6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Detroit Pistons +8 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons are showing some fight in going 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games overall against a brutal schedule with 4 road games at Orlando, Portland, Denver and Phoenix as well as a home game against Milwaukee.  They just upset the Suns 113-111 as 9-point road dogs on Friday and will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  Sacramento will be playing its 3rd game in 4 days.  The situation is a bad one for the Kings, who return home from a 4-game road trip.  That first game back home is almost always a flat spot following a long road trip.  And the Kings won’t be able to get up for the Pistons tonight.  Sacramento is 0-9 ATS in its last 9 home games off an upset win as a road underdog.  The Kings are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite.  The Pistons are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 matchups in Sacramento.  Take Detroit. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Golden State Warriors +8.5 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns will be playing for a second consecutive day after falling 111-113 at home to Detroit as 9-point favorites last night.  They will also be playing their 6th game in 9 days.  The situation makes us fade them tonight and back the Warriors, who want to avenge their 106-112 loss at Phoenix as 6.5-point dogs on February 12th earlier this month.  Now they are getting 8.5 points in the rematch and the Suns are in an awful situation.  It’s too many points.  Bets against home teams that allowed 110 points or more last game against a team that is off 2 straight blowout losses by 15 points or more are 35-8 ATS over the last 5 years.  The Suns are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 home games.  The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 matchups in Phoenix.  Take Golden State. 

7* Thunder/Bucks ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -10.5 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS since the break and showing no signs of slowing down.  They beat the Pistons by 20 on the road, the 76ers by 21 at home and the Raptors by 11 on the road.  The Bucks are 26-3 at home this year and will make easy work of a tired Oklahoma City Thunder team.  The Thunder will be playing for a 2nd consecutive day and their 3rd game in 4 days.  They barely survived 112-108 at home over the Kings last night and won’t have much left in the tank for the Bucks tonight.  Bets against road dogs who have won 15 or more of their last 20 games, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team are 74-39 ATS over the last 5 years.  Take Milwaukee. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat -2.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat are 23-4 at home this year.  They are coming off a rare home loss to the Timberwolves, which followed up a bad road loss at Cleveland.  It’s a good situation to back the Heat knowing they will be locked in against the Mavericks following these 2 defeats.  The Mavericks are without 3 role players and have Luka Doncic battling through a thumb injury and listed as questionable.  The Heat have gone 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 matchups with Dallas.  Miami is 17-6 ATS in its last 23 games off a defeat.  Take Miami. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Cleveland Cavaliers +8 

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing with more heart under J.B. Bickerstaff than they did with John Beilein.  The Cavaliers are 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall with their only loss coming on the road at Miami.  They upset Miami, Atlanta and Washington for their 3 wins.  They can hang with the 76ers, who are 9-20 SU & 7-20-2 ATS in road games this year.  Philadelphia remains without Ben Simmons.  The 76ers are 6-20-2 ATS in their last 28 road games.  Philadelphia is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games as a road favorite.  The 76ers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 road games in the 2nd half of the season against teams who attempt 18 or more 3-pointers per game.  Take Cleveland. 

6* Pelicans/Lakers TNT *CA$H COW* on New Orleans +8 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 games overall and have been a very tough team to deal with since Zion Williams joined the lineup.  They have won 5 of their last 6 straight up with 4 of those wins coming on the road.  The Lakers are in a difficult situation tonight.  They are coming off a tough 114-112 home win over the rival Celtics on Sunday and most their players went to Kobe’s memorial on Monday.  I can’t imagine they are in a very good state of mind for this contest.  The Pelicans want to avenge 2 losses to the Lakers this year by 10 on the road and by 4 at home.  But they didn’t have Zion for either of those games.  The Pelicans are 12-3-2 ATS in their last 17 road games.  The Lakers are 13-33 ATS in their last 46 home games after scoring 105 points or more in 5 straight games.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Los Angeles Clippers -9.5 

The Key: It’s a great situation to back the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.  They are coming off 3 straight losses for the first time all year.  Players have been outspoken about it so we should get a huge effort from them tonight.  And the Clippers have been resilient all season as they have gone 12-2 SU & 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a loss.  Los Angele is 24-9 ATS in its last 33 games following a loss dating back further.  The Grizzlies are coming off a 12-point road loss to the Lakers and I can’t see them staying within single-digits of a hungry Clippers team tonight.  Especially since the Grizzlies will be without one of their best players in Jaren Jackson Jr. (16.9 PPG) who left the Lakers game early with a knee injury.  The Clippers also want to avenge their worst loss of the season, a shocking 114-140 home loss to the Grizzlies as 10-point home favorites.  Bets on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points revenging a loss as a home favorite of 10 or more against a team that’s off a road loss by 10 or more are 29-8 ATS since 1996.  The Clippers are 8-1 ATS in home games revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 points or more this year.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Toronto Raptors -5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are 16-1 SU & 11-6 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  The Indiana Pacers are just 2-6 SU & 3-5 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  And the Pacers will be without Victor Oladipo tonight after he suffered a back injury in their first game back from the break against the Knicks.  The Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 matchups with the Pacers.  Toronto is 37-14 ATS in its last 51 games playing on one day of rest.  The Raptors are 27-13 ATS in their last 40 home matchups with Indiana.  Take Toronto. 

6* 76ers/Bucks ABC *CA$H COW* on Milwaukee -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are just 9-19 SU & 7-19-2 ATS on the road this year and won’t be able to stay within 8.5 points of the Milwaukee Bucks.  The Bucks are 25-3 at home this year and consistently win by double-digits.  They are outscoring their opponents by 13.1 PPG at home this year.  They already beat Philadelphia by 11 at home in their most recent matchup on February 6th.  The 76ers are 0-8 ATS in road games when revenging a road loss this year.  The Bucks are 16-4 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this year.  Philadelphia is 0-7-1 ATS in its last 8 games as a road underdog.  The Bucks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games.  The Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home matchups with the 76ers.  Take Milwaukee. 

6* Pelicans/Blazers ESPN *BAILOUT* on New Orleans -5 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are 16-9 SU & 17-6-2 ATS in their last 25 games overall.  They have been a much more dynamic team with Zion Williamson and now have a legit shot to make the playoffs in the West.  They also get Brandon Ingram back from injury after the All-Star break and are fully healthy for basically the first time all year.  The Blazers have all kinds of injuries and suffered a big blow when Damian Lillard pulled a groin late in their loss to the Grizzlies in the final game before the break.  He is 4th in the NBA in scoring at 29.5 PPG and was on an absolute tear before getting injured.  The Blazers won’t be able to hang with the Pelicans without him.  New Orleans is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games against a team with a losing record.  The Pelicans are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games off a loss.  The Blazers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on 3 or more days rest.  The Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 matchups.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Toronto Raptors -7.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are 15-1 SU in their last 16 games overall.  Nobody is playing better than them right now.  The Phoenix Suns are 4-9 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall with 6 of those losses by 8 points or more.  The Suns are 1-9 ATS in February road games over the last 2 years.  The Raptors are 11-2 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points this year.  The Suns are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  Phoenix is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games playing on 3 or more days rest.  The Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss.  Take Toronto. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Kings/Grizzlies OVER 229 

The Key: This will be the 3rd matchup between the Kings and Grizzlies this season.  The first resulted in 234 combined points and the most recent in Sacramento resulted in 251 combined points.  These are both ‘OVER’ teams and this total of 229 has been set too low.  The Kings are 18-5 OVER when the total is 220 to 229.5 this year.  The OVER is 5-1 in Grizzlies last 6 road games.  The OVER is 11-3 in Kings last 14 games as an underdog.  The OVER is 20-8 in Kings last 28 games overall.  The OVER is 12-3 in Kings last 15 games after scoring 100 points or more in their last game.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans -2 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are 18-5-1 ATS in their last 24 games.  They continue to fly under the radar tonight and I love the price on the Pelicans as only 2-point home favorites over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The Thunder have won all 3 matchups with the Pelicans this year so New Orleans wants to avenge those defeats.  New Orleans has won 6 of its last 8 games coming in with the only losses to 2 of the best teams in the NBA in the Bucks and Rockets.  The Pelicans are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Golden State Warriors +7.5 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors have lost 3 straight tot he Nets, Lakers and Heat.  They have a team here they can handle in the Phoenix Suns similar to the two teams they beat prior to this losing streak.  They went not he road and won at Cleveland by 19 and at Washington by 8.  The Suns have been big money burners in 2020 as they are just 7-12 SU & 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games overall.  They shouldn’t be laying 7.5 points to the Warriors tonight, especially since they are without Baynes, Kaminsky, Saric, and Johnson and could be without Ayton who is questionable.  Phoenix is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games off a loss by 10 points or more to a division opponent.  The Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a losing record.  The Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 trips to Phoenix.  The Suns are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games.  The Suns are 2-9 ATS In their last 11 games against a team with a losing record.  Take Golden State. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +8.5 

The Key: The Sacramento Kings are playing well in going 6-3 SU & 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  Their only losses have come to the Thunder, Lakers and Bucks which are 3 of the best teams in the NBA.  The Mavericks are expected to get Luka Doncic back tonight but I think they are getting too much respect from oddsmakers because of his return.  Dallas has been a terrible bet at home this year at 14-14 SU & 11-17 ATS this year.  They are one of the few teams that has been better on the road than at home.  The Kings are 4-1 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 matchups with the Kings with their only loss coming by 4 points.  Amazingly, the Kings are 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS int heir last 5 trips to Dallas.  Sacramento is also 17-5-1 ATS in the last 23 matchups overall.  Dallas is 0-8 ATS in home games after a combined score of 215 points or more in 3 straight games this year.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans -2.5 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans have had the last 2 days off and will be ready for the Portland Trail Blazers to come to town tonight.  The Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games on 2 days’ rest.  There’s a good chance they get Brandon Ingram back from an ankle injury, but this is a deep team that upset the Pacers on the road without him on Saturday.  Portland has won just 10 of its 28 road games this year.  The Pelicans are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 against a team with a losing record.  Take New Orleans. 

6* Kings/Bucks NBA TV *CA$H COW* on Sacramento +10 

The Key: The Kings have been a streaky team this year and they are currently in one of their good streaks.  Sacramento has gone 6-2 SU & 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games with its only losses coming to the Lakers and Thunder.  They beat the Clippers on the road by 21 as 14-point dogs and also upset the Heat, Spurs, Bulls and Timberwolves during this stretch.  There’s a good chance the Bucks will be without Giannis tonight due to personal reasons.  They definitely aren’t 10 points better than the Kings without Giannis.  The Kings are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games when revenging a same-season loss.  The Kings are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 trips to Milwaukee.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference Game of the Month on Indiana Pacers -6.5 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers will be hungry for a win after dropping 5 straight coming into this game.  They get to host the Brookyn Nets, a team they have handled over the last several years.  The Pacers are 11-1 SU & 10-2 ATS in their last 12 matchups with the Nets. Brooklyn is just 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games as a road dog.  Take Indiana. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off a terrible 115-142 road loss at Minnesota as 9.5-point favorites yesterday.  The blessing in disguise is that the blowout loss allowed their starters to rest and remain fresh for this game tonight.  I have no doubt the Clippers will bounce back with a blowout win at Cleveland.  The Clippers haven’t lost 2 straight games since November 13-14.  Los Angeles is an impressive 11-0 SU & 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games off a loss.  And now they face a Cavaliers team that is just 1-12 SU & 5-8 ATS in their last 13 games.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans +2 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are 14-8 SU & 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games overall.  They should not be road dogs to the Indiana Pacers who are in a horrendous spot tonight.  The Pacers will be playing for a 2nd consecutive day and their 3rd game in 4 days.  And now their best player in Victor Oladipo will rest due to this situation, and one of their best scorers on T.J. Warren is questionable.  The Pacers won’t have much left in the tank to face a Pelicans team that plays at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.  The Pelicans are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.  The Pacers are 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games overall which includes upset losses to the Knicks as 11-point favorites and the Mavericks as 5.5-point favorites.  Indiana is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games playing on no rest.  Take New Orleans. 

6* Blazers/Jazz ESPN *BAILOUT* on Utah -8.5 

The Key: I like the situation for the Utah Jazz tonight.  They come on off 5 straight losses and hungry for a win.  They will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days so they are rested. And they face a Portland team playing for a 2nd consecutive day after a 125-117 home win over San Antonio last night.  The Blazers will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days as well and it makes it even more difficult that they have to play in altitude in Salt Lake City.  The Jazz also want to avenge their 107-124 road loss at Portland on February 1st less than a week ago.  Portland is 4-12 ATS as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this year.  Utah is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games off an upset loss as home favorite.  The Blazers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games.  The Jazz are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games against a team with a losing road record.  The Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home matchups with Portland.  Take Utah.   

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +6 

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies have won 13 of their last 16 games overall and shouldn’t be catching 6 points against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  They have road wins over the Clippers and Mavericks during this stretch and now face a tired 76ers team.  Philadelphia will be playing for a 2nd consecutive day after its loss in Milwaukee last night.  This is the first game back home following a 4-game road trip for the 76ers, who went 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS on that road trip.  The 76ers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games off a road loss by at least 10 points.  Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games.  Take Memphis. 

6* Rockets/Lakers TNT *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -7.5 

The Key: After a poor showing in their first game back since Kobe’s death in an upset loss to Portland, the Lakers have been rolling since.  They went into Sacramento and won by 16 before crushing the Spurs by 27 at home.  No team is as fresh as the Lakers right now as they will be playing just their 4th game in 12 days tonight.  They’ll handle a Rockets team playing their 3rd game in 5 days tonight.  It’s a Rockets team that just traded away Clint Capela and could be without Russell Westbrook again tonight due to a thumb injury.  They are going to get owned by the Lakers’ bigs inside without Capela and rebounding is going to be a problem for them all game.  The Lakers are fully healthy and rejuvenated, dedicating this season to Bryant.  The Rockets are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New York Knicks +3 

The Key: The New York Knicks come in on 2 days’ rest and will be ready to put forth an ‘A’ effort tonight.  The Knicks have quietly gone 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.  The Magic have gone 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games and are in a difficult situation.  Orlando will be playing for a 2nd straight day and its 4th game in 6 days to start the month of February.  Their last 5 losses have all come by 11 points or more, so they have rarely even been competitive.  The Knicks are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 home games after winning 2 of their last 3 coming in.  The Magic are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no rest.  Take New York. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +5 

The Key: The Grizzlies are playing as well as anyone in the West right now.  They have gone 12-3 SU & 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games and are much healthier than the Dallas Mavericks right now.  This is a Mavericks team that is without Doncic and Powell and could be without Curry and Barea.  That’s a total of roughly 58 PPG missing from those 4 players.  The Mavericks have been struggling at home this year and are just 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 home games.  The wrong team is favored given how well the Grizzlies are playing and the injuries to the Mavericks.  Take Memphis. 

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Memphis Grizzlies -8 

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies get two of their best players back from suspension and injury respectively tonight in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke.  After a setback in New Orleans without these two, look for the Grizzlies to get back to playing the way they were prior to losing them.  The Grizzlies went 11-2 SU & 10-3 ATS in their previous 13 games with several blowout victories along the way.  This will be another blowout against a Detroit Pistons team playing for a 2nd consecutive day after a 128-123 (OT) upset home win over Denver Sunday.  It will also be the 7th game in 11 days for the Pistons.  And the injuries are starting to pile up for the Pistons as well.  The Grizzlies just won 125-112 in Detroit as 2-point favorites on January 24th and should be able to win by double-digits again at home in the rematch.  Memphis is 8-1 ATS off 2 straight road games this year.  Detroit is 4-12 ATS as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this year.  The Pistons are 19-41-1 ATS in their last 61 games overall.  Take Memphis. 

7* 76ers/Heat NBA TV *HEAVY HITTER* on Miami -2.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are just 2-9 SU & 1-10 ATS in their last 11 road games.  That includes losses at Atlanta by 10, Boston by 21, Toronto by 12, Dallas by 18, Houston by 10 and Indiana by 18.  They haven’t even been close in some of these games.  And now they travel again to Miami during Super Bowl week and all those distractions to face a Heat team that is 21-3 SU at home this year.  The Heat are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games following a road game.  The 76ers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 road games when trying to avenge a road loss.  Take Miami.   

6* Lakers/Kings NBA *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -5.5 

The Key: After getting upset by the Portland Trail Blazers last night, the Lakers should take out their frustration on the Sacramento Kings tonight.  The Lakers had 5 days off prior to that game to mourn Kobe’s death, so they should still be fresh from a physical standpoint.  They face a Kings team that is just 3-7 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  The Lakers are an NBA-best 20-5 on the road this season.  Getting outside Los Angeles will do them some good as they can shift their focus away from their home city and Kobe’s loss.  The Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on no rest.  The Kings are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 home games.  The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 matchups.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Grizzlies/Pelicans NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on New Orleans -6.5 

The Key: The Pelicans failed to win and cover in their first two games with Zion Williamson. But they have since acclimated to having him in the lineup and have been dominant.  They beat the Celtics 123-108 at home as 1.5-point favorites and the Cavaliers 125-111 on the road as 8.5-point favorites.  Now they come in on 2 days’ rest and ready to take down the Grizzlies, who will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days.  The Grizzlies will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. due to suspension and they certainly will miss him.  He averages 17.7 PPG.  The Pelicans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.  New Orleans is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 games overall.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Los Angeles Clippers -13.5 

The Key: The Sacramento Kings are in a tough situation tonight.  They are playing for a second consecutive night and their 3rd game in 4 days after losing by 20 at home to the Thunder last night.  The Clippers are 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall despite playing 5 straight games on the road.  And now they’re home and on 3 days’ rest, so they will be the much fresher team.  This extra time off has allowed both Paul George and Patrick Beverly to get healthy and back in the lineup after missing the last several games each.  Now the Clippers are full strength and probably the best team in the NBA at full strength.  The Kings are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning record.  The Clippers are 8-0 ATS in the last 8 matchups, and 5-0 ATS in the last 5 home matchups.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on San Antonio Spurs +5.5 

The Key: We are getting the San Antonio Spurs cheap at home tonight as 5.5-point underdogs to the Utah Jazz.  The Jazz have been on a nice tear against a weak schedule, but lost at home to the Rockets 117-126 as 14.5-point favorites last time out despite Houston not having Harden or Westbrook.  The Spurs are cheap because they have lost 3 in a row, but all 3 losses came by 4 points or less.  The Spurs haven’t lost any of their last 7 games by more than 4 points.  The Spurs are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games off a loss.  San Antonio is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 games as a home underdog.  The Spurs are 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 home matchups with Utah.  Take San Antonio. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Week on Golden State Warriors +12 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough situation tonight.  They just beat the Lakers in upset fashion, so they won’t be nearly as hungry to face the lowly Warriors tonight.  And this is a fresh Warriors team that comes in on 3 days’ rest.  The Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games against a team with a winning home record.  Take Golden State. 

6* NBA Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Oklahoma City Thunder +1.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have won 13 of their last 17 games overall while going 14-3 ATS in the process.  Oddsmakers just haven’t given this team the respect they deserve, and they are lacking respect again tonight as home underdogs to the Dallas Mavericks.  Dallas lost Dwight Powell for the season just a few games back and won’t be nearly as good of a team moving forward without him.  The Thunder are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games as underdogs.  The home team is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last 5 matchups.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Week on Miami Heat -6 

The Key: The Miami Heat have had the last 2 days off to rest and recover.  Now they host the Orlando Magic and are 20-2 at home this year.  The Magic don’t have the same rest luxury.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 8th game in 13 days.  The Heat are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on 2 days rest, while the Magic are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games playing on no rest.  Take Miami. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New York Knicks -1.5 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and for a 2nd consecutive day after winning in overtime at Detroit last night.  Needing to go to OT will take even more out of the Nets and the Knicks should be able to capitalize.  The Nets are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games playing on 0 days’ rest.  The Knicks are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 matchups with the Nets.  Brooklyn is 0-7 ATS in its last 7 games as a road dog.  The Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.  Take New York. 

7* Mavs/Jazz NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Utah -3.5 

The Key: The Utah Jazz have won 18 of their last 20 games overall.  The Jazz are also 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games.  Utah is 6-0 SU in its last 6 home matchups with Dallas.  Utah is 7-0 ATS in its last 7 home games.  Take Utah. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +9.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder could be without Steven Adams tonight and will be without both Ferguson and Nader.  They are laying too big of a number tonight after winning and covering 3 straight.  They are getting a lot of respect from oddsmakers after going 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games as well.  The Hawks took both the Raptors and Clippers to the wire losing by 5 to Toronto and beating the Clippers by 7 in their last 2 games to flash their potential.  The Hawks also upset the Spurs on the road and the Suns at home in going 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  Atlanta is 11-1 ATS in road games off a home win over the last 2 years.  Take Atlanta. 

6* Clippers/Heat ESPN *CA$H COW* on Miami +2.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat cannot be home underdogs to the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.  The Heat have the best home record in the NBA at 20-1 this season.  And the Clippers are going to be without 2 starters in Paul George and Patrick Beverly.  I know Butler, Dragic and Nunn are all questionable for the Heat but they are a deep team and it will not matter.  The Heat are 13-0 ATS in home games off two straight games with a combined score of 215 or more over the last 2 years.  Miami is 8-1 ATS in home games against Western Conference foes this year.  The Heat are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 home games and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as home underdogs.  Take Miami. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 

The Key: The situation tonight favors the Cavaliers over the Wizards in a big way.  The Cavaliers are hungry for a win off 5 straight losses, but they’ve played 6 of their last 7 on the road.  They are rested and recovered by now having been off since Monday.  The Wizards are a tired team playing for a 2nd consecutive day and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Making matters worse is that they had to go to overtime against Miami last night.  They gave up 134 points to the Heat and are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 road games after allowing at least 130 points.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Spurs/Pelicans ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on New Orleans -3.5 

The Key: The Pelicans are 10-4 SU & 12-1-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  And their 4 losses came to the Lakers, Clippers (by 3), Jazz (by 2) and Celtics.  And now the Pelicans get Zion Williamson making his season debut in what will be a tremendous atmosphere in New Orleans.  Plus Jrue Holiday just returned and scored 36 points in his first game back from injury in a 126-116 win at Memphis last time out.  The Spurs are 7-13 on the road this year.  San Antonio is 7-22 ATS in its last 29 games off a win.  The Pelicans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games.  Take New Orleans. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +4.5 

The Key: The Hornets have had the last 4 days off having last played on Wednesday.  The Magic will be playing their 4th game in 6 days and their 6th straight road game.  The situation really favors the Hornets, who needed the break after a very difficult schedule that has seen them be a dog of 6.5 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games.  Bets against any team that’s off an upset loss as a favorite against an opponent that’s off 3 or more consecutive road losses are 38-14 ATS over the last 5 years.  Take Charlotte. 

6* Pacers/Nuggets NBA *BAILOUT* on Denver -1 

The Key: We’re getting the Nuggets cheap at home tonight because they are without 3 players in Murray, Harris and Millsap.  But this line has been adjusted too much for those injuries.  The Nuggets have arguably the deepest team in the NBA so they can survive some injuries.  They had six players score in double figures last game without this trio, including three off the bench in Beasley (27), Porter Jr. (18) and Plumlee (15).  Will Barton had 31 points and took on a bigger role as well.  The Nuggets are 17-5 at home this year.  The Pacers are 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 road games against a team that wins more than 60% of their home games.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Detroit Pistons -2 

The Key: The Hawks are in a letdown spot off their first win in San Antonio since 1997 last night.  They came back from 14 down to win in the 4th quarter and obviously used up a lot of energy making that comeback.  It will take its toll tonight as they will now be playing for a 2nd consecutive night against the Detroit Pistons.  The Pistons have had the last 2 days off since knocking off the Celtics by 13 as 9.5-point road underdogs on Wednesday.  The situation really favors the Pistons in this matchup.  Take Detroit. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Heat/Thunder OVER 216 

The Key: With Stephen Adams knocked out of their last game with a knee injury in the first quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder went on to lose to the Toronto Raptors 121-130 in a game that saw 251 combined points.  They have to go small ball without Adams, which favors the OVER.  The Heat are 8-0 OVER off a win by 6 points or less this year.  The OVER is 2-0 in the last 2 meetings with combined scores of 223 and 220 points.  Take the OVER. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans +5 

The Key: The Pelicans are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Jazz have won 10 straight, but their closest win was a 128-126 victory at New Orleans just 10 days ago.  The Pelicans haven’t forgotten and will be hungry to avenge that defeat and end Utah’s winning streak.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +11.5 

The Key: The Charlotte Hornets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.  They upset the Mavericks and Cavaliers on the road and lost by single-digits to the Blazers by 3 and Suns by 8 to cover those 2 numbers.  The Nuggets are in a letdown spot off their big win over the Clippers.  They have fallen victim to upset home losses to the Cavs as 12.5-point favorites and the Pelicans as 9-point favorites recently.  They seem to play to the level of their competition.  And the Nuggets could be without 3 of their better players in Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris tonight.  The Hornets are 11-2 ATS off 2 or more straight road losses over the last 2 years.  The Hornets have 4 days off after this game so they will be All In tonight.  Take Charlotte. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Brooklyn Nets +3.5 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets are healthy for basically the first time this season.  It’s not wonder they have won impressively in their last two games to end a 7-game losing streak.  They upset the Heat as 4-point home underdogs and crushed the Hawks by 22 as 9-point home favorites.  Now they welcome the hot Utah Jazz, who have won 9 straight and 14 of their last 15.  This just feels like a spot where the Jazz go down.  They were down by double-digits at halftime to the Wizards on the road last time out and came back.  They won’t be so fortunate against the Nets tonight.  Bets against road teams with a line of +3.5 to -3.5 after beating the spread by 54 or more points in their last 10 games against an opponent that went under the total by more than 24 points in their last game are 25-6 ATS since 1996.  The Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.  Take Brooklyn. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets -7.5 

The Key: No write up Sunday. On vacation. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Cleveland Cavaliers +13 

The Key: No write up.  On vacation. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Phoenix Suns -3 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns are hungry for a win.  They had the last 2 days off and are primed for a big effort tonight against the Orlando Magic.  The Magic will be playing their 9th game in 15 days.  Now they are without D.J. Augustin, Jonathan Isaac and Al-Farouq Aminu and could also be without Aaron Gordon, who is questionable with a calf injury.  The Suns are fully healthy outside role player Kaminski.  The Suns are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games when revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 points or more.  Take Phoenix. 

7* Celtics/76ers Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -2 

The Key: The Celtics will be playing for a second straight night and their 5th game in 7 days.  They are starting to wear down as they lost at Washington as 9-point favorites and lost to the Spurs by 15 as home favorites.  The 76ers come in on 2 days rest and are 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS against the Celtics this year with wins at home and on the road.  The 76ers are 17-2 at home this season I like the price we are getting with them as only 2-point favorites.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Nuggets/Mavs ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Dallas -3 

The Key: I like the price we are getting on the Dallas Mavericks as a short home favorite over the Denver Nuggets tonight.  The Nuggets have lost by 26 at Houston and by 14 at Washington as 13-point favorites in recent road games.  And I don’t expect them to hang with the Mavericks for four quarters tonight.  The Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games off a win.  The Mavericks are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games against a team that wins more than 60% of their games.  The Mavericks are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 matchups.  The Mavericks are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 home matchups.  Take Dallas. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New York Knicks +13 

The Key: The Lakers haven’t won any of their last 12 games by more than 13 points.  The Knicks have only lost twice by more than 8 points in their last 12 games.  The Knicks are 8-4 ATS in those 12 games and should be able to hang around with the Lakers for 4 quarters tonight.  The Knicks are 8-0 ATS when playing their 2nd straight road game this year.  They only lost by 3 on the road to the Clippers on Sunday.  Take New York. 

6* Warriors/Kings NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Golden State +10.5 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors get D’Angelo Russell back tonight and should take the Sacramento Kings down to the wire.  It’s a Kings team that will be without both Marvin Bagley III and Bogdan Bogdanovic.  The Kings are just 1-9 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall and shouldn’t be laying doubles to anyone.  The Warriors are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 road games when revenging a same-season loss.  The Kings are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games.  Take Golden State. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +12 

The Key: The Dallas Mavericks have too many injuries to be laying 12 points to the Hornets tonight.  They are going to be without Porzingis, Hardaway Jr. and Broekhoff tonight and could be without Wright.  The Hornets are 100% healthy and will give the Mavericks everything they want tonight.  The Hornets are 10-1 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in 3 straight games this year.  Bets on road dogs of 10 or more points who are playing 6 or less games in 14 days who win between 25% and 40% of their games when playing a team with a winning record are 44-15 ATS over the last 5 years.  The Mavericks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games off an ATS win.  Take Charlotte. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +2 

The Key: The Miami Heat will be playing for a 2nd consecutive night after beating the Raptors at home last night.  The Orlando Magic haven’t played since Wednesday.  The Magic have covered 4 of their last 5 matchups with the Heat.  The Magic are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games after scoring 120 or more points.  Take Orlando. 

6* Pistons/Clippers NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -12.5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons are in a world of hurt right now with injuries to Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard and Markieff Morris.  That’s basically 4 of their top 7 scorers they are without.  It’s no wonder the Pistons are 1-7 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall with all 7 losses coming by 12 points or more.  That trend will continue tonight as the Pistons can’t be competitive against one of the best teams in the NBA in the Clippers on the road tonight.  Detroit is 2-10 ATS against a team with a winning record this year.  The Pistons are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.  The Pistons are 15-36-3 ATS in their last 54 games as an underdog.  The Clippers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games against a team with a losing record.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Cleveland Cavaliers +9.5 

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and are catching too many points here against a struggling Toronto Raptors team that is battling injury right now.  The Raptors have lost 3 of their last 4 coming in.  They are playing without Siakam, Gasol and Powell right now.  Bets on road dogs off a road win who win between 25% and 40% of their games when playing a team with a winning record are 50-19 ATS over the last 5 years.  Take Cleveland. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets -3 

The Key: The Minnesota Timberwolves are 1-12 SU & 2-10-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  Now they could be without both Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins tonight, and they’re already without Jake Layman.  Minnesota is just 2-11-1 ATS at home this season.  The Nets are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games off an ATS loss.  The Timberwolves are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games against a team with a losing road record.  Take Brooklyn. 

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on New York Knicks -3 

The Key: The Knicks are 4-4 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last 8 games and playing good basketball.  Now they get a chance to avenge one of those losses as they fell 115-121 at home to the Wizards on December 23rd.  While the Knicks are now healthy, the Wizards have a ton of injuries.  They are without Bertans, Wagner, Hachimura and Bryant and both Beal and Thomas are banged up and may sit tonight.  The Knicks will beat the short-handed Wizards on the road tonight.  Take New York. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans +1 

The Key: The Pelicans are 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall with all 3 wins coming in upset fashion on the road.  They are playing well and will take down a Pacers team in a difficult situation for them.  The Pelicans come in on 2 days rest since their upset 112-100 win at Denver as 9-point dogs.  The Pacers are coming off a 112-113 dog fight loss at Miami last night and will now be playing on the road for a 2nd consecutive night.  Malcolm Brogdon is questionable for the Pacers.  This situation really favors the Pelicans.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +11.5 

The Key: The Atlanta Hawks have played the Bucks tough.  They are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings with the Bucks not once losing by more than 8 points.  They lost both meetings this season by 8 and 9 points.  I like the price we are getting with the Hawks tonight considering they are on 3 days rest and the Bucks just played on Christmas.  Bets against road favorites of 10 or more points who have won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games who are winning more than 75% of their games against a team that wins 25% or less are 43-17 ATS since 1996.  Take Atlanta. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Oklahoma City Thunder -6 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing their best basketball of the season to get over .500 at 15-14 on the year.  They have won 4 straight and 7 of their last 9 coming in.  The Memphis Grizzlies won’t be able to hang tonight.  The Grizzlies gave up 145 points and 67.4% shooting to the Spurs last time out.  The Thunder are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.  The Grizzlies are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road matchups with the Thunder.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Clippers/Lakers ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on Lakers -2 

The Key: The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Clippers 102-112 in their opener in their first and only meeting this year.  Now it’s revenge time for the Lakers.  This team has come a long way since that loss as they sit at 24-6 on the season.  But they are coming off 3 straight losses, so they are very hungry right now for a win.  Lebron James and Anthony Davis are both expected to play in this game after LeBron sat out last game.  The Clippers are just 8-8 on the road this season.  Bets against road teams with a line of +3 to -3 who outscore their opponents by 6 or more points per game after allowing 105 points or more in 3 straight games are 24-4 ATS since 1996.  Take the Los Angeles Lakers. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +6 

The Key: The Kings beat the Rockets 119-118 on the road on December 9th.  Now they get them in Sacramento 2 weeks later.  They are in need of a win after dropping 3 straight on the road, and I look for the Kings to be hungry tonight as a result.  The Rockets are fat and happy off 3 straight wins and nearing Christmas.  They won’t be playing with the same sense of urgency as the Kings will be tonight.  The Kings are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games as a dog and 9-1 ATS in their last 10 against a team with a winning record.  Take Sacramento. 

6* Nuggets/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on Denver +3.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have won 5 straight and want to avenge an earlier 96-105 home loss to the Lakers on December 3rd.  They shot 40.7% in that game and 20.7% from 3-point range.  They won’t shoot that poorly again.  And they won’t have to deal with Lebron James this time around as he is sitting with a back injury.  The Lakers are in an awful situation returning home following a 5-game road trip and playing 12 of their last 15 on the road.  It’s a tired team that will be dealing with a lot of distractions at home, especially since it’s nearly Christmas.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings -1 

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies are running on fumes right now.  They’ll be playing for a 2nd consecutive day, their 3rd game in 4 days, and their 6th game in 9 days.  The Grizzlies are just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games when playing for a 2nd consecutive day.  The Kings will only be playing their 2nd game in 4 days and they are a young, deep team that won’t be phased by this situation.  The Kings are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games when coming off 2 or more consecutive road losses.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 

The Key: The Orlando Magic are a tired team.  They just played the toughest situation in the NBA with a back-to-back at Utah and Denver on Tuesday and Wednesday.  And now they’ll be playing their 3rd game in 4 days tonight.  The Blazers should take advantage and run them out of the gym.  Portland will be playing just its 3rd game in 8 days and will be the fresher team.  The Blazers are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  Take Portland. 

6* Rockets/Clippers TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 236 

The Key: This will be the 3rd meeting already between the Rockets and Clippers this year, so they are familiar with one another.  The first meeting saw Houston win 102-93 for 195 combined points.  The 2nd meeting saw the Clippers win 122-119 for 241 combined points.  But that game was on pace to go well UNDDER the total before a huge 77-point 4th quarter.  That total was set at 227, and now this total is set at 236, a 9-point adjustment.  I think the price is right to pull the trigger on the UNDER here.  The Rockets are 14-4 UNDER in road games with a total of 230 or higher over the last 2 years.  The Rockets are 27-12 UNDER as an underdog over the last 3 years.  The Rockets are 22-6 UNDER when playing against a team that wins more than 70% of their games over the last 3 years.  The UNDER is 9-4 in Clippers last 13 games as a home favorite.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Lakers/Bucks TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -4 

The Key: The Bucks are 24-4 and 13-2 at home this year.  The Lakers will be without Kyle Kuzma and could be without Anthony Davis tonight.  It’s a tough situation for the Lakers, who have will be playing their 5th straight road game and their 12th road games in their last 15 games overall.  It is starting to wear on them as they barely escaped with a win at Atlanta before losing at Indiana in their last 2 games coming in.  The Bucks are 18-6 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 years.  The Bucks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Bucks are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 games off a loss.  The Bucks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 home meetings with the Lakers and 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings overall.  Take Milwaukee.

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets -9.5 

The Key: The situation could not possibly be worse for the Orlando Magic tonight.  They’ll be playing in altitude for the second straight night after losing 102-109 in Utah last night.  Now they’ll have nothing left in the tank for the Denver Nuggets tonight.  Denver comes in on 2 days’ rest and having won three straight home games to improve to 11-3 at home this year.  They had the best home record in the NBA last year.  The Magic are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 trips to Denver.  The Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against a team with a losing record.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Utah Jazz -6.5 

The Key: The Utah Jazz are back to full strength finally with Mike Conley returning tonight.  The Jazz have had the last 3 days off and will be fresh tonight.  They should put away the Orlando Magic with relative ease.  The Magic have lost 3 of their last 4 all by 9 points or more.  Take Utah. 

6* NBA Western Conference *CA$H COW* on San Antonio Spurs +10 

The Key: The Spurs just beat the Rockets at home on December 3rd.  The Spurs have won 3 of their last 4 coming in.  The Spurs have only lost once by more than 7 points to the Rockets in their last 6 meetings.  This number is just way too high tonight.  This is a rested Spurs team that will be playing just their 4th game in the last 13 days.  The Rockets are really battling injuries right now and just lost outright at home to the Pistons as 7.5-point favorites and the Kings as 12-point favorites in their last 2 home games.  The Spurs will hang around for 4 quarters as well.  Take San Antonio.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +12 

The Key: The Lakers will be playing without Kyle Kuzma tonight.  Lebron James is questionable.  The Lakers are primed for a letdown off their big win in Miami on Friday.  It will be their 6th road game in the last 13 days as they have been on the road a lot.  The Hawks will relish this chance to face the Lakers and will be the more hungry team.  The Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games against a team with a losing home record.  Take Atlanta. 

7* NBA Western Conference Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets -6.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have the Oklahoma City Thunder’s number.  They have won 8 of the last 9 meetings while going a perfect 9-0 against the spread.  Last year, the Nuggets won all 4 meetings by 7 points or more.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +7.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors just played in their biggest game of the season.  Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers returned to Toronto for the first time and promptly crushed the Raptors by 20 points.  The Raptors won’t be nearly as hungry for the Nets tonight.  Plus this is a Raptors team that is 1-4 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  They have been playing without Fred VanVleet, and clearly he means a lot more to them than he gets credit for.  The Raptors are fade material until VanVleet returns.  The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  The Nets are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games off an ATS loss.  The Raptors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on 2 days rest.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans +8 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers will be playing for a 2nd consecutive day and it will also be their 5th game in 7 days.  They won’t have much in the tank for the Pelicans tonight.  I like the price we are getting with the Pelicans because they have lost 10 straight, so oddsmakers are forced to set this number higher than it should be.  Take New Orleans. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on San Antonio Spurs -11.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are champing at the bit to play some competitive basketball.  They have been off since December 6th, getting 5 days off.  They beat the Rockets and Kings in their final 2 games before this break, so they are starting to play some good basketball.  And they should run the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the gym tonight.  The Cavaliers will be playing for a 2nd consecutive night and their 5th game in 7 days.  It’s about as tough a situation as there is in the NBA.  The Cavs are just 1-14 SU & 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall while consistently losing by double-digits.  The Cavs are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games.  The Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on 3 or more days of rest.  The Spurs are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take San Antonio. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +10 

The Key: The Charlotte Hornets have already lost to the Brooklyn Nets by 10 and by 7 in 2 earlier meetings this season.  Now these teams will be matching up for the 3rd time in 3 weeks.  I can’t see the Hornets going down without a fight.  They are playing for a 2nd straight day but are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on no rest.  Take Charlotte. 

6* Wednesday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Celtics/Pacers UNDER 210 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics are familiar with one another because they played in the playoffs last year.  The Celtics swept the Pacers in 4 games.  I think that familiarity will lead to a lower scoring game tonight.  The Celtics are 3rd in defensive efficiency this year while the Pacers are 8th.  Both teams prefer to play at a slower pace as the Pacers are 22nd in pace while the Celtics are 23rd.  The UNDER is 9-3 in Celtics last 12 games overall.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 games overall.  The UNDER is 22-7 in Pacers last 29 games against a team that wins more than 60% of their games.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +9 

The Key: The Miami Heat will be without their top 2 point guards in Justice Winslow and Goran Dragic tonight.  That’s going to force Jimmy Butler to play out of position and likely run the point tonight.  The Hawks are completely healthy now outside the suspension to John Collins.  They have been impressive of late by beating the Warriors by 25 at home and the Hornets by 15 on the road in 2 of their last 3 games.  The Heat are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 games overall and struggled to put away both Washington and Chicago at home in their last 2 games coming in.  The Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games off a win.  The Hawks are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 trips to Miami.  Take Atlanta. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns -3.5 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns are in the preferred spot tonight.  They had yesterday off after a tough 6-point loss at Houston as 11.5-point dogs.  And now they are back home after a four-game road trip.  They need a win and should get it against a tired Minnesota Timberwolves team that is coming off a 125-142 shootout road loss to the Lakers last night.  The Suns will now be playing for a 2nd consecutive day and for the 3rd time in 4 days.  It’s also their 4th straight road game.  The Timberwolves are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.  The Suns are 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.  Phoenix is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 against a team with a losing record.  Take Phoenix. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New Orleans Pelicans +9 

The Key: The situation is a good one for the New Orleans Pelicans.  They are 0-2 SU & 0-2 ATS with 2 home losses to the Mavericks this year.  Well, the Pelicans are now getting 9 points on the road in the 3rd matchup and I like them to stay within the number.  New Orleans is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 road games after losing a home game.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pelicans win this game outright.  Take New Orleans. 

6* Clippers/Bucks NBA *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 233 

The Key: When two elite teams like the Clippers and Bucks get together I usually like taking the UNDER.  Both teams are almost up for these games emotionally, which means their effort will be there on the defensive end.  And these are two of the better teams in the NBA in defensive efficiency due to their great length.  Nothing will come easy for either of these teams tonight.  Bets on the UNDER when the total is 220 or more after a blowout win by 15 points or more against an opponent that’s off a blowout win by 20 points or more are 43-13 since 1996.  The Clippers are 18-5 UNDER in road games against a team with a winning record over the last 2 years.  The Clippers are 16-5 UNDER when revenging a road loss over the last 2 years.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Suns/Pelicans OVER 234.5 

The Key: Two terrible defensive teams square off tonight when the Phoenix Suns visit the New Orleans Pelicans.  The Pelicans are yielding 118.8 PPG this season and play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.  The Suns are yielding 121.6 PPG in their last 5 games and just allowed 128 points to a bad Orlando offense last night.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings with combined scores of 245, 259, 254 and 246 points.  The OVER is 6-0 in Suns last 6 games off a loss by more than 10 points.  The OVER is 11-1 in Pelicans last 12 Thursday games.  Take the OVER. 

7* Kings/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -4 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers have won 3 of their last 4 coming in with their only loss coming on the road against the Clippers.  I know they played the Clippers last night, but they had 3 days off prior to that game, so they won’t be as tired as normal on a back-to-back.  The Kings have lost 3 of their last 4 and are finally coming back down to reality after an ATS tear.  They are without Fox and Bagley and could be without Bogdanovic tonight, 3 of their best players.  The Kings are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road dog of 0.5 to 4.5.  The Blazers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games off a loss by more than 10 points.  The Blazers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 home meetings with the Kings.  Take Portland. 

6* Wednesday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Bucks/Pistons UNDER 225 

The Key: The Pistons are tired right now playing for a second consecutive day and their 3rd game in 4 days.  The Pistons are 15-3 UNDER in their last 18 games when playing their 3rd game in 4 days.  These teams just played on November 23rd with the Bucks winning 104-90 for 194 points.  This 225-point total is too high and these teams won’t come close to touching it.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Lakers/Nuggets Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Denver -2 

The Key: The home team is 8-1 SU & 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.  The Nuggets are 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with the Lakers and winning by nearly 20 PPG on average.  Take Denver. 

7* Mavs/Pelicans TNT *Total* Annihilator on OVER 232 

The Key: These teams combined for 239 points in their first meeting this season and it will be more of the season tonight.  The Mavericks rank 1st in the NBA in offensive efficiency at 116.0 points per 100 possessions.  The Pelicans play at the 5th-fastest pace in the NBA and are 26th in the NBA in defensive efficiency.  These teams have combined for at least 238 points in 4 of their last 5 meetings.  The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Suns/Hornets OVER 223.5 

The Key: When the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets get together it usually leads to a high-scoring game. And with the way the Hornets are playing this season with a ton of 3-pointers and little defense, it should be more of the same.  The Suns are giving up over 119 PPG in their last 5 and have not been playing very good defense as well.  The Hornets are 28th in defensive efficiency this year.  The OVER is 9-0 in the last 9 meetings with 225-plus combined points in 5 straight matchups.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Boston Celtics -7 

The Key: The Boston Celtics will be hungry for a win Sunday off an upset loss at Brooklyn.  Now they take on one of the worst teams in the NBA in the New York Knicks, who are 4-15 on the season.  The Celtics have won 7 of their last 8 meetings with the Knicks with 5 of those wins coming by 9 points or more.  The Knicks are 13-28 ATS in their last 41 home games, and 3-13 ATS in their last 16 home games against a team with a winning road record.  The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 trips to New York.  Take Boston. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Oklahoma City Thunder -4 

The Key: The Thunder have been through a tough stretch in losing 4 of their last 5 games and 4 of those 5 on the road.  They lost to the Lakers twice by 5 and 3 points.  They lost to the Clippers by 2.  And they were blown out on the road by Portland while winning at Golden State.  Now they are back home here laying a short price against a Pelicans team that is coming off a tough 4-point home loss to the Lakers.  That was a game they wanted badly, and I think that loss will beat them twice as they won’t show up tonight against the Thunder.  The Pelicans are 2-7 SU & 3-6 ATS on the road this year and giving up 123.1 PPG.  The Thunder are 5-4 SU & 6-3 ATS at home.  The Pelicans will be without Favors and Ball due to injury.  The Pelicans are 2-15 ATS in their last 17 Friday games.  The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.  The Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games off a loss by more than 10 points.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on New York Knicks +7 

The Key: The Knicks want revenge from a. 104-109 road loss at Philadelphia as 12.5-point dogs on November 20th.  The Knicks now get the 76ers at home just 9 days later.  And it’s a depleted 76ers team that will be without Al Horford, Josh Richardson and Kyle O’Quinn tonight.  Philadelphia is 8-19 ATS in division road games over the last 3 years.  The Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games off an ATS loss.  The Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning record.  Take New York. 

7* Bulls/Warriors NBA *BAILOUT* on Chicago -2.5 

The Key: The Bulls will be hungry for a win tonight after losing badly to the Blazers last game.  They have the perfect opponent to get on track tonight.  The Warriors are 3-15 this season and just can’t overcome all the massive injuries they’ve accumulated.  The Warriors are 16-35-1 ATS in their last 52 home games.  The Warriors are 6-20-1 ATS in their last 27 home games against a team with a losing road record.  Take Chicago. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Washington Wizards +10.5 

The Key: The Washington Wizards are 10-4 ATS in all games this year and 5-1 ATS int heir last 6 games overall.  Their last 3 losses have all come by 7 points or fewer.  They should be able to stay within single-digits of the Denver Nuggets on the road tonight.  The Nuggets are 12-3 but only 3 of those 12 wins came by more than 10 points.  Each of the last 6 meetings in this series were decided by 10 points or fewer.  The road team is 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  The Wizards have won each of their last 3 trips to Denver outright.  Take Washington. 

6* Thunder/Warriors NBA *BAILOUT* on Oklahoma City -6 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off 3 straight tough losses by 2 points to the Clippers, by 5 points to the Lakers and by 3 points to the Lakers.  Those are arguably the 2 best teams in the NBA, and they showed they could go toe-to-toe with them.  Now the Thunder have their get right game tonight against the Warriors, who are probably the worst team in the NBA.  The Warriors are 3-14 this season and losing by 10.6 PPG.  The Thunder are on 2 days rest and are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games on 2 days rest.  The Warriors are 15-35-1 ATS in their last 51 home games and 5-20-1 ATS in their last 26 home games against a team with a losing road record.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat +4 

The Key: The Miami Heat raced out to a 67-43 halftime lead over the Bulls yesterday.  This allowed their starters to get some rest on the second half and for the Heat to be more fresh than Philadelphia.  The 76ers also played yesterday, but they were in a dog fight with the Spurs in a game that was within single-digits most the way.  They had to extend their starters’ minutes, and wound up winning by 11 by pulling away late.  The Heat are the deeper, fresher team and are the right side today.  The Heat are one of the best teams in the NBA at 11-3 SU & 10-2-2 ATS on the year.  Take Miami. 

6* Friday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Lakers/Thunder UNDER 211 

The Key: This is my favorite spot to bet an UNDER in the NBA.  The Lakers and Thunder are playing a home-and-home situation.  They just played in Los Angeles on Tuesday with the Lakers winning 112-107 for 219 combined points.  The 2nd meeting in these home-and-home situations is almost always more low scoring than the first because teams are familiar with each other and it favors the defenses.  The Lakers are 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency this year while the Thunder are 12th.  The UNDER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Oklahoma City.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Blazers/Bucks UNDER 227.5 

The Key: The Blazers and Bucks will both be playing their 3rd game in 4 days today.  Neither team will be looking to push the tempo simply because they’ll both be too tired to do so.  And with the Blazers not having Damian Lillard, they’re going to have to slow it down and try and make this an ugly, grind it out game if they want any chance to compete with the Bucks.  Seven of the last 10 meetings in this series have gone UNDER the total.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Jazz/Timberwolves UNDER 222 

The Key: This is one of my favorite situations to bet an UNDER.  The Jazz and Timberwolves are playing a home-and-home here after the Minnesota beat Utah 112-102 on the road Monday night.  That game saw 214 combined points, and now the total is 222 in the rematch in Minnesota.  I think it’s too high, and now that these teams are familiar with one another, points will be hard to come by tonight.  Utah is 25-8 UNDER off a double-digit loss as a favorite of 6 points or more and 20-5 UNDER off a double-digit loss as a home favorite of 6 points or more.  The UNDER is 13-3 in Jazz last 16 games overall, 6-1 in Jazz last 7 road games, and 8-0 in Jazz last 8 games playing on one days rest.  Take the UNDER.