles +1

The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to play up to their potential now that they have had LeBron, Westbrook and Davis healthy for a decent stretch.  They have gone 5-2 SU in their last seven games overall with each of their last four wins by double-digits.  Davis is questionable tonight but he usually plays when he is questionable.

Amazingly, the Dallas Mavericks have won two games in a row without Luka Doncic over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets.  But the Lakers are a different animal, and I don't give the Mavericks much of a chance at all to win this game without Doncic.

Plays on road favorites (LA Lakers) - after allowing 100 points or fewer in two straight games against an opponent that led by 20 points or more at halftime last game are 43-17 (71.7%) ATS since 1996.  The Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.  Dallas is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games following a win.  Roll with the Lakers Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers.  They are 17-12 SU & 21-6-2 ATS this season.  They have been especially dominant of late, going 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.

The Cavaliers are now 8-2 SU in their last 10 games overall with their only losses coming by 1 to the Jazz and by 8 to the Bucks, two of the best teams in the NBA.  What's most impressive about this run is that all eight of those victories have come by 11 points or more!

Now the Cavaliers should win by double-digits over the Houston Rockets, who are starting to get respect from oddsmakers after going 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  But this isn't the same Rockets team that had all that success due to some recent injuries.  

They will be without Jalen Green (14.0 PPG), Danuel House (4.8 PPG), Kevin Porter Jr. (12.8 PPG) and Eric Gordon (15.1 PPG) tonight.  Not to mention, Christian Wood (16.5 PPG) is questionable.  Take the Cavaliers Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors +8.5

The books have adjusted this line too much for this back-to-back spot for the Toronto Raptors.  Well, they had two days off prior to beating the Kings 124-101 last night.  And that blowout allowed them to rest their starters in the 4th quarter.

The Raptors will still have plenty left in the tank for the Nets tonight.  It will be just their 4th game in 9 days.  Nobody played more than 32 minutes for the Raptors last night in a dominant team win with nine players scoring in double figures against the Kings.

I just don't think the Nets can be trusted to lay these big numbers without Joe Harris and Paul Millsap.  It just puts so much pressure on James Harden and Kevin Durant to do more because they don't have much talent outside of those two.  It's a big reason it has been profitable to fade the Nets this season.  They are only outscoring opponents by 3.7 points per game on the season.

The Raptors are playing their best basketball of the year right now at 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  They are about as healthy as they have been all season.  The Nets are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS win.  Brooklyn is 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as favorites.  The Nets are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to Brooklyn.  Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

20* Suns/Clippers NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 210.5

Both the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers will be without their top two scorers tonight in Devin Booker (23.2 PPG) for the Suns and Paul George (25.0 PPG) for the Clippers.  They will both be looking to make up for it on defense as they'll be a little lost on offense without these guys.

The UNDER is 3-0 in Suns' last three games overall without Booker.  They are a great defensive team as it is though, ranking 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency.  The Clippers went UNDER the total in their first game without George last time out.  They are also an elite defensive team, ranking 4th in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

The UNDER is 5-0 in Suns last five games playing on two days' rest.  The UNDER is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Los Angeles.  The UNDER is 29-15 in Suns last 44 division games.  Take the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Charlotte Hornets +3

This is a terrible spot for the Dallas Mavericks.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days after a win in Oklahoma City last night.  It will be their 4th different city during this stretch.  And they will be without their best player in Luka Doncic tonight.

It's a great spot for the Charlotte Hornets, who come in on two days' rest and get back Terry Rozier from COVID tonight.  They have managed to play well despite missing some key players, going a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with their only losses coming by 2 points at Milwaukee, by 3 to Philadelphia and by 4 to Philadelphia.  They can beat the Mavericks without Doncic given the favorable spot.

Dallas is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 home games after losing four or five of its last six games.  The Mavericks are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 home games following a road win.  Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last five games as an underdog.  Dallas is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 home games.  The Mavericks are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games following a win.  The Hornets are 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Dallas.  Roll with the Hornets Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia 76ers -2.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are back healthy with Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey.  It's starting to show as they have gone 4-1 SU in their last five games overall, including a win over the potent Warriors last time out.  Look for them to make easy work of the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies tonight.

The Grizzlies have been winning despite their injuries, going 7-1 SU in their last eight games overall.  But there's more added to the list tonight.  They were already without JA Morant and Brandon Clarke and remain without those two tonight.  But now Steven Adams is doubtful, and that's key because they need him to defend Joel Embiid.  Jaren Jackson Jr. is questionable for the Grizzlies as well.

The 76ers are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games as road favorites.  Plays against home underdogs (Memphis) - after covering four or five of their last six games, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 42-19 (68.9%) ATS since 1996.  Take the 76ers Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +4.5

The Dallas Mavericks are just 3-9 SU in their last 12 games overall.  They have no business being road favorites over the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight considering they will be without their best player in Luka Doncic (25.6 PPG, 8.5 APG, 8.0 RPG).  There may not be a more important player in the NBA to his team than Doncic.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season posting a 15-10 ATS record.  They pulled off two straight upset road wins over the Pistons and Raptors before getting crushed by a motivated Lakers team last time out.  I think that blowout loss by 21 points has them undervalued today.

Dallas is 1-8 ATS after losing two of its last three games this season.  The Mavericks are 16-35 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 19-4 ATS in their last 23 Sunday games.  Oklahoma City is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games as underdogs.  Bet the Thunder Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Washington Wizards +7

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Utah Jazz.  They have gone 6-0 SU & 4-2 ATS in their last six games overall.  They just beat the 76ers by 22 and the Timberwolves by 32 in their last two games.  But that was a short-handed Timberwolves team, and that was a tired 76ers team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.

Now the Jazz have to face a rested, motivated Washington Wizards team.  The Wizards will be fresh and ready to go coming in on two days' rest.  They will be motivated after losing three of their last four games.  Washington has been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season, going 15-11 SU, including 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS at home.

Washington is 11-2 ATS vs. teams that attempt 39 or more 3-pointers per game.  The Wizards are 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS in their last two meetings with the Jazz with two outright upsets as 10.5-point underdogs in both games.  Utah is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.  Bet the Wizards Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +9

The Los Angeles Clippers were already without their best player in Kawhi Leonard.  Now they will be without their second-best player in Paul George, who is nursing an elbow injury.  The Clippers should not be 9-point favorites against anyone without these two, not even the Orlando Magic.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Magic, who have lost three straight road games to Houston, Golden State and Sacramento.  But now they come in fresh and ready to go today on two days' rest.  They will give the Clippers a run for their money without George.

It's not like the Clippers were playing well with George recently, either.  They are just 5-7 SU & 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  Three of those five wins came by 6 points or less, so they aren't blowing anyone out either.  They certainly won't be beating the Magic by double-digits today.

The Clippers are 0-8 ATS in home games with a total set of 210 to 219.5 this season.  The Magic are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.  Los Angeles is 0-4 ATS in its last four games as a home favorite.  The Clippers are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games playing on two days' rest.  Roll with the Magic Saturday.

20* Celtics/Suns ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 216.5

The Phoenix Suns are picking up where they left off last season.  They are 20-4 and it's largely due to being one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  Indeed, the Suns rank 2nd in defensive efficiency this season at 101.7 points per 100 possessions allowed.

But they are hampered on offense right now without leading scorer Devin Booker (23.2 PPG).  And they'll be up against an improved Boston defense that ranks 10th in defensive efficiency, allowing 104.9 points per 100 possessions this season.  This total is simply too high with these two good defensive teams and Booker and Jaylen Brown (21.4 PPG) out.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Phoenix.  The UNDER is 8-3-1 in Celtics last 12 road games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Suns last five games overall.  Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Cleveland Cavaliers PK

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the single-most underrated team in the NBA this season.  They are 14-12 SU & 18-6-2 ATS this season.  That includes an 8-1 ATS run in their lsat nine games with wins over Chicago by 23, Miami by 31, Dallas by 18 and Washington by 15.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 0-4 SU in their last four games overall with the four losses coming by an average of 14.0 points per game.  De'Angelo Russell is questionable to play tonight and they aren't nearly as good of a team without him.  But I believe the Cavaliers win this game whether he plays or not.

Cleveland is 9-1 ATS after covering four of five of its last six games this season.  The Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a double-digit home loss.  Bet the Cavaliers Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -1.5

The Indiana Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and it's starting to show.  They had three straight close losses by single-digits before winning their last two games by 6 over the Wizards and by 20 over the Knicks.

The Pacers are healthy, but they are also fresh and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 7 days tonight.  The same cannot be said for the struggling Mavericks, who will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and in their 3rd different city.  The Mavericks are 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall with losses to the Pelicans, Grizzlies and Nets.  They are also 3-8 SU in their last 11 games.

Dallas is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games following a win.  The Mavericks are 17-36 ATS in their last 53 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Roll with the Pacers Friday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Lakers -3

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting healthy now with Lebron, Davis and Westbrook all on the floor together.  They flashed their potential with a 117-102 win over Boston last time out.  And now they are fresh and ready for another big effort tonight playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.

The same cannot be said for the Grizzlies, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after a 96-104 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks last night.  They are already short-handed as it is playing without JA Morant, plus Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clark and Sam Merrill are all questionable tonight.  They can't compete with the Lakers without Morant, especially not in this tough rest spot.  

Plays against home underdogs (Memphis) - after covering three of their last four ATS in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 41-16 (71.9%) ATS since 1996.  It's time to 'buy low' on Los Angeles after a shaky start to the season due to injuries.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on New Orleans Pelicans +2.5

The New Orleans Pelicans are as healthy as they have been all season.  It's no surprise they are playing some of their best basketball of the season of late as a result.  They have gone 4-3 SU & 4-3 ATS in their last seven games overall with upset wins over the Clippers, Jazz, Wizards and Mavericks.

Now the Pelicans are rested and ready to go coming in on two days' rest.  They take on a Denver Nuggets team that is banged up right now playing without Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray and Austin Rivers.  Nikola Jokic is banged up as well and has missed a few games lately, though he is supposed to play tonight.

These injuries are taking their toll as the Nuggets are 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Denver is 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games.  The Nuggets are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following an ATS loss.  New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last five games following a loss.  The Pelicans are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  Take the Pelicans Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season.  They are 13-12 SU & 18-5-2 ATS this season.  They are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall and coming off two competitive losses to the Jazz by 1 and Bucks by 8.  Look for them to bounce back at home tonight against the short-handed Bulls.

Chicago is an underrated team too, but they are banged up and without several key players due to COVID.  They are without DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Coby White and Javonte Green tonight.  I don't give them much of a chance of even keeping this game competitive against the Cavaliers without these guys.

The Cavaliers are 18-5 ATS in their last 23 games overall.  Cleveland is 15-2 ATS in its last 17 games following an ATS win.  The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Wizards/Pistons OVER 209

The OVER is 3-1 in Wizards last four games overall with combined scores of 217 or more points in all three OVERS.  The OVER is 2-0 in Pistons last two games with combined scores of 217 points or more in both games.  And I think there's ample value to pull the trigger on the OVER 209 tonight in this showdown.

Washington and Detroit have combined for 211 or more points in six of their last eight meetings, so this number is short based on head-to-head history as well.  Both teams are getting healthier of late and should start thriving on offense more than they have thus far this season.

The OVER is 5-1 in Wizards last six games overall.  The OVER is 18-7 in Pistons last 25 games following four or more consecutive losses.  Washington is 32-17 OVER in is last 49 road games following a road game.  Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Celtics/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 219

These teams played in a shootout in their first meeting on November 19th in a 130-108 victory by the Celtics in Boston for 238 combined points.  The OVER is now 7-1 in the last eight meetings with combined scores of 226 or more points in six of the last seven.  It should be more of the same tonight, especially with the way these two teams are trending.

The OVER is 4-1 in Lakers last five games overall and they just got LeBron James back healthy.  They lost to the Clippers 115-119 for 234 combined points last time out.  The OVER is 2-0 in Celtics last two games overall as they combined with the Jazz for 267 points and the Blazers for 262 points without overtime in either!

The Lakers play at the 2nd-fastest pace in the NBA this season.  Russell Westbrook has been an OVER machine everywhere he has gone because he pushes the pace at the PG position.  Dennis Schroder loves to do the same for the Celtics and has been a great addition to their team this season averaging 17.9 points per game.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +7.5

The Phoenix Suns finally had their 18-game winning streak snapped by the Golden State Warriors last time out.  I always like fading teams the game after having a long winning streak snapped because it tends to be a hangover spot.  The wind is lifted out of their sails.

A big reason the Suns lost to the Warriors is because they were without their best player in Devin Booker.  He remains out tonight with a hamstring injury, and the Suns have no business laying this big of a number against the San Antonio Spurs without him.

This is a fresh Spurs team playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with four straight upset victories over the Celtics by 8, Wizards by 17, Blazers by 31 and Warriors by 5 as 9-point road dogs.  They will be playing just their 4th game in 10 days tonight.

Plays on road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (San Antonio) - after going under the total by 48 points or more in their last 10 games, a bad team winning 25% to 40% of their games on the season are 40-14 (74.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a loss.  San Antonio is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to Phoenix.  Take the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Hornets/Hawks UNDER 221

Charlotte is going to be without its top two guards in LaMelo Ball (20.0 PPG, 8.3 APG) and Terry Rozier (17.7 PPG, 3.6 APG) tonight.  They will be hampered big-time offensively without these two, and they will be playing at a much slower pace than normal.

The Atlanta Hawks also have some injuries that will hamper them offensively and make them play at a slower pace.  They will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic, plus Trae Young, Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter all questionable.  This will be a defensive battle.

The UNDER is 4-0 in the last four meetings with combined scores of 220 or fewer points in all four.  The UNDER is 13-3 in Hornets last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.   The UNDER is 11-2 in Hawks last 13 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +9.5

The Golden State Warriors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a win over the Devin Booker-less Phoenix Suns last night.  They are being asked to win by double-digits to beat us tonight, and I think that's asking too much.

The Spurs are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with an 8-point home win over Boston, a 17-point home win over Washington and a 31-point road win at Portland all outright as underdogs.  They are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 8 days.

The Spurs are 13-3 ATS when playing just their 2nd game in 5 days over the last two seasons.  San Antonio is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  It's time to 'sell high' on the tired Warriors tonight.  Roll with the Spurs Saturday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago Bulls +3.5

The Chicago Bulls have gotten healthy with Nikola Vucevic back and are starting to play up to their potential again.  They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with their lone loss coming to the Heat by 3.  They beat the Magic by 35 on the road, the Hornets by 14 at home and the Knicks by 4 on the road.

While the Bulls are rested and ready to go after having yesterday off, the Nets are tired playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 110-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last night, who were without Karl-Anthony Towns.  They are already without Joe Harris and Kyrie Irving, so they are short-handed.  Kevin Durant played 37 minutes, James Harden 35 and Lamarcus Aldridge 34 last night.

Chicago already crushed Brooklyn 118-95 at home in their first and only meeting this season.  The Nets are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Brooklyn is 0-5 ATS in its last five games as a favorite.  The Nets are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  Bet the Bulls Saturday.

20* Suns/Warriors ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 215.5

The Suns and Warriors just played on Tuesday with the Suns winning 104-96 for 200 combined points.  Now they play again just three days later here Friday, and familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.

The Suns are going to be severely hampered on offense now with the loss of leading scorer, Devin Booker.  He got hurt against the Warriors in the first half of that game and missed last game against Detroit.  He will be out again tonight, and with points going to be hard to come by for the Suns, they are going to have to rely on their defense.

Speaking of defense, these are the top two defensive teams in the NBA, which explains why they have the two best records in the NBA.  The Warriors rank 1st in defensive efficiency, giving up just 97.8 points per 100 possessions.  The Suns rank 2nd, allowing 101.4 points per 100 possessions.

The Warriors are 11-2 UNDER in their last 13 games after a combined score of 205 points or less.  Golden State is 32-13 UNDER In its last 45 games after playing its last game on the road.  The Warriors are 8-0 UNDER vs. a team with a winning record this season.  Golden State is 8-0 UNDER vs. good passing teams averaging at least 23 assists per game this season.  The UNDER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.  Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* 76ers/Hawks ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Philadelphia +1.5

It's a good time to 'buy low' on the Philadelphia 76ers after going just 3-9 SU & 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They played the majority of those games without Joel Embiid.  But they are playing better with him back of late, and I look for them to upset the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Hawks, who are 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.  But injuries have hit the Hawks of late as they are without De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic and could be without Cam Reddish, who is questionable.

Every time the 76ers see the Hawks this season they are going to want revenge after getting knocked out of the playoffs by Atlanta last year.  That showed in their 122-94 home win as 3.5-point favorites in their first meeting this season.  And now they will go on the road and exact some more revenge on the Hawks with an outright victory.  Take the 76ers Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -5

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Indiana Pacers tonight.  They have lost three straight with a blowout loss to the Bucks and two tough losses to the Hawks and Timberwolves by a combined 5 points.  They will be highly motivated for a victory tonight, and they won't be taking the short-handed Miami Heat lightly because of it.

Miami is without its two best players in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.  That explains their ugly losses in their last two games with a 111-120 home loss as 3-point favorites against the Nuggets followed by an 85-111 home loss to the Cavaliers as 2.5-point favorites.  They just aren't a very good team without these two.

The Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  The Pacers are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games.  Indiana is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Pacers Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +13

You're paying a tax tonight to back the Phoenix Suns due to their 17-game winning streak.  If there was ever going to be a letdown spot, this is the one because they are coming off a huge National TV win over Golden State on Tuesday, and now they have the Warriors on deck tomorrow night.

The Suns will be trying to conserve their energy in this game against the Pistons, especially since they just lost their best player in Devin Booker to injury against the Warriors last time out.  They are now short-handed and there's no way they should be 13-point favorites without Booker.

While it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Suns, it's also a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons.  They have lost seven straight coming in, but five of them came by 11 points or fewer against some very good competition.  The Pistons are 8-5 ATS in their last 13 games overall and have been consistently catching too many points, including tonight.

Detroit is 20-7 ATS in its last 27 games following three or more consecutive losses.  The Pistons are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games following a blowout loss by 15 points or more.  Detroit is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games following a loss.  The Pistons are 26-9 ATS in the last 35 meetings, including 7-2 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Phoenix.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Thunder/Grizzlies UNDER 215

The Memphis Grizzlies are going to be without JA Morant for the foreseeable future.  They are definitely an UNDER team without him.  That showed last time out in their 98-91 win over the Raptors for 189 combined points.  And this total has been set way too high tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder are a tired team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a loss to Houston last night.  I think that fatigue hurts them more on offense than defense.  The Thunder are tied for last in the NBA in offensive efficiency this season.  They are in the middle of the pack (15th) in defensive efficiency and have been underrated on that end.

The UNDER is 37-18 in Thunder last 55 road games.  The UNDER is 66-29-1 in Thunder last 96 games as road underdogs.  The UNDER is 22-9 in Grizzlies last 31 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers PK

The Indiana Pacers are highly motivated for a victory after losing three of their last four to the Lakers, Bucks and Timberwolves.  Look for them to get back in the win column here as this is a great time to 'buy low' on the Pacers as a PK at home against the Atlanta Hawks.

It's also a good time to 'sell high' on the Hawks, who have gone 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.  But most of that success has come at home.  The Hawks are just 3-8 SU & 2-9 ATS on the road this season.  And they are without De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic tonight and could be without Cam Reddish, who is questionable.

Atlanta is 1-9 ATS vs. good defensive teams that allow 108 points per game or fewer this season.  The Hawks are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games.  The Pacers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Indiana is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 home games.  The Pacers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Timberwolves/Wizards OVER 215.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a great offensive team since De'Angelo Russell returned to the lineup.  They have scored 100 points or more in 12 of their last 13 games.  They have averaged 116.0 points per game in their last seven games with Russell.

Washington has scored at least 99 points or more in six straight.  But the Wizards have struggled on the other end, allowing 99 points or more in seven straight.  Look for a shootout between these two teams tonight, especially when you consider their recent head-to-head history.

The OVER is 7-0 in the last seven meetings with combined scores of 227 or more points at the end of regulation in all seven.  The Timberwolves and Wizards have averaged 242.3 combined points at the end of regulation in those seven meetings, which is nearly 27 points more than tonight's posted total of 215.5.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Lakers/Kings UNDER 227.5

The Lakers and Kings just played on Friday in a 141-137 (OT) victory in triple-overtime by the Kings.  That game was tied 100-100 at the end of regulation for just 200 combined points.  And now we are getting a massive 227.5-point total in the rematch.

There's clearly value with the UNDER tonight.  Plus, these teams are obviously very familiar with one another after playing just a few days ago, and familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  Look for this game to come well short of this 227.5-point total at the end of regulation tonight.

The Lakers are 27-13 UNDER in their last 40 games as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points.  The Kings are 30-14 UNDER in their last 44 games after playing their last game on the road.  The UNDER is 13-6-1 in Lakers last 20 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The UNDER is 27-11-1 in Kings last 39 games playing on one days' rest.  The UNDER is 35-15-1 in Kings last 51 games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +9.5

The Detroit Pistons are playing much better basketball here of late now that they are getting healthy and forming some chemistry.  They have gone 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall despite a brutal schedule.  They lost by 3 to the Warriors, by 8 to the Heat, by 21 to the Bucks, by 11 to the Clippers and by 4 to the Lakers.

Now they are catching 9.5 points against a struggling Portland Trail Blazers team and actually take a big step down in class here.  Asking the Blazers to win this game by double-digits to beat us is asking a lot.  They are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games, losing by 4 to the Kings, by 15 to the Warriors and by 22 to the Jazz.  Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after playing in Utah last night as well.

Detroit is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games following four or more consecutive losses.  The Pistons are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.  Detroit is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Bet the Pistons Tuesday.

15* Warriors/Suns TNT ANNIHILATOR on Phoenix -2

The Phoenix Suns will be motivated to earn their 17th consecutive victory tonight.  I think we are getting them at a discount as only 2-point favorites at home against the Golden State Warriors, who have the best record in the NBA.  But you are paying a tax on the Warriors now moving forward due to that record.

The Suns are a lot healthier than the Warriors are right now, too.  Phoenix is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games after allowing more than 100 points in its previous game.  The Suns are 50-24-1 ATS in their last 75 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Suns Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Cleveland Cavaliers +6.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 10-10 SU & 13-5-2 ATS in their 20 games despite battling through injuries all season.  But now they are about as healthy as they have been since the start of the season with pretty much every important player on the court other than Collin Sexton, who is out for the season.

But Sexton's injury hasn't slowed down the Cavaliers.  They have gone 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall, losing by just 5 to Brooklyn, by 5 to Phoenix and crushing Orlando by 13.  They are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.

The Dallas Mavericks are just 1-4 SU in their last five games overall and getting too much respect here again tonight.  They were 6.5-point favorites against Washington last time out and lost by 6.  And now they come back as 6.5-point favorites against this feisty Cleveland team.

Cleveland is 8-1 ATS after playing a home game this season.  The Cavaliers are 10-2 ATS following an ATS win this season.  Cleveland is 9-0 ATS in its last nine games after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game.  Dallas is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 home games.  The Mavericks are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  Take the Cavaliers Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -5.5

The Chicago Bulls are highly motivated for a victory after losing three of their last four games coming in.  They just recently got Nikola Vucevic back and now are as healthy as they have been all season with him and Coby White in the lineup.  This is one of the best rosters in the NBA.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Bulls and 'sell high' on the Hornets, who have gone 8-2 SU & 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  It's a tired Hornets team playing their 7th game in 11 days and in their 7th different city as well.  Look for them to be flat tonight, and that showed last time out in their upset road loss to the Houston Rockets, 143-146.

Chicago owns Charlotte.  The Bulls are have 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with wins by 21, 17 and 13 points.  Chicago is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games following a loss by 6 points or less.  The Hornets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Charlotte is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 games as a road underdog.  The Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss.  Chicago is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games as a favorite.

Plays against road underdogs (Charlotte) in a game involving two good 3-point shooting teams that make at least 36.5%, after two straight games where they made 16 or more 3-pointers are 30-8 (78.9%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

20* Pistons/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Detroit +11.5

I like the spot for the Detroit Pistons tonight.  They will be out for revenge from their 116-121 loss to the Lakers on November 21st exactly one week ago today.  That was a heated game that led to the suspension of LeBron James.

The Pistons have played a brutal schedule of late during their five-game losing streak, which has them undervalued.  They lost by 3 to the Warriors, by 5 to the Lakers, by 8 to the Heat, by 21 to the Bucks and by 11 to the Clippers.  So they stayed within 11 of four of those five teams, and they can stay within 11 of the Lakers tonight.

Los Angeles has been overvalued all season, especially when James has played, and he is questionable to play tonight.  They are just 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  Their lone wins came by 5 over the Pistons and in overtime against the Pacers.  In fact, the Lakers haven't won any of their last 15 games by more than 11 points, making for a perfect 15-0 system backing the Pistons pertaining to this 11.5-point spread.  

Detroit is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games following four or more consecutive losses.  Los Angeles is 0-9 ATS in its last nine games vs. poor shooting teams that make 43% of their shots or worse.  The Pistons are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.  The Lakers are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 home games.  Detroit is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.  Take the Pistons Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Kings/Grizzlies UNDER 223.5

The Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings have some key injuries right now that are going to keep this game UNDER the total.  The Grizzlies are without JA Morant, so they are going to have to slow it down today and won't be nearly as effective on offense without him.

The Kings will be without both Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes and possibly Maurice Harkless.  I think this number is inflated today due to the Kings winning a 141-137 (OT) triple-overtime thriller against the Lakers last time out.  That game was tied 100-100 at the end of regulation for 200 combined points.

The Grizzlies lost Morant early in the game against the Hawks last time out and went on to manage just 100 points on 40.7% shooting.  Their offense runs through Morant, and they are going to be lost without him.  But they will try and make up for it on the defensive end.

Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 210 or higher (Memphis) a losing team (40% to 49%) playing another losing team (25% to 40%) in Sunday games are 26-6 (81.2%) since 1996.  The UNDER is 8-0 in Kings last eight Sunday games.  The UNDER is 21-9 in Grizzlies last 30 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 20-9 in the last 29 meetings, including 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Memphis.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* Heat/Bulls Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Miami -1.5

This is a tough spot for the Chicago Bulls.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after having to fly back from Orlando after a win against the short-handed Magic last night.  It will also be the 9th game in 14 days for the Bulls.  This team simply doesn't have much left in the tank.

Now they have to face a rested, motivated Miami Heat team that comes in on two days' rest and off an upset loss to the Timberwolves.  I don't think the Bulls will be able to match the Heat's energy or intensity in this game tonight.

The Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning record, including 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Miami is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games playing on two days' rest.  The Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last four trips to Chicago.  Take the Heat Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Philadelphia 76ers -4.5

The Philadelphia 76ers get Joel Embiid back from COVID tonight.  They come in highly motivated for a victory after struggling without him, going 2-7 SU & 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall.  This after a solid 8-2 start this season with him on board for most of those games.

The schedule has done the 76ers no favors without Embiid, either.  They have played six straight road games coming in.  But now they are back home where they have been one of the best home teams in the NBA over the past few seasons.  And they are rested and ready to go coming in on two days' rest.

While it's a great time to 'buy low' on the 76ers, it's also a great time to 'sell high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves.  They have gone 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  But they are in a tough spot tonight playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 10th game in 16 days after a shootout loss in Charlotte last night.  They won't be able to match Philadelphia's energy and intensity tonight.

The Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last four games as road underdogs.  The 76ers are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.  The 76ers are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Philadelphia.  Bet the 76ers Saturday.

15* Bucks/Nuggets NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Milwaukee -3

The Milwaukee Bucks are 7-0 when Giannis, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have been on the floor together this season.  They have won five straight games by 7 points or more and are playing their best basketball of the season right now at their healthiest point of the season.

Now they take on an injury-ravaged Denver Nuggets team that is not playing well, going 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall with four losses by double-digits.  They are without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., and Nikola Jokic has missed the past three games with a wrist injury and is questionable to return tonight.  I don't think it matters, but would obviously be a bonus if he didn't play.  Roll with the Bucks Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -1

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Atlanta Hawks after going 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their final six games prior to Thanksgiving.  They had gone 0-6 SU & 0-6 ATS in their previous six games.  And they won five of those six games at home.

Atlanta has been terrible on the road this season.  The Hawks are 2-8 SU & 1-9 ATS in their 10 road games.  They face a motivated Memphis Grizzlies team that is as healthy as they have been all season now.

The Hawks are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 road games, including 0-8 ATS in their last eight games as road underdogs.  The Hawks are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games as underdogs overall.  The Grizzlies are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games following a SU loss by more than 10 points.  Bet the Grizzlies Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Timberwolves/Hornets OVER 224.5

Two teams that are playing very well and like to get up and down square off tonight when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Charlotte Hornets.  The Hornets rank 4th in the NBA in pace this season while the Timberwolves rank 11th.

Minnesota got De'Angelo Russell back healthy and he has helped spark a 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS run in their last five games overall.  The Timberwolves have scored at least 107 points in all five games and have averaged 116.6 points per game during this stretch.  He is the whole key to their offense, and they play a lot faster with him at the helm.  The Timberwolves will also be without their best defender in Patrick Beverly tonight, which will help the OVER.

Charlotte is 7-1 SU & 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight games overall.  The Hornets have scored at least 104 points in 10 of their last 11 games overall.  They rank 11th in offensive efficiency but just 24th in defensive efficiency this season.  They are an OVER team.

The OVER went 2-0 in two meetings last season with Charlotte winning 120-114 at home for 234 combined points, and 135-012 on the road for 237 combined points.  This game has all the makings of a shootout as well.  Take the OVER Friday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on San Antonio Spurs +4

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the San Antonio Spurs after losing five straight games coming in against a brutal schedule.  But they stayed within 4 points of the red hot Phoenix Suns last time out, and I expect them to upset the Atlanta Hawks at home tonight.  

The Spurs are fresh playing just their 2nd game in 6 days tonight.  They are highly motivated for a victory to end this losing streak heading into Thanksgiving.  And they face a Hawks team they have owned, going 21-2 SU in their last 23 home meetings with Atlanta.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on Atlanta, which is 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall.  But all five wins came at home.  The Hawks are 1-8 SU & 0-9 ATS on the road this season. They are getting outscored by 10.0 points per game on the highway.  Enough said.  Take the Spurs Wednesday.

20* Nets/Celtics ESPN No-Brainer on Boston +1.5

The Boston Celtics are surging right now in going 8-3 SU & 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall with all three losses on the road including two by a combined 5 points.  They are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS at home during this stretch with wins over the Raptors by 16, Bucks by 9, Lakers by 22, Rockets by 18 and Thunder by 5.

Now they host a Brooklyn Nets team that is banged up.  The Nets are just 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with narrow wins over some bad teams in Cleveland (twice) and Orlando, as well as an 18-point loss to Golden State.  They are without Joe Harris and Bruce Brown, which puts way too much on Durant and Harden's shoulders.

Plays on home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Boston) - after beating the spread by 24 or more points total in their last three games against an opponent that went over the total by 42 or more points in their last seven games are 28-8 (77.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Celtics Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Indiana Pacers -3.5

The Lakers are a tired team right now which is a big reason they are just 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 6-point loss to the Knicks last night.  It will also be the 7th game in 11 days for the Lakers.  They haven't had two days off in a row since October 20-21.

The Indiana Pacers are flashing their potential now that they are as healthy as they have been all season.  The Pacers are 7-5 SU & 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  Their last two games have been very impressive with a 15-point home win over New Orleans and a 32-point road win at Chicago.

The Lakers are 2-16 ATS in their last 18 road games with a total set of 210 to 219.5.  The Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  The Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.  Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last five home meetings with Los Angeles.  Roll with the Pacers Wednesday.

15* Nuggets/Blazers TNT Total DOMINATOR on OVER 213.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are an OVER team now that they are healthy.  They have gone 5-1-1 OVER in their last seven games overall with combined scores of 219 or more points in six of those seven games.  Now we have a total of just 213.5 here against the Nuggets tonight.

The Nuggets are 4-1 OVER in their last five games overall with combined scores of 212 or more points in four of those five games.  There's a decent chance they get Nikola Jokic back, who is questionable.  Even if they don't they'll have to play small ball and will be an OVER team regardless.

The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings with combined scores of 219 or more points in seven of those eight meetings.  This is an OVER series, as well.  Roll with the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +12

What more do the Oklahoma City Thunder have to do to get some respect from oddsmakers?  They have gone 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall and have been an underdog in 15 of their 16 games this season.  They continue catching too many points here as 12-point dogs to the Atlanta Hawks.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Hawks, who have gone 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.  They had gone 0-6 SU & 0-6 ATS in their previous six games prior to this run.  And they should not be double-digit favorites here against the Thunder.

Oklahoma City is 20-6 ATS in its last 26 road games following two or more consecutive road losses.  Well, those road losses came to the Bucks by 7 and Celtics by 6, so they were competitive against two teams that are probably better than the Hawks.  

The Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.  Oklahoma City is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 23-10 ATS in the last 33 meetings, including 15-6 ATS in the last 21 meetings in Atlanta.  Take the Thunder Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Wizards -3.5

The Washington Wizards are 11-5 SU & 10-5-1 ATS this season.  They are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.  And now they are out for revenge from an 87-97 road loss at Charlotte on Wednesday just five days ago.  They'll be motivated and they'll get the win and cover because of it.

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Hornets, who are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They had gone 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their previous five games.  It's just not a team I trust very much because they don't play defense.

Indeed, the Hornets are giving up 113.7 points per game while ranking 25th in defensive efficiency.  Washington scored 87 points and shot just 36.7% including 8-of-42 from 3-point range against the Hornets last meeting.  That's not going to happen again.  And a big reason for the Wizards improvement this season is ranking 9th in defensive efficiency.

Washington is 8-0 ATS in its last eight home games after a combined score of 205 points or fewer.  Charlotte is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 games as a road underdog.  The Hornets are 18-44 ATS in their last 62 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Washington is 30-14-1 ATS in its last 45 games overall.  The Wizards are 24-7 ATS in their last 31 games playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Wizards Monday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH on Toronto Raptors +10.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Golden State Warriors.  Bettors are paying a tax on them now after opening 14-2 SU & 12-4 ATS this season.  But now they are double-digit favorites over a quality Toronto Raptors team that is getting healthy and ready to give the Warriors a run for their money.

The Raptors are coming off one of their best performances of the season in a 108-89 win at Sacramento as 3.5-point underdogs.  Pascal Siakam is back healthy and had a monster game, scoring 32 points on 10-of-12 shooting.  This team just has too much talent overall to be catching double-digits from the Warriors.

I always like fading teams in home games following a long road trip.  The Warriors are coming off a four-game trip that ended with a 3-point win at Detroit.  Now they are back home and a tired team, playing their 9th game in 15 days.  They have six players on the injury report as they are starting to feel the fatigue.  That includes Curry, Green, Porter Jr. and Iguodala, who are all questionable.

The Raptors are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games.  Toronto is 7-2 ATS in its last nine road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Bet the Raptors Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +10

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to get the money this season because they get no respect from oddsmakers.  They are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall and catching double-digits again tonight after covering in a 7-point loss at Milwaukee as a 12.5-point dog last night.

The Celtics will also be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but they are coming off a huge win over the rival Lakers.  This is certainly a letdown spot for them now.  It will also be the 6th game in 9 days for the Celtics, so they won't have much left in the tank to beat the Thunder, let alone do it by double-digits.

Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 road games after scoring 95 points or less last game.  The Thunder are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Celtics are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games following a win by more than 10 points.  Boston is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 home games.  Roll with the Thunder Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -7

The Indiana Pacers are highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost three straight on the road all by single-digits.  In fact, they have played seven of their last eight games on the road.  But they are back home now where they are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games with wins by 13 over the Spurs, 13 over the Knicks and 5 over the 76ers.

While both teams will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, it's a better spot for the Pacers than it is the Pelicans.  Injuries have ravaged the short-handed Pelicans this season.  They are just 3-14 SU & 7-10 ATS this season because of it.  They don't boast the depth that the Pacers do, and that will be a factor here.

New Orleans is 0-9 ATS in its last nine road games vs. good defensive teams that allow 108 or fewer points per game.  The Pelicans are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games.  The Pacers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.  Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games playing on zero rest.

Plays on any team (Indiana) - off three or more consecutive road losses, when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 29-9 (76.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Pacers Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +12.5

The Brooklyn Nets will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days.  It will also be their 8th game in 13 days.  This team is short-handed right now without Kyrie Irving, Paul Millsap and Joe Harris.  There's just too much on Kevin Durant and James Harden's shoulders, especially given the tough rest spot.

I expect the Magic to hang around for four quarters in this one.  They want revenge from a home loss to the Nets just over a week ago on November 10th.  And they are the much fresher team playing just their 6th game in 12 days.  They have recent upset wins over the Knicks as 11.5-point dogs and the Jazz as 11-point dogs as well, so they are starting to play better.

The Nets are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Brooklyn is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following an ATS win.  The Magic are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Brooklyn.  Take the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +8

This is a terrible spot for the Golden State Warriors.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 13-point 4th quarter comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night.  Now they have to travel to Detroit and will be playing their 8th game in 13 days.

The Pistons are the fresher team and had yesterday off following a 97-89 upset win over Indiana at home on Wednesday.  They also upset Houston on the road and Toronto on the road in winning three of their last five games overall.  They are playing their best basketball of the season and will be highly motivated to welcome the team with the best record in the NBA to Detroit in the Warriors.  Bet the Pistons Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +2.5

This is a very tough spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days tonight.  They won't have much left in the tank for the San Antonio Spurs.

We'll get a fresh, motivated effort from the Spurs tonight coming off three straight losses and having yesterday off.  It should be enough to win this game outright against the Timberwolves, who had gone 1-8 SU in their previous nine games prior to beating the Kings last night.  Bet the Spurs Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday UPSET SHOCKER on Memphis Grizzlies +1

It's a good time to 'buy low' on the Memphis Grizzlies, who have lost three of their last four coming in.  But they are fully healthy now for basically the first time all season, and it showed in their 136-102 win over the Rockets last time out.  Now they have had the last two days off and will be fresh and ready to go against the Clippers tonight.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Clippers after going 8-1 SU in their last nine games overall against a pretty soft schedule.  But the injuries are mounting up for the Clippers now.  They are without Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris and Justise Winslow, and they could be without Terrance Mann, who is questionable.  Take the Grizzlies Thursday.