Suns -2.5

Short and sweet today , as I am running out things to say. As in game 1, the story remains the same. When the Spurs played Dallas, the Mavs did not play in the paint, and I said in game 1 the Suns would, and they out scored them in the paint by 12 points and out rebounded them. The Suns also shot 51% from the floor and the Spurs over 45%, they just flat out are the better team at home. If the Suns continue to challenge the rim they will win again. In the last 3 meetings the Suns have won by 10 ppg at home and no less than 9. I expect the same today.

Play 1 Unit on the Suns

Phoenix -3.5

Just a brutal series for the Spurs against hated rival Dallas, and a good scheduling spot for the Suns at home here they shoot better, play better defense, and have a strong homecourt. Getting Steve Nash well rested after sitting out practice with a sore hip the past 2 days is all good, and the frontcourt of the Suns will be more of an issue for Spurs than Dallas was, who never push it in the middle. The Suns won both games at home this year against the Spurs by double digits, and while I do not expect a blowout, I expect a 6-8 point win at home for the Suns tonight, who are determined to get over on the Spurs tis year, a team who has knocked them out f contention in the post season many times.

Play 1 Unit on the Suns

Jazz +7 I know the success rate for Utah in this series this season was not good, only 1 win and cover, BUT I like them here.

LA Lakers +1 LA has not won a road game in this series.

Pheonix +1

Time to start betting the best team, especially in a pick em ballgame. Even though Roy had a great game his first game back to inspire his team, that has worn off. I like the frontcourt of the Suns to take over and the backcourt with Richardason to have a big night. No replacing the experience of Steve Nash as court general on the point in a situation like this and that will be a key factor tonight, as I expect him to step up and lead his team in this game.

Play 1 Unit on the Suns.

Play OVER 215 Jazz and Nuggets

All but 1 game has gone over and expect the Nuggets facing elimination to shoot lights out at home. The backcourt for Denver needs to step up in scoring, and the backcourt for the Jazz already has. Denver scores well at home, while playing little defense, and I expect the trend to continue again tonight in a major shootout for all the marbles so to speak.

Play 1 Unit on the OVER

Dallas -5

Not allot to say here. Back against the wall against a team until he playoffs the Mavs dominated 8 out of 10 games. Elimination game on their homecourt? I doubt the Spurs bench can support like game 4 in this one and Dallas at home will play tough as hell in this one against a hated rival. I have a feeling the Mavs EXPLODE in this one and set the tone for the next game, but extreme focus will be KEY for Dallas. They will have it. The Mavs head coach has brought a team back from a 1-3 deficit to win a series before, and while rare, I think they get this one at home tonight by 10 points.

Play 1 Unit on Dallas. BONUS MLB Play

Orlando -4

Charlotte has not really scared the Magic in this series, they are getting pounded on the boards, beaten in FG% and simply put, Orlando has vastly more talent on the floor. The perimeter defense of the Bobcats has left Nelson and Carter up top for open looks, 42 points in production alone last game. Howard held Theo Ratliff to 2 points on the low post, and Charlotte simply does not match up well in this one and have failed to cover 6 out of their last 8 games. Really like Orlando to close it out on the road here and get some rest and healing time for round 2 of the playoffs. If Orlando shows up, and word is they will, they should put it away tonight by 6-9 points.

Play 1 Unit on Orlando. MLB BONUS - Play a half unit on St. Louis -109 tonight at home against Atlanta.

Dallas +3

Love the Mavs who have just pissed the last 2 games away in this series to right the ship so to speak and get back on track to even the series. Nowitzki was on the only starter in double digits with 35 last game, and I assure you Dallas will give their best effort of the series to date right here with a team effort. They will also use the rebounding advantage this game and no doubt step up their offense. They scored 90 with only 1 starter getting double digit points the last game, I expect a 100+ out of them today and highly motivated. Spurs playing very well, but will need their bnest game today, my money is on Dallas.

Play 1 Unit on Dallas.

Suns -2

Short and Sweet. With limited depth, youth and no confidence, and a serious frontcourt mis match, and playing no perimeter defense, Portalnd cannot matchup. They lost the last 2 games by 48 points combined and doubt Phoenix takes the night off. Portland has allowed 108 ppg their last 5 while scoring just 100. enough said.

Play 1 Unit on the Suns.

Utah -2

Denver a bad road team and have only covered 1 out of their last 8 road games. The Jazz are fired up after winning on in Denver to even the series and are playing on a homecourt where they have been defeated only 8 times all season. Denver allowing 111 ppg, and with Kenyon Martin probably out tonight, that hurts them as well. Utah rolls by 8.

Play 1 Unit on Utah.

Phoenix -1

Taking the road team again. With Batum out with a bad shoulder, this leaves both him and Brandon Roy out of the lineup, 2 KEY players that got them here and being short handed against the Suns, who have not forgotten the game 1 loss at home and want to return the favor is a bad deal for Portland. They bounced back with a 29 point win in game 2 and the adjustment by oddsmakers is just unreal in this game, I have a power rating of 6 points difference that is a 5 point overlay. Phoenix when motivated is 10 points better than a shorthanded Blazers team, and I believe they are motivated.

Play 1 Unit on the Suns..thanks and best of luck, Tony George

LA Lakers +3.5

Cheap line for the Lakers on the road. OK City has given them everything they want and then some, but Durrant cannot win this alone. The difference between these 2 teams and their stars, Durrant and Bryant, is that Kobe has a strong and deep supporting cast, with an experienced head coach who know how to put teams away early in the early rounds of the playoffs. LA knows they can beat OK City anywhere and anytime at days end, and I doubt they fall flat because they are on the road. Both teams shot under 40% for game 2, and both under 30% from 3 point range. LA outrebounded OK City 49-37 and that will continue and that adds up to cheap points, enough to cover a small number here.

Play 1 Unit on the Lakers.

Cleveland -3.5 to 4

Another gift here. Chicago cannot hang with the Cavs. Too much respect for the home team, and while the Cavs have some distractions at home, on the road they are one of the best teams in the NBA. They have a better road record than the Bulls do a home record, and the Cavs were none to happy about their last game performance where they left the door open for Chicago. I am laying it on the road with the Cavs, the best team in basketball laying 3.5 points against a #8 seed is a gift.

Play 1 Unit on Cleveland.

Dallas -3.5

Took them laying 5.5 on Sunday and more of the same again today. Dallas has won 9 out of 11 games against the Spurs. It is simply a matchup issue that the aging Spurs cannot overcome, not to mention the depth issue and unlike years past, the Spurs defense is not up to par. People have figured out how to beat them, and Dallas has their number. I could throw up stats and figures, but Dallas is better in this series, as in my blogs online, the team to bet on in this series to win it and advance, doubt they give up games at home,

Play 1 Unit on Dallas. Bonus MLB Play, NY Yankees -135. Listed pitchers only, the Yanks are FAR superior to the A

OVER 182 Boston and Miami

Look for some scoring here. I like KG being out and opening up the paint for the Heat to get some cheap buckets. I also expect Miami to get it going on offense. I also expect the backcourt of Miami to step up in game 2 and for this to be the exact opposite in scoring than game 1, which happens often in the first round of the playoffs.

Play 1 Unit on the OVER. Play a half unit on Milwaukee +7.5 against Atlanta tonight.

OVER 186 Atlanta and Milwaukee

The line opened at 188. My power rating for this game is 194. That is an 8 point overlay. Notoriously the first round of the playoffs is an offensive showcase with lots of wide open play and scoring. These 2 teams head to head have went OVER 8-0! Both teams have the ability to score a ton here in this matchup. They have eclipsed this total the last 8 times they have played including last week when they scored 200 points. They average 198 ppg combined on the year and about 189 on defense. Look for a wide open affair. Milwaukee is young, they will look to score every chance they get to hang tough with a decent Atlanta team here. Atlanta scored 99 or more in 6 of their last 7 games.

Play 1 Unit on the OVER. Bonus Play

Denver +6

Two things at work here. Number one is the division title for the Nuggets who will NO DOUBT have their A Game tonight. Denver can win the NW division tonight in a place where they have dropped 10 straight and were blasted by double digits last time in here. Denver is playing better defense than the Suns and have a frontcourt advantage and not sure of the Suns motivation here either. Denver has some serious mindset headed into this one, and with something on the line in their final regular season game, getting points here is a gift.

Play 2 Units on Denver

Sacramento -1.5

The Kings like beating Houston and have covered all 3 meetings this season, winning 2 of them. Fan Appreciation night in Sacramento, where they love their Kings. You look for motivation in NBA teams who are out of the playoff picture and the Kings have the home fans to pull out their effort tonight. Both teams off brutal high scoring losses, but with the Kings having an extra days rest, while the Suns were running the Rockets off the floor last night, I like the fresher legs and the home team who has played the Rockets tough all year to win it. Houston 1-9 ATS last 10 meetings!

Play 1 Unit on Sacramento

Portland +4

LA is resting players and really are not in sync with anything. A meaningless game for LA, while Portland in a must win scenario. 7-3 ATS their last 10 against LA, and they have all been lower scoring games. LA is not playing with intensity, Bryant will not play the whole game if any. 14-6-1 ATS on the road for the Blazers their last 21. They are playing with purpose as an underdog. A must take for me.

Platy 1 Unit on Portland.

Chicago -5.5

This time of year I look for teams who have thrown it in, and New Jersey started throwing it in about a month ago. Watch them play sometime, they give up on plays, play horrific defense, and do not have much talent. The Bulls off a HUGE win on TNT against the Cavs, a confidence building win, and they are in a dogfight for a playoff spot and will bring their A game again tonight. The Bulls are healthier than they have been in awhile as well. Two weeks ago the Bulls POUNDED the Nets by 23 at home and while the spread will not be that large here, they will win by double digits. Big rebounding advantage as well for the Bulls on the offensive glass, lots of cheap buckets.

Play 1.5 Units on Da Bulls

LA Lakers +2

Games with meaning this time of year. This is a simplistic approach but LA needs a win in the worst way and this game also would clinch the best record in the conference for the third straight season and after dropping 3 out of the last 4 to Denver, LA would very much like to set the tone for the playoffs with a big win tonight on TNT. Denver just 2-9-1 ATS their last 12 games. The numbers do not support this play in terms of last 5 games stats, but Kobe is money on TNT time and time again and Denver is 1-8 ATS their last 9 as a favorite. Like the setup here even with a short fav at home on TNT which is usually a take, I am grabbing the 2 points and say the Lakers play a great game tonight and go against the public sentiment in this one.

Play 1 Unit LA Lakers

Bucks +6

Lots of talk from everyone surrounding Noah

Golden State -3.5

I talked about this game on a podcast today and LOVE this game tonight. NY is on a 4th road game in a row, they are playing deplorable ball, and not scoring. T Mac and Harrington are out tonight and the Warriors always play tough ball on a strong homecourt. I have NO doubts of a 8-10 point win in this one, I have a 6 point overlay on the spread and look for Curry to have a big night at the point for GS.

Play 2 Units on Golden State..

OVER 191.5 Celtics and Spurs

Both teams averaging over 100 ppg on offense, and even without Parker the Spurs guards scored 44 points combined in the last game. Like Bostons offense at home where they seem to play better and San Antonio scoring over 100 ppg on the season on offense. Neither defense stellar, let alone Bostons, I like a shootout tonight in this one.

Play 1 Unit on the OVER. Thanks and good luck..Tony George

Utah -9

Like the Jazz off a horrific loss at the Pacers last night. I saw a stat online and did some research, Since January the Jazz are 9-1 off a loss ATS. Washington flat out is horrible and have mailed it in and have managed to allow people to score at will, and with a feisty Jazz team hell bent on redemption and well coached, I like them by 14 tonight. Expect the offense to play well here.

Play 1 Unit on Utah.

Cavs -10

This line maty shoot up, as Prince for Detroit is out, who by the way the Pistons got hammered lasrt night in Boston giving up 199 points, and have injury issuesd all over the place and doubt they score over 85 here and their defense was like a funnel last night. Cavs red hot again and ready to win big after being rested for this one, should be a 20 point blowout in my opinion.

Play 2 Units on Celevland..popular choice I know but one of the Easts best teams playing one of the worst, with 3 starters out.

Utah -4

The Bulls play little defense allowing their last 7 opponents over 100 points each, and I assure you Utah will score. Out of all the teams in the west Utah has maybe the most p[physical style of defense, and I doubt the Bulls break 95 points in this one and Utah clips the 100 mark. I will lay the points and be on the public side.

Play 1 Unit on Utah. BONUS PLAY

Suns -1.5

Phoenix is 5-0 SU and ATS their last 5 at home. They are off a huge win against the Clips and are scoring lights out. I know the Jazz have done well in here but a team that plays no defense is no match for the Suns on their homecourt and the Suns front line is stepping it up big time. PHOENIX IS ON FIRE AT 14-2 ATS THEIR LAST 16 GAMES!!! I am not bucking that trend with a short number with a team playing with DOUBLE revenge tonight who are hot.

Play 1 Unit on the Suns.

Dallas / New Orleans UNDER 197.5

Take out the Atlanta OT game and Dallas's games have been under this total as of late becvause they are actually playing better defense, which is why they are winning. They also have been distributing the ball well and that eats some clock for them. They have some good guatrd play right nowe as well. The UNDER is 11-2 ATS in this series the last 13 games. 5 out of Dallas's last 8 games they have failed to exceed 100 points on offense and they are allowing just 91 ppg.

Play 1 Unit on the UNDER and play a half unit on Duke -9.5..even on the road, check out Virginas recent numbers, they have been getting killed by everyone!!!

OVER 201 Detroit / Denver

Denver managed 227 points on TNT last night and score light out at home, and as we all know, they play little defense. Detroit has averaged near 100 points a game their last 5 and have more offense with a healthy lineup. With Denver playing last night I doubt they play much defense, and they can score 100 by accident. Denver is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on the OVER.

Play 1 Unit on the OVER..thanks and best of luck, be sure to catch a 3 game NCAA Saturday card! 8 out of the last 9 Saturdays have profited.

LA Lakers -5

I will lay it here as Memphis in a funk and Kobe, off an injury , like always in years, past, always has a big night upon his return. LA in revenge mode after a home loss to Memphis as well here. After beating LA Memphis have went 2-6 ATS and SU since then. LA off a loss to the Celtics, well rested for this road trip and looking to make a statement in my eyes here..a double digit win.

Play 1 Unit on LA

Utah -

Portland has been beaten badly by the Jazz the last 2 times, and Utah is one of the hottest road teams on the planet are the Jazz. Not sold either on Portlands team right now off a 20 point beat down against Boston here and still not at 100%. Like Utahs offense to outpace the Blazers tonight. Utah 15-5 ATS their last 20 road games!

Play 1 Unit on The Jazz.

Spurs -3

Looks like a set up line here, but looking at the injury issues for Philly, especially in the backcourt, and Tony Parker playing well and back in the lineup for the Spurs, I like them on the road tonight. They have been on a long stretch of road games, I look for them to expose a bad Philly team with 9 wins at home all year. The Spurs playing MUCH better defense and defend the perimeter well. Too much for Philly.

Play 1 Unit on San Antoni

OVER 206 Cleveland / Denver

The Cavs have scored a 100+ points in EVERY game in February. Denver has allowed over 100 ppg on defense in all but 1 of their last 5 games. Both teams average 216 ppg combined their last 5 games. Denver is 5-2 ATS on Overs their last 7 times as an underdog. Both have deep benches, and Denvers gets ton of scoring from their bench. This should be a good, high scoring game, and James should be good for 30+ here. Jamison, a new player added yesterday is unlikely to play. Lots of scoring from the forward position in this game tonight.

Play 1 Unit on the OVER. Play a half unit on Wisconsin +1. Minny 0-8 ATS their last 8, like the Badgers here with defense and a better team.

Utah -3.5

Utah pounded Houston last night and I like the fact they have a game under the belt after the all star break while New Orleans has not played a game in a week. Without Chris Paul, the Hornets simply do have the punch they had earlier in the season and Utah

OK City -3.5...Shop your line..to 4 if need be...like 3.5 better...

The Mavs acquired some players, WHO HAVE NOT PRACTICED with the team yet because other Mavs players had not reported. The Mavs will be better because of this but the chemistry will take awhile. On the other side OK is one of the hotter teams out there and reeled off 6 straight wins and covering 5 of them in the process to close out the first half. Dallas has allowed 113 ppg on defense their last 5 games, OK City just 94. That is a huge difference. I have a 4 point power rating difference, add 3 points for homecourt, and the fact Dallas has injury and depth issues and will be putting in new players who have not played as a team year, a work in progress in this matchup is going to upset their balance.

Play 1 Unit on OK City.

Denver -5.5

This is the BEST SCENARIO on the planet to take Denver. A home team for starters. A team that can score lights out at home against a struggling team. This is in the altitude and that makes a huge difference because this is the 5th straight road game for the Spurs, which is always a go against spot. The Spurs will struggle against the fast paced offense and the Spurs defense is a shell of it old self. The Spurs are a bad TNT team, they are 1-7 ATS their last 8 on TNT. A no brainer for me here.

Play 2 Units on Denver.

OK City -1

Going with a hot team on the road. I have a 5 point overlay against the line. OK City is red hot and lost road games at Cleveland and Memphis by a total of 3 points and covered both, and are on a 9-1 run ATS. They are scoring lights out their last 5 games and have a winning road record. This line would be higher but Portland beat San Antonio on TNT last week, but with without Roy in the lineup simply are not the best team on the floor tonight. Portland off a 17 point beat down in here against the Lakers, and OK City one of the hottest teams around...no answer on Durrant tonight for the Blazers.

Play 1 Unit OK City

Spurs -3

Clippers lost their coach, and the Spurs off a BAD loss on Thursday blowing a huge lead and losing to the Blazers on national TV. 2 days of reat here against a team they have pounded 10 straight against and in dire need of a bounceback win. Clips 8-0-1 ATS their last 9 at home, time for that trend to reverse, Spurs will come in here with their ears pinned back and already have beaten the Clips by 16 this year.

Spurs for 1.5 Units

Oklahoma City -1.5

Off a big win against the Hawks last night, the scoring machine Durant continues to impress and OK City is the real deal. Injuries to the Hornets in the backcourt loom large in this game for New Orleans, I like the less than a bucket with a far better team who is making a mid season move right now. Lots of youth and talent, I will lay the small number.

Play 1 Unit on OK City tonight.

Dallas +2

Not sold on the Suns in a serious slump (3-7 SU last 10) and off an OT loss to Charlotte on Tuesday. The Mavs played 2 days ago, and won a tight one against the Bucks, and off 2 days rest, they are 6-1 ATS this season. The Mavs not a good cover team on TNT only 5 covers out of their last 26 games, but 90% they are big favs, and we find them here playing a team with no defense, they have better depth, rebounding, turnovers, defense. I like the Mavs to win SU tonight. Suns 6-20 ATS on TNT their last 26 and Dallas has won the last 3 meetings in this series and covered 2 of them.

Play 1 Unit on Dallas...BONUS NCAA Play - Arizona State -3 for a half unit. Thanks and best of Luck. TG

Lakers -8

Yes I know it is their 4th road game, but The Knicks are a whipping boy in this one, just off getting pounded by the Clippers at home, the Lakers come in here and get it done by double digitsd tonight. They have an advantage in every stat area that counts and I have a 14 point overlay against the spread in power ratings here, and that is counting what homecourt I give the Knicks which is 2 points here. LA rolls.

Play 1.5 Units on the Lakers

Orlando -9.5

Orlando already beat Sacramento in CA by 21 points on the 12th of this month. Sacramento is giving up 104 ppg on the road and the KEY here is two things. Orlando is healthy and at home, Vince Carter will play tonight, and this the Kings 5th road game in row in 7 days..a brutal stretch where they have lost every game, and 9 out of their last 10 overall. A HUGE frontcourt mismatch in the Magic