20* Raptors/Wizards ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Washington -1.5 

The Toronto Raptors shot lights out in their first two games at home against the Wizards in this series.  They shot 53.2% in Game 1 and 16-of-30 (53.3%) from 3-point range.  In Game 2, they shot 51.7% and 13-of-35 (37.1%) from 3-point range. 

The law of averages says that they won’t shoot that well against in Game 3.  Look for a big effort from the Wizards at home here Friday night to try and get back in this series.  They have shot it pretty well these first two games with 106 points in Game 1 and 119 points in Game 2, but it wasn’t quite enough.  They will be much better defensively at home in Game 3. 

Plays against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Toronto) - after going over the total by more than 30 points in their previous game, in the second half of the season are 25-8 (75.8%) ATS over the last five seasons. 

Plays against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Toronto) - hot team having covered six or seven of their last eight against the spread, with a winning record on the season are 75-39 (65.8%) ATS over the last five years.  The Raptors are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet the Wizards Friday. 

15* Blazers/Pelicans NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Portland +4 

The Portland Trail Blazers are extremely disappointed to be down 0-2 in this series.  They had their chances in Game 1 and Game 2, trailing by exactly 2 points in the closing seconds both games.  They shot just 37.8% in Game 1 and 45.1% in Game 2. 

I expect the Blazers to come out with a win-or-die attitude in Game 3 tonight.  They have been bashed in the media leading up to this game, especially Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.  These guys already play with a chip on their shoulder and will only be extra motivated to make amends tonight. 

The Pelicans will likely relax now that they’ve stolen two games in Portland.  Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis have both been receiving huge praise in the media, as have Rajon Rondo and Nikola Mirotic.  Deservedly so, but that’s the type of exposure that will make players relax. 

Home-court advantage has meant very little in this series recently.  The road team is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  The Pelicans are only 24-17 at home this year compared to 26-17 on the road.  Plays against home favorites (New Orleans) after beating the spread by 54 or more points in their last 10 games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points in their last 10 games are 42-12 (77.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Blazers Thursday. 

20* 76ers/Heat TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 217 

The 76ers and Heat shot lights out in Game 1 and combined for 233 points.  They set expectations for themselves that they could not live up to moving forward.  They still combined for 216 points in Game 2, but that went UNDER the 217-point total.  And now I expect an even lower-scoring Game 3 with an identical 217-point total. 

As a series goes on, teams become more familiar with one another.  That favors defense.  I also like the fact that this series is moving to Miami.  The Heat want to slow it down, while the 76ers want to play at a fast pace.  Well, the home team is the one that usually controls the pace, so expect this to be the slowest tempo of any game thus far. 

Five of the last six meetings between Miami and Philadelphia have seen 216 or fewer combined points.  Miami is 11-2 UNDER off a win by 10 points or more as an underdog over the last two seasons.  The UNDER is 12-4 in 76ers last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Heat last seven conference quarterfinals games.  The UNDER is 37-18-2 in Heat last 57 Thursday games.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday. 

20* Timberwolves/Rockets TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Minnesota +10.5 

The Minnesota Timberwolves gave the Houston Rockets all they wanted in Game 1.  They only lost 101-104 despite an awful shooting night in which they shot just 43.7% from the field compared to 47% for the Rockets. 

Playing playoff basketball down the stretch really helped the Timberwolves.  They needed to win Game No. 82 just to get in the playoffs, while the Rockets were coasting for weeks.  And having Jimmy Butler healthy down the stretch made all the difference for this team as well. 

They are now 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games, including 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS since Butler returned from injury.  Butler meant everything for this team during the regular season.  They went 39-23 with him in the lineup, and just 8-12 in the 20 games without him.  They are certainly good enough to hang with Houston at full strength, which was evident in Game 1. 

Plays against home favorites (Houston) - when leading in a playoff series, a top-level team (75% or better) playing a team with a winning record are 45-19 (70.3%) ATS since 1996.   

Minnesota is 22-10 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points over the last three seasons.  Houston is 9-18 ATS as a favorite of 10 or more points this season.  The Rockets are 0-7 ATS in their last seven vs. Western Conference opponents.  The Timberwolves are 6-2 ATS in their last eight trips to Houston.  Bet the Timberwolves in Game 2 Wednesday. 

15* Pelicans/Blazers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Portland -6.5 

After losing Game 1 in heartbreaking fashion 97-95, I look for the Portland Trail Blazers to get a big win and cover in Game 2 to get right back in this series.  They cannot afford to fall down 0-2, and the Pelicans are just happy to steal one game in Portland. 

The Blazers couldn’t have shot any worse in Game 1, yet they still about won the game.  They shot just 37-of-98 (37.8%) from the field and 12-of-39 (30.8%) from 3-point range.  I suspect the game plan will be to try and get the ball inside more to Jusuf Nurkic and to attack the rim after settling for too many jumpers in Game 1. 

The Pelicans actually shot the ball well, making 47.7% from the field.  They won’t top that number, and as long as the Blazers at least match them from a percentage standpoint, they should easily cover this spread in Game 2. 

Portland is 21-4 SU & 19-5-1 ATS in its last 25 home games.  The Blazers have one of the best home-court advantages in the league, especially in the second half of the season this year.  With their season ultimately on the line tonight, they’ll come through with a big effort.  Take the Blazers Tuesday. 

20* Wizards/Raptors NBA Total DOMINATOR on UNDER 215 

The Wizards and Raptors combined for 220 points in Game 1.  But both teams shot lights out to get there, especially the Raptors.  I look for a much lower scoring Game 2 and for this contest to stay UNDER the 215-point total. 

The Raptors shot 53.2% from the field, 53.3% from 3-point range with 16 made 3-pointers, and 80% from the line in Game 1.  The Wizards shot a solid 47.7% from the field, 38.1% from 3-point range and 88.9% from the free throw line.  At the very least, the Raptors won’t shoot as well in Game 2, and the Wizards will be hard-pressed to match their numbers. 

Eight of the previous 11 meetings in this series saw 203 or fewer combined points.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Toronto with an average combined score of just 199.2 points per game. I think we get back to seeing a more familiar combined score between these teams, one much lower than this 215-point total.  There is clearly some value with the UNDER after a high-scoring Game 1. 

Washington is 11-3 UNDER in road games when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The UNDER is 5-1-1 in Wizards last six games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Raptors last 14 Conference Quarterfinals games.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday. 

15* Spurs/Warriors TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on San Antonio +10 

Greg Popovich called out his players after an ugly 92-113 loss to Golden State in Game 1.  His exact words were that they looked like a ‘deer in headlights’.  Look for his players to respond with a much better effort in Game 2 tonight. 

It was a rare performance for the Spurs in which they lost most of the 50-50 balls and were out rebounded 57-40.  They also caught the Warriors on a rare good shooting night in which they shot 54.3%, while the Spurs couldn’t make anything and shot just 40.0%.  Look for those percentages to be much closer to even in Game 2 with the Spurs covering this 10-point spread. 

Plays on road underdogs (San Antonio) - after failing to cover five or six of their last seven against the spread against opponent after having covered two of their last three against the spread are 177-113 (61%) ATS over the last five seasons. 

Golden State is 3-14 ATS when playing against a team that wins 51% to 60% of their games in the second half of the season this season.  San Antonio is 14-4 ATS after failing to cover five or six of their last seven against the spread over the last two seasons.  The Spurs are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a loss by more than 10 points.  The Warriors are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games when playing on one days’ rest.  Take the Spurs in Game 2 Monday. 

20* Heat/76ers TNT No-Brainer on Miami +7 

The Miami Heat actually held a 60-56 lead over Philadelphia at halftime in Game 1.  That’s why it’s so hard to believe they lost by 27.  But the 76ers couldn’t miss in the second half and rode that momentum to a blowout victory. 

This is one of my favorite situations in the playoffs.  I like backing the team coming off the blowout loss because they will be the more motivated team.  And the 76ers aren’t going to shoot 18-of-28 (64.3%) from 3-point range again. 

That was a rare blowout victory for the 76ers in this series, too.  It was only the second time in the last 16 meetings that the 76ers have beaten the Heat by more than 7 points.  They split the season series 2-2 with the Heat’s two losses coming by 2 and 6 points. 

Miami is 26-10-2 ATS in its last 38 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last six games after scoring more than 125 points in its previous game.  Bet the Heat in Game 2 Monday. 

15* Timberwolves/Rockets TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Minnesota +11.5 

The Houston Rockets have been the best team in the NBA during the regular season.  That makes them overvalued heading into the playoffs.  Expectations are high, and I look for them to fall short of expectations in Game 1 considering they are whopping 11.5-point favorites over the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

I think the fact that the Rockets took their foot off the gas down the stretch after wrapping up the No. 1 seed in the West will work against them early in the playoffs.  They went 1-6 ATS over their final seven games and haven’t been into it mentally.  They also have some key injuries right now with Luc Mbah a Moute and Ryan Anderson out for Game 1, and Eric Gordon questionable. 

The Timberwolves have been playing playoff basketball down the stretch.  They needed to win Game No. 82 just to get into the playoffs, and they did so in overtime against the Nuggets, so they will be oozing with confidence and feeling like they are playing with house’s money.  They also got a healthy Jimmy Butler back for the last few games of the regular season, and this team has been much better with Butler in the lineup as he has played at a near-MVP level when healthy this year. 

I also think the fact that the Rockets went 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS against the Timberwolves this season has them overvalued, and it also has the Timberwolves motivated for revenge.  Having Butler healthy and able to guard James Harden will be huge in this series.  Butler is one of the top defenders in the league when focused, and he’ll certainly be focused in the playoffs. 

The Timberwolves are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall, including 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS since Butler returned from injury.  He only played in 62 games this season.  The Timberwolves went 8-12 without him, and 39-23 with him.  That’s the kind of difference he makes for this team.  It’s safe to say Minnesota is one dangerous 8th seed, and maybe the best 8th seed I can ever remember.  Roll with the Timberwolves Sunday.

20* Jazz/Thunder TNT Sunday No-Brainer on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Utah Jazz are certainly a great regular season team.  They play solid defense and will fight you every night.  But they lack superstar power, and that’s what you need in the playoffs.  I think they are in over their heads here in Game 1 against the Thunder. 

The Thunder aren’t short on star power.  Russell Westbrook just finished averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive season, which is unheard of.   Paul George is still a Top 10 player in this league, Carmelo Anthony is hungry, and Steven Adams is one of the most underrated centers in the game because he does all the dirty work. 

I think the Jazz come in overvalued due to their big finish to the season.  But they are just 20-21 on the road, and the Thunder have an excellent home-court advantage with a 27-14 record this season.  And the Thunder own the Jazz, going 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.   

The Thunder won their final three meetings with the Jazz this season by 14, 28 and 6 points.  In fact, Oklahoma City is 14-0 SU in its last 14 home meetings with Utah.  It has won those 14 meetings by an average of 14.9 points per game.  Enough said.  Bet the Thunder Sunday. 

20* Heat/76ers ESPN Saturday No-Brainer on Miami +7 

The Miami Heat are probably the most underrated team in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  They aren’t flashy and lack superstars, but they will fight, scratch and claw on every possession.  This is the type of team I want to get behind. 

The 76ers come into the playoffs way overvalued due to their 16-game winning streak.  Now they are being asked to lay 7 points here in Game 1 despite the fact that they will be missing their best player in Joel Embiid.  It’s always tough for young teams like the 76ers to have success in their first go-round in the playoffs, and I expect that to be the case for Philadelphia. 

The Heat have played the 76ers extremely tough this season, and in recent years.  Miami split the season series 2-2 with its two losses both coming on the road by 2 and 6 points, respectively.  Only once in the last 15 meetings have the 76ers beaten the Heat by more than 7 points, which was an 8-point win.  That makes for a 14-1 system backing the Heat pertaining to this 7-point spread.   

The Heat are 15-4 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points over the last two seasons.  Miami is 15-3 ATS in road games after playing two consecutive home games over the last two years.  The Heat are 26-9-2 ATS in their last 37 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Bet the Heat Saturday. 

15* Spurs/Warriors ABC Early ANNIHILATOR on San Antonio +8 

The Golden State Warriors are vulnerable in Round 1 because they are missing their best player in Stephen Curry.  They just haven’t been the same without him down the stretch, and they certainly should not be laying 8 points to the Spurs in Game 1 Saturday. 

The Warriors are just 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  They have gone just 6-10 SU in their last 16 games.  That’s not the sign of a team that should be this big of a favorite against a Spurs team that played well down the stretch just to get into the playoffs. 

The Spurs are 10-5 SU & 9-6 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  They have been playing playoff basketball for a month now because there was a brief time there where they were in 9th place in the West and in need of a big finish just to get into the playoffs. 

The last two meetings have been impressive by the Spurs.  They only lost 107-110 at Golden State as 11-point underdogs on March 8th in a game in which the Warriors needed a huge fourth quarter just to get a close win.  And the Spurs returned the favor with an 89-75 victory on March 19th at home in their most recent meeting. 

Golden State is 2-14 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team that wins 51% to 60% of its games on ht season.  The Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven following a win by more than 10 points.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Golden State is 9-24-1 ATS in its last 34 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Spurs Saturday. 

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Brooklyn Nets -1 

The Boston Celtics will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 9 days here tonight.  They are already short-handed with all of their injuries, and they would be wise to rest all of their starters in this final game before the playoffs. 

The Celtics are locked in to the No. 2 seed, so this game doesn’t matter to them at all.  That’s why we have seen a shift from the opener of Celtics -5.5 to the Nets being 1-point favorites.  It’s a big adjustment, but it’s not big enough.  It’s clear to me that the Nets will win this game. 

Brooklyn has been playing for pride and trying to build chemistry down the stretch.  That’s evident by the fact that the Nets are 5-2 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall, including three straight victories by 8 points or more coming in.  They aren’t about to let up now. 

The Nets are 9-1 ATS in road games off a combined score of 215 points or more in three straight games this season.  Boston is 6-17 ATS in home games when playing 6 or more games in 10 days over the last two years.  The Celtics are 1-8 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 110 or more points per game this season.  Brooklyn is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four trips to Boston.  Take the Nets Wednesday. 

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Nuggets/Timberwolves UNDER 214.5 

This is a play-in game between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.  The winner will be the 8th seed in the playoffs, while the loser will either be taking a depressing flight or bus ride home.  With what’s at stake, I fully expect this to be a nervy, defensive battle tonight. 

The Nuggets and Timberwolves recently played on April 5th less than a week ago.  The Nuggets won that game 100-96 at home for 196 combined points.  Now we are seeing a total set of 214.5, which is way too high and I believe there is value with the UNDER because of it. 

Plays on the UNDER on home teams where the total is 210 to 219.5 (Minnesota) - after going under the total by 42 or more points in their last five games, when playing a division opponent are 37-16 (69.8%) since 1996. 

Minnesota is 14-4 UNDER off two or more consecutive unders this season.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Timberwolves last six vs. Western Conference opponents.  The UNDER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday. 

20* NBA DOG OF THE MONTH on Atlanta Hawks +10 

The Atlanta Hawks will be playing their season finale today at home against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference in the Philadelphia 76ers.  They will be motivated to beat the 76ers, just as they have other playoff teams here recently. 

The Hawks are 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  They beat Orlando, only lost to Miami by 3 as 13-point road dogs, beat Washington by 6 as 10.5-point road dogs, and beat Boston by 6 as 9.5-point road dogs.  Those efforts show that we are getting tremendous value with them as 10-point home underdogs tonight. 

The 76ers are grossly overvalued right now due to their 14-game winning streak.  They are certainly worthy of being favorites here tonight, but not double-digit road favorites.  Philadelphia hasn’t beaten Atlanta by more than 10 points in any of the last 17 meetings in this series, making for a 17-0 system backing the Hawks pertaining to this 10-point spread. 

Plays against favorites (Philadelphia) - after beating the spread by 54 or more points total in their last 10 games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last 10 games are 64-28 (69.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.   

Plays on home teams (Atlanta) revenging a home loss vs. opponent of 10 points or more, a bad team (25% to 40%) playing a team with a winning record are 39-15 (72.2%) ATS over the last five years.  Bet the Hawks Tuesday. 

25* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Denver Nuggets -4 

The Denver Nuggets have really stepped up their game down the stretch with their playoff lives on the line.  They have gone 5-0 in their last five games overall while beating four playoff teams in Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Indiana and Minnesota, as well as a 134-115 road win at Oklahoma City. 

The Nuggets are now tied with the Timberwolves for the 8th seed, but they currently lose out on the tiebreaker.  They play at Minnesota Wednesday night, so they must keep pace with them with a win here if they want to make the playoffs.  The Timberwolves host the Grizzlies tonight and will surely win that game. 

Portland really has nothing to play for.  The Blazers can either be the 3rd or 4th seed in the West, but that won’t be determined until they play current 4th seed Utah on Wednesday.  They will be looking ahead to that game.  The Blazers are clearly worried more about resting right now as they are 0-3 in their last three games overall and disinterested. 

The favorite is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings in this series.  The home team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings as well.  The Nuggets have won their last two meetings with the Blazers this season, one at home and one on the road.  Bet the Nuggets Monday. 

15* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons -6.5 

The Detroit Pistons are playing for more than pride.  They want to see if they can get to .500 on the season as they are currently 38-41.  They have put themselves in this position to consider this season a success by going 8-2 SU & 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall. 

The Memphis Grizzlies could care less about winning games right now as they just want the highest draft pick possible.  They are 21-58 on the season.  It’s obvious they are trying to lose when you just look at their injury report. 

Mike Conley, Tyreke Evans, Wayne Selden, Marc Gasol, Chandler Parsons, Jarell Martin, JaMychal Green and Andrew Harrison are all expected to rest today.  They are going to be sending a bunch of D League players out there for this one, purposely trying to lose. 

Plays on road favorites (Detroit) - with a winning percentage between 40% and 49% on the season, on Sunday games are 33-6 (84.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Detroit is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a losing record.  Roll with the Pistons Sunday. 

20* NBA Sunday No Doubt Rout on Charlotte Hornets +2.5

The Pacers are coming off a 73-92 loss at Toronto.  That loss basically sealed their fate as they are now locked in to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.  They would be better off resting their players and staying healthy for the playoffs now. 

The Charlotte Hornets have played much better down the stretch and have won five of their last nine games, including a 137-100 win in Orlando last time out.  They want to win their home finale here Sunday to give their home fans a lasting impression. 

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is a perfect 7-0 SU & 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings.  The Hornets are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four home meetings with the Pacers, winning by 7, 12, 22 and 7 points, respectively.  Bet the Hornets Sunday. 

20* Nuggets/Clippers NBA Saturday No-Brainer on Denver -2 

The Denver Nuggets are 0.5 games out of 8th place in the West, and just one game behind three other teams listed 5th through 7th in the West.  They still have a great shot to make the playoffs, but they are going to likely need to win out to get in. 

The Nuggets have been doing their part as they are 4-0 in their last four games overall, beating four playoff teams in the Thunder, Bucks, Pacers and Timberwolves all in close fashion.  Winning four straight close games the way they have has to have them oozing with confidence right now. 

The Los Angeles Clippers had a shot to make the playoffs with a few weeks left, but now they are 2.5 games out with only 3 games remaining after going 1-3 in their last four games overall.  The life has been sucked out of them, and I don’t expect them to show up at all today. 

The Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.  The Clippers are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 Saturday games.  Los Angeles is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 vs. NBA Northwest Division opponents.  Denver is 38-17 ATS in road games off an ATS loss over the last three seasons.  Bet the Nuggets Saturday. 

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Chicago Bulls +10.5 

The Boston Celtics just lost to the Toronto Raptors.  It was a huge game for them as they entered just two games behind the Raptors.  But after losing that game by 18, they are now essentially locked in to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. 

I don’t expect the Celtics to show up at all for this game.  That’s going to make it tough for them to be able to cover this massive double-digit spread.  They are banged up right now without Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart, and several others are nursing injuries. 

The Bulls continue to play for pride and have been extremely undervalued over the past week.  The Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.  They have pulled off three straight outright upsets, beating the Magic by 8 on the road as 6.5-point dogs, the Wizards by 17 at home as 7-point dogs and the Hornets at home by 6 as 5.5-point dogs. 

Chicago is a perfect 11-0 ATS off two or more consecutive wins this season.  Boston is 4-15 ATS in home games when playing against a team that wins 25% to 40% of their games over the last two years.  Bet the Bulls Friday. 

20* Timberwolves/Nuggets TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 225.5 

This game will have a playoff atmosphere Thursday night.  The 8th place Timberwolves visit the 9th place Nuggets with only one game separating the two.  Both teams are trying to secure a playoff spot, and you can bet the defensive intensity will be as high as any point this season from each squad. 

I think this total has been inflated because Denver has played in some high-scoring affairs of late due to two overtime games in their last three.  But their defense has been much better down the stretch as they’ve tried to hang on for a playoff spot, winning three straight nail biters. 

This has certainly been an UNDER series.  The Timberwolves and Nuggets have combined for 219 or fewer points in 13 of their last 14 meetings.  The only exception was an overtime game.  That makes for a sweet 13-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to tonight’s total set of 225.5.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday. 

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Heat/Hawks UNDER 205.5 

This is one of my favorite UNDER situations in the NBA.  The Hawks and Heat will be playing a home-and-home tonight after Miami beat Atlanta 101-98 for 199 combined points last night.  Now they will travel to play in Atlanta just one night later. 

Teams are obviously very familiar with one another when having to play two days in a row, which certainly favors defense.  And with a total now set at 205.5, it’s simply too high.   

The Heat have Hassan Whiteside back healthy, and he’s one of the top defensive centers in the NBA.  For the Hawks, they recently lost starting PG Dennis Schroeder to a season-ending injury.  He was basically their entire offense, so without him they have been lost. 

The UNDER is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in this series.  The Heat and Hawks have combined for 199 or fewer points in 10 of those 13 matchups.  Miami is 9-1 UNDER in road games off a win by 3 points or less over the last two seasons.  The UNDER is 22-7 in Hawks last 29 games following an ATS win.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday. 

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Denver Nuggets -3 

The Denver Nuggets are two games out of the playoffs with five games remaining.  They have no margin for error right now.  They are coming off back-to-back impressive wins at Oklahoma City and at home against Milwaukee to give themselves a shot. 

The Indiana Pacers are starting to get too much respect from oddsmakers after going 5-0 in their last five games overall.  But they will be running out of gas soon as this will be their fourth consecutive road games in a stretch of six of seven on the road. 

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 8-2 SU in the last 10 meetings.  Denver is a perfect 8-0 SU in its last eight home meetings with Indiana.  The Nuggets have a great home-court advantage this season as they are 28-10 on their home floor. 

Indiana is 5-15 ATS on the road when the line is +3 to -3 over the last two seasons.  The Nuggets are 18-7-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings, including 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings inside the Pepsi Center.  Bet the Nuggets Tuesday. 

15* Warriors/Thunder TNT Tuesday No-Brainer on Oklahoma City -4.5 

The Golden State Warriors are locked in to the No. 2 seed in the West.  They have nothing to play for the rest of the way and cannot be trusted.  The Warriors are just 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall. 

Injuries and a lack of motivation have been the biggest reasons for the Warriors’ struggles down the stretch.  They are still without Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala and Omri Casspi, and they recently lost Patrick McCaw to a gruesome back injury.  Meanwhile, the Thunder are at full strength. 

Oklahoma City still has a lot to play for with four games remaining.  The Thunder are currently 5th in the West, just 0.5 games behind the Spurs for the No. 4 seed.  They want that No. 4 so that they can get home-court advantage in the first round.  And they are also just one game clear of Utah and Minnesota, so they don’t want to fall further in the standings and have to play either Golden State or Houston in the first round. 

Golden State is 1-11 ATS when playing against a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) in the second half of the season this season.  The Warriors are 0-9 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win.  Oklahoma City is 41-19-3 ATS in its last 63 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.  Take the Thunder Tuesday. 

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Denver Nuggets -4 

The Denver Nuggets are in must-win mode with six games remaining.  They trail 7th and 8th place Utah and Minnesota by exactly two games each for a playoff spot.  They almost need to win out to get in, and with four of their final six games at home, they have a shot. 

The Nuggets have played well at home all season.  They are 27-10 on their home floor.  And they just beat Milwaukee 134-123 on the road on February 15th in their first meeting this season.  The Nuggets are now 5-1 SU in their last six meetings with the Bucks.  They are also 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings. 

The Bucks are just 6-12 ATS in their last 18 games overall.  They don’t have much to play for the rest of the way except for seeding, which doesn’t make that much of a difference between the 6th, 7th and 8th seeds in the East.  And the Bucks have some key injuries right now with Malcolm Brogdon and Matthew Dellavedova out, Thon Maker doubtful and John Henson questionable. 

Milwaukee is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Denver is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.  The Nuggets are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 home meetings with the Bucks.  Bet the Nuggets Sunday. 

15* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Los Angeles Clippers -2.5 

The Los Angeles Clippers are in must-win mode with six games remaining.  They trail 7th and 8th place Utah and Minnesota by exactly two games each for a playoff spot.  They will certainly need to finish strong  to get in, and with five of their final six games at home they have a great shot. 

The Clippers have won four of their last six coming in.  That includes upset road wins at Milwaukee and Toronto.  Their only two losses came on the road at Portland and at Indiana in closely-contested battles. 

That sets the Clippers up for a revenge game here after losing 104-109 in Indiana on March 23rd just a week ago.  They don’t have to wait long for their shot at revenge, which only adds to their motivation here tonight. 

The Clippers are 10-2 ATS when playing eight or more games in 14 days this season.  The Pacers are 5-15 ATS on the road when the line is +3 to -3 over the last two years.  Los Angeles is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.  Take the Clippers Sunday. 

15* Warriors/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento +8.5 

The Golden State Warriors are a mess right now.  They have too many injuries they are dealing with, and they don’t care about winning games because they are locked in to the No. 2 seed.  They are simply playing out the string at this point. 

That’s why they cannot be 8.5-point road favorites against the Sacramento Kings tonight.  The Warriors are just 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games.  They are also just 3-7 SU in their last 10 games.  They have gotten some guys healthier of late, but they are far from full strength. 

The Kings have already upset the short-handed Warriors twice this season.  They Kings won 110-106 as 12.5-point road underdogs on November 27th, and they won 98-93 as 8.5-point road dogs on March 16th. 

The Warriors are 0-9 ATS in their last nine games when playing on one days’ rest.  Golden State is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 when its opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.  The Kings are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % greater than .600.  The Warriors are 11-26 ATS in their last 37 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  Take the Kings Saturday. 

25* Clippers/Blazers ESPN GAME OF THE YEAR on Los Angeles +6.5 

The Los Angeles Clippers are quietly making a push toward the playoffs.  They are now just one game behind the Utah Jazz for the 8th and final spot in the Western Conference.  They have seven games remaining, and you can bet Doc Rivers’ team will be laying it all on the line. 

The Clippers have gone 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  Their two most impressive wins both came on the road as they won 127-120 as 6-point underdogs at Milwaukee and 117-106 as 8.5-point dogs at Toronto.  They are more than capable of pulling off the upset here, let alone staying within 6.5 points. 

The Portland Trail Blazers don’t have a whole lot to play for the rest of the way.  They are stuck in 3rd place, 2.5 games ahead of 4th place.  That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising if Damian Lillard sits a second consecutive game tonight for personal reasons.  The Blazers are already without starter Maurice Harkless, and Lillard is questionable. 

The Clippers want revenge from a 122-109 home loss to the Blazers on March 18th less than two weeks ago as well.  Home-court advantage has meant very little in this series of late as the road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings. 

The Clippers are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 road games.  Los Angeles is 8-0 ATS off a win by 10 points or more over a division opponent this season.  The Clippers are 7-0 ATS in road games after covering three of their last four this season.  Los Angeles is 10-1 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season.  Bet the Clippers Friday. 

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Grizzlies/Jazz UNDER 197 

The Utah Jazz will be laying it all on the line defensively tonight to get a win.  They are in 8th place, but just one game ahead of the Clippers.  They will be locked in on the defensive end, and defense has been their staple all season. 

But what I really like about this UNDER is the recent head-to-head history between Memphis and Utah.  These teams always seem to play in low-scoring affairs when they get together. 

Indeed, the UNDER is 7-2 in the last nine meetings.  The Jazz and Grizzlies have combined for 198 or fewer points in each of their last 20 meetings.  They have combined for 197 or fewer in 18 of those 20.  That’s an 18-2 system backing the UNDER pertaining to tonight’s total set of 197. 

Memphis is 10-1 UNDER in Friday games this season.  The UNDER is 8-1 in Grizzlies last nine vs. Western Conference teams.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Jazz last six home games. The UNDER is 8-2 in Jazz last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Take the UNDER in this game Friday. 

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +1.5 

The return of starting PG Reggie Jackson to the lineup has sparked the Pistons.  They have gone 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  Jackson played in each of the last four games.  They beat the Kings by 16, the Suns by 27, the Bulls by 22 and the Lakers by 6, so not only are they winning, they are dominating.  Their only loss came at Houston by 4 as 10.5-point underdogs. 

The Wizards are just kind of going through the motions right now.  It’s like they are trying to get the No. 7 seed, which would be smart of them because they’d face the injury-ravaged Celtics in the first round if they can get there.  They are only 1.5 games ahead of 7th place Miami and would be better off losing this one. 

The Wizards are just 5-8 SU & 3-8-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  John Wall is questionable to return tonight, and even if he does return he’ll be rusty and play limited minutes.  With the way the Pistons are playing right now, they are good enough to beat Washington regardless of Wall’s status.  And they want revenge to avoid the season sweep after losing each of their first three meetings to the Wizards this year. 

Plays on home favorites (Detroit) - revenging two consecutive straight up losses to opponent as a favorite, who are off two or more consecutive home wins are 36-13 (73.5%) ATS since 1996.  The Pistons are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.  The underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  Take the Pistons Thursday. 

20* Cavs/Hornets NBA TV No-Brainer on Charlotte PK 

The Charlotte Hornets have decided to finally play up to their potential down the stretch.  Now, with the Cleveland Cavaliers coming to town, there’s no doubt they will be laying it all on the line to try and beat Lebron James and company tonight. 

The Hornets are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall, outscoring their opponents by an average of 20.0 points per game.  Dwight Howard has been a beast down low, averaging 24.3 points and 22 rebounds per game during this stretch.  Kemba Walker has scored 24 or more points in five straight. 

The Cavaliers are in a tough spot here as they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  They haven’t had two days off in a row since the All-Star Break.  Plus, they are short-handed right now as they are likely to be without both Kevin Love and Kyle Korver tonight. 

Cleveland is 4-17 ATS off a blowout loss by 15 points or more over the last two seasons.  The Cavs are 1-11 ATS after scoring 85 points or less over the last three years.  Cleveland is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Bet the Hornets Wednesday. 

20* Bucks/Clippers TNT Tuesday No-Brainer on Los Angeles -3 

The Los Angeles Clippers still have a great shot to make the playoffs.  They are just two games behind 8th place Minnesota for the 8th and final spot.  And the Clippers have a reasonable schedule the rest of the way with six of their final nine games at home. 

The Clippers have stayed alive by pulling off upset road wins at Milwaukee 127-120 as 6-point underdogs and at Toronto 117-106 as 8.5-point underdogs.  Now they get to host the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been struggling down the stretch. 

The Bucks are just 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games overall.  They don’t have much to play for as they are basically assured a playoff spot, but it’s either going to be the 6th, 7th or 8th seed no matter what.  Their only concern down the stretch is probably trying to maneuver to face Boston in the first round. 

Los Angeles is 8-1 ATS when playing eight or more games in 14 days this season.  Milwaukee is 12-21 ATS when revenging a loss this season.  The Bucks are 16-34-2 ATS in their last 52 games when playing on one days’ rest.  The Clippers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.  Bet the Clippers Tuesday. 

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Sacramento Kings -2.5 

This young Sacramento Kings team is looking to build toward the future.  They aren’t concerned with where they will be drafting at all.  That has been evident by the fact that the Kings have gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They have made me a lot of money down the stretch, and I’ll gladly back them as only 2.5-point home favorites over the Dallas Mavericks tonight. 

Dallas owner Mark Cuban wanted to tank down the stretch, but it didn’t go over to well with a couple players.  But now it appears they have given in as the Mavericks are 0-5 SU in their last five games overall.  They have a ton of injury issues right now with Wesley Matthews and Jose Barca out, and Dwight Powell, Dirk and Dennis Smith Jr. all banged up and questionable. 

Sacramento has had Dallas’ number in recent years, going 7-3 SU & 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  They won in Dallas 114-109 as 7-point underdogs in their last meeting on February 13th.  Given that they are by far the healthier team now, look for the Kings to take care of business at home tonight. 

Dallas is 1-10 ATS in road games when the line is +3 to -3 over the last two seasons.  It is losing by 9.3 points per game on average in this spot.  The Mavericks are 6-16 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 points or more this season.  Dallas is 6-18 ATS in its last 24 games vs. a team with a winning % of less than .400.  Sacramento is 6-0 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning % below .600. Take the Kings Tuesday. 

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Detroit Pistons -4.5 

The Detroit Pistons have been playing great to close out the season.  They are starting to show what they are capable of when they are healthy, which recently happened with the return of Reggie Jackson to the lineup.  They are building for next year and aren’t taking games off like many of the rest of the teams in the league. 

The Pistons are 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.  They went into Sacramento and won by 16 as 4-point favorites, won by 27 at Phoenix as 8-point favorites and crushed Chicago by 22 as 13-point favorites.  Their only loss came by 4 at Houston as 10.5-point dogs, which is the hottest team in the NBA. 

The Lakers are not playing well down the stretch now that they’ve officially been eliminated from the playoffs.  They are just 1-4 SU & 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  Their only win came 100-93 over Memphis, a Grizzlies team that is clearly tanking.  And the Lakers have some significant injuries right now as Isaiah Thomas is out, Brandon Ingram is doubtful and Julius Randle is questionable. 

Detroit is 21-8 ATS in home games when the total is 210 to 219.5 over the last three seasons.  The Pistons are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games when playing on one days’ rest.  Detroit is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 vs. NBA Atlantic Division opponents.  The Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.  The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Bet the Pistons Monday. 

15* Jazz/Warriors NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah -5.5 

The Golden State Warriors are stuck in limbo.  They cannot catch the Rockets for the No. 1 seed, and they are well ahead of the No. 3 seed.  They are basically locked into the No. 2 seed.  That’s why I question their motivation the rest of the way, and they are more than happy to just rest all of their injured players now. 

And boy have the Warriors been hit hard by injury.  They are playing without their three best players in Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.  Omri Casspi is still out, and Draymond Green, Patrick McCaw and Nick Young are also showing up on the injury report.  That’s why the Warriors are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall. 

The Jazz are a team nobody wants to face right now.  They have gone 22-4 SU in their last 26 games overall.  They are certainly good enough to go on the road and beat the depleted Warriors, who are not a playoff team in their current state. 

Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Utah) - a good team that outscores its opponents by 3-plus points per game, after allowing 55 points or more in the first half of two straight games are 75-35 (68.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Utah is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Warriors are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games following a win.  Roll with the Jazz Sunday. 

15* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on San Antonio Spurs -2.5 

Back on March 13th, the San Antoni Spurs were in 9th place in the West and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97.  But then they got healthy and showed their resiliency.  The Spurs have gone 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in their six games since. 

Now the Spurs are only 2.5-point road favorites against a banged-up Milwaukee Bucks team that is now playing well at all right now.  The Bucks are just 5-9 SU & 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They are without both Malcolm Brogdon and Matthew Dellavedova still, and now Giannis Antetokounmpo is highly questionable with an ankle injury. 

The Spurs are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a win.  San Antonio is 7-0 ATS when its opponent allows 100 points or more in its previous game.  The Bucks are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following an ATS win.  Milwaukee is 1-7 ATS in its last eight vs. Western Conference opponents.  San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Milwaukee.  Take the Spurs Sunday. 

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on New Orleans Pelicans +8.5 

The New Orleans Pelicans have had to dig deep here of late.  They had to play 5 games in 6 days due to a game getting postponed.  What’d they do?  Just go 4-1 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in those five games.  And while most teams would have a letdown off such a tough stretch, that won’t be the case for the Pelicans tonight. 

That’s because they’ll be extra motivated for revenge against Houston after just losing to the Rockets 101-107 at home as 8.5-point underdogs on March 17th exactly a week ago today.  They didn’t even have Jrue Holiday for that game, but now he’s back and healthy.  The same cannot be said for the Rockets. 

The Rockets are likely to be without Chris Paul once again tonight due to a hamstring injury.  And the Rockets basically have the No. 1 seed wrapped up in the West, so they don’t need to force the issue.  They could also be without Luck Mbah a Moute, who left last game with a knee injury.  It was a lackluster effort for the Rockets as they only beat the Pistons 100-96 as 10.5-point favorites on Thursday.  Don’t expect them to have their ‘A’ game tonight, either. 

New Orleans is a perfect 10-0 ATS in road games after scoring 110 points or more this season.  It is coming back to score 118.2 points per game next time out and outscore the opponent by 6.5 points per game.  The Pelicans are hitting on all cylinders offensively right now and have what it takes to match Houston, especially if Paul and Mbah a Moute are both out as expected.  The Rockets are just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games.  Roll with the Pelicans Saturday. 

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on San Antonio Spurs -2.5

The San Antonio Spurs have responded well.  Just over a week ago they were in 9th place in the West and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season.  But they knew they had a great stretch coming up with a six-game home stand. 

The Spurs have taken advantage by going 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  They have won three times by 14 points or more with four of their five wins coming against playoff teams.  Look for them to cap off this 6-game home stand with another win and cover at home against Utah. 

The Spurs will be highly motivated for a win to avoid the season sweep against Utah, which has won the first three meetings.  The Spurs are 39-8 SU & 30-14-3 ATS in their last 47 home meetings with the Jazz.  And now they catch a tired Jazz team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days following a 119-112 win in Dallas last night. 

Plays on favorites of 3 to 9.5 points (San Antonio) - after leading their last three games by 5-plus points at halftime against opponent after scoring 115 points or more are 28-8 (77.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Spurs are 11-3 ATS in home games off a home win this season.  Bet the Spurs Friday. 

15* Hawks/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento -1.5 

The Sacramento Kings are rested and ready to go tonight.  They have had two days off since last playing on Monday in a disappointing home loss to the Pistons.  But they were without one of their best scorers in Bogdan Bogdanovic for that game, and he is expected to return to the lineup tonight. 

The Hawks ended a six-game losing streak with a shocking 99-94 win at Utah as 13.5-point underdogs last time out.  Dennis Schroeder had a career-high 41 points in the win.  Off such a big victory, it’s only human nature for the Hawks to suffer a letdown here against the Kings their next time out. 

Home-court advantage has been big in this series as the home team is a perfect 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.  Sacramento is 8-1 ATS in its last nine vs. Eastern Conference opponents.  The Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Take the Kings Thursday. 

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Lakers/Pelicans UNDER 230 

The New Orleans Pelicans have to play their 3rd game in 3 days tonight.  They had to reschedule a game which put themselves in this position.  Clearly, they will be as tired as they have been at any point this season.  As a result, I look for this game against the Lakers to be played at a slow pace, and for the tired legs of the Pelicans to result in a poor shooting performance. 

The Lakers are 4-0 to the UNDER in their last four games.  They have combined for 215, 223, 183 and 210 points in their last four games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Pelicans last five games with combined scores of 191, 208, 197, 220 and 188 points.  Given those numbers, this 230-point total has been set way too high tonight. 

I big reason for the Lakers going under recently is that they are playing without leading scorer Brandon Ingram (16.2 ppg).  Jrue Holiday missed the first game of this three-game set due to the flu, and he needed intravenous fluids at halftime to get through their 96-92 win over the Pacers last night.  So they don’t have their floor general at full strength right now. 

Plays on the UNDER on home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (NEW ORLEANS) - after going under the total by 42 or more points total in their last five games, in March games are 75-37 (67%) over the last five seasons.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Thursday. 

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic +8 

The Orlando Magic have continued to play for pride.  They beat Milwaukee, and gave both Boston and Toronto a run for their money in their last three games.  Well, Toronto and Boston are the two best teams in the East.  Now they play another Eastern Conference playoff team in Philadelphia and are catching 8 points at home tonight. 

The 76ers are being overvalued coming off four consecutive victories.  But this is a tough spot for them as they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 8 days.  I don’t believe they’ll have much left in the tank for the Magic tonight. 

Philadelphia is 4-12 ATS in road games after playing a home game this season.  The Magic are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a loss.  The 76ers are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 road games.  Philadelphia is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 Thursday games.  Orlando is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.  Bet the Magic Thursday. 

20* Raptors/Cavs ESPN Wednesday No-Brainer on Cleveland -1.5 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won three of their last four games with their lone loss coming at red-hot Portland.  They are rested having yesterday off and will be highly motivated for a victory tonight with the top team in the Eastern Conference coming to town.  They want to show that they are still the kings of the East. 

This is a very tough rest situation for the Raptors.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, their 5th game in 7 days, and their 10th game in 16 days.  That’s about as difficult as it gets in terms of rest situations.  Plus, the Raptors could be without two key players in DeMar DeRozan and Fred VanVleet, who are both questionable with thigh and wrist injuries, respectively. 

Cleveland is 8-1 SU & 6-3 ATS in its last nine home meetings with Toronto.  Rarely will you get the opportunity to back the Cavs as this small of a home favorite, so we’ll take advantage tonight.  The Raptors are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games when playing on 0 days’ rest.  Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday. 

20* Rockets/Blazers TNT GAME OF THE MONTH on Portland +5 

What more do the Portland Trail Blazers have to do to get some respect?  They have gone 15-1 SU & 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games overall.  And yet they’re still 5-point home underdogs to the Houston Rockets tonight. 

The Blazers have really some some damage at home.  They are 18-1 SU & 17-2 ATS in their last 19 home games.  It will be a packed house with the Houston Rockets coming to town tonight.  Look for the Blazers to pull off the upset, though we’ll take the points for some added insurance. 

I question Houston’s motivation the rest of the way.  The Rockets basically have the No. 1 seed in the West wrapped up.  They are 3.5 games ahead of the Warriors, who are without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant right now.  They know they can basically coast to the finish line now and still get the No. 1 seed. 

The Blazers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Rockets are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.  The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet the Blazers Tuesday. 

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -8.5 

The New Orleans Pelicans are on a mission to make the playoffs.  They are currently the No. 7 seed in the West at 40-30 on the season, but they are just 2.5 games ahead of 9th place L.A. Clippers.  They cannot afford to take any teams lightly the rest of the way, and they certainly haven’t been. 

Indeed, the Pelicans are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 12-4 SU & 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games overall.  Two of those losses came without Anthony Davis, who is back healthy and playing at an MVP level.  They just blasted Boston 108-89 at home last time out. 

The Mavericks are not healthy and have nothing to play for.  Both Dennis Smith Jr. and Wesley Matthews are out, while Jose Barea is questionable.  The Mavs are just 22-48 on the season, including 8-26 on the road.  The Pelicans just beat the Mavs 126-109 on the road as 3.5-point favorites on March 4th, and now they get them at home this time around. 

Dallas is 2-10 ATS vs. teams who allow 110 or more points per game this season.  The Pelicans are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. a team with a losing record.  Roll with the Pelicans Tuesday. 

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +10.5 

I question the motivation of the Toronto Raptors the rest of the way.  They have a 5-game lead over the Boston Celtics for the No. 1 seed in the East.  And now the Celtics are playing without Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  They Celtics are basically locked in to the No. 2 seed. 

The Magic have played tough in their last two games, upsetting Milwaukee 126-117 as 10-point home underdogs, and giving Boston a battle at home as 7-point underdogs.  They will certainly show up for the Toronto Raptors tonight, and they’ll be rested.   

The Magic have had the last three days off and come in fresh.  The spot is a bad one for Toronto, which has a road game on deck tomorrow against Cleveland and will likely be looking ahead to that matchup.  The Raptors won’t give the Magic their full attention, and that will allow the Magic to hang tough for four quarters. 

Orlando is 22-10 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points over the last three seasons.  Plays on home teams (Orlando) - revenging a home loss vs. opponent of 10 points or more, a bad team (25% to 40%) playing a team with a winning record are 36-13 (73.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Magic Tuesday. 

20* Pistons/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento +3.5 

The Sacramento Kings have been flying under the radar for weeks.  They have gone 5-5 SU but 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They have beaten the Warriors and Heat outright as underdogs, while also giving teams like Utah and Oklahoma City a run for their money on the road during this stretch. 

The Detroit Pistons have basically packed it in.  They are now 6.5 games out of 8th place in the East and won’t be making the playoffs.  They simply cannot be favored on the road tonight with the way they are playing right now.  The Pistons are 3-13 SU in their last 16 games and 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games. 

The Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a loss.  Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Detroit is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games.  The Pistons are 0-3-2 ATS in the last five meetings.  These four trends combine for a 22-1 system backing the home team tonight.  Bet the Kings Monday. 

15* Warriors/Spurs ESPN Monday No-Brainer on San Antonio -7 

The San Antonio Spurs have faced some adversity here of late and have responded well.  Just a few days ago they were in 9th place in the West and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97.  They have gotten healthy and played some of their best basketball this past week. 

Indeed, the Spurs are 3-00 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games.  They beat the Magic by 36 at home, the Pelicans by 5 at home and the Timberwolves by 16 at home.  This run has coincided with the healthy returns of both LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay to the lineup, among others. 

The Warriors are in terrible shape right now.  They are missing their top three scorers in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.  They are also without key role player Omri Casspi.  It’s no wonder the Warriors are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall. 

The Spurs are 11-3 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points this season.  The Warriors are 0-6 ATS in their last six games following a win.  Golden State is 1-7 ATS in its last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Take the Spurs Monday. 

20* Blazers/Clippers NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -2 

Note: I’m writing this analysis on Saturday night.  I’m taking the Los Angeles Clippers largely because of the situation.  The Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days here, while the Clippers had Saturday off and will be rested. 

I think the Blazers are overvalued right now due to their NBA-high 11-game winning streak, which would extend to 12 if they are to beat the Pistons as expected at home as 8.5-point favorites Saturday night.  They are starting to get a lot of love from the betting public and thus the oddsmakers, and this is a great spot to fade them. 

Meanwhile, the Clippers have been flying way under the radar.  They have gone 14-7 in their last 21 games overall and are on the verge of making the playoffs at 37-31 on the season.  They are only 1.5 games back of 8th place in the West.  They need this victory more, and they’ll be hungry off back-to-back tough losses at Houston and Oklahoma City in which they had a chance to win both games in the closing minutes. 

The Clippers have won four of their last five meetings with the Blazers.  The Blazers have had the luxury of playing eight of their last nine games at home as this will be just their 2nd road game since February 24th. They barely won 108-103 over the Lakers in their lone road game during this stretch.  They won’t be so fortunate against these pesky Clippers tonight.  Bet the Clippers Sunday.

15* Timberwolves/Spurs NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on San Antonio -4 

The San Antonio Spurs find themselves barely clinging on to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.  They are 39-30 and just one game ahead of the Nuggets.  They are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season.  It’s safe to say the Spurs will be highly motivated for a victory tonight at home against the Timberwolves. 

"Yeah, it's a live or die for us right now,” LaMarcus Aldridge told reporters. "So, you know, you've got to bring it every game. And these teams that we're going to play, they're fighting for their position, and their lives too. So tonight was tough, but guys competed and just made plays."

The Spurs went through a rough patch recently due to all their injuries, but they have gotten healthy and it’s no surprise they have gone 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS in their last two games since.  They beat the Magic by 36 as 10.5-point home favorites and the Pelicans by 5 as 4.5-point home favorites. 

San Antonio is 25-8 at home this season, while Minnesota is just 14-21 on the road.  This is a very short price to be laying with the Spurs tonight.  That’s especially the case when you consider the Spurs are 24-1 SU in their last 25 home meetings with the Timberwolves. 

Minnesota is 1-9 ATS in road games vs. teams who force 14 or fewer turnovers this season.  The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five games when playing on three or more days’ rest.  Minnesota is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 road games.  The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings.  Take the Spurs Saturday. 

20* Rockets/Pelicans NBA Saturday No-Brainer on New Orleans +7.5 

The New Orleans Pelicans are playing well enough to beat the Houston Rockets tonight.  The Pelicans are 11-3 in their last 14 games overall.  Two of their losses came without Anthony Davis, but he’s back healthy now and this team will get back to how they were playing during their 10-game winning streak. 

The Rockets see what’s going on with the injuries at Golden State and it would only be human nature for them to relax.  The Warriors are without Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant right now among others.  They just lost at home to the Kings last night, and they are no longer a threat to the No. 1 seed to the Rockets.  The Rockets have a 2.5-game lead over the Warriors and basically have it locked up now. 

The Pelicans have played the Rockets tough in their two meetings this season.  They upset the Rockets 115-113 as 5-point home underdogs, and also covered as 14-point road dogs in a 123-130 loss.  They should not be catching 7.5 points at home tonight to the Rockets. 

New Orleans is 22-8 ATS in its last 30 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. The Pelicans are 9-4 ATS int heir last 13 home meetings with the Rockets.  The underdog is 20-9-1 ATS in the last 30 meetings.  Bet the Pelicans Saturday. 

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Sacramento Kings +12 

The Golden State Warriors are an absolute mash unit right now.  They will be without both Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry.  They could be without Kevin Durant, who is questionable with a rib injury.  And Draymond Green is battling a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the last game. 

The Kings have been undervalued for weeks now.  They are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have only lost twice by double-digits during this stretch.  Given the injury situation for the Warriors, the Kings have the potential to pull off the upset, just as they did back on November 27th in a 110-106 win at Golden State as similar 12.5-point dogs. 

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (Sacramento) - a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (102-plus PPG), after allowing 105 points or more are 41-12 (77.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.  

The Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  Sacramento is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Warriors are 14-30 ATS in their last 44 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games overall.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a win.  Bet the Kings Friday. 

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Dallas Mavericks +10.5 

The Toronto Raptors are in a tough situation tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 7th game in 11 days.  It doesn’t get much tougher than that.  Plus, they had to come back from a big deficit in the 4th quarter to beat the Pacers last night.  They won’t have much left in the tank tonight. 

The Dallas Mavericks continue to play for pride.  They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with their only loss coming to Houston.  They beat Denver by 11, Memphis by 34 and New York by 13.  This team is much better than it is getting credit for tonight as double-digits road dogs to the Raptors. 

Plays against home teams (Toronto) - off two or more consecutive road wins, when playing on Friday nights are 38-15 (71.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Mavs will be by far the fresher team here as they’ve had two days’ rest in between games having last played on Tuesday. 

Dallas is 18-7-2 ATS in its last 27 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Mavericks are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games overall.  Dallas upset Toronto 98-93 as 5.5-point home underdogs in their first meeting this season.  They will give the Raptors a run for their money here again tonight.  Take the Mavericks Friday. 

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on San Antonio Spurs -3.5 

The San Antonio Spurs all of a sudden find themselves at 38-30 on the season and in 9th place in the Western Conference.  They are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97.  It’s safe to say they will be locked in and motivated the rest of the way. 

The Spurs have a chance to get a win against a team they are trailing in the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.  San Antonio has recently gotten healthy as injuries have been a big reason for their struggles of late.  They put it to Orlando 108-72 last time out, and now I expect them to do the same to the Pelicans. 

San Antonio will also be highly motivated for a win to avenge two straight losses to the Pelicans this season. But home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 21-7 ATS in the last 28 meetings.  The Spurs are 24-8 at home this season. 

San Antonio is 13-4 ATS after failing to cover five or six of their last seven against the spread over the last two seasons.  Plays on favorites (San Antonio) - after allowing 75 points or less against opponent after a combined score of 205 points are 29-7 (80.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Spurs Thursday. 

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Indiana Pacers +4 

What more do the Indiana Pacers have to do to get some respect?  They have gone 10-3 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They are coming off back-to-back upset road wins at Boston (99-97) as 4.5-point underdogs and at Philadelphia (101-98) as 6-point dogs.   

Now they find themselves catching 4 points at home to the Toronto Raptors tonight.  The Pacers have been great at home all season, going 23-12 SU & 20-15 ATS.  And home-court advantage has been huge in this series.  The home team is a perfect 9-0 SU & 6-3 ATS in their last nine meetings.   

The Pacers are 7-2 ATS in those nine meetings.  They beat the Raptors 107-104 as 2.5-point home underdogs in their first meeting this season.  They only lost 115-120 as 7-point road underdogs in their second meeting. 

Indiana is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 vs. NBA Atlantic Division opponents.  Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The Raptors are 0-4 ATS in their last four trips to Indiana.  Take the Pacers Thursday. 

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Sacramento Kings +7 

This young Sacramento Kings squad continues to play hard.  They aren’t thinking about tanking at all.  That is evidenced with the fact that they’ve gone 3-4 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They took both Oklahoma City and Utah down to the wire in losses, and handled their business against Brooklyn, New York and Orlando. 

Now the Kings face a depleted Miami Heat team that is missing two of its best players.  The Heat will be without stud center Hassan Whiteside and legend Dwyane Wade.  It didn’t go so well without these two the other night in a 16-point loss at Portland. 

The Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a loss.  Sacramento is 4-0 ATS in its last four after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game.  The Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.  Sacramento is 12-3-1 ATS in its last 16 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.  Bet the Kings Wednesday. 

15* Nuggets/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles +2 

The Lakers are playing their best basketball of the season right now as they continue to fight to make the playoffs.  They are 15-7 SU in their last 22 games overall, including a 127-113 home victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers last time out. 

I love this spot for the Lakers, too.  Their last loss came at Denver on March 9th just a few days ago by a final of 116-125.  Now they don’t have to wait long for revenge just four days later, and it will be at home this time around. 

The Nuggets should not be road favorites here considering they are just 11-20 SU & 12-17-2 ATS on the highway this season.  Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as well.  The home team is a perfect 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. 

The Lakers are 10-1 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more this season.  Los Angeles is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 home games.  The Lakers are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Nuggets are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a win by more than 10 points.  Take the Lakers Tuesday. 

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -5 

The New Orleans Pelicans will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost two straight to Washington and Utah coming in.  Fortunately for them, they get the opportunity to face the struggling Charlotte Hornets to get back on track tonight. 

The Pelicans are still 10-2 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They are playing at an extremely fast tempo and putting pressure not their opponents.  Now they’re up against a Hornets defense that has been lacking to say the least. 

The Hornets are just 1-5 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  They have given up 110 or more points in five of those six games, and an average of 119.2 points per game.  That spells trouble for the Hornets, who are better off tanking the rest of the way because they aren’t in playoff contention. 

Charlotte is 0-8 ATS off three or more consecutive overs this season.  The Hornets are 1-10 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in three straight games this Eason.  Charlotte is 3-21 ATS vs. teams who force 14 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  New Orleans is 6-0 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Hornets are 0-8 ATS in their last eight vs. Western Conference foes.  These five trends combine for a 53-4 system backing the home team tonight.  Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Sacramento Kings +12.5 

The Thunder just have a way of playing to the level of their competition.  They cannot be trusted tonight to put away the Sacramento Kings by 13 points or more, which is what it would take to cover this spread. 

That’s especially the case with some of the injuries they are dealing with right now.  Perhaps the most underrated big man in the league in Steven Adams, and he’s questionable with an ankle injury.  Guard Terrance Ferguson is out tonight with a concussion. 

The Kings have played the Thunder extremely tough in their three meetings this season.  The Kings are 3-0 ATS in those three games, winning by 8 at home, losing by 3 at home, and losing by 7 on the road. 

The Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last four games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.  Sacramento is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games following a loss.  Oklahoma City is 1-8 ATS in its last nine Monday games.  The Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win. 

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (Sacramento) - a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (102+ PPG), after allowing 105 points or more are 40-12 (76.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Kings Monday. 

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Dallas Mavericks +10 

There is going to be a hangover factor here Sunday with the Houston Rockets.  They just had their 17-game winning streak snapped on Friday with a 105-108 loss in Toronto.  It will be hard for them to get up for this game now that their streak has ended. 

The Rockets shouldn’t be double-digit road favorites here even if they were healthy.  But they aren’t even healthy as they will be playing without their best player and likely league MVP James Harden due to a knee injury.  Sharpshooter Ryan Anderson is also out with a hip injury. 

I think the books are putting too much stock into this being the 2nd of a back-to-back for the Mavericks.  But they’ll be fresh not only because they crushed Memphis 114-80 yesterday, but also because they had three days off prior to that game.  So I believe the back-to-back to be a non-issue here. 

The Mavericks are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games when playing on 0 days’ rest.  Dallas is 24-9 ATS in its last 33 Sunday games.  Houston is 0-5 ATS in its last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Rockets are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.  Take the Mavericks Sunday. 

15* Magic/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 218.5 

The Orlando Magic are severely limited offensively right now because they are playing without their two leading scorers in Aaron Gordon (18.3 ppg) and Evan Fournier (17.8 ppg). 

That was on display last night in their 88-94 road loss to the Sacramento Kings.  They also scored just 80 points against Utah a few days ago.  I just don’t see where the points are going to come by from them to get this game over the 218.5-point total. 

Both teams will be tired because this is a 2nd of a back-to-back for each after they both played last night.  That will help keep the pace slow as neither team will be looking to run much. 

The Magic and Clippers have combined for 209 or fewer points in 16 of their last 17 meetings.  That makes for a 16-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to tonight’s total set of 218.5.  Take the UNDER in this game Saturday. 

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Miami Heat -4.5 

I love the spot for the Miami Heat tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a 113-117 loss at Washington just a few days ago on March 6th.  Now they get the Wizards at home this time around. 

They also get to play a tired Washington team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a win in New Orleans last night.  These two angles make the Heat and easy choice as only 4.5-point home favorites here Saturday. 

Miami is 30-15 ATS when revenging a same season loss over the last two seasons.  The Heat are 20-5 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last two years.  Miami is 8-1-2 ATS in its last 11 games overall.  Bet the Heat Saturday. 

20* Warriors/Blazers NBA Saturday No-Brainer on Portland +1.5 

The Golden State Warriors have all kinds of injury issues right now.  Stephen Curry will miss a couple games with an ankle injury.  Jordan Bell and Patrick McCaw are out, Andre Iguodala and David West are questionable, and Klay Thompson is battling a hip injury. 

Making matters worse for the Warriors tonight is the fact that they’ll be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a hard-fought 110-107 home victory over the Spurs last night.  The Warriors needed to exert a lot of energy to outscore the Spurs 32-20 in the 4th quarter to escape with the victory. 

Now they must deal with one of the hottest teams in the NBA in the Portland Trail Blazers, who have gone 8-0 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  Not to mention, Portland is 14-1 SU & 12-2-1 ATS in its last 15 home games.  Take the Blazers Friday. 

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Grizzlies UNDER 197.5 

The Memphis Grizzlies are a mash unit right now.  They are without Mike Conley and Tyreke Evans, their top two point guards.  They are also without fellow guards Andrew Harrison and Mario Chalmers, as well as Chandler Parsons. 

I just don’t know where the points are going to come from for Memphis tonight against one of the best defensive teams in the league in the Utah Jazz.  The Grizzlies have failed to top 102 points in 13 of their last 15 games overall. 

The key to the Jazz going 16-2 in their last 18 games overall has been defense.  They have allowed 100 points or fewer in 15 of those 18 games.  Their offense has struggled of late in scoring 98 or fewer points in five of their last seven games as well. 

The Jazz and Grizzlies have combined for 198 or fewer points in 18 consecutive meetings.  They have combined for 197 or fewer in 16 of those.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday. 

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Miami Heat +1 

The Miami Heat should not be home underdogs to the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  The 76ers are just 15-19 on the road this season and should not be getting this much respect from oddsmakers. 

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series.  The home team is 8-0 SU in the last eight meetings.  Miami is 6-0 SU in its last six home meetings with Philadelphia. 

The 76ers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.  Philadelphia is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 road games.  The Heat are 7-1-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Miami is 12-2-2 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Heat Thursday. 

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic +7 

The Orlando Magic have been a nice money maker for backers over the last couple months.  They have gone 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games overall.  Now they are as healthy as they have been all season with the recent returns of Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic to the lineup. 

The Lakers are starting to get too much respect from oddsmakers after going 9-4 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  Now they are being asked to lay prices that they shouldn’t be.  In fact, this will be just the second time that they have been a favorite of more than 4 points since January 11th. 

The Magic are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games.  Orlando is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.  The Magic are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.  The Lakers are 11-24 ATS off a loss by 6 points or less over the last three seasons.  Roll with the Magic Wednesday. 

15* Cavs/Nuggets ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Cleveland +3 

The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have to wait too long for their shot at revenge against the Denver Nuggets.  They just lost at home to the Nuggets on Saturday, March 3rd by a final of 117-126.  Look for them to have their revenge no the road just a few days later here tonight. 

This is a tough spot for the Nuggets, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 107-118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on the road last night.  The Cavs will be the fresher team after having yesterday off following a 112-90 blowout home win over Detroit on Wednesday.   

The Cavs inserted Larry Nance into the starting lineup, and he delivered with one of the best games of his career.  Their best lineup in terms of plus-minus has been Lebron and the four new players they got via trade, and I think Tyronn Lue has figured that out and will take advantage of it moving forward. 

Plays against any team (Denver) - off a double-digit loss as a favorite of 6 points or more, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team are 63-29 (68.5%) ATS since 1996.  The Cavs are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.  The Nuggets are 0-6 ATS in their last six when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.  Cleveland is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to Denver.  Bet the Cavs Wednesday. 

15* Pelicans/Clippers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -2.5 

The Los Angeles Clippers are currently in 9th place in the Western Conference.  They have put themselves in this position by going 23-10 SU in their last 33 games overall.  Doc Rivers is doing one of the best coaching jobs of his career as this cast of players has really gelled as a team. 

There is just 4 games separately 3rd through 10th place in the Western Conference.  The Pelicans are in 4th place currently thanks to their eight-game winning streak.  So they are a team that the Clippers are chasing.  The Clippers will be the more motivated team at home tonight, and I fully expect them to end this streak. 

The Clippers have scored 114 or more points in seven of tier last eight games overall.  They have shot 50% or better from the field in seven of those eight games as well.  The Pelicans are a terrible defensive team, giving up 111.6 points per game on the season, and 117.0 points per game in their last five. 

Plays against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (New Orleans) - hot team having covered six or seven of their last eight against the spread, with a winning record on the season are 71-35 (67%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Clippers are 20-7 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 106 or more points per game this season.  Los Angeles is 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS in its last eight home meetings with New Orleans, winning by an average of a whopping 17.5 points per game.  Roll with the Clippers Tuesday.   

20* Rockets/Thunder TNT Tuesday No-Brainer on Oklahoma City +5 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have played their best against the best teams in the NBA.  They have played their worst against the worst teams.  They just have a knack of playing to the level of their competition.  Look for them to come up big tonight and end Houston’s winning streak. 

The Rockets are way overvalued right now due to their 15-game winning streak.  They’re being asked to go on the road and lay 5 points against one of the better teams in the Western Conference.  The Thunder are 3-1 against the Rockets and Warriors this season, the two best teams in the West. 

Plays against road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Houston) - after a win by 6 points or less against opponent after scoring 100 points or more in four consecutive games are 34-11 (75.6%) ATS since 1996. 

The Thunder are 41-18-3 ATS in their last 62 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.  Oklahoma City is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on two days’ rest.  The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday. 

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on 76ers/Hornets UNDER 215 

I love backing the UNDER in this situation.  The 76ers and Hornets just met a few days ago on March 2nd in a 110-99 home victory by the 76ers.  They combined for 209 points in that contest.  Now they are very familiar with one another, and this game should be even more low-scoring.  I really like the UNDER 215 here. 

The UNDER is 4-1 in 76ers last five games overall.  They have combined with their opponents for 205, 203, 205 and 209 points in the four UNDERS.  The Hornets are coming off two straight UNDERS themselves with combined scores of 209 and 201 points. 

The recent head-to-head history between these teams really favors the UNDER as well.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.  The Hornets and 76ers have combined for 209 or fewer points in all six games. They are averaging a combined 197.7 points per game in those six contests.  That’s roughly 17 points less than tonight’s posted total of 215.  Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday. 

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on San Antonio Spurs -11 

The San Antonio Spurs come in highly motivated for a victory Monday after losing two straight and six of their last seven.  They also come in rested as this will be just their 3rd game in 8 days.  I expect a big effort from them and a blowout home victory over the lowly Memphis Grizzlies. 

A big reason for the Spurs’ recent struggles has been injuries.  But they have gotten healthier with all this time off as Rudy Gay is returning to the lineup, and LaMarcus Aldridge is likely to return tonight as well.  They only significant player they should be missing is Kawhi Leonard, who has been out for quite some time now. 

The Spurs will be able to get right against a Grizzlies team that is clearly tanking.  The Grizzlies are 0-13 in their last 13 games overall with six double-digit losses along the way.  Now they are in worse shape injury-wise than they have been all season.  The Grizzlies will be without Mike Conley, Tyreke Evans, Mario Chalmers and Andrew Harrison tonight, and Marc Gasol is questionable with an ankle injury. 

The Spurs are 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last five meetings with the Grizzlies, winning their three previous meetings this season by an average of 16 points per game.  The Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  Bet the Spurs Monday. 

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Bucks/Pacers UNDER 209.5 

I love backing the UNDER in this situation.  The Bucks and Pacers just played each other on March 2nd just a few days ago in a 103-96 road victory by the Pacers.  These teams are obviously very familiar with one another now. 

After combining for just 199 points a few days ago, I certainly believe there’s value with the UNDER on this 209.5-point total.  It’s also worth noting that the UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with four of those five games seeing 205 or fewer combined points. 

Indiana is a perfect 7-0 UNDER in home games against division opponents this season.  The Pacers are 10-2 UNDER off two consecutive road games this season.  The UNDER is 8-2 in Bucks last 10 games following a win.  The UNDER is 10-3 in Bucks last 13 road games.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Pacers last six games overall.  Take the UNDER in this game Monday. 

15* Nets/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -7.5 

The Los Angeles Clippers might be the single-most underrated team in the NBA right now.  They have been on a roll since trading Blake Griffin and their deep roster that is short on superstars but long on hard workers has a lot to do with it. 

The Clippers have gone 22-10 SU In their last 32 games overall to put themselves in position to make the playoffs in the Western Conference at 33-28 on the season.  I think Doc Rivers is doing one of the best coaching jobs of his career, and this squad plays together as a team as well as almost anyone in the NBA. 

The Nets won’t offer much resistance tonight as they are just 2-14 SU in their last 16 games overall.  They are 0-8 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games, losing six times by 9 points or more. 

The Clippers are 6-0 SU & in their last six home meetings with the Nets, winning by an average of 17.3 points per game.  They have won their last three home meetings with the Nets by an average of 27 points per game.  Roll with the Clippers Sunday. 

15* Thunder/Blazers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Portland -4 

The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Warriors 123-117 at home as 6-point underdogs in their final game prior to the break.  They have used that win as a springboard to go 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  They are also 12-1 SU & 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 home games. 

Now they get to face a tired Oklahoma City squad that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and its 3rd game in 4 days.  The Thunder were fortunate to escape with a 124-116 win in Phoenix last night after closing the game on an 8-0 run.  They won’t be so fortunate against the Blazers tonight. 

Portland simply owns Oklahoma City, going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  They won by 4 at home and by 11 on the road in their two meetings this season.  Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 10-2 SU In the last 12 meetings.  Portland is 7-0 SU in its last seven home meetings with OKC. 

The Thunder are 2-11 ATS against division opponents this season.  OKC is 3-13 ATS when revenging a same season loss this season.  The Blazers are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games.  Portland is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 vs. Western Conference foes.  The home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Roll with the Blazers Saturday. 

25* Celtics/Rockets NBA on ABC GAME OF THE YEAR on Boston +9 

The Boston Celtics came out of the All-Star Break on a mission.  They had lost their final three games prior to the break to fall into second place behind the Raptors in the East.  But they got a healthy Marcus Smart back in the lineup after the break, and he is starting to show his value to the team. 

The Celtics are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their four games since the Break.  They won by 12 at Detroit, won by 9 at New York, won by 11 at home over Memphis and won by 28 at home over Charlotte.  Now they have had two days off to get ready for the Houston Rockets.  The Celtics are one of the few teams to have beaten the Rockets this season as they won their lone meeting at home. 

The Rockets are starting to be overvalued now due to their current 14-game winning streak.  No question they are playing well, but now they are being asked to lay a whopping 9 points to one of the best teams in the NBA in the Celtics.  Boston won’t go down without a fight here Saturday night.  The Celtics have only lost six times by double-digits all season.  This won’t be one of those times. 

Houston is 1-8 ATS in non-conference home games this season.  The Rockets are 1-10 ATS off three consecutive covers as a favorite over the last three seasons.  Houston is 4-13 ATS in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last two seasons.  The Rockets are 3-16 ATS after covering the spread in three or more consecutive games over the last three years.  Boston is 10-2 ATS as an underdog this season.  The Celtics are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 road games.  Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with Houston.  The underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  Bet the Celtics Saturday. 

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5 

After going just 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall, I believe the Cleveland Cavaliers are now undervalued as just 4.5-point home favorites over the Denver Nuggets tonight.  Look for them to play with a sense of urgency and to get the win and cover to end this rough stretch. 

They get to face the Nuggets rested as they had yesterday off.  Meanwhile, the Nuggets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after winning 108-102 in Memphis last night.  And this is a Nuggets team that has struggled on the road all season, going just 10-19 SU & 11-16-2 ATS on the highway. 

The Cavs have won their last two home meetings with the Nuggets by 16 and 33 points, respectively.  Denver is 12-26 ATS off a road win over the last three seasons.  The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.  The home team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings.  Take the Cavaliers Saturday. 

15* T’Wolves/Jazz ESPN Friday No-Brainer on UNDER 208 

Look for a defensive battle tonight on ESPN between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz.  Both teams are coming off a loss and both are dealing with some injuries right now.  The Timberwolves are without Jimmy Butler and could be without Taj Gibson (questionable), while the Jazz are without backup PG Raul Neto. 

The UNDER is 4-0 in Jazz last four games.  They have combined with their opponents to average just 190.6 combined points per game over their last five contests.  They have come out of the All-Star Break playing tremendous defense, but their offense has managed just 94.2 points per game in their last five. 

I don’t expect the Timberwolves to be too efficient offensively tonight without Butler and possibly Gibson.  Making matters more difficult for them is the fact that they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back in altitude after losing 99-108 in Portland last night.  They won’t have much left in the tank, and they won’t be looking to push the pace because of it. 

The Jazz and Timberwolves have combined for 207 or fewer points in nine of their last 11 meetings.  Utah is 10-2 UNDER vs. division opponents this season.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Jazz last six games following an ATS loss.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Timberwolves last four games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes played the previous day.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Friday. 

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Atlanta Hawks +13 

The Atlanta Hawks continue to battle.  They just upset Indiana 107-102 as 4-point home underdogs in their last game and are 4-2 ATS in their last six games.  Now they have the defending champion Warriors coming to town and will certainly be up for this game Friday night. 

The Hawks have been able to play the Warriors extremely tough in recent meetings.  In fact, each of the last four meetings were decided by 10 points or less.  Atlanta hasn’t lost any of its last four home meetings with the Warriors by more than 10 points. 

Atlanta is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. Western Conference foes.  The Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six game splaying on one days’ rest.  The Warriors are 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games.  Golden State is 1-4 ATS in its last five vs. Eastern Conference teams.  Take the Hawks Friday. 

20* 76ers/Cavs TNT Thursday No-Brainer on Cleveland -2.5 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are grossly undervalued right now as only 2.5-point home favorites over the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  They hit a rough patch coming out of the break, which is why the betting public isn’t all over them.  But now it’s time to pounce at this price range as you’ll rarely find the Cavs as this small of a home favorite. 

Conversely, the Philadelphia 76ers are overvalued right now due to their recent seven-game winning streak.  But six of those seven wins were at home with their only road win coming 116-115 as 7.5-point favorites at Chicago.  They have since lost two straight on the road to Washington (94-109) and Miami (101-102).  I faded them in both of those games with success, and I’ll do so again tonight as they continue to get too much respect from oddsmakers. 

Cleveland simply owns Philadelphia.  The Cavs are 11-0 SU in their last 11 meetings with the 76ers, including a 22-point road win and a 7-point home win in their two meetings this season.  The 76ers are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.  Philadelphia is 1-8 ATS in its last nine Thursday games.  The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Bet the Cavaliers Thursday. 

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Detroit Pistons -1.5 

It’s safe to say the Detroit Pistons will be highly motivated for a victory at home tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks.  They have lost six of their last seven games overall while going 0-8 ATS in their last eight games, which I believe has them way undervalued right now as only 1.5-point favorites in this matchup. 

The Pistons still have a shot to make the playoffs at 28-32 on the season, just 3.5 games back of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.  But if they are going to make a run, it needs to start now.  Look for them to put forth one of their best efforts of the season tonight. 

Meanwhile, the Bucks are in a tough spot here playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after losing at home to the Wizards last night.  And home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 5-0 SU In the last five meetings.  Detroit is 35-13 SU in its last 48 home meetings with Milwaukee. 

Plays on all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Detroit) - off a road loss by 10 points or more, in February games are 44-20 (68.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Bucks are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  Bet the Pistons Wednesday. 

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Orlando Magic +9.5 

I’ve been riding the Orlando Magic pretty hard here lately because they have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA since the calendar turned to 2018.  Indeed, they are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall.  They just got back two of their best players from injury after the All-Star Break in Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic as well.  Now they are catching a whopping 9.5 points at home to the Toronto Raptors tonight. 

Conversely, the Raptors come in overvalued after going 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They are now having to lay prices that are going to make it very difficult for them to cover.  They are the No. 1 team in the East right now and the betting public has taken notice. 

The Magic have been able to figure out the Raptors.  They are 3-5 SU in the last eight meetings but 6-2 ATS in those eight games.  Only twice have they lost by double-digits during this stretch.  They have won two of the last three meetings outright as 5 and 11-point underdogs. 

The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a loss.  Orlando is 4-0 ATS in its last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  The Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last five home meetings with the Raptors.  Take the Magic Wednesday. 

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Miami Heat +1 

The Philadelphia 76ers are getting way too much respect from oddsmakers right now due to going 7-1 in their last eight games overall.  But six of those seven wins came at home.  Their only road win came 116-115 as 7.5-point favorites at Chicago.  They also lost 94-109 at Washington last time out.  The 76ers are now just 13-17 SU & 13-17 ATS on the road this year. 

The Miami Heat are playing well right now but not getting the respect they deserve.  They are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  They did lost three games straight up, but all three losses came on the road by 3, 2 and 1 point.  They beat Milwaukee by 6 and Memphis by 26 at home. 

That 2-point loss was a 102-104 loss at Philadelphia on February 14th in their final game before the All-Star Break.  That places the Heat in revenge mode at home this time around.  In fact, they have actually lost two road meetings at Philadelphia in the month of February with the other coming by 6 points.  So they are playing with double-revenge. 

The Heat are 5-0 SU in their last five home meetings with the 76ers while winning by a whopping 14.2 points per game on average.  Miami is a perfect 8-0 ATS revenging a close loss vs. opponent by 3 points or less over the last two seasons.  Roll with the Heat Tuesday. 

15* T’Wolves/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento +5.5 

The Sacramento Kings have been playing some real competitive basketball of late.  They are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall, which includes a 106-111 road loss at Minnesota as 13-point underdogs on February 11th.  Now they will be looking for revenge at home this time around on the Timberwolves. 

The Timberwolves suffered a big blow when Jimmy Butler recently sustained a sprained knee.  He is now going to miss an indefinite amount of time, and there’s no question they are going to miss his leadership, defense and scoring.  They will be vulnerable moving forward. 

The Timberwolves can’t be 5.5-point road favorites without Butler here.  They are just 12-19 SU & 13-16-2 ATS on the road this season.  The Timberwolves are 0-9 ATS in road games versus teams who are outscored by 3-plus points per game in the second half of the season over the last three seasons. 

Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games.  The Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.  Minnesota is 18-46 ATS in its last 64 games after scoring 120 points or more in its previous game.  The Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last six games when playing on one days’ rest.  Roll with the Kings Monday. 

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic +10 

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a massive hangover spot here.  They are coming off a road loss to the defending champion Golden State Warriors where tempers were high.  They had won their previous two meetings with the Warriors this season.  Now they’ll have a hard time getting back up to face the Orlando Magic at home tonight and covering this lofty 10-point spread. 

The Magic have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA in 2018.  They have gone 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall.  In fact, they have lost by double-digits only twice in their last 18 games, making for a 16-2 system backing them pertaining to this 10-point spread. 

The Magic have been competitive despite the injuries.  And now they are getting healthy and will be a tough out the rest of the way for any team.  Both Aaron Gordon (18.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and Nikola Vucevic (17.3 ppg, 9.2 rpg) returned from injury after the All-Star Break, and now that both have a few games under their belts they should have shaken the rust off by now. 

The Magic have been a thorn in OKC’s side.  The Magic are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 meetings with the Thunder.  They have only lost by double-digit to the Thunder once in the last 10 meetings.  Dating back further, the Thunder have only beaten the Magic by double-digits three times in the last 27 meetings, making for a 24-3 system backing Orlando.   

The Thunder are 0-10 ATS when revenging a straight up loss vs. opponent as a road favorite this season.  The Magic beat them 121-108 as 5.5-point home underdogs in their first meeting this season.  Bet the Magic Monday. 

20* 76ers/Wizards ESPN Sunday No-Brainer on Washington -1.5

The Washington Wizards have actually been better without John Wall.  They have gone 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They have wins over the likes of Oklahoma City, Toronto, Indiana and Cleveland during this stretch as well.  They have been consistently undervalued without Wall, and they are actually sharing the basketball better and playing more as a team without him. 

Philadelphia comes into this game way overvalued after going 7-0 SU & 5-2 ATS in its last seven games overall.  But six of those seven games were at home, and they escaped with a 116-115 win at Chicago as 7.5-point favorites in their only road game during this stretch. 

The 76ers are just 13-16 SU & 13-16 ATS on the road this year as they’ve done all their damage at home.  And now they are in a tough spot here as they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days. 

Home-court advantage has been huge recently in this series as the home team is a perfect 6-0 SU in the last six meetings with all six wins coming by 5 points or more.  The 76ers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.  Washington is 8-0 ATS in home games off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite over the last three seasons.  These three trends combine for a perfect 19-0 system backing the Wizards tonight.  Take the Wizards Sunday. 

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Orlando Magic +10 

The Orlando Magic have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA over the past month-plus.  They have gone 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  And now they are getting healthy as both Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic returned from injury since the All-Star Break. 

Conversely, the Philadelphia 76ers are way overvalued right now due their currently six-game winning streak.  They needed a last-second shot to beat the Bulls 116-115 as 7.5-point road favorites in their first game back from the game. 

Now the 76ers are being asked to lay double-digits against a pesky Magic team that has only lost by double-digits once in their last 17 games overall.  That makes for a 16-1 system backing the Magic pertaining to this 10-point spread.  Plus, the Magic are 19-8 ATS as a dog of 10 points or more over the last three seasons. 

The Magic are 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games.  Orlando is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games following a loss.  Philadelphia is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The Magic are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 trips to Philadelphia.  Bet the Magic Saturday. 

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on San Antonio Spurs +3.5 

The Spurs are much healthier coming out of the All-Star Break than they were going into it.  They were playing without both LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay prior to the break, but both are expected to be back now.  Manu Ginobli is also probable.  That leaves Kawhi Leonard as the only player they are missing, and they are good enough to win without him with everyone else at full strength. 

I think the Spurs come out of the break extra motivated because they lost to the Nuggets 109-117 as 7-point road underdogs without both Aldridge and Gay.  With those two back, they should get their revenge here as 3.5-point underdogs and win this game outright. 

I think the Nuggets come out of the break a little overvalued because they were hot going into the break.  They are 6-2 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  Now they are actually favorites against a mostly healthy Spurs team, when in the past they would never be favored over San Antonio.  If anything, the break could only have hurt their momentum. 

The Spurs are 15-2 SU in their last 17 meetings with the Nuggets.  San Antonio is 29-13 ATS in its last 42 trips to Denver.  The Spurs are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.  The Nuggets are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.  Take the Spurs Friday. 

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Utah Jazz -3.5 

The Utah Jazz are the hottest team in the NBA.  They are 11-0 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  Seven of their last nine wins have come by 9 points or more, so they are not only winning they are dominating. 

The thing is that 11-0 run has only gotten the Jazz to 10th place in the Western Conference at 30-28.  They are still 1.5 games behind the Pelicans for the 8th seed, and 2.0 games behind the Blazers for the 7th spot.  That means they still have a lot of work to still, so they should come out of the break still motivated, especially hosting a team they are trailing in the Blazers tonight. 

The Jazz have owned the Blazers this season, going 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS against them while winning by 9 at home and by 19 on the road.  And home-court advantage has been huge in this series.  The home team is 8-1 SU & 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. 

The Blazers are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The Jazz are 8-1 ATS in their last nine when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.  Utah is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Jazz Friday. 

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Boston Celtics -2 

The Boston Celtics lost their lead in the Eastern Conference by losing four of their final five games before the break, including their last three in a row.  It’s safe to say they will come out of the break extra motivated because of it and looking to take out their frustrations on the Pistons. 

Detroit hasn’t exactly been tearing it up since trading for Blake Griffin.  In fact, the Pistons are just 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They have failed to cover the spread in five straight and have lost outright as favorites in three of their last four games coming in. 

The Celtics have owned the Pistons.  They have won five of the last seven meetings, including a 91-81 road win as 1-point favorites in their last meeting this season.  Now the Celtics have Marcus Smart back for the first time in weeks, and they clearly have missed him with their struggles prior to the break. 

The road team is a perfect 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  The Pistons are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.  The Celtics are 34-16-2 ATS in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Boston is 9-1 ATS in road games off one or more consecutive overs this season.  Roll with the Celtics Friday. 

20* Wizards/Cavs TNT Thursday No-Brainer on Cleveland -5 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a new outlook now since making the trade.  They have gone 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their four games since trading for George Hill, Rodney Hood, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson. They are winning these four games by an average of 12.0 points per game. 

Most impressively, they have beaten both Boston and Oklahoma City on the road, as well as Minnesota at home during this stretch.  And they didn’t have those four players in uniform for the first two games.  And now with the All-Star Break, it has only given these guys more time to practice and get used to one another both on and off the court.  The Cavaliers are primed for a huge second half run now. 

The Washington Wizards remain without their star and leader in John Wall for another few weeks due to a knee injury.  They aren’t capable of beating a team the caliber of these current Cavaliers without him, especially on the road in a hostile atmosphere. 

The Cavaliers have owned the Wizards, going 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Plays on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Cleveland) after leading their last three games by 5-plus points at the half against opponent that scored 115 points or more last game are 24-7 (77.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Roll with the Cavaliers Thursday. 

15* Nuggets/Bucks Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Milwaukee -2.5 

The Milwaukee Bucks have gone 9-2 since Joe Prunty took over for Jason Kidd.  The most noticeable difference has been on the defensive end, where the Bucks have locked down their opponents.  They are giving up just 95.9 points per game in their last 11 games. 

The Denver Nuggets come into this game getting a ton of respect from oddsmakers after winning five of their last six games.  But four of those wins came at home, and it has been a different story for them on the road this year. 

The Nuggets are just 8-19 on the road this season.  They had lost seven straight road games before finally ending that skid with a 123-113 win in Phoenix in their last road game.  But the Suns are playing as poorly as any team in the NBA right now having lost 12 of their last 13 with 10 of those losses coming by double-digits. 

Plays against road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Denver) - hot team having covered six or seven of their last eight games, with a winning record on the season are 71-32 (68.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Roll with the Bucks Thursday. 

20* Warriors/Blazers ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Golden State -5.5 

The Golden State Warriors recently got their wake-up call losing three of four games and two straight for the first time all season.  They have since responded by going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall, winning by 18, 17 and 46 points.  Now they want to cap it off with another big performance against the Blazers in their final game before the All-Star Break. 

The Blazers have been too inconsistent to compete with a team like Golden State.  The Blazers have lost four of their last six games with three of those losses coming by 19 or more points.  One of their wins was an home overtime victory over the Hornets, while the other was a road win at hapless Sacramento. 

The Warriors have won 11 straight meetings with the Blazers.  Nine of those 11 wins have come by 6 points or more, which is all it’s going to take to cover this generous 5.5-point spread.  Plus, Portland stud big man Jusuf Nurkic (calf, back, oblique) is questionable to play tonight, while the Warriors are basically fully healthy, especially among the big four. 

Plays on road favorites (Golden State) - off a win by 10 points or more over a division opponent against a team that is off a home loss by 10 points or more are 52-18 (74.3%) ATS since 1996.  The Blazers are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Golden State is 37-18 ATS in the last 55 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Portland.  Bet the Warriors Wednesday. 

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Utah Jazz -12 

The Utah Jazz are the hottest team in the NBA right now.  They are 10-0 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They are scoring 112 points per game and giving up just 97.1 points per game during this winning streak, outscoring opponents by nearly 15 points per game.  That’s why I’m not afraid to lay 12 points with them here Wednesday against Phoenix. 

It also helps that the Suns are the coldest team in the NBA right now.  Phoenix has lost six straight and is just 1-11 in its last 12 contests.  Not only are they losing, they are getting crushed as nine of those 11 losses have come by double-digits.  One of those losses was a 97-129 home loss to these Utah Jazz on February 2nd less than two weeks ago. 

The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss.  The Suns are 0-5 ATS in their last five vs. Western Conference opponents.  The Jazz are 6-0 SU & 4-1-1 ATS in their last six home meetings with the Suns, winning those six games by an average of 19.5 points per game.  Take the Jazz Wednesday. 

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Heat/Raptors UNDER 206.5 

Defense has certainly won out in recent meetings between the Heat and Raptors.  I’m absolutely shocked the books have set this number so high tonight when you look at the scores from those recent meetings and compare them to this 206.5-point total. 

The UNDER is 5-0 in the last five meetings.  They have combined for 179, 190, 185, 193 and 183 points in their last five meetings, respectively.  That’s an average of just 186.0 combined points per game, which is roughly 21 points less than tonight’s posted total of 206.5.   

Dating back further, the Heat and Raptors have combined for 205 or fewer points in each of their last 12 meetings.  That makes for a perfect 12-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 206.5-point total.  Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday. 

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Miami Heat +8 

The Miami Heat have had three days off since last playing on Friday in a 91-85 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks.  It’s safe to say they’ll be fresh and ready to go heading into their final two games before the All-Star Break.  That should lead to a big performance from them tonight. 

I think the Raptors are being overvalued right now after going 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  It has come mostly against a soft schedule with four of the five games at home.  They’ll get more than they bargained for from the Heat tonight. 

Miami has certainly had a knack for playing the Raptors tough of late.  They are 2-2 SU & 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings.  They only lost by 2 as 4.5-point road underdogs in their final meeting last season, and they upset the Raptors 90-89 as 4-point road underdogs in their first and only meeting thus far this season on January 9th.  Now they are getting a whopping 8 points just a month later. 

The Heat are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Miami is 22-7 ATS in its last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Heat are 13-2 ATS in road games after playing two consecutive home games over the last two seasons.  Toronto is 15-29 ATS when revenging a loss over the last three seasons.  Bet the Heat Tuesday. 

15* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Utah Jazz -4 

The Utah Jazz are playing better than anyone in the NBA right now.  The Jazz pushed their winning streak to nine with a 115-96 win over Portland Sunday night.  They are now .500 for the first time since early December and just 1.5 games behind the Pelicans for 8th place in the Western Conference.  They are focused and wanting to keep this winning streak going heading into the All-Star Break in a few days. 

Extending the streak to 10 shouldn’t be a problem tonight because few teams have been attacked by the injury bug as viciously as San Antonio this season.  The Spurs will face the Jazz without several key players in the lineup.  Kawhi Leonard and Rudy Gay have been out for a while, Tony Parker and Dejounte Murray both missed last game and remain questionable tonight, and LaMarcus Aldridge (22.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg) will sit out with a sore knee tonight. 

Not even Greg Popovich has been able to work magic with this team due to all of these injuries.  The Spurs are 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games, losing all three times by 9 points or more.  That includes a 111-120 home loss to the Jazz as 6.5-point favorites on February 3rd.  It was the 3rd straight victory in the series for Utah with the previous two coming at home.  I give the Spurs zero chance of even being competitive on the road this time around. 

The Jazz are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.  Utah is 6-0 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Jazz are 8-0 ATS in their last eight when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.  The Spurs are 0-5 ATS in their last five when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.  These four trends combined for a 27-1 system backing Utah tonight.  Take the Jazz Monday. 

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Clippers -4.5 

I think the Los Angeles Clippers are going to be a dangerous team moving forward.  They have so many good players that not too many people know about, which keeps them under the radar.  They have gone 5-2 in their last seven games overall and they added some nice pieces before the deadline. 

Certainly losing Blake Griffin hurts, but they got back some nice pieces for him in 3-and-D Avery Bradley and elite scorer Tobias Harris.  Other unsung heroes like Lou Williams, Danilo Gallinari, Austin Rivers and Montrezl Harrell have all taken their games to the next level this season.  This is a deep team that has 10 players averaging at least 8.5 points per game. 

The Nets are in free-fall mode right now and just looking forward to the All-Star Break in a few days.  They are 1-9 in their last 10 games overall.  They have some key injuries to two of their best players right now that are getting overlooked.  Both Rondae Holllis-Jefferson (14.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and Caris LeVert (11.6 ppg, 4.1 apg) are out right now.  And D’Angelo Russell just seems to be a cancer as they have struggled since he returned.  He hijacks the offense too often with his woeful 29% 3-point shooting. 

The Clippers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Los Angeles is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 road games.  The Clippers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  The Nets are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Bet the Clippers Monday. 

20* Raptors/Hornets NBA Sunday Early ANNIHILATOR on Toronto -3.5 

The Toronto Raptors are rolling right now.  They have gone 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with their four wins coming by an average of 21.3 points per game.  Now they are only favored by 3.5 against a Charlotte Hornets team they should handle. 

The Hornets are coming off a four-game road trip in which they went 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS.  Now they will be playing their 5th game in 8 days.  I always like fading teams in that first home game following an extended road trip because it’s a tough spot for them.  They have things to deal with at home when they get back that are distractions. 

The Raptors have won both meetings with he Hornets in blowout fashion this season.  They won 126-113 at home and 129-111 on the road.  The Hornets simply aren’t good enough to hang with a team the caliber of Toronto, which may be the best team in the East this season. 

Charlotte is 2-11 ATS as a home underdog over the last two seasons.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in three straight games this season.  The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last five Sunday games.  The Hornets are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Bet the Raptors Sunday. 

20* Spurs/Warriors ABC Saturday No-Brainer on Golden State -10.5 

I think we are getting the Warriors at a bargain as only 10.5-point favorites at home tonight over the Spurs.  That’s because the Warriors have had their wake-up call in losing three of their last five games coming in.  Now they should be fully focused against the Spurs tonight. 

The Spurs have gone just 9-9 in their last 18 games overall.  They are an average team right now due to all of their injuries.  They are playing without Kawhi Leonard, Rudy Gay, Tony Parker and Dejounte Murray right now.  They simply don’t have much talent or depth left. 

Golden State beat San Antonio 112-92 on the road in their only meeting this season.  Plays against any team (San Antonio) - revenging a home loss vs. opponent of 10 points or more, off a cover as a double-digit favorite are 52-19 (73.2%) ATS since 1996.  Take the Warriors Saturday.  

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

The Philadelphia 76ers have quietly gone 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last eight home games, winning by an average of 15.1 points per game.  They are not only winning, they are dominating. 

The 76ers beat the Pelicans 100-82 at home last night.  That makes this the 2nd of a back-to-back, but they had two days off before yesterday so they are fresher than most teams on a back-to-back.  And Joel Embiid has recently been cleared to play the 2nd of back-to-backs, and he is expected to play tonight. 

The Clippers are also in a back-to-back situation after winning in Detroit last night.  The difference is they actually have to travel to Philadelphia, while the 76ers get to stay at home.  Given their recent home success, I think we are getting the 76ers at a huge discount as only 2.5-point favorites. 

Philadelphia is 9-1 ATS in home games after successfully covering the spread in two or more consecutive games this season.  The 76ers are 11-3 ATS as a home favorite of 6 points or less this season.  Philadelphia is 56-25-2 ATS in its last 83 vs. Western Conference opponents.  The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Roll with the 76ers Saturday. 

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Miami Heat -1.5 

In the midst of a season-high five-game losing streak, it’s safe to say the Miami Heat will be highly motivated for a victory at home tonight over the Milwaukee Bucks.  It has been more bad luck in close games than anything as all five losses came by 8 points or less, including four by 6 points or fewer. 

Look for the Heat to get back in the win column tonight against a Milwaukee Bucks team they have owned of late.  The Heat are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Bucks, winning by an average of 13.3 points per game. 

I think the Bucks are starting to get too much respect from oddsmakers due to going 7-1 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have played an extremely soft schedule during this stretch with six of those eight games against teams with losing records.  The Bucks still have issues at point guard as starter Malcolm Brogdon and backup Matthew Dellavedova both remain out. 

Miami is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Heat are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. NBA Central Division opponents.  The Bucks are 3-9-2 ATS in their last 14 Friday games.  The home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Roll with the Heat Friday.