4/11 04:35 PM NBA (709) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS VS (710) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (709) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Reason: NBA Game of the Year: Charlotte Bobcats.
Charlotte is motivated, a playoff team that has won 5 in a row while Boston is winding down a lost season losing 9 in a row. Charlotte plays great defense, 4th in the NBA in points allowed and 6th in field goal shooting defense. The Bobcats moved into a tie for sixth in the East with Washington by beating the Wizards 94-88 in overtime on the road Wednesday. Charlotte is on a 20-8-1 ATS run and the Bobcats are 20-7-2 ATS in their last 29 games playing on one days rest. Star forward Al Jefferson always has a chip on his shoulder when playing Boston, the team that traded him for Kevin Garnett. Jefferson had 20 points and 18 rebounds Wednesday for his fifth straight double-double for the Bobcats. Boston (23-55) is going to the draft lottery and can't match Charlotte up front, with the Celtics 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Bobcats are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a losing record and 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Boston. Play Charlotte!

Many look at this matchup as a possible NBA Finals preview. However, if that is to be the case, I sure hope the Pacers decide to come out of this fog they entered. On Sunday, the Pacer long line of apathetic contests continued at Cleveland with a horrible performance. The Pacers fell behind early and were never in the game, losing 90-76 as a 5 1/2 point road favorite. The Pacers have been burning through bettors money faster than Congress with our tax dollars. Indiana has now failed to cover in five straight and is 2-16 ATS their last 18 games. Still, the Pacers are clinging to the best record in the Eastern Conference, with Miami breathing down their collective backs. Can't say the same for the red-hot Spurs. San Antonio has won 17 straight games, including MOV by 16, 31, 5, 22, 9, 20, 16, 18, 34 and 13 in their last 10 games. Bettors have also benefited greatly by this streak, covering 10 of the last 11 and going 13-2-1 the last 16 games with the Spurs. Spurs also in a revenge mode here, having lost their one meeting with the Pacers back in December on their home court, 111-100. Lets not forget that Indiana is in the second of a back-to-back spot here too. The last 16 times the Pacers have played the second of a back-to-back spot they are 4-12 ATS. There is something wrong with this Pacers team and they won't find the cure about arguably the best and hottest team in the NBA right now, the Spurs. Take the Spurs.

Reason: NBA Wipeout Game of the Year:
The Toronto Raptors occupy 3rd place in the Eastern Conference and while that is the best they can, they still need to hold off Chicago (one game back) plus Brooklyn and Washington which are nipping at their heals. The Raptors have hit a very soft part of their schedule playing Cleveland, Boston twice and now Orlando. That all changes tomorrow when the club heads south to play Miami then Houston and Indiana. Which is why I don't see the Raptors looking past today's opponent, Orlando. The Raptors are holding off three teams in the East for that third spot and with three tough games coming up, they need these soft wins. The Raptors have secured their first playoff berth since 2007-08 and look to win the Atlantic Division this season. And if there is a team they have dominated, it's Orlando. The Raptors are 6-0 S/U, 5-1 ATS since last season against the Magic allowing just 88.7 ppg to Orlando. Moreover, the last six meetings in Orlando the Raptors are 5-1 ATS. The Raptors are also one of the best road teams in the league, boasting a 24-12 ATS mark their last 36 away contests. Raptors can't let these easy ones get away and the way they have dominated Orlando in recent times is enough for me to see them winning this one easily.

03/29 8:05 PM EST NBA (505) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (506) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (506) NBA Western Conference TV Game of the Month: Play the Houston Rockets.
A tough spot for the visitors as the Clippers play their third straight road game, part of a 5-game trip. They opened the trip as 7-point favorite at New Orleans and couldn't even win the game, a 98-96 defeat, then had a tough game Thursday at Dallas, a close win. The Clippers are not a great road team (20-17) and on a 1-4 ATS run. The Clippers are also 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, haven't played anybody this week -- unless you count the Bobcats and 76ers as NBA teams! They shredded Charlotte, 100-89, and waltzed over the 76ers at home, essentially a day off. The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games, 9-4 ATS against the Western Conference. They will be fired up and focused with the mighty Clippers in town, a showdown game in the West and a possible playoff preview. Play the Rockets.

03/28 7:35 PM EST NBA (859) MIAMI HEAT VS (860) DETROIT PISTONS
Take: (859) NBA Anger Management Game of the Year: Miami.
Miami missed out on a golden opportunity to win Wednesday at Indiana, leading all the way then letting it slip away late, losing by a point. Instead of being one game out of the top seed in the East, they are now 3....which means pity the Pistons! Detroit has a losing record both home and away and is dismal on defense, 27th in points allowed, 26th in the NBA in field goal shooting defense allowing .467% shooting. Only the Bucks, Jazz, 76ers and T-Wolves are worse. The Pistons are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games and 0-5 ATS against the Eastern Conference. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings and the Heat is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Detroit. Play Miami!

03/14 7:05 PM EST NBA (803) INDIANA PACERS VS (804) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Take: (803) NBA Chalk Game of the Month: Pacers.
So the team president, Larry Bird, is disappointed with his team. "A lot of times, we don't take the fight to them (the opponent)," Bird said. They snapped a 4-game losing streak by beating the Boston Celtics 94-83 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, but this is their first game since those comments became public. The Pacers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of less than .400 and face the worst team to come down the pike in years. Philly has packed it in, losing 17 in a row. The 76ers are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 games overall, 4-22 ATS in their last 26 home games. The 76ers defense is a joke, allowing 111.1 ppg (last in the NBA) and 47% shooting by opponents (also last in the league). The Pacers are 13-5-2 ATS in the last 20 meetings in Philadelphia and will score at will while their defense -- after getting verbally trashed by Bird -- will play a great game. Play the Pacers!

03/11 8:05 PM EST NBA (559) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (560) CHICAGO BULLS
Take: (559) NBA TV Showdown Game of the Month: Spurs.
The Spurs own the best record in the NBA despite a long stretch of injuries. The Spurs (46-16) moved to the top of the standings on Sunday with 20 games left in their regular season. The Lakers stunned Oklahoma City 114-100 in the afternoon to push the Thunder 1/2 game behind the Spurs in the Western Conference at 46-17. Then came the Mavericks, who toppled the Indiana 104-95 later that evening to give the Spurs the best overall record by 1/2 game over the Pacers, also 46-17, and Oklahoma City with a game in hand. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Tiago Splitter have since returned, coinciding with one of the Spurs

03/07 8:35 PM NBA (815) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (816) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (816) NBA Western Conference Game of the Month: Dallas Mavericks.
Portland is off a big home win over Atlanta, but note that the Blazers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a win of more than 10 points. That was a bounce back spot as they were off an embarrassing home loss to the Lakers as 12-point chalk. Portland heads out on the road after a 4-game home stand (and 7 of the last 8 at home) and the team is 4-12 ATS in their last 16 vs. the NBA Southwest division. Portland's defense is a problem, 25th in the NBA in points allowed. Dallas is home and super-motivated, 8th in the league in points scored and trying to hang on to the 8th and final playoff slot. They are 19-10 at home and come off a strange game, losing 115-110 at Denver. Dallas shot 53% but Denver went to the line 36 times, the Mavs only 9! Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points to lead the Mavericks, who lost their third in a row. It's their first three-game losing streak of the season. "I've been saying all along that if we don't play hard, we'll get torched by anybody," Nowitzki said. The Mavericks are 36-16 ATS in their last 52 games following a loss and 41-15 ATS following a spread loss. Dallas is 5-1 in the last five meetings with Portland, so grab the hungry home team. Play Dallas!

03/04 8:05 PM EST NBA (507) MIAMI HEAT VS (508) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (508) Non-Conference TV Game of the Year: Houston.
Think the defending champs are going to be into this one? It's a Western Conference game away from home. This Miami team is picking its spots, and this is the second of a back to back spot after hosting Charlotte yesterday. Miami is 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no days rest. Houston is home and has been on a roll, a talented, deep team that loves to run at opponents, 3rd in the NBA in scoring. But they can also play defense, 5th in the NBA in field goal shooting allowed (.437%), third best in the West. Houston is rested, not having played since Saturday, a 118-110 win over Detroit. "We got a big halftime lead and didn't play well in the second half," Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. The Rockets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning record. With the champs in town look for focus the entire game, making this is a great situational spot for the home team. Play the Houston Rockets.

02/27 8:00 PM EST NBA (505) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (506) MIAMI HEAT
Take: (506) NBA Rivalry Game of the Year: Miami Heat.
A pair of Eastern teams that don't like each other -- and one has seen better days. The Knicks are a mess, 21st in the NBA in points scored, 23rd defensively in field goal shooting D allowing 46%. They've had two full days off to stew about an other loss, this time 110-108 at home to Dallas. They really put a lot into that home game, as Tyson Chandler had 12 points and 12 rebounds against his former team, to no avail. NY is 2-6 ATS on the road and now they head to South Beach against a far superior team, the two-time defending champs. Miami has had even more rest, not playing since Sunday, a 93-79 rout of Chicago at home, so they've been in Miami all week. And they won without LeBron, so stout defense plus Chris Bosh's outside shooting and a boost from Miami's reserves helped the Heat overcome the absence of their MVP on Sunday to beat the Chicago Bulls. James was a late scratch after he broke his nose in Thursday's win at Oklahoma City, and his teammates picked up the slack. Miami improved to 8-1 in February. Miami is 8th in the NBA in points scored, 8th in points allowed and when these rivals meet the favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings. Play the Miami Heat.

02/18 07:35 PM NBA (517) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (518) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (518) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Reason: NBA Western Conference TV Showdown Game of the Month: LA Clippers.
San Antonio is banged up and pacing itself, on a 3-7 ATS run and the Spurs are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a win. They just haven't had the kind of depth they are used to and have struggled against good teams, 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. The LA Clippers are loaded with depth, talent, star power and defense. Chris Paul is back and healthy. New Coach Doc Rivers has gotten this group to focus on defense, 7th in the NBA in field goal shooting allowing .443%. The Clippers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. And they can play offense, too, second in the NBA in scoring, third in assists. The Spurs are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings, so grab the home team. Play the LA Clippers.

02/12 10:35 PM EST NBA (725) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (726) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (726) NBA Situational Game of the Year: LA Clippers.
The LA Clippers are rested, have Chris Paul back and have home court (22-4 at home), making this a brutal situational spot for Portland. The Blazers are in the second of a back to back spot after hosting Oklahoma City last night, an NBA TV showdown in the West. The Clippers are not only rested, they haven't played since Sunday -- and even then they didn't break a sweat in a 123-78 rout of Philly. Blake Griffin had 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jamal Crawford scored 21 for the defending Pacific Division champions, who were 12-6 while Paul was sidelined with a right shoulder he separated Jan. 3 at Dallas. The seven-time All-Star point guard showed no signs of rust, getting seven points and eight assists in 23 minutes. DeAndre Jordan had 20 rebounds, so this team is deep and clicking everywhere under their first-year coach, Doc Rivers. Portland is 2-5 ATS in their last seven against the Western Conference and 2-5 ATS against a team with a winning record. The favorite is 13-6 ATS in the last 19 meetings, and the Blazers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles. Play the LA Clippers.

02/05 8:05 PM EST NBA (713) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (714) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Take: (714) NBA Southwestern Division Game of the Year: Memphis Grizzlies.
A huge game for the home team, with Dallas clinging to the No. 8 playoff spot but Memphis right behind. Memphis has home court and Dallas has a losing road record. A tough spot for aging Dallas, 28th in the NBA in rebounding and 25th in points allowed. Mavericks F Shawn Marion missed his second straight game with lingering issues from shoulder and rib injuries. He's missed six games since getting hurt Jan. 7 against the Lakers. The Mavericks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a win and face a red-hot Memphis squad that plays brilliant defense and pounds the paint better than anyone with Marc Gasol back alongside workhorse Zach Randolph. Courtney Lee has been a great addition from Boston and the Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Western Conference and 6-0 ATS following a loss. They played well at Oklahoma City the last game but lost, only their second defeat in 13 games. The Grizzlies had won six straight games, the NBA's longest winning streak entering the week. Memphis had a six-game road winning streak snapped, but they get back on track here at home. Play Memphis.

02/01 8:35 PM EST NBA (515) MIAMI HEAT VS (516) NEW YORK KNICKS
Take: (515) NBA Monster Motivator Game of the Month: Play the Miami Heat.
New York is getting full of itself as Carmelo Anthony has been on a scoring tear. But this is still not a good team, 22nd in points scored, 27th in rebounding. The Knicks lost three straight home games before winning three in a row behind a rejuvenated attack led by Anthony. They had averaged 93.6 points during a five-game skid, including blowouts by the Clippers and Brooklyn to open the home stand before a loss to last-place Philadelphia. The Knicks will be missing Amare Stoudemire (ankle) and Andrea Bargnani (elbow), and could be without Iman Shumpert (shoulder), so this is not a healthy team. New York has a losing record at home and the Knicks are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 home games. Miami hasn't played since losing to the Thunder on national TV, 112-95, with 2 full days off. It was a game LeBron James wanted, turning it on against Kevin Durant, but he and the team struggled against the hot shooting Thunder. Now there are all these questions about Miami: Is LeBron losing a step? Is the Heat done? What a great opportunity to stick it to an Eastern rival here. Miami is far superior, 8th in the NBA in scoring, 9th in points allowed. The Heat is 19-7-1 ATS following a loss of more than 10 points, as well as 18-8 ATS in their last 26 games following any loss. With Carmelo getting all the publicity this week, watch LeBron put his game face on and his teammates will follow in a thrashing of a weak team. Play the Miami Heat!

01/30 8:00 PM EST NBA (503) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (504) NEW YORK KNICKS
Take: (504) NBA TNT Game of the Year: NY Knicks.
New York has come alive! The Knicks have awoken from a slumper, on a 3-0 SU/ATS run. This is their 7th straight home game, so everyone is comfortable and in a groove, and the Knicks are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a win of more than 10 points. They just pounded rival Boston, 114-88. New York is headed in the right direction again since ending a five-game losing streak Friday behind Anthony's 62 points, and is only a half-game out of the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Knicks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a spread win and face another bad team. Cleveland is 2-5 ATS on the road and struggling everywhere, 24th in points scored, 18th in points allowed. They just lost at home to New Orleans, 100-89, allowing 42.7% shooting. Cleveland's Luol Deng scored just six points. He's been slowed by a sore Achilles. The Cavaliers are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games playing on one days rest and when these teams meet the home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings. Play the NY Knicks!

01/10 8:05 PM EST NBA (811) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (812) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Take: (812) NBA Payback Game of the Month: New Orleans.
Dallas got run out of the building by the rivals Spurs the last game, dropping them to 8-10 on the road. Now they open as a favorite at New Orleans,, and the Mavericks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Defense is a problem on this aging team, 21st in points allowed, 22nd in field goal shooting defense (46%). New Orleans is 9-6 at home with some good young talent anchored by Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon. They didn't quite the last game, a loss at home but the the Pelicans went on a 21-4 run to cut the Wizards' lead to six with three minutes left. The Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games, 4-1-1 ATS against the Western Conference. Dallas squeezed out a win over New Orleans in their last meeting, but Davis did not play. The Pelican front line caused distinct matchup problems for the Mavericks, and Al-Farouq Aminu took full advantage, scoring 16, grabbing 21 rebounds and notching three steals. New Orleans had a rebound edge of 58-38 without Davis, and now he's back! And the Mavericks are 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings in New Orleans. Play New Orleans!

01/08 7:05 PM EST NBA (701) DETROIT PISTONS VS (702) TORONTO RAPTORS
Take: (702) NBA Inner Circle Game of the Month: Toronto.
A great bounce back spot for a very good Toronto team. Toronto (16-17) moved atop the lowly Atlantic Division during a 9-2 stretch in which it averaged 101.1 points on 44.9 percent shooting, including 38.7 from beyond the arc. The Raptors' season-best five-game winning streak ended with Sunday's 102-97 loss at Miami, and they followed that by putting up a season-low point total in an 86-79 defeat at Indiana two days later. But this team is strong on defense and has great depth, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss and the Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no days rest. They are on a 7-0 ATS run overall and the Raptors are 9-2 ATS against a team with a losing record. Detroit is not a good team, off a 89-85 loss at New York while connecting on 37.2 percent from the floor -- including 3 of 19 from behind the arc. Rodney Stuckey has been out with a sore shoulder and the Pistons are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 road games, plus on an 0-5 ATS run overall. Play Toronto!

12/10 7:05 PM EST NBA (501) MIAMI HEAT VS (502) INDIANA PACERS
Take: (502) NBA Revenge Game of the Year: Pacers.
The Pacers are a great team off a bad loss, 118-94 at Oklahoma City. They can be excused for a bad game as it was the end of a 5-game trip, plus playing 9th road game in 12 contests. Now they are home with rival Miami coming to town, a team that knocked Indiana out of the playoffs when they last met. Indiana (18-3) never quite discovered their meanness and toughness on the defensive end the last game, rolling over for a season-worst 118 points -- but they will at home. The Pacers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss, 7-0 ATS playing on one days rest. And speaking of tired Miami winds up a 4-game road trip here, and 6 of the last 8 away. They are an aging team just 3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS the last five games. The Pacers are a great bounce back team, 26-10 ATS in their last 36 games following a loss. And when these rivals meet the home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings, plus the Heat is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Indiana. Play the Indiana Pacers!

11/22 8:05 PM EST NBA (511) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (512) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Take: (512) NBA Monster Motivator Game of the Month: Memphis.
San Antonio (10-1) has feasted on the NBA's bottom-feeders for much of its winning streak. Seven of the eight teams the Spurs have defeated since their lone loss are currently under .500. The Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Western Conference and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record. They head to a Memphis team that they swept out of the playoffs last season, so the players and the crowd will be into this one. Memphis (7-5) just beat two of the West's top teams -- the Clippers and Golden State -- to complete a perfect four-game road trip. That win streak is a sign the Grizzlies are getting the hang of things in rookie coach David Joerger's scheme following a 3-5 start to the season. There's no denying the talent on this roster and they are still playing great defense. The Grizzlies are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. The home team needs and wants this one more than the visitors. Play the Memphis Grizzlies.

11/20 7:05 PM EST NBA (505) INDIANA PACERS VS (506) NEW YORK KNICKS
Take: (505) NBA Situational Game of the Month: Pacers.
Indiana hasn't played since getting smacked silly on Saturday by rival Chicago, a 110-94 pasting. The Pacers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. This is a great team off a bad game, tops in the NBA in defense allowing 86.3 ppg. Small forward Paul George is blossoming as a star, averaging 23.3 points per game (up 5.9) while improving his shooting (41.9 percent to 46.5. Roy Hibbert has blocked 46 shots

6/16 08:00 PM EST NBA (709) MIAMI HEAT (710) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take: (710) NBA Inner Circle Insider: Spurs in Game 5.
Miami is under no pressure now with the series going back to South Beach no matter what happens here. And this talented team has been so inconsistent, with the Heat 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games following a win. San Antonio is home and needs a win. They got good news as Tony Parker reports no additional pain after Game 4. Parker said he hopes to be close to 100 percent with two days of rest before Game 5 on Sunday. The Spurs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games playing on 2 days rest and 16-6-1 ATS following a loss of more than 10 points. Miami is weak under the glass (30th in the NBA in rebounding) and that has been exploited by the Bulls, Pacers and now the Spurs in these playoffs, something San Antonio will attack in this pivotal game. Look for a better effort by the home team in this one, a talented and deep team that will get the win. Play the Spurs in Game 5.

The Spurs can wrap-up their series with the Lakers here on Sunday with a win. The injury-plagued Lakers came into the playoffs without star Kobe Bryant, and have since lost Steve Nash too. No team in NBA history has come from an 0-3 deficit to win and without all their players, the odds look between slim and none for the Lakers (and slim isn't one of the choices). The Lakers will be without Nash, Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks here today. And now, Metta World Peace has also been scratched for today. The Lakers may need to bring Magic Johnson out of retirement. And with Dwight Howard all set to be a free agent after the season, I can't see much effort from him or the Lakers here on Sunday. They got blown out again in game three, surrendering over 120 points and while I don't expect the Spurs to garner another offensive outburst like that, this one should be easy too. The Spurs are motivated to end this series so its aging stars will get extra rest time until the next series. Stick a fork in the Lakers, they are done. Take San Antonio in game four.

4/26 10:35 PM EST NBA (741) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (742) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (741) TV Steamroller: Spurs in Game 3.
The Lakers have home court, but have lost the first two games by 12 and 11 points and have even more injury problems. Kobe Bryant is out for the year and guard Steve Blake is hurting, out indefinitely after an ultrasound taken Thursday confirmed a moderate strain of his right hamstring. This team was already thin on depth and has defensive troubles in the backcourt. Blake has done a good job guarding Tony Parker this series. The Lakers are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a loss. San Antonio has so much depth and firepower, 4th in the NBA in points scored and 11th in points allowed. They will run at the depleted Lakers and have no problem going up 3-0 -- especially with Dwight Howard throwing up bricks from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, adding to the LA woes. The Spurs are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings and the favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Play the Spurs in Game 3.

This could be a quick series for the Bulls if Saturday's contest is any indication. The Bulls were manhandled right from the opening tip by Brookly, losing Game one, 106-89. It wasn't sure if Center Joakim Noah would play in this contest do to an injury, though he did start. Noah played just over 13 minutes though and contributed just four points. Carlos Boozer was the one bright spot for the Bulls, chipping-in 25 points and pulling down eight rebounds in almost 45 minutes of play time. The Bulls just couldn't contain the Nets. Brooklyn hit 56% from the field (43% from 3-point arc) and had six players score in double figures led by Deron Williams 22-points. Is there any discourse behind closed doors of Chicago? Derrick Rose was supposed to return after the All-Star break but has yet to make a appearance. And while he has practiced, and some say he's the best player during practice, Rose says he still doesn't feel right to return. Compare that with Noah, who fought through his painful hurt foot just to play in game one. Rose apparently is deciding he will just call it a season and you know that has to have his team mates scratching their heads. Bulls look like they shouldn't even be in the post season and if you ask Rose, he likely wishes they weren't. The Nets have all the momentum and heart right now and I'm sticking with them here on Monday. Take Brookly in game two.

04/14 9:35 PM NBA (715) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (716) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (715) NBA Western Conference Rivalry Game of the Month: Spurs.
All the talk is about how the Lakers need the win, but so does San Antonio, in a tight battle for the top seed in the West with Oklahoma City. The Lakers don't play any defense and San Antonio has so much explosiveness on offense, 4th in the NBA in scoring, tops in assists. The Lakers struggle on defense, 24th in the league in points allowed. They can be exploited at the guard position and from long range, two things the Spurs can take advantage of. , Kobe Bryant hurt his achilles on Friday and is out for this game, taking the life (and their best player) out of the Lakers. Bryant finishes the season with averages of 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists. The Lakers are 19-41-1 ATS in their last 61 games following a win and 2-8-1 ATS against a team with a winning percentage above .600. And when these rivals meet the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the Spurs are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles. Play the Spurs.

04/13 8:05 PM EST NBA (505) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (506) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take: (505) NBA Game of the Month: Clippers.
A huge showdown as both teams are on the bubble to get home court for the opening round of the playoffs, facing each other! The LA Clippers are rolling along, healthy and feeling confident, with a blasting of the rival Lakers this week. The Clippers have been saying priority is to go into postseason strong. They could improve playoff position if they win their last four games. They showed signs of playing better defense, limiting the Lakers to 43.4% shooting in their victory Sunday and getting six steals. The Clippers also held the Phoenix Suns to 45.5% shooting in their win last Wednesday and got 14 steals and smoked Minnesota the last game, 111-95. They have the opportunity to improve their playoff position if they win out. The Clippers are guaranteed at least the fourth seeding in the Western Conference because they are a division winner. The Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Western Conference. But the fifth-seeded Grizzlies currently have a better record and would have the home-court advantage over the Clippers if Memphis finishes with a better record. The Grizzlies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning record and 0-4 ATS against a team with a winning percentage above .600. And the Clippers are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Play the LA Clippers.

4/12 8:05 PM EST NBA (717) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (718) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Take: (717) NBA Slam Dunk Game of the Year: Clippers.
The LA Clippers are rolling along, healthy and feeling confident, with a blasting of the rival Lakers this week. With a franchise best 52-26 record and after clinching first division title, Clippers say priority is to go into postseason strong. They could improve playoff position if they win their last five games. The Clippers are 10-2 ATS against a team with a losing record and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400. They showed signs of playing better defense, limiting the Lakers to 43.4% shooting in their victory Sunday and getting six steals. The Clippers also held the Phoenix Suns to 45.5% shooting in their win last Wednesday and got 14 steals and smoked Minnesota the last game, 111-95. They have the opportunity to improve their playoff position if they win out. The Clippers are guaranteed at least the fourth seeding in the Western Conference because they are a division winner. But the fifth-seeded Grizzlies currently have a better record and would have the home-court advantage over the Clippers if Memphis finishes with a better record. New Orleans is getting some respect as they have improved, but this is a bad matchup for them in the low post, 20th in the NBA in rebounds and 25th in scoring. The Hornets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record and the favorite is 17-7 ATS in the last 24 meetings. Play the LA Clippers.

04/11 10:35 PM NBA (503) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (504) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: (503) NBA TV Game of the Month: Thunder.
Oklahoma City has a powerhouse offense, second in the NBA in scoring. But this is also a terrific defensive team, under the radar, 12th in the NBA in points scored and second in field goal shooting defense. In fact, they are No. 1 in the West allowing .426% shooting by opponents, with solid rebounders and shot blocking role players in Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Russell Westbrook scored 25 points, Kevin Durant added 21 and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 90-80 on Tuesday. The Thunder (57-21) continued their push to claim the top overall seed in the Western Conference. The Thunder is 41-18-3 ATS against the Western Conference and 23-9-1 ATS in their last 33 vs. the NBA Pacific. Golden State has been up and down since the week before the All-Star break, playing hard but undersized up front while allowing 100 ppg (19th). The Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NBA Northwest and 5-11 ATS playing on one days rest. When they face a good team, the Warriors are just 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning record. And the Thunder is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Play Oklahoma City!

04/10 10:35 PM EST NBA (719) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (720) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: (719) NBA Situational Game of the Year: Spurs.
Denver is off a blowout win at home, but that was against defenseless Houston. There are still major concerns with Danilo Gallinari out for the season and playmaking guard Ty Lawson, the Nuggets' leading scorer, is out indefinitely because of a plantar fascia tear in his right foot. You need depth and your best players against San Antonio. The Spurs are 4th in the NBA in scoring, 9th in points allowed. They are also well rested, not having played since Saturday. Duncan had 31 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks to help the short-handed San Antonio Spurs escape with a 99-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Kawhi Leonard added 23 points and DeJuan Blair had 11 for San Antonio, which clinched the Southwest Division title for the third straight year. The Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games playing on 3 or more days rest. And when they meet the road team is 15-3 ATS in the last 18 meetings, including the Spurs sitting at 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings in Denver! Play the Spurs.

04/03 10:35 PM EST NBA (523) PHOENIX SUNS VS (524) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Take: (524) NBA Game of the Year: LA Clippers.

The LA Clippers are in a tight battle for the all-important No. 3 and 4 spots in the West with Denver and Memphis. Because the Clippers probably will end up winning the Pacific Division, they would be seeded fourth in the West. But if the Clippers' record remains worse than the fifth-seeded Grizzlies when the regular season is over, L.A. will have to travel to Memphis to begin the first-round series. Phoenix, on the other hand, is playing out the string of a lost season, the worst team in the West. They've lost 12 of 14 games and the defense is nonexistent allowing over 101 points in 5 straight and 11 of the last 13. Phoenix allows 47% shooting by opponents, 4th worst in the NBA, and a whopping .393% shooting from three-point land -- easily the worst in the league. And they just gave up 112 points to the Pacers, the fourth-worst shooting in the league. The Suns are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games, 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The LA Clippers want to turn over a new leaf in April, as the Clippers' bad trip to Texas completed a March to mediocrity with losses in Dallas, San Antonio and Houston, which left the Clippers with a 7-7 record for the month. "We've got to do better," Chris Paul says. They've slipped behind third-place Denver and Memphis in the Western Conference playoff race. The magic number for the Clippers to clinch the Pacific Division championship is two. Saturday's loss to the short-handed Houston Rockets was maddening to them as Coach Vinny Del Negro was livid after that game. While the Rockets played without injured James Harden, the NBA's fifth-leading scorer, the Clippers simply played without passion. Monday they lost again, at home to the Pacers, so after playing the best defense in the NBA....now they face the worst. Look for a dominant effort against an awful basketball team. Play the LA Clippers.

03/29 8:05 PM EST NBA (861) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (862) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Take: (861) NBA Revenge Game of the Month: Thunder.
Minnesota is struggling on defense, giving up 104 to the slow-down Bulls (a loss), 108 to the Rockets (a loss) and even 107 to the Pacers in a 107-91 rout. The Timberwolves are 6-15-2 ATS in their last 23 games vs. a team with a winning record and into town comes the talented and deep Thunder. Oklahoma City is in a fierce battle for the top spot in the West, trailing San Antonio, and has been great at home and on the road. OKC is second in the NBA in points scored, 12th in points allowed, and tops in the West in field goal shooting defense allowing .428% shooting. The Thunder is 10-2 ATS in vs. a team with a losing record. Minnesota is 20th in the NBA in scoring and 23rd in field goal shooting defense, allowing 46%. OKC lost the last time they were here earlier in the season, a 99-93 loss as a favorite, but the leading scorer and rebounder was Kevin Love with 28 points, 11 boards, and he won't play in this one. That was the second night of a back to back for them, but this time the Thunder is rested and 39-17-3 ATS against the Western Conference. Play Oklahoma City.

03/26 9:35 PM EST NBA (655) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (656) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (655) NBA TNT Game of the Year: LA Clippers.
Dallas is getting a lot of respect with this betting line, but this team isn't even in line to make the playoffs, trying to overtake the Jazz and Lakers for the last spot. Defense is the problem, 27th in the NBA in points allowed and in the middle of the pack in field goal shooting defense from the field and from three-point line. Into town come the LA Clippers, not having played since Saturday, a 101-95 win over the Nets. All-Star guard Chris Paul scored 17 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter. Eric Bledsoe returned for the Clippers after missing the last five games with a sore left calf. He scored seven points in about 10 minutes, and Paul credited him with being "all over the ball. That's a point guard's nightmare." LA is 8th in the NBA in points scored, but playing great defense, 4th in points allowed. The Clippers are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 2 days rest and 25-12 ATS in their last 37 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Play the LA Clippers!

03/12 7:05 PM EST NBA (555) LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS (556) ORLANDO MAGIC
Take: (555) NBA Mismatch Massacre Game of the Year: LA Lakers.
The Lakers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and Dwight Howard returns to his old stomping grounds with a new attitude. The Lakers have moved up into the No. 8 seed and the playoffs. Howard scored 16 points and grabbed 21 rebounds, Kobe Bryant chipped in with 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, as the Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 90-81 Sunday. "We're very focused," Bryant said. "We know what we have to do and what lies ahead. Everybody's locked in." More good news is that Lakers forward Pau Gasol (foot injury) remains on track to return before the end of the regular season, so the vibes are good and it's showing on the court on a 3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS run. And they face a horrible team, with Orlando ranked 24th in points scored and 22nd in points allowed and 23rd in FG shooting defense allowing 46% shooting. The Magic is 8-21 ATS in their last 29 home games! The Lakers are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Orlando and the road team is 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings. Look for a big effort by Howard and the Lakers as every game has meaning in this stretch run. Play the LA Lakers.

03/05 7:05 PM EST NBA (501) BOSTON CELTICS VS (502) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Take: (501) Atlantic Division Rivalry Game of the Year: Celtics.
A pair of longtime rivals meet and the fans get up for this one, but only one of these teams is playing hard anymore. Boston has had 3 full days off and comes off an impressive win over Golden State, shutting down the Warriors high octane offense in a 94-86 win (and cover). They are playing great defense and Avery Bradley hounded Stephen Curry (6-of-22 shooting) all night, one game after he scored 54 on the Knicks. The Celtics are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. While Boston is rested and on a 3-1 SU/ATS run, the 76ers have packed in the season, on a 1-8 SU, 4-5 ATS run. That included an embarrassing 98-84 home loss to the Magic, another team that has packed it in. This is a bad Philly offense and the Celtics will have no trouble shutting them down. Play the Celtics.

02/22 10:35 PM EST NBA (809) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (810) BROOKLYN NETS
Take: Non-Conference NBA Total of the Year: Rockets/Nets over the total.
Houston is all about an attacking offense under coach Kevin McHale and newcomer guard James Harden. Houston is tops in the NBA in scoring and hung 122 on the Thunder the last game, a strong defensive team. Harden scored a career-high 46 points and Jeremy Lin added 29 as the Houston Rocketshad a 122-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Houston was down by 14 points with about seven minutes left, but went on a 21-4 run with that explosive attack. Houston is on a 6-1 run over the total and 20-8 over following an ATS win. Brooklyn's defense had a great first half, but is cooling off allowing 111 to the Bucks in OT Tuesday and then 94 on Wednesday to the same team, a pair of wins. They are on a 4-1 run over the total at home. Deron Williams and Joe Johnson lead this strong offense that will have no trouble putting up points on the defenseless Rockets. This will be a shootout from the opening tip and the over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Play the Rockets/Nets over the total.

02/08 8:05 PM EST NBA (813) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (814) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Take: (813) NBA Monster Motivational Game of the Year: NY Knicks.
New York had a 5-game win streak snapped Wednesday with an embarrassing loss at Washington...and the players were furious. Knicks center Tyson Chandler was fuming after the game.

02/06 7:05 PM EST NBA (705) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (706) WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Take: (705) NBA Mismatch Game of the Month: NY Knicks.
A tough situational spot for the home team, with Washington playing the Clippers, Knicks and Nets this week. They come in on a high note knocking off the Clippers, but LA was banged up badly with injuries. Washington is still 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS the last 5 games. The Wizards are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 vs. the NBA Atlantic and take on a healthy and stocked NY squad. Tyson Chandler is off three straight 20-rebound games, with Amar'e Stoudemire, J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony all clicking. Chandler has been on a tear since Woodson bluntly told him that he wasn't playing the kind of complete basketball that's expected of a player of his stature. "He called me into his office and he said, 'You're an All-Star, you need to start playing like it. The last thing you want is people questioning that,'" Chandler said. "The next night, I had a different focus about me." NY is on a 4-0 ATS run and the Knicks are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a losing record. And the Knicks are 22-8 ATS in the last 30 meetings! Play the NY Knicks.

02/05 8:05 PM EST NBA (505) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (506) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (505) NBA TV Bailout Game of the Month: Warriors.
Both Houston and Golden State have outstanding offenses, but only one plays defense. The surprising Warriors are actually very good on defense, allowing .434% shooting by opponents -- fourth best in the NBA and second best in the West behind Oklahoma City. The reason is coach Mark Jackson, who is in his second year but has demanded so much from the defense this season and the kids have responded. The Warriors are 28-13-1 ATS in their last 42 road games and 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. They've had 2 full days to rest and are riding a 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS run which included a pair of road wins. Houston isn't playing any defense, 27th in the NBA in points allowed and 24th at defending the three-pointer (37%). They allowed 118 points at Denver two games ago and is riding a 4-10 ATS run overall. Play the Warriors!

02/01 7:05 PM EST NBA (801) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (802) TORONTO RAPTORS
Take: (801) NBA Non-Conference Game of the Year: CLippers.
Toronto had a nice run but they've fallen back on hard times losing 8 of 10. The last game was exhausting, a 93-92 loss at Atlanta, and now they come home to face the talented Clippers. Toronto is 23rd in the NBA in team defense allowing 99.9 ppg and one of the worst rebounding teams. The Raptors are 19-39-1 ATS in their last 59 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. Blake Griffin has elevated his game in Chris Paul's absence, entering the night averaging 23.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and a staggering 6.8 assists in the last five games, picking up some of the playmaking slack left for arguably the game's best point guard. Eric Bledsoe is doing an admirable job filling in while Chris Paul rests an aching knee. Bledsoe picked up 10 points, 10 assists and six steals on Wednesday, a win at Minnesota. The Clippers are 21-10 ATS in their last 31 games following a win. Play the LA Clippers!

01/29 10:05 PM EST NBA (505) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (506) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take: (505) Western Conference Game of the Month: Mavericks.
Dallas tooko on the chin to their rivals last week, the Spurs, a 113-107 home loss as a favorite. However, they bounced back with a blowout win over the Suns and the fact is Dallas has been playing great basketball, on a 6-2 SU, 7-1 ATS run. This is a veteran team with an excellent bench, utilizing Elton Brand and Vince Carter, alongside star Dirk Nowitzki, who is getting in a groove after missing 27 games from a knee injury. The Mavericks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. the Western Conference. Portland has been struggling, losing 7 of 9 games, coming back to earth after overachieving early. They are off another loss at the Clippers: The Blazers scored just 12 points, made just 4 of 14 field goals -- missing all six of their three-point attempts -- and committed seven costly turnovers. The result wasn't pretty: The Clippers outscored the Blazers 23-12 in the game-changing third. The Blazers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing record and 5-11 ATS against a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. Play the Mavericks!

The Rockets hope to have fixed their recent problems now that they have won three of their last four games. That includes a win at home last time out over Brookly, 119-106. Still, they have lost eight of their last 11 games. Moreover, they are just 2-9 ATS their last 11 games. The Rockets are also 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games. Meanwhile, the Jazz have now won nine of their last 12 games. They have also covered eight of their last 12. The Jazz have also covered six of their last seven home games. I like teams on streaks and the Jazz have been very well, especially at home. Take the Jazz on Monday.

01/26 7:05 PM EST NBA (503) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (504) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Take: NBA Total of the Month: Knicks/76ers under the total.
New York is a terrific defensive team, 4th in the NBA in field goal shooting defense and 10th in points allowed. They leaned on that defense the last game to win at Boston, 89-86, as a dog. That was their 4th straight game under the total. The under is also 5-2 in the Knicks last 7 road games and they face a slow down Philadelphia team that has struggled on offense all season. The 76ers are 28th in points scored and the under is 21-9 in the 76ers last 30 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. And when these teams meet the under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings, including 5-1 under the total in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia. Play the Knicks/76ers under the total.

01/23 9:05 PM EST NBA (715) WASHINGTON WIZARDS VS (716) UTAH JAZZ
Take: (715) NBA First Half Game of the Year: Wizards.
Washington is under the radar, on a sizzling 9-1 ATS run. They are also on a 5-2 SU/6-1 ATS run winning 4 times as dogs of +6.5, +10.5, +3 and +12 points. John Wall is back, coming off the bench, but is a huge factor running this offense. Jordan Crawford came off the bench the last game and hit the big three as time expired to give them a thrilling 98-95 victory at Portland. Martell Webster and Nene Hilario both had season highs with 24 points and Emeka Okafor had his eighth double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Throw in promising rookie, Bradley Beal, and this team is far better than their record, decimated by injuries early in the season but getting healthy now. The Wizards are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 vs. the Western Conference and 19-7-2 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning record. Utah hasn't played in a while and the Jazz is 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games following a win of more than 10 points. Home court has meant little when these teams meet as the road team is 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings, so look for a far closer game than oddsmakers expect. Play the Wizards!

01/22 7:05 PM EST NBA (501) BOSTON CELTICS VS (502) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Take: (501) NBA Matchup Mismatch Game of the Month: Celtics.
The Cavaliers are home from a long road trip, losing 4 of 5 including a pair of double digit defeats. The first game back from a long road trip is often difficult for a team as the players are dealing with concerns at home, seeing the family for the first time in a while. Boston comes to town with a chip on its shoulder on a 3-game skid. The Celtics are not a good rebounding team, but the Cavs are without Anderson Varejao for the season. Varejao had been enjoying his best season in the NBA until suffering the injury Dec. 18, averaging 14.1 points and 14.4 rebounds per game. The Cavaliers are 9-27 ATS in their last 36 home games and 7-21 ATS in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Boston needs a win, has a deep, healthy team and the Celtics are 25-12-1 ATS in their last 38 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of less than .400. Play the Celtics!

01/18 9:35 PM NBA (817) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (818) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (817) NBA Bailout Game of the Month: Thunder.
Oklahoma City has more road wins than the aging Mavs have at home. The Thunder is 17-5-1 ATS in their last 23 games playing on one days rest and 24-8-3 ATS against the Western Conference. Oklahoma City can beat you in so many ways, tops in the NBA in points scored and 8th in points allowed. They are off a 20-point win over Denver where 6 players off the bench played 10+ minutes. Dallas has home court but has been short-handed much of the season because of injuries. They also don't play any defense, 27th in the NBA in points allowed. The Mavericks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Northwest. And when these teams meet the Thunder is 11-2-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Dallas. Play Oklahoma City!

Southeast Division Game of the Year : Two Southeast teams that combined don't have as many wins as division leader Miami. The Orlando Magic (13-23 SU, 19-16 ATS, 21-15 O/U) broke their 10-game losing streak on Friday with a win at the Clippers, 104-101. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have quietly won two straight games beating Oklahoma 101-99 and Atlanta, 93-83. The Wizards were the final team in the NBA to win two consecutive games this year. And in no small part, the return of guard John Wall has fueled this win streak. Wall, returning after missing the first 33 games with a knee injury, hit three of the teams final five field goals in their win over Atlanta. The return of Wall has energized this club as they are 1-0 now win him in the lineup, while winning just five of their previous 33 games. Many predicted the Wizards to be a playoff caliber team entering the season, but the loss of Wall put a damper on those aspirations. However, tonight I fully expect the Wizards to run their win streak to three games with lots of enthusiasm now that Wall has returned. Take the Wizards here on Monday, your SouthEast Divisional Game of the year.

01/11 10:35 PM NBA (821) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (822) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (821) Western Conference Game of the Year: Oklahoma City.
The short-handed Lakers gave it their all the last game, losing at San Antonio 108-105. But don't be fooled: they played worse than that. LA was down by double digits entering the fourth, allowed 48.8% shooting for the game and the Spurs nailed 12 of 25 threes! This Laker team plays zero defense for new coach Mike Dantoni, this biggest reason they are underachieving. But there are more problems, such as one that was prevalent a year ago: a bad defensive backcourt that gets taken apart by young, quick guards. It won't get any easier here against Russell Westbrook and the powerhouse Thunder. The Lakers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games playing on one days rest and 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games following an ATS win. The Lakers like to run and don't have the personnel, and now they don't have any depth or big men. The Thunder is 21-8-2 ATS in their last 31 vs. the Western Conference. And when these teams meet the Thunder is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles, plus the road team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Play Oklahoma City!

01/10 10:35 PM EST NBA (505) MIAMI HEAT VS (506) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take: (505) High Roller NBA TV Steamroller: Heat.
Portland lacks bench strength and defense and both those will be huge problems here exploited by the defending champs. Even in an OT win over Orlando the last game, their 3rd win in a row, Portland allowed 49.5% shooting and 11 three pointers. That's been a problem all season, 21st in the NBA in points allowed and third worst in the league in field goal shooting defense, allowing .463%. And there bench doesn't strike fear in anyone with Luke Babbitt, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland and Ronnie Price. The foursome averaged 12 minutes in the overtime against orlando and when on the floor the team was -1, 0, -9 and -12 against the Magic. The Blazers are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games playing on 2 days rest. Miami (4th in the NBA in points scored) won't be in a good mood, off a terrible game at Indiana, scoring 77 points and losing by double digits despite allowing just 36% shooting. The Heat is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Western Conference, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. the NBA Northwest. The Miami bench is so much better with Mike Miller, Shane Battier, Norris Cole and Ray Allen -- oh, and the starters are better, too, with James, Bosh and Wade. The road team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings and the Heat is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Portland. Play the Miami Heat.

01/09 8:05 PM EST NBA (711) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS (712) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: (712) NBA Home Court Crusher Game of the Month: Oklahoma City.
Minnesota can play with anyone with the remarkable Kevin Love, but Love is out with a broken hand. Throw in the Ricky Rubio back spasms and this team has all kinds of depth problems. Oklahoma City plays its second straight home game, but won't be in a good mood after an embarrassing home loss to Washington, 101-99. Say what? That's right, Bradley Beal made a jumper with 0.3 seconds left Monday night, lifting the short-handed Wizards to a stunning upset at Oklahoma City Thunder, who missed 16 straight shots at one stretch. They were 12-point favorites and blew it after leading by 10 after one. The Thunder are 20-8-2 ATS in their last 30 vs. the Western Conference. The home team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings and the Timberwolves are 4-9-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Oklahoma City. Play Oklahoma City.

01/08 7:05 PM EST NBA (501) MIAMI HEAT VS (502) INDIANA PACERS
Take: (502) NBA Revenge Game of the Month: Pacers.
On the way to winning the title last year, Miami embarrassed the Pacers in the playoffs, rallying from a 2-1 series deficit by winning 3 straight. GM Larry Bird called his team "soft". Now Miami returns to the scene of the crime playing uneven basketball, 3-3 SU/1-5 ATS the last 6 games despite being favored in all 6. This is the start of a 6-game trip for them, and their 5th road game over the last 8 games. This game means little to them and they've been pretty much a .500 road team (7-6). For Indiana, though, this game has tremendous meaning, with the champs in town and folks talking about the Pacers' collapse back in May. Roy Hibbert had his best game in almost two months when he scored 20 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, including a career-high 11 offensive boards, and blocked five shots in the Pacers' 95-80 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks the last game, part of a nice 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS run. And the Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. Play the Pacers!

01/05 7:05 PM EST NBA (503) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (504) ORLANDO MAGIC
Take: (503) Road Warrior Game of the Year: New York Knicks.
Orlando has given it their all the last two games to try and end this 7-game skid, but suffered back to back excruciating losses by a basket each time to the Heat and Bulls. It doesn't get any easier here against the powerhouse Knicks. Orlando is banged up, with Power forward/center Gustavo Ay

01/04 10:35 PM EST NBA (821) LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS (822) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (821) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Reason: Rivalry Game of the Month: LA Lakers.
The Lakers are healthy and getting it together on a 6-2 run despite a loss the last game. The Lakers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest and will be up for this one against their city rival, a Clipper team that has been getting so much notoriety. The Clippers are less rested, playing 8 of their last 12 on the road. They have worn down the last two games, losing at Denver (92-78) and at Golden State (115-94). L.A. got pushed around by Golden State, their second consecutive subpar effort. "We are just terrible," Chris Paul says. The Clippers built a 17-game winning streak by taking advantage of a soft schedule. The Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss and 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss of more than 10 points. Play the LA Lakers.

12/26 8:05 PM EST NBA (713) BROOKLYN NETS VS (714) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take: (714) NBA High Roller Situational Slam: Bucks.
Brooklyn has a losing record on the road and is in a bad situational spot, playing their 3rd game in 4 nights plus the second of a back to back spot after battling Boston yesterday. They have looked like a tired team, too, on a bad run both straight up and against the spread (3-8 SU/2-9 ATS). The Nets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games playing on no days rest. They face a rested Milwaukee team that has a dynamite backcourt with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis plus a strong bench. Veteran guard BenoBeno Udrih was back on the practice court this week for the first time since spraining his right ankle in a game at Minnesota on Nov. 30. He has missed the last 12 games and expects to play this game. With Mike Dunleavy and Udrih on a bench, the unit also features power forward Ersan Ilyasova, center-forward Ekpe Udoh, forward Drew Gooden, centers Samuel Dalembert and Joel Przybilla, rookie guard Doron Lamb, rookie forward John Henson and small forward Tobias Harris. Milwaukee ranks eighth in bench points (36.5 per game). The Bucks are 42-14-2 ATS in their last 58 vs. the NBA Atlantic and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 against the Eastern Conference. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings and the Nets are 0-12 ATS in the last 12 meetings, including 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Milwaukee. Play the Bucks!

12/25 5:30 PM NBA (505) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (506) MIAMI HEAT
Take: (506) NBA Marquee TV Matchup Massacre: Heat.
Rematch of the NBA Finals on Xmas Day, and who has the edge? It's evenly matchup, but a closer look finds that the home team has dominated: The favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings and the home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. The Miami Heat topped the Utah Jazz, their last game, their fourth consecutive game. The Heat (18-6) played without a center in the traditional sense of the position, starting LeBron James, Shane Battier and Udonis Haslem with Chris Bosh battling the flu, though he's back for this one. James led the Heat with 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, dominating the game simultaneously as a small forward, power forward and point guard. The Heat has won four consecutive games and has held its past seven opponents under 100 points. Oklahoma City plays its third straight road game and looked out of gas the last game, a 99-93 loss at Minnesota as a favorite. The Thunder is 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings, including 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Miami. Play the Heat.

12/18 8:05 PM NBA (509) BOSTON CELTICS VS (510) CHICAGO BULLS
Take: (509) NBA Dog of the Month: Celtics.
Boston opened a dog here but should be favored. This is a deep team that added new pieces for this season, 12th in the NBA in points scored, tops in assists. Boston winds up a three-game trip here, and has had 2 days to rest after a tough trip to Texas, back to back losses at Houston and San Antonio, so this is a great bounce back spot. Then there is Chicago, roughly a .500 team (7-6) at home and in the second of a back to back spot, at Memphis, while the Celtics are rested. The Bulls are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record and 2-11 ATS in their last 13 home games. After Saturday

12/14 9:05 PM EST NBA (819) UTAH JAZZ VS (820) PHOENIX SUNS
Take: (819) Western Conference Game of the Month: Jazz.
Utah has exceptional balance, 8th in offense and rebounds in the NBA. They are riding a 4-game win streak despite being a dog of +7 and +4 in each of the last two games, wins at the Lakers and at home over the Spurs. It was the first time since 1997 that the Jazz beat both in back-to-back games. "We're on a mission," Mo Williams said. "We want to be good. We don't know our ceiling yet." Utah has had time to learn Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin's system and has had time for its new acquisitions -- Mo Williams (trade), Marvin Williams (trade) and Randy Foye (free agent) -- to settle in. This is a hard working frontcourt with Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson and they face a Phoenix team that is soft and finesse, 26th in rebounding and 27th in points allowed (102 ppg). The Suns are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall and 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games. And the Jazz is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Phoenix. Play the Jazz!

12/12 10:35 PM EST NBA (725) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (726) UTAH JAZZ
Take: (725) Bailout Game of the Month: Spurs.
What a road trip for San Antonio, ripping the Bobcats and Rockets by 20 and 8 points. They've own 5 in a row and 10 of 11. The Spurs lead the NBA with 18 victories. A team playing without some of its best players can be a dangerous foe, something the Spurs proved when a roster missing Ginobili, Duncan, Parker and Danny Green almost defeated the Heat in Miami on Nov. 29. The Spurs are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 road games. They take on a Utah team that is on a 3-game win streak, but that's a bit deceptive, beating the Magic and Raptors at home, then topping the dysfunctional Lakers the last game. Prior to that they had lost 3 in a row. This is not a strong defensive team, 20th in the NBA in points allowed, 23rd in field goal shooting defense. The Jazz is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600 and the Spurs have 11 road wins in 13 road games. And when these teams meet the Spurs are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Play the Spurs!

12/11 7:35 PM EST NBA (505) DENVER NUGGETS VS (506) DETROIT PISTONS
Take: (505) 20-Star Situational Slam Dunk: Nuggets.
A bad situational spot for the home team, playing at Philly last night and their 4th game in 5 nights. Their defense is suspect and they rank 23rd in points scored and 20th in rebounds. The Pistons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing record and Denver comes to town and will run right at the tired Pistons. Denver is 9th in the NBA in points scored and has had a full day off since a loss at New York, the top team in the East. Now they face one of the worst. Denver is the first team to start a season playing 17 of its first 23 games on the road since the Chicago Bulls in 1985-86, and they have more talent than their record suggests. Reserve forward Corey Brewer is on fire. In the past four games, his point totals have been 19, 19, 20 and 15 The Nuggets rank third in the NBA with 45.9 rebounds per game with newcomer Andre Iguodala and sparkplug guards Ty Lawson and Andre Miller. The rested Nuggets are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 vs. the NBA Central and will run at the tired home team. Play the Nuggets!

11/27 10:05 PM EST NBA (507) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (508) SACRAMENTO KINGS
Take: (508) NBA Home Court Game of the Month: Kings.
The Kings have home court and come off a big win for the Utah Jazz, 108-97. A big turnaround has been attacking guard Tyreke Evans, who won Rookie of the Year honors in the 2009-10 season. Evans has averaged 21 points in the last four games. Perhaps it's no coincidence that the Kings have scored 100 points or more and shot over 50 percent in three straight games, two of them victories. Sacramento is 4-4 at home and the Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win, plus 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a win of more than 10 points. Into town comes Minnesota and its struggling offense, 28th in the NBA in scoring and a long way from home. The Timberwolves are 6-18 ATS in their last 24 games vs. a team with a losing record and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. The Timberwolves are 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Sacramento. Play the Kings!

NBA TV Total Game of the Month : The Cavaliers had a good shot of handing Miami its first home loss of the season on Saturday, but lost down the stretch, 110-108. The Cavs defense is horrible though, which is how they let Miami come back on Saturday. The D is 28th in the league in points allowed (102.2 ppg) and the club is only 20th in rebounds (40.9 rpg). The Cavs have allowed over 100 points in 10 of their 13 games this season. However, the Cavaliers can score too, evidenced by their 108 and 104 points in their last two games. Meanwhile, Memphis is one of the better home teams in the league in recent years and they are playing great so far this year with a 9-2 SU & ATS record. Their lone home loss came at the hands of Denver on Nov 19, 97-92. The Grizzlies can score too, averaging 100.7 ppg (6th in the league). They are led by forward Rudy Gay, 20.1 ppg. Almost no way that Cavs can win this game, but what I look for here are lots of points out of the Grizzlies against a terrible Cavs defense. If the Cavs can get into the 90's, this game will fly OVER. Your TV Total Game of the month is the OVER.

11/15 8:35 PM NBA (503) NEW YORK KNICKS (504) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take: (503) NBA High Roller Game of the Month: NY Knicks.
New York (5-0) has been outstanding, tops in the NBA in points allowed and second in the league in points scored! And if you think they've been undervalued by oddsmakers this season, guess again: The Knicks are 25-10 ATS in their last 35 games overall. The Knicks are also 8-3 ATS in their last 11 against the Western Conference. Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton push the ball up the court on offense, while Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler and Rasheed Wallace provide big bodies in the low post for rebounding and shot blocking. San Antonio is home from a 4-game road trip with grueling games against both LA teams and the Blazers, a tough trip, going 3-1. The Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. The visitors match up well with the home team; Play the NY Knicks!

11/14 10:35 PM EST NBA (719) MIAMI HEAT VS (720) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (720) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS.
Reason: The defending champs are in town, which always makes the home team play harder. In this case the Clippers have lost the spotlight in the offseason to the Lakers, and have really lost it this week with all the focus on the Laker coaching change. The first place Clippers are third in the NBA in points scored (102 ppg) and seventh in assists. The Clippers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. the NBA Southeast and will be fired up more than usual with LeBron in town. The team's depth is allowing starters more rest time during games and Blake Griffin, for one, is happy about having less wear and tear on the body. He's playing only 32 minutes per game. Starters DeAndre Jordan (25.3), Caron Butler (25.9) and Willie Green (19.0) also are seeing the benefits of being fresh with less playing time. Jamal Crawford leads the Clippers' reserves in minutes played, averaging 28.9 minutes. The Heat is 3,000 miles from home and home court has dominated this series: The home team is 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings and the Heat are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles. Play the Clippers!

11/13 10:05 PM EST NBA (509) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (510) SACRAMENTO KINGS. Take: (510) 20-Star NBA Situational Slam Dunk: Kings.
Portland is struggling on defense allowing 104 ppg (29th in the NBA) with a lack of depth. There's a large talent disparity between Portland

11/09 7:35 PM EST NBA (505) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS VS (506) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (505) NBA Rivalry Game of the Month: 76ers.
Boston has some new pieces to work into the mix and they are playing like it at 2-2, needing OT to beat the winless Wizards the last game. Most disturbing is the defense, or lack of it, allowing 99.8 ppg. The Celtics are not a great rebounding team and into town come the rival 76ers with a BIG frontcourt of Dorell Wright 7-foot Spencer Hawes. The 76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on one days rest. This team is deep with youth and athleticism, unlike the Celtics. They are a strong defensive team, off a 77-62 flattening of New Orleans, and the 76ers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 75 points in their previous game. The Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a win and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Eastern Conference. Both teams are 2-2 and look for a fierce effort in this division rivalry game, so grab the talented, hungry dog that plays great D. Play the 76ers!

11/07 10:35 PM NBA (525) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (526) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: High Roller Total: Spurs/Clippers over the total.
A pair of uptempo teams meet out West in LA. San Antonio (4-0) is running and gunning again, 12th in the NBA in scoring and 6th in field goal shooting. The last game they put up 101 points on a strong Indiana defensive team to start 4-0. The Spurs outscored the Pacers' bench 57-35. The over is 34-16-1 in Spurs last 51 road games. They take on the young Clippers who don't play much defense but can run and gun behind Chris Paul, 8th in the NBA in assists and 5th in scoring as a team. Of course, they allow 102.3 ppg -- 25th in the NBA. That bad D was on display the last game, giving up 108 to the Cavaliers in a loss. LA is on a 6-0 run over the total and the over is 9-3 in the Clippers last 12 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. The over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings and this one will sail over, as well. Play the Spurs/Clippers over the total.

6/12 09:00 PM EST NBA (501) MIAMI HEAT (502) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: Over the total.
Reason: Oklahoma City hosts Game 1 of the Finals Tuesday night and lets take a look at the total. What kind of tempo will be played? Oklahoma City prefers the uptempo game all the time with their young legs and exceptioinal depth, No. 3 in the NBA in scoring with 103 ppg. We saw an uptempo series against the Spurs, 4-2 over the total including the last 3 games, all part of an 11-4 run over the total. But what kind of style will Miami play? The Heat have preferred a slow paced defensive style in the playoffs the last two seasons, but they got away from that in the Boston series. 5 of the 7 games went over the total, including a 5-1 run over to end it. What happened was after Game 1 went under the total, Boston Coach Doc Rivers told his team to attack the rim more, as Miami was 21st in the NBA in rebounding and was without Chris Bosh. Well they have Bosh back now, but he

06/06 09:00 PM EST NBA (721) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (722) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: over the total.
Reason: This series has been right out of the 1980s, with run and run action and plenty of points. Both defenses are good, but these offenses are so balanced and potent that whatever moves the coaches make to stifle the offense, the opposing offense is able to make adjustments or go to other hot shooters. The over is 25-9 in Spurs last 34 games following a loss and 27-10 over the total in their last 37 games as an underdog. The over is also 17-7-1 in the Spurs last 25 road games. Oklahoma City is confident and on an offensive roll after shooting just 42% in each of the first two games (both losses). The over is 41-15-1 in the Thunder's last 57 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5. And when these teams meet the over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings, including 6-1-1 over the total in the last 8 meetings in Oklahoma City. Play the Spurs/Thunder Game 6 over the total.

5/31 09:00 PM EST NBA (709) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (710) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Take: NBA Playoff Game of the Year: Spurs/Thunder Game 3 Over the total.
Tremendous value with a high scoring game here. Both teams are uptempo offenses, Oklahoma City with all those young legs who can run all night, while San Antonio has exceptional depth which they use to their advantage by running down opponents. Game 1 probably should have gone over the total, outside of a first half where both offenses looked rusty from the long layoff. But now we have the teams playing every other day and the offenses were outstanding in Game 2, a 120-111 win. The Thunder's 3-point defense was suspect coming into this series as even Dallas shot 37.1 percent from downtown and the Spurs got them for 101 points in Game 1, blitzing them in the 4th quarter with 37 points! At least the Thunder has plenty of offense averaging 103 ppg (3rd in the NBA), 6th in rebounds and 17th in points allowed (96.6 ppg) behind 6-10 Kevin Durant (27.9 ppg, 8 rpg), 23-year old Russell Westbrook (23.7 ppg) and 6-5 22-year old James Hardne (16.8 ppg) off the bench. But their defense is a problem as the Spurs shoot 46% in Game 1 and 55% in Game 2 making these teams 4-1 over the total for the season. The over is 26-9 in the Spurs last 35 games as a road underdog and 35-17-1 over the total in their last 53 road games. The over is 8-1 in the Thunders last 9 games as a favorite. And when these teams meet the over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings in Oklahoma City. Look for both offenses to be in great form; Play the Thunder/Spurs Game 3 Over the total.

5/15 09:35 PM EST NBA (505) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (506) SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Take: (506) NBA High Roller TV Slam Dunk: Spurs.
San Antonio is rested while the Clippers are off a thrilling Game 7 win at Memphis and now head to San Antonio, so they are flying all over the place. And they are banged up with Blake Griffin (knee), Chris Paul (hip) and Caron Butler (hand) all hurting. The Clippers are 19-42-2 ATS in their last 63 vs. NBA Southwest, 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games as a road underdog of 11.0 or greater and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater. San Antonio loves to run (second in the NBA in scoring) and will run right at the tired and road weary Clippers. The Spurs are 22-5-1 ATS in their last 28 home games and 26-8-2 ATS in their last 36 vs. the Western Conference. And the Clippers are 3-11 ATS in the last 14 meetings. Play the Spurs in Game 1.

NBA 20* Hi-Roller : The Philadelphia 76ers could easily be up 1-0 in this series instead of being down 0-1. The Sixers led for most of game one and by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter. However, very poor shooting down the stretch and a Boston rally did the Sixers in. Philly couldn't stop Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett in the 4th quarter. But one has to wonder about the legs of this aging Celtics squad. In fact, the coach is concerned enough that he didn't even have the team practice on Sunday. The big edge on experience goes to the Celtics players, most of which have been on a Championship team. This may be way they were able to rally late in game one. However, this long season has to be taking a toll on the Celtics older players and the Sixer hopefully learned some valuable lessons from game one. I was on the Sixers in game one and I don't see any reason to change that here. The Sixers were the better team for 3+ quarters of that game. Take the Sixers plus the points in game two.

05/12 10:35 PM EST NBA (747) DENVER NUGGETS VS (748) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (748) Game 7 Bookie Buster: LA Lakers.
Have to back the angry and embarrassed home team in this one. Denver stomped all over the Lakers the last game, a 113-96 rout. The Nuggets are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games following a S.U. win. Denver is a small team up front and the Lakers have a pair of 7-footers who can own the glass -- when they feel like showing up. The Lakers are No. 2 in the NBA in rebounds and Kobe Bryant was upset with his teammates' effort after Game 6. Pau Gasol had three points on one-for-10 shooting and added three rebounds in almost 29 minutes. Andrew Bynum was marginally better than Gasol on offense, scoring 11 points on four-for-11 shooting and taking 16 rebounds. Bryant was not healthy, receiving two IV bags before the game and two at halftime because of dehydration. It didn't stop him from scoring 31 points on respectable 13-for-23 shooting. He's the only one who showed up, but that won't be the case this game. Look for a huge effort by the home team on the glass and the defensive end against the small, finesse Nuggets -- which will be more than enough, plus the Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss. Play the LA Lakers in Game 7.

05/09 09:35 PM EST NBA (727) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (728) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Take: NBA 1st Round Total of the Year: Clippers/Grizzlies Game 5 over the total.
The LA Clippers didn't get to the playoffs because of defense. They are 13th in the NBA in points allowed and 14th in field goal shooting defense. They are also one of the worst teams in the league at defending the three points, allowing .365% shooting -- ranked 27th. These teams are 3-1 over the total in this series. In Game 1, a 99-98 LA win that went over the total, LA shot 50% and Memphis won Game 2 105-98. The over is 23-9 in the Clippers last 32 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. But the offense is outstanding behind Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, in the Top 10 in shooting. They take on a Memphis team that has outstanding offensive options with OJ Mayo, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay. The over is 14-6 in Grizzlies last 20 Conference Quarterfinals games. With LA up 3-1, they are not likely to bring their 'A' game defensively after traveling 3,000 miles knowing this is not a "must win" game. Look for Memphis to score at will and for both teams to play more of an uptempo contest than the last two games, and this total is far too low. Play the Clippers/Grizzlies Game 5 over the total.

05/05 07:35 PM EST NBA (549) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (550) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (549) RARE High Roller NBA Slam Dunk: Thunder in Game 4.
The Mavs are down 0-3 for a reason: They are not as good as last year's champs. Their veteran players are a year older and they lost valuable role players from the 2011 champs in Tyson Chandler, Deshaun Stephenson and Jose Berea. The Mavericks were the No. 3 seed a year ago, they are No. 7 now and face a talented young Oklahoma City team. The No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder have been great on the road (21-12). The beat Mavs 99-98 and 102-99 in the first two games as Dallas shot 42% in both, then crushed them in Game 3, 95-79, allowing 34% shooting. Oklahoma City has far too much offense averaging 103 ppg (3rd), 6th in rebounds behind 23-year old 6-10 Kevin Durant (27.9 ppg, 8 rpg), 23-year old Russell Westbrook (23.7 ppg), 6-5 22-year old James Harden (16.8 ppg) off the bench 92 starts). Plus they can play defense, No. 4 in the NBA in field goal shooting defense (.427%) behind 6-11 Kendrick Perkins (6.6 rpg) and 6-10 Serge Ibaka (9 ppg, 7.7 rpg). When these teams meet the road team is 20-6-1 ATS in the last 27 meetings. Play the Thunder in Game 4.

05/04 08:05 PM NBA (541) CHICAGO BULLS VS (542) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Take: (541) NBA 1st Round Game of the Year: Bulls in Game 3.
Everyone remember the 76ers dunking all over the Bulls in the second of Game 2, a shocking Philadelphia blowout win at Chicago. But let's not forget Chicago was up by 9 at the half after rolling over the 76ers out in Game 1, 103-91. The Bulls had a rebound edge in Game 1 of 47-38, which is their game, and shot 51% while Philly shot 39%. The second half of Game 2 was an aberration. Chicago is the No. 1 seed in the East, the best rebounding team in the NBA and the best defensive team, No. 1 in the NBA in points allowed (88.2 ppg). The Bulls are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5 and a great bounce-back team, 38-14-2 ATS in their last 54 games following a loss. The Bulls are also 21-10 ATS in their last 31 road games. Meanwhile, the 76ers have fallen badly in the second half of the season, struggling to score and struggling to find wins. The 76ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games and 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning record. In addition, Philly is 18-38 ATS in their last 56 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Chicago has excellent backcourt depth to make up for the loss of Rose with C.J. Watson, Kyle Korver and John Lucas, plus all that rebounding muscle up front. The Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game and the Bulls are 20-9 ATS in their last 29 games as a road underdog. Play the Bulls in Game 3!

05/01 10:35 PM EST NBA (527) DENVER NUGGETS VS (528) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (528) NBA Western Conference 1st Round Game of the Year: Lakers in Game 2.
Denver is a good team, but this is a horrible matchup for the short, finesse Nuggets. Their game is all about running, but they run into a great defensive team in LA, one with a huge edge under the glass. LA had 52 rebounds in Game 1, a 103-88 rout, as Andruw Bynum went wild with 10 blocked shots, with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Kobe Bryant had 31 points and the Nuggets shot just 35.6%. With a pair of 7-footers in Bynum and Pau Gasol, none of that will change in Game 2. The Nuggets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as an underdog and 6-14-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings in Los Angeles. Play the LA Lakers in Game 2.

NBA Playoff Inner Circle Mismatch : The Ny Knicks looked like a dear in the headlights in game one of their series with Miami, losing to the Heat by 33 points . The head intimidated and dominated the Knicks behind Lebron James 32 points. Yes, there were a few questionable calls by the refs in favor of Lebron. But really, the Knicks were out of this both physically and mentally from the start. The Knicks were hopeful Jeremy Lin might be ready to play, but after practicing it became evident he isn't ready. And his replacment, Iman Shumpert, he is not lost for up to eight months with a torn knee ligament. And, in another blow, Tyson Chandler might not be available Monday after suffering flu like symptoms after Saturday's game. A fully healthy Knicks club might give the Heat a go, but without some key players this club will be hard pressed to stay with the Heat on Monday.

25* Situational Slam Dunk : Both Denver and Houston desperatley trying to keep Phoenix out of that last playoff spot. Heading into Sunday's matchup, both clubs were tied for the last two spots in the west with a 1 1/2 game lead over the Suns. However, with Denver beating Houston last night, the Rockets now take the 8th spot and are looking over their shoulders. However, these two teams play again tonight in Houston and the Rockets by virtue of a win can climb back into a tie with the Nuggets. The Nuggets have the harder road here at the end of the season as they play their last seven games against six opponents that are either in the playoffs or have a chance to be. The Rockets haven't been to the postseason since 2009, so these games have extra meaning to the Rockets. If Houston doesn't want to miss out on another playoff postseason, then tonight's game is a situation they must win.

04/13 10:35 PM EST NBA (521) DALLAS MAVERICKS VS (522) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Take: (521) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Reason: Western Conference Game of the Month: Mavericks. Dallas has Jason Kidd back and motivated, trying to hold on to the No. 6, 7 or 8 playoff seed in the West (tied with Houston and Denver), with Utah and Phoenix not far behind. The Mavericks are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600 and 38-18-1 ATS in their last 57 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Portland is running on fumes down the stretch and is unlikely to make the postseason. The Mavericks are 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings and the road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Play the Mavericks.

04/12 10:35 PM EST NBA (709) DALLAS MAVERICKS (710) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Take: (709) Western Conference Situational Game of the Year: Mavericks.
Golden State still plays an uptempo style even without Monte Ellis, but their defense is awful. And this is a terrible situational spot, playing last night at Portland while Dallas is rested. And for the Warriors, they just finished a brutal stretch playing 6 of the last 7 on the road. In addition, tonight will be their 4th road game over the last 5 games. The defending champion Mavericks come to town with plenty of offensive punch both inside and out. This will only be the 2nd game in 5 nights for Dallas. Jason Kidd returned the last game after missing four games with a strained right groin and contributed seven points, six rebounds and seven assists in 22 minutes in a 110-100 win over Sacramento. They do so knowing they were able to grab tons of confidence while shooting 50 percent form the field and outrebounding the Kings by 16. And Dallas needs to win, sitting on the playoff bubble for the No. 7 and 8 spots with Denver. Play the Mavericks.

4/11 8:05 PM EST NBA (509) UTAH JAZZ VS (510) HOUSTON ROCKETS
Take: (509) NBA Dog of the Month: Jazz.
Utah and Phoenix are on that playoff bubble, chasing the Mavs and Nuggets for the last playoff spots. Utah is a terrific rebounding team, with a hard working young frontcourt in Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap. The Jazz are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. the NBA Southwest and face a Houston squad that is home from a 4-game road trip -- winning all 4! This is an emotional let down spot for the home team after that trip and the Jazz are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Houston. Play the Utah Jazz.

04/09 9:05 PM EST NBA (513) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (514) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: (514) Revenge Game of the Year: Nuggets.
This is a tough situational spot for the visitors, with Golden State playing its 5th road game over the last 6 games. And that lone home game was the last one, a 112-97 upset of these Denver Nuggets. This is a bad defensive team for the Warriors, 26th in the NBA in points allowed. And Denver needs this game, sitting with the 8th and last playoff seed in the West -- but barely. Denver is tops in the NBA in points scored and their loss at Golden State was the second of a back-to-back spot, but they are rested for this home game. A win Saturday would have moved Denver (30-26) into sole possession of sixth place in the Western Conference playoff race with 10 games to play. Instead, the Nuggets left Oakland with a tenuous hold on the eighth slot and staring up by a half game at Houston and Dallas. "It was all on us. We beat ourselves," said Ty Lawson. The Nuggets are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 vs. the NBA Pacific and this is a great bounce back spot for a team in need of a win -- and some revenge. Play the Nuggets!

04/08 06:05 PM EST NBA (705) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS VS (706) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (706) Atlantic Division Game of the Year: Celtics.
Have to back the home team in this huge game in a tight race for the division title. Both teams are in the second of a back to back spot. Philadelphia has been a bad road team all season and has been playing its worst basketball of late, on a recent 4-8 SU/ATS run. In their last four losses, opponents have averaged 97 points against a defense that has allowed a league-low 88.2 points. In those games, San Antonio, Washington, Miami, and Toronto made 49 percent of their shots. The 76ers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games, 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning record and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. They face a Celtics team that is home after a tough two-game trip, including a loss at Chicago where Coach Doc Rivers chewed the team out. He challenged his team

04/06 08:35 PM EST NBA (715) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (716) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Take: (716) DALLAS MAVERICKS
Reason: Motivational Massacre Game of the Year: Dallas.
Dallas has slipped to the No. 6 spot in the West and needs to win to prevent a slide further behind -- and could even fall out of the playoffs with Phoenix and Utah alive. Dallas can also jump up to the 4 or 5 spot, as well, and they were the No. 4 seed a year ago when they won the title. Dallas is dominant (20-9) at home, while Portland is 9-19 on the road. The Blazers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning record and 5-15 ATS in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. This is a team that fired their coach two weeks ago, gave away Marcus Camby for practically nothing and is going with retreads J.J. Hickson, Jonny Flynn and Luke Babbitt off the pine. The Blazers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Dallas as well as 1-5-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings overall. Play the Dallas Mavericks!

25* Basketball Bookie Buster : In what could have been a Championship preview, the Thunder rolled over the league's best team, Chicago, 92-78 on Sunday. OKC has now won six straight games and going 5-1 ATS during their win streak. The Thunder beat Chicago by 14, Portland by 9, Miami by 16 and the Clippers by 22 during this streak. This will be the fourth meeting between these clubs with the Thunder holding a 3-0 S/U and 2-1 ATS mark and looking for the season sweep. Moreover, the Thunder have covered five of the last seven in this series and won the last five straight up. Meanwhile, Memphis has won three of its last four games, though just three of the last seven and four of the last 10. The Grizzlies also have covered just three of their last 10 games. The Thunder just haven't been winning during this streak, they have been winning BIG and against better teams than than the Grizzlies. I'm taking the Thunder to keep the streak going with a 25* Basketball Bookie Buster selection.

Value Dog Game of the Month : The Lakers have been anything but friendly to bettors this season, but especially so of late. The Lakers have covered just one game in their last eight games and three of their last 14. At home they have been favored by 10 points or more five times this season (as they are tonight) and they are just 1-4 ATS. Moreover, if we look at when they have been 10 point to 11 1/2 point home favorites, they are 0-4 ATS and their margin of victory a paltry four points. Add to the mix that this is the second of a back-to-back spot for the Lakers, a situation they are just 6-9 ATS in this season. Golden State won't be in the post season, so they would like nothing better than beating the Lakers here on Sunday. They have covered both meetings against the Lakers this season and the last four matchups going back to last year. This is just too many points for the Lakers to lay after having played on Saturday and a spot they have not done well at covering. Take the visitor here on Sunday evening, the Warriors plus the points.

03/30 10:35 PM EST NBA (523) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (524) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: (524) NBA Game of the Year: Clippers.
The LA Clippers had a rough patch but are over it, on a nice 3-0 SU/ATS run winning all by double digits. That's three consecutive victories for the Clippers, three much-needed victories during this five-game homestand. "I'm proud of the guys for the way they've stuck together and battled this past week," Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said. This team loves to run with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul and they face a tired Portland team that had to play last night and their 3rd game in 4 nights. This team hasn't been winning or covering, an unhappy group since firing their coach two weeks ago. The Trail Blazers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. And there are more problems, as LaMarcus Aldridge is hurting with a hip pointer. Aldridge continues to log heavy minutes, averaging 36.1 per game, which ranks No. 18 in the NBA. After averaging 35.9 minutes before the All-Star break, Aldridge is averaging 36.5 in 16 games after the break. And some kids are seeing time, with rookie Nolan Smith, who started Tuesday but struggled, and newcomer Jonny Flynn, who had 10 points and five rebounds in his first significant playing time since being acquired at the trade deadline. When these teams meet the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the favorite is 23-9 ATS in the last 32 meetings. Play the LA Clippers!

03/28 07:35 PM EST NBA (513) CHICAGO BULLS VS (514) ATLANTA HAWKS
Take: (513) March Game of the Month: Chicago Bulls.
Chicago is going for the top seed in the East and playing like it, 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record and 18-6 ATS in their last 24 road games. The Bulls are tops in the NBA in rebounds and second in points allowed. And they won't be in a good mood after getting thumped at home by Denver in the last game, 108-91. Atlanta is playing its 3rd game in 4 nights and the second of a back to back spot after playing at Milwaukee last night. In addition, on Sunday they played a 4 overtime game! Grab the rested visitors who pound opponents under the glass. Play the Bulls!

03/20 07:05 PM EST NBA (651) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS (652) INDIANA PACERS
Take: (651) NBA Road Warrior Game of the Year: LA Clippers.
The LA Clippers are the No. 4 seed in the West and have a dynamite offense behind Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, 12th in the league in points and rebounds. The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 6-1 ATS as a road dog. They face an Indiana team that is focused more on defense and slowing the pace down, 30th in the league in assists and 16th in points scored. Indiana is in a slump, 2-6 SU, 3-5 ATS the last 8 games, coming off back to back losses to the Knicks, 115-100 and 102-88. Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists the last game. The Pacers spent the early part of the season playing with a blue-collar mentality and sharing the ball. Those days seem long ago. Now they're spending most of their time watching the ball hit the floor a couple of times before pursing it and trying to play one-on-one basketball, not the Pacers' strong suit. The Pacers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games and 3-12 ATS as home chalk. Play the LA Clippers!

NBA Home Court Game of the Month : The Houston Rockets were one of the teams involved at the trade deadline as they acquired Marcus Camby and Derek Fisher. Neither player was expected in Saturday's game, Camby could be ready today while Fisher's status is up in the air. While Camby is happy to be in his hometown of Houston, Fisher has yet to report (as of Saturday). This is troubling news for the Rockets with point guard Kyle Lowry out indefinitely with a bacterial infection. Martin should give the Rockets much needed interior defense. Meanwhile the Suns are playing some of their best ball of the year, winning three straight games and 10 of the last 13. The Suns have been good for bettors at home, covering nine of their last 11 games at the US Airways Center. But what I like most about Phoenix today is that they catch the shorthanded Rockets in a back-to-back spot. The Rockets are just 1-7 S/U and 2-6 ATS in this spot this season. In addition, their Margin of Victory during those eight games is a whopping minus 13.3 points (-13.3). Add to that the fact that they don't have Lowry and Fisher has yet to appear and it could be a long day for this Rockets club. I'm taking the Suns here as we get a really nice spot for a big winner.

03/17 09:05 PM EST NBA (513) BOSTON CELTICS VS (514) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: (514) Situational Bookie Buster Game of the Year: Nuggets.
I know it

03/16 07:05 PM EST NBA (803) MIAMI HEAT VS (804) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Take: (803) NBA Inner Circle TV Game of the Month: Heat.
Miami has lost 2 in a row, at Orlando and at Chicago. Now they head to Philly hungry to end this losing skid and they face a 76ers team that they've dominated, winning 99-79 and 113-92. That 20-point blowout was on this court, too. The 76ers haven't been the same since center Spencer Hawes went down, on a 5-9 SU/ATS run. Hawes returned the last game after a long rehab from an Achilles, but had 6 points and 5 fouls in a 111-94 loss at Indiana. They allowed 56% shooting to Indiana! The76ers are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning record. Play the Miami Heat.

03/13 07:05 PM EST NBA (535) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS (536) INDIANA PACERS
Take: (536) 25-Star Bookie Buster: Pacers.
A miserable situational spot for the Portland Trail Blazers, their 4th straight road game on a long trip (7-game trip). They come off a win, but that was against Washington. The previous two games they lost by 12 and 18, including trailing by 35 at the half at Boston. In fact, this team is on a 2-5 SU/ATS run. The Blazers are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games as an underdog. Indiana is a good team that is on a 4-game skid, hungry for a win after a tough two game road trip at Miami and Orlando. In fact, the 4-game skid is against the best of the East: Bulls, Hawks, Heat and Magic. Now they step down in competition against the road weary Blazers. The Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing record and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Play the Pacers!

3/12 07:35 PM PT / 10:35 PM ET

NBA (513) BOSTON CELTICS VS (514) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Take: UNDER (NBA Total of the Year)

Reason: NBA Total of the Year : If there is a "perfect storm" of an NBA total, then today is the day. Any time you can catch the Boston Celtics in the second of a back-to-back spot you really have to take a close look at the UNDER. So far this season the Celtics have seen today's scenario six previous times. The result? How about SIX UNDERS. And we are talking about posted totals all 180 or below too. The Celtics have averaged just 76.5 ppg in those six previous situations. And, since the Celtics have the league's third best defense, they can still keep these games low scoring - despite the low totals. What surprises me a bit, we get a 185 total here on Monday, the highest of any of these situations the Celtics have been in this season. The LA Clippers have been spotty at best of late, not winning more than one game in a row since mid-February. These are 5-13 Over/Under the last 18 times they have met. Expect a old, tired Boston team to run out of steam today. I love this spot for the UNDER.

Slam Dunk Game of the Year : The Indiana Pacers look to snap a two game losing streak both S/U and ATS today at Orlando. The Pacers got embarrassed at Chicago, 92-72, then lost at home to Atlanta, 101-96. Before losing the last two games the Pacers had an impressive six games stretch where they scored over 100 points in five games and won all six S/U while covering four. Meanwhile, Orlando continues to be one of the more puzzling teams in the NBA. The Magic can play great one night and look just awful the next. This is evidenced by a 16 point loss at Charlotte, arguably the worst team in the NBA. The Magic then followed that loss with an impressive win at Chicago, 99-94. I'm going to be taking the Magic here on Sunday and it's really for one glaring reason. The Paceers had to play on Saturday at Miami and then turn around and play on the road again at Orlando. This Florida back-to-back road swing not only is a tough one, but a situation that the Pacers have not handled well. Indiana is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games in the second of a back-to-back spot. Moreover, the club is 4-16 (20%) the last 20 times this has happened on the road, as it does today. Whether the Pacers win or lose on Saturday, they have shown that they do not like this back-to-back spot, especially on the road. I'm taking the Magic here on Sunday against what will be a tired Pacers club.

03/09 09:05 PM EST NBA (817) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS VS (818) DENVER NUGGETS
Take: (818) NBA Mismatch Massacre Game of the Month: Denver Nuggets.
Fourth straight home game for Denver, a team with a potent, attacking offense that has won 4 of 5 games. They are No. 1 in the NBA in points scored, second in assists, and face a putrid New Orleans team that has no offense (88.2 ppg) and is a long way from home. New Orleans is on a 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS run and has scored 92 points or fewer in 11 of the last 17 games. Denver won't be in a good mood as the Nuggets lost at home to Cleveland, one of the NBA's weak teams, 100-99, after Ty Lawson couldn't make a layup at the buzzer while being defended by rookie Kyrie Irving. "You can't let a guy drive 84 feet and get a layup without him making a pass at the end of the game," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I'm just disappointed that we didn't learn from the Sacramento game

03/07 08:05 PM EST NBA (611) CHICAGO BULLS VS (612) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take: (611) Eastern Conference Game of the Year: Bulls.
Chicago is a beast, with great defense, a powerful frontcourt and a coach who has these guys playing at a high level ALL the time. They have a sizzling road record and the Bulls are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 road games, plus 38-15 ATS in their last 53 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Chicago is a shade ahead of Miami for the No. 1 seed in the East, 8th in the NBA in points scored, tops in rebounds and second in points allowed. Milwaukee is soft in the frontcourt and not playing well, with the Bucks 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They are also 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog. And head to head, forget it, the Bulls are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee. Play the Bulls!

03/06 07:35 PM NBA (555) HOUSTON ROCKETS VS (556) BOSTON CELTICS
Take: (556) 25-Star NBA Big Bad Basketball Bookie Buster: Celtics.
Boston has had a day to rest after that early thriller Sunday, a national TV OT win over the rival Knicks. Having that extra day off helps, as Doc Rivers shortened the bench and used the starters a lot. Into town comes a Houston Rocket team that is great at home but 6-11 away and a long way from home. Houston is on an 0-4 ATS run (3 losses) and the Rockets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Houston is also off an overtime game Sunday, a home loss to the Clippers. They are not a strong defensive team, 21st in points allowed and 19th in rebounds. Boston has trouble with good rebounding teams, but won't against this small Houston frontcourt. And the Houston defense has allowed 104, 117 and 105 points the last three games. Play the Celtics!

T.V. Bailout Game of the Month (Spurs) : Denver concludes a short two-game road trip here in San Antonio Sunday. The Nuggets beat Houston on Friday, 117-105 to open the trip. It was just the club's fifth win in their last 15 games. Now the Nuggets have to face a very good San Antonio team that is 25-11 S/U and 31-13 ATS on the season. The Spurs have been doubly tough at home where they have covered 11 of 15 tries. This will be the third meeting between the clubs this season with the Spurs winning both times, 114-99 in Denver and 121-117 in San Antonio. In fact, the Spurs have won seven of the last eight meetings between the clubs and are 6-1-1 ATS the last eight meetings. I'm a big fan of the Spurs when they play at home and they have had little trouble with the Denver club of late. I'm laying the points here on Sunday evening with the Spurs.

03/02 10:35 PM EST NBA (821) SACRAMENTO KINGS VS (822) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take: (821) NBA Shocker Game of the Month: Sacramento.
You need rebounding muscle to hang with the Lakers frontcourt, second in the NBA in rebounding, and Sacramento has it with big DeMarcus Cousins and center Jason Thompson, 6th in the NBA in rebounds. The Kings have been playing well, 9-2 ATS in their last 11 against the NBA Pacific and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games. The Lakers are a big favorite here but have two flaws: Point guard is a weakness and they play a new style under coach Mike Brown, slowing the pace down. That helps their defense (6th in the league) but 21st in points scored. They are 1-2 ATS as a double digit favorite this season. The Lakers are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games vs. a team with a losing record and 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 vs. the NBA Pacific. In addition, the Kings are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Los Angeles and the road team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings. Play the Kings.