Rating: 2 Units

Brooklyn had a chance in the fourth quarter in each of its last three games - losses to the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Trail Blazers - but could not make the necessary plays down the stretch.  The bright spot for Memphis continues to be center Marc Gasol, who showed off his wide range of skills with a career-high 14 assists on Friday. However, the Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

If semi-rebuilding UC Irvine was unable to slow down Arizona State in 99-78 setback in Tempe last Sunday, doubt the Anteaters will impede a loaded, fast-paced UCLA quintet, buoyed by come-from-behind 72-70 upset win over Big Ten juggernaut Wisconsin in Kansas City on Tuesday. Bruins, who had five DD-scorers vs. Badgers, showing more toughness on the stop end, allowing a meager 5 of 22 from the arc vs Wisconsin. UCI will have no holiday defending UCLA’s dynamic 6-1 jr. G Aaron Holiday (17 ppg, nearly 6 apg),while highly-touted 6-3 G Jaylen Hands (12 ppg; 54% from 3-point line) displaying a deadly shooting eye.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southeast and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. While the Heat are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game, 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference, and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central. To top it off, the underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota will remember the Nov. 11 loss in Phoenix and be out for revenge. Timberwolf defenders mostly stood and watched as Phoenix G Devin Booker and F T.J. Warren burned Minnesota counterparts Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler repeatedly, scoring 35 points. each in a 118-110 upset. Sun defense the worst in the league, allowing 116 points per game. Expect Minnesota coach Tom Thiboudeau to give his men an earful about defense before this one...but how many is too many?

Rating: 2 Units

Must be a little price sensitive here as, while Philly is a tremendous spread team (12-4 vs. number through Nov. 20), Orlando has been a solid winner as a road dog in recent seasons. Sixers have been favored by 7 or more once this season (a cover hosting Atlanta), but they catch the Magic coming off a game last night. Philly is rested, which means C Joel Embiid will be in lineup, and he, PG Ben Simmons (21 ppg, 9 rpg & 7 apg in L5) and F Robert Covington are a formidable trio. And Embiid will enjoy chewing up Magic Euro pivot Nikola Vucevic.

Rating: 2 Units

Charlotte’s bench was outscored 64-16 in the Spurs 108-101 win-and-cover in first meeting, with Hornet leader G Kemba Walker being held to just 4 of 12 shooting. Spur HC Gregg Popovich put the “hack-a-Howard” plan into the mix, sending the Hornet pivot to the line 20 times (he made 10). Charlotte, which visited Cleveland last night, has been historically terrible vs. the number in the 2nd night of back-to-backs but covered first two this season. Revenge-minded Hornets catch Spurs walking off turkey dinner, and have Nicolas Batum available this time around. Spurs 1-6 vs. number on road thru Nov. 21, and have failed to cover 3 of L4 trips to Charlotte.

Rating: 2 Units

With Georgetown players quickly adapting to well-liked 1st-year HC Patrick Ewing (former Hoya A-A served as a 14-year NBA assistant), strongly recommend athletic, quick-jelling Hoyas, who should dominate glass vs. weak-boarding UR (-10.5 rpg; 330th). G’Town’s formidable 6-10, 270-pound jr. C Jessie Govan (21 ppg, 14.3 rpg) is clearly the premier “big” in this tilt. And good-shooting Hoyas (51% FGs, featuring marksman 6-7 jr. F Marcus Derrickson (14.3 ppg; 45% from arc), finds plenty of open looks vs. Spiders’ slow-rotating zone defense, permitting 51% from the field (ranked 333rd).

Rating: 2 Units

Streaky Golden State had dropped 4 straight vs. the number prior to the Warriors’ visit to OKC on Wednesday, and G.S. is only 3-7 vs. the number in its last 10 laying double-digits at Oracle Arena. Couldn’t blame the defending champs if they relaxed a little against the lowly Bulls, who won just 3 of first 15 SU and failed to cover 5 of L6 before stopping in Utah Wednesday. Still, no-name Chicago will have trouble trading baskets and tend to self destruct quickly. Latest example was blowing a 19-point 3rd Q lead at the Lakers Tuesday. Warriors will force pace and score 120-125.

Rating: 2 Units

Minny had been livening up, winning 8 of L10 (7-2-1 vs. points) before losing to Detroit and at Charlotte before hosting Orlando Wednesday. Miami was 1-3 SU and vs. the number prior to playing Boston, due to dips in production from Gs Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters. Waiters certainly had no shooting problem in first meeting, making 14 of 28 shots in an OT Minnesota win in Miami. The Heat were without C Hassan Whiteside that night, allowing T-wolf counterpart Karl-Anthony Towns have a good night (20 pts., 12 rebs.) as did PG Jeff Teague (23 pts., 11 assists and 6 steals. Favor Minnesota to break out even though Whiteside will be ready

Rating: 2 Units

First meeting in a series that saw the host win and cover all 3 last year. Indiana’s personnel has changed, but the Pacers have been sharp the last week, winning and covering 4 straight with F Bojan Bogdanovic shooting 59% in his last 3. Indy has been off since Monday, enjoying an extended Thanksgiving break, and the Raptors are on a streak of their own, beating beat Houston, NO, NY and Washington before visiting the Knicks in a quick rematch Wednesday.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston has been unconscious, including beating Orlando at the Amway Center as part of a 16-game winning streak heading into Miami Wednesday. That’s all well and good, but the numbers will begin to be stretched out on the red-hot Celtics, who’ve only been a double digit favorite once this season. Boston is just 6-14 laying more than 8 points at home over the last 2+ seasons, and Orlando has a history of success as a big road dog. The Magic are outscoring opponents 110-109 away from home this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Undefeated RU really digging in on the stop end, allowing a nation-low 47.2 points per game (32.3% FGs;4th)!. And with the Scarlet Knights’ star 6-2 jr. G Corey Sanders (13 ppg) positively responding to HC Steve Pikiell’s criticism of his poor practice habits, eager to lay single digits vs. erratic-shooting ECU, nailing a rim-clanging 28.8% (285th) from downtown. Be sure, Pikiell will demand a razor-sharp effort vs. Pirates with high profile clash at home vs. Florida State next up on Tuesday. Plus, opportunistic RU taking good care of ball, ranking a lofty 22nd in TO margin (+6.6 pg). Pirates No. 1 weapon G B.J. Tyson (17 ppg) is constantly hounded by deeeep Knight backcourt

Rating: 2 Units

With RI’s terrific but injury-prone 6-5 sr. G E.C. Matthews sidelined with a wrist injury, don’t mind laying a handful of points with veteran Seton Hall, which is the only Div. 1 team with three 1,000-pt. scorers—6-4 sr. G Khadeem Carrington, 6-6 sr. F Desi Rodriquez & 6-10 sr. C Angel Delgado, who’ll be a major headache for the Rams’ rebuilding front line that graduated the highly-effective duo of 6-7 F Hassan Martin & 6-9 F Kuran Iverson. Plus, Pirates’ slimmed-down 6-2 soph G Myles Powell now more adept at driving the lane after settling too often for the 3-pointer a year ago.

Rating: 2 Units

Orlando back on the road, which proved a dangerous adventure last season but not so bad yet in the new term, with Magic a respectable 4-5 SU first nine away. And Minnesota looks like it might be a slump-waiting-to-happen; T-wolves are 26th in the NBA defense, which is 29th if you remove garbage time, suggesting things could go south in a hurry. The most concerning thing, however, is that Minnesota's defense is 10.9 points per 100 possessions worse when Karl-Anthony Towns is on the court.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston beat Denver all four last season, though Rockets couldn’t cover the last two meetings. Now with Chris Paul back in the fold, Rockets finally at full strength, though more than a few NBA insiders were wondering how Paul and “The Beard” were going to co-exist with only one ball on the floor. We’ll see. We’ll also see what Nuggets are made of in this schedule stretch with 15 of 22 on the road. But Mike Malone getting some better work in recent games from his bench, in particular the mercurial Emmanuelle Mudiay, who scored 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting, added seven rebounds plus five assists in an encouraging recent win over the Thunder on Nov. 9

Rating: 2 Units

Even with Kawhi Leonard’s status not expected to change for a while, Spurs were recording some better offensive numbers prior to Nov. 15 loss at Minnesota, scoring 111 points per 100 possessions over the previous seven games, with passing and assist numbers also up. After running more isolation than Pop wanted in first few weeks, the Spurs got the ball moving again, averaging 313.8 passes per game (same as the Warriors in that stretch) in recent 6-game home stand. But Spurs now back on the road, where they’ve dropped five straight spread decisions. Meanwhile in New Orleans, the Boogie Cousins/Anthony Davis pairing continues to thrive — they are both averaging more than 26 points and 11 rebounds per game (which is a historic pace for teammates, if they can sustain it). and Rajon Rondo has returned to the lineup

Rating: 2 Units

Big Ten sources keeping an eye on potentially-upgraded Penn State side with almost everyone back from last season and off to quick 3-0 break from gate in new term. Solid outside-inside combo of potent 6-5 G Tony Carr (20 ppg) & 6-7 F Lamar Stevens (15 ppg) intact from last season. That’s much more than can be said for Pitt, already with losses to Navy and Montana, as Kevin Stallings tries to pick up the pieces from a massively disappointing debut season and with a nation-tying 11 newcomers as a result of 4 seniors graduating & 5 players transferring out.

Rating: 2 Units

The Clippers have fallen into an abyss in November, losing and failing to cover six straight, and eight of nine, into last Friday at Cleveland. Injuries piling up for Doc Rivers, with Patrick Beverley missing recent action due to a bad knee, fragile F Danilo Galinari (strained glute) on the shelf since early November, and preseason Euro sensation G Milos Teodosic still sidelined with ankle issues. Minus Gallinari and Beverley, Blake Griffin’s shooting stats have deteriorated to the point he recently recorded his worst shooting accuracy (just 31%) over a three-game stretch in his entire career. And in recent six-game slump, LA had the worst defensive numbers in league. Knicks now good enough to take advantage with Kristaps Porzingis (28.9 ppg) continuing to deal and increasing contributions from Euro rookie G Frank Ntilikina

Rating: 2 Units

After opening-night rout of local big West entry CS Fullerton, SC might have been guilty of reading too many of its glowing press clippings as it couldn’t put away Summit rep North Dakota State until the final minutes three night later. That close shave vs. the Bison should make it easier for Andy Enfield to get his squad’s attention for this trip into SEC country vs. Bryce Drew’s Vandy side that is suddenly asking a lot of questions after losing to crosstown Belmont last Monday. The Commodores are not hitting their triples (only 27% in first two), and Drew is scrambling to departed 7-footer Luke Kornet, who did a bit of everything for Vandy the past couple of years. Kornet’s defense could have also come in handy vs. Trojans’ NBA bound front liners Bennie Boatwright & Chimezie Metu, scoring 37 points per game between them in early going.

Rating: 2 Units

It looked like Miami was cruising to a cover back on Oct. 21, when the Heat opened up 21-point lead with just 16½ minutes to play, but the Pacers wouldn’t go away, closing the lead down to just 2 with 12 seconds left. Miami shot 51.7% led by Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters combined for 42 points and drained 17 of 29 FGs. Indiana G Victor Oladipo had 28 in that encounter, and Oladipo has been the best player for the Pacers all season, scoring 23 points per game and shooting a respectable 47.4%. Indy C Myles Turner was out of action in that game, but he’s returned in the last 10 days and is contributing 13 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game since his return. And Miami hasn’t covered in 7 tries at American Airlines Arena this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Washington won in Toronto back on Nov. 5, which was the Wizards’ 6th cover in the last 7 visits to the Air Canada Centre in this visitor-oriented series. Will look that way again, as the Wizards are 5-1 vs. the number on the road this season and had won and covered 4 straight prior to hosting Miami on Friday. In first visit, Washington G Bradley Beal dropped 38 points on the Raptors, making up for the absence of all-star John Wall. Another star was Washington C Marcin Gortat (game-high 12 rebs.), who out dueled Euro counterpart Jonas Valanciunas, who was in foul trouble.

Rating: 2 Units

Sources report that shrewd Nevada HC Eric Musselman has made a seamless transition after the departures of the top scorers from last years loop winner and Big Dance qualifier. Musselman’s latest batch of transfers are already making a huge impact, specifically ex-NC State twins and 6-7 wings Cody and Caleb Martin, tallying almost 35 points per game between them as the Pack (90 points per game) is off to a winging 3-0 SU and spread start. Meanwhile, Iowa State transfer G Hallice Cooke keeping defenses loose while canning a cool 70% beyond arc in early going, and opponents (including A-10 heavyweight Rhode Island) having big problems coping with Nevada’s non-stop 6-7 PF Jordan Carolina (averaging 21 & 10 the first week). Asking a bit much of Damon Stoudemire’s completely-rebuilt UOP to stay within earshot, especially noting how fellow WCC member Santa Clara was buried at home by 30 at midweek by the rampaging Pack

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta has been much more competitive the last few weeks, covering 5 of last 6, as 7 players have averaged double-digit scoring and the team shot 49.4% in the last 5. Boston was put to the test in its Nov. 6 visit to Philips Arena, the two teams’ initial meeting this year. The Hawks dropped a 110-107 decision, but got the cover, with Atlanta holding a lead with under 2:00 remaining.

Rating: 2 Units

Orlando cooled off in losing final 3 of its 4- game Western road swing, but Magic are back at home, have had two days off and catch a cold Utah club coming off a visit to Brooklyn last night. Magic fans (and HC Frank Vogel) must be happy to see their team with a winning record after collecting an average of just 26 wins per season over the last 5 years. Meanwhile, Utah has some key injuries that potentially might hurt them badly. Defensive “plastic man” C Rudy Gobert is out, and point G Ricky Rubio is iffy with an Achilles problem (remember, backup PG Dante Exum is out for the year).

Rating: 2 Units

Northwestern mentor Chris Collins was highly displeased with his team’s poor defensive effort in 92-88 home loss to Creighton on Wednesday. So, with the Wildcats surely digging in on the stop end, willing to lay single digits vs. LaSalle squad in its toughest test to date. NW’s star 6-7 jr. F Vic Law, who poured in 30 points. vs. Blue Jays, should have another field day vs. the Explorers’ still-shaky interior defense, while marvelous 6-3 sr. G Bryant McIntosh controls the flow from the perimeter. Resilient Wildcats 7-1 vs. spread last 8 following a SU loss

Rating: 2 Units

Rematch of SA’s 107-99 opening night win and cover when Spurs were fueled by a LaMarcus Aldridge double double (25 &10). But still waiting for Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker to get back onto the court. Minny also 7-2 SU thru Nov. 9 in games when Jimmy Butler has made it on the floor, which he’ll have to be if T-wolves are to break recent slump vs. Spurs, who have won all five meetings since LY.

Rating: 2 Units

Drummond scored 14 of his 24 points in the third quarter and Harris knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with 13 points as the Detroit beat the Bucks 105-96 snapping a three-game losing streak to their divisional rivals. But the Bucks are a significantly different team than they were Nov. 3. The day after that meeting, the Bucks acquired Eric Bledsoe in a trade with Phoenix and have won three in a row since the veteran guard joined the team. Bledsoe is averaging 13 points despite shooting just 37.8 percent from the floor. Those numbers are pretty good when you consider that Bledsoe had gone two weeks without playing after having a falling out with the Suns.

Rating: 2 Units

Miami had a chance to pull off a winning road trip but dropped a 112-103 decision at Detroit on Sunday to settle for a 3-3 excursion. The Wizards are continuing to get better as well and picked up their third straight win with a 110-92 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Washington will play 11 of its next 14 games on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

The slumping Clippers played last night in OKC, and they were just 1-5 vs. the number prior to that game. Note HC Doc Rivers’ crew is just 2-9 vs. the points in last 11 when un rested. New Orleans is rested after visit to Toronto Thursday, and the Pelican front line continues to produce big numbers, with C Boogie Cousins and PF Anthony Davis combining for more than 57 points per game and 26 rebound per game. Davis had made 65% of his shots in the 3 games prior to facing the Raptors, and L.A. is 4-14 vs. the points last 18 trips to New Orleans.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland is just 1-5 as Moda Center favorite this season, and Brooklyn covered in Phoenix and Denver on back-to-back nights in last 2 games on this road trip. Head coach Kenny Atkinson is getting increased production from backup C Tyler Zeller of late, as he’s scored 14 points per game on 71% shooting in past 3 games, and G D’Angelo Russell has scored 21 points per game on 46% shooting in his last 4. Portland leader Damian Lillard has been missing his threes (just 19% last 3 games), while opponents shot 49% in last 3.

Rating: 2 Units

New York beat the Pacers in 3 of 4 meetings a year ago, reversing a trend that had seen the Pacers win 10 of the previous 11 games in the series. Both teams famously lost all-star forwards to Oklahoma City in offseason trades, as first Paul George of Indiana (in July) and then Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks (in late September) were dealt to the Thunder. Now the Knicks are rebuilding around Kristaps Porzingis and the Pacers are pinning their hopes on G Victor Oladipo (24 ppg) and C Myles Turner (out with concussion).

Rating: 2 Units

Orlando has already claimed some impressive scalps this season, including Cleveland and San Antonio in a hot start that saw the Magic win 6 of its first 8 SU prior to hosting Chicago Friday. Now the foe is the sizzling Boston Celtics, who’d won and covered 6 straight prior to visiting Oklahoma City two nights ago. Celtics won all 4 meetings with the Magic last season, covering 3 behind the play of then-guard tandem Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley. Those two are gone, as are Jae Crowder and C Kelly Olynyk. Those players were 3 of the Celts top 4 scorers in the series and all shot 50% or better. This is a different (and better) Magic team than the one that covered just 14 of 41 at home last year.

Rating: 2 Units

Memphis, which lost PF JaMychal Green in the opener, could be without star PG Mike Conley. Conley is very iffy after missing the Orlando game with an Achilles problem. The Grizzlies have covered just 1 of last 5 games, while the Clippers are off to a strong start behind all-star play of F Blake Griffin (23 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg) and team defense limiting opponents to 100 ppg and 43%. Lean to Clippers side that’s 4-1 as a favorite this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The San Antonio Spurs aren't playing like an elite team and attempt to halt a four-game losing streak when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. San Antonio was outclassed 112-92 by the Golden State Warriors on Thursday and looks to rebound against the Hornets, who have dropped 10 straight in San Antonio since posting a 92-85 victory on Nov. 15, 2006.

Rating: 2 Units

Aaron Gordon raised his level of play right along with the red-hot Orlando Magic and the former fourth-overall pick looks to continue his resurgence when the struggling Chicago Bulls pay a visit on Friday night. Gordon, who scored a career-high 12.7 points per game last season, is averaging 20.7 early on in 2017-18 and drained a decisive 3-pointer with 52 seconds remaining in Wednesday’s 101-99 victory at Memphis. The Bulls are in rebuilding mode and their record shows it with one victory in the first six games and 100 or fewer points scored in five of the contests.

Rating: 2 Units

Golden State has had a stranglehold on the Pistons for years, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings. However, Detroit is a bit better set to fight back against Golden State this season with the return to full health of Reggie Jackson and the acquisition of defensive specialist G Avery Bradley. Those two will play key roles against the Warrior all-star backcourt of Klay Thompson and Steph Curry. Up front, F Tobias Harris is having by far his best season, scoring 24 ppg on 52% shooting, and at 6-9, he’ll make Kevin Durant work on the stop end. Points worth taking with live dog.

Rating: 2 Units

Charlotte HC Steve Clifford has had Orlando’s number the last few years, winning 9 of last 10 meetings vs. the Magic and covering 8 of those. The Magic have started much better than expected, winning 3 of first 4 games (including a win at Cleveland!). Orlando has a poor man’s “big three” with Fs Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and C Nikola Vucevic all scoring more than 21 ppg in the early going, and Gordon and Vucevic are both taking down double-digit rebounds. Still, Charlotte has allowed just 97 ppg and is 3rd in defensive efficiency, compared with Orlando’s 112 ppg.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kings are trying to usher in a similar culture. Fox, the 19-year-old rookie, will start his first game, with the team announcing Saturday that forward Zach Randolph and point guard George Hill will sit out to rest. Fox has averaged a team-best 14.8 points and 5.0 assists in about 27 minutes a game in Sacramento's first five contests, four of which Sacramento had a chance to win. Fox had 14 points and five assists in Thursday's 114-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He's also developed a chemistry with 25-year-old rookie guard Bogdan Bogdanovic in the two games since the Serbian rookie returned from injury. Bogdanovic has scored 22 points in two games and made 9 of his 22 shots. Skal Labissiere also is expected to get his second start of the season. Labissiere is averaging 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in five games this season. Guards Buddy Hield (12.2 points) and Garrett Temple (10.0) and center Willie Cauley-Stein (11.2) also are all are averaging double-digits in scoring for Sacramento.

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta needs to regain services of PG Dennis Schroder and PF Ersan Ilyasova before I take a look at the Hawks. Sure, Atlanta has covered 5 straight against the “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo, and this Hawk contingent bears little resemblance to the teams of recent seasons. Giannis has a better efficiency rating than LeBron James or Kevin Durant, and he’s powered the Bucks to a solid start. Conversely the Hawks had lost 3 straight with no covers prior to the Thursday-Friday back-to-back set with Chicago and Denver.

Rating: 2 Units

The Phoenix brass fired Earl Watson just three games (all losses, including which was the worst in team history) into the season, replacing him with assistant Jay Triano. Then G Eric Bledsoe (2nd-leading scorer last year at 21 points per game) popped off, was essentially kicked off the team, and they will trade him ASAP. The result was Phoenix beating Sacramento and Portland, reinforcing the knee jerk reaction. Home games against the Kings and Jazz are one thing, going in to the Moda Center and coming out with a victory is a different matter. The Trail Blazers (3-1 SU, 3-0-1 vs. the points through Oct. 25) have picked up where they left off last season, with CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combining for 47 points per game, and Lillard in particular garnering kudos for his defensive play. The Blazers lead the league in “efficiency differential” and 2nd in defensive efficiency.

Rating: 2 Units

Lots of hate between these two fan bases dating back to the days of Karl Malone and John Stockton. Utah has won 8 of the last 9 meetings with the youthful Lakers (only loss in Kobe farewell game), and catch L.A. coming off a home game against Toronto last night. Heading up to the altitude of Salt Lake City can be a difficult adjustment, and this will be the first such trip for key Laker rookies Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. This will be a battle of tempo, as the Lakers set the second-fastest pace in the NBA, while the Jazz play at the second-slowest. It’s more likely the Lakers slow down and play the speed Utah prefers.

Rating: 2 Units

For all the hoopla surrounding Philly’s young bucks, the cold reality is that the Sixers were off to the same 1-4 SU start as “tanking,” aging Dallas, which ranks 29th in defensive efficiency. The Mavs have tortured Philly in the last 10 years, winning 18 of the last 22 meetings (12-9-1 vs. the points), but believe the table has turned for the Sixers, whose SU win at Detroit and competitive effort hosting Houston in its last two games are encouraging. Also, star Philly C Joel Embiid (and the rest of the Sixers) have had two days off since facing Houston Thursday and have a day off tomorrow, so it should be all hands on deck vs. the Mavs.

Rating: 2 Units

These two just met Monday in Houston, where Memphis scored a 98-90 upset win. Rocket Gs James Harden and Eric Gordon combined to make just 7 of 23 three-pointers that night, and only one other Rocket cracked double-digits. Memphis C Marc Gasol was too tough for Houston counterpart Clint Capela, leading the Grizzlies with 26 points, and Rocket Fs Trevor Ariza (out with a foot injury) and Ryan Anderson were a combined 2 of 12, scoring just 7 points. The Rockets are now down two starters (PG Chris Paul & Ariza) and playing the 2nd night of back-to back sets.

Rating: 2 Units

Brooklyn is 3-1 SU and 4-0 vs. the points since season-opening loss at Indiana, but much of the Nets’ success has been due to sparkling play of G D’Angelo Russell (23 ppg, 47%), and Russell is out for this game with a balky knee. Winless New York is dropping in class after losing to OKC, Detroit and Boston, so Knicks will be thirsty for a victory with Cleveland coming up next.

Rating: 2 Units

The Magic have their own big-time post scorer in Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging 23.8 points on 59.7 percent shooting and 10.3 rebounds. Vucevic and frontcourt mate Aaron Gordon will try to make Aldridge work hard on the defensive end and lead Orlando to a fourth win in its first five games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Wizards look to open 4-0 for the first time in 39 years when they continue a four-game road trip at the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The Wizards are the only Eastern Conference team without a loss after beginning their trip with a 109-104 win at Denver, riding 83 points from a starting five that has found an early rhythm.

Rating: 2 Units

Golden State dropped two of its first three games and was struggling on the defensive end before holding the Mavericks to 39.6 percent shooting in Monday's win. The Warriors, who led the NBA in defensive field-goal percentage last season, allowed their first three opponents to shoot a combined 47.1 percent from the floor but locked down in the second half in Dallas, when they limited the Mavericks to 41 points while running away with the win. The Raptors promise to be a much tougher team to guard and began their six-game road trip with a 101-97 loss at San Antonio on Monday. Toronto is restructuring its offense a bit this season to encourage more shooting and ball movement, and it struggled to 10-of-37 from 3-point range against the Spurs.

Rating: 2 Units

The Minnesota Timberwolves will try to rebound from an ugly home loss when they visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Two days after an impressive win at Oklahoma City, the Timberwolves returned home to sustain a 130-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, allowing the Pacers to shoot a franchise-record 66.7 percent from the floor and getting outscored 69-46 after halftime.  Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points in the loss for Minnesota, which played without swingman Jimmy Butler (illness). The Pistons have exchanged wins and losses through their first four games and suffered through their worst offensive showing in Monday's 97-86 loss to Philadelphia. Langston Galloway made 3-of-4 3-pointers off the bench while the rest of Detroit's roster combined to hit 3-of-26 from beyond the arc.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rockets are dealing with an injury to one of their point guards as well in Chris Paul, who went down in the season opener with a knee bruise originally suffered in training camp and is expected to miss at least another week. Paul watched as his teammates failed to reach 100 points for the first time on the young season and suffered their first loss, 98-90 at home to the Memphis Grizzlies, on Monday.

Rating: 2 Units

Milwaukee has held an edge over Portland, covering 10 of the 12 meetings over the last six seasons, and last year the Bucks won and covered both games with accuracy from beyond the arc, making 43% of their treys. Milwaukee G Malcolm Brogdon (LY’s Rookie-of-theYear) shot 67% in the two games, and F Giannis Antetokounmpo stuffed the stat sheet against the Blazers (19 ppg, 10 rpg, 7 apg, 3 bpg) as usual. Portland was not a good road dog last season (11-17 vs. the points), so recommend home team and motivational specialist HC Jason Kidd.

Rating: 2 Units

Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green collected nine points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds on Tuesday but left before the start of the fourth quarter with a knee strain. Green underwent an MRI on Wednesday that came back clean, but he is not expected to play today. New Orleans' Davis collected 33 points and 18 rebounds on Wednesday while Cousins contributed 28 points, 10 boards and seven blocks, but New Orleans managed only 57 points in the final three quarters after coming out strong with 34 in the first. The Pelicans are missing their best ball mover in point guard Rajon Rondo, who is not expected back until late next month after undergoing hernia surgery. Golden State took the last 11 meetings in the series, including a first-round sweep in the 2015 playoffs.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cleveland Cavaliers avoided the sweep and aim to remain alive again today when they visit the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers rolled to an impressive 137-116 victory in Game 4 when they drained a Finals' record 24 3-pointers and badly outplayed Golden State. Cleveland exposed the Warriors' defense with Finals' records for first-quarter points (49) and halftime points (86) and received a sensational offensive performance from point guard Kyrie Irving.  Golden State blew a 3-1 series lead while losing to the Cavaliers in last season's Finals but continue to say it is a different team - one that won its first 15 postseason games prior to being spanked on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

Small forward LeBron James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists in last season's Finals and has been superb this postseason with averages of 32.5 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Point guard Kyrie Irving is averaging 24.5 points this postseason while Love is contributing 17.2 points and 10.4 rebounds. The Cavaliers will be hoping that swingman Kyle Korver (6.4 postseason average) and guards J.R. Smith (6.6) and Iman Shumpert (4.7) step up their performances in the series. Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cleveland Cavaliers steamrolled their way to consecutive victories in Boston and look to take a 3-0 series lead when they host the Celtics in today's Eastern Conference finals' matchup. Cleveland dominated play in the opening two games and annihilated the Celtics 130-86 in Friday's Game 2 and Boston also will be without point guard Isaiah Thomas (hip) for the rest of the postseason. The second-seeded Cavaliers are 10-0 this postseason and tied the NBA record of 13 straight playoff wins (set by the 1988-89 Los Angeles Lakers)

Rating: 2 Units

Thomas has carried Boston through most of the playoffs in an inspiring manner considering the tragic death of his sister to go along with numerous minor bumps and bruises. Despite the hardships, Thomas is averaging 25.4 points in the postseason - he had 29 points, 12 assists and just two turnovers in the Game 7 win over the Wizards - and has four 30-point outings.  In addition the Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win, 7-1 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win, and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

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The Spurs led by as much as 25 points and were up 23 when Leonard landed on Golden State center Zaza Pachulia's foot after attempting a jump shot with 7:53 left in the third quarter, forcing him out of the game for good. The Warriors immediately went on an 18-0 run and outscored San Antonio 58-33 after Leonard's exit en route to a 113-111 triumph. The Spurs can look to recent history when starting a game without Leonard after crushing the Houston Rockets 114-75 with the star on the bench in the clinching game of the conference semifinals.

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The Over is 10-4 in Warriors last 14 games following a straight up win, 5-2 in Warriors last 7 vs. Western Conference, and 10-4 in Warriors last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. While the Over is 9-1 in Spurs last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, 7-1 in Spurs last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, and 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games following a ATS win.

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The home team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings, the favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. While the Wizards are 4-10 ATS in the last 14 meetings, and 0-8 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Boston. Wizards All-Star point guard John Wall buried a 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left in Game 6 to give his team a one-point lead and Kelly Oubre Jr. used Washington's foul to give with 2.7 seconds remaining, according to the NBA's Last Two Minute report, but Boston only got 1.7 seconds left on its final chance as Isaiah Thomas heaved up a 3-point attempt that missed the mark.  The Wizards' win not only kept them alive but kept the home team undefeated in the 10 games the teams have played against each other going back to the regular season.

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Leonard's absence in Thursday's 114-75 win at Houston allowed power forward LaMarcus Aldridge to take on a more prominent role, and he responded with 34 points and 12 rebounds in his best performance of the postseason. Aldridge, who averaged 21.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in two games against Golden State during the regular season, is averaging 16.8 points and eight boards in the postseason.

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The Boston Celtics are on the verge of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals but still have yet to prove they can win on the road in the semifinals. The Celtics will go for their first road win of the series and the clinching victory when they visit the Washington Wizards for Game 6. Boston used Washington's defensive focus on All-Star Isaiah Thomas to its advantage in the 123-101 win on Wednesday as the 5-9 guard showed off his abilities as a screen-setter and passer to keep the Wizards off balance.

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Harden is averaging 27.4 points and 10.2 assists for third-seeded Houston but was just 4-of-15 from 3-point range in Game 5 and is shooting just 32.1 percent from beyond the arc in the series. With veteran center Nene (groin) done for the postseason, the Rockets only used seven players, with 3-point bomber Ryan Anderson seeing action in the interior to help compensate for the loss.

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The under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 Thursday games, 8-3 in Rockets last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Houston.

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The momentum has clearly shifted in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and the Washington Wizards now look like the team to beat after a pair of convincing home wins evened the series. The fourth-seeded Wizards still need to earn a win on the road to have a chance of taking the series and will try to keep the thrust in their favor when they visit the top-seeded Boston Celtics for Game 5 today. Washington took Games 3 and 4 by a combined 46 points and used a 26-0 run in the third quarter of Sunday's Game 4 to go from trailing to blowing out Boston for the second straight game

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The San Antonio Spurs have seen the Houston Rockets turn the Western Conference semifinals into a best-of-3 series and they are feeling the urgency heading into today's Game 5. Host San Antonio will need to ratchet up the intensity after Houston operated at will while evening the series at two wins apiece on Sunday night.  Houston suffered a huge blow in Game 4 as backup center Nene suffered a torn left groin - officially termed a torn adductor - and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Nene and starter Clint Capela were giving Houston solid production in the middle and the Rockets will be forced to use power forwards Montrezl Harrell and Ryan Anderson at center -- the latter being more of an outside shooter than an interior player.

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The under is 10-3-1 in Rockets last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 8-3-1 in Rockets last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 9-4 in Rockets last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

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The Washington Wizards emphatically announced they are still in the series with a blowout win in Game 3, but the emotion is threatening to do the team some harm. The Wizards will try to keep the intensity without the technicals and even the series when they host the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals today. Washington breezed to a 116-89 win in a Game 3 that featured eight technical fouls, three ejections and one flagrant foul that came when Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. reacted to a hard screen by Boston's Kelly Olynyk by running and shoving him to the ground, causing Oubre to be suspended for Game 4. The Celtics overcame big early deficits to win each of the first two games of the series but never recovered after a 22-0 run led to Washington taking a 39-17 lead after the first quarter of Game 3.

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The lack of nightlife on the road should keep the Golden State Warriors focused on Game 3 when they visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday. The top-seeded Warriors, who made comments prior to the series about wanting to face the Clippers instead of the Jazz in the second round due to the more varied nightlife options in Los Angeles, breezed to wins in the first two games at home over the fifth-seeded Jazz. The Warriors are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games overall, 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games following a straight up win, and 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

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Harden hasn't played like an MVP candidate during the first two games and is averaging 16.5 points on 9-of-30 shooting. Harden did average 12 assists in the two contests but his overall numbers are a significant dropoff from the regular season, when he averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 assists and nine rebounds in four games against the Spurs. Forward Ryan Anderson tallied 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting in Game 2 and drained four 3-pointers in each of the first two games.

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Raptors coach Dwane Casey insists his squad isn't going to roll over from the 2-0 deficit and points to last season's Eastern Conference finals as evidence. Cleveland steamrolled Toronto in the first two games of last season's playoffs as well before the Raptors thrived in their home environment and won the next two contests before eventually succumbing in six games.

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The Golden State Warriors controlled the flow in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals and look to take a 2-0 lead when they host the Utah Jazz today. The Warriors didn't look rusty in Monday's 106-94 victory, a contest in which they limited Utah star forward Gordon Hayward to 12 points. Top-seeded Golden State committed just seven turnovers while forcing 14 in the opener as it overcame a shoddy 7-of-29 performance from 3-point range to post the victory.

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Isaiah Thomas is persevering through personal tragedy and putting the Boston Celtics on his back in dedication to his late sister. Thomas will try to summon the energy once again, this time on the road, when the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals today. Thomas' sister, Chyna, died on the eve of the playoffs and her 23rd birthday would have been on Tuesday, when Thomas scored 29 of his 53 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead Boston to a 129-119 win and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

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The Houston Rockets delivered a stunning beat down in the opener of their series with San Antonio and aim to take a 2-0 series lead when they visit the Spurs on Wednesday. Third-seeded Houston ripped open a 30-point halftime lead in the Western Conference semifinal contest and was never threatened during the 126-99 steamrolling of the second-seeded Spurs. The opening salvo from the Rockets included 22 3-point baskets and bolstered the club's already-high hopes of claiming the series from San Antonio. However, the Rockets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. Western Conference.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to stumble in the postseason and aim for their sixth consecutive victory when they host the Toronto Raptors in Wednesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The defending champion Cavaliers jumped on the third-seeded Raptors from the outset of the series opener and rolled to a 116-105 victory. Second-seeded Cleveland orchestrated a four-game sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the opening round and built a 12-point lead after one quarter while cruising past the Raptors on Monday. Cleveland knocked off the Raptors in last season's Eastern Conference finals when its four victories were by an average of 28.5 points

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While Leonard carried the heaviest load for San Antonio in the first round, the team also enjoyed strong performances from some of its veterans. Manu Ginobili turned back the clock with 10 points in Game 5 while point guard Tony Parker averaged 16.3 points in the series and exploded for 27 in the Game 6 clincher.  San Antonio, which led the NBA in 3-point percentage (39.1 percent) during the regular season, shot 41 percent in the first round. While the Rockets are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. Western Conference.

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The Toronto Raptors took the Cleveland Cavaliers to the sixth game of the Eastern Conference finals last spring and get another crack at the defending champs one round earlier this spring. The second-seeded Cavaliers, who host Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday, breezed to a four-game sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the first round while the third-seeded Raptors needed six to turn away the Milwaukee Bucks. Toronto is 1-11 in Game 1's in franchise history.

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Butler took just two shots during Boston's decisive 20-4 run in the fourth quarter, prompting Hoiberg to insist that the team needs to get its All-Star the ball a bit more down the stretch. Some wondered if a nagging knee issue was the reason Butler lacked his usual aggressiveness but he downplayed questions about the knee and said he will be fine for Game 6. While Butler sagged in Game 5, Dwyane Wade had his best outing since returning from an elbow injury late in the regular season, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

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The Washington Wizards were the better team in the last two minutes of Game 5, earning themselves a chance to close out the series when they visit the Atlanta Hawks for Game 6 today. The Wizards admitted to a lack of focus in Games 3 and 4 at Atlanta, and the Hawks are hoping to take advantage again and extend the series. Washington, which would host a potential Game 7, used solid defense and questionable decision-making by the other team to keep the Hawks from scoring over the final 68 seconds to earn a 103-99 win on Wednesday in Game 5. Atlanta had its sense of urgency questioned after not fouling and letting time run off the clock in the final minute on Wednesday.

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Homecourt advantage held for each of the first five games of the series, and the Memphis Grizzlies are hoping to keep it that way for just one more game. The seventh-seeded Grizzlies attempt to avoid elimination in the first-round, Western Conference series when they host the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 today. The Spurs breezed to double-digit victories in each of their three home games but are 0-4 in as many games in Memphis including the regular season and dropped a 110-108 overtime heartbreaker the last time they visited in Game 4.

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The Toronto Raptors have discovered another solid scoring option to go along with stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, and with it they are on the verge of advancing in the playoffs. The Raptors will try to continue to ride the hot hand of Norman Powell when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks for a potential series-clinching Game 6

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The Los Angeles Clippers gained control of their Western Conference first-round series with the Utah Jazz, but not without paying a hefty price. The Clippers will forge ahead without star forward Blake Griffin - who is out for the remainder of the postseason - when they visit the Jazz for a pivotal Game 4 today. Griffin suffered a toe injury in a Game 3 victory at Salt Lake City on Friday, which gave the Clippers a 2-1 series advantage, and will have his playoffs come to an abbreviated end for the second straight year after being forced from a first-round series against Portland in 2016 due to a quad injury.

Rating: 2 Units

Star guard James Harden scored 44 points but his final-second 3-point attempt was off the mark in Game 3 but both the MVP candidate and coach Mike D'Antoni feel the beginning of the game was the real issue. Oklahoma City MVP candidate Russell Westbrook again excelled with 32 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 3 but he received better support from his teammates as four players (three starters) also scored in double digits.  The Rockets, who averaged an NBA-record 14.4 3-pointers per game this season, are shooting just 32 percent from behind the arc in the series. Houston F Ryan Anderson scored 18 points in Game 3 but is just 2-of-18 from 3-point range in the series.

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Cleveland also overcame the largest halftime deficit (25 points) to post its third straight win in the series and was led by forward LeBron James, who recorded 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. The Pacers were stunned after the 119-114 loss as they went from being on the verge of making it a series to basically being put in a difficult position to actually win the series. Cavaliers are 19-39-1 ATS in their last 59 vs. NBA Central,  2-6-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Indiana, and 3-10-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Golden State Warriors made the decision to sit Kevin Durant with a minor calf injury in Game 2 and turned out to have no problem winning a playoff game without one of their All-Stars in an easy win. The Warriors will try to earn a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers today. Golden State got contributions up and down the roster in Game 2 and breezed to a 110-81 win, putting on a defensive clinic in the second half and holding the Trail Blazers to 12 points in the third quarter as it pulled away.

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The Utah Jazz rode an emotional roller coaster in the opening game of the playoffs but they finished it on a high note and can seize control of their Western Conference first-round series when they take on the host Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 today. Veteran reserve Joe Johnson's buzzer-beater lifted the Jazz to a 97-95 victory in the opener of the best-of-seven set as the squad overcame a difficult injury. Forward Derrick Favors was summoned off the bench when Gobert was hurt and he - along with Johnson - should see an uptick in minutes with the team's big man sidelined. Favors finished with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 32 minutes while Johnson was the team's top scorer with 21 points on 9-of-14. It will take a committee approach on the boards without Gobert - who was fourth in the NBA in rebounding (12.8) during the regular season - and All-Star forward Gordon Hayward did his part with 10 rebounds in Game 1, his best single-game total since Dec. 21.

Rating: 2 Units

The home team is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings while the favorite is 7-2 ATS the last 9 meetings.  In addition, the Bulls are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 meetings in Boston.

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The Milwaukee Bucks delivered a series-opening salvo and take a swing at a second straight road breakthrough when they visit the Toronto Raptors in Tuesday's Eastern Conference first-round matchup. The Bucks didn't look like a team that lost 13 of their past 15 regular-season games to the Raptors when it carried play and produced a 97-83 victory in the opener.

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The biggest thing the Spurs did to disrupt Memphis was getting point guard Mike Conley out of his rhythm, and the team leader managed just 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting. The bright spot offensively was center Marc Gasol, who scored 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting while outplaying older brother Pau, who managed six points off the Spurs' bench. On the plus side the Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

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The Rockets won three of the four regular-season meetings.  Harden finished second in scoring (29.1), led the NBA in assists (11.2) and averaged 8.1 rebounds during the regular season and he is eager to compete with the tenacious Westbrook.  Houston set an NBA record with 1,181 3-point baskets -- an average of 14.4 per game -- with Harden (262), backup shooting guard Eric Gordon (246) and forward Ryan Anderson (205) all over 200 and forward Trevor Ariza (190) not far off the pace.

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The Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Central. While the Home team is 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings, the favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings, and the Bulls are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Boston.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland star point guard Damian Lillard averaged 29.4 points while leading the team to a 16-5 record over a 21-game span that vaulted the Trail Blazers past the Denver Nuggets and allowed them the clinch the No. 8 spot after game 80 of the regular season. The Trail Blazers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game, and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Wizards had a chance to finish as high as first in the Eastern Conference but dropped five of eight down the stretch and ended up No. 4 while earning the franchise's first division title since 1978-79. The Wizards will begin their playoff run today by hosting the team that finished directly behind them in the Southeast Division, the Atlanta Hawks.  Atlanta won four straight in impressive fashion before falling in the regular-season finale while resting most of the its key players. The last time the full squad took the floor it put together one of its biggest wins of the campaign, a 103-76 drubbing of the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Center Dwight Howard, who will be playing in his 90th career playoff game on Tuesday, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win and enters the postseason averaging a double-double at 13.5 points and 12.7 boards.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Clippers have plenty of momentum and loads of motivation for a long playoff run as they enter a best-of-seven first-round matchup with the Utah Jazz, beginning with Game 1 on Saturday night at the Staples Center. The fourth-seeded Clippers enter the postseason with an NBA-high seven straight wins, which helped them stave off the Jazz for home-court advantage in the first round, and have won 11 of 13 overall.  The Clippers won three of four meetings this season, holding the Jazz to an average of 80.7 points in those three victories, and have claimed 18 of the last 20 encounters overall.

Rating: 2 Units

All-Star small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be expected to carry Milwaukee after becoming the fifth player in NBA history to lead his team in scoring (22.9), rebounding (8.8), assists (5.4), blocked shots (1.9) and steals (1.6) in the same season. The 22-year-old Antetokounmpo averaged 24.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and seven assists in four games against Toronto this season and feels his club's strong second half is a good sign in terms of performing better than the first-round exit against the Chicago Bulls two seasons ago.

Rating: 2 Units

The defending-champion Cleveland Cavaliers remain the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference despite stumbling since the All-Star break and dropping down to the No. 2 seed. The Cavaliers will begin their title defense by hosting the seventh-seeded Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the first round today. Cleveland dropped four in a row closing out the regular season to fall behind the Boston Celtics in the standings.  The Pacers went over two months without securing consecutive wins until they had their backs up against the wall down the stretch, and they responded by closing the season with five straight victories to clinch a playoff spot.

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these teams have been in “wait till next year” mode for a while, but both have also been covering numbers down the stretch. Phoenix is 4-2-1 vs. the points in its last 7, including a pair of SU wins against OKC and Dallas in its last two outings. Sacramento has covered 6 of its last 9, but the Suns are just 1-13 SU in their last 14 road games (4-9 vs. the points L13 of those). Interestingly, the visitor won first 3 meetings this season. But unsure what type of effort the Suns will muster in this season finale, which could clinch last in the West in their “battle” to out-tank the Lakers. Phoenix G Devin Booker is shooting just 39% in his last 5 games, and G Eric Bledsoe, a key contributor in previous games vs. the Kings, isn’t available this time around.

Rating: 2 Units

Denver was eliminated from the playoffs by OKC on Sunday, and the Nuggets will likely be without PG Jameer Nelson and PF Kenneth Faried in their last two games. Dallas will be without G Seth Curry, but top scorer SF Harrison Barnes (19.2 ppg) should be available for the Mavs after resting on Sunday. The home team won and covered first 3 this season, but might defer to the Nuggets’ 8-2 spread mark in their last 10 road games. Denver C Nikola Jokic and G Gary Harris have combined for 44.3 ppg against Dallas this season, and PG Emmanuel Mudiay has scored 18 ppg against the Mavs. Dallas has lost 5 of last 6 SU at home. Don’t think the presence of ex Cowboy QB Tony Romo in uniform on the bench for the Mavs will help snap that streak!.

Rating: 2 Units

Thunder PG Russell Westbrook is already headed for a showdown against fellow MVP candidate James Harden and the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, so wouldn’t be surprised to see OKC take its foot off the gas in these final games. One guy who hasn’t taken his foot off the gas is Minnesota C Karl-Anthony Towns, who has averaged 28.5 ppg and 13 rpg while shooting 59.7% since the All-Star break. The Timberwolves are also getting 29 ppg from F Andrew Wiggins and 17 ppg from PG Ricky Rubio over their last 10 outings. Still, have to be impressed with OKC’s 27-18 spread mark after a SU win, and Timberwolves are only 20-20 SU at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Golden State appeared to be streaking into the playoffs on a roll last week, riding an 11-game win streak, failing to cover just 1 of its last 10 prior to hosting Minny Tuesday. Utah has lacked the firepower to compete with the Warriors in recent seasons, as the Jazz are just 1-13 SU in the series since the 2013-14 season, including 6 straight spread losses at Oracle Arena. Expect an honest effort from Golden State in most games, as HC Steve Kerr wants to be sure the team remains a well-oiled machine with the return of F Kevin Durant

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit’s fall from grace has been remarkable, as the Pistons were 33-33 and entrenched in the playoff picture after beating up on the Knicks March 11. That seems a long time ago to beleaguered HC Stan Van Gundy after his team lost 9 of its last 11. A week ago, the Pistons found themselves in a position requiring them to climb over 3 teams and make up 3 games in order to make the playoffs (and do it without PG Reggie Williams). Washington has a major backourt edge, with John Wall and Bradley Beal scoring in bunches, and the Wizards have covered 5 of the last 6 meetings with the Pistons.

Rating: 2 Units

Indiana is 11-2 SU in its last 13 against Philadelphia, and the Pacers need every victory down the stretch if they hope to snatch a playoff slot from Miami, Chicago or Atlanta (4 games separated 6 teams vying for 3 playoff spots a week ago). In most recent meeting, a revenge game for Indy played March 26, the Sixer starters made just 18 of 49 shots. Still, considering the Pacers’ 14-24 spread mark on the road and the Sixers 25-9 résumé as a home dog, I am not laying any points with Indy.