3* SUREFIRE on Knicks +6
Washington is 0-3 and will be really gunning for its first win of the year tonight but it is not 6 points better than the Knicks. I see this one going right down to the wire so we'll take the points. Washington is 8-20 ATS in home games after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread over the last 3 seasons and 3-14 ATS after a game where their opponent was called for 30 or more fouls over the last 3 seasons. NY has covered the spread in 5 of the last 7 meetings and is 3-1 ATS in the last 4 at Washington. Take the points.

3* SUREFIRE on Spurs -4
After getting blown out my rival Dallas last night, the Spurs will buckle down and get their first win of the season tonight. San Antonio is 22-6 ATS after 3 straight games forcing opponent to commit 11 or less turnovers since 1996, winning these games by 10.1 ppg on average. I like the defensive intensity to pick up a lot tonight and for the Spurs to come out on top by a comfortable margin.

4* Major Totals BEST BET on Bobcats/Knicks OVER 203
After scoring 120 points in the opener, the Knicks have looked terrible, scoring in the 80's in consecutive games. They will break out again tonight for another big point total to push this thing over the number. All four games played at New York between these two teams the past two seasons have gone over the number. The over is already 51-34 in the last 85 games the Knicks have played and they are playing more uptempo hoops this year. The Over is 20-7 in Knicks last 27 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game and 25-11 in Knicks last 36 overall. Bet the Over.

5* Wiseguy NBA Total of the Month on Mavs/Spurs UNDER 189
We'll take the under in a matchup which is always physical and very defense-oriented. It comes as no surprise that the Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between these two teams. In fact, the Under is 19-8-1 in the Spurs last 28 vs. division opponents. That tells you how much this team gets up for Divisional games. The Under is 10-1 in the Mavericks last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 6-0 in the Mavericks last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Bet the Under.

4* Major NBA Dog of the Week on Grizzlies +2
A shorthanded Golden State team will struggle on the road tonight. Golden State is 15-33 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. The Warriors are just 8-21 ATS in their last 29 vs. the Western Conference, 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Memphis is a much improved team but the odds makers won't adjust the lines accordingly yet when they can make money off of the public perception that the Grizzlies are still bad. If their win over Orlando didn't prove it to you, there win tonight should.

3* SUREFIRE on Bobcats +6.5
Charlotte has had a lot of success at home against the Pistons and as a result is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 home meetings with Detroit. Charlotte is coming off a big confidence-boosting home win over Miami and will ride that momentum here. The Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings and playing off a day's rest has been the magical covering recipe for Charlotte which is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. Take the points.

3* Saturday Night NBA BEST BET on Raptors +1
The Raptors are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in this matchup and I have them beating an overmatched Bucks side tonight. The Bucks are just 10-26 ATS in their last 36 vs. the NBA Atlantic, 7-20 ATS in their last 27 vs. the Eastern Conference, and 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. Take the Raptors tonight.

3* SUREFIRE on Bulls +9
This is a huge revenge game for the Bulls who lost all four of their games to Boston last season. It's easy to see that Chicago will be much improved offensively with Rose running the point. Odds makers are feeding on the public perception that Boston will carry this season coming of a NBA title, but the reality is that the Bulls are catching too many points tonight. Take the points.

4* Major NBA Monster Mismatch of the Night on Heat -5.5
Miami has a lot of things going in its favor tonight. First off, they are at home playing a team from the opposite coast. It is tough enough to win on the road but especially when traveling across multiple time zones. Secondly, the Kings are a one-man show with no more Artest and Bibby in town and with Brad Miller serving the second game of a 5-game suspension. That leaves Kevin Martin to do all of the work and now he's a marked man across the league. Thirdly, the Heat showed against New York that they can score the basketball. Sac won't be able to keep up with the Heat tonight. In addition, Miami is 10-1 SU and ATS at home against the Kings over the last 11 meetings. Lay the points.

3* SUREFIRE on Raptors -7.5
This play is very similar to my play on the Kings/Heat in that Golden State is going to find it very tough playing across multiple time zones tonight, especially without Monte Ellis. Furthermore, the home team has brought home the bacon in this matchup, covering the spread in 6 of the last 8 games. Golden State is also 15-29 ATS after a game where they made 12 or more 3 point shots over the last 2 seasons. A much colder Warrior team is going to be able to keep up with the Raptors here.

4* Major NBA on TNT Game of the Week on Mavs -4
Dallas has Houston's number. The Rockets are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings and 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Dallas. The Mavs have also been a covering machine in divisional play. The Mavericks are 39-18-1 ATS in their last 58 vs. NBA Southwest. The Mavericks have dominated this series lately, having won 10 of the last 12 regular-season meetings. We saw last night that Houston still is not an explosive offensive team. The Rockets can't keep up with Dallas tonight. Lay the points.

3* SUREFIRE on Grizzlies +12
The Grizzlies are getting too many points tonight. Houston is not a team that gets out of the gate quickly and it is also not an explosive team. You don't see many blowouts from the Rockets and they will likely struggle early on as they try to fit Ron Artest into the lineup. Grizzlies keep this one close.

4* Major ESPN Game of the Week on Suns +2.5
This is a statement game for the Suns right out of the gate after getting taken out of the postseason by the Spurs a season ago. All-Star guard Manu Ginobili is out until at least mid-December while recovering from ankle surgery and that will be the difference tonight. This small line game should tell us something as San Antonio is only 6-16 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons, losing these games by 5.8 ppg on average. The Underdog is also a healthy 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings. Take the Suns tonight.

5* Wiseguy Western Conference Game of the Month on T-Wolves -5.5
The Timberwolves have covered well against the Pacific at 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. the NBA Pacific Division. It's going to be a tough year for the Kings without Ron Artest and Mike Bibby in the lineup. Sac will especially be weak on the interior and that's why Minnesota wins this game by double digits. Expect All-Star Al Jefferson to have a field day. Lay the points.

4* Major NBA Central Division GOTM on Bulls -6
This is a statement game right out of the gate for Chicago who knows it did not live up to expectations a season ago and now has the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to run the team. Derrick Rose averaged 13.3 ppg and 5.0 apg during the preseason and should have little trouble sustaining those solid numbers. The Bulls have won five straight home games over the Bucks, and 12 of the last 14 meetings between the teams at the United Center. Milwaukee is a very poor road team and defensive team. The Bucks also have a slew of new guys who still need time to learn to play with one another. Bulls big in this one.

5* Wiseguy NBA Finals Elimination Game of the Year on Celtics -4
Tonight is the night that Bean Town cuts down the nets. The Lakers are 0-7 ATS in the last 7 meetings, 0-9-1 ATS in their last 10 NBA Championship games, 0-8 ATS in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning SU record, 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600, 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NBA Pacific, and 14-2 ATS in their last 16 vs. the Western Conference. Boston has been unbeatable at home this postseason with their hard nosed defense. Bet Boston.

5* Wiseguy Game 5 "Total" Domination Play on Celtics/Lakers UNDER 191
Oddsmakers refuse to adjust the total much at all. Boston's defense will make sure this game goes under again. The Under is a perfect 7-0 in the Celtics last 7 road games and 4-1 in the Celtics last 5 overall. The Under is 5-0 in the Lakers last 5 home games and 8-1 in the Lakers last 9 overall. With the Celtics trying to close out the series and with LA fighting to stay alive, this one is going to be a defensive battle. Bet the Under.

4* Major Game 4 BEST BET on LA Lakers -7.5
I like the best offense in the league to get going tonight. Odom and Gasol did not show up in game 3 and I think you'll see much better from them tonight and Kobe will still be Kobe. With a win under their belt and a chance to even this series, the Lakers will be playing with extreme confidence. Plays on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (LA LAKERS) - off a home no-cover where they won straight up as a favorite, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a team with a winning record are 38-16 ATS the last 5 seasons. In other words, this is a home court advantage play. Lay the points.

5* Wiseguy NBA Finals Total of the Year on Celtics/Lakers UNDER 195.5
The oddsmakers have been setting the bar too high in Lakers games all playoffs long and we will make them pay tonight with this big UNDER play. 6 of LA's last 7 games have gone UNDER. The Under is a dominant 41-14 in the Celtics last 55 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, 5-0 in the Celtics last 5 road games, and 4-0 in the Celtics last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. The Under is 4-0 in the Lakers last 4 games playing on 1 days rest and 8-3 in the Lakers last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Pound the UNDER.

5* Wiseguy NBA on ABC GOTY on Lakers pk
Kobe and the Lakers know what history says about going down 0-2. They'll make sure that doesn't happen tonight so they can go a back to LA all knotted up. The Lakers are 12-4 in the 2008 playoffs and 10-5-1 ATS in those games. LA is also a brilliant 31-16 ATS on the road this season. The Lakers are 13-3 ATS when well rested playing 3 or less games in 10 days over the last 3 seasons, 17-7 ATS after playing a game as an underdog this season, and 12-4 ATS in road games after a game where they failed to cover the spread this season. Take the Lakers tonight.

5* Wiseguy NBA Finals GAME OF THE YEAR on Boston -2.5
Boston is 10-2 ATS in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season, 19-9 ATS versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season, and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Boston was 25-5 against the Western Conference this season, winning both of its matchups with the Lakers. We'll take the Celtics to dominate in game 1.

5* Wiseguy NBA Playoffs Do-or-Die GOTY on Pistons -5.5
This series was destined for seven games from the onset. The Pistons will defend their home court tonight to send this one back to Boston for a game 7 showdown. The Pistons are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, 14-5 ATS in their last 19 home games, and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5. The Celtics are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall, 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games, and just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog. Pound the Pistons!

5* Wiseguy Conference Finals REVENGE GOTY on Spurs +8
It's win or go home for the Spurs and you better believe that the defending champs will not go down without a fight tonight. The Spurs are 61-36 ATS after 5 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers since 1996 so we know that this team will not hurt itself. The Lakers are a terrible 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. the NBA Southwest and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Conference Finals games. The Spurs are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss. Take the Spurs in this win-or-die game catching 8 points.

5* Wiseguy Game 5 DOMINATOR on Celtics -6
Boston already gave away one game on its home court and it won't let that happen again. Detroit is a terrible 3-13 ATS in the conference finals over the last 3 seasons. Boston is 22-8 ATS after scoring 75 points or less since 1996 so I definitely expect the offense to be much better in this home game. The Celtics are also 15-6 ATS in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game - 2nd half of the season this season. I like Boston to bounce back in game 5 by a healthy margin to go up 3-2 in this series.

3* Spurs -4
The Spurs pulled even after falling into a 2-game hole in their previous series and I like them to do it again here. After winning their first two games at home, the Lakers also dropped each of their last two at Utah. The Spurs are 23-7 ATS in home games versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons, 23-10 ATS in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons, and 16-7 ATS in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season. San Antonio is also 16-4 ATS in home games after 4 straight games forcing opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers this season. This is actually the Spurs defense at its best as its opponents average just 89.1 ppg in these spots. San Antonio is not a team which gambles a lot, it is simply the best at staying between its man and the basket. Lay the points on the Spurs.

4* Major ESPN GOTM on Pistons -6
After coming out flat in game 3, I like the Pistons to bounce back here to even this series before it shifts back to Boston. The Celtics are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 playoff games as an underdog, 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games, 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points, and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win. The Pistons are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss, 13-5 ATS in their last 18 home games, and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as a favorite. If Boston goes up 3-1, this thing is as good as over and Detroit knows that. Expect a great performance from the Pistons as they go into desperation mode.

3* Spurs -5
After being embarrassed in game 2 because of a fourth quarter collapse, I like the Spurs to bounce back very strong in this desperation game just as they did in game 3 against the Hornets. The Spurs are 22-7 ATS in home games versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons, 15-4 ATS in home games after 3 straight games where they made 42% of their shots or worse since 1996, and 13-3 ATS in home games as a # 3 seed in the playoffs over the last 2 seasons. Take the resilient Spurs in game 3.

5* Wiseguy NBA Playoffs Point Spread BLOWOUT of the Year on Pistons -5
Boston is yet to win a game in the 2008 NBA playoffs. If they couldn

4* Major on Spurs +7
The Spurs went down 0-2 to the Hornets and came back to win that series, but they realize that the Lakers are a different animal. If Manu Ginobli does anything at all in game 1, the Spurs win rather easily. I like San Antonio to bounce back in game 2 to even this series. Even if they aren

5* Wiseguy Eastern Conference Line Mistake of the Year on Pistons +4.5
Now that Billups has a game under his belt after nearly a 2-week layoff and the rest of the Pistons got their feet wet after not playing for a week, I like Detroit's freshness to play to their benefit tonight against a Celtics team which has not had even one chance to let their legs recover. Detroit is 18-6 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders this season, busting out to score 98.5 ppg in these spots so I don't expect Boston to be able to hold them down again. The Pistons are 8-1 ATS after 3 or more consecutive unders this season, 12-3 ATS after allowing 90 points or less 3 straight games this season, and 14-4 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games this season. Take the Pistons big tonight as I look for them to finally beat Boston on its home court.

3* Lakers -7.5
The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between these two teams and I fully expect that trend to continue. The Lakers are 9-0-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU win, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest, 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games, and 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall. The Spurs are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games. If you remember right, the Spurs were crushed in all of their road games against the Hornets but one. We expect the same to be the case in game 1 of this series.

4* Major Eastern Conference Finals Opener on Celtics -4.5
I like Boston to stay true to form and take care of business on its home floor. Detroit is 1-11 ATS in the conference finals over the last 3 seasons and 4-13 ATS when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons. Boston is 16-6 ATS versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season and 11-1 ATS in home games vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts - 2nd half of the season this season. Because Boston gets to play this game at home the quick turnaround won't be a factor at all. You'll see the Celtics on top of their game while the Pistons start out rusty. Lay the number.

5* Wiseguy Game 7 Series Clincher on Spurs +4.5
Experience and freshness will help the Spurs take game 7 on the road to move into the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs exploded to a 19 point win facing elimination in game 6 and I like them to rise to the occasion again tonight. The Spurs have won 12 of the last 18 meetings between these teams and are a phenomenal 20-9 ATS in their last 29 with 3 or more days of rest. The Spurs are 24-14 ATS after 2 straight games with 10 or less offensive rebounds this season and 60-36 ATS after 2 straight games where they had 5 or less steals since 1996. Expect San Antonio's best game of the playoffs tonight.

4* MAJOR NBA on ABC Game of the Week on Cleveland Cavs +8

Cleveland is showing their best value of the series in Game 7 at Boston. The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Conference Semifinals games and obviously 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Cleveland knows how to play the Celtics due to their tremendous defense that keeps the Cavs in every single ball game. They have been blown out just once in this series. Odds makers are expecting a blowout here, but they are badly mistaken. Take the Cavs on ABC this afternoon in Game 7.

5* Wiseguy NBA Playoffs GOTY on Lakers +4
Kobe and the Lakers will say goodbye to the Jazz in game 6 as I like Kobe's killer instinct to take over. The Lakers are 21-5 ATS versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season, 13-3 ATS in road games versus explosive offensive teams - scoring 103+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons, and 14-4 ATS in road games off an home win scoring 110 or more points over the last 3 seasons. Neither of Utah's home wins came easy and with a chance for LA to close out this series, I like the Lakers to rise to the occasion to get the job done.

4* Major Do-or-Die GOTM on New Orleans Hornets +7
We have to take the points here as the Hornets are going to give it everything they have to try to finish off the Spurs in game 6. The Hornets are 20-5 ATS after 3 straight games forcing their opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers this season. The Hornets know they must force the Spurs into more mistakes tonight if they want to walk away victorious and that is something that Byron Scoot will be sure to address. The Spurs are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU loss and 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. The Hornets are 49-18-1 ATS in their last 68 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game and 23-11 ATS in their last 34 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. You just might see the passing of the torch tonight, but this game is sure to be a nailbiter so we have to take the points.

5* Wiseguy NBA Playoffs Line Mistake of the Year on Cavs +9
Cleveland has a ton of confidence after beating the Celtics two straight to even the series. I expect a very close game like we saw in game 1 so we'll gladly take this 9-point gift from the books. The Cavs are an impressive 22-9 ATS vs. top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 9+ points/game since 1996, losing these games by just 1.9 ppg on average. The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings, 5-2-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Boston, and the Underdog is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings. The Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Conference Semifinals games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 playoff games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. It is highly unlikely that the Celtics can keep Lebron in check again as I think his big 3-pointer and dunk in the closing minutes of game 4 will have him heading into this one with a lot of swagger. Bet the Cavs.

4* Major Massacre of the Month on Hornets -4
The Hornets return home off a blowout defeat in game 4. They'll be looking to return the favor to regain the series lead tonight. The Spurs are 3-13 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less this season and just 6-16 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 this season. New Orleans is 10-0 ATS in home games revenging a same season loss vs. an opponent this season and 9-1 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more this season. The Hornets are 30-16 ATS in all home games this season. Take the Bees tonight.

4* Major Game 4 "TOTAL" Domination Play on Celtics/Cavs UNDER 181
After playing terrible defense in game 3, I expect the Celtics to play much better defensively in game 4 and the result will be an UNDERS win. The Under is 6-0 in Celtics last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points, 7-2 in Celtics last 9 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, and 37-14 in Celtics last 51 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. The Under is 6-0 in Cavaliers last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game, 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points, 12-2 in Cavaliers last 14 Conference Semifinals games, and 16-5 in Cavaliers last 21 home games. Take the UNDER.

5* Wiseguy ABC Primetime GAME OF THE YEAR on Lakers +1.5
I really like the Lakers to bounce back in game 4 and hit the Jazz in the mouth. LA is a perfect 7-0 ATS in road games revenging a same season loss vs. an opponent this season. The Lakers are also 18-5 ATS versus explosive offensive teams - scoring 103+ points/game this season. The Jazz

5* Wiseguy on Eastern Conference Playoffs GOTY on Celtics +2
The Celtics are well aware of the problems they had on the road in round one, but they were the best road team in the NBA during the regular season and I expect them to return to form in round two against a Cavs team which has been stifled by the defense of the Celtics. The Cavs are 4-14 ATS in home games revenging a loss vs. an opponent of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons and 4-15 ATS in home games off a road loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons. Boston is 32-14 ATS after playing a home game this season, 34-15 ATS after a win by 10 points or more this season, and 20-7 ATS after allowing 40 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games since 1996. Boston does not want this series to turn into one like they had against the Hawks so expect the Celtics to come with a whole lot more defensive intensity here. Take Boston.

5* Wiseguy BEST BET on Jazz -4.5
First of all, plays on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (UTAH) with double revenge - 2 straight losses vs. an opponent, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%) are 50-20 ATS over the last 5 seasons. Utah is 15-5 ATS in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons, 10-0 ATS in home games after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread this season, 7-0 ATS after a game where they were called for 10+ more fouls than opponent this season, and 7-0 ATS in home games on Friday nights this season. The Lakers are 8-22 ATS in road games after a game where they were called for 10+ less fouls than opponent since 1996. The Jazz know they need this one to still have a shot in this series. They were the best team in the league at home this season and they'll get the job done tonight.

5* Wiseguy Western Conference Semifinal GOTY on Spurs -7
The Spurs are not ready to pass the torch to this young Hornets squad without a dog fight. I fully expect San Antonio to bounce back in a big way here tonight. The Hornets are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games, 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5, and 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Spurs are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5, 14-3-2 ATS in their last 19 playoff games as a favorite, and 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5. The favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings. Pound the Spurs.

4* Major Second Round Total of the Year on Pistons/Magic OVER 187
With the series shifting back to Orlando, we'll see some more scoring tonight as the Magic average 104.7 ppg at home on the season. The Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings between these two teams. The Over is 54-24-2 in the Magic's last 80 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5, 4-1 in the Magic's last 5 playoff games as a favorite, and 8-3 in the Magic's last 11 vs. a team with a winning SU record. The Over is 4-1 in the Pistons last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and also 8-3 in the Pistons last 11 vs. a team with a winning SU record. This is a desperation game for the Magic so they will leave it all out on the floor tonight. That means a higher scoring game for this team at home. Take the OVER.

4* Major NBA on TNT GOTM on Spurs +2.5
The Spurs have won 11 of the last 16 games at New Orleans and 9 of the last 13 meetings the past 3 seasons. After a terrible performance by Tim Duncan and company in game 1, I fully expect the defending champs to come storming back tonight. The Hornets are 21-39 ATS off a win against a division rival since 1996, losing these games by 1.3 ppg on average. The Spurs are 37-23 ATS when playing 6 or less games in 14 days over the last 2 seasons, winning these games by 6.5 ppg on average. San Antonio is also 91-63 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) - 2nd half of the season since 1996, winning in these spots by 3.1 ppg on average. I like the Spurs outright here so we'll take the points for some insurance.

3* Spurs/Hornets UNDER 182.5
A play on the Under on Road teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (SAN ANTONIO) - revenging a loss vs. an opponent of 10 points or more, good team, winning 60-75% or more of their games on the season is 43-15 UNDER the last 5 seasons. The Spurs are 17-5 UNDER in road games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons and 15-2 UNDER in road games versus horrible foul drawing teams - attempting <=21 free throws/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996. New Orleans is 17-6 UNDER when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points this season. Take the Under.

3* Boston -14.5
With wins of 23, 19, and 25 points at home in this series, Boston has really put the hurt on the Hawks in front of its home crowd and I like the same to happen again here. There's no way that this stacked Boston team wants to go down in history known as the greatest choke of all-time so I full expect the big 3 to rise to the occasion. Boston is 8-0 ATS after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread this season. Atlanta is 4-14 ATS in road games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season and 3-11 ATS in road games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game this season. Boston is 30-14 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record this season. Take the Celtics.

5* Wiseguy NBA Playoffs Second Round GOTY on Spurs +3
The Spurs will waste no time showing the Hornets that they aren't ready to pass the torch yet. The Spurs have won 11 of their last 15 games at New Orleans. I think the rest will have done this veteran Spurs team more of a favor than the younger Hornets who have now lost some of their momentum. The Spurs are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games playing on 3 or more days rest. The Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in this matchup. Take the Spurs to win Game 1.

3* Utah -7.5
After being brutally embarrassed in game 5, I like the Jazz to come storming back at home tonight. Utah is 19-6 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season, 17-5 ATS in home games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) over the last 2 seasons, and 18-6 ATS versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game - 2nd half of the season this season. Utah is a perfect 9-0 ATS in home games after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread this season, and 11-2 ATS revenging a loss vs. an opponent of 10 points or more this season. Take the Jazz in this bounce back spot.

5* Wiseguy Elimination GOTY on Cleveland +3.5
The Cavs let game 5 slip away against an Arenas-less Wizards team. They won't let it happen again in game 6. Cleveland is 26-12 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less over the last 2 seasons, 17-7 ATS in road games after a game where they failed to cover the spread this season, and 22-11 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons. Washington is 1-10 ATS in home games after a combined score of 175 points or less over the last 3 seasons. Outside of one game, Cleveland has dominated the tempo in this series. Lebron will not be denied tonight. Take the points.

3* Pistons -5.5
The Pistons have fooled around long enough in this series and they know it's time to move on into round two. I expect a suffocating defensive effort to take them there tonight. Detroit is 15-5 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders this season, 16-5 ATS after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite this season, 16-5 ATS in road games after a win by 10 points or more this season, and 21-8 ATS after successfully covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games this season period. Take Detroit.

4* Major on Boston -14
Boston will say enough is enough tonight and really drive the 76ers into the ground. The Hawks are just 12-31 on the road this season and I fully expect to see the same result we saw in games 1 and 2. Boston is 14-5 ATS when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses vs. opponent this season, 15-5 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread this season, and 19-6 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season. The Hawks are 4-13 ATS in road games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season and 6-16 ATS in road games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. After Atlanta taking 2 in a row, oddsmakers are trying to get bettors to jump on the Hawks catching points here, but we won't bite. Lay the number.