05/21 08:35 PM EST   NBA   (709) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (710) TORONTO RAPTORS (05/20 12:34 PM)
Take: NBA Playoff Total of the Year: Cavaliers/Raptors Over the total.
The Cavs have not shot the ball well from behind the arc against the Toronto Raptors, shooting 35 and 33 percent respectively in games one and two. Yet, they have scored 108 and 115 points in the two games, dominating inside against a Toronto team lacking frontcourt depth. Cleveland is 11-4 over the total in Conference Finals games, as well as 7-3 over the total on the road against a team with a winning home record. Toronto is better offensively than they've shown and coming home for Game 3 will help. Toronto is on a 4-1 run over the total, as well as 24-6 over following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. And the Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. Play the Cavaliers/Raptors Over the total.      

Reason: NBA 2nd Round Game of the Year:
The Miami Heat relied heavily on their veteran players to take game seven from the Bobcats on Sunday, 106-73. Meanwhile, the Raptors advanced from the first round for the first time since 2001. The Heat dominated the Bobcats in games 1,2 and 7, but played sloppy in 3,4,5 and 6. The Raptors really shouldn't have advanced to round two. The Pacers outscored them overall in the seven game series. The Raptors led by 16 in the fourth quarter of game seven and almost lost as the Pacers could have tied the game with 30 seconds to play. The Raptors two big scores (Lowry and DeRozan) averaged almost 13 points less than during the regular season. These teams have met four times this year, but none of those games really featured the same personnel we'll see here today. Quick turn around here tonight and I think the Heat can win this one outright. Take the Heat as your 2nd Round NBA Game of the year.

Big game 7 here today between the Pacers and Raptors. The Raptors finished the season with the No 2 spot in the East and were expected to roll past this Indiana squad. However, the playoffs have never been kind to Toronto and now all the pressure will be on the Raptors. Toronto has not survived a first round match since 2001 and that is when it was best of five. The Pacers have also been dominating the boards. After losing the rebound battle the first three games, the Pacers inserted Myles Turner into the starting lineup and the 6-foot-11 rookie has shut down Toronto's big man in Jonas Valanciunas. With all the pressure on the Raptors here and the Pacers winning the boards the last three games, I'll take the points with Indiana.

04/27 10:05 PM  NBA   (577) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (578) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: NBA Western Conference 1st Round Total of the Year: Blazers/Clippers Under in Game 5.
A pivotal Game 5, which means both coaches will demand great defense. Portland is on a 6-0 run under the total and faces an outstanding Clippers' defense, one ranked No. 7 during the regular season in points allowed, NO. 2 in field goal shooting defense (.434%). LA is without star guard and playmaker Chris Paul, a huge blow to the offense. The L.A. Clippers are on a 4-0 run under the total, 20-6 under at home. The Under is also 36-17 in the Clippers last 53 games following a straight up loss. And the under is 5-0 when these teams clash. Play the Blazers/Clippers Under the total in Game 5.

4/26 08:35 PM EST   NBA   (567) BOSTON CELTICS VS (568) ATLANTA HAWKS.
Take: NBA Eastern Conf. Playoff Total of the Year: Celtics/Hawks Under the total.
So far each team has held home court as this series is now tied, 2-2. The Celtics have to play without one of their best players in Avery Bradley, who is out indefinitely. These are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA, with Atlanta ranked No. 6 in points allowed, No. 1 in field goal shooting defense (.432%), No. 5 at defending the three-pointer. Atlanta is 13-6 under the total playing on one day of rest, 7-3 under after a defeat and 12-4 under in Conference Quarterfinals games. Boston is No. 7 in field goal shooting defense, No. 4 at defending the three-pointer. The Celtics are 19-6 under the total in Conference Quarterfinals games and 13-3 under after a victory. The Hawks have now gone Under in seven of their last nine. The Celtics have gone Under in 11 of their last 16. Play the UNDER tonight.      

04/24 6:05 PM EST  NBA   (557) ATLANTA HAWKS VS (558) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: NBA High Roller Platinum Total: Hawks/Celtics Under the total.
Atlanta is up 2 games to 1 so this is a pivotal contest, which means both sides will play aggressive defense. These are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA, with Atlanta ranked No. 6 in points allowed, No. 1 in field goal shooting defense (.432%), No. 5 at defending the three-pointer. Atlanta is 13-6 under the total playing on one day of rest, 7-2 under after a defeat and 11-4 under in Conference Quarterfinals games. Boston is No. 7 in field goal shooting defense, No. 4 at defending the three-pointer. The Celtics are 18-6 under the total in Conference Quarterfinals games and 12-3 under after a victory. Play the Hawks/Celtics Under the total.      

4/21 07:35 PM EST  NBA   (535) TORONTO RAPTORS VS (536) INDIANA PACERS.
Take: (536)  NBA Platinum: Indiana Pacers.
The Indiana Pacers got a split in Toronto, what they wanted, and now return home. Toronto is the higher seed but in the middle of the pack offensively and really bad ast defending the three-pointer (37% allowed, #29 in the NBA). The Raptors are on a 3-5 ATS run on the road. Meanwhile Indiana is one of the best defensive teams in the league, #8 in points (100.6 ppg), #6 in FG defense (.44%) and #3 in 3-point D (33%). : Indiana won at home when they met earlier in the year, 106-90 as -4.5, and will roll again. Play Indiana. Play the Indiana Pacers.

NBA 1st Round TV Game of the Year

Reason: The Boston Celtics came up a bit short in game one of this series, losing to Atlanta 102-101. The Celtics are a very young team and tough to play against. The Celtics have relied on a very good defense this season, but lately it's been a bit on and off. They need to get their defense back online. Against the Hawks, they will need a very good perimeter defense if they hope to win. What I like most about the Celtics is how unselfish they are. With Avery Bradley likely is out with a hamstring issue. However, with the way this club relies on all their players, Marcus Smart is ready to move in the role vacated by Bradley. If the Celtics defense returns to it's old ways, I believe they have a good shot to win this one outright. Take the Celtics plus the points.

The Mavericks should be good and rested for tonight's contest, considering they didn't even show up for game 1. Before the fans seats were even warm the Mavs were down by fifteen points in the 1st quarter. Dallas scored just 33 points the first half and trailed OKC by 26 points. The second half wasn't much better for Dallas, as the Thunder rolled to a easy win in game one, 108-70. The Mavericks lack of offense and season long injury list that looked like a MASH unit, came to light in game 1. The Mavs know they can't get into a scoring match with the Thunder. HC Rick Carlisle has changed this club recently to a slow pace team that is focused on defense. The Mavs are still a good road covering club, going 8-3 ATS away their last 11 games. The Mavericks have also had good success in OKC, going 12-5 ATS their last 17 trips there. The Mavs got that poor play out of their system in game one. I look for them to bounce back here and at least be competitive. Play the Mavericks.

4/07 07:35 PM NBA (709) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (710) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS.
Take: (710) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS.
Reason: The Golden State Warriors are home and in a bounce back spot after an embarrassing collapse against Minnesota. Rival San Antonio is in town with very little chance of overtaking Golden State for the No. 1 seed in the West. San Antonio scratched its way past Utah 88-86 to earn a fourth straight win on Tuesday and may have all of its starters available on Thursday, but Greeg Popovich limits his starters and veteran players. The Spurs are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win. The assumption has been that San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich would rest starters in the two remaining games against the Warriors, but point guard Tony Parker refuted that notion in a postgame TV interview on Tuesday. "I think we'll play," Parker said in the interview. He didn't say, "We will all play," because Popovich makes the final call and it's hard to see him asking his players to go all out and risk injury in a game that isn't that meaningful for them. Popovich also doesn't want to show how he plans to defend Steph Curry in the playoffs, either. The teams have split two meetings this season, with Golden State blasting San Antonio 120-90 at home on Jan. 25 and the Warriors are 20-9 ATS in their last 29 games following a ATS loss. Play the Golden State Warriors.

4/03 3:35 PM EST   NBA   (507) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (508) HOUSTON ROCKETS.
Take:  (507) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER.
Reason: NBA Western Conference Game of the Month: Oklahoma City.
Houston is home but cares little for defense, No. 26 in the NBA in points allowed, No. 20 in field goal defense and No. 22 in three-point defense. The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games, 1-6 ATS at home against a team with a winning road record. Oklahoma City is No. 6 in field goal defense and No. 8 in three-point defense. Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Steven Adams hit a go-ahead tip-in with 26.9 seconds left and the Oklahoma City Thunder held on to edge the depleted Los Angeles Clippers 119-117 on Thursday. The Thunder are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Play Oklahoma City.      

04/01 10:05 PM EST NBA (515) MIAMI HEAT VS (516) SACRAMENTO KINGS.
Take: (516) NBA Shocker of the Year: Sacramento Kings.
4th home game over the last 5 contests for the Kings. Sacramento is a big dog at home but one of the top offensive teams in the NBA. They are also hot, on a 3-1 SU, 4-0 ATS run, including a 7-2-1 spread run. DeMarcus Cousins had 29 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four blocks, and the Sacramento Kings dealt a blow to the Washington Wizards' playoff hopes with a 120-111 victory on Wednesday night. Miami is 3,000 miles from home and focuses on defense first, No. 23 in points scored. This is the middle of a 3-game road trip for Miami, so jump on the home dog. Play the Sacramento Kings.

3/23 10:05 PM EST   NBA  (773) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (774) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS.
Take: (774) NBA Revenge Game of the Year: Portland.
Dallas heads out on the road with a weak defense and a losing road mark. The Mavericks are 8-21-1 ATS away vs. a team with a winning home record. They just topped this Portland team the last game, 132-120, despite going OT. The Blazers are 20-7 ATS following a straight up loss and 12-4 ATS at home against a team with a losing road record. Portland is in bounce back mode with a great offense, No. 7 in the league in points scored and the home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Play Portland.

3/16 07:05 PM EST   NBA   (607) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (608) BOSTON CELTICS.
Take: (607) NBA Avenger Game of the Year: Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City has star power, a strong team in the more dominant West, ranked No. 6 in field goal shooting defense and No. 2 in scoring offense. They are also rested for this one, on a 4-1 spread run. They face a Boston team short one key player (Crowder) because of an injury and playing the second of a back to back spot, at Indiana last night. The Thunder are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston. The Celtics pulled the upset earlier in the year at OKC, 100-85 blowout as a +5.5 dog, so the visitors have payback. Play Oklahoma City.

Reason: Home Dominator Game of the Month :
The Mavericks bring a five game losing streak both S/U and ATS into tonight's contest at Charlotte. The Mavs have also struggled on the road, where they are 1-7 ATS their last eight away games. Meanwhile, Charlotte has been hot, winning seven straight and 6-1 ATS. The Hornets have closed to within just a half game of Southeast division leader Miami. The better news is that the club is just 1 1/2 games out of third place in the East Conference playoff picture. Charlotte has covered four of the last six in this series and with the Hornets playing excellent ball, I'm taking them here on Monday.

03/09 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (517) UTAH JAZZ VS (518) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS.
Take: (517)  NBA Dog of the Year: Utah Jazz.
Golden State, like last year, is starting to rest players more, on a 1-5-1 ATS run against the Western Conference. That included a stunning blowout loss at the Lakers as -17 chalk! Utah is not going to try and run with the mighty Warriors. Utah likes a slow pace, No. 3 in the NBA in points allowed. The Jazz are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games playing on no days rest and the Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Play the Jazz.

Reason: Payback Game of the Month:
These East vs West matchups only happen twice a year during the regular season, but that doesn't mean the Hawks don't have some payback on their minds tonight. These clubs met back in Atlanta on November 15th, with the Jazz taking a close, 97-96 contest. This series has been owned by the Hawks though, covering 11 of the last 16 meetings. Atlanta has been hot too, winning four of five S/U and 5-0 ATS. The Jazz haven't been good lately, posting a 3-8 S/U and 2-8-1 ATS their last 11 games. Jazz have the Warriors up next on Wednesday, so they may not be entirely focused on this game tonight. Take the Hawks.

Reason: Road Warrior Game of the Month:
San Antonio is that "other" team in the West. With all the accolades that the Warriors have received this year, sometimes we forget how good the Spurs are. Not only are they 53-9, but they are undefeated at home (30-0). The Spurs have failed to cover in two straight games, though they did miss out by just 1 1/2 points in both games. That snapped a four game spread win streak. The Spurs could be without F LaMarcus Aldridge (Migraine) tonight, who is currently questionable and averages 17.12 ppg. The Indiana Pacers are 33-30 this season. They have covered just three of their last eight games. In addition, the Pacers are 0-5 ATS their last five games at home. Spurs do well on the road playing at teams with winning records (9-4 ATS the last 13). I like the road team here going away. Take San Antonio.

3/02 10:35 PM EST   NBA   (721) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (722) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS.
Take: (722)  High End NBA Metrics Release: LA Clippers.
The Clippers trail Oklahoma City by 2 1/2 games for third place in the Western Conference, a coveted spot that would likely entail avoiding first-place Golden State in the second round of the playoffs. Oklahoma City is not a strong road team and this is a tough situational spot, the second of a four-game trip. They haven't been playing that well, either, on a 2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS run. The Thunder are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 road games, plus 2-8 ATS following a straight up win. The Clippers are home, rested, and rolling, on an 11-4 SU, 9-6 ATS run. The Clippers are No. 6 in points scored, No. 8 in points allowed and 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games playing on one days rest. Play the LA Clippers.

2/25 10:35 PM EST   NBA   (709) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (710) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS.
Take: (709) NBA Payback Game of the Year: Play Houston.
Houston is a dog but has a great offense that can hang with anyone. They are No. 5 in the NBA in points scored on an 8-5 spread run. The last two games they blew out Phoenix on the road and covered in a close loss at Utah, tallying 114 points. That was against a great Utah defense, not they face a Portland defense ranked No. 17 in points allowed, No. 18 in field goal defense and No. 22 at defending the three. These teams just met here with Portland wining easily, but that was the second of a back to back spot for Houston after running with defending champion Golden State the night before -- now they are rested. The road team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings and the Rockets are 8-3-1 ATS at Portland. Play Houston.

02/19 10:05 PM EST   NBA   (863) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (864) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS.
Take: (863)  NBA Trend Tracker Game of the Month: Golden State.
Portland is home but the Blazers are 5-13-1 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. And it's not just any good team in town but the defending champs, who have dominated all year -- both straight up and against the spread. The Warriors are 20-9-1 ATS on the road and 20-8 ATS playing on 3 or more days rest. When these teams clash the Warriors are 20-7 ATS in the last 27 meetings, including 4-0 at Portland. Play Golden State!      

02/10 07:35 PM EST  NBA   (511) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (512) BOSTON CELTICS.
Take: (511) LA Clippers.
The red-hot LA Clippers opened as a road dog, and they have a better road record than Boston has at home. The Clippers are 18-7-2 ATS vs. the Eastern Conference. The LA Clippers can do it all, No. 7 in the NBA in scoring, No. 8 in points allowed, No. 5 in field goal shooting defense. They match up well with Boston, and the Clippers are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston. And the Underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings. Play the LA Clippers.      

The Toronto Raptors are the hottest team in the East Conference, winning 13 of their last 14 games S/U. I will only look at S/U today since the line currently is Toronto +1, which basically means we are picking the outright winner here. The Raptors have jumped into first in the Atlantic Division with a 34-16 overall record. Meanwhile, Detroit has been dropping fast, losing nine of the last 15 games. The Pistons are now fourth in the Central division with a 27-25 record. The overall conference standings find the Raptors in 2nd, just two games back of Cleveland. The Pistons are in 8th place, holding onto that final playoff spot in the East. Raptors just playing too good right now. I like Toronto to win this one outright. Play Toronto.

2/06 07:05 PM EST   NBA   (505) DETROIT PISTONS VS (506) INDIANA PACERS. 
Take: (506) NBA Central Division Game of the Year: Indiana.
Detroit can't hit free throws and has a losing road record. The Pistons are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning straight up record, plus 3-7 ATS away vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Indiana is home and battling Detroit for the No. 7 seed in the East. C.J. Miles scored 27 as the Pacers beat Nets 114-100 the last game. Indiana's bench outscored Brooklyn's by 42 points in the victory. The Pacers are 19-6-1 ATS against the Eastern Conference, plus 7-2-1 ATS vs. the NBA Central division. And the Pistons are 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Indiana. Play Indiana!      

10-Star NBA Total Dominator :
Reason: Two clubs here that have been really good OVER plays of late. The Pistons have gone OVER in three straight and are 8-1-1 O/U/P in their last 10 games. Detroit has scored 106 or more points in each of their last three games. Meanwhile. the defense hasn't been so good, allowing 104 or more in six of their last eight games. You don't expect Overs to be associated with the Nets, but they have also gone over in four of their last five games. The defense has been bad, allowing 100 or more points in 10 of the last 12 games. The OVER is 13-3 the last 16 times these clubs have met in Brooklyn and 23-9 the last 32 times overall. Take the OVER here on Monday.

1/27 10:35 PM  NBA   (515) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (516) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 
Take: (516) NBA Trend Tracker Game of the Year: Golden State.
End of a three-game road trip for Dallas and the Mavericks are 6-20-1 ATS away vs. a team with a winning home record. Dallas is in the middle of the pack defensively and faces a dominant Golden State team, with depth, offensive firepower and great defense. The Warriors are 21-7 ATS vs. the Western Conference. And when these teams meet Golden State is 37-17-1 ATS, including 14-6 ATS at home. Play Golden State.

1/23 07:05 PM EST   NBA   (507) MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS (508) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS.
Take: (507)  NBA Situational Game of the Year: New Orleans.
The Pelicans are playing for the third time in their seven-game homestand that Coach Alvin Gentry has deemed as make or break in regards to their playoff chances. And they are playing well, on a 4-1 SU/ATS run, ripping Minnesota (114-99) and Detroit (115-99) the last two contests. The Pelicans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. They face a Milwaukee team that had to play last night, at Houston. The Bucks are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings, 1-4 ATS at New Orleans. Play New Orleans.

01/20 07:35 PM EST   NBA   (505) BOSTON CELTICS VS (506) TORONTO RAPTORS.
Take:  NBA Eastern Conference Total of the Year: Celtics/Raptors Over the total.
Boston brings the No. 7 offense in the NBA into this one, a young deep team that likes to run. Boston is rested off an OT loss at Dallas, winding up a three-game trip here. They've allowed 101 or more points in 6 of the last 7, on a 5-1 run over the total. Toronto is on an offensive tear, winning 5 in a row while scoring 108, 106 and 112 the last three. Toronto is on a 9-3 run over the total and the over is 10-3 in the Raptors last 13 vs. the Eastern Conference. And the over is 11-4 when the Raptors face a team with a winning straight up record. Play Boston/Toronto Over the total.      

01/15 09:35 PM EST  NBA   (867) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (868) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (868) NBA Situational Game of the Year: Houston.
A tough spot for Cleveland through the Texas Triangle, at San Antonio last night and now heading to rested Houston. The Cavaliers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 road games, 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no days rest. Houston is rested and playing well, winning 5 in a row. James Harden had 27 points and 11 assists and the Rockets got their season-high fifth straight win, 107-104 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Dwight Howard added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Terrence Jones came off the bench to score 16 with nine rebounds for the Rockets.  Houston is on an 8-3 ATS run at home and the Cavaliers are 1-11 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Houston. Play Houston!

01/12 07:05 PM ESt   NBA   (701) PHOENIX SUNS VS (702) INDIANA PACERS.
Take: (702) Blowout Game of the Year: Indiana.
The Pacers are in need of some luck after losing two games in OT in their last four games. Sunday's loss to Houston in OT (107-103) saw the Pacers leading by double-digits in the second half. The Pacers were 2-2 on that road trip, but could have easily pulled out one or even two more wins. They will have a much easier time here on Tuesday against a struggling Suns club. The Suns have lost 10 of the last 11 games and are 5-12 ATS their last 17. The Suns dismissed their assistant coaches at the end of December as a result of their poor play. Phoenix is 13-26 S/U and 16-23 ATS and allowing the highest field goal percentage (47.5%) in the NBA. They have one of the best centers in Tyson Chandler. However, Chandler has been allowing a lot of easy contested shots as he's ranked 6th in the NBA in highest field goal percentage allowed among centers. This is an ideal team for the Pacers to garner a much-needed win and cover against. Take Indiana.      

12/15 10:05 PM EST   NBA   (705) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (706) SACRAMENTO KINGS
Take: (705) NBA Blowout Game of the Year: Houston.
The Houston Rockets have plenty of offensive talent and are the No. 7 seed in the West turning things around. They reached .500 on Saturday night with an easy 126-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers behind 30 points from James Harden. The Rockets are on a 5-1 ATS run and face a dysfunctional Sacramento squad that is 29th in points allowed, 25th in field goal shooting defense. They are on a 2-3 SU/ATS run and 2-5 ATS playing on 3 or more days rest. And the Rockets are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Sacramento. Play the Rockets!      

The New York Knicks (8-7 S/U, 9-5 ATS) are much improved this year after quite a few years of controversy and just horrible play. The Knicks had a great run recently, winning five straight and eight against the spread. Then, the Knicks hit a brick wall, putting forth their worst offensive output of the season in a loss at Miami, 95-78. Rookie Kirstaps Porzingis, the number four pick the draft, has played great with an average of 20 ppg. The Magic (6-8 S/U, 8-6 ATS) have slumped lately, which has prompted HC Scott Skiles to hint of lineup changes after Tuesday's loss to the Cavs, 117-103. The Magic opened the season with seven straight covers before going on a 1-6 ATS run. The Knicks have dominated this series, going 10-2-1 the last 13 against the Magic. In addition, they are 6-1-1 in their last trips to Florida. The Knicks are much improved this season and while they are a very small dog here on Wednesday, they won't need it as they win this one going away. Take the Knicks.

06/16 09:00 PM  NBA  (711) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (712) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take:  NBA Playoff Total of the Year: Warriors/Cavaliers Game 6 Under the total.
This has been an all-out defensive series, with the Cavs slowing the tempo down because of injuries. Golden State can play defense, too, No. 1 during the regular season in field goal shooting allowed, just 42% shooting. Golden State is 6-2 under the total on the road, as well as a 13-3-1 run under the total overall. Cleveland will slow it down again and give a monster defensive effort all game long in front of their home fans. Cleveland is on a 3-0-1 run under the total, plus a sizzling 38-17-1 under the total playing on one days rest. Play the Warriors/Cavaliers Game 6 under the total.      

06/11 09:00 PM EST  NBA   (707) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (708) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (707) NBA High Roller Platinum: Play Golden State in Game 4.
Golden State has been in every game with their depth and firepower, coming back from 20-down on the road the last game to cut it to 1 point in the fourth. They could easily by up 2-1 or even 3-0. Now they are in a must-win game and changes are in store. Steve Kerr has played Cleveland's style of basketball (slowing the pace down) but will try and run more. He can do that by mixing up his bench, bringing in big guys to rebound for stretches, then going back to the small-ball he's used a lot. The Warriors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. the Eastern Conference. They will attack a Cavaliers team that is short on depth and star power after the losses of Love and Irving. Play Golden State in Game 4.

Game one was tough to take as I had both the UNDER and the Cavs. Cavs were in control for the first 48 minutes of game one. LeBron James played great in game one. Stephen Curry struggled to get going most of the game. It was only in OT that Golden State took over and coverd the six point spead. Both of these clubs are excellent defensive teams. Golden State was No. 1 in FG shooting defense and plays its best defense at home. Cleveland is on a 4-1 run under the total on the road and has been a terrific defensive team all playoffs. They got much better in midseason with the additions of Mosgov up front and Shumpert from the Knicks. The big question here in game two is how will the Cavs respond now they they have lost Kyrie Irving for the rest of the playoffs. One thing I have liked about this Cleveland team has been their ability to adjust to the changes all season and during the playoffs. The Cavs will need JR Smith to step up now with more offense with Iman Shumpert also playing a big role that Irving filled. The Cavs will also need to dictate the pace again here in game two and not allow transition baskets. It's going to be tough without Irving, but I think the Cavs can still keep this one close and cover the spread. Take Cleveland in game 2.

06/04 09:00 PM ESt  NBA   (701) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (702) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: (701) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Reason: The week of rest is going to help the talented Cavaliers -- a lot. They pretty much swept the Hawks without Kyrie Irving, recovering from a knee injury. Cleveland picked up key players in mid-season (Shumpert, J.R. Smith, Mosgov) that has really transformed them from a very good team to a deep, flexible one that can clamp down defensively. And of course, they have the best players in the game in LeBron James. The Cavaliers are 13-3 ATS against the Western Conference and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. Golden State has been overvalued for a while and the Warriors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games. Play Cleveland in Game 1.

05/22 08:30 PM EST  NBA   (507) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (508) ATLANTA HAWKS
Take: NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Total of the Year: Cavs/Hawks Game 2 Under the total.
Game 1 was a defensive battle and more is at stake for the home team so expect an even better defensive performance. During the regular season Atlanta was No. 5 in the NBA in points allowed and No. 6 in field goal shooting defense. Atlanta is 5-2 under the total at home and 4-1 under at home against an opponent with a winning road record. Cleveland is during up its defense at the right time of the season, on a 7-3 run under the total. The under is also 35-15-1 in the Cavaliers last 51 games playing on 1 days rest. Play the Cavs/Hawks Game 2 Under the total.

05/17 3:00 PM EST  NBA   (751) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (752) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (752) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Reason: High Roller NBA Platinum: Houston Rockets in Game 7.
The LA Clippers looked shell-shocked in Game 6 at home, blowing a huge fourth quarter lead to lose 119-107. They were outscored 40-15 at home when all they had to do was hold on for a celebration....now they have to jump on a plane and fly to Houston for a winner-take-all road game. The weaknesses in both teams have been exploited in this series. The LA weaknesses have really hurt the last two game: free throw shooting and no bench. Houston is playing an uptempo style and the Clippers have had trouble keeping pace when going to their weak bench. Houston is a home dog and the home team is 88-22 straight up in Game 7s in NBA history. Houston is home, playing loose and their head coach is making all the right moves. Play Houston in Game 7.      

05/15 09:35 PM EST  NBA   (747) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (748) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take: (747) NBA High Roller Platinum Club: Golden State Warriors in Game 6.
Golden State had a pair of hiccups in Games 2 and 3, which happens to all great teams in the postseason. But they have bounced out of an offensive slump to strangle the Grizzlies the last two games, winning 101-84 and 98-78. How's that for a pair of statement games to take back charge of a series? This team is historically good, No. 1 in the NBA in field goal shooting, No. 1 in three-point shooting and No. 1 in FG shooting defense. The Warriors are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. When they get that long rang going, the Warriors can open up a 10-point lead on anyone, forcing a slow-down team like Memphis to try and hurry-up -- and that's not their style or game. The Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS at home against a team with a winning road record and when these teams clash the favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Play Golden State in Game 6.

5/14 08:00 PM EST   NBA   (741) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (742) CHICAGO BULLS
Take: (742) NBA Playoff Rivalry Game of the Year: Chicago Bulls in Game 6.
Cleveland heads out on the road after two close games and the Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games, plus 2-9 ATS playing on one days rest. The losses of Kevin Love and Anderson Varajeo will hurt this game as Chicago is expected to get Pau Gasol back. With Gasol, this is a huge and dominating Chicago frontcourt, with a defense that iis 9th in the NBA in points allowed and 4th in field goal shooting defense. The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games, as well as 9-1 ATS when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. The Cavaliers are 5-16 ATS in the last 21 meetings, including 1-5 at Chicago, so grab the home team in this must-win game for the home team. Play Chicago in Game 6.

05/13 08:00 PM EST   NBA   (737) WASHINGTON WIZARDS VS (738) ATLANTA HAWKS
Take: (737) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Reason: NBA High Roller Personal Best: Washington Wizards.
A key fifth game, which means a strong defensive game with so much at stake. Washington can play great defense, second in the NBA in field goal shooting allowed. The Wizards are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Washington got 34 from Bradley Beal the last game and is getting very good guard play from two players filling in for John Wall. And they have a strong, physical frontcourt, which is needed against the Hawks. Atlanta is a big favorite but almost all these games have been close, with the hawks winning by 6 the last game and Washington winning by 2 and 6. Atlanta is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a win and the Hawks are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 Conference Semifinals games. Play Washington in Game 5.

5/12 07:00 PM EST   NBA   (733) CHICAGO BULLS VS (734) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (733)  NBA Platinum: Chicago Bulls in Game 5.
With the series tied 2-2 a lot is at stake in this pivotal Game 5, and that will mean a monster defensive effort. That's fine with Chicago, one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, 9th in points allowed during the regular season, 4th in field goal shooting defense. The Bulls are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games, 7-1 ATS against a team with a winning record. Cleveland is still without Anderson Varajeo and Kevin Love up front. The Cavaliers are 2-8 ATS games playing on 1 days rest and 5-13 ATS in their last 18 vs. the NBA Central. The Bulls match up well with Jimmy Butler playing good defense on LeBron and their big frontcourt. Chicago is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings, including 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Cleveland. Play Chicago in Game 5.      

05/09 08:00 PM EST  NBA   (723) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (724) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take: (723) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Reason: NBA High Roller Platinum Club: Golden State in Game 3.
Just a bad game 2 for a super-talented Golden State team the last time out. This team was No. 1 in the NBA in shooting from the field, three-point shooting and field goal shooting defense. Yet, they were 6-of-26 from long range at home in Game 2. Now it's bounce back time and the Memphis has depth concerns with Mike Conley not being 100%. Conley was great in Game 2, a surprise starter, but there are still major question marks with him. Memphis prefers a slow pace but Golden State can get up on you in a hurry (like in Game 1) and force opponents to change. Play the Warriors in Game 3.      

05/04 3:00 PM EST  NBA   (703) CHICAGO BULLS VS (704) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (703) NBA Inner Circle: Bulls in Game 1.
You need frontcourt muscle to hang with Chicago, so does Cleveland have enough? The Cavs lost hard working Anderson Varajeo earlier in the year and now lost 7-footer Kevin Love. In addition, J.R. Smith will miss the first two games of the series because of a suspension. Chicago has a healthy Derrick Rose, an interior scorer in Pau Gasol, who led the NBA in double-doubles this season, plus physical Bulls center Joakim Noah. Chicago also has one of the game's best two-way players in first-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, who took his game to another level this season and promises to be a more formidable challenge to LeBron James. Chicago is on a 6-2 ATS run and matches up well. Play the Chicago Bulls in Game 1.      

4/30 07:05 PM EST  NBA   (531) CHICAGO BULLS VS (532) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take: (532) NBA High Roller TV Book Buster: Bucks in Game 6.
You have to hand it to first-year coach Jason Kidd as this Milwaukee team plays hard for him all game, all season. The Bucks outclassed and outhustled Chicago while posting a 94-88 road win on Monday as Michael Carter-Williams thoroughly outplayed Rose in Game 5 and made 10-of-15 shots while contributing 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. The pressure is on the Bulls, too: "We've done it to ourselves," power forward Pau Gasol told reporters. "Now we have a very difficult challenge in front of us." The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings between these division rivals. Play the Bucks!      

4/26 09:05 PM EST   NBA   (507) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (508) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (507) NBA Inner Circle Game of the Year: Houston Rockets in Game 4.
Dallas hasn't played defense all year and it's being exposed in this series against the attacking Houston offense, down 0-3. The Mavericks are 13-32-2 ATS against the Western Conference and come off a deflating Game 3 loss at home, 130-128. James Harden scores 42 points and Dwight Howard grabs 26 rebounds. Howard has been immense in this series, clearly rested and healthy and having a major impact. The Rockets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games, plus 22-8 ATS after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Dallas is on a 7-19 ATS run and 10-22-2 ATS following a spread loss. The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings and make it 5-0 ATS here to end the series against the soft Dallas D. Play Houston in Game 4.

04/25 3:05 PM EST   NBA   (745) ATLANTA HAWKS VS (746) BROOKLYN NETS
Take: (746) NBA 1st Round Game of the Year: Nets in Game 3.
Atlanta has had its hands full with Brooklyn in this series, leading 2-0 but fortunate to be so. Paul Millsap and Al Horford are not 100% and Brooklyn outrebounded Atlanta the last game, 49-41. The Nets also outscored the Hawks 38-28 in the paint. Atlanta has been overvalued for a while, on a 0-4 ATS run. The Nets have great balance with Brook Lopez up front and shooters Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. Brooklyn is on a 3-0 ATS run and 4-2 ATS run. Look for a huge effort by the home team against a team with far less urgency. Play the Nets in Game 3.

04/24 09:35 PM EST   NBA   (743) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (744) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take:  NBA 1st Round Total of the Year: Clippers/Spurs Under the total in Game 3.
The under is 2-0 in regulation in this series, with Game 2 sailing over only because of OT. Both teams can bring the defense and they are, which is no surprise with so much at stake. The under is 6-1 in Clippers last 7 games following a loss and they lost because they can't hit free throws (28th in the NBA), clanking 17 in Game 2. LA is also 33-16-2 under the total playing on one days rest. San Antonio is a top 5 team in the NBA in points allowed and the under is 7-2 in the Spurs last 9 games playing on one days rest. Play the Clippers/Spurs Under the total in Game 3.

04/22 10:35 PM EST   NBA   (731) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (732) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (731) NBA Personal Best: Spurs in Game 2.
A great run by San Antonio came to an end in game 1, just a bad game by a healthy, deep and talented team. The defending champs are in bounce back mode and they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss. San Antonio has a better bench and the L.A. Clippers have a weak spot at the free throw line, 28th in the NBA. It didn't hurt them in Game 1, but will in close games in the playoffs. The Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games, plus 3-10 ATS in their last 13 Conference Quarterfinals games. When these teams meet the underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings and this is a great bounce back spot for the champs. Play the Spurs in Game 2.

04/21 08:05 PM EST   NBA   (723) WASHINGTON WIZARDS VS (724) TORONTO RAPTORS
Take: (723) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Reason: Toronto didn't feel like playing defense during the regular season then got crushed under the glass in Game 1, losing 93=86 in OT to Washington. The Wizards outrebounded the home team 61-48, including 19-10 on the offensive glass. The Raptors are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 home games. Washington has great balance inside and out and plays much better defense, 9th in the NBA in points allowed, second in field goal shooting defense behind the Warriors. The Wizards are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. And when these teams meet the road team is 6-1 ATS and the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Play Washington in Game 2.      

4/11 10:05 PM  NBA   (507) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS (508) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (507) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Reason: NBA Dog of the Year: Memphis.
The Memphis Grizzlies are on a mission, off a 110-74 rout of New Orleans on Wednesday. All three of the Grizzlies' front-line starters -- Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Jeff Green -- scored 15 points, converting a combined 19 of 36 shots. Memphis outrebounded the Pelicans 52-39, held a 58-36 advantage in the paint. The Grizzlies are 5-2 ATS against the Western Conference and 7-3-1 ATS versus a team with a winning percentage above .600. Memphis is 8th in the NBA in field goal shooting (.458%), 10th in field goal shooting defense and No. 2 in points allowed (95 ppg). They have the kind of defense and frontcourt you need to face the Clippers. The Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games, a poor free throw shooting team, and 4-12 ATS on the road against a team with a winning percentage of greater than .600. The Grizzlies are 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings, including 4-0 ATS at Los Angeles. Play Memphis!      

4/10 07:35 PM EST   NBA   (703) INDIANA PACERS VS (704) DETROIT PISTONS
Take: (703) NBA Platinum: Indiana Pacers.
The Detroit Pistons were eliminated from the playoffs with a loss to the Celtics the last game. Detroit is struggling to score points, getting under 100 in 3 of the last 4. They've also dropped 4 of the last 6 contests and the Pistons are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games following a double-digit loss at home. They have a losing home record and the Pistons are 4-12 ATS at home against a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. Indiana is healthy and fighting for a playoff berth. The Pacers stayed within striking distance of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot when they defeated the Knicks 102-86 on Wednesday night. George Hill led the Pacers (35-43) with 20 points. Roy Hibbert had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Pacers are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400, and the Pacers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Detroit. Play Indiana!

4/10 07:05 PM EST  NBA   (701) TORONTO RAPTORS VS (702) ORLANDO MAGIC
Take: (702) NBA Situational Shocker of the Year: Orlando.
Can't trust defenseless Toronto, on a 1-2 Su/ATS run. The Raptors are 9-21-1 ATS playing on one days rest, plus 2-8 ATS following a spread cover. They head south to Orlando, a young team that has caught fire on a 3-0 SU/ATS run, winning the last two as dogs of +7 and +9. Victor Oladipo had 23 points and scored on a layup with 1.5 seconds left to give the Magic a 105-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. "There's no playoff but we're trying to treat every game like a playoff game," Oladipo said. "There's teams that we're playing that are playoff seeds, but we're trying to get better too." Take the points with this very live hungry home dog, and another straight up win wouldn't surprise, either. Play Orlando!      

04/09 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (501) CHICAGO BULLS VS (502) MIAMI HEAT
Take: (502) NBA High Roller Platinum: Miami.
Miami needs it, a half-game behind Boston for the final playoff spot. Miami is getting healthy, too, with Luol Deng back (21 points against Charlotte) while Goran Dragic had 28. Dragic made 10 of 16 shots, his highest-scoring game since coming to Miami in a trade in February. The Heat are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. Chicago is 3-8 ATS on the road and had to play last night. The Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no days rest and 7-16 ATS against a team with a losing record. Play Miami!      

04/07 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (657) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (658) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Take: (658) NBA Revenge Game of the Year: New Orleans.
These teams just met a few weeks ago and Golden State rolled, 112-96. However, the Warriors wanted to win then -- now they have everything locked up and are resting players. They fell behind San Antonio 31-17 the last game, a 107-92 loss. The New Orleans Pelicans are trying to overtake the Oklahoma City Thunder for the final seed. The Pelicans are 16-5 ATS at home against a team with a winning road record. The Pelicans control their playoff destiny and have a magic number of six to seize the eighth spot. The home team is 5-1-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings, and grab the home court in this game that is important only for the home team. Play New Orleans!      

4/04 07:35 PM EST   NBA   (805) BOSTON CELTICS VS (806) TORONTO RAPTORS
Take: (805) NBA High Roller Platinum: Boston Celtics.
Toronto is favored but a bad defensive team, 20th in points allowed (101 ppg) and 26th field goal shooting defense (.46%). Toronto is in the second of a back to back, playing at Brooklyn last night. The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no days rest. They have a 3-guard attack on offense, but that's exactly what red-hot Boston has. The Celtics are also in the second of a back to back but are playing well, on a 25-11-1 ATS run, as well as 35-16-1 ATS playing on no days rest. The Celtics are 21-10-1 ATS in the last 32 meetings, 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Toronto. Play Toronto!

4/03 10:35 PM NBA (519) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (520) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: NBA High Roller Platinum Total: Portland/LA Lakers Under the total.
The Lakers are home but have a lousy offense, 17th in points scored, 20th in assists. LA is 5-2 under the total at home and 12-5-2 under against the Western Conference. They just scored 92 points at home in a loss to the Pelicans, shooting 62% from the free throw line. A great Portland defense is in town, 10th in the NBA in points allowed and ninth in field goal shooting defense. Portland is 4-1 under the total against a team with a losing record, plus 9-4 versus the NBA Pacific division. And when these rivals clash the under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Play the Blazers/Lakers under the total.

4/01 08:05 PM EST   NBA   (515) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (516) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: (516) NBA OVERALL Game of the Year: Play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder sit 7th and 8th in the West playoff picture right now. Dallas leads OKC by three games and neither team wants to face Golden State in the first round, so these last games of the regular season are important. The Thunder lead 9th place New Orleans by 2 1/2 games. Dallas has lost four of its last five games including a blowout loss at San Antonio last Friday, 94-76. But more importantly, the Mavs lost leading scorer Monta Ellis (19 ppg) in that game against the Spurs. Ellis injured his calf and the Mavs are in no hurry to rush him back. The issue though, is that without Ellis, they were blown out by the Spurs and then lost their next game at Indiana, 104-99. The bench has been a problem area all season long, their worst since 2008-09 season. The addition of Amare Stoudemire at the All Star break was intended to bolster what was being called a under-performing bench. Also, the addition of Rajon Rando earlier in the year has not done much for the team if not even hurt them in some ways. The Mavs have been terrible for bettors lately, going 1-6 ATS their last seven and 3-12 ATS their last 15. Moreover, the Mavericks are 3-14 ATS their last 17 on the road against winning teams and 0-8 ATS their last eight on the road against teams that are .600 or better.

Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder are 5-2 S/U their last seven and 7-3 S/U their last 10. They are also 7-3 ATS their last 10 and 11-4 ATS their last 15 against the tough West Conference. Tonight's contest also is the first of a back-to-back spot for the Mavericks, who have to play Houston on Thursday and then Golden State on Saturday. The Mavs could easily lose all three of these games, especially if Ellis doesn't return. There is a big difference between playing Memphis or Houston in the first round and playing Golden State. The Thunder knows it needs this game tonight to close that gap and grab the 7th spot. And, without Ellis in the lineup and a Mavericks bench that is questionable at best, this is the perfect spot for the Thunder. Your overall 2015 NBA Game of the Year is on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

03/31 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (767) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (768) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (768) NBA Revenge Game of the Month: LA Clippers.
Golden State is the team to beat come playoff time. The Warriors are led by their amazing guard tandem of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Warriors not only have a 10-game lead for the best team in the West, but they lead Atlanta for the best record in the NBA by five games. The LA Clippers sit 5th right now in the West but would like nothing better than to get into the top 4 and assure themselves a home-court advantage, at least in the 1st round of playoffs. Both of these clubs have been hot, Golden State winning nine in a row and the Clippers winning seven in a row. Blake Griffin is back for the Clips and the home club usually does well in this matchup, covering seven of the last nine meetings. The Clips have covered six of the last eight in LA including their one previous matchup this year, a 100-86 LA win. This game means more to LA than it does to the Warriors. LA getting a few points at home here, but realistically they need to win outright and help themselves in the playoff picture. And when these teams last met Golden State won 106-98 at home....but the home team gets payback here! Take the Clippers.

03/28 08:35 PM EST  NBA (505) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (506) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take: (505) NBA Platinum: Golden State.
Golden State has it all, tops in the NBA in points, assists and field goal shooting defense. It's the second of a back to back but the Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on no days rest. Milwaukee lacks depth which will be a problem against the deep Warriors. The Bucks are 2-10 ATS against the Western Conference and 4-13 ATS at home against a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. When these teams clash the road team is 19-7-1 ATS in the last 27 meetings and the Warriors are 4-1-1 ATS at Milwaukee. Play Golden State!

03/24 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (657) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (658) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (657) NBA T.V. Rivalry Game of the Month: Spurs.
In a very tough West Conference the Spurs sit 6th right now. However, the good news for San Antonio fans is that the club is just two games back of 3rd and 5 1/2 back of 2nd place Memphis. The Mavericks sit in 7th place, one game back of the Spurs and can catch them with a win tonight. The problem for the Mavericks has been a shaky bench, something that has plagued them all season. In addition, the Mavs earlier trade for guard Rajon Rondo has pretty much been a bust for the Mavs. The Mavericks are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games vs. a team with a winning record. Dallas looks to snap a two-game losing streak against their in-state rivals. Dallas has also been terrible against the spread, covering just one game in the last nine. The Spurs have a three-game win streak heading into tonight. They have also won 10 of their last 12. And, unlike the Mavs, they are 9-3 ATS their last 12 games. Dallas is also 8-24-2 ATS against the Western Conference. The road team has been the best bet in this series, with the away club covering 11 of the last 16 in the series. The Spurs are playing well, while Dallas continues to look for some continuity. Take the Spurs.      

3/21 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (509) UTAH JAZZ VS (510) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: (509) NBA Western Conference Game of the Year: Utah Jazz.
Golden State has a big lead and is beginning to give players some rest, which is a smart move. They have been overvalued by oddsmakers, too, on a 4-7 ATS run. Into town comes an outstanding young Utah defense, tops in the NBA in points allowed. Gordon Hayward scored 22 points, Trey Burke added 17 off the bench, and the Jazz shut down the Lakers, 80-73 on Thursday night. The Jazz are 18-7-1 ATS against the Western Conference and on an 11-5-2 ATS run overall. Utah is 6-1-1 ATS against a team with a winning record, while the Warriors are 1-9 ATS against a team with a losing record. Play Utah!

03/20 07:35 PM EST  NBA   (809) INDIANA PACERS VS (810) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take:  High Roller Platinum Total: Indiana/Cleveland Under the total.
Indiana is fighting for a playoff spot with defense, as usual, 3rd in the NBA in points allowed and field goal shooting defense, but 24th in points scored. Indiana is on a 9-3 run under the total and 7-3 under against the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has been playing much better defense in the second half of the season, 8-3 under the total at home and 34-16-1 under the total in the Cavaliers last 51 games playing on one days rest. When these teams play the under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings and this shapes up as a slow, defensive battle. Play Indiana/Cleveland Under the total.

3/18 07:35 PM EST   NBA   (607) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (608) MIAMI HEAT
Take: (607) NBA High Roller Platinum: Portland.
Miami is off a blowout win on TV over LeBron James and Cleveland, however this team has not been playing consistent basketball. They have been in win-one, lose-one mode the last 6 games. Miami has a losing record at home and is 17-36-2 ATS following a win, as well as 11-23-1 ATS against the Western Conference. Portland is a formidable force, the No. 3 seed in the mighty West. They are 9th in the NBA in scoring, assists and points allowed, plus second in rebounds. The Blazers are on a 6-2 ATS run, plus 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. The Blazers are also 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Miami. Play Portland!

03/17 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (533) CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS (534) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (534) Bounce Back Game of Month: LA Clippers.
After what has been an intense stretch, the Clippers get a relative reprieve in their schedule. Five of their next seven opponents have losing records, and the two teams with winning records have worse records than the Clippers. The Clippers, who have lost two games in a row, are tied for fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 42-25. And great news for the Clippers as leading scorer Blake Griffin returns to the team. Griffin had been out with elbow problems, but returned Sunday against Houston. The Clippers didn't do too bad without Griffin, going 9-6 S/U in his absence. The Hornets have played well of late, winning six of their last eight, though they have lost two of the last three including a 95-69 drubbing at the hands of Washington. Hornets in the dreaded 2nd of a back-to-back spot here on Tuesday. The Hornets played at Utah on Monday evening. Griffin likely had some cobwebs to work out on Sunday in his first game back, but look for a much crisper performance out of him tonight. The Clippers need the scoring punch that has been missing of late and with Griffin back and the Hornets in a tough spot here tonight, 2-8 ATS against the Clippers and 0-4 ATS at the Staples Center. Play the LA Clippers!

3/14 06:05 PM NBA (509) DETROIT PISTONS VS (510) UTAH JAZZ Take: (510) UTAH JAZZ Reason: High Roller Platinum Play: Utah Jazz. A great situational spot for the home team and a bad one for the road team. Detroit is a long way from home playing its 7th road game over the last 8 contests. It's also the second of a back to back spot and this team has been short on wins and spread covers the last two weeks. The Pistons are 7-16-1 ATS against the NBA Northwest division. Utah plays its third straight home game, part of a 5-game homestand. They are rested and playing great defense, second in the NBA in points allowed. The Jazz are on a 9-3-2 ATS run and 23-11-1 ATS in their last 35 games playing on one days rest. And when these teams meet the Pistons are 5-16 ATS in the last 21 meetings. play Utah!

03/10 06:05 PM  NBA   (659) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (660) UTAH JAZZ
Take: (660) UTAH JAZZ
Reason: NBA High Roller Platinum: Utah Jazz.
Good luck to the Knicks on this road trip! 2,500 miles from home against a great defensive team, a young Utah on the rise. The Knicks are 1-3-1 ATS on the road, 2-5-1 ATS against a team with a losing record. New York is 29th in the NBA in points scored and rebounds, 23rd in points allowed. Utah continues to impress with their strong defense. Gordon Hayward scored 24 points, including five straight to stop a Nets rally, and the Jazz beat Brooklyn 95-88 on Sunday night. Utah is on an 8-2-2 ATS run and 22-10-1 ATS playing on one days rest. Play Utah!

03/04 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (713) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS (714) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (714) NBA Southwest Division Game of the Year: Houston Rockets.
Memphis hasn't stepped it up in division play, 9-20 ATS against the NBA Southwest division. Both teams are in the second of a back to back. Houston has home court and can use a win to cut into the narrow Memphis lead. Houston is home and dominant there, 12-3 ATS at home, 8-3 ATS against a team with a winning record. Houston gets James Harden back tonight after a one-game suspension. The home team is 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings, plus the Grizzlies are 3-8 ATS in Houston. Play Houston!      

02/28 09:05 PM EST   NBA   (511) MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS (512) UTAH JAZZ
Take: (512) NBA February Game of the Month:
Milwaukee is coming off a win over lowly Philadelphia, 104-88. The win snapped a short, two-game losing streak. Their 104 points also snapped a three game span that saw the club score 89, 86 and 71 points respectively. Still, the Bucks have not been covering spreads very well, going just 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine attempts against the number. But the real kicker is how poorly Milwaukee does in the high altitudes of Salt Lake City. The Bucks are 0-12 ATS in their last 12 trips to Utah. Moreover, Milwaukee is 6-20 ATS in their last 26 overall meetings with the Jazz. Utah is coming off a loss to the Lakers, 100-97, but the club has still won four of its last six games S/U and is 3-1-1 ATS the last five games. The Jazz have had impressive home wins in recent games over both San Antonio (90-81) and Portland (92-76). There is just something about Utah that the Bucks don't like and has shown in their spread mark. I'm sticking with the Jazz here on Saturday as they have proven recently they can beat good Western teams at home and now face a weaker East club. Your February game of the Month is on the Utah Jazz.      

02/27 07:35 PM EST  NBA   (811) CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS (812) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (812) Home Court Crusher Game of the Year: Boston.
The Celtics play hard for coach Brad Stevens and they finally have some offensive weapons, a nice three-guard attack with the recent addition of Isiah Thomas Jr. The Celtics got in sync and turned a six-point deficit into a 115-94 rout of the reeling Knicks. Boston's top three scorers were all picked up in trades over the past few months. Isaiah Thomas scored 19, hitting all 11 of his foul shots, and Jonas Jerebko had 20 points as both played their first home games as members of the Celtics. Jae Crowder, acquired from Dallas in the Rajon Rondo deal on Dec. 18, finished with 18 points. Evan Turner had his first career triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. The Celtics improved to 6-4 in February, guaranteeing their first winning record in a month since going 1-0 in October. Boston is 4-0 ATS at home and on a 7-2 ATS run overall. Charlotte is off a surprising win at Chicago, but this team is still 1-5 SU/2-4 ATS the last six games. This is the third straight road game for Charlotte. Boston has a dynamite three-point punch now, hitting 15-of-34 in the win at Phoenix two games ago, and Charlotte ranks 17th at defending the three. Play Boston!      
 

02/25 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (713) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (714) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (714) Platinum Special: Houston.
The LA Clippers are without Blake Griffin, their leading scorer. The Clips rose to the occasion without Griff, winning four straight games. Things were looking up for the Clippers, even without their star player. Then all of a sudden the Clippers fell flat on their collective faces with a 90-87 loss to the Grizzlies on their home court. Now the Clippers are going to have to face a very good Houston club that hos won two straight games on this five-game home stand. Add to this that the Clippers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five away games and 2-7 on 1 day rest. Meanwhile, the Rockets have covered six of their last seven at home. The favorite is also 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings. Griffin is a huge loss to the Clippers and while they had a nice four game stretch without him, they are now coming down to earth and against one of the best in the West they will struggle tonight. Take the Rockets.      

2/24 08:35 PM EST   NBA   (507) TORONTO RAPTORS VS (508) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: Non-Conference Total of the Year: Toronto/Dallas Over the total.
Toronto has been a very good over club all season, especially on the road where they are 15-9 O/U for the season. Yes, they have been a under team in recent games, going under in six of the last seven. However, those games are against good defensive clubs like San Antonio, Washington, Atlanta and Houston. The latter they scored just 76 points against. Don't let those recent games fool you, this Raptors team can score points. They have one of the best offensive efficiency ratings in the NBA at 112.6 overall and 113.1 on the road. Their defensive rating is as bad as their offensive rating is good, evidenced by 107.6 overall and 110.1 on the road - all well above the league average. Toronto is playing the second of a back-to-back spot here. They do well in this spot, going 9-4-1 ATS the last 13 times and 9-4-1 Ov/Un the last 13. In fact, in those 13 games, their games have averaged a lofty 209.2 points per game. And, with the exception of the recent Houston outing and two other games, they have scored well over 100 points in 11 of 14 times. Dallas has been an under club for most of the first half of the season. This was due to an under-performing bench that had the lowest scoring average for the Mavericks since the 2007-08 season. The Mavs made moves to change that picking up standout Amare Stoudemire from New York. The Mavs hope Stoudemire will add some scoring punch to what has been a underachieving bench. I like tonight's contest over. These clubs met in Toronto back in November and oddsmakers put up a 211.5 total. We get a 205 here on Tuesday and I like this game to fly over that number. Take the OVER.

02/11 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (713) MIAMI HEAT VS (714) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (714) Eastern Conference Game of the Month: Cleveland.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are making their move in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs have won nine of their last 10 and now sit in 5th, but just one game out of 3rd and 3 1/2 out of 2nd in the East. The Cavs have won 13 of their last 14 S/U and are 11-2-1 ATS. Now that Lebron James has proclaimed his health is back and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are playing well - this team finally appears to be fulfilling their preseason expectations. Meanwhile, Miami is barely holding onto 8th place in teh East and with four teams within three games of them, they look to have a tough road. The Heat will likely be without star guard Dwyane Wade tonight with a hamstring issue. Miami is just 4-7 S/U their last 11 and 6-7 ATS their last 13. We have to lay double digits here on Wednesday, but the way the Cavs are playing, that should be no problem here. Take the Cavaliers.      

02/03 10:05 PM EST  NBA   (509) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (510) SACRAMENTO KINGS
Take: (509) NBA Blowout Game of the Year: Golden State.
Golden State is tops in the NBA in points scored and assists, plus tops in field goal shooting defense. They shook off a slow start and shut down the Suns for a 106-87 win. The Warriors outscored Phoenix 54 to 36 in the second half. They shot 46 percent overall and held the Suns to 36.3 percent from the floor. And they forced 22 turnovers while committing 15. The Warriors are 27-13-1 ATS against a team with a losing record and face a sloppy turnover-prone Sacramento squad. The Kings are 5-12-2 ATS in their last 19 home games, 8-20-2 ATS overall. The Warriors are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings and will roll. Play Golden State!

Reason: Dog Game of the Week:
Milwaukee is one of those surprise teams this season as they are 25-22 overall and have a winning record on the road at 14-12. But what is really impressive is their road cover mark of 20-6! The Bucks have covered their last five straight games and eight of their last 11. Toronto started the season like gangbusters, went through a period where they lost eight of 11 games and now have six straight wins. The Raptors still have an excellent 33-15 overall record and 18-7 home mark. However, they are just 11-13 ATS at home. I like the Bucks a lot here on the road, they are 20-6-1 in their last 27 road games and 18-7-1 ATS the last 26 with a day's rest. The Raptors are just 1-7-1 ATS their last 9 with 1 day's rest. Take Milwaukee here on Monday.

01/31 09:05 PM EST  NBA   (517) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (518) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take: (518) Western Conference Game of the Month: Spurs.
The LA Clippers are great at home but just 12-7 away. This is also the second of a back to back spot, playing at New Orleans last night, so this is their 3rd game in 4 nights. The Clippers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. They face a rested San Antonio squad at home, one getting healthy and ranked 6th in assists, 5th in points allowed. Tony Parker scored 17 points and San Antonio overcame another lethargic third quarter to beat the Charlotte Hornets 95-86 Wednesday night. San Antonio is 4-0-2 ATS against the Western Conference and the Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. San Antonio is 4-0 ATS against the Clippers and hold all the cards in this showdown. Play the San Antonio Spurs!      

01/30 07:35 PM EST  NBA   (803) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (804) ATLANTA HAWKS
Take: (803)  False Favorite of the Month: Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland is the No. 3 seed in the West but a big dog here. They are 8th in the NBA in points scored, 4th in rebounds and 6th in points allowed. Portland held a Cleveland team to 40.0 percent shooting but couldn't contain Kyrie Irving, who scored 55 points and hit 11 3-pointers in Wednesday's 99-94 road defeat. LeMarcus Aldridge had 38 points and 11 boards. Aldridge has totaled 64 points in two games since deciding to delay thumb surgery until after the season. The Blazers are 13-6-1 ATS when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Atlanta knows how to play defense, too, leading the NBA in scoring defense at 96.3 points per game. The road team is 4-1 ATS when they meet, so grab the talented dog in this close, defensive game. Play Portland.      

01/28 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (711) DENVER NUGGETS VS (712) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Take: Platinum Club (712) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Reason: New Orleans might be one of the best home teams in the NBA. The Pelicans boast an impressive 15-5 S/U and 13-6 ATS mark at the Smoothie King Center. Dating back to last season the Pelicans are 20-7-1 at home. Meanwhile, the Nugget are just 8-12 ATS on the road this season. New Orleans is coming off a pair of home wins, 109-106 over Dallas and 99-74 over Philadelphia. The Pelicans have held 12 of their last 14 opponents to less than 100 points and three of the last four to 84 or fewer points. The home team has really dominated this series, posting a 10-1 ATS mark the last 11 meetings with the Pelicans covering the last four against Denver at home. New Orleans just playing too good at home to pass on this number tonight. Your Platinum Club play is on the Pelicans.      

01/28 07:05 PM EST   NBA   (703) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (704) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (704) NBA Home Court Game of the Month: Cavaliers.
For much of this season people asked the question, "What's wrong with the Cavaliers?" They just weren't gelling as a team with talent such as Kevin Love, Lebron James and Kyrie Irving. That questions seems to finally have been answered as Lebron says he's finally got his first step back and is healthy. And the Cavs are finally playing like everyone thought they would out of the gate. Cleveland, 25-20 S/U, has won six straight games (heading into Tuesday's contest) and covered six straight. This after a six game losing streak that had people shaking their collective heads. The Trailblazers star LaMarcus Aldridge will need surgery on his thumb, but he's playing through the injury right now. If Aldridge had surgery he would miss 6-8 weeks and has decided to put it off. That's good news for the Blazers who can ill afford to be without him. Still, Portland has struggled a bit of late, posting a 2-4 S/U record their last six and a 2-5 ATS mark the last seven. The home team has done pretty well in this matchup, going 5-2-1 ATS the last eight meetings. Right now the Cavs are playing at their best of the entire season and I am going to take advantage of this streak. Take Cleveland.      

01/27 07:35 PM EST   NBA   (503) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (504) DETROIT PISTONS
Take: (503) Central Division Game of the year: Cleveland Cavaliers.
Detroit had been playing as well as anyone until Saturday when guard Brandon Jennings went down with an Achilles injury. Jennings will be out the rest of the year and likely the Pistons good fortunes with him. Back in late December Stan Van Gundy made the bold move to waive Josh Smith and his 57-million dollar contract with almost three years left on it. Since then, the Pistons not only won seven straight games, but were 12-3 S/U. Then came the Jennings injury against Milwaukee and a 101-86 loss. The Pistons played good on Sunday at Detroit and covered the eight point line, but still lost 114-110. I'm afraid with Jennings the wind from the Pistons sails goes with him. Not so for Cleveland who has new life. For the first time all year LeBron James proclaims he has his first step back and is healthy. This could be bad news for the rest of the East. The Cavs have won six straight games both S/U and ATS with a 10 point win on Sunday over a very good Oklahoma City team. The Cavs look like the team everyone expected when they signed Kevin Love and James in the off season. Now they may have arrived and today they will put a hurting on Detroit, who just may have lost it's enthusiasm. Take Cleveland as your Central Division Game of the Year.      

01/23 10:35 PM EST    NBA   (821) SACRAMENTO KINGS VS (822) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: (822) NBA Game of the Month: Warriors.
A tough spot for Sacramento, a reeling team that ranks 25th in the NBA in points allowed. They were favored the last game and lost at home to the Nets, 103-100. They've lost 5 in a row and the Kings are on a 5-13-2 ATS run, plus 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games. Golden State is an NBA powerhouse, tops in the NBA in points scored and assists, 12th in points allowed and No. 1 in field goal shooting defense. Stephen Curry had 22 points and 10 assists, and the Warriors held off the Houston Rockets 126-113 on Wednesday night for their franchise-record 17th straight home win. The Warriors (34-6) harassed Dwight Howard and Harden inside and out -- with Andrew Bogut and Green playing the role of lead antagonists -- and the irritation of another blowout loss to the NBA's best team finally set off the Rockets. The Warriors are outscoring opponents by 11.7 points per game this season. Only three teams in NBA history finished a season with a points per game differential that high -- and all three went on to win the title. The Warriors are 21-5-1 ATS in their last 27 home games and 4-0 ATS when they face Sacramento. Play the Warriors!

01/22 08:05 PM EST   NBA   (503) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (504) CHICAGO BULLS
Take: (503) NBA TV Game of the Month: Spurs.
San Antonio brings an outstanding defense to Chicago. San Antonio is 9th in the NBA in field goal shooting defense and 7th in points allowed. San Antonio has won 4 in a row (4-0 ATS) and is getting healthy. The Spurs have now played three opponents since Kawhi Leonard's return from a torn ligament in his right hand: One great (Portland), one bad (Utah), and one mediocre (Denver). The results have been pretty much the same with victories of 14, 20 and 10 points. How valuable is the NBA Finals MVP? The Spurs are 115-34 with him (77.2 pct, 63.3 wins), 32-26 without (55.1 pct, 45.2 wins). The Spurs are 17-8 ATS against the Eastern Conference. Chicago has dropped six of eight, plus three in a row without starting center Joakim Noah (sprained ankle). The Bulls are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games and the Spurs are 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Chicago. Play the Spurs!      

01/16 07:05 PM EST  NBA   (803) BROOKLYN NETS VS (804) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Take: (804) High Roller Platinum: Washington.
Brooklyn had home court the last game and held Memphis to 3-of-17 shooting from long range.....and still lost, 103-92. This is a bad all around team, especially on offense ranked 25th in scoring. They played without the suspended Kevin Garnett and still without the injured Deron Williams. The Nets are on a 1-7 ATS run and 0-5 ATS playing on one days rest. Washington will have no trouble shutting down this offense, with the Wizards ranked 5th in points scored and 9th in field goal shooting defense. Paul Pierce had 22 points and the Washington Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls 105-99 on Wednesday night. The Wizards outscored the Bulls by 15 points in 38 minutes with John Wall on the court. The Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. The home team is 7-1 ATS and the Nets are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Washington. Play Washington.

01/13 07:05 PM EST  NBA   (505) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (506) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Take: (506) Jim Feist's RARE online NBA High Roller: Washington.
Second straight road game for San Antonio of a three-game trip. The champs are just 10-9 straight up on the road, 2-6 ATS after a win and 1-6 ATS following a spread win. San Antonio has a game on deck the next night, too, while Washington is a dominant home team at 16-4. Washington is 5th in the NBA in points allowed, 11th in field goal shooting defense. The Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on one days rest. Washington won't be in a good mood after getting blown out by Atlanta on the road the last game, 120-89, and the home crowd will be sky-high with the defending champs in town. Play Washington.      

01/08 08:05 PM EST   NBA   (503) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (504) NEW YORK KNICKS
Take: (503) NBA Mismatch Massacre of the Year: Houston Rockets.
Houston won't be in a good mood after giving up 114 points in a loss at Chicago this week. This is a great Houston defense, third in the NBA in points allowed, that had a bad night. They are in bounce bad mode against an awful Knicks team. The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing record, while the Knicks are on a 0-6-1 ATS run. Both teams are in the second of a back to back spot, with the Knicks playing at Washington last night. With the season all but lost, the Knicks agreed to send J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland as part of a three-team trade with Oklahoma City shortly before tipping off in Monday's 105-83 loss at Memphis. New York just dropped 22 of 23, including the last five by an average of 18.8 points. The Rockets are 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings, including 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in New York. Play Houston!

01/07 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (723) INDIANA PACERS VS (724) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: (724) NBA High Roller Platinum: Golden State Warriors.
A bad situational spot for Indiana, a long way from home. Indiana is 26th in points scored and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. Indiana is playing its fourth straight road contest, off a game topping 100 points, but the Pacers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Golden State is a monster team, second in the NBA in points scored, 10th in points allowed and tops in field goal shooting defense. Golden State is off a smothering defensive effort to rout the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-91. Golden State held Oklahoma City to 30.6 percent shooting, including 5-for-28 from 3-point range. Kevin Durant shot 3-of-16, and Russell Westbrook finished 5-for-21 from the floor. Golden State is on a 30-13 ATS run and the Warriors are 25-10-1 ATS in their last 36 home games. The home team is also 9-4 ATS when these teams meet. Play Golden State!

01/06 08:35 PM NBA (503) DETROIT PISTONS VS (504) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take: (503) NBA Trend Tracker Game of the Year: Pistons.
San Antonio is off a win, but the Spurs are 1-5 ATS following a win. They are also rested, too, but the Spurs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest. In town comes this Detroit team that has turned its season around by getting rid of a player! The Pistons have been rejuvenated since releasing Josh Smith in late December. The Pistons are 5-0 without the player that was signed to restore the franchise to glory only 18 months ago. The Pistons routed the Sacramento Kings 114-95 Sunday, giving them their first five-game winning streak in more than five years. The difference on the floor is obvious. The offense is now running through Brandon Jennings instead of Smith, and the point guard responded with 35 points against the Kings. Andre Drummond had 15 points and 14 rebounds and Greg Monroe had 14 points 11 rebounds for Detroit. This team is 5th in the NBA in rebounds. The Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games, plus 11-4 ATS on the road against a team with a winning home record. Detroit is 5-1 ATS against the Spurs, all as a dog, and the Pistons are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in San Antonio. Play the Pistons!

01/03 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (505) MIAMI HEAT VS (506) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (506) NBA Non-Conference Game of the Year: Houston.
So how competitive is Miami really? Not against the powerhouse West: The Heat is 5-15 ATS against the Western Conference. Miami is 27th in the NBA in points scored and off a 106-95 loss at Indiana allowing 10-of-18 three-pointers, their third straight loss. The Heat is 3-7 ATS against a team with a winning record. Houston has plenty of offensive punch plus is a great defensive team this season, third in the NBA in points allowed. The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing record. They are 4-1 ATS against Miami and the Heat is 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Houston. Play Houston!

Chicago having an excellent season at 21-9 S/U (13-4 on the road) takes on the struggling Pacers at 11-20 overall (6-8 at home). The Bulls have covered six of their last seven games on the road and against the weaker east they are 7-2 ATS their last nine. Pacers having been doing well as a host against good teams, posting a 3-13 ATS mark their last 16 against winning teams. Overall at home they are 11-23-1 ATS their last 35. Chicago has one of the best offensive efficient teams in the NBA with a 110.4 overall mark. Their defense has been good too, posting a 105.0 mark. Pacers have to play their third game in four nights here and with an offensive efficiency of 101.4, don't expect a lot of points against a good Bulls team. Bulls also looking to avenge a 99-90 home loss to the Pacers back on Nov 15. I like this spot for the Bulls against a tired Pacers club.

12/25 10:35 PM EST   NBA   (509) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (510) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (509) Inner Circle West Showdown Game of the Month: Warriors.
Two of the powerhouse teams in the west meet here on Christmas evening as the Clippers host the Warriors. Golden State is having an amazing season at 23-4 S/U and 19-6 ATS. They are also 13-3 S/U and 11-3-2 ATS on the road. The Warriors have a great backcourt, but it's been their stingy defense that has made the difference. Golden State's defensive efficiency is among the leagues top at 99.5 (league avg is 107.3). The Warriors also have one of the fastest paced teams at 97.4 (league avg is 92). The Clippers are right in the middle of a very tough stretch of games having played Atlanta last night, Golden State tonight with Dallas and Toronto on deck. Conversely, the Warriors can give all their effort to this game with the T'Wolves and Sixers on deck. Should be one of the best games of the day, but I'm taking the road team here. Golden State has a better road record than LA has at home and the Warriors are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Play Golden State.

12/18 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (507) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (508) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take:  NBA TV Total of the Month: Oklahoma City/Golden State Under the total.
The offensive stars on the team force the oddsmakers to move this total up, but the fact is these are two dominant defensive teams. Oklahoma City is tops in the NBA in points allowed (93.9 ppg) and on a 23-7 run under the total. They are 4-0 under their last four road games. OKC is second in the NBA in field goal shooting defense -- and who is first? This Golden State team, allowing .413% shooting by opponents. Golden State is 9th in the NBA in scoring allowed and on a 4-1 run under the total, plus 6-0 under at home. Golden Statae just gave up 105 to Memphis and the under is 43-15 in Warriors last 58 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Play Oklahoma City/Golden State Under the total.      

12/10 08:05 PM EST  NBA   (515) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS VS (516) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: NBA Total of the Year: New Orleans/Dallas Over the total.
New Orleans is a young team that prefers to run, 18th in the NBA in points allowed. Neither of these teams is good in field goal shooting defense, both ranked in the bottom 12th of the league. Both teams are also in the second of a back to back spot, so the defensive legs will be tired. Dallas doesn't play defense anyway, 24th in points allowed and on 5-0 run over the total coming into the week, as well as 6-0 over at home. Dallas runs at anyone with their offensive depth and talent, tops in the NBA in scoring and the over is 12-5 when the Mavericks face the NBA Southwest division. This will be a run-and-gun game from start to finish; Play New Orleans/Dallas Over the total.      

12/06 10:35 PM EST  NBA   (511) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS VS (512) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (512) Inner Circle: LA Clippers.
A tough spot for the visitors, a long way from home. This is the third straight road game for New Orleans and the second of a back to back spot. The Pelicans are 5-14-1 ATS in their last 20 vs. the NBA Pacific division and face a rested LA Clippers team that is playing its third straight home game. Blake Griffin scored 21 points, Paul had 19 points and 10 assists, and the Clippers routed the Orlando Magic 114-86 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. The Clippers, who finished with a total of 32 assists, are 84-14 when they get 30 or more since Paul joined the club. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles. Play the LA Clippers.

12/03 07:35 PM EST   NBA   (705) DETROIT PISTONS VS (706) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (706) NBA Avenger Game of the Year: Boston.
Boston has plenty of offensive punch (10th in the NBA in scoring) and has home court, a young team with good depth that loves to run. Boston is in the second of a back to back spot, but is 4-1 ATS on no days rest, plus the Celtics are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. the NBA Central division. Detroit is in town, also in the second of a back to back spot. Detroit is a bad all around team, 28th in scoring, not winning or covering, on a 3-8 ATS on no days rest. The Pistons are 6-23 ATS against the Eastern Conference! When these teams last met, late last year, it was an embarrassing game for Boston, blowing a 19-point third quarter lead in a 115-11 defeat. Boston guard Rajon Rondo didn't play, but will play in this one. The home team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings and the Celtics hold all the cards. Play Boston!

11/12 07:35 PM EST  NBA   (705) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (706) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (706) NBA Payback Game of the Year: Celtics.
A year ago Oklahoma City was flying high and squashed the Celtics twice, 119-96 and 101-83. That latter was an 18-point loss on this court. Now, Boston is the healthy young team playing well while the Thunder is banged up and down. The Thunder is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games. Oklahoma City is 2-5 and one of the worst offensive team in the NBA averaging just 92 ppg. Boston is tops in the NBA in assists and second in scoring with 106.3 ppg, a hungry young team with a terrific coach in Brad Stevens. Evan Turner scored 19 points, one of seven Boston players in double figures, as the Celtics passed an early test with a 106-101 victory on Saturday night. Kelly Olynyk finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, while Jeff Green contributed 14 points. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and look for payback by the home team. Play the Celtics!      

The Warriors scored over 120 points against the Lakers last night and now return to play this evening at Portland. The Warriors are 2-0 to start the season while Portland is 1-1, having lost to Sacramento Friday, 103-94. The Blazers won their opener against the Thunder, but trailed at the half and pretty much did nothing for three quarters before blasting the Thunder in the fourth. They can't do that here against a very good Warriors team led by last year's best 3-point shooting tandem in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Warriors have also done well against the Blazers, taking five of the last seven from Portland. The Warriors are also 9-3 O/U in their last 12 games dating back to last season. GST is 12-5 ATS the last 17 meetings and the teams have gone OVER in six of the last eight meetings. Like the visitor here plus the 3 1/2 points despite playing last night, as I've yet to see the Blazers put together a full game of effort.

05/31 08:30 PM EST  NBA   (523) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (524) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: (524) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Reason: High End NBA Metrics Release: Thunder in Game 6.
"This is the craziest series I've ever been involved in," veteran Tim Duncan said. He's right, it has been wacky and it can be simply summed up in two words: HOME COURT. Home court has been huge in this series. Which is actually nothing new when these rivals meet, as the home team 16-5-1 ATS and the Spurs are 1-10 ATS at OKC. San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich has a veteran team and is not afraid to pull his starters when they've behind late, which partly explains why they were blown out here in Games 3 and 4. The Oklahoma City Thunder received a lift from Serge Ibaka the last two games on this court. San Antonio won the first two games by an average of 26 points but Ibaka returned from a calf injury and his presence negated the Spurs’ inside advantage and helped the Thunder to a 106-97 win on Sunday allowing 39.6% shooting, then 39.8% shooting in Games 4. The Spurs are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games and the Thunder is 13-6-2 ATS in their last 21 home games. The Thunder is 12-4-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings. favorite is 16-5-1 ATS in the last 22 meetings, so grab the home team to win another one-sided contest. Play Oklahoma City in Game 6.

05/19 09:00 PM EST  NBA   (503) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (504) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take:  Inner Circle: Oklahoma City/San Antonio Game 1 Under the total.
Oklahoma City has plenty of offensive weapons, but they are turning up the defense as the playoffs go along, on a 4-1 run under the total. That shouldn't be a surprise as OKC is 11th in the league in points allowed and third in field goal shooting defense (tops in the West) allowing .435% shooting. The under is 5-1 in the Thunder's last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. After ranking 17th in points allowed and 21st in FG shooting percentage defense two years ago, the Spurs have improved to 9th and 8th in field goal D the last two seasons. The under is 14-5 in in Spurs last 19 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. When these Western powers meet the under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings and this total is too high with so much at stake. Play the Thunder/Spurs Game 1 under the total.

5/14 09:35 PM EST   NBA   (739) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (740) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take:  High End NBA Metrics Late Release: Blazers/Spurs over the total.
It's hard to see the Blazers showing up defensive for this game, down 3 games to 2. They were a bad defensive team all season and got smoked by this San Antonio team in the first three games. Portland is on 10-3 run over, as well as 15-5 over the total on one days rest. San Antonio is in bounce back mode after a 103-92 loss and they will tear up this Portland defense at home. The Spurs ranked 6th in NBA in points scored, tops in assists. The last time the Spurs scored 92 or less was against Dallas, a playoff loss, and the next game they scored 108 in a game that sailed over. San Antonio dominated the first three games as Portland can't contain Tony Parker. Parker scored 29 points in San Antonio's 118-103 Game 3 victory on Saturday night. The Spurs had routed the Blazers 116-92 in the series opener after their grueling seven-game first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, then built a 20-point lead and handily won Game 2 114-97. San Antonio is 5-0 over at home and 35-17-1 over after ATS loss. Play Blazers/Spurs Game 5 over the total.

05/01 8:00 PM EST  NBA   (525) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (526) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Take: (526) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Reason: NBA Metric Release: Memphis Grizzlies Game 6.
You need to play the physical game to try and knock Oklahoma City's talent off its game -- and Memphis is certainly doing it. Memphis is big and physical in the post and the Thunder are getting pushed around. The Grizzlies held OKC to 39% shooting the last game and pulled down 50 rebounds in a 100-99 win at Oklahoma City. The Thunder is 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games and faces a Memphis team that is on a 21-3 run at home. The Grizzlies are 39-16-1 ATS in their last 56 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 15-5-4 ATS in their last 24 Conference Quarterfinals games. Memphis is 3-0-1 ATS against OKC and the Thunder is 1-4-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Memphis. Play Memphis in Game 6.