15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Blazers/Thunder OVER 234

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 7th in pace and 5th in offensive rating.  They are scoring 121.7 points per game this season.  They put up 134 and 139 points in their two meetings with the Blazers this season.

The Blazers have been much more productive offensively here of late due to getting much healthier.  They are coming off a game that saw 244 combined points with the Lakers.  I think they can do enough offensively to push this one up and OVER the total.

Oklahoma City is 11-3 OVER when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Thunder will be fresh and ready to run up and down the court tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Knicks/Nets TNT No-Brainer on New York -4

The New York Knicks are 8-2 SU & 7-3 ATS since trading for OG Anunoby of the Raptors.  They are in a great spot tonight rested coming off two days' rest and I expect them to make easy work of the Brooklyn Nets as a result.

The Nets are 4-15 SU & 3-15-1 ATS in their last 19 games overall and dealing with a bunch of trade rumors right now.  This is a terrible spot for the Nets returning home from a 3-game road trip that included two games in Los Angeles against the Lakers and Clippers to close out the trip.  They will be flat tonight in their first game back home.

The Knicks have owned the Nets going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings winning by 18 and 24 at home and by 19 on the road, which was their lone meeting this season.  New York is 15-4 ATS in its last 19 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Knicks Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +14.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall and have been a lot more competitive than they are getting credit for.  That includes a 4-point loss to Milwaukee, a 2-point loss to Cleveland and a 6-point loss to Chicago.  I expect them to hang with the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

This looks like a potential sleepy spot for the 76ers, who have won five consecutive games and have a five-game road trip coming up next.  They kind of sleep walked through their 97-89 win as 11-point favorites at Charlotte on Saturday.  They will now be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.

This is the final game of a 5-game road trip for the Spurs and I always feel like teams are more motivated in that final game on a road trip to end it with a win.  San Antonio will give Philadelphia a run for its money tonight.  Bet the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Cavs/Magic UNDER 216.5

The Orlando Magic are a dead nuts UNDER team going 7-1 UNDER in its last eight games overall.  Orlando and its opponents have combined for 212 or fewer points in six of its last seven games.  This is a very high total for a game involving the Magic tonight.

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain without two of their best scorers in Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.  One of their top bench scorers in Caris LeVert is questionable as well.  The Cavaliers have had to rely a lot on defense without these guys, and they have done a great job of it.  Indeed, Cleveland has allowed 102 or fewer points in six of its last seven games overall while going 5-1-1 UNDER during this stretch.

This will be the 3rd meeting of the season between these teams already.  Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  The Cavs and Magic combined for just 198 points in their most recent meeting on December 11th.  In fact, the Cavs and Magic have combined for 214 or fewer points in 16 of their last 20 meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Heat/Magic UNDER 215.5

Miami is a dead nuts UNDER team.  The UNDER is 10-2 in Heat last 12 games overall and 5-0 in their last five.  They have gone for 218 or fewer combined points in five consecutive games and played two dead nuts over teams in that stretch in Toronto and Atlanta, the only two games that would have gone over this total.

One of those five games was against Orlando on January 12th.  The Heat won that game 99-96 for just 195 combined points.  Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and it should be more of the same here in the rematch.

Orlando is also a dead nuts UNDER team going 6-1 UNDER in its last seven games overall.  Orlando and its opponents have combined for 212 or fewer points in five of its last six games.  Simply put, this total has been set too high tonight.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on 76ers/Hornets OVER 229

The Charlotte Hornets have been a dead nuts under team without La'Melo Ball this season.  But he recently returned from injury, giving us the opportunity to 'buy low' on a Hornets OVER.  They are a much better offensive team with Ball in the lineup and they play with a lot more pace with him as well.

We have seen that play out in their last two games. The Hornets lost 132-112 at New Orleans for 244 combined points and beat the Spurs 124-120 for 244 combined points.  This total of 229 has been set too low against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

The 76ers are 3-0 OVER in their last three games overall and just got Joel Embiid back from injury.  They combined for 239 points with Houston, 247 points with Denver and 233 points with Orlando.

Philadelphia is 41-20 OVER in its last 61 games as a road favorite.  The 76ers are 21-11 OVER as a favorite this season.  Philadelphia is 21-8 OVER in its last 29 games vs. terrible defensive teams that allow 48% shooting or higher.

Plays on the OVER on all teams where the total is 220 to 229.5 (Philadelphia) - after covering the spread in four or more consecutive games when playing their 2nd road game in 2 days are 28-6 (82.4%) over the last five seasons.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Nuggets/Celtics ESPN ANNIHILATOR on OVER 233

Both the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are fully healthy right now and elite offensive teams when that's the case.  The Nuggets have scored at least 117 points in six of their last seven games overall.  The Celtics have scored at least 117 points in 14 of their last 16 games overall.  Both teams will get 117-plus in this one as we easily cash this OVER 233 ticket.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings as the Celtics and Nuggets have combined for 234 and 243 points in their last two meetings.  Boston is 18-5 OVER in its last 23 games vs. Northwest Division opponents.  Bet the OVER In this game Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Spurs/Hornets OVER 235.5

The Charlotte Hornets have been a dead nuts under team without La'Melo Ball this season.  But he recently returned from injury, giving us the opportunity to 'buy low' on a Hornets OVER.  They are a much better offensive team with Ball in the lineup and they play with a lot more pace with him as well.

We saw that play out last game with the Hornets losing 132-112 at New Orleans for 244 combined points.  This total of 235.5 has been set too low against the San Antonio Spurs tonight.

Victor Wembenyama is sitting tonight for the Spurs.  They have been a dead nuts under team with him in the lineup, and much more of an over team without him because he is their best defender.  In fact, they have gone 7-0-2 UNDER in their last nine games with Wembenyama.

In their last four games without Wembenyama, the OVER is 4-0 as they combined for 238 points with the Bulls, 262 points with the Blazers, 263 points with the Mavericks and 251 points with the Bucks.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Utah Jazz +4

The Utah Jazz have been fully healthy for a few weeks now and are showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Jazz are 12-2 SU & 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games overall with seven outright wins as underdogs.  What more does this team have to do to get some respect?

They beat the Pacers by 27, the Lakers by 7 on the 2nd of a back-to-back, the Raptors by 32, the Nuggets by 13, the Bucks outright by 16 as 8-point road dogs and the 76ers outright by 11 as 8.5-point road dogs in their last six games coming in.  They should not be 4-point home underdogs to the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight.

The Jazz have a big rest advantage over the Thunder, who will be playing their 3rd road game in 4 days and in altitude tonight to boot.  The Thunder will also be playing their 6th game in 9 days tonight and started to show signs of wearing down with a 7-point loss to the Lakers and an 11-point loss to the Clippers in their last two games coming in.  Meanwhile, the Jazz will be playing on two days' rest after having last night's game against the Warriors canceled.

The Jazz are 15-5 SU & 16-3-1 ATS at home this season.  Utah is 9-1 ATS as a home dog of 6 points or less this season.  The Jazz are 11-1 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season.  Utah is 10-1 ATS in home games when revenging a road loss this season.  Utah is 9-0 ATS in home games vs. a team with a winning record this season.  Bet the Jazz Thursday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hornets/Pelicans OVER 229

The Charlotte Hornets have been a dead nuts under team without La'Melo Ball this season.  But he recently returned from injury, giving us the opportunity to 'buy low' on a Hornets OVER.  They are a much better offensive team with Ball in the lineup and they play with a lot more pace with him as well.

The Pelicans are fully healthy right now and an elite offensive team when that's the case.  They have scored an average of 125.0 points per game in their last five games.  I think they get to 125-plus tonight, and the Hornets do enough to push this one OVER the total.

Plays on the OVER on all teams where the total is 220 or higher (New Orleans) - off a road loss, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a terrible team that wins 25% or less are 28-5 (84.8%) since 1996.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +16

The San Antonio Spurs are 2-5 SU but 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall playing their most competitive basketball of the season.  They only lost at Memphis by 8, to the Bucks by 4, to the Cavs by 2, to the Bulls by 6 and at the Hawks by 10 in their five defeats during this stretch.  Now they are catching too many points once again to the Boston Celtics tonight.

Boston is overvalued due to its 19-0 home record this season.  But they needed OT recently at home to beat both the Pistons and the Timberwolves.  With this perfect home record comes expectations that are difficult to live up to, and it's time to 'sell high' on the Celtics as a result.

Three starters in Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White are all questionable to play tonight for the Celtics.  Jaylen Brown is banged up as well.  The Spurs are as healthy as they have been all season, which has been the key to them being so competitive of late and covering a bunch of spreads.  They'll cover another tonight.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Phoenix Suns -4

The Phoenix Suns finally heave the Big 3 of Durant, Booker and Beal healthy and playing at the same time.  They are showing what they are capable of when that's the case in recent weeks.  The Suns are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games overall including a 127-109 road win over the Lakers two games ago.

The Suns have the next two days off so they will be 'all in' to get a win over the Sacramento Kings tonight.  I question how much the Kings have left in the tank as they will be playing their 5th consecutive road game and coming off an OT loss at Milwaukee at the buzzer on Sunday.  They will be playing their 5th road game in 8 days as well as their 9th game in 15 days overall.

Sacramento is 12-25 ATS in its last 37 games after playing two consecutive road games.  The Kings are 18-34 ATS in their last 52 road games off a close road loss by 3 points or less.  Plays against road underdogs (Sacramento) - off two or more consecutive road losses against an opponent that is off a road win by 10 points or more are 25-7 (78.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Suns Tuesday.

15* Thunder/Lakers NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 236.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a dead nuts OVER team. They rank 6th in pace and 4th in offensive rating. They have scored at least 119 points in 11 of their last 13 games overall, and 112 points or more in all 13.

The Los Angeles Lakers have allowed 132, 127 and 131 points in their last three games coming in. They are not playing defense since the In-Season Tournament. They can get their points on offense to hang with the Thunder in a shootout though.

That has been the case in recent meetings as the OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with 249, 243, 227, 240 and 263 combined points with none of those games going to OT. Those 249 and 243-point totals came in their first two meetings this season. It should be more of the same tonight.

Plays on the OVER on any team (LA Lakers) - after being beaten by the spread by 30 or more points total in their last five games against an opponent that went under the total by more than 18 points in two consecutive games are 23-6 (79.3%) over the last five seasons. Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Utah Jazz -7.5

The Utah Jazz have been fully healthy for a few weeks now and are showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Jazz are 11-2 SU & 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall with seven outright wins as underdogs.  What more does this team have to do to get some respect?

They beat the Lakers by 7 on the 2nd of a back-to-back, the Raptors by 32, the Nuggets by 13, the Bucks outright by 16 as 8-point road dogs and the 76ers outright by 11 as 8.5-point road dogs in their last five games coming in. They should be more than 7.5-point favorites over the Indiana Pacers tonight.

This is a terrible spot for the Pacers. They are without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton. They are coming off a 109-117 road loss at Denver on Sunday. Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back in altitude. They will also be playing their 7th game in 11 days and their 3rd consecutive road game. This is a tired team to say the least.

Utah is 11-1 ATS in home games when revenging a road loss this season. The Jazz are 14-5 SU & 15-3-1 ATS at home this season. Bet the Jazz Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Raptors OVER 241

The Toronto Raptors are a dead nuts OVER team since trading for RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley of the Knicks.  They are also going more small ball now with the loss of center Jakob Poeltl, which is beneficial to the OVER after adding those two scorers from the Knicks to boot.

The OVER is 8-1 in Raptors last nine games overall with 238 or more combined points in eight of those nine games.  They combined for 258 points with the Jazz, 246 with the Clippers, 263 with the Lakers, 251 with the Warriors and 265 with the Kings in their last five games coming in.  It will be more of the same against the Celtics tonight.

Boston just hung 145 points on the Rockets last game and has now scored at least 118 points in 13 of its last 14 games overall. The Celtics rank 3rd in offensive rating this season and will be able to name their number on the Raptors, who have allowed 118 or more points in eight of their last nine games overall. But I think Toronto can keep pace in a shootout.

Toronto is 16-4 OVER after playing a road game this season. The OVER is 10-4 in Celtics last 14 games overall. Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +7.5

The Atlanta Hawks are the most overvalued team in the NBA this season. They are 15-23 SU & 9-29 ATS this season, including 6-11 SU & 3-14 ATS at home. They don't play defense ranking 27th in defensive rating, and their chemistry is terrible right now.

The Hawks are 3-8 SU & 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall. They haven't won a game by more than 7 points since December 15th, which was 15 games ago, so they'd be 0-14 ATS in their last 14 games with a line of -7.5. They were just upset by 28 at home by the Wizards as 7-point favorites. They should not be 7.5-point favorites over the Spurs today.

The Spurs are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now. They are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall taking the Grizzlies, Bucks, Cavs and Bulls to the wire in four losses by 8 points or less. They also crushed the Pistons by 22 and the Hornets by 36. They will have Victor Wembanyama for this game, and they are a pretty good team with him in the lineup.

Atlanta is 0-9 ATS as a home favorite this season. The Hawks are 2-16 ATS as favorites this season. Atlanta is 1-11 ATS vs. teams that allow 116 or more points per game this season. Bet the Spurs Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Phoenix Suns -10.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are playing as poorly as any team in the NBA right now. They are 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall with all six losses coming by 21 points or more. That's why I'm willing to lay the -10.5 with the Phoenix Suns tonight.

The Blazers are also in a terrible spot returning home from a 7-game road trip. There is a lot of distractions they will have to deal with back at home, not the least of which is the embarrassment of how poorly they performed on that road trip. The Blazers are also banged up right now which is a big reason for their struggles.

The Phoenix Suns are fully healthy and showing what they are capable of when they have Durant, Booker and Beal on the court at the same time. They are coming off an 18-point road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. They are rested and ready to go as they have had the last two days off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days tonight.

Portland is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 games after scoring 95 points or less in two consecutive games. The Blazers have been held to 93, 77 and 84 points in their last three games, which is absolutely terrible in today's NBA. Bet the Suns Sunday.

15* Lakers/Jazz NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah ML +105

The Utah Jazz have been fully healthy for a few weeks now and are showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Jazz are 10-2 SU & 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games overall with seven outright wins as underdogs.  What more does this team have to do to get some respect?

I know the Jazz will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but not all back-to-backs are created equal. They blew out the Raptors 145-113 last night so they were able to rest their starters in the 4th quarter. They will be plenty fresh and motivated when they host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. They sit at 20-20 this season with a chance to get back above .500.

The Lakers have been grossly overvalued since winning the In-Season Tournament. They are 5-11 SU & 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall. They have six players on the injury report including questionable tags for LeBron, D'Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish heading into this one. They should not be favored on the road over a Jazz team playing as well as anyone right now.

Utah is 10-1 ATS in home games off an ATS win this season.  The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in home games vs. poor defensive teams that allow 46% shooting or worse this season.  Utah is 10-1 ATS in home games when revenging a loss this season. Bet the Jazz Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on New York Knicks -7

The Memphis Grizzlies cannot catch a break. They were playing well when JA Morant and Marcus Smart were back. But now Morant is out for the season, and Smart is out at least six weeks. They were already without Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke and Derrick Rose.

Now the Grizzlies have Santi Aldama questionable and Desmond Bane just left last night's game with an ankle injury and did not return. I can't imagine Bane will be back for this 2nd of a back-to-back. The Grizzlies are just so short-handed right now.

The Knicks are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS since trading for OG Anunoby from the Raptors. That includes a 128-92 road win at Philadelphia as 5.5-point dogs as four of those five wins have come by 16 points or more. I expect them to crush the short-handed Grizzlies tonight.

New York is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games as a road favorite. Memphis is 4-13 ATS in home games this season. The Knicks are 12-3 ATS vs. a team with a losing record this season. The Grizzlies are 1-9 ATS vs. good teams outscoring their opponents by 3-plus points per game this season. Bet the Knicks Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Washington Wizards +8

The Atlanta Hawks have been grossly overvalued all season. They are 15-22 SU & 9-28 ATS in their 37 games and consistently getting too much respect from oddsmakers. That is the case again tonight as 8-point favorites over Washington.

This is as terrible spot for the Hawks. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 126-108 home loss to the Pacers last night. It will also be the 3rd game in 4 days for the Hawks after going to OT against the 76ers the game prior. They won't have much left in the tank for the Wizards tonight.

The Wizards have played their best basketball on the road this season going 12-8-1 ATS in their 21 road games. They are rested and ready to go tonight after having the last two days off. They are also fully healthy.

Atlanta is 0-8 ATS as a home favorite this season. Washington is 28-11 ATS in its last 39 road games following six or more consecutive losses. The Wizards are 7-0 ATS in road games vs. poor defensive teams that allow 116 or more points per game this season. Bet the Wizards Saturday.

20* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Raptors/Jazz OVER 235.5

The Toronto Raptors are a dead nuts OVER team since trading for RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley of the Knicks.  They are also going more small ball now with the loss of center Jakob Poeltl, which is beneficial to the OVER after adding those two scorers from the Knicks to boot.

The OVER is 7-1 in Raptors last eight games overall with 238 or more combined points in seven of those eight games.  They combined for 246 points with the Clippers, 263 with the Lakers, 251 with the Warriors and 265 with the Kings in their last four games coming in.  It will be more of the same against the Jazz tonight.

The Jazz are fully healthy right now and are an elite offensive team when that's the case. They have scored 120 or more points in five of their last six games overall. The Raptors have allowed 118 or more points in seven of their last eight games overall.

Utah is 10-1 OVER in its last 11 home games after three straight games outrebounding opponents by 5 boards or more. Toronto is 8-1 OVER off a loss by 6 points or less this season. The Raptors are 15-4 OVER after playing a road game this season. The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings between the Raptors and Jazz with 238 or more combined points in each of the last three. Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Night BLOWOUT on Utah Jazz -3

The Utah Jazz have been fully healthy for a few weeks now and are showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Jazz are 9-2 SU & 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall with seven outright wins as underdogs.  What more does this team have to do to get some respect?

We'll gladly take advantage again tonight and back the Jazz as short home favorites over the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors are without starting C Jacob Poeltl and their best player in Pascal Siakam is questionable. The Raptors are playing well also, but this is a tough spot for them.

The Raptors will be playing their 6th road game in 10 days here. They just played the Lakers and Clippers in Los Angeles in back-to-back days. They won't have much left in the tank for the Jazz, and they will also be playing in altitude in Salt Lake City tonight to make matters worse.

Utah is 9-1 ATS in home games off an ATS win this season. The Jazz are 9-1 ATS in home games vs. poor defensive teams that allow 46% shooting or worse this season. Bet the Jazz Friday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Chicago Bulls -3

The Chicago Bulls are fully healthy and playing well right now. They have won three consecutive games coming in and I expect them to take down the short-handed Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Warriors are without four key players right now in Draymond Green, Gary Payton II, Chris Paul and Moses Moody. They are 2-6 SU & 3-5 ATS in their last eight games overall. Their last two games were particularly concerning as they were upset by the Raptors by 15 at home and blasted by the Pelicans by 36 at home.

Golden State is 2-11 ATS after losing two of its last three games this season. Chicago is 42-25 ATS in its last 67 games as home favorites. Bet the Bulls Friday.

15* NBA Thursday Night BLOWOUT on New York Knicks -4.5

The Dallas Mavericks are without Luka Doncic, Dante Exum and Derrick Lively II tonight. Grant Williams is questionable as well. I don't give them much of a shot of even keeping this game competitive against the New York Knicks tonight without Doncic.

The Knicks are 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS since trading for OG Anunoby of the Raptors. They have won all five games by 6 points or more with four of those wins coming by 16 points or more. They have been absolutely dominant, and they are allowing just 97.4 points per game during this winning streak, which is unheard of in today's NBA. Bet the Knicks Thursday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Blazers/Thunder OVER 233

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 9-2 OVER in their last 11 games overall with 232 or more combined points in 10 of those 11 games, 235 or more nine times and 248 or more seven of those.  This total of 233 is too short for a game involving the Thunder right now.

The Portland Trail Blazers are more of an OVER team when Anfernee Simons is healthy. He is one of the best young guards in the game. But the Blazers have allowed 126 or more points in four of their last six games and are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* Raptors/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 235.5

The Toronto Raptors are a dead nuts OVER team since trading for RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley of the Knicks.  They are also going more small ball now with the loss of center Jakob Poeltl, which is beneficial to the OVER after adding those two scorers from the Knicks to boot.

The OVER is 6-1 in Raptors last seven games overall with 238 or more combined points in six of those seven games.  They combined for 263 points with the Lakers, 251 with the Warriors and 265 with the Kings in their last three games coming in.  It will be more of the same against the Clippers tonight.

The Clippers have scored 117 or more points in four of their last six games overall.  They put up 117 on Memphis, 121 on Miami, 131 on Phoenix and 138 on Phoenix.  They will hang a big number on the Raptors to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.  But the Raptors have scored at least 116 points in nine consecutive games and will get theirs as well.  They have scored 124-plus in five of their last six.

Toronto is 14-4 OVER off a road game this season.  The Clippers are 16-5 OVER in their last 21 games off a home win by 10 points or more.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Nuggets/Jazz ESPN No-Brainer on Utah +7

The Utah Jazz have been fully healthy for a few weeks now and are showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Jazz are 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall with six outright wins as underdogs.  What more does this team have to do to get some respect?

We'll gladly take advantage again tonight and back the Jazz catching 7 points at home to the Denver Nuggets.  The highlights during this run include an upset home win over the Heat by 8, an upset home win over the Mavericks by 27, an upset road win at Philadelphia by 11 and an upset road win at Milwaukee by 16.  The Jazz will have no problem getting motivated to face the defending champs tonight.

The Nuggets have benefited from a home-heavy, soft schedule here of late with six of their last even games at home.  Their lone road game during this stretch was a 3-point win at Golden State at the buzzer.  The road games prior were all single-digit wins over the Hornets, Nets, Raptors, Bulls and Hawks.  The Nuggets have just one road win all season by double-digits.  They are 11-8 SU but 7-12 ATS on the highway this season.

Utah is 11-5 SU & 12-3-1 ATS at home this season.  The Jazz are 51-26 ATS in their last 77 games as underdogs, including 21-5 ATS in their last 26 games as home underdogs.  Utah is 11-1 ATS after playing two consecutive road games this season.  The Jazz are 9-1 ATS in home games when revenging a loss this season.  Utah is 7-0 ATS in home games vs. a team with a winning record this season.  Bet the Jazz Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Pelicans/Warriors OVER 233.5

The Golden State Warriors are a dead nuts OVER team in their current state.  They are without their two best defenders in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  They are also without Chris Paul, who slows down the tempo on offense when he's in there.  So him being out benefits the OVER.

The OVER is 4-1 in Warriors last five games overall with 236 or more combined points in four of those five games.  This total is too short considering the opponent in the Pelicans, who have scored 117 or more points in seven of their last eight road games, including 133 against the Kings last time out.

New Orleans is 13-5 OVER in its last 18 games following an UNDER.  The Warriors are 26-13 OVER in their last 39 games with a line of +3 to -3.  Golden State is 16-4 OVER following an ATS loss this season.  The Warriors are 9-1 OVER vs. a marginal winning team (51-60%) this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Pelicans/Warriors ABC ANNIHILATOR on New Orleans +1

The Golden State Warriors are broken right now without Draymond Green, Gary Payton II and Chris Paul.  There is just too much on Steph Curry's shoulders.  The Warriors are 2-5 SU in their last seven games overall with their two wins both coming at home over the Magic by 6 and the Pistons by 4.  They are coming off a 15-point home loss to the Raptors, and also lost by 12 at home to Miami and by 10 at home to Dallas.

The Pelicans are 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.  They beat the Kings by 33, the Timberwolves by 11, the Cavaliers by 19, the Spurs by 36, the Hornets by 5, the Wizards by 20 and the Kings by 10 with six of those seven wins by double-digits.  They are rolling on the road right now and should not be underdogs to the Warriors tonight.

Golden State is 6-14 ATS in home games this season.  Bet the Pelicans Wednesday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Thunder/Heat OVER 233

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 8-2 OVER in their last 10 games overall with 232 or more combined points in nine of those 10 games, 235 or more eight times and 249 or more six of those.  This total of 233 is too short for a game involving the Thunder right now.

The Miami Heat have been more of an under team of late but a lot of that has to do with who they have played against.  They did just combine for 233 points with the Rockets with a 220-point total in their last game.  The Thunder will speed them up and make them play faster, and the Heat lose a lot defensively with the injuries they have right now.

The OVER is 5-1 in Heat last six home games.  Oklahoma City is 14-6 OVER with a total of 230 or higher this season.  The OVER is 15-4 in Thunder last 19 games after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on San Antonio Spurs -3.5

The San Antonio Spurs are 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall playing Memphis (lost by 8), Milwaukee (lost by 4) and Cleveland (lost by 2) all tough and down to the wire.  They haven't been rewarded with victories for their solid play, but they will be rewarded tonight with a blowout victory over the lowly Detroit Pistons.

The spot really favors the Spurs tonight.  They come in on two days' rest and will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.  Meanwhile, the Pistons will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 10 days.  The blew a 22-point home lead to the Kings last night and wound up losing by 21 points.

The Pistons were playing more competitive basketball of late but then lost their best player in Cade Cunningham to injury.  They were blown out in the 2nd half by the Nuggets in a 17-point loss after losing Cunningham in the 1H the game prior.  They just don't stand much of a chance of being competitive without him.

Detroit is 3-11 ATS in non-conference games this season.  The Pistons are 4-12 ATS after playing a home game this season.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +7.5

The Indiana Pacers are in a terrible spot tonight.  They just played two consecutive games against the Boston Celtics at home.  After losing the first meeting, they got their revenge in the rematch with a 133-131 victory.  Now they are primed for a big letdown here against the Washington Wizards.

The cost of that victory was a big one, too.  They lost their best player in Tyrese Haliburton to a hamstring injury that is going to sideline him for at least two weeks.  Haliburton was having a MVP-caliber season averaging 23.6 points per game and 12.5 assists per game while shooting 40% from 3, 50% from the floor and 87% from the FT line.  The Pacers go as Haliburton goes.

They should not be 7.5-point favorites over the Wizards tonight without him.  The Wizards have played their best basketball on the road this season going 12-8 ATS on the highway.  They just beat the Pacers 137-123 as 8.5-point home dogs in their last meeting even with Haliburton.  They will hang tough tonight and possibly pull off the upset again.

Washington is 16-4 ATS in its last 20 road games off a non-conference game.  The Wizards are 91-58 ATS in their last 159 games off five or more consecutive losses.  Washington is 7-0 ATS n road games vs. poor defensive teams that allow 116 or more points per game this season.  This is a great spot to 'buy low' on the Wizards.  Bet the Wizards Wednesday.

20* Raptors/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto +5

The Toronto Raptors have been playing very well since trading for RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley.  They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their four games since the trade with their only loss coming at Sacramento by 5 as 4.5-point dogs after the Kings made two free throws with almost no time left.

They beat the Cavaliers at home, upset the Grizzlies on the road and upset the Warriors by 15 on the road.  The Raptors have now scored 124 or more points in four of their last five games as their offensive efficiency is through the roof.

This is a great spot to fade the Lakers.  They are coming off an upset home win over the Clippers last time out, and now they have another huge game against the Phoenix Suns on deck Thursday.  That makes this the ultimate sandwich spot for them and they won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Raptors as they were to beat the Clippers, or as they will be to beat the Suns.

The Lakers have been grossly overvalued for a month now.  They are 4-10 SU & 5-9 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They should not be 5-point favorites over the Raptors tonight with the way these teams are trending.  Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz +10

The Utah Jazz are 7-2 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They are as healthy as they have been all season, which is a big reason they are playing so well right now.  They should not be catching double-digits on the road to the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.

The Bucks will be without Damian Lillard and Cameron Payne tonight, so they will be short-handed.  The Jazz can shift their focus to just trying to stop Giannis now.  The Bucks are a dangerous team when both of those guys are healthy, but they are closer to an average team without one of Lillard or Giannis.  Milwaukee is 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall.

Utah is 50-26 ATS in its last 76 games as an underdog.  The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after playing two consecutive road games.  They are coming off a 120-109 upset win at Philadelphia as 8.5-point dogs, and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them upset the Bucks tonight.  Bet the Jazz Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Thunder/Wizards OVER 244.5

The OVER is 7-2 in Thunder last nine games overall.  They have combined for 249 or more points with their opponents in five of those nine games, so getting over 244.5 tonight isn't asking too much when you consider their opponent.

The Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 2nd in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They face a Thunder team that ranks 6th in pace and 4th in offensive rating.  The Thunder have scored at least 115 points in 14 consecutive games now.  The Wizards allow 126.1 points per game this season.

Washington is 14-4 OVER in its last 18 non-conference home games.  The Wizards are 12-4 OVER vs. good offensive teams that score 116-plus points per game this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Raptors/Warriors OVER 236.5

The Toronto Raptors have become a dead nuts OVER team since trading away their best defender in OG Anunoby to the Knicks and bringing in two scorers and poor defenders in RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley.  The OVER is 4-1 in Raptors last five games overall with 238 or more combined points in four of those five games.  They have now gone for at least 232 combined points in seven of their last eight games overall as well.

The Golden State Warriors are without their two best defenders right now in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  They also just lost Chris Paul to injury, and it's actually a good thing for Golden State OVERS to be without Paul because he doesn't push the tempo as much as they will without him.  The OVER is 3-1 in Warriors last four games overall with 252, 236 and 257 combined points in the three OVERS.

The OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings between the Raptors and Warriors with 246 and 236 combined points in their last two meetings.  Toronto is 12-4 OVER after playing a road game this season.  Golden State is 15-4 OVER following an ATS loss this season.  The Warriors are 25-13 OVER in their last 38 games with a line of +3 to -3.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +16.5

The Detroit Pistons have gotten healthy and have been much more competitive of late as a result.  Their 28-game losing streak has had them undervalued for a few weeks now.  The Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They only lost by 4 at Golden State, by 6 at Utah in OT, by 6 in Boston in OT and upset the Raptors. during this stretch.

Now I expect the Pistons to give the defending champion Nuggets a run for their money tonight.  The Nuggets have been overvalued due to winning the title last year.  They are kind of just going through the motions right now and won't be motivated at all to get margin on the Pistons.

The Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They lost outright to the Thunder by 26 as 1.5-point favorites at home and outright to the Magic as 9.5-point home favorites during this stretch.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (Denver) - after going over the total by 18 or more points total in their last three games against an opponent that went over the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games are 27-3 (90%) over the last five seasons.  Bet the Pistons Sunday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Pistons/Nuggets OVER 235

The Detroit Pistons have gotten healthy and are playing much more competitive basketball of late because of it.  The improvements have come on offense with the addition of sharp shooter Bojan Bogdanovic to the lineup.  The Pistons have scored at least 109 points in 10 consecutive games.  But they still rank 27th in defensive rating.

The Nuggets rank 7th in offensive rating and will get theirs.  But they have been soft defensively of late allowing 127 points to the Warriors and 122 to the Magic in their last two games, which went well OVER the total with 257 and 242 combined points, respectively.

The Pistons and their opponents have combined for at least 249 points in four of their last five games.  The OVER is 6-1 in Pistons last seven games overall.  Detroit is 13-3 OVER vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 36% of their shots or better this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Hawks/Magic OVER 238

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 5th in pace, 6th in offensive rating and 28th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 20-12 in all Atlanta games this season.  The OVER is 3-0 in their last three games combining for 256 points with Washington, 279 with Oklahoma City and 266 with Indiana.

The OVER is 3-0 in Magic last three games overall combining for 236 points with Golden State, 273 with Sacramento and 242 with Denver.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings between the Hawks and Magic with 239, 251, 259 and 233 combined points.

Orlando is 9-1 OVER after covering five or six of its last seven games this season.  Atlanta is 8-1 OVER after losing five or six of its last seven games this season.  The Magic are 17-5 OVER in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pelicans/Kings OVER 235.5

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team when playing at home.  They are 13-6 OVER in all home games this season where they are scoring 122.4 points per game and allowing 120.7 points per game.  They control the tempo when playing at home and like to push the pace.

Sacramento's last two home games saw 265 combined points with the Raptors and 273 combined points with the Magic.  Now they host a New Orleans Pelicans team that won't mind getting up and down with them at all.  This total is suppressed because the Pelicans shot terrible against the Clippers last game at 35.9%, keeping  this total lower than it should be.

The OVER is 6-1 in Pelicans last seven road games where they have scored at least 117 points in six of those seven games.  That includes their 127-117 win in Sacramento on December 4th that saw 244 combined points.  It should be more of the same here in this rematch.

Sacramento is 15-4 OVER in its last 19 home games following two or more consecutive wins.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Pacers OVER 245.5

Both the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers won in blowouts last night that allowed them to rest their starters in the 4th quarter.  Both teams should be fresh for this game on the 2nd of a back-to-back as a result, and I expect this to be a fast-paced game with plenty of points.  No starter played more than 26 minutes for the Celtics and no starter played more than 25 minutes for the Pacers last night.

The Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 25-10 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 1st in pace, 1st in offensive rating and 26th in defensive rating.  They host the team right behind them in the Celtics, who rank 2nd in offensive rating this season.  The Pacers will control the tempo playing at home.

The OVER is 14-4 in Pacers 18 home games this season.  Their last three home games have been ridiculously high scoring as they combined for 266 points with the Hawks, 272 points with the Bucks and 266 points with the Knicks.  It should be more of the same here against the Celtics.

The Celtics won 155-103 in their first meeting with the Pacers this season for 258 combined points.  They only combined for 234 in the 2nd meeting with the Pacers pulling off the 122-112 upset, but the Celtics didn't have Porzingis for that game.  He is is the key to them being so efficient on offense.  

The Celtics have scored at least 120 points in nine consecutive games.  The Pacers have scored at least 120 points in six consecutive games.  Both teams will easily surpass 120 points apiece in this one.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Raptors/Kings OVER 238

The Sacramento Kings are definitely an OVER team especially playing at home where they can control the tempo.  The OVER is 12-6 in Sacramento's 18 home games this season where they are scoring 121.7 points per game and allowing 120.2 points per game.

The Toronto Raptors just made a trade to bring in RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley from the Knicks.  Those moves make the Raptors more of an OVER team moving forward as both Barrett and Quickley are scorers but poor defenders.  We've seen that play out here of late for the Raptors.

The Raptors have now scored at least 116 points in six consecutive games with the OVER going 4-2 in those six games.  They combined for 245 points with Utah, 238 with Boston, 256 with Detroit and 245 with Cleveland.  This total of 238 is too low for this game tonight considering infusion of offense for the Raptors that Barrett and Quickley provide.

Sacramento is 22-7 OVER in its last 29 home games following an ATS loss.  Plays on the OVER on home teams where the total is 200 or higher (Sacramento) - after going over the total by more than 30 points in their previous game in January games are 37-10 (78.7%) over the last five seasons.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Pistons/Warriors OVER 240.5

The Detroit Pistons have gotten healthy here recently which is why they are playing a lot more competitive basketball of late.  But they are only competitive because they have improved greatly offensively, but they are still a terrible defensive team ranking 27th in defensive rating.

The OVER is 6-0 in Pistons last six games overall and 10-2 in their last 12 games overall.  The Pistons and their opponents have combined for at least 240 points in nine of their last 12 games overall.  That includes 302 with Utah last game, 249 with Houston the game prior, 256 with Toronto the game prior and 250 with the Celtics the game prior.

The Warriors are without their two best defenders in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II right now, which makes them more of an OVER team.  The Warriors rank 20th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 3-0 in Warriors last three games overall as they combined for 257 points with the Nuggets, 236 with the Magic and 254 with the Mavericks.  These two teams should have no problem combining to top the 240.5-point total tonight.

Detroit is 22-12 OVER in all games this season, including 13-5 OVER in road games.  The Pistons are 9-0 OVER vs. teams that make 14 or more 3-pointers per game this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Grizzlies/Lakers ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 228.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts UNDER team even with JA Morant.  They start three elite defenders in Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman who also don't provide a ton offensively at the same time.

The UNDER is 21-13 in all Memphis games this season.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Grizzlies last four games overall with 227, 204, 215 and 223 combined points, which all would have stayed UNDER this 228.5-point total.

The Lakers are 10-5 UNDER in all home games this season.  They are averaging just over 222 combined points per game at home with their opponents.  Making the Lakers an even stronger UNDER team right now is the fact that they are without PG D'Angelo Russell.  Their offense really bogs down and slows down without him.  They have been held to 96, 109 and 106 points in their last three games overall.

Memphis is 8-1 UNDER after losing four of its last five games this season.  The Lakers and Grizzlies have combined for 228 or fewer points in five of their last six meetings, which makes for a 5-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 228.5-point total.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Thunder/Nets OVER 234.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 5th in offensive rating and 6th in pace this season.  The OVER is 6-2 in Thunder last six games overall with 249 or more combined points in five of those eight games.  They just combined for 279 with the Hawks and 250 with the Celtics in their last two games.

Now they get another Eastern Conference foe here in the Nets.  The Nets have gone under the total in four consecutive games, which has suppressed this total as a result.  But the Nets shot 42.9%, 38%, 35.7% and 38.7% from the floor in those four games, which were all on the road.  Now they are back home and primed to shoot it much better.

The Nets are scoring 115.9 points per game at home this season.  If they just get to their season average, which I think they will, we will cash this OVER ticket.  The Nets have allowed at least 110 points in 14 consecutive games.  Brooklyn is 18-6 OVER in its last 24 games off three consecutive losses by 10 points or more.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Jazz/Celtics OVER 239.5

The Utah Jazz have gotten healthy and are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  The improvements have come on offense, where the Jazz have scored at least 116 points in eight of their last nine games overall.  But the Jazz rank 24th in defensive rating this season.  If they get to 116 points in this one, which they should, we are going to cash this OVER ticket.

The Celtics rank 2nd in offensive rating right behind the Pacers this season.  They are loaded on that end with Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, Holiday and White being pretty much unstoppable.  The Celtics have scored at least 120 points in eight consecutive games and will easily get 120-plus in this one.

The Celtics are 7-1 OVER in their last eight games overall with 235 or more combined points in all eight games, and 241 or more in six of those.  Utah is 26-13 OVER in its last 39 non-conference games.  Boston is 17-4 OVER in its last 21 games vs. Northwest Division opponents.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pistons/Jazz OVER 237.5

The Utah Jazz are fully healthy right now and lighting it up offensively.  They have scored at least 116 points in seven of their last eight games overall and 10 of their last 12 games overall.  They will hang a big number on the Pistons, who rank 26th in defensive rating this season.

The Pistons have also gotten healthy in recent weeks which is why they have been more competitive and were able to snap their losing streak.  The Pistons have scored at least 111 points in eight consecutive games.  But they are so bad defensively, allowing at least 118 points in 12 consecutive games.  The OVER is 9-2 in Pistons last 11 games overall with 240 or more combined points in eight of those 11 games.  The OVER is 5-0 in the last five games overall.

Detroit is 21-9 OVER as an underdog this season.  Utah is 17-6 OVER in its last 23 home games off a win by 10 points or more.  The Jazz are 25-13 OVER in their last 38 non-conference games.  The Pistons rank 6th in pace while the Jazz rank 11th, so we'll get the pace we need to cash this OVER.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Blazers/Mavs OVER 236.5

The Dallas Mavericks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 8th in pace, 10th in offensive rating and 23rd in defensive rating.  Kyrie Irving just returned from injury against the Jazz last time out and was rusty.  The Mavericks scored 90 points and shot 39.8% from the floor as a team.  This total has been suppressed due to that result, and now it's a good time to 'buy low' on a Mavericks OVER.  Irving will be much sharper in his 2nd game back tonight.

It's also a good time to 'buy low' on a Blazers OVER after they scored 88 points on 41.2% shooting against the Suns last time out.  Anfernee Simons (27.1 PPG) has sat out the last three games with an illness.  I have to think he returns for the Blazers tonight.  Simons scored at least 23 points in six consecutive games prior to going down with Illness.  His presence on the court makes the Blazers an OVER team.  Shaeden Sharpe (16.4 PPG) also just returned from injury, while center DeAandre Ayton is out right now.  Ayton is their most important defender so it's good for us that he is out.

Dallas is 11-1 OVER in its last 12 home games off an upset loss as a favorite.  The Mavericks are 14-3 OVER vs. a team with a losing record this season.  The OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings.  The Blazers and Mavericks have combined for at least 237 points in five consecutive meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Thunder/Hawks Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on OVER 247

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 5th in pace, 6th in offensive rating and 27th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 9-3-1 in Atlanta's 13 home games this season where they are scoring 123.8 points per game on 48.4% shooting and allowing 125.4 points per game on 50.4% shooting.

The Oklahoma City Thunder rank 5th in offensive rating this season and are filling it up right now.  The Thunder have scored at least 116 points in 12 consecutive games and are averaging 121.5 points per game on 49.9% shooting this season.  They will get what they want on offense tonight, but they may have a letdown defensively after upsetting the Celtics last night.

The OVER is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings between the Thunder and Hawks including 269 and 254 combined points in a couple recent meetings.  Atlanta is 7-0 OVER  after losing four of its last five games this season.  Oklahoma City is 13-2 OVER in its last 15 games vs. teams that make 14 or more 3-pointers per game.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Wizards/Cavs OVER 239

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating this season.  But they do fill it up on offense with plenty of talent to get their points on a nightly basis.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are more of an OVER team this season than in year's past because they are shooting a lot more 3-pointers and playing faster.  They just went for 245 combined points with the Raptors in their last game, and I think we get 240-plus here with ease.

The Wizards and their opponents have combined for at least 241 points in 17 of their last 27 games overall.  Washington is 33-21 OVER in its last 54 games when the total is 230 or higher.  The Wizards are 13-3 OVER vs. a team with a winning record this season.

Plays on the OVER on all teams where the total is 220 or higher (Cleveland) - off a road loss, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a terrible team (25% or less) are 27-5 (84.4%) since 1996.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Bucks/Pacers Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on UNDER 258.5

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  Well, this will already be the 5th meeting between the Pacers and Bucks this season.  They have combined for 250, 247, 266 and 235 points in those four meetings.  The Books have set the bar too high tonight.

The Pacers and Bucks just combined for 235 points in their 4th meeting just two days ago on January 1st.  It will be more of the same here as these teams know each other inside and out at this point and will be able to defend one another.  Injuries will also help us cash this UNDER with Middleton questionable for the Bucks and Brown and Nembhard questionable for the Pacers.

Milwaukee is 32-17 UNDER in its last 49 road games vs. a team with a winning record.  Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 220 or higher (Indiana) - off an upset win as a road underdog, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team are 27-6 (81.8%) over the last five seasons.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

20* Celtics/Thunder NBA No-Brainer on OVER 240

Two of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA square off tonight when the Boston Celtics visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The Celtics rank 2nd in offensive rating while the Thunder rank 6th.  Both teams are fully healthy right now as well so expect plenty of fireworks in this one.

I expect both the Thunder and Celtics to exceed 120 points in this one.  The Thunder have scoreda t least 119 points in six consecutive games and 116 or more in 11 consecutive games.  The Celtics have scored 120 or more points in seven consecutive games, and 114 or more in 12 consecutive games.

Oklahoma City is 18-4 OVER in its last 22 games off a home win by 10 points or more.  Boston is 16-4 OVER in its last 20 games vs. Northwest Division opponents.  The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with 267, 248 and 255 combined points.  The Thunder are 14-1 OVER in their last 15 games vs. teams that attempt 39 or more 3-pointers per game.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +4.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best covering team in the NBA for three seasons running.  They just cannot seem to get the respect they deserve because they are a small market team.  They continue playing with a chip on their shoulder as a result.

Now they will prove themselves once again against the team that everyone is picking to win the NBA title in the Boston Celtics.  The Thunder are 22-9 SU & 22-8 ATS this season, including 13-5 SU & 13-5 ATS at home where they are outscoring opponents by 8.5 points per game.  The Thunder (+8.7) rank 3rd in the NBA in net rating, only behind the Celtics (10.4) and 76ers (10.3).  This line should be much closer to PK when you look at net rating and factor in home-court advantage.

The Celtics have been vulnerable on the road where they are 10-6 SU & 6-8 ATS.  They were just taken to OT by the Pistons at home and won by 2 over the Raptors in two of their last three games.  They did blow out the Spurs on the road who were without Keldon Johnson, but everyone is beating the Spurs.

Oklahoma City is 8-1 ATS off a blowout win by 15 points or more this season.  Boston is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. good pressure defensive teams that force 15 or more turnovers per game.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Mavericks/Jazz OVER 245

The Dallas Mavericks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 8th in pace, 7th in offensive rating and 22nd in defensive rating.  The Mavericks got great injury news heading into this one with Doncic and Exum participating in shootaround today, plus the big one in Irving also participating and expected to make his return.  They are really an OVER team when Irving is playing.

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy as well.  They rank 12th in pace and 24th in defensive rating, and are a much better offensive team when Markkanen and Clarkson are playing, which is the case right now.  The Jazz have scored at least 116 points in six of their last seven games overall.

Dallas is 21-11 OVER in all games this season.  Utah is 9-1 OVER in its last 10 home games when revenging a road loss by 10 points or more.  They gave up 147 points to the Mavericks in their first meeting this season.  The Mavericks are 14-2 OVER vs. a team with a losing record this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pistons/Rockets OVER 227.5

The Houston Rockets have been a dead nuts OVER team since losing their best defender in Dillon Brooks to injury.  He doesn't provide much offensively.  The OVER is 3-0 in Rockets last three games overall with 240, 242 and 258 combined points.  This total of 227.5 is way too short tonight.

The Detroit Pistons are as healthy as they have been all season which is why they are playing much better of late.  The OVER is 6-1 in Pistons last seven games overall and we have seen 230 or more combined points in all seven games.  Again, this total of 227.5 is too low given those facts.

Detroit is 20-9 OVER as an underdog this season.  The Pistons are 9-1 OVER in road games vs. teams who attempt 24 or fewer free throws per game this season.  Detroit is 12-2 OVER vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 36% or better this season.  Houston is 16-6 OVER in its last 22 games vs. terrible defensive teams that allow 48% shooting or higher.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Celtics/Spurs OVER 238.5

The San Antonio Spurs are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 3rd in pace and 25th in defensive rating.  They play the Boston Celtics, who rank 4th in offensive rating and will hang a big number on them today.  I expect the Spurs to score enough themselves to push this one OVER the total.

Both teams are very healthy coming into this game, which is good for the OVER.  The keys for the Celtics to being an OVER team is having Porzingis, Tatum, Brown and White healthy, and all four are expected to play.  Jrue Holiday is questionable, but he's an elite defender so not having him for this OVER would be just fine.

The Celtics have scored at least 120 points in six consecutive games.  They have allowed 115 or more points in five of those six.  The OVER is 6-0 in Celtics last six games overall.  The OVER is 7-2 in Spurs last nine games overall.  They have scored 118 or more points in seven of those nine games.  They have allowed at least 114 points in eight of those nine games.

Boston is 9-1 OVER in its last 10 games after five straight games making 47% of their shots or better.  San Antonio is 13-2 OVER in home games this season.  The Spurs are 7-0 OVER after playing their last two games on the road this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH on New Orleans Pelicans -5.5

I love the spot for the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.  They are rested and ready to go after having the last two days off and will be playing just their 3rd game in 8 days as well.  They want revenge on the Lakers after getting knocked out by them in the semifinals of the in-season tournament.

I like their chances of getting that revenge considering the Lakers are a tired team.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and in their 3rd different city in 4 days after a 106-108 loss in Minnesota last night.  LeBron James and Anthony Davis each played 39 minutes in that game, and don't be surprised if one or both sit.  Plus, De'Angelo Russell got hurt in that game and is questionable to play tonight.

The Lakers have been pretty dreadful since winning the in-season tournament as they just lack motivation in these less important games.  They are 3-7 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  I don't expect a very good effort out of them tonight given the spot, and I conversely I expect a max effort from the revenge-minded Pelicans, who are fully healthy right now.

The Pelicans are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 home games after failing to cover 5 or 6 of their last 7 games against the spread.  Bet the Pelicans Sunday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +5

The Detroit Pistons have tied the NBA record for longest losing streak in history at 28 games.  They don't want to be the sole owners of this streak, and I expect them to win outright tonight.  We will take the points for some insurance.

The Pistons are as healthy as they have been all season and are trending in the right direction.  They are 2-0 ATS in their last two games and played well in both.  They only lost by 6 to the Nets as 6.5-point underdogs, and then took the Celtics to OT as 17-point underdogs.  They even led the Celtics by 20-plus points early in that game.

Now the Pistons are in a favorable spot here playing just their 3rd game in 7 days.  The Raptors are in a terrible spot, playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd road game in 4 days.  They are coming off a deflating 118-120 loss at Boston last night and won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons.  

Keep in mind Boston was missing Tatum and Porzingis last night and was playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, so the fact that they hung with the Celtics isn't very impressive as they closed as 4.5-point dogs.  Siakam played 40 minutes, Barnes 38, Anunoby 37 and Schroder 34 for the Raptors last night.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons, and they could choose to rest a starter or two.

The Raptors are 4-10 SU & 5-9 ATS in their last 14 games overall, so it's not like they are playing well enough to warrant being 5-point road favorites here.  The Pistons are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 meetings with the Raptors.  That includes 5-0 ATS in their last five home meetings with Toronto.  Bet the Pistons Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Thunder/Nuggets OVER 235.5

The Denver Nuggets are fully healthy right now with the exception of Aaron Gordon, who is their best defender.  They just hung 142 points on the Grizzlies last night, who are a very good defensive team.  They have scored at least 113 points in nine of their last 10 games overall, including 120 or more six times.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have scored at least 116 points in nine consecutive games, including 120 or more seven times.  I think both teams can get to 120 tonight, which is more than enough to cash this OVER 235.5 ticket.

The Thunder are 25-10 OVER in their last 35 games following a home win.  The OVER is 7-2 in Thunder last nine games overall with 235 or more combined points in eight of those nine games.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on 76ers/Rockets OVER 224

The Houston Rockets are without two key defenders right now in Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith that will really take away from them defensively.  They have had a great defensive season, but we saw how it went without Brooks against the Suns last time out.  They lost a 129-113 shootout to the Suns and 242 combined points.

The 76ers go more small ball without Embiid and play faster.  They have gone for 232 or more combined points in three of their last four games overall.  They also take a hit defensively without Embiid.

The OVER is 20-10 in all 76ers games this season largely due to them ranking 3rd in offensive rating.  The 76ers and Rockets have combined for at least 226 points in seven of their last eight meetings, making for a 7-1 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 224-point total.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Spurs/Blazers OVER 233.5

The San Antonio Spurs are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 3rd in pace and 25th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 6-1 in Spurs last seven games overall with 241 or more combined points in six of those seven.  This total of 233.5 is too low for a game involving the Spurs right now.

The Blazers are more of an OVER team in their current state because they have all of their key guards healthy, plus they are without center DeAndre Ayton, who is their eraser inside.  They have gone more small ball lately.  The OVER is 6-3 in Blazers last nine games overall with 232 or more combined points in eight of those nine games.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings between the Spurs and Blazers with 256, 264 and 240 combined points in those three.  San Antonio is 20-9 OVER in all games this season.  Plays on the OVER on all teams where the total is 210 or higher (Portland) - after a win by 10 points or more against an opponent that is off four consecutive losses by 10 points or more are 22-3 (88%) over the last five seasons.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Pelicans OVER 238.5

The Utah Jazz are back to being a dead nuts OVER team now that they are fully healthy getting both Markkanen and Clarkson back.  The OVER is 3-1 in Jazz last four games overall with 240, 230, 245 and 248 combined points.

The New Orleans Pelicans have faced a brutal schedule of opposing defenses here of late with games against the Grizzlies (twice), Rockets and Cavaliers.  The scoring in those four games was suppressed, but now the Pelicans get a reprieve here against the Jazz, who rank 24th in defensive rating.

This game will play out similarly to recent games against the Wizards and Spurs.  The Pelicans beat the Spurs 146-110 for 256 combined points and the Wizards 142-122 for 264 combined points.  Both the Spurs and Wizards have similar profiles to the Jazz as dead nuts OVER teams who play poor defense.

Utah is 9-1 OVER in its last 10 road games when paying just its 2nd game in 5 days.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on 76ers/Magic OVER 224.5

The Orlando Magic have gone for at least 227 combined points in three consecutive games.  The Philadelphia 76ers have gone for at least 232 combined points in three consecutive games while going OVER in all three.  The OVER is now 11-3 in 76ers last 14 games overall.

The 76ers are playing faster without Joel Embiid right now, and they are going with more small ball, which is beneficial to OVERS.  The 76ers rank 2nd in the NBA in offensive rating, largely due to the fact that they have a lot more talent on this roster outside Embiid than most realize, especially at the guard positions.  They rank 12th in pace and like I said play faster without having to run the offense through Embiid.  But they are much worse off defensively without him.

Philadelphia is 20-9 OVER in all games this season.  The 76ers are 10-2 OVER when playing against a team with a winning record this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder -1.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder want revenge on the Minnesota Timberwolves.  They knocked the Thunder out of the playoffs last year in the play-in round with a 120-95 victory at home.  They also beat the Thunder 106-103 at home in their first meeting this season.

But now the Thunder finally get the Timberwolves at home in Oklahoma City, and they will get their revenge tonight.  The Thunder are 18-9 SU & 18-8-1 ATS this season, including 10-5 SU & 10-5 ATS at home.  The Timberwolves have just one loss at home all season, but five losses on the road.  Minnesota could be without Karl-Anthony Towns, who is questionable.

Oklahoma City is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when revenging a close loss by 3 points or less.  The Thunder are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games after playing three consecutive home games.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston Rockets -3

The Houston Rockets are 12-2 SU & 12-2 ATS at home this season.  They are outscoring opponents by 12.3 points per game at home this year, where they have been grossly undervalued.  That is the case again tonight as only 3-point home favorites over the struggling Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers have struggled since the in-season tournament.  They are just 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone win coming at home against the lowly Hornets.  They lost by 14 in Milwaukee, by 14 in Washington, by 18 in Minnesota and by 13 in Memphis in their four road games during this stretch.

While the Rockets are fully healthy, the Pacers will be without Bruce Brown (11.6 PPG), who was their biggest offseason acquisition.  Indiana is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games after two straight games where they allowed 50% shooting or higher.  Houston is 15-2 ATS following an ATS win this season.  Bet the Rockets Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Hawks/Bulls OVER 233.5

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 4th in pace, 5th in offensive rating and 27th in defensive rating.  This total of 233.5 is a very low total for a game involving the Hawks.

The OVER is 9-3 in Hawks last 12 games overall.  They have gone for 235 or more combined points in 10 of their last 12 games overall.  They take on a Bulls team that has changed offensive philosophy since losing Zach LaVine to shoot more 3-pointers and layups instead of mid-range jumpers.  

It has worked wonders as the Bulls are 8-4 SU & 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games overall, and they have scored at least 111 points in nine of those 12 games.  The OVER is 11-4 OVER in their last 15 games overall.

Atlanta is 12-4 OVER following a loss this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Celtics/Lakers ABC ANNIHILATOR on Boston -2.5

The Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA, period.  They should be more than 2.5-point favorites over the Los Angeles Lakers today.  The Celtics aren't distracted and are on a business trip here in the midst of a four-game road trip.

After opening it with a OT loss at Golden State, the Celtics have been on a mission since.  They dominated the Kings 144-119 in Sacramento despite being on the 2nd of a back-to-back and off an OT game.  They had the next two days off and then crushed the Clippers 145-108 in Los Angeles on Saturday.  Now they will be rested and ready to go against the hated Lakers today.

The Lakers have been terrible since winning the in-season tournament.  They are 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their seven games since the tournament.  They are banged up and distracted right now.  They have been on the road for eight of their last nine games and haven't been able to spend much time with family at home.  They have a lot of obligations to deal with back home for Christmas, which is a big distraction for them.  I like the mental state of the Celtics much more heading into this one.

The Lakers are 6-19 ATS in their last 25 games following a road win.  Boston is 30-15 ATS in its last 45 road games with a line of +3 to -3.  The Celtics are 4-1 SU in their last five meetings with the Lakers.  Bet the Celtics Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Nuggets OVER 233

The Golden State Warriors are without their two best defenders right now in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  They are even more of a dead nuts OVER team without them, and they have been for weeks now.

The OVER is 14-6 in Warriors last 20 games overall.  They have scored at least 118 points in five consecutive games while allowing at least 114 points in seven of their last eight games.  The Warriors and their opponents have combined for at least 232 points in eight consecutive games.

The Denver Nuggets are fully healthy right now and potent offensively when that's the case.  They have scored at least 114 points in seven of their last eight games overall.  I think both teams can get to 115-plus in this one, which will lead to us easily cashing this OVER 233 ticket.

Golden State is 11-2 OVER when revenging a loss this season.  The Warriors are 13-4 OVER vs. a team with a winning record this season.  Golden State is 14-4 OVER vs. good shooting teams that make at least 46% of their shots this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Portland Trail Blazers +9.5

Golden State is without its two best defenders in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  The Warriors can't be this big of a favorite over anyone right now given their current state.  In fact, Golden State has just one win by more than 11 points all season!  They have just one win by more than 6 points in their last 20 games, making for a 19-1 system backing the Blazers pertaining to this 9.5-point spread.

That 11-point win came against the Wizards last night who were playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  Now it's the Warriors who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and on tired legs since they are short-handed.  The Warriors could also be caught looking ahead to their game against defending champion Denver on Christmas Day and not take the Blazers seriously tonight.

The Blazers are playing much more competitive basketball here of late with their last three games all decided by 5 points or less.  They upset the Suns, lost by 1 to the Wizards and lost by 4 to the Warriors.  That makes this a revenge spot for the Blazers as well as they just lost to the Warriors on December 17th.  They will be the more motivated team.

A big reason the Blazers are playing a lot better of late is that they have finally gotten healthier with Brogdon, Simons, Henderson, Grant and Ayton all missing some time this year.  But all five are healthy now.  The Warriors are just 3-10-1 ATS at home this season and have been consistently overvalued at home.  Asking them to win this game by double-digits to beat us given the tough rest spot is asking too much.  Bet the Blazers Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Night BLOWOUT on Chicago Bulls -5

The Chicago Bulls are 8-3 SU & 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall and playing their best basketball of the season since Zach LaVine got hurt.  They are playing team basketball, playing smarter on offense with more 3's and layups, and I expect them to keep this momentum going tonight against the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland is without its top three scorers in Mitchell (27.7 PPG, 5.5 APG), Garland (20.7 PPG, 5.9 APG) and Mobley (16.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG) right now.  Sam Merrill has been playing well at PG in their absence but even he is questionable tonight as well.  The Cavaliers stand no chance of being competitive on the road against the Bulls without Mitchell, Garland and Mobley.  Bet the Bulls Saturday.

15* Lakers/Thunder NBA ANNIHILATOR on Oklahoma City -3.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been grossly undervalued for three seasons now and remain undervalued this season.  They are 18-8 SU & 18-7-1 ATS this season.  The Thunder rank 3rd in the NBA in net rating this season trailing only the 76ers and Celtics.

The Los Angeles Lakers won the in-season tournament and have just tanked since as they haven't bene as motivated.  The Lakers are 1-5 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall with their lone win coming against the Spurs by 3.  They also lost to the Spurs by 14, lost to the Knicks at home by 5, lost by 16 at Chicago and lost by 7 at Minnesota.

Injuries are really starting to pile up for the Lakers as James, Davis and Hachimura are all questionable for this one.  The Thunder blasted the Lakers 133-110 as 5.5-point home favorites in their lone meeting with them this season on November 30th.  It will be more of the same tonight, this time as even shorter 3.5-point favorites.

The Thunder are the much fresher team playing their 2nd game in 5 days and just their 6th game in 15 days.  The Lakers will be playing in their 7th different city in 12 days.  Bet the Thunder Saturday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Memphis Grizzlies ML -115

JA Morant showed no signs of rust in leading the Grizzlies to a big comeback win in a 115-113 victory at New Orleans as 8-point dogs in his return from suspension.  Morant had 34 points including the game-winner at the buzzer in a dramatic return.  He means everything to this team's success, and I think the Grizzlies are a 'bet on' team in the immediate future because of it.

Morant had 20 points and 8 assists in his second game back while Bane had 31 and Jackson Jr. had 21 as Morant just makes everything easier on his teammates.  We're getting an undervalued Grizzlies team due to a poor 8-19 start this season.  But now they have no margin for error the rest of the way and have to really go on a run if they want to make the playoffs.  I expect Morant and company to continue making a run from here on out.

Now the Grizzlies get to face a tired Atlanta Hawks team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days.  Young and Bey both played nearly 40 minutes last night while Murray played 34 in a 113-122 loss in Miami.  The Hawks are short-handed right now without Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin, plus De'Andre Hunter is questionable.

Atlanta is 7-21 ATS in all games this season, including a dreadful 1-10 ATS at home.  The Hawks are 0-8 ATS in home games with a total of 230 or higher this season.  Atlanta is 0-7 ATS off two consecutive road games this season.  Bet the Grizzlies on the Money Line Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +12.5

The Washington Wizards have quietly gone 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with three against playoff contenders.  They upset the Pacers by 14 as 8.5-point home dogs, took the Suns to the wire in a 4-point road loss at 13-point dogs, covered in a 12-point loss at Sacramento as 14-point dogs and upset the Blazers as 4.5-point road dogs.  They are also a solid 11-6 ATS on the road this season, while the Warriors are 3-9 ATS at home.

This number has been adjusted up too much for the fact that the Wizards will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But they had two days off prior to the Portland game, so they should still be pretty fresh.  And they are nearly at full strength right now and one of the deepest teams in the NBA playing nine different players significant minutes last night.

I think the spot is actually worse for the Warriors, who are coming off an upset win over the Celtics in OT on Thursday, which now sets them up for a letdown spot.  Golden State is without its two best defenders in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II, plus Brandin Podziemski is questionable after leaving the Boston game with a back injury.  The Warriors can't be double-digit favorites over anyone right now given their current state.

In fact, Golden State has just one win by more than 11 points all season!  Their largest margin of victory in their last 19 games has been 6 points! They haven't won any of their last 23 games by more than 11 points, making for a 23-0 system backing the Wizards pertaining to this 12.5-point spread.  Golden State has beaten Washington by more than 9 points just once in their last nine meetings.  Jordan Poole wants some revenge here on the team that let him go as well.  Bet the Wizards Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Rockets -8.5

I love the spot for the Houston Rockets tonight.  They will be highly motivated for a victory following three consecutive losses to the Bucks, Cavaliers and Hawks.  They took all three to the wire in single-digit losses but came up just short.

Now the Rockets will take out their frustration on the short-handed Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavericks were already struggling even when Luka Doncic was healthy because they were missing so many other key guys.  Now they are without Doncic too, and the future is grim for the Mavericks until some of these guys get back healthy.

Indeed, the Mavericks are 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 18 at home to Minnesota, by 26 at Denver and by 9 at home to the Clippers.  The Mavericks will be without Doncic (32.7 PPG, 9.1 APG, 8.4 RPG), Irving (23.0 PPG, 5.2 APG), Lively II (8.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG), Exum (8.6 PPG) and Green (6.9 PPG) tonight.  They don't stand a chance of even being competitive against the motivated Rockets, who won't be taking them lightly given they have lost three straight.

The Rockets are 11-2 SU & 11-2 ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.  Houston is 11-1 ATS after playing a home game this season.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Bet the Rockets Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Raptors/76ers UNDER 230.5

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This will be the 3rd meeting between the 76ers and Raptors already this season.  The first two meetings saw 221 and 213 combined points, and it will be another defensive struggle tonight.

In fact, the 76ers and Raptors have combined for 229 or fewer points in 11 consecutive meetings, making for a perfect 11-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 230.5-point total.  Most of these meetings haven't even sniffed this total with 213 or fewer combined points in seven of those 11 meetings.

The Raptors are a dead nuts UNDER team.  They rank 21st in pace, 21st in offensive rating and 15th in defensive rating.  The 76ers rank 2nd in defensive rating which has been the key to their success this season.  The 76ers may not have PG De'Anthony Melton, who left their last game with a thigh injury and is questionable, which would also help us cash this UNDER ticket.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Pacers/Grizzlies OVER 246

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 2nd in pace, 1st in offensive rating and 28th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 21-6 in all Pacers games this season including 254 or more combined points in five of their last six games overall.  Books just can't set these Indiana totals high enough.

That's the case again tonight with this 246-point total against a Memphis Grizzlies team that has been an under team to this point, but they quickly flip to an over team with the return of JA Morant from suspension.  He has 34 points in their upset win of the New Orleans Pelicans in his return to action on Tuesday.  He makes everything easier on his teammates with his ability to break down a defense.

Indiana is 10-1 OVER in all road games this season and we're seeing an average of 259.1 combined points per game in all Indiana road games.  The Pacers are 18-4 OVER vs. good passing teams averaging 23 or more assists per game this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Spurs/Bulls OVER 228.5

The Chicago Bulls have undergone a philosophical change of late that has led to them playing their best basketball of the season mainly because of their improvements on offense.  The Bulls have scored at least 106 points in 10 consecutive games and 120 or more six times during this stretch.  They are still a poor defensive team ranking 20th in defensive rating.

The OVER is 11-2 in Bulls last 13 games overall.  Now they take on a Spurs team that is 4-0 OVER in their last four games overall with 241, 244, 256 and 251 combined points scored.  The Spurs rank 3rd in pace and 24th in defensive rating, making them a great OVER team.  

They also played the Bulls to an OVER on December 8th in a game that saw 233 combined points.  In fact, the Bulls and Spurs have now combined for 229 combined points or more in each of their last five meetings, making for a 5-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 228.5-point total.  It will be more of the same tonight with 230-plus combined points.

The Spurs are 10-1 OVER after playing a road game this season.  The Bulls are 27-13 OVER in their last 40 non-conference games.  San Antonio is 7-0 OVER in non-conference games this season.  The Spurs are 10-1 OVER when the total is 220 to 229.5 this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Kings OVER 233.5

The Sacramento Kings rank 8th in pace, 12th in offensive rating and 19th in defensive rating.  The pace and offensive rating would be higher if not for several missed games from De'Aaron Fox.  But they are a dead nuts OVER team when Fox is healthy, and they are fully healthy as a team right now.

The Kings just combined for 274 points with the Wizards last time out and 249 with the Nets and 251 with the Thunder in three of their last four home games.  This total is just too low tonight for a Sacramento home game.

That's especially the case when you consider they will be taking on one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA in the Boston Celtics.  The Celtics rank 6th in offensive rating.  They combined with 242 points with the Warriors at the end of regulation last night and they didn't even have offensive weapon Kristaps Porzingis, who likely sat out that game knowing he would play in this game on the 2nd of a back-to-back.

Sacramento is 14-3 OVER in its last 17 home games following two consecutive wins.  The OVER is 37-20 in Kings last 57 home games.  Sacramento is 9-1 OVER in its last 10 home games vs. good teams that outscore their opponents by 3-plus points per game.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Celtics/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento ML -115

The Boston Celtics are in one of the worst spots I've seen all season.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days after going to OT with the Warriors last night.  All five starters played at least 35 minutes last night, including 40-plus from Tatum, Brown and White.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Kings tonight.

The Celtics haven't been playing very well on the road as it is.  They are actually 2-4 SU & 0-6 ATS in their last six road games.  Their two wins came by 3 as 9-point favorites at Toronto and by 2 as 11-point favorites at Memphis.  They lost outright as 8.5-point favorites at Charlotte, lost outright by 17 as 5.5-point favorites at Orlando, lost outright by 10 as 4.5-point favorites at Indiana and lost outright by 6 as 5-point favorites at Golden State last night.

The Kings are rolling at home right now going 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four home games winning by 13 over the Nets, by 5 over the Thunder, by 21 over the Jazz and by 12 over the Wizards.  They also recently beat the defending champion Nuggets at home.  They are 10-3 SU at home this season.  Bet the Kings on the Money Line Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Clippers -3

The Los Angeles Clippers are showing how dangerous they can be when fully healthy.  They are 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall and I fully expect them to extend that winning streak to nine games tonight in Dallas.

The Mavericks are not healthy.  They are without Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Josh Green and Maxi Kleber right now.  That puts a lot on Luka Doncic's shoulders to carry the scoring load, and while he's playing at an MVP level, he cannot beat this loaded Clippers team on his own.

It did not go well for Doncic and the short-handed Mavericks in two games against two other elite teams here recently.  They lost 119-101 at home to the Timberwolves three games ago and 130-104 to the Nuggets last time out.  I fully expect them to get blasted again tonight against another title contender in the Clippers.  Bet the Clippers Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston Rockets -3

The Houston Rockets have the biggest home/road splits of any team in the NBA.  They are 2-10 SU & 5-7 ATS on the road, but an impressive 11-1 SU & 11-1 ATS at home.  The Rockets are coming off consecutive road losses to the Bucks and Cavs by single-digits, so they return home motivated for a victory tonight.

They take on an Atlanta Hawks team that is one of the most overrated teams in the NBA.  The Hawks are 11-15 SU & 6-20 ATS this season.  That includes 2-14 ATS in their last 16 games overall, and they are once again getting too much respect here as only 3-point road dogs to the Rockets, who are the much superior and more complete team.

The Rockets rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive rating while the Hawks rank 27th, and that is the biggest difference between these teams.  One plays defense and the other does not.  Plus, injuries are mounting up for the Hawks as Jalen Johnson remains out while both Bogdan Bogdanovic and AJ Griffin are questionable.  The Rockets look to be fully healthy right now.

Atlanta is 1-11 ATS vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 36% or better this season.  Houston is 9-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record this season.  Bet the Rockets Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Lakers/Bulls OVER 224.5

The Chicago Bulls have undergone a philosophical change of late that has led to them playing their best basketball of the season mainly because of their improvements on offense.  The Bulls have scored at least 106 points in nine consecutive games and 120 or more five times during this stretch.  They are still a poor defensive team ranking 22nd in defensive rating.

The Los Angeles Lakers are also playing very poor defensively since winning the in-season tournament.  They are 3-1 OVER in their four games since with 252, 241, 244 and 223 combined points.  They have allowed 127, 119, 129 and 114 points in those four games.  But the Lakers have scored at least 115 pints in five of their last six games, including 122 or more four times.

The Lakers are 40-22 OVER in their last 62 road games.  The Bulls are 26-13 OVER in their last 39 non-conference games.  The Lakers and Bulls have combined for at least 224 points in four consecutive meetings and 224 or more in seven of their last eight meetings with the OVER going 7-1 in those eight games.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hornets/Pacers OVER 248.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace, 1st in offensive rating and 29th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 20-6 in all Pacers games this season including 254 or more combined points in four of their last five games overall.

Now they take on a Charlotte Hornets team that doesn't mind getting up and down.  It's also a Hornets team that ranks 28th in the NBA in defensive rating, so these are two of the three worst defensive teams in the NBA to this point.

Indiana is 11-1 OVER following a loss this season.  The Pacers are 8-1 OVER vs. poor defensive teams that allow 116 or more points per game this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Jazz/Cavaliers OVER 227

The Cleveland Cavaliers are more of an OVER team than most realize because they brought in a couple shooters and are attempting more 3-pointers and playing faster this season.  That has been on display here of late as they combined with 244 points with the Rockets at the end of regulation, 246 points with the Hawks, 223 with the Celtics in the rematch and 233 with the Celtics in the first meeting in their last four games coming in.

The Utah Jazz are an OVER team as long as their best player in Lauri Markkanen is on the floor, and he has been healthy here of late.  The Jazz and their opponents have combined for 233, 229, 236, 230 and 254 points in their last five games coming in.  As you can see, this total of 227 is too low based on what both these teams have done of late.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Celtics/Warriors TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 231.5

The Golden State Warriors are without their two best defenders right now in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  They are going to be a dead nuts OVER team because they don't play defense without these two, but they are still a pretty good offensive team without them as neither provides much on that end.

The Warriors are 10-4 OVER in their last 14 games overall with 232 or more combined points in 11 of those 14 games.  This total of 231.5 is too low for a game involving the Warriors right now.  Each of their last five games have seen 232 or more combined points.

Now they face a Boston Celtics team that is extremely efficient on the offensive end, ranking 6th in the NBA in offensive rating.  The Celtics have scored at least 112 points in nine consecutive games while going 8-1 over that stretch.  They score 117.6 points per game on 47.8% shooting this season.

Golden State is 13-3 OVER vs. good shooting teams making 46% or better this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Knicks/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 234.5

The New York Knicks have been a dead nuts OVER team since losing C Mitchell Robinson to injury.  He is their eraser inside defensively but he doesn't provide much offensively.  The Knicks have had to go more small ball since losing him.

The OVER is 8-0 in Knicks last eight games overall.  We have seen 230 or more combined points in seven of those eight games.  That includes 261 combined points with Phoenix and 266 combined points with the Clippers in their last two games.  It should be more of the same against the Lakers tonight.

The Lakers are in a letdown phase since winning the in-season tournament.  They have just quit playing defense.  The OVER is 3-0 in Lakers last three games overall with 252, 241 and 244 combined points.  They allowed 127 to the Mavericks, 129 to the Spurs and 119 to the Spurs.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Clippers -3

The Los Angeles Clippers are showing how dangerous they can be when fully healthy.  They are 7-0 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall and I fully expect them to extend that winning streak to eight games tonight in Indiana.

The Pacers are going through a letdown phase after coming up just short in the in-season tournament, losing in the championship to the Lakers.  They have gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall, losing by 14 at Milwaukee, by 14 as 8.5-point favorites at Washington and by 18 at Minnesota.

I always like fading teams in their first home game back from a long road trip.  Well, the Pacers have been on the road since December 7th dating back to the in-season tournament in Las Vegas.  There are a lot of distractions they have to deal with at home when returning from a long road trip.  Plus, their two best players in Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner are questionable.  Bet the Clippers Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Clippers/Pacers OVER 245.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace, 1st in offensive rating and 28th in defensive rating this season.  The OVER is 19-6 in all Pacers games this season.

The Los Angeles Clippers are showing how potent they can be offensively when fully healthy, which has been the case during their 7-game winning streak and is the case tonight.  The Clippers have scored at least 111 points in nine consecutive games.  They have combined for 266 points with the Knicks and 259 points with the Blazers recently, and another high-scoring affair will be the result tonight against the Pacers.

These teams combined for 261 points in their most recent meeting.  The Clippers are 33-20 OVER in their last 53 road games, including 20-6 OVER in their last 26 road games after going over the total in their previous game.  The Pacers are 59-35 OVER in their last 94 home games.  The Pacers are 10-1 OVER following a loss this season.  Indiana is 13-2 OVER in its last 15 home games vs. a good team (60-70% winning percentage).  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Blazers OVER 231.5

The Golden State Warriors are without their two best defenders right now in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  They are going to be a dead nuts OVER team because they don't play defense without these two, but they are still a pretty good offensive team without them as neither provides much on that end.

The Warriors are 10-3 OVER in their last 13 games overall with 234 or more combined points in 10 of those.  This total of 231.5 is too low for a game involving the Warriors right now.

That's especially the case when you consider the Blazers have gotten healthy lately and have been an OVER team themselves since.  The OVER is 4-0 in Blazers last four games overall with 236 or more combined points in all four.  They have a bunch of talented young guards and will be a fun team to watch moving forward.

Golden State is 10-1 OVER in its last 11 December road games.  The OVER is 12-3 in Warriors last 15 games as a road favorite of 6 points or less.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +9

I love the spot for the Orlando Magic today.  They will be out for revenge from a 111-128 loss in Boston on Friday night.  They were closing 5-point dogs in that game, and after getting blown out, they are now 9-point dogs in the rematch.  That's too big of an adjustment up.

The Celtics won't be motivated at all to beat the Magic for the 2nd time in 3 days, so they are primed for a letdown.  Asking the Celtics to win this game by double-digits to beat us is asking too much.  The Celtics have just two wins by more than 10 points in their last 14 games overall.

The Magic are 11-3 SU & 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  The Magic are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with four outright upsets as 13.5, 10.5, 7.5 and 5.5-point dogs.  The Magic are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings as well with that 17-point loss the only one that came by more than 6 points.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Utah Jazz +10

The Utah Jazz are getting healthier and playing well again as a result.  They are coming off consecutive upset wins as underdogs over the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.  They recently got both Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler back from injury, and these are arguably their two most important players.

Now the Jazz are catching too many points on the road against the Sacramento Kings tonight.  De'Aaron Fox is questionable to play and he means everything to the Kings' success.  I still like the Jazz even if he does play, but this line will crash if he doesn't.

Utah has just one loss by more than 9 points in its last 35 meetings with Sacramento.  That makes for a 34-1 system backing the Jazz pertaining to this 10-point spread.  Bet the Jazz Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Nets/Warriors OVER 234.5

The Golden State Warriors are without their two best defenders right now in Draymond Green and Gary Payton II.  They are going to be a dead nuts OVER team because they don't play defense without these two, but they are still a pretty good offensive team without them as neither provides much on that end.

The Warriors are 9-3 OVER in their last 12 games overall with 234 or more combined points in nine of those.  The Nets are the definition of team basketball with multiple guys that can beat you on any given night.  The Warriors will have a hard time adjusting to try and stop the Nets, who have seven players averaging double-digits scoring.

The Nets and Warriors combined for 256 and 236 points in their last two meetings.  Golden State is 12-3 OVER vs. good shooting teams that make 46% or better this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Minnesota Timberwolves -7.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are loaded this season.  They are 18-5 SU including 10-1 SU & 7-3-1 ATS at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by 11.8 points per game.  The Timberwolves will make easy work of the Indiana Pacers tonight.

While the Timberwolves are fully healthy, the Pacers could be without MVP candidate Tyrese Haliburton tonight.  They are already without PG Andrew Nembhard and PF Jalen Smith.  Haliburton suffered a knee injury in a 123-137 loss at Washington last night.  Now the Pacers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th road game in 6 days.

This is a tired Pacers team after making it to the championship game of the in-season tournament.  That has started to show in their last two games losing by 14 as 6.5-point dogs in Milwaukee and then getting upset by 14 as 8.5-point favorites in Washington last night, failing to cover the spread by 22.5 points.

The Timberwolves will be the much fresher team playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  They are also the much better defensive team ranking 1st in the NBA in defensive rating while the Pacers are 28th.  Plays against road underdogs (Indiana) - off two or more consecutive road losses against an opponent that's off a road win by 10 points or more are 23-4 (85.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Timberwolves are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings with the Pacers.  Indiana is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games after two straight games allowing a shooting percentage of 50% or higher.  Minnesota is 13-2 ATS in its last 15 home games after a blowout win by 15 points or more.  Bet the Timberwolves Saturday.

15* Knicks/Suns ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 231.5

The New York Knicks have been a dead nuts OVER team since losing C Mitchell Robinson to injury.  He is their eraser inside defensively but he doesn't provide much offensively.  The Knicks have had to go more small ball since losing him.

The OVER is 6-0 in Knicks last six games overall.  We have seen 230 or more combined points in five of those six games.  Now they face a Phoenix Suns team that finally has Durant, Booker and Beal healthy at the same time for the first time all season.  They are going to be an offensive juggernaut moving forward when these three are on the court at the same time.

Phoenix is 13-4 OVER as a favorite this season.  The Suns are 11-3 OVER vs. poor defensive teams allowing 46% shooting or higher this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Lakers/Spurs ESPN No-Brainer on San Antonio +7.5

I love the spot for the San Antonio Spurs tonight.  They get a shot at quick revenge here after losing 122-119 to the Lakers on Wednesday.  Now they get to play the Lakers here two days later and go from 3.5-point dogs to 7.5-point dogs tonight.

While the Spurs will be motivated for revenge, the Lakers will have a hard time getting up emotionally to beat the Spurs by margin again tonight.  The Lakers just won the In-Season Tournament, and it's no surprise they are 0-2 ATS in their first two games out of the tournament as they just aren't as motivated to win these regular season games.  Don't be surprised if they lose outright tonight.

The Spurs are as healthy as they have been all season and playing competitive basketball with their last nine games all decided by 15 points or less, including six by single-digits.  Darvin Ham is 6-18 ATS off a road win as the coach of the Lakers.  Bet the Spurs Friday.

20* NBA Situational GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +6.5

The Orlando Magic have a big rest advantage over the Boston Celtics tonight.  The Magic have had the last three days off while the Celtics will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 116-107 win over the Cavaliers last night.  This will also be the 3rd game in 4 days for the Celtics.  They have had some guys banged up and playing through injury, so don't be surprised if they rest one or multiple starters tonight.

The Magic have been grossly undervalued all season especially of late.  The Magic are 11-2 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They are nearly at full strength and one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and they will have an advantage over the Celtics when they go to their bench, which they will need to given how tired their starters are right now.

Orlando has absolutely owned Boston in recent meetings.  In fact, the Magic are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings with four outright upsets as 13.5, 10.5, 7.5 and 5.5-point dogs.  The Magic are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings as well with their lone SU loss coming by 6 points.  

Boston is 0-11 ATS in its last 11 home games when revenging a road loss.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Pacers/Wizards OVER 258.5

Two dead nuts OVER teams square off tonight when the Indiana Pacers travel to face the Washington Wizards.  The Pacers rank 1st in pace, 1st in offensive rating and 28th in defensive rating.  The Wizards rank 2nd in pace and 30th in defensive rating.

The Pacers are 18-5 OVER in all games this season while the Wizards are 15-8 OVER in all games.  These teams met on October 25th earlier this season and the result was a 143-120 victory for the Pacers and 263 combined points.  It will be more of the same tonight.

Indiana is 7-0 OVER as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Indiana is 9-0 OVER in road games this season.  The Pacers are 9-0 OVER off a loss this season.  Washington is 9-0 OVER in its last nine home games after a combined score of 245 or more points in two consecutive games.  These four trends combine for a perfect 34-0 system backing the OVER.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on Oklahoma City Thunder +2

The Oklahoma City Thunder are better than the Sacramento Kings this season and should not be underdogs to them, even on the road.  The Thunder are 15-7 SU & 15-6-1 ATS this season and outscoring their opponents by 7.6 points per game.

The Kings are 13-9 SU & 12-10 ATS this season and actually getting outscored by 0.6 points per game.  The Thunder rank 3rd in net rating (+7.6) which combines their offensive and defensive rating.  The Kings rank 20th (-0.5).

The Thunder are fully healthy right now and a dangerous team when that's the case.  They weren't fully healthy when they lost 105-98 in Sacramento in their first meeting this season.  I know they want revenge on the Kings, especially since they will be reminded that they have lost seven consecutive meetings in this series overall.  

That's why we will get a max effort from OKC tonight, and it will be good enough to pull off the outright upset.  Bet the Thunder Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Brooklyn Nets +9.5

The Brooklyn Nets have been grossly undervalued all season.  They are 13-10 SU & 17-5-1 ATS this season.  They are the definition of team basketball with any of their five starters that can beat you on any given night, and also one of the best benches in the league.

This line has been adjusted up too much for the fact that the Nets are on the 2nd of a back-to-back after winning outright at Phoenix against a Suns team that had Durant, Booker and Beal on the court at the same time for the first time all season.  But this will be just their 3rd game in 6 days, so they should still be pretty fresh.

There will be no letdown here for the Nets facing the defending champion Denver Nuggets.  The Nuggets have been grossly overvalued after winning that title last year.  They are just 6-11 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  They will be without starter Kentavious-Caldwell Pope tonight, and their lack of depth this season is a big reason for their struggles.

The Nets are 8-1 ATS when the total is 230 or higher this season.  Asking the Nuggets to win this game by double-digits to beat us tonight is asking too much.  Bet the Nets Thursday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Cleveland Cavaliers +9.5

I love the spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.  They get a chance at quick revenge here after losing 113-120 in Boston on Tuesday.  Now they get their shot at revenge here just two days later.  The Cavaliers will clearly be the more motivated team, while the Celtics will have a hard time getting up to beat this team again.

The Celtics aren't really blowing anyone out here of late.  They have just one win by more than 10 points in their last 12 games.  Asking them to win this game by double-digits to beat us in a letdown spot is asking too much.

Keep in mind the Celtics made 20 more free throws than the Cavaliers did in that last meeting and still only won by 7.  They got the benefit of the whistles in that game, and I don't see that being the case again.

Cleveland is actually 6-4 SU & 6-4 ATS in its last 10 meetings with Boston with just one loss by more than 9 points.  That one loss came by only 10 points as well.  That makes for a 9-1 system backing the Celtics pertaining to this 9.5-point spread.

Plays against favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Boston) - after scoring 120 points or more in two consecutive games are 192-124 (60.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Plays against home teams (Boston) - who force 12 or fewer turnovers per game in the month of December are 31-11 (73.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Cavaliers Thursday.