6* Thunder/Mavs Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Dallas +1.5 

The Key: The Thunder have been able to win their first two games without Russell Westbrook, winning on the road at Cleveland and at home against Houston.  But we see this time and time again.  Teams play well for one or two games without their stars, but then it catches up to them.  I think that happens tonight here against the Mavericks.  The Thunder will be without Westbrook again here tonight.  The Thunder are 1-14 ATS in their last 15 road games after covering 5 or 6 of their last 7 ATS coming in.  The Mavericks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games off a loss by more than 10 points.  The Mavs are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings, and 4-0 ATS in the last 4 home meetings.  Take Dallas. 

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

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets have gone 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings with the Warriors, including a 6-point home loss in their first meeting this season.  The Nets are also 4-0 ATS in their last 4 trips to Golden State.  And their job gets a lot easier today against a banged-up Warriors team that is playing without Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston and DeMarcus Cousins.  They are just a shell of their former selves right now and will be a money burner for backers until they get healthy.  The Nets have a legitimate shot to win this game outright, just like the Bucks did the other night in their 134-111 win at Golden State.  Take Brooklyn. 

6* Timberwolves/Kings Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Sacramento +3 

The Key: The Sacramento Kings have been flying under the radar this season.  They are 6-5 SU & 7-4 ATS and have picked up some impressive wins along the way.  But off back-to-back losses to Milwaukee and Toronto, they should be hungry for a victory at home tonight against the Timberwolves.  Minnesota has off-court distractions that just aren’t getting fixed.  They have lost 4 in a row coming in with 3 of those losses by double-digits.  And the Timberwolves are 0-7 SU & 2-5 ATS on the road this season, getting outscored by 11.0 PPG in the process.  Minnesota is 9-23 ATS in its last 32 road games dating back to last season.  The Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Portland Trail Blazers -5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers are just rolling along and consistently undervalued.  They are 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS this season.  They have won 5 of their 7 home games this season all by double-digits.  And they should make easy work of the Clippers tonight.  The Clippers will be without Avery Bradley, and his loss is huge because he would have been guarding either Lillard or McCollum.  Now they just have Patrick Beverly to guard one of those two, which means the other should be able to go off.  It will most likely be McCollum, who is coming off a 40-point game and gaining confidence in his shot.  The Clippers are 37-64 ATS in their last 101 games off 2 consecutive covers as a favorite.  The Blazers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.  The Blazers are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 home games.  Take Portland. 

6* 76ers/Pacers ESPN *CA$H COW* on Indiana -2.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are still in search of their first road victory of the season.  They are 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS on the road this year and getting outscored by a whopping 15.2 PPG.  That’s why I have no problem laying the short price with the Pacers at home tonight as only 2.5-point favorites.  They are one of the top teams in the East and took Lebron James and the Cavs to 7 games last year, which nobody else in the East can say.  The Pacers are 10-2 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 meetings with the 76ers as well.  The 76ers are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games.  The Pacers are 40-18 ATS in their last 58 games following a loss.  Take Indiana. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Portland Trail Blazers +2 

The Key: The Bucks are really starting to get too much love from the books now after their 8-1 start to the season.  They are being asked to go on the road and lay points here to one of the better teams in the Western Conference in the Portland Trail Blazers, who are 7-3 SU & 7-3 ATS.  If anything, the Blazers are getting disrespected.  They should play the underdog card here and get an outright win and cover.  The Bucks are 4-14 ATS in their last 18 after having covered 5 or 6 of their last 7 ATS coming in.  Bets on home teams of +3 to -3 in a game involving 2 up-tempo teams who average 82 or more shots per game, after a game where they allowed a shooting percentage of 35% or less are 26-6 ATS since 1996.  Take Portland. 

6* Timberwolves/Clippers NBA *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -5 

The Key: The Timberwolves are in disarray.  They are just 4-6 this season and coming off road losses by 30 and 17 points.  They won’t be able to hang with an improved Clippers team tonight.  The Clippers are rested having the last 2 days off since beating the Magic by 25 on the road last time out.  The Timberwolves are 8-22 ATS in their last 30 road games.  The Clippers are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games off a win by more than 10 points.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Houston Rockets -8 

The Key: James Harden makes his return from a hamstring injury tonight.  That should help ease the load on the Rockets from playing the 2nd of a back-to-back here.  And they should be fresh either way because this is still just their 3rd game in 8 days.  The Bulls are also playing on a back-to-back tonight after losing yet another heartbreaker to the Pacers by 2 points last night.  They could be flat here off back-to-back tough close losses.  And the Bulls will be playing their 6th game in 9 days.  They’re already short-handed with 4 key players out with injury in Markkanen, Dunn, Portis and Valentine.  They won’t be able to keep pace with the Rockets tonight.  The Rockets are 28-13 ATS as a road favorites over the last 2 seasons.  The Rockets are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last 3 meetings with the Bulls winning by 32, 9 and 21 points.  Take Houston. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +8 

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies are 4-2 SU & 4-2 ATS this season.  Their 4 wins have all come by 8 points or more, including a 92-84 road win at Utah as 11-point underdogs in their first meeting this season.  This line is only 8 because Utah has some key injuries right now.  The Jazz are expected to be without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (23.3 PPG) tonight and key reserve Alec Burks.  I just don’t see how they’re going to cover this spread without Mitchell.  The Grizzlies come in on 2 days’ rest.  Memphis is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 vs. NBA Northwest Division teams.  The Jazz are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings, and 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Utah.  Take Memphis. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Oklahoma City Thunder +1.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder started the season 0-4 and that has had them undervalued.  They have since reeled off two straight blowout home victories over the Suns and Clippers and I think they are back to being the team we thought they’d be coming into the season.  Russell Westbrook was banged up to start the season, so that had a lot to do with the slow start.  But now they are basically at full strength going forward.  They are certainly better than the Charlotte Hornets, who are now overvalued after a 6-2 ATS start to the season.  The Hornets should not be favored here.  Charlotte is 2-16 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days over the last 2 seasons.  The Hornets are 5-21 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 ATS over the last 3 seasons.  The Thunder are 14-5-1 ATS in the last 20 meetings.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* Pacers/Knicks ESPN *CA$H COW* on New York +6 

The Key: The New York Knicks are 5-2 ATS this season and have consistently been overlooked by oddsmakers.  I expect them to hang with the Indiana Pacers tonight and possibly pull off the upset as 6-point home underdogs.  The home team is 22-6 ATS in the last 28 meetings.  The Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings with Indiana.  Take New York. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies -1.5 

The Key: I like the situation for the Grizzlies tonight.  They are rested with 2 days off in between games and will be playing for just the 2nd time in 6 days here.  The Wizards will be playing their 5th straight road game and their 5th game in 9 days.  They are 1-3 on this trip thus far with their only win coming by one point in overtime, and they are coming off a 32-point loss to the Clippers.  I think the Wizards are running out of gas, especially with injuries to two key players in Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris.  The Grizzlies are 17-4 SU & 15-6 ATS in their last 21 home meetings with the Wizards.  Washington is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 road games.  The Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.  The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take Memphis. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on New York Knicks -2 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days here Monday.  Not only that, they are coming off a hard-fought 114-120 loss to the Warriors last night in which they used a lot of energy for a 4th quarter comeback.  They will be tired and won’t be nearly as excited to face the Knicks as they were the Warriors.  The Knicks come in on 2 days of rest having last played on Friday.  They want revenge from a 105-107 road loss to the Nets on October 19th just 10 days ago.  The situation really favors the Knicks tonight.  Take New York. 

6* Wizards/Kings NBA TV *BAILOUT* on OVER 235 

The Key: The Wizards have been forced to go to a small lineup these last two games with Markieff Morris playing center.  That’s because both Dwight Howard and Ian Mahinmi are out with injuries.  And it’s no surprise that they have gone OVER the total in all 4 games this season, and the last 2 were the highest-scoring.  They combined for 249 points with the Blazers two games back and 266 points with the Warriors last time out.  And they should sail OVER this 235-point total with the Kings as well.  The Kings are 4-1 to the OVER this season and trying to play at a faster place to utilize De’Aron Fox’s skill set.  They have combined for 240, 278, 251 and 238 points in their 4 OVERS.  All four of those numbers were higher than this 235-point total.  Get ready for a shootout in Sacramento tonight.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Portland Trail Blazers -3 

The Key: This is a tough situation for the Magic.  They are coming off a huge upset win over the Boston Celtics on the road.  I can’t help but think they will have a letdown at home against Portland tonight.  The Magic are just 18-40 ATS in their last 58 games following a victory.  And the Magic haven’t been very good at home this year, going 1-1 with a 3-point win over a depleted Miami team, and a 32-point loss to Charlotte.  The Blazers are coming off a loss that will have them focused.  And they’ve gone 4-1 in their last 5 meetings with the Magic with an average victory of nearly 15 PPG.  Take Portland. 

7* Wizards/Warriors NBA *Total* Annihilator on OVER 234 

The Key: The Wizards have to go small ball tonight because Dwight Howard didn’t make the trip West, and Ian Mahinmi left their last game with a back injury.  The Wizards went with Markieff Morris at center in their small ball lineup against the Blazers after Mahinmi’s departure and it worked well.  They eventually won 125-124 in overtime.  The Warriors love going small themselves, so this should be a track meet tonight.  The Warriors beat the Wizards 120-117 in their last meeting at Golden State.  I think both teams top 120 points tonight.  Washington head coach Scott Brooks even said prior to this game if you don’t score 120 it’s tough to win in today’s NBA.  And all his players complimented the small ball approach.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Chicago Bulls +4.5 

The Key: The Bulls are hungry for their first win of the season tonight.  They should get it as 4.5-point home dogs to the Hornets.  Their last two losses have come by a combined 8 points to the Mavs and Pistons, so they’ve been close.  And I like the price we are getting with the Bulls tonight.  The Bulls are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings with the Hornets.  Charlotte is 5-15-1 ATS in its last 21 games following a loss by more than 10 points.  The Hornets are 5-20 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 ATS over the last 3 years.  The Bulls are 15-3 ATS against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 years.  The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Chicago. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +11.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are in a tough spot tonight.  They are in letdown mode off their 100-98 upset win over the defending champion Warriors last time out.  They won’t be nearly as hungry here tonight against the Kings, and that’s a problem when you’re being asked to lay 11.5 points.  I think the Nuggets come out flat here and the Kings get the cover.  The Kings are coming off a 131-120 upset road win of their own as 10.5-point underdogs against Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder.  But they won’t have a letdown because beating the Thunder is not like beating the Warriors.  The Kings are shooting 52.8% as a team this season as they’ve clearly improved dramatically on the offensive end, averaging 125.7 PPG.  Take Sacramento. 

6* Suns/Warriors NBA *BAILOUT* on Phoenix +12.5 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns should be one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season.  They have a young roster and have been stockpiling talent for years.  That talent is about to come to fruition this season.  They got DeAndre Ayton with the No. 1 pick in the draft and he’s a can’t-miss player.  Devin Booker is becoming a star already.  And the addition of Trevor Ariza gives them a leader in the locker room that they’ve desperately needed.  All Ariza does is win everywhere he goes because he plays winning basketball.  The Warriors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 98-100 loss in Denver last night.  Playing in altitude will have certainly taken more out of them than in most normal back-to-back situations. Take Phoenix. 

6* Spurs/Blazers Western Conference *CA$H COW* on San Antonio +4.5 

The Key: The Spurs aren’t getting much respect early in the season.  I don’t think they’re any worse off than they were last year.  In fact, they should be better.  The replaced Kawhi Leonard with DeMar DeRozan.  Leonard played hardly at all last season, and DeRozan is healthy and still one of the best players in the NBA.  The Spurs haven’t lost any of their last 10 meetings with the Blazers by more than 4 points.  They are 7-3 SU in those 10 games with their 3 losses coming by 1, 1, and 4 points.  Take San Antonio. 

6* Celtics/Raptors ESPN *CA$H COW* on Toronto -3 

The Key: Home-court advantage has been huge in this series between the Celtics and Raptors.  The home team is 10-1 SU in the last 11 meetings.  The Raptors are 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home meetings with the Celtics.  This is a pretty cheap price to get the Raptors at tonight given the series history.  Take Toronto. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland Cavaliers +13 

The Key: The betting public wants nothing to do with the Cavs without Lebron James.  That’s why we will see some inflated numbers early in the season with them, and this is one of them.  But the Cavs have some nice chemistry with Tryonn Lue entering his 4th year, and still plenty of talent with Kevin Love and company to remain competitive in the weak East.  The Raptors are going through a system change with first-year head coach Nick Nurse, and they have to try and figure out how to make this new offense work now that leading scorer DeMar DeRozan is gone.  I think it will take some time before the Raptors are hitting on all cylinders, so they shouldn’t be laying 13 points to the Cavs in the opener.  Take Cleveland. 

6* 76ers/Celtics *Total* Annihilator on OVER 210 

The Key: The 76ers were one of the best offensive teams in the Eastern Conference last season in averaging 110 PPG.  They are loaded again and don’t put nearly as much emphasis on the defensive end. The Celtics had to play more defense last year because they were without their best 2 scores for much of the season in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, especially in the playoffs.  But with Irving and Hayward back this should be one of the best offensive teams in the East.  And Irving doesn’t play much defense.  The OVER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Boston.  The OVER is 6-1 in 76ers last 7 road games.  Take the OVER. 

7* Warriors/Cavs Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: As a series goes on, games tend to be lower and lower scoring.  That has been the case in this series as well as each game has been lower scoring than the next.  The Cavs and Warriors combined for 212 points in Game 3 and now we’re seeing a total of 216, so I think there’s value with the UNDER.  Both teams know what each other is trying to do, which makes scoring at a premium.  The UNDER is 10-3 in Warriors last 13 games overall.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 11-5 in Cavaliers last 16 home games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Finals Game of the Year on Cleveland Cavaliers +4.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Cavaliers tonight.  I like backing teams with their backs against the wall because you know what kind of effort you are going to get from them.  While the Cavs will be at 110% tonight, the Warriors could relax after protecting home court with their 2-0 series lead.  And the Cavs will be happy to return home where they are 8-0 SU in their last 8 playoff games.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Cavs/Warriors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland +11.5 

The Key: The Warriors clearly should not be double-digit favorites against the Cavs in Game 2 tonight.  The Cavs should have beaten them in Game 1 and were the better team until overtime.  And with the injuries to the Warriors’ Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala, they aren’t the juggernaut that they are perceived to be.  The Cavs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference teams.  The Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when playing on 2 days rest.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Cavs/Warriors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland +13 

The Key: This Game 1 line has gotten out of control.  Too much has been made of the Warriors being massive favorites in this series.  I think it will be closer than most expect, starting with Game 1 tonight as the Cavs are ridiculous 13-point underdogs.  Kevin Love may or may not play, but it doesn’t matter as the Cavs were great without him and actually better defensively in winning their final two games against Boston.  Andre Iguodala is the best defender Golden State has against Lebron James, but he’s going to be out for Game 1.  James should be able to have his way against Golden State’s defense to keep this one closer than expected.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +6.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets have held their own at home against the Warriors.  After losing Game 1, they came back to win Game 2 and 5.  And they were favorites in all 3 previous home games in this series.  Yet now they are 6.5-point underdogs in Game 7.  I like the price we are getting with them here.  Andre Iguodala is doubtful while Kevin Looney is questionable.  Chris Paul could return today, but it’s factored into the line that he’s not playing, so if he does it would only be an added bonus.  The Rockets showed they could play with the Warriors without Paul by taking a 17-point lead in Game 6 before faltering in the second half.  They should be able to sustain that level of play for 48 minutes this time around due to the boost they’ll get from their home fans.  The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss.  Take Houston.

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -2.5 

The Key:  This one is just about as easy as it gets.  The home team is 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in the six meetings thus far in this series.  The home team has won all 6 games by 9 points or more.  Boston has beaten Cleveland by 25, 13 and 15 points in its three home meetings.  The Cavs’ role players just don’t travel well.  And now they’ll be without Kevin Love due to a concussion, making their task even more daunting today.  The Celtics are 10-0 at home in the playoffs and will improve to 11-0 while earning a trip to the NBA Finals with a victory tonight.  Take Boston. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Golden State -11.5 

The Key: No Chris Paul, no chance for the Rockets.  They suffered a huge blow when he hurt his hamstring in the final seconds of Game 5 and has now been ruled out for Game 6.  He is the heart and soul of this team.  He is also a massive part of their game plan.  Mike D’Antoni staggers the minutes of Paul and Harden to make sure that at least one of them is on the court at all times.  Now the onus will be on Eric Gordon to take over Paul’s role, but he’s much better working off the ball.  And the Rockets will have to go deeper into their thin bench.  Houston knows it has a home game in its hip pocket coming up in Game 7, so I don’t expect the Rockets to be giving 100% trying to win Game 6.  It’s do or die for the Warriors, so they should come out like gangbusters and cover this 11.5-point spread with ease.  Take Golden State. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7 

The Key: Home-court advantage has made all the difference in this series thus far, and I don’t see that changing in Game 6 in this do-or-die game for Cleveland.  The Celtics know they still have a home game in their back pocket, which is huge considering they are 10-0 at home in these playoffs.  They can afford to not show up tonight.  The Cavs don’t have the same luxury.  The Cavs are 7-0 at home in the playoffs, while the Celtics are 1-6 on the road.  The home team is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in this series with an average win of 18 PPG.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 219.5 

The Key: I’m surprised the books keep setting the number too high in this series.  The UNDER is 3-1 and we’ve seen lower scoring games as the series has gone on.  Houston beat Golden State 95-92 for only 187 combined points in Game 4.  Now this total is 219.5 for Game 5, which is 32.5 points more than their Game 4 result.  They will likely score more points than in Game 4, but they won’t reach 220 or more.  These teams are very familiar with each other now and defense is winning out.  It has become an isolation series as neither team is able to move the ball on offense.  That results in longer possessions and contested shots at the end of the shot clock frequently.  Houston is 13-2 UNDER when the line is +3 to -3 this season.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 games overall.  The UNDER is 38-18 in Rockets last 56 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Rockets last 5 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 206.5 

The Key: Boston will control the tempo playing at home tonight just as they did in Games 2 and 3.  The Celtics and Cavs combined for just 191 points in Game 1 and 201 points in Game 2.  Now we’re seeing a total of 206.5 in Game 5, which I believe to be too high here.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 14-6 in Cavs last 20 games following an ATS win.  The UNDER is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +9 

The Key: The Houston Rockets will put forth a much better effort in Game 4 than they did in Game 3.  It was mind-blowing how poorly they played, and the Warriors took advantage.  But the Warriors will likely not have Andre Iguodala tonight, a key piece in their Hampton’s 5 lineup.  Buckets will be easier to come by for Houston without having Iguodala’s presence on the defensive end tonight.  And the Rockets surely won’t shoot as poorly as they 39% they shot in Game 3 as they continued to miss layup after layup.  They made great adjustments in Game 2, and I expect the same for Game 4 tonight.  Take Houston. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7 

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers are 35-13 at home this season, including 6-1 in the playoffs.  The Boston Celtics have been vulnerable on the road in the playoffs.  They are just 1-5 in their 6 road playoff games.  The Cavs won Game 3 by 30 and should have no problem covering this generous 7-point spread at home tonight to square this series.  Tyronn Lue is 16-5 ATS off a blowout home win by 20 points or more as the coach of the Cavs.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 226 

The Key: Points will be harder to come by as this series goes along and the Rockets and Warriors learn offensive tendencies.  These teams are both better defensively than they get credit for.  Houston is 9-1 UNDER off a combined score of 215 points ormolu in two straight games this season.  The Rockets are 7-0 UNDER in road games off three consecutive home games this season.  The UNDER is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 vs. NBA Pacific division.  The UNDER is 21-10 in Rockets last 31 overall.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last five games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -6 

The Key: This is a great situation to back the Cavaliers.  They are down 0-2 and returning home for a must-win game.  They will be 100% locked in.  It also helped them having three days off after last playing on Tuesday, especially Lebron James who really needed the rest.  The Cavs should come out like gangbusters tonight.  The Celtics will likely relax knowing that they have a cushion now after keeping their home-court advantage.  And while the Celtics haven’t lost at home in these playoffs, they are just 1-4 on the road with their lone victory coming in overtime.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -1.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets will be hungry to even this series and get right back in it.  They did win two out of three against the Warriors during the regular season, so they know they are capable.  And it’s unlikely Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson shoot that well again.  The Warriors are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games off a win by 10 points or more.  Golden State is also just 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on one day of rest.  Take Houston. 

7* NBA Playoffs Game of the Year on Cleveland Cavaliers +1 

The Key: I’m shocked the Cavs aren’t big favorites over the Celtics in Game 2 tonight.  They got their asses kicked in Game 1 and are sure to come back with a big effort tonight.  They made only 4 3-pointers in the game and shot just 15% from distance.  The odds of them shooting anything close to that again from deep are slim to none.  The Cavs will come with a much better game plan after making some adjustments, and they are clearly the more talented team in this series.  That talent will shine through in Game 2 tonight.  The road team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the Cavs are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 trips to Boston.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -1 

The Key: The Houston Rockets are the only team in the NBA that has the goods to beat the Warriors.  They are very similar teams, but the Rockets have the deeper bench and will be able to hang with the Warriors in this series.  I think they take Game 1 tonight in Houston.  They won 2 of 3 meetings with the Warriors during the regular season.  They are hungry for a title and realize this is their best chance since Hakeem Olajuwon.  Houston is 22-8 ATS off a home ATS loss where they won straight up as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.  The Rockets are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games when playing on 3 or more days of rest.  Take Houston. 

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -1.5 

The Key: Lebron James and the Cavaliers will prove to be too much for the Celtics in this series, and it starts with Game 1 tonight.  They are extra rested after sweeping the Raptors and will look to continue their dominance of the Celtics in the playoffs.  The Cavs are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a blowout home win by 20 points or more.  That’s a 91% angle backing the Cavs here this afternoon.  Take Cleveland. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston +1 

The Key: The Boston Celtics simply do not lose at home.  They have not only gone 7-0 straight up, but also 7-0 against the spread in their last 7 home games.  Now they are home underdogs to the 76ers in Game 5, where they just have to win to cover.  Sign me up.  The Celtics are 10-0 ATS as home underdogs this season.  They are also 10-0 ATS when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss this season.  Couple these trends with the 7-0 home trend and we have a 27-0 angle backing the Celtics.  Take Boston. 

7* Pelicans/Warriors Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 228.5 

The Key: The Pelicans and Warriors have combined for 224, 237, 219 and 210 points in games 1-4, respectively.  They have been lower scoring games than oddsmakers have anticipated, and I think there’s a good chance Game 5 stays well UNDER 228.5 points as well.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 200 or more, an extremely well rested team playing 5 or less games in 14 days, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team are 67-34 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/76ers Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -6 

The Key: The 76ers have blown late leads in each of the last two games in this series.  They know they are better than Boston and still have hope that they can make this a series.  It starts with a victory in Game 4 tonight.  Philadelphia is 11-2 ATS in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.  The 76ers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Pelicans Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Golden State -6 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors had an uncharacteristic poor shooting night in Game 3 and were blown out by the Pelicans 119-100.  They shot just 38% as a team and 29% from 3-point range.  The chances of them shooting anything close to that poorly in Game 4 are slim to none.  The Pelicans are 2-14 ATS in their last 16 games off an upset win by 15 points or more as a home underdog.  Bets on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points when revenging a loss where the other team scored 100 points or more against an opponent that’s off a home win where they scored 110 or more points are 32-11 ATS since 1996.  Take Golden State. 

7* Celtics/76ers Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers blew a 22-point lead at Boston in Game 2.  I expect them to get up big in Game 3 as well and not relinquish the lead this time playing in front of their home fans.  They know this series is far from over if they handle their business at home these next two games.  I always like backing the team that’s down 0-2, especially when their at home because they usually give their best effort in Game 3 in this situation.  Philadelphia is 8-0 ATS in Saturday home games this season.  The 76ers are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 home games overall.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Pelicans Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on New Orleans +5 

The Key: If the Pelicans are going to win a game in this series, it’s likely to be Game 3 tonight at home.  They were impressive in Game 2 in giving the Warriors all they wanted in a 5-point loss as 11-point underdogs.  Now they are catching 5 points at home tonight, which is too much.  The Pelicans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  New Orleans is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 home games.  Golden State is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take New Orleans. 

7* Cavs/Raptors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -6.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are in a must-win situation already after giving away Game 1.  The Cavaliers’ role players like JR Smith and Kyle Korver got hot from 3-point range and helped stage a comeback from 14 points down.  The Cavs would win in overtime.  I look for the Cavs to relax and the Raptors to be going pedal to the metal in Game 2.  The Cavs are still just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Raptors are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Toronto is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 home games against a team with a winning road record.  Take Toronto. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Utah +11 

The Key: Bets against home favorites when leading in a playoff series, a team that wins 75% or more of their games against a team with a winning record are 45-21  ATS since 1996.  The Rockets are 1-10 ATS off 3 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 years.  The price is right to back the Jazz as double-digit underdogs in Game 2 tonight.  Take Utah. 

7* Cavs/Raptors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -6.5 

The Key: Toronto has a big rest advantage in Game 1 of this series.  They haven’t played since April 27th, while the Cavs played two days ago on April 29th.  The Cavs were pushed to the brink by the Pacers and needed a Game 7 at home to win that series.  Their 4 wins in that series came by a combined 14 points.  They are clearly more vulnerable than they have been in years’ past.  The Raptors have a huge home-court advantage.  They are 37-7 at home this year and winning by over 10 PPG on average.  They are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.  The Cavs are just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  Lebron and company are in over their heads here in Game 1.  Take Toronto. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 205 

The Key: The 76ers have become an offensive juggernaut.  They have scored 103 or more points in 21 consecutive games now.  They will look to blitz the Celtics in Game 1 of this series to try and take the upper-hand.  They haven’t played in 6 days and will be looking to push the tempo every possession possible.  The Celtics have still managed to be efficient offensively despite their injuries.  They have scored 101 or more points in eight of their last 11 games overall.  The OVER is 11-2 in Boston’s last 13 playoff home games.  The OVER is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 home games overall.  The OVER is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games when playing on 3 or more days rest.  Take the OVER. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 206 

The Key: The OVER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between the Jazz and Rockets.  They have averaged 216.7 combined points per game in those 7 meetings.  They have combined for at least 213 points in 6 of those 7 meetings.  I think the price is right to back the OVER in Game 1 of this series based on those recent head-to-head results.  Take the OVER. 

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -4.5 

The Key: Home-court advantage has meant everything in this series.  The home team is 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in the six games thus far.  I see no reason for that trend to change with everything on the line in this Game 7 tonight.  The Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.  The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.  Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games following an ATS loss.  The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings, including 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings.  Take Boston. 

7* Thunder/Jazz Game 6 *BAILOUT* on Oklahoma City +6.5 

The Key: The Utah Jazz must be shell-shocked after blowing a 25-point lead in Game 5 when they could have closed out the Thunder.  Now all the pressure is on them, and the Thunder are oozing with confidence after staving off elimination in dramatic fashion.  I think this number is a bit high here getting the Thunder as 6.5-point underdogs given the situation.  They still have the two best players in the series, and Russell Westbrook and Paul George refused to lose by the way they played in the 2nd half of Game 5.  I trust that duo to keep them competitive in Game 6.  The Jazz are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -4 

The Key: The home team has won every game in this series and has covered all but one.  The lone exception was when the Bucks nearly blew a 16-point halftime lead in Game 4 and won by 2 as 6-point favorites.  Now they are only 4-point favorites in Game 6 with their season on the line, and I think this is a generous price for them tonight.  The Bucks have shot better than 52% in 3 of their last 4 games against the Celtics and have clearly figured out how to score on them, especially at home.  Make it 6 straight wins for the home team in this series tonight with a win and cover by the Bucks.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Jazz/Thunder Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have gone 15-1 in their last 16 home meetings with the Utah Jazz.  They have outscored the Jazz by over 13 PPG in those 16 games.  Now they’re laying only 3.5 points in Game 5 in this do-or-die situation.  I think this is a generous price for the Thunder tonight.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -3.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics could get a nice boost with the possible return of Marcus Smart for Game 5.  He has missed the entire series, but he has been upgraded to questionable, which means there’s a good chance he plays.  The Celtics haven’t needed him to outplay the Bucks thus far in this series, but his energy and defense could be a big boost as this series returns to Boston for the all-important Game 5.  Boston is 11-2 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Celtics are 18-5 ATS revenging all losses this season.  The Bucks are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.  The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Bucks.  Take Boston. 

7* Thunder/Jazz Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City +4.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have their backs against the wall tonight down 2-1 in this series.  Look for them to respond in a big way with an upset victory in Salt Lake City.  Russell Westbrook guaranteed that Ricky Rubio would not have another great game like he did in Game 3 out of nowhere, and I look for a big game from Westbrook in this one.  The Thunder are 35-19 ATS in their last 54 road games revenging a loss of 10 points or more.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* NBA 1st Round Total of the Year on Raptors/Wizards UNDER 218.5 

The Key: The price is right to back the UNDER in this game between the Raptors and Wizards.  The over is 3-0 through the first 3 games, which has forced oddsmakers to set a total higher than it should be for Game 4 knowing that the public will be betting the over again.  The total was only 213.5 exactly for the first two games in this series, and now it’s 218.5 for Game 4, a 5-point adjustment.  As a series goes on teams get more familiar with one another and that favors defense.  Both teams have shot lights out thus far, but the points won’t be as easy to come by in Game 4.  Washington is 10-2 UNDER after scoring 105 points or more in 3 straight games this season.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 210 to 219.5 a good team that outscores their opponents by 3 or more points per game, after 4 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more are 40-13 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Pelicans Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland +7.5 

The Key: This line suggest that the Portland Trail Blazers will just pack it in after starting down 0-3 in this series.  But I highly doubt that will be the case.  The price is right to back them as 7.5-point dogs in Game 4.  They were only 4-point dogs in Game 3, so this is a 3.5-point adjustment.  It’s enough to warrant a wager on the Blazers here Saturday.  Bets against home favorites who have beaten the spread by 54 or more points in their last 10 games against an opponent that went under the total by 48 or more points in their last 10 games are 42-13 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Portland. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 205.5 

The Key: The Bucks shot 59.7% while the Celtics shot 53.3% in Game 2.  That’s not going to happen again.  It was a high scoring game and it made the oddsmakers go from setting totals of 199 in Games 1 and 2 to 205.5 in Game 3.  That’s a 6.5-point adjustment and the reason that the price is right now to back the UNDER in Game 3.  The UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Milwaukee.  Boston is 11-2 UNDER in Friday road games over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Spurs Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +4.5 

The Key: This will be a ‘win one for the gipper’ type situation tonight.  Greg Popovich just lost his wife yesterday.  His players will rally around him and put forth a big effort.  On the other side, the Warriors will feel bad for him and won’t be on their ‘A’ game.  It’s really the perfect storm here for the Spurs to get a win and cover.  Golden State is 3-11 ATS off 2 or more consecutive home wins this season.  San Antonio is 43-21 ATS in its last 64 home games off a blowout loss by 15 points or more.  The Spurs are 33-8 SU & 26-14-1 ATS at home this season.  The Warriors are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  The Spurs are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Pacers/Cavs Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7.5 

The Key: For the first time in his career, Lebron James is down 0-1 in an opening round playoff series.  In fact, it’s the first time ever that he has even trailed in an opening round series.  Look for James to rally the troops tonight and come forth with a big effort after an embarrassing Game 1 showing.  The Cavs trailed by 20 points before James even attempted a shot on Sunday.  He will be much more aggressive from the opening tip in this one, which is when the Cavs are at their best.  Bets on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points off 2 or more consecutive home losses, in April games are 37-11 ATS since 1996.  Indiana is 6-14 ATS off a win by 10 points or more this season.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Bucks/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee +2.5 

The Key: Bets on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 after 2 or more consecutive road losses, well rested team playing 6 or less games in 14 days are 72-26 ATS since 1996.  The Bucks are 15-4 ATS off 2 or more straight road losses over the last 3 years.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Heat/76ers NBA *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: Both teams really shot lights out from the 3-point line in Game 1, which led to a shootout and 233 combined points.  But that is unlikely to happen again.  The 76ers made 18 3-pointers and shot 64.3% from beyond the arc, while the Heat made 12 and shot 46.2%.  It was a rare high scoring game in this series.  The previous 4 meetings between the Heat and 76ers saw 207 or fewer combined points.  Miami is 23-12 to the UNDER in road games when revenging a loss over the last 2 seasons.  Philadelphia is 32-12 UNDER in its last 44 home games off 2 consecutive covers as a favorite.  Take the UNDER.

7* Jazz/Thunder NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Key: It’s no secret that the Oklahoma City Thunder have had the Utah Jazz’ number.  The Thunder are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.  But that only tells half the story.  The Jazz simply cannot win in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are 14-0 in their last 14 home meetings with the Jazz and are winning by nearly 15 PPG on average.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Pelicans/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -5.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers have been absolutely unbeatable at home down the stretch of the season.  They have gone 21-3 SU & 19-4-1 ATS in their last 24 home games.  They have also upped their game against the better teams in the league.  The Blazers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on 2 days’ rest as well.  The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings, and the home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings as well. Take Portland. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Washington Wizards -5.5 

The Key: The only chance the Wizards have of moving up from their current 8th position is to win tonight.  And moving up is important because they want the 7th seed and to face the Celtics in the first round.  That is possibly considering the Heat face the Raptors tonight and they need the Heat to lose.  The Magic have mentally checked out and won’t offer much resistance tonight.  Take Washington. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +3 

The Key: There are so many good situations favoring the Hornets here tonight.  For starters, this is a home-and-home situation as they want revenge from a 117-123 home loss to the Pacers on Sunday.  Now they get to face them just two days later and in their season finale to boot.  The Pacers are locked in to the 5th seed in the East and will be resting starters, which is the key handicap here.  They won’t care about winning this game at all.  Take Charlotte. 

7* Pelicans/Clippers ESPN *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +8.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Clippers are stuck in the 10th spot in the West.  They will be drafting in the same spot no matter what as they cannot improve their chances of ping pong balls.  What they can do is try and run the Pelicans’ season, which is precisely what they’ll be motivated to do tonight.  This line has gotten out of hand and has been adjusted way too far in New Orleans’ favor due to the fact that they need the win more.  They are now 8.5-point road favorites tonight.  The Pelicans are 5-14 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4 games this season.  The Clippers are 24-12 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 106-plus points per game this season.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Detroit Pistons -6.5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons have really turned it on down the stretch.  They are 8-2 SU & 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They now sit at 38-41 with a chance to get to .500 if they win out, which would be considered a success.  The Grizzlies clearly don’t care about winning games as they are just trying to improve their chances of getting the top draft pick.  They are just 21-58 on the season with the second-worst record in the league.  They have a ton of injuries right now and are basically resting all of their guys, which indicates they are trying to lose.  The Pistons are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Grizzlies are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Take Detroit. 

7* Blazers/Spurs Western Conference *BAILOUT* on San Antonio -4.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are fighting for their playoff lives right now. They are in jeopardy of missing the postseason if they were to lose these last few games.  So they’ll be locked in, just as they have been for the last several weeks, especially at home.  The same cannot be said for the Blazers, who are more worried about staying healthy heading into the playoffs since they’ll be the 3rd seed for sure.  The Spurs have handled their business at home, going 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Los Angeles Clippers +7 

The Key: The Clippers are holding on to slim playoff hopes.  They probably need to win out to have a chance considering they are 2 games behind both the Pelicans and Timberwolves with 4 games remaining.  But they continue to fight, as evidenced by their comeback victory over the Spurs last game.  And now they are showing good value as 7-point road underdogs to the Utah Jazz tonight.  The Clippers are 11-3 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season.  Los Angeles is 20-8-1 ATS in its last 29 road games.  Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 home games.  The Jazz are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Celtics/Raptors ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -7 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are now in a position where they need to win.  They have been coasting for weeks, going 0-9 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  That’s because they have had such a big lead in the East.  But now that lead is back to only 2 games, and they play the team that trails them tonight in the Boston Celtics.  The Raptors will also be out for revenge from a 99-110 loss in Boston on March 31st just a few days ago.  This game simply sets up for the Raptors to come out with one of their best performances of the season given what’s at stake now.  And the Celtics are short-handed and playing the second of a back-to-back after a loss in Milwaukee last night.  Boston is still without Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart, and now backup PG Terry Rozier is battling an ankle injury and his questionable.  Rozier has been the reason the Celtics have stayed competitive down the stretch, but without him at 100% they don’t have much of a shot tonight, especially with the Raptors 100% healthy.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.  The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with Boston.  Take Toronto. 

7* Spurs/Clippers TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 207.5 

The Key: With both the Spurs and Clippers having so much to play for tonight, the defensive intensity will be high.  The Spurs are trying to hold off several teams for the 4th seed in the West and a home court in the first round.  The Clippers are 2 games out of the 8th spot and just fighting to get into the playoffs.  The UNDER is 27-10 in Spurs games when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 games overall.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Spurs last 14 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Spurs ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +2.5 

The Key: The Spurs have gone 7-2 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.  After looking like they might not make the playoffs a few weeks ago, the Spurs now sit in 4th place in the Western Conference just a half-game up on 5th place.  They want to snag the No. 4 seed to assure home-court advantage in the first round.  The Houston Rockets have nothing to play for as they have already locked up the No. 1 seed.  They played like it last time out when they needed to come back from 20-plus points down to beat Phoenix 104-103 on a buzzer-beater from Gerald Green as 17.5-point home favorites.  They are starting to rest their players and won’t show up at all these final two weeks.  Motivationally, this is a money spot to back the Spurs.  The Spurs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Bucks/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on UNDER 220.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their top two point guards for this game against Milwaukee.  Both Isaiah Thomas and Lonzo Ball are out.  That leaves the underwhelming Alex Caruso to run the point.  They won’t be looking to push the tempo, and neither will the Bucks, who will still be tired in this back-to-back situation after winning in Golden State last night.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Bucks last 8 games when playing on 0 days’ rest.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Warriors TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 215.5 

The Key: The injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have forced the Warriors to play a different brand of basketball, one that relies more on defense.  The Warriors have been held to 93 or fewer points in 4 of their last 6 games overall.  But their defense has been solid as they have held 3 of their last 4 opponents to 94 points or fewer.  The Bucks and Warriors played back in January with the Warriors winning 108-94 for just 202 combined points with a total set of 221.5.  And that was back when the Warriors were healthy. This game will be more of a defensive battle than the oddsmakers are anticipating.  The Warriors are 22-5 UNDER In March games over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 home games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA *Blowout* Game of the Month on Minnesota Timberwolves -11.5 

The Key: Minnesota is only 1.5 games ahead of the Clippers for the 8th spot in the West.  They will be hyper-focused the rest of the way, and they will be in sour moods coming off their upset home loss to Memphis last time out.  I expect a big effort from the Timberwolves at home tonight against the Hawks, who are just 1-9 SU in their last 10 games, and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.  The Hawks are clearly tanking and aren’t hiding it.  They are without 3 of their best players tonight in Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Delaney and Kent Bazemore.  They stand little chance of even being competitive.  Atlanta is 3-11 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more this season.  The Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.  The Timberwolves are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 home games.  The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with Atlanta.  Take Minnesota. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets +8.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets right now.  They are 1.5 games behind the 8th place Minnesota Timberwolves with just 8 games remaining.  They are in must-win mode from here on out.  After a poor second half last night against the 76ers, look for the Nuggets to come back determined tonight.  They had two days off prior to that game so they won’t be as fatigued as a team usually is on a back-to-back.  Plus, their starters got to rest down the stretch.  The Raptors clearly haven’t been on top of their games of late and are just ready for the playoffs to get here as they basically have the No. 1 seed locked up.  The Raptors are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  The Nuggets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 meetings with the Raptors, including a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Toronto.  Take Denver. 

7* Nuggets/76ers NBA TV *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver Nuggets +5.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets right now.  They are 1.5 games back of the 8th place Utah Jazz with nine games remaining.  They are in must-win mode from here on out.  The Philadelphia 76ers just completed Step 1 of The Process by clinching a playoff spot.  I can’t help but think they will be flat tonight after accomplishing that goal last time out.  The Nuggets come in rested with two days off having last played on Friday.  Denver is 15-6 ATS revenging a same season loss this season.  The Nuggets are 53-35 ATS int heir last 88 games as a road underdog.  The underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +6.5 

The Key: The Celtics are playing without 3 starters right now in Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  That’s why they cannot be 6.5-point favorites at Sacramento tonight.  This is a Kings team that is very young and is not just playing out the string.  That’s evident by the fact that the Kings are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have had 2 days off since beating the Hawks 105-90 on Thursday, so they’ll be rested coming into this game with the Celtics.  Sacramento is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.  The Kings are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of better than 60%.  The Kings are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  Take Sacramento. 

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

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies will show some pride tonight.  They were just beaten by 61 points by the Hornets and blasted in the media for tanking.  At least for one night, they will show up, so we’ll take all these points and run with them.  The Grizzlies are almost fully healthy right now outside Mike Conley, and they are good enough to beat the Lakers.  The Lakers aren’t exactly lighting it up, either.  They have lost 4 straight and are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.  The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  The Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings with Los Angeles.  Take Memphis. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat +6.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat have played their best basketball on the road this season.  They are 37-17-1 ATS in their last 55 road games dating back to last year.  Miami is also 12-3-2 ATS in its last 17 games overall.  The Heat are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  The Thunder are 5-20 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games this season.  Take Miami. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +10 

The Key: The Hornets used a lot of energy coming back from a 20-plus point deficit against the Nets last night.  They closed the game on an 18-2 run to win 111-105.  I know because I had the Nets, and it was one of my most painful losses of the season.  So now they are a tired team playing the second of a back-to-back and being asked to lay double-digits against Memphis tonight.  Memphis is also on a back-to-back, but they were blown out in Philadelphia last night and were able to spread their minutes around more to bench players.  I think the Grizzlies come back tonight and play a great game to stay within this number.  Memphis is 30-14 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 4 days over the last 2 seasons.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference teams.  The road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  Take Memphis. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Brooklyn Nets +2 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets have won back-to-back games over the Mavs and Grizzlies.  They also played the 76ers very tough in a 4-point road loss as 8.5-point dogs the game prior.  They recently beat these same Hornets 125-111 on the road on March 8th.  I don’t like the mindset of the Hornets right now as they have recently been eliminated from the playoffs thanks to their 2-8 stretch over their last 10 games.  They lost by 14 to the 76ers and by 23 to the Knicks in their last two games, so they aren’t showing any fight.  And they’re without one of their best players in Nic Batum right now, while the Nets are almost fully healthy.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in four straight games this season.  Charlotte is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games following a loss.  The Nets are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* Thunder/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -4.5 

The Key: With the playoffs approaching, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hitting their stride.  They have gone 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall with all six wins coming by 5 points or more.  They have moved into the No. 4 spot in the West and are in line to get a first-round home series if they finish strong.  They will be able to take advantage of a Boston Celtics team that has been hit hard by injuries lately.  The Celtics are now playing without 3 starters in Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  They have gone just 1-3 in their last 4 games with their only win coming over the Magic.  They are coming off a 19-point road loss at New Orleans.  Bets against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points after scoring 90 points or less against opponent that has scored 105-plus points in 4 or more consecutive games are 39-14 ATS since 1996.  The Thunder have topped 100 points in 11 consecutive games during a 9-2 run coming in.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Philadelphia 76ers -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers have owned the Charlotte Hornets.  They are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.  The two meetings this season have resulted in blowout victories by 11 at home and by 14 on the road.  Now that trend should continue considering the Hornets will be without Nic Batum, Cody Zeller and Michael Carter-Williams, while the 76ers are healthy.  The Hornets are just 2-7 SU & 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games and have nothing to play for but pride at this point.  They just lost by 23 on the road to the New York Knicks last time out, a sign they have quit.   Philadelphia is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 home games.  The 76ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on 2 days rest.  The Hornets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss.  Take Philadelphia. 

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Nuggets/Grizzlies UNDER 215 

The Key: The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the Grizzlies and Nuggets.  They have combined for 210, 165, 196 and 203 points in their last 4 meetings.  That’s an average of just 193.5 points per game.  As you can see, we are getting a ton of value on the UNDER 215 tonight.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Dallas Mavericks +10.5 

The Key: The situation clearly favors the Dallas Mavericks tonight.  The Mavericks are working on 2 days’ rest while the Raptors will be playing the second of a back-to-back after a come-from-behind win in Indiana last night.  The Raptors will also be playing their 7th game in 11 days.  Take Dallas. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets -7.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are fighting to make the playoffs.  They have taken care of business at home this year, going 26-10 at the Pepsi Center while scoring 112.0 points per game and shooting 48.4% from the field.  They Pistons, who are just 3-11 SU in their last 14 and 3-12 ATS in their last 15, will be no match for them.  Detroit just played in altitude last time out in Utah and got blasted 79-110.  Detroit is 2-11 ATS in March road games over the last 2 seasons.  The Pistons are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 road games overall.  The Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 trips to the Pepsi Center.  Take Denver. 

7* Wizards/Celtics ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Washington -3.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics will be without 4 starters tonight.  Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown will all be watching from the bench due to injuries.  Jayson Tatum is also dealing with a back injury that will slow him down.  I just don’t see how the Celtics can even be competitive with the Wizards tonight with all they are missing.  Washington is 7-0 ATS in road games off 2 or more consecutive losses this season.  The Wizards are winning by 14.0 PPG in this situation.  Take Washington. 

7* Nuggets/Lakers Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +2 

The Key: The Lakers have won 15 of their last 22 games and are making a run at the playoffs.  Now they face a team they recently lost to in the Nuggets on March 9th on the road.  Well, that shouldn’t be a surprise as the home team is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  I like the Lakers to avenge that loss at home tonight.  The Lakers are 10-1 ATS when coming off a home win by 10 points or more this year.  Los Angeles is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 home games overall.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Heat/Blazers ESPN *Total* Annihilator on OVER 209 

The Key: The Heat will be playing without Hassan Whiteside tonight.  He is their best defender and one of the top defenders in the league.  They’ll now have to go to a smaller lineup to deal with the Blazers tonight.  I think that will lead to a shootout similar to the last time the Heat played in a 129-102 victory over the Wizards.  The Heat have scored 102-plus points in 11 consecutive games.  The Blazers have scored 106 or or points in 7 consecutive games.  The OVER is 5-0 in Heat last 5 road games.  Take the OVER. 

7* Pacers/Celtics Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Indiana +6.5 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers are 100% healthy now with the recent return of Darren Collison to the lineup. They are playing great basketball too in going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  Now they are ready to match up with the Boston Celtics, who are not healthy.  They just lost one of their best players in Jaylen Brown to a concussion, and he’ll miss tonight’s game.  The Pacers went into Boston and won 97-91 as 4-point underdogs in their last meeting, and they only lost 111-112 at home as 2-point dogs in their previous meeting.  They’ve proven they can play with the Celtics, and I like the price were are getting with them Sunday as 6.5-point dogs.  Take Indiana. 

7* Spurs/Thunder ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +5 

The Key: The Spurs are desperate for a win after going just 3-9 in their last 12 games overall.  A lot of that was injury related, but they have gotten healthy and just gave Golden State all they wanted on the road.  They only lost 107-110 and were actually outscored by 12 points in the 4th quarter as 11-point underdogs.  If they can play with Golden State, they can certainly beat Oklahoma City, let alone stay within 5 points to cover this spread.  The Thunder are 1-8 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more this season.  The Spurs are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The Thunder are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a win.  Take San Antonio. 

6* Rockets/Raptors Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Toronto +2.5 

The Key: The Rockets are 17-0 in their last 17 games while the Raptors are 15-2 in their last 17.  But the Rockets are getting all the hype because of their streak.  That’s why they are road favorites here because the betting public continues to back them hard.  The wrong team is favored in this matchup.  Toronto actually has a better point differential in its last 17 games than Houston does.  It will be a raucous atmosphere in Toronto tonight, where the Raptors have gone 27-5 at home this season.  Houston is 1-8 ATS vs. Atlantic Division opponents this season.  The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home meetings with Houston.  Take Toronto. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Heat UNDER 209.5 

The Key: This will be the 4th and final meeting of the season between Philadelphia and Miami.  These teams are obviously familiar with one another, which favors defense.  And they have a knack for playing in low scoring games in their first 3 meetings, which have seen 203, 206 and 200 combined points.  Now we’re getting a total of 209.5 tonight and I think the price is right to bet the UNDER.  The UNDER is 10-3 in 76ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 20-8 in Heat last 28 Thursday games.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +5.5 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are in a difficult situation tonight.  They played a grueling 121-116 barn burner in Los Angeles last night against the Clippers.  They trailed by 4 with two minutes left but Anthony Davis scored 6 unanswered points to pull out the win.  After putting so much into that game, the Pelicans won’t have much left in the tank for the Kings tonight.  And the Kings have been playing very well coming in going 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three with their only loss coming to Utah by 7 as 7.5-point underdogs.  Sacramento is 21-11 SU & 21-9-2 ATS in its last 32 home meetings with New Orleans.  Bets against road favorites who have covered 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread, when playing on back-to-back days are 56-28 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on New York Knicks +9.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after two straight hard-fought victories over the Thunder (108-100) and Lakers (108-103).  They needed a big comeback in the 4th quarter to beat the Lakers last night, which will have taken more out of them.  I think the Knicks will take advantage and hang tough in this one.  They are the fresher team after having yesterday off.  They will be playing just their 3rd game in 8 days here.  Take New York.