7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto Raptors -8.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors have the Charlotte Hornets’ number to say the least.  The top team in the East has gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in 3 meetings with the Hornets this season, winning by 13, 18 and 20 points.  Expect more of the same today and another double-digit blowout victory in the Raptors’ favor.  They are 25-5 at home this season.  The Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Sunday games.  The Hornets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.  Take Toronto. 

6* Thunder/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -4.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a difficult situation tonight as they’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Now they face a Portland team that has won 5 straight and 7 of its last 8 overall coming in.  The Blazers are 12-1 SU in their last 13 home games and 7-0 SU in their last 7 home meetings with the Thunder.  Take Portland. 

7* NBA Western Conference Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets -7.5 

The Key: It’s blatantly obvious that the Memphis Grizzlies are tanking.  They are now 0-11 in their last 11 games overall and have lost four straight games in blowout fashion by 8 points or more since the All-Star Break.  The Denver Nuggets should be able to win by 8 or more tonight.  The Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  Take Denver. 

6* Warriors/Wizards ESPN *CA$H COW* on Washington +9 

The Key: The Washington Wizards are playing well right now.  They are 10-3 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They are doing all of this without John Wall and playing much more team basketball.  I like their chances of being able to stay within double-digits over the Golden State Warriors at home tonight with how well they’re playing.  It’s a tough rest situation for them, but that is clearly factored into the line.  And they should be able to muster up enough energy to put forth a good performance considering it’s the defending champs coming to town.  The Warriors are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Wizards are 16-7 ATS as underdogs this season.  Take Washington. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Cleveland Cavaliers -10.5 

The Key: The Cavaliers have lost two of three games since the All-Star Break and will be hungry for a victory tonight because of it.  They should be able to win in blowout fashion against the Brooklyn Nets, who will be playing the second of a back-to-back after beating the Bulls at home last night.  It was a rare win for the Nets, who are 2-12 SU & 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  The Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.  Take Cleveland. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns +7.5 

The Key: This is a very difficult situation for the New Orleans Pelicans.  They’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Not only that, but they needed overtime to win 123-121 in Milwaukee yesterday.  That will have them extra fatigued for this one.  The Suns have gotten a lot healthier since the break and will be a tough opponent for them tonight, just as they have been over the past few seasons.  In their last 9 meetings, the Suns have only lost to the Pelicans by more than 6 points once.  The Pelicans are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  New Orleans is 0-8 ATS in home games vs. teams who are outscored by their opponents by 6+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.  Take Phoenix. 

6* Rockets/Nuggets Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Denver +4.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are playing too well right now to be home underdogs to the Houston Rockets.  They are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.  They have beaten OKC, Golden State and San Antonio twice during this run.  Their only loss came at Houston on February 9th, and now they’ll be looking to avenge that defeat at home tonight.  The Nuggets are 24-7 at home this season with a huge advantage on their home floor obviously.  The Rockets will be without the services of sharpshooter Eric Gordon for this one.  Denver is 13-4 ATS revenging a same season loss this season.  The Rockets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games off a win by more than 10 points.  Take Denver. 

6* Lakers/Kings Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Sacramento +1 

The Key: This is a tough situation for the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back off a home win over the Mavericks last night.  The Kings had yesterday off and will be the fresher team.  The Kings are playing very well right now as they’ve gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  This young team is only getting better as the season progresses.  The Lakers are 15-30 ATS in road games after playing a home game over the last 3 seasons.  Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games playing on zero days rest.  Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when working on one days rest.  The Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Heat/Pelicans UNDER 216 

The Key: The Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  They should be able to contain the New Orleans Pelicans, who won’t be nearly as efficient the rest of the way offensively without DeMarcus Cousins.  The Pelicans and Heat have combined for 212 or fewer points in 65 of their last 66 meetings dating back to 1998.  That’s a 65-1 angle backing the under when factoring in this 216-point total.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic -3.5 

The Key: The Orlando Magic come out of the All-Star Break as healthy as they have been all season.  After missing a ton of games previously, both Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic are both expected to play tonight.  Now the Magic are only without Terrence Ross, who has been out for basically the entire season. The Knicks struggled mightily heading into the break when they lost Kristaps Porzingis to a season-ending injury.  Michael Beasley is questionable to play tonight as well.  The Knicks are 0-8 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  New York is 7-24 SU & 12-19 ATS on the road this season.  The Magic are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a loss.  Orlando is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games overall.  Take Orlando. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Detroit Pistons -10.5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons will be hungry for a victory in this final game before the All-Star Break.  They have lost three in a row coming in and want to get some positive momentum going.  They face a very tired Atlanta Hawks team that will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days.  It’s no wonder the Hawks are deciding to rest their best players tonight.  They are sitting Dennis Schroeder, Kent Bazemore and Ersan Ilyasova for this one.  Detroit is 11-2 ATS in home games off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.  Take Detroit. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets -5.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs have been hit hard by injuries this season.  They are currently playing without Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay.  It’s no wonder they are just 1-4 SU in their last 5 games overall.  Now they have to play the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days in altitude in Denver after losing on the road to Golden State on Saturday and in Utah on Monday.  The Nuggets come in rested with two days off having last played on Saturday in Phoenix.  The Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall and playing great basketball right now.  Denver is 12-4 ATS when revenging a loss this season.  The Nuggets lost 104-106 in San Antonio as 6.5-point dogs on January 30th and will get their revenge tonight.  The Spurs are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  San Antonio is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on 0 days rest.  The favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Denver. 

7* Suns/Warriors NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Golden State -15.5 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors got their wake up call by losing three out of five games recently.  But they have responded well since, going 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS in their last two games while beating the Mavericks by 18 and the Spurs by 17.  They should have no problem winning by at least 16 to cover this 15.5-point spread against the struggling Phoenix Suns at home tonight.  The Suns are 1-10 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall, losing eight times by double-digits.  The Suns have a ton of injuries right now to Brandon Knight, Isaiah Canaan, Tyler Ulis, Devin Booker and Tyson Chandler.  The first four are either out or questionable, while Chandler is probable.  The Warriors have won their last 11 meetings with the Suns.  They are also 11-0 in their last 11 home meetings with Phoenix.  Take Golden State. 

7* Cavs/Celtics ABC *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are the best defensive team in the NBA.  They should shut down what will be a Cleveland team that is lost out on the floor today.  The Cavs are going to implement their new players from the trade deadline.  I think they will slow down the offense to try and get everyone touches.  This game will be played at a snail’s pace.  It will also be played with a high intensity defensively as these teams do not like each other.  The UNDER is 2-0 in their two meetings this season with Cleveland winning 102-99 for 201 combined points and Boston winning 102-88 for 190 combined points.  Cleveland is 21-8 UNDER as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +5 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks will be playing the second of a back-to-back tonight and their 8th game in 14 days tonight.  This team is running on fumes right now, especially playing without starting PG Malcolm Brogdon and backup PG Matthew Dellavedova.  That puts a lot more strain on Giannis to handle the ball and run the show.  Orlando has been a covering machine here over the past month and continues to lack the respect it deserves from oddsmakers.  The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall, which includes outright upsets in their last three games over the Heat, Cavs and Hawks.  Another upset is likely here tonight, but we’ll grab the points for some insurance.  Take Orlando. 

7* Nuggets/Rockets Western Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver +8.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have won three straight over Oklahoma City, Golden State and Charlotte.  They’ve since had three days off and are now ready to give the Houston Rockets a run for their money tonight.  The Rockets have some key injuries right now that are getting overlooked.  Three of their best shooters in Trevor Ariza, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson are either questionable or out tonight.  Denver is 50-33 ATS as a road underdog over the last 3 seasons.  The Nuggets are 11-3 ATS when revenging a same-season loss this season.  Denver is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 Friday games.  The Nuggets are 36-15-2 ATS in their last 53 games when playing on 3 or more days rest.  The Rockets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Toronto Raptors -13.5 

The Key: The New York Knicks just lost their best player in Kristaps Porzingis to a season-ending ACL injury last time out.  Now they are without their second-best player in Enes Kanter due to a mouth injury.  They were already struggling, losing 4 straight coming in, and now it’s not going to get any better with their two best players out.  The Raptors should mop the floor with the Knicks at home tonight.  Toronto is 22-4 at home this season and winning by 11.8 points per game on average.  Toronto is 4-0 in its last 4 home meetings with New York while winning all 4 by double-digits.  The Raptors are 7-0 ATS in home games after having won 4 of their last 5 games this season.  The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  Take Toronto. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Philadelphia 76ers -6.5 

The Key: The 76ers come in hungry for a victory after losing 4 of their last 5.  They also coming in fresh having 2 days’ rest to get ready for the Wizards after last playing on Saturday.  The same cannot be said for the Wizards, who will be playing the second of a back-to-back after their 111-102 win in Indiana last night against the injury-ravaged Pacers who were playing without both Victor Oladipo and Darren Collison.  The Wizards have been able to get by without John Wall of late, but his injury will hurt them sooner rather than later.  And I think that happens tonight in this tough rest situation for the Wizards.  Philadelphia is 30-13 ATS off a road loss over the last 2 seasons.  The 76ers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Sacramento Kings -2.5 

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are in a world of hurt right now.  They traded away Nikola Mirotic, and now both Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn are out.  That’s three of their top four scorers.  It’s no wonder the Bulls have gone 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall, getting outscoring by 11.8 points per game.  This is a rare winnable game for the Kings and I expect them to take full advantage.  Chicago is 5-14-1 ATS in its last 20 vs. Western Conference teams.  The Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  The Kings are 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 

The Key: The Thunder will be hungry for a victory following 3 consecutive losses coming in.  That streak came after an 8-0 run, and the Thunder will be looking to start a new streak in blowout fashion tonight.  They have owned the Lakers and that should continue to be the case, especially with Los Angeles likely without both Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.  The Thunder are 12-1 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 meetings with the Lakers.  They have won the last 3 meetings by 24, 37 and 17 points, respectively.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Dallas Mavericks -4.5 

The Key: This is an awful spot for the Sacramento Kings.  They’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back after losing to the Warriors 104-119 last night.  They won’t be nearly as excited to play the Mavericks as they were to play the Warriors.  The Mavs come in on 2 days’ rest and are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when working on 2 days’ rest.  Dallas is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 home games.  The Mavericks are also 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following an ATS loss.  The Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.  Sacramento is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Dallas. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Pacers/Hornets UNDER 211 

The Key: The Pacers and Hornets just played a few days ago on January 29th.  The Pacers won 105-96 at home for 201 combined points, and the Pacers shot 54.2% in the win.  There’s little chance they top this 211-point total in the rematch, especially considering the Pacers aren’t going to shoot any better than they did.  That game was played as a slow pace as both teams attempted 83 shots in the game.  I think we see more of the same here.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings with combined scores of 201, 175, 188 and 204 points.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Thunder/Nuggets TNT *BAILOUT* on Denver +1.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are coming off two straight heartbreaking losses by a combined 3 points to two of the best teams in the NBA in San Antonio (104-106) and Boston (110-111).  They’ll be hungry for a victory when they return home tonight for this National TV game against Oklahoma City.  The Nuggets have a great home-court advantage in the altitude as they are 19-7 at home this year.  And the Nuggets have had the Thunder’s number in recent meetings, going 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last 3 meetings with their only loss coming 94-95 as 5-point road underdogs.  Oklahoma City just had its 8-game winning streak come to an end with a 96-102 loss in Washington.  Now it’s a hangover spot for the Thunder as they will be deflated after having their winning streak come to a close.  The Thunder are 16-28 ATS as favorites this season.  Oklahoma City is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 road games after covering the spread in 5 or 6 of its last 7 games coming in.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +3 

The Key: The Charlotte Hornets are just 6-15 SU & 7-11-1 ATS in their 19 road games this season. T hey cannot be favorites here against the Atlanta Hawks, who have been an underrated team this season.  The Hawks have recent upset home wins over the likes of Minnesota, Utah, New Orleans and San Antonio.  They have proven they can play with some great teams at home, and Charlotte is not a great team.  Atlanta is 21-10 ATS after having lost 4 or 5 of its last 6 games this season.  The Hornets are 9-19-1 ATS int heir last 29 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below 40%.  The home team is 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.  The Hawks want revenge from a 110-121 road loss in Charlotte on January 26th just a few days ago, adding to their motivation.  Take Atlanta. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on San Antonio Spurs -7.5 

The Key: Few teams have dominated the Denver Nuggets like the San Antonio Spurs.  The Spurs are 14-1 SU in their last 15 meetings with the Nuggets.  Their last 4 wins have all come by 14 points or more.  Their last 12 wins have all come by at least 8 points.  Now they are only laying 7.5 points here and it’s too good to pass up.  Denver is playing the second of a back-to-back after losing at home to the Celtics last night as well.  Take San Antonio. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Celtics/Nuggets OVER 205 

The Key: The Boston Celtics have been playing without their best defender in March Smart the last few games.  It’s no wonder they have struggled defensively, which is a big reason they are just 1-5 in their last 6 games overall.  The Celtics have allowed 102-plus points in 6 of their last 7 games overall after being the best defensive team in the NBA up to that point.  They are still being treated like the best defensive team with a total of only 205 points here against the Denver Nuggets.  I expect this to be a shootout against a Nuggets team that is averaging 109.0 points per game at home this year.  These teams played in a shootout in their first meeting, a 124-118 win by Boston at home on December 13th that saw 242 combined points.  We don’t need anywhere near 242 to get the OVER tonight.  The OVER is 8-1 in Celtics last 9 Monday games.  The OVER is 14-3-1 in Nuggets last 18 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +10.5 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets have gone 30-18 ATS in all games, including 17-9 ATS in road games this season.  They have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.  They have a deep bench that will help them overcome this back-to-back situation after losing in Milwaukee last night.  Plus, it’s a short trip to Minnesota and they had two days off prior to the Milwaukee game.  This is a tough situation mentally for Minnesota, which lost 113-126 at Golden State on Thursday.  The Timberwolves have played five of their last six games on the road and are tired, plus they have the distraction of their first game back home here following a long trip.  And they certainly won’t be as hungry to face the Nets as they were to face the Warriors.  The Nets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Chicago Bulls -4 

The Key: The Bulls are now 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games overall and have been the most profitable team in the NBA to back during this stretch.  But they continue to lack the respect they deserve from the books.  I think they’ll be hungry to bounce back from two straight losses tonight.  And the Lakers come in getting too much respect after going 7-2 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  But 6 of those 7 wins came at home.  They went 1-2 on the road during this span with losses by 24 at Oklahoma City and by 9 at Memphis.  The Lakers are just 6-15 on the road this season.  The Bulls are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Chicago is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 home games.  The Lakers are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  Take Chicago. 

7* T’Wolves/Warriors TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 228 

The Key: The Timberwolves and Warriors have combined for 228 or fewer points in 7 straight meetings when you don’t include overtime.  They have combined for 228 or less at the end of regulation in 11 of the last 12 meetings as well.  This total has been set too high tonight.  Golden State is 32-15 UNDER in its last 47 home games after a game where it made 55% or better.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 games when playing on 0 days rest.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 21-7 in the last 28 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Western Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers have regained their home-court advantage in recent weeks, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that they have gotten healthy.  The Blazers are 6-0 SU & 4-1-1 ATS in their last six home games.  Now they face a Minnesota Timberwolves team that will likely be without both Jimmy Butler and Jamal Crawford tonight.  They should get the win and cover as only 3.5-point home favorites.  The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.  The Blazers are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home meetings with Minnesota.  Take Portland. 

6* Celtics/Lakers TNT *BAILOUT* on Boston -5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics come in hungry for a victory following a season-high 3-game losing streak.  I expect them to get back on track against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.  The Celtics have won 4 straight meetings with the Lakers all by 6 points or more.  They won their last two trips to Los Angeles by 20 and 7 points.  The Celtics are 11-2 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4 games over the past 2 seasons.  The Celtics are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 road games.  Take Boston. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Philadelphia 76ers -3 

The Key: The 76ers are rolling right now having gone 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  They should make easy work of the Memphis Grizzlies tonight now.  The Grizzlies have a laundry list of injuries that the 76ers can take advantage of.  They are without key players Mike Conley, Chandler Parsons, James Ennis and JaMychal Green.  They also have both Dillon Brooks and Jarell Martin listed as questionable tonight, as well as Andrew Harrison and Brandan Wright both probable.  They are running out of bodies and won’t be able to compete with the recent buzz saw that is the 76ers.  Take Philadelphia. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks -1.5 

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are in a hangover spot Saturday.  They just lost to the defending champion Warriors 112-119 at home last time out.  It has been very profitable betting against teams the game after they have played Golden State this season.  The Hawks are playing well, going 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  They are coming off back-to-back upset home victories over the Spurs and Pelicans and are playing great right now. The Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Atlanta.  The favorites is 42-17 ATS in the last 59 meetings.  Take Atlanta. 

7* 76ers/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia +5 

The Key: Look for the 76ers to be hungry after blowing a 22-point lead to the Celtics in London on January 11th less than a week ago.  They have won 5 of their last 6 games while going 5-1 ATS in the process.  Now they get perhaps a depleted Celtics team that has injuries to starting guards Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and Marcus Smart (Illness), who are both questionable to play tonight.  The 76ers are 25-10 ATS in their last 35 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Philadelphia is 37-18 ATS in its last 55 games following an ATS win.  Bets against home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points off an ATS loss, an well-rested team playing just their 2nd game in 7 days are 33-9 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Chicago Bulls +8.5 

The Key: The Warriors are in a huge letdown spot tonight against the Chicago Bulls.  They had a big second half to pull away to beat Cleveland 118-108 on Martin Luther King Day.  Now they won’t bring the same kind of intensity against the Bulls tonight.  This is a Bulls team that has gone 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall and is fully capable of hanging with the Warriors with the way they have been playing.  They are also 14-7 SU in their last 21 games.  Chicago is 8-0 ATS off 2 consecutive home games this season.  The Bulls are 9-0 ATS off 2 or more consecutive wins this season.  Take Chicago. 

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Milwaukee Bucks -4 

The Key: I like the short price we are getting with the Milwaukee Bucks in this situation tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a loss in Miami on Sunday.  They haven’t had to wait long to get their revenge here Wednesday.  The home team is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings with all 5 wins coming by 6 points or more.  Miami is 1-10 ATS after having won 3 of its last 4 games this season.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Boston Celtics -4.5 

The Key: The Celtics will be playing just their 2nd game in 10 days tonight.  They made a trip over to London to face the 76ers on Thursday and have been off since.  They will be chomping at the bit to get back on the court tonight and build on their tremendous season with another victory over the Pelicans.  The Celtics are 8-1 ATS when the total is 210 to 219.5 this season.  The Pelicans are 5-18 ATS in their last 23 road games off two straight overs.  Boston is 10-1 ATS versus good passing teams averaging 23 or more assists this season.  The Celtics are 15-2 ATS versus good shooting teams making 46% of their shots or more this season.  Take Boston. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Chicago Bulls PK 

The Key: The Heat will be playing the second of a back-to-back after a home win over the Bucks yesterday.  Now they have to come back and play this early start time against the Chicago Bulls with a long flight to Chicago overnight.  I like the situation for the Bulls, who will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  And the Bulls have been undervalued for quite some time now as they are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  They have also won 13 of their last 20 games outright.  Chicago is 8-0 ATS against Southeast Division opponents this season.  The Bulls are 10-1 ATS when playing just their 2nd game in 5 days this season.  Chicago is 8-0 ATS off 2 or more consecutive wins this season.  Take Chicago. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +10

The Key: No analysis Saturday due to a funeral

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Orlando Magic +10.5 

The Key: After losing 15 of their last 16 games overall, the Orlando Magic are starting to catch too many points on a nightly basis.  They have covered in 2 of their last 3 with a 4-point loss to the Cavs as 8.5-point dogs and a 7-point loss to the Bucks as 10-point dogs.  Now they are getting 10.5 against a Wizards team that has been upset in back-to-back home games by Milwaukee and Utah as 3.5 and 8-point favorites, respectively.  Washington is just 8-19 ATS as a favorite this season.  The road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take Orlando. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Sacramento Kings +1.5 

The Key: The Clippers will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days tonight.  They just got done upsetting the Warriors last night, so they won’t be able to match the intensity they played with in that game.  And Lou Williams won’t be going off for a career-high 50 points again.  And it’s worth noting hat two of the Big 4 for the Warriors sat that game out in Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.  The Clippers also have 6 key players who are either questionable or out, with 4 doubtful or out.  They won’t have the horses to be able to back up that effort last night.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Blazers/Rockets OVER 214.5 

The Key: The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between Houston and Portland.  They have combined for 219 or more points in all 6 meetings.  They have averaged 231.2 combined points per game in those 6 meetings.  It’s easy to see why the price is right to pull the trigger on the OVER tonight.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat +4.5 

The Key: This is a good situation to fade the Toronto Raptors.  They are coming off a 114-113 overtime win at Brooklyn last night in a very lackluster effort.  So now they’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back here, and they may not have one of their best players in Kyle Lowry, who is doubtful with a back injury suffered last night.  The Heat have played their best basketball on the road this year as they are 11-8 SU & 11-8 ATS on the highway.  Miami is 10-1 ATS off 4 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.  The Heat are 31-17 ATS as road underdogs over the last 2 years.  The Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.  The Raptors are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 Tuesday games.  Take Miami. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Cavs/Timberwolves OVER 222 

The Key: We have two of the best offensive teams in the NBA and two of the worst defensive teams going at it tonight.  The result will be a shootout.  The Cavs rank 3rd in offensive efficiency with the Timberwolves 5th in the same category.  The Cavs are 27th in defensive efficiency while the Timberwolves are 20th.  In the two recent games Isaiah Thomas has played in the Cavs have combined with their opponents for 237 and 258 points against the Blazers and Magic, respectively.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in this series as the Cavs and Timberwolves have combined for 221 or more points in all 4 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns +9 

The Key: The Thunder have been terrible in this role all season.  They are just 5-16 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Oklahoma City is 1-10 ATS in road games after covering 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.  The Suns are 21-9 ATS in home games off a road loss over the last 3 years.  The Thunder are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 vs. a team with a losing record.  The Suns are 5-1-2 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.  The underdog is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.  Take Phoenix. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +5.5 

The Key: The Celtics are coming off back-to-back huge home wins over the Cavaliers and Timberwolves.  Now they hit the road and will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  I don’t think they’ll have much left for the Nets tonight, and they won’t be nearly as hungry as they were in their last two home games against Cleveland and Minnesota.  Boston just beat Brooklyn a few days ago on December 31st 108-105 as 9.5-point home favorites.  That places the Nets in revenge mode and they come in on two days’ rest so they will be the much fresher team.  Each of the last four meetings in this series were decided by single-digits with the Nets going 3-1 ATS in those games.  The Nets are 14-6 ATS against teams with a winning record this season.  The Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS win.  Brooklyn is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 games following an ATS win.  The Nets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Miami Heat -5 

The Key: The Miami Heat have won 9 of their last 13 games coming into this game with the New York Knicks.  They are getting healthy and playing great basketball right now.  They now face the tired, struggling Knicks who are 1-6 in their last 7 games overall.  The Knicks are 3-13 on the road this season.  After losing in New York in December, Miami will want some revenge tonight.  The Heat are 25-11 ATS when revenging a same season loss over the last 2 seasons.  Take Miami. 

6* Warriors/Mavs Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Golden State -7 

The Key: I know the Warriors have 3 players questionable to play tonight in Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and Zaza Pachulia.  But it’s not going to matter because the Warriors still have the Big 3 of Durant, Curry and Thompson healthy and ready to go.  The head-to-head history is all you need to see to realize the Warriors are a good bet here as 7-point favorites over the Mavericks.  The Warriors are 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings with the Mavericks, winning all 8 meetings by at least 8 points.  They have won 6 of those 8 meetings by 15 points or more, including 2 wins by a combined 45 points already this season.  Take Golden State. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Chicago Bulls +5.5 

The Key: The Chicago Bulls still cannot get any respect from oddsmakers tonight as 5.5-point home underdogs to the Toronto Raptors.  This despite the fact that they have gone 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  They have also won 10 of their last 14 games outright.  The Raptors will be playing their 5th game in 9 days here off an overtime win over the Bucks.  The Raptors have gone just 11-9 on the road this season so it’s not like they have been juggernauts away from home.  The Bulls lost their 2 previous meetings in Toronto this season by 17 and by 5 points.  That sets them up for a great situation tonight.  The Bulls are 9-1 ATS when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses vs. opponent this season.  Take Chicago. 

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

The Key: The Dallas Mavericks are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last 3 games despite being underdogs in all 3 contests.  They beat the Raptors outright as 5.5-point home underdogs, along with the Pacers as 3.5-point road dogs and the Pelicans as 6.5-point road dogs.  They are once again 6-point underdogs here to the Thunder, who have been the most overrated team in the NBA this season.  And now the Thunder are expected to be without 2 starters in Paul George and Andre Roberson Sunday.  Don’t be surprised when the Mavericks win another game outright as an underdog here.  Take Dallas. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +1.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat will be playing the second of a back-to-back following an ugly 87-111 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets last night.  The Magic are coming off a 102-89 upset home win over the Pistons.  That win coincided with the return of arguably their two best players in Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier from injury.  Having these 2 guys now healthy moving forward make a world of difference for the Magic.  The Magic are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings with the Heat.  Miami is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.  Take Orlando. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Milwaukee Bucks +8.5 

The Key: Oklahoma City is back to getting too much respect from oddsmakers due to going 8-1 SU & 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games.  But the schedule got much easier for them here of late as they have been favored by 4.5 or less in 7 of those 9 games.  Now they’re being asked to lay 8.5 points against one of the better teams in the NBA in the Milwaukee Bucks, and it’s too much.  Oklahoma City is 4-14 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  I’m not concerned the Bucks played last night because they are such a young team.  And the Bucks are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 0 days’ rest.  The Thunder are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Take Milwaukee. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Houston Rockets -1.5 

The Key: The Rockets come in hungry for a victory following their first 3-game losing streak of the season. The Celtics are vulnerable right now as they will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 12th game in 19 days.  The Rockets will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.  The Celtics are banged up right now as well with Semi Ojeleye, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris all questionable.  The Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games.  The Celtics are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games following a win.  Take Houston. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets +5.5 

The Key: Home-court advantage has meant nothing in this series between Denver and Minnesota.  The road team is 10-2 straight up in the last 12 meetings.  The road team is also 12-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.  The home team hasn’t won by more than 4 points in any of the last 14 meetings.  That’s a 14-0 angle pertaining to this 5.5-point spread.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on San Antonio Spurs -11 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are now fully healthy for the first time this season.  They have managed to go 23-11 despite not having Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker for the majority of the year.  But now everyone is healthy, and they are going to be a dangerous team moving forward.  They should make easy work of the Brooklyn Nets tonight.  The Spurs own the Nets, going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings while winning by 27, 27, 29 and 26 points.  Enough said.  Take San Antonio. 

6* T’Wolves/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on Minnesota -5 

The Key: The Timberwolves are fresh heading into this Christmas Day showdown with the Lakers.  They will be playing just their 2nd game in the last 5 days and enter on a 3-game winning streak.  The Lakers are much more fatigued as this will be their 3rd game in 4 days.  They won’t have much left in the tank after going through a gauntlet of Cleveland, Golden State, Houston, Golden State and Portland in their last 5 games.  It’s no surprise they are just 1-5 in their last 6 games overall.  And the Lakers have many injury problems right now with both Lonzo Ball and Brook Lopez out, and Brandon Ingram questionable.  The Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.  Take Minnesota. 

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Thunder/Jazz UNDER 198 

The Key: The Thunder just beat the Jazz 107-79 on Wednesday for 186 combined points.  Now they get to play just a few days later and it will be another low-scoring affair, which has been the case in this series over the past couple seasons.  The UNDER is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Utah.  They have combined for 200 or fewer points in all 7 meetings, including 198 or fewer in 6 of them.  Enough said.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Lakers/Warriors ESPN *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: This will be the 3rd meeting already between the Lakers and Warriors.  They are very familiar with one another, which should lead to an UNDER.  They just played on Monday as well.  That game was tied 102-102 at the end of regulation for 204 combined points.  I think the fact that it went to OT and went over the total has the total in this rematch set too high.  The UNDER is 16-6 in Warriors last 22 games vs. a team with a wining percentage below 40%.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Chicago Bulls +10.5 

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  They have won 7 in a row since Nikola Mirotic made his season debut.  They are playing great, confident basketball right now and are more than capable of competing with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Bulls have actually gone 8-1 ATS in their last 9 meetings with Cleveland, winning 6 of those 9 games outright.  Take Chicago. 

7* NBA Western Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Phoenix Suns +5.5 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns are so deep that they have been able to overcome the losses of Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker.  They have gone 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall as they have been consistently underrated.  In their last two games, they pulled off two huge upsets on the road at Minnesota as 12-point dogs and at Dallas as 7.5-point dogs.  I think they upset the Clippers tonight.  But this shouldn’t really be an upset given how many injuries the Clippers have right now.  They are without Blake Griffin, Patrick Beverly, Danilo Gallinari and Wesley Johnson.  They have lost 3 straight coming in and are just 11-18 on the season.  Phoenix is 9-1 ATS revenging a loss by 20 points or more over the last 2 seasons.  The Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.  The Clippers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 vs. Western Conference.  Take Phoenix. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +9.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are a tired team right now.  They will be playing for a second consecutive day after a draining 115-117 loss at Chicago Monday.  They can’t be 9.5-point favorites in this situation, especially considering the Kings are rested and will be playing only their 2nd game in 5 days.  The underdog is a perfect 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings, including an upset win by the Kings over the 76ers in Sacramento in their first meeting earlier this season.  Take Sacramento. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Blazers/Timberwolves OVER 206 

The Key: The Timberwolves and their opponents are combining for an average of 214 points per game this season.  We have a total of just 206 here tonight and I think the price is right to pull the trigger on the OVER.  Portland is 11-2 OVER in its last 13 road games after a combined score of 185 or less.  Minnesota is 12-2 OVER off an upset loss as a home favorite over the last 2 seasons.  The OVER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Minnesota.  Take the OVER. 

6* Sunday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Pistons/Magic UNDER 203.5

The Key: The Magic are a mess right now injury-wise playing without Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Terrance Ross.  Both Arron Afflalo and Jonathan Isaac are questionable too.  They have had to slow down their offense and try to run it through Vucevic just to get anything going.  But they have struggled to score of late because of these injuries.  The Magic have scored 95 or fewer points in 3 of their last 4 games overall.  The Pistons play great defense and have given up 98 or less in 3 of their last 4.  The UNDER is 8-0-1 in Pistons last 9 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-2 in Magic last 7 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns +12 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns have remained competitive without Devin Booker because of their depth.  They have lost their last 5 games, but all 5 losses came by 13 or less, including 4 by 10 or fewer.  They last 3 have come by 6, 7 and 3 points.  They can hang with the Timberwolves tonight as 12-point dogs to stay within this number.  Minnesota is 3-14 ATS off a blowout win by 15 points or more over the last 3 seasons.   The Suns are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a tea with a winning record.  The Timberwolves are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.  Take Phoenix. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers are getting healthy.  They may be at full strength if Jusuf Nurkic returns from an ankle injury.  He is listed as questionable, but the Blazers should have everyone else.  The Magic are really banged up.  They are without Evan Fournier and Terrance Ross, and Aaron Gordon, Arron Afflalo and Jonathan Isaac are all questionable.  The Magic have gone 1-4 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall with their only win coming at home over the Hawks by 4 in overtime.  They just lost to a bad Clippers team by 11 at home on Wednesday.  Now they take a step up in competition here against the Blazers.  Portland is 11-2 ATS in road games off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.  Orlando is 0-7 ATS in home games revenging a road loss vs. opponent this season.  The Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.  Take Portland. 

6* Mavs/Warriors Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Dallas +10.5 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors will be very short-handed tonight.  They will be without Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Zaza Pachulia and Nick Young.  That will make it very difficult for them to win by double-digits against the Mavericks tonight.  This is a Mavs team that has quietly gone 5-5 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They haven’t lost a single game by double-digits since November 17th, a span of 12 games.  Take Dallas.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Indiana Pacers +1 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers have been one of the surprises of the season.  They are gelling very well with all of their youth and have one of the deepest teams in the NBA. They have gone 10-3 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  The Thunder have been the single most overrated team in the NBA.  They are 12-14 SU & 7-18-1 ATS on the season.  They are 0-9 ATS in their last 9 games overall, and now they are somehow favored here on the road against Indiana.  The Thunder have 2 stars in Paul George and Russell Westbrook, but not much else.  They have no depth, and Carmelo Anthony is a cancer.  Pacers players will want to make a statement here and let George know he made a mistake leaving them.  I like this situation for them as they’ll be hungry for a win.  Take Indiana. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Detroit Pistons -6 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons will be hungry for a victory tonight.  They have lost 6 in a row coming in, but 4 of those losses were on the road, and the other 2 were against two of the best teams in the NBA in Golden State and Boston at home.  Now they face a team they can handle tonight in the Denver Nuggets, who have lost 3 of their last 4 and are playing without their two best players in Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap.  The Pistons already won 106-95 in Denver as 5-point dogs on November 12th.  They also won their last home meetings with the Nuggets 103-86 as 4.5-point favorites.  The Nuggets are 3-11 ATS in all road games this season.  The Pistons are 8-1 ATS in non-conference games this season.  Detroit is 43-23 ATS as a home favorite over the last 3 years.  Take Detroit. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Chicago Bulls +7.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days tonight.  They won’t have much left in the tank for the Chicago Bulls, who are playing very well right now.  The Bulls are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games.  They have pulled off outright upsets over the Hornets and Knicks in their last 2, and they have losses by 1, 1 and 2 points to the Nuggets, Kings and Pacers, respectively, during this stretch.  They can hang with the Celtics tonight given the difficult situation for Boston.  The Celtics are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 playing on 0 days rest and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 following an ATS win.  The Bulls are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference.  Take Chicago. 

7* Rockets/Blazers Western Conference *BAILOUT* on OVER 216 

The Key: Expect offensive fireworks tonight between Houston and Portland, especially with Jusuf Nurkic out for Portland.  He is their best defender and has made them a respectable defensive team.  But without him, the Blazers will go smaller and with more outside shooting and worse defense as you’ll see more of Myers Leonard.  The Rockets and their opponents have combined for 213 or more points in six straight games.  They have scored at least 112 points in all six and are averaging 114.0 points per game on the season.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in this series.  The Rockets and Blazers have combined for at least 219 points in 5 straight meetings.  That will get the job done tonight with this low 216-point total.  Take the OVER. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee Bucks -7 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks want revenge from their worst loss of the season, a 79-111 loss in Dallas back on November 18th.  Now they get their shot at revenge just 3 weeks later.  The Bucks have gone 4-1 in their last 5 games overall with their only loss coming in Boston, which has the best record in the NBA.  Dallas could be without several key players tonight.  They are already without Nerlens Noel and Seth Curry, but both Dennis Smith Jr. and Devin Harris are questionable.  The Mavs are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.  Dallas is 7-15-1 ATS in its last 23 games following a loss.  Take Milwaukee. 

6* Warriors/Hornets ESPN *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: Without Steph Curry, the Warriors are going to struggle offensively.  They also could be without Draymond Green, who helps make this offense run on all cylinders.  Look for a lower scoring game than the oddsmakers anticipate as Shawn Livingston at the point is a huge downgrade from Curry.  Bets on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 210 or higher off a win by 10 points or more against an opponent off 3 straight wins by 10-plus points are 36-8 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Sacramento Kings +13 

The Key: The Sacramento Kings last played on Saturday, giving them 3 days to get ready for the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  They will have a big effort here and stay within this massive 13-point spread.  After all, the Kings are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 when playing on 3 or more days of rest.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Milwaukee Bucks +6 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are starting to get too much love from the books due to their 20-4 record.  I expect the Milwaukee Bucks to give them a run for their money tonight.  Home-court advantage has meant nothing in this series of late as the road team is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  The Bucks have won each of their last two trips to Boston outright as underdogs.  The underdog is 23-9-1 ATS in the last 33 meetings.  The Bucks are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 meetings in Boston.  Take Milwaukee. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +12.5 

The Key: The Sacramento Kings want revenge from an 87-112 home loss to Milwaukee on November 28th less than a week ago.  They get their chance here in Milwaukee.  That loss was a bad spot for the Kings as they were playing for a second consecutive night after an upset win at Golden State the night before.  That was a clear letdown spot.  Milwaukee is 3-15 ATS in home games after having won 3 of their last 4 games over the past 2 seasons.  The Bucks are 17-39 ATS in their last 56 as as favorite of 10 or more points.  Take Sacramento. 

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

The Key: The Pelicans will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days tonight.  The Jazz will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and for a second consecutive night after winning in Los Angeles against the Clippers last night.  The Jazz are just 9-20 ATS in their last 29 when playing their 3rd game in 4 days.  The Jazz are also just 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games after covering 4 of their last 5 ATS coming in.  Take New Orleans. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Celtics UNDER 212 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA defensively, ranking No. 1 in defensive efficiency this season.  This is a very high total for them and I think there’s value with the under.  The 76ers are a tired team as they just played a game against the Wizards last night and won’t be looking to push the pace.  They will also be without their best player in Joel Embiid due to rest.  Points won’t be as easy to come by for the 76ers without Embiid.  The UNDER is 9-2 in 76ers last 11 games when their starting 5 players combined for more than 160 minutes played the previous day.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on New Orleans Pelicans -5 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are in a great situation here tonight, while the Minnesota Timberwolves are in a tough one.  The Timberwolves played last night and will be playing for the second straight day.  They will also be playing for the 7th time in 11 days, and it doesn’t get much tougher than that.  The Pelicans have had the last 3 days off since playing on Saturday against the Warriors.  Minnesota is 21-37 ATS when playing 6 or more games in 10 days over the last 3 seasons.  The Timberwolves are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a loss.  The home team is 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings.  The Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 trips to New Orleans.  Take New Orleans. 

6* Tuesday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Heat/Cavs UNDER 208

The Key: The Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA with a healthy Hassan Whiteside, and he is healthy right now.  The Cavs played last night in Philly and only gave up 91 points.  They should be tired tonight and not looking to run as much.  The Heat will slow down the tempo to a snail's pace to try and give them the best chance to win tonight and limit possessions.  The Heat have allowed 98 or fewer points in 4 of their last 5 games coming in.  The Cavs have allowed 99 or fewer in 3 of their last 4 as their defense is steadily improving.  The Heat are 9-1 UNDER in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Philadelphia 76ers -2.5

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are 11-4 SU & 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  They have been mispriced all season and are once again tonight as only 2.5-point favorites over the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Cavs are dealing with so many injuries right now that they are struggling to win games, let alone cover them.  Philadelphia is 14-2 ATS in November home games over the last 2 seasons.  Take Philadelphia.

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Magic/76ers UNDER 221

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are going to be without their point guard and floor general in Ben Simmons tonight.  I think they slow down the offense and run it through Joel Embiid.  I think this game is played at a very slow pace, which will help it stay UNDER this massive 221-point total.  The Magic are a tired team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a loss in Boston last night, which also favors the UNDER.  Take the UNDER.

7* Celtics/Heat Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Miami +3.5

The Key: The Boston Celtics stayed last night in South Beach and certainly were probably out celebrating their 16-game winning streak.  I think they are ripe for the picking here against the Miami Heat.  The Heat are a feisty team that won't back down.  And they'll certainly want to avenge their 96-90 loss to the Celtics in their first meeting of the season.  Miami is 21-9 ATS revenging a same season loss over the last 2 seasons.  The Heat are 25-10 ATS when revenging a home loss over the last 3 years.  The Heat are 15-5 ATS off an upset loss as a home favorite over the last 3 seasons.  The underdog is 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings.  Take Miami.

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

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies are in trouble right now without their best player and one of the most underrated players in the NBA in Mike Conley.  He is out with an Achilles injury, but the list of injuries for this team doesn't stop there.  Both Brandan Wright and Wayne Selden are out, and Tyreke Evans is questionable.  The Blazers will be hungry to avenge their 97-98 home loss to the Grizzlies on November 7th in their first and only meeting this season. They should take advantage of these vulnerable Grizzlies, who have now lost 4 straight and are coming off a 22-point home loss to Houston.  Memphis is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 home games off a home loss.  The Grizzlies are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games off a loss to a division opponent.  The Blazers are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.  The Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Portland.

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +2

The Key: This is a revenge game for the Brooklyn Nets, who just lost 106-114 in Utah on Saturday.  Now they get the chance to beat the Jazz just 6 days later.  And this will be just their 2nd game in 6 days, so they are rested and ready to go.  They also catch a vulnerable, beat up Jazz team that is already playing without Rudy Gobert, Joe Johnson and Dante Exum, and they could be without Ricky Rubio who is nursing an Achilles injury.  Take Brooklyn.

6* Warriors/Celtics Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Boston +7.5

The Key: The Boston Celtics have won 13 straight games heading into this showdown with the Golden State Warriors.  They have gone 11-1-1 ATS in the process.  They continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers tonight as 7.5-point home dogs to the Warriors.  Take Boston.

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

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans should be bigger favorites tonight over the Toronto Raptors given the situation.  It's a tough spot for the Raptors as they'll be playing their 3rd game in 4 days after beating the Rockets on the road last night.  And the Pelicans will be hungry to avenge a 118-122 loss at Toronto just 6 days ago.  Now they get them at home and should be able to pull it off, especially with how well they are playing right now in winning and covering 5 of their last 6.  Take New Orleans.

7* Raptors/Rockets Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto +6.5

The Key: The Toronto Raptors have failed to cover the spread in 4 straight games.  The Houston Rockets have covered the spread in 5 of their last 6. Because of these recent trends, we are getting a couple too many points with the Raptors here as 6.5-point dogs to the Rockets.  Houston is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 home games.  The Rockets are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 non-conference home games.  Toronto is 14-3 ATS after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread over the last 3 seasons.  Take Toronto.

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

The Key: The New York Knicks have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.  They have gone 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall, including 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Now they're catching 6 points at home against one of the most overrated teams in the NBA in the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are 6-7 SU & 4-8-1 ATS this season.  The Knicks actually won 114-95 in Cleveland as 10.5-point dogs in their first meeting on October 29th.  Cleveland is 1-8 ATS as a favorite this season.  Take New York.

6* Nets/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on OVER 221

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets play at a faster pace than anyone in the NBA this season.  That should lead to a shootout tonight in Portland against one of the best backcourts in the NBA in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.  In their two meetings last year, the Nets and Blazers combined for 246 and 238 points.  The books have set the number too low tonight.  Take the OVER.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Toronto Raptors -5.5

The Key: This is a good situation to fade the New Orleans Pelicans.  They will be playing their 4th straight road games here.  They actually won their first 3, but all 3 were against suspect competition in Dallas (by 5), Chicago (by 6) and Indiana (by 5).  Now they take a big step up in class and I expect that winning streak to come to an end against the Toronto Raptors tonight.  The Raptors are 3-1 at home and outscoring opponents by 11.3 PPG.  The Pelicans are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  The Raptors are 11-3-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.  Take Toronto.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Detroit Pistons -7

The Key: The Detroit Pistons have been off since Saturday, giving them a full 3 days to get ready for this game against the Pacers.  It has given them a chance to hone in things from an impressive 7-3 SU & 7-2-1 ATS start to the season.  The Pacers are a tired team right now, playing the second of a back to back and their 6th game in 9 days.  Indiana is 5-17 ATS in its last 22 road games when playing on back to back days.  Detroit is 40-22 ATS in its last 62 games as a home favorite.  Take Detroit.

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Indiana Pacers +1.5

The Key: The Indiana Pacers are better than they get credit for.  They have opened 5-5 with wins over the likes of the Spurs, Cavs and Timberwolves already to show they can play with the good teams.  The Pacers are 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS at home this year.  Off a 3-game road trip, they return home and should get in the win column against the Pelicans.  The Pelicans are 5-5 also, but 4 of their wins came against the worst teams in the NBA in the Lakers, Kings, Mavs and Bulls.  Indiana has a healthy Myles Turner back in the lineup after he missed most of the season up to this point, and he is probably the best player on the team, which just shows what their potential will be moving forward.  The Pelicans are 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  The Pacers are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games overall.  Take Indiana.

6* Celtics/Hawks Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Boston -7.5

The Key: The Boston Celtics are 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  They should make that 9 in a row tonight against the Atlanta Hawks, who have gone 1-8 in their last 9 games with 6 losses by 10 points or more.  The Hawks won't even show up tonight after pulling off a shocking upset in Cleveland on Sunday.  Take Boston.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Philadelphia 76ers -4.5

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  They still aren't getting any love, and I like this -4.5 price we are getting with them at home here against the Indiana Pacers.  The Pacers have been a great covering team too, but I think they are the frauds while the 76ers are the real deal. And if the Pacers were going to have a letdown, it would be in this game because they are coming off a 124-107 win over Lebron James and the Cavaliers in Cleveland.  The 76ers are 14-2 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4 games over the last 2 seasons.  The 76ers are 40-19 ATS in their last 59 games overall.  Take Philadelphia.

7* NBA Western Conference Game of the Month on New Orleans Pelicans -2

The Key: The Minnesota Timberwolves are close to being 0-7 this season.  They are 4-3, but all 4 wins have come by 3 points or less.  They will take their medicine today against a Pelicans team that has owned them.  The Pelicans went 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS against the Timberwolves last season, winning by 14, 16 and 21 points.  Expect more of the same tonight.  Take New Orleans.

6* Thunder/Bucks Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Milwaukee +2

The Key: Wrong team favored here.  The Oklahoma City Thunder haven't found their chemistry yet with the new faces in Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.  The Thunder are just 3-3 on the season with their 3 wins coming against the Knicks, Pacers and Bulls.  They have lost to their best teams they've faced, and now they take another step up in class against a Milwaukee Bucks team that will challenge for supremacy in the East.  The Thunder are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take Milwaukee.

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Philadelphia 76ers +7

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers just lost to the Houston Rockets on a buzzer-beater 105-104 on October 25th this past Wednesday.  Now they get their shot at revenge less than a week later.  I love backing the team with revenge in mind in these spots.  Take Philadelphia.

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Denver Nuggets -7

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA thus far with their 1-3 start.  They are loaded with talent and are better than they've shown.  Now they have a chance to get right against arguably the worst team in the NBA in the Atlanta Hawks, who just lost last night 86-91 in Chicago and will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days.  The Hawks were without Dennis Schroeder and Ersan Ilyasova last night and both are questionable again tonight.  Given the line, I'm assuming Shchroeder is out, and the Hawks really have nothing without him.  He is far and away their best player.  The Nuggets are 12-2 ATS in road games after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread over the last 3 seasons.  The Nuggets are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The Nuggets are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games following a loss.  The Hawks are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Take Denver.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Chicago Bulls -2

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are 0-3 this season, but they were competitive in losses to the Spurs and Cavaliers.  And their other loss came to the Raptors, so their three defeats have come against three of the best teams in the NBA.  Now they'll be hungry for their first victory, and they have an excellent chance to get it against the only team in the NBA that may be worse than them in the 1-3 Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks are going to be without their best player in Dennis Shroder, who is listed as doubtful.  And Ersan Ilyasova is questionable and may be their second-best player.  Bets against dogs (Atlanta) average team from last season that won between 45-55% of their games, after 2 or more consecutive losses are 24-7 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Chicago.

6* Spurs/Heat ESPN *CA$H COW* on Miami +4.5

The Key: The Miami Heat were one of the best teams in the NBA in the second half last year.  They have been grossly underrated, and they're being overlook again here as 4.5-point home dogs to the San Antonio Spurs.  This is a Spurs team that has been able to get by without Kawhi Leonard, going 3-0, but two of their games were close at home, and their only road win came against the awful Chicago Bulls.  This will be their stiffest road test yet.  The Heat are 11-2 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons.  The Heat are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take Miami.