Toronto at Indiana 7:30 ET

Raptors (+) over Pacers- Indiana needs to pull out a win here or it's time to take out the clubs and play 18 holes. The Pacers showed their weakness in Game 5 by scoring only nine points in the fourth quarter as the Raptors finally got the production they needed out of their back court. For Indiana it is Paul George against the world and one man does not win championships alone. George is averaging almost 29 points but is getting little support from his teammates. Toronto is too well balanced for the Pacers. Take the RAPTORS!  

Portland at L.A. Clippers 10:05 ET

Clippers (+) over Trailblazers- Well, events have turned on the Clippers as they not only lost Game 4 to Portland but they also lost their two key components to success. As we are all aware that Chris Paul broke his hand on a fall during the game and then we learned Blake Griffin will also be out. Without these two super-stars the Clippers have been transfixed into a home underdog. Los Angeles has had two days to re-group and focus on the problem and I expect them to make adjustments. Doc Rivers and the rest of the Clippers will pull together and get the win here. Take LOS ANGELES!

Miami at Charlotte 7:00 ET

Heat (+) over Hornets- After scoring 123 (a franchise record) and 115 points the first two playoff games Miami was shut down in Game 3 shooting 34.2 per cent and scoring only 80 points. The Heat took advantage with Luol Deng's size at power forward the first two games and then that went by the wayside when the Hornets inserted 7-foot center Frank Kaminky who replace injured guard Nicolas Batum who finished with 15 points who had attempted only one field goal in the two opening games. This time out the Heat make the adjustment. Take MIAMI!

Atlanta at Boston 6:00 ET

Hawks (+) Celtics- The Hawks were trailing the Celtics by 17 at the end of the first quarter Friday and battled back before losing down the stretch. Boston's All-Star Isaiah Thomas scored a career high 42 points in the win but it was not without controversy as Thomas hit Atlanta point guard Dennis Schroder in the face but will not be suspended. The Celtics will still be without their leading scorer in Avery Bradley and that will continue to hurt Boston. Take ATLANTA!

L.A. Clippers at Portland 10:30 ET

Trailblazers (+) over Clippers- The Clippers roll into Portland with a 2-0 series lead and have won the first two by an average of 20.5 points. The Trailblazers who have surprised the experts by just making the playoffs are 0-5 ATS in their last five overall and are hungry for a win. Los Angeles used their bench for a total of 43 points in Game 2 but are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 when playing on two days rest. The home floor will present a huge advantage for the Blazers as they pull this one out. Take PORTLAND!  

Cleveland at Detroit 7:00 ET

Pistons (+) over Cavaliers- The Cavaliers made 20 3-pointers in their Game 2 rout of the Pistons in Detroit 107-90. Detroit let a lead slip away in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and will come out in a physical fashion. Cleveland who is favored of course to get to the Finals is just 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up win by more then 10 points and the Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last five after a loss of 10 points or more. This time take DETROIT!  

Golden State at Houston 9:30 ET

Rockets (+) over Warriors- By all reports on Stephen Curry is that there is nothing serious and his status is a game-time decision. With Golden State up 2-0 in this series they may take the cautious rout and keep him sided line until they are threatened. Houston came to life so to speak as they 'covered' the original number but were caught by the closing bell. There is no getting around the fact that the Warriors are 13-1 against the Rockets since the beginning of last season including the playoffs but they need not 'cover' here. Take HOUSTON!     

Charlotte at Miami 7:00 ET

Hornets (+) over Hornets- Now, don't go jumping to any conclusions that I and coming back with the Hornets because of the 'zig-zag' theory. I am not, I don't pay too much attention to that because it really doesn't work. But, in this case Charlotte is a 'Monster Winner' that I expect to win outright. (Please take the points) The Heat won Game 1 by 32 points and the Hornets are just too good to let that pass. Miami scored a franchise playoff record 123 points as Goran Dragic was the only starter not to score in double figures. It will be different tonight. Take CHARLOTTE!

Boston at Atlanta 7:00 ET

Hawks (-) over Celtics- The Boston Celtics lost more then just a basketball game on Saturday as they will be without guard Avery Bradley their leading scorer because of a 'significant' hamstring injury suffered with 6:48 remaining and the Celtics holding an 83-80 lead. This after trailing by 19-points is especially difficult to over-come. In an oddity Boston is 1-7 ATS in their last eight games playing on two days rest. This time the Hawks hold on to their lead. Take ATLANTA!

Indiana at Toronto 7:00 ET

Raptors (-) over Pacers- The Toronto Raptors haven't won a playoff series since 2001 and loss the opening series game for the eighth straight time on Saturday. The Pacers Paul George was too much for the Raptors to handle in Game 1 as they sputtered turning the ball over 20 times and shooting 38%. Toronto has now lost their playoff opener three straight years at home and still have the confidence needed to overcome Indiana here. Take the RAPTORS!

Charlotte at Miami 5:30 ET

Hornets (+) over Heat- Although they ended the season with the same record (48-34) Miami received the No. 3 seed and the home court while Charlotte is the No. 6 seed due to the NBA tie-breaker system. The Heat who blew a 24-point halftime lead against Miami on the season's final day and will be without Chris Bosh the entire playoffs. The Hornets won 18 of their last 24 to pull into the four-way tie. Miami is back in the payoffs after missing last season without LeBron James. The Hornets are just the hotter team entering the playoffs. Take CHARLOTTE!  

Oklahoma City at San Antonio 8:00 ET

Spurs (-) over Thunder- The Spurs are sure closing the regular season with some big-time match-ups as Golden State just left town and Oklahoma City arrives. San Antonio lost on Sunday to the Warriors which ended their dreams of a perfect home season (39-0 entering that contest) and now the Thunder are here fresh off their cruising win over the hapless Lakers last night. The funny thing about this contest is the OKC will do most of the 'resting.' Take the SPURS!   

Sacramento at Phoenix 10:05 ET

Suns (-) over Kings- Okay here are the Phoenix Suns 36-games under .500 favored by a half-dozen points against a club with 10 more wins and I believe Vegas is trying to tell 'us' something. Sacramento who have won five of the last seven in this series will be without center DeMarcus Cousins who will be 'resting' his sore feet. Kings point guard Rajon Rondo will also most likely be out and with rookie guard sensation Devin Booker leading the way with double-digit scoring in 22 of the last 23 games the Suns rise in the west. Take PHOENIX!

Utah at Denver 5:05 ET

Jazz (-) over Nuggets- The Utah Jazz are one-game in front of Houston for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference while the Nuggets are getting ready to play golf. This is Denver's final home game of the season as they close the year out in Portland on Wednesday. Denver is off a huge win over San Antonio and they were favored to win and did, this afternoon they are a underdog to a weaker Jazz team and that just doesn't make any sense. I believe the Nuggets have packed it in and Utah win easily. Take the JAZZ!  

Cleveland at Chicago 8:35 ET

Cavaliers (-) over Bulls- The Cavaliers have clinch the No. 1 spot in the East and are off a123-109 loss at Indiana where LeBron James took the night off and rested. This is Cleveland's final home game and they are aware that they can virtually knock Chicago out of the playoff picture with a win here tonight. The Bulls have dropped seven of their last 10 and are 3-games behind Indiana with three to go. Tonight is the end of the line for Chicago. Take CLEVELAND.

Phoenix at New Orleans 7:00 ET

Suns over Pelicans- These last couple of week in NBA action have created a number of 'strange' looking lines with so many team resting starters and others just laying down getting ready to play golf. A prime example if the lowly Phoenix Suns winners of just 21 of 79 games favored on the road against a 30 win team. New Orleans has been a major disappointment due to injuries and a coaching change they make in the off-season. The Pelicans are 2-1 against the Suns this season and have won for of the past six meetings and yet are an underdog at home here. Take PHOENIX!  

San Antonio at Denver 9:00 ET

Nuggets over Spurs- 'Hokie Smoke Bullwinkle' do you believe this 'line? Well, we are all aware of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is known to rest his players in meaningless games and with the Warriors locking up the No. 1 spot and San Antonio 'locked' into the No. 2 spot this game fits the bill. Here now, are the Spurs who have won their last five visits to Denver and are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 trips and now an underdog. Take DENVER!

Toronto at Atlanta 8:00 ET

Hawks (-) over Raptors- Toronto has locked-in the No. 2 seed in the East as they invade Atlanta to play the Hawks who they have swept all three meetings this season and seven of the last eight meetings. With their playoff position locked-in I expect Toronto to sleep-walk through their finally games making sure to stay healthy for their playoff run. The Hawks have played four straight ATS losses but will be ready tonight as they are under pressure to maintain the No. 3 seed. Take ATLANTA!

New Orleans at Philadelphia 7:00 ET

76ers (-) over Pelicans- I guess it had to happen sooner or later and with the lack of talent spread so thin and injuries coming into play the 76ers are actually favored in a game. The team with the 'guaranteed' worst record in NBA once again is favored. New Orleans who is without Anthony Davis has won their last two their longest win streak in six weeks. Philadelphia has had injury issues of their own as Nerlans Noel has missed the last six contests and forward Richaun Holmes the last four. Look for the 76ers to pull out a rare victory here. Take the 76ERS!   

Villanova vs North Carolina 9:07 ET

Wildcats (+) over Tar Heels- Villanova as we all witnessed posted the largest margin of victory (44) in Final Four history and I have in the past looked to play against such a winner in their previous game. But, their personal turn about against Oklahoma who had defeated the Wildcats by 33 (88-55) in December are up against a North Carolina team that has posted five straight double-digit NCAA wins and has won 10 straight overall including the ACC Championship. These two have met six times in NCAA Tournament action with the Tar Heels winning five and they are 11-4 overall in the series. The thing that will be the difference here will be the defense the Wildcats apply. Take VILLANOVA!

Dallas at Minnesota 3:30 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Mavericks- The Dallas Mavericks have moved into the top-8 winning their last three and moving ahead of the Houston Rockets for the final playoff spot in the West. Minnesota has had two straight awful home outing losing to the Clippers and Jazz and are 0-4 ATS in their last four contests. Dallas has taken six straight in the series but will be without guard Deron Williams once again who has missed the last five games. This time it's...MINNESOTA!  

Oklahoma City at Houston 3:30 ET

Rockets (+) over Thunder- The Rockets who fired coach Kevin McHale seven games into the season are still with interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff and have yet to develop and consistency. Houston who made it to the conference finals last year are in the three team battle for the final two playoff spots and are currently 2-games under .500. The Thunder are secure in their No. 3 playoff spot and have won nine of their last 10 games but get caught here. Take HOUSTON!

Detroit at Chicago 8:00 ET

Pistons (+) over Bulls- The Bulls are just one-game behind the Pacers for the final playoff spot in the East after winning their last two games on the road over Indiana and Houston. Detroit although off a bad home loss to Dallas last night have won six of their last eight games. The Pistons are 1.5 games ahead of Chicago and have defeated the Bulls twice this season in overtime and are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Chicago. TAKE DETROIT!

Villanova vs Oklahoma 6:10 ET

Wildcats over Sooners- A pair of No. 2 seeds who both were once ranked #1 and on four game win streaks face-off in Houston in the first game in this years Final Four. These two met on Pearl Harbor Day in Hawaii and the Sooners bombed Villanova 78-55 making 14 three-pointers four each by guards Buddy Hield and Isaiah Cousins. Now, we find the Wildcats favored at a neutral site and that makes me question...If both clubs play to their script Oklahoma will jump out fast as they did in their first meetings (15-3) and as they have done in the Tournament as they led VCU 44-31, Texas A&M 45-25 and Oregon 48-30. The Cats have been slow starters and have a half-time differential of just +8 and if things do go as scripted Villanova will shut down the Sooners and win the 2nd half and game. Take VILLANOVA!  

Morehead State at Nevada 10:00 ET

Eagles (+) over Wold Pack- These split the first two of this three game set with the Wolf Pack getting the money both times. Wednesday Nevada was in complete control as they won and covered easily. Friday will be a difference story. Morehead State has had time to rest and adjust to the 'high desert' of Nevada. Trends still help move me and then again pull me back as Morehead State is 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine road games and 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall while Nevada is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Wolf Pack enter this matchup with five straight covers but will fall short tonight. Take the MOREHEAD STATE!

Chicago at Houston 7:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Rockets- The Houston Rockets overcame a 19-point halftime deficit at Cleveland Tuesday to post a 106-100 over the LeBron James-less Cavaliers. Chicago is off a Tuesday 98-96 road win over Indiana snapping a four-game losing streak. Houston will play five of their final seven games at home while Chicago who is now because of the win over the Pacers are 3-13 straight-up on the road and 5-11 ATS. The inconsistent Rockets fall short again. Take CHICAGO!

George Washington vs Valparaiso 7:00 ET

Colonials (+) over Crusaders- After 'our' 2-0 sweep in NIT action on Monday I just love this match-up and believe I have the winner here. Both these clubs have set school records for wins in a single season as George Washington posted 27 and Valparaiso an impressive 30. Bryce Drew (yes, that Bryce Drew) was disappointed without an NCAA bid but kept his club tonight and can win Valpo their first NIT Title. Both these squads come in with 'hot' players as the Colonials have Tyle Cavanaugh 21.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in tourney and the Crusaders with Alec Peters with 22.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Defense and ball possessions are key and the edge goes to...GEORGE WASHINGTON!

Atlanta at Toronto 7:30 ET

Hawks (+) over Raptors- This game gets to me and I really like it. To start with don't you think this line is very inviting to lay with the home team? They are 10-games better on the season then Atlanta and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings with the Hawks. Atlanta who had the best record in the East last season will most likely settle for the No. 3 seed and have now won four straight with double-revenge while the Raptors are off a home loss to Oklahoma City and have lost three of their last four. Take ATLANTA!

Houston at Cleveland 8:05 ET

Rockets (+) over Cavaliers- The Cavaliers are starting to have days where they have complete letdowns as the move toward the playoff as they are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a straight-up win. Most likely the most inconsistent team in the league this season has been the Houston Rockets who are 10-games (32-42-2) under .500 against the points. The Cavaliers haven't been all that much better as they are 32-38-3 ATS for the year. Houston is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings. Take the ROCKETS!

Oklahoma City at Detroit 7:30 ET

Pistons (+) over Thunder- Oklahoma City is coming off two huge wins, one over San Antonio Saturday night at home and last night 119-100 over the Raptors in Toronto. The Thunder own a win over the Pistons by 16 (103-87) back in November but Detroit is a much different team now. But, they are off a 112-95 home thrashing handed to them by Atlanta Sunday. OKC comes in off a big win and the Pistons a bad home loss. Both will move toward the middle here and they are as the Thunder are 2-5 TAS in their last seven in Detroit. Pistons pull this one off. Take DETROIT!

Brigham Young vs Valparaiso 7:00 ET

Cougars (+) over Crusaders- Such an odd pairing of two excellent basketball teams to be meeting in New York's Madison Square Garden. They both come in with good point spread numbers with BYU four-game plus and Valparaiso three-games plus. The Crusaders have some talent as a 29 win season would attest with 6'9” Alec Peters leading the way with 18.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. But, the big star on the court will be BYU 6'6” guard Kyle Collinsworth who leads the squad in rebounds (8.3) and assists (7.5) while averaging 15.2 points. Take BYU!

Notre Dame vs North Carolina 8:50 ET

Tar Heels (-) over Fighting Irish- It was only Wisconsin's ineptitude in handling the basketball in the final minutes that propelled the Fight Irish into this Elite Eight meeting with North Carolina. The Tar Heels are far-and-away the better team and are riding and eight-game win streak which included the ACC title. Notre Dame has been fortunate winning their three tournament games by a total of 13 points while the Tar Heels have won by a total combined 50 points. Take NORTH CAROLINA!

Villanova vs Kansas 8:50 ET

Wildcats (+) over Jayhawks- No. 1 seed Kansas and No.2 seed Villanova have been the two most impressive clubs in the tournament with the Jayhawks winning three games by total of 54 points and the Wildcats winning their two games by 72 combined points. Kansas has now won 17 in-a-row and are meeting Villanova in the Sweet-16 the first time they are playing each other since the 2008 Sweet-16 when the Jayhawks won on their way to the national championship. This time they won't be so fortunate. Take VILLANOVA!

San Antonio at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Thunder (-) over Spurs- I know and understand how valuable Kawhi Leonard is and he will be missing his second straight game but for the Spurs to be a double-digit underdog anywhere against anybody tells me there is Something rotten in Denmark.' Granted Oklahoma City has won six straight and is 5-0 ATS against teams with winning records and they are 10-2 ATS over San Antonio their last 12 visits. Okay, well maybe there is solid reason but, I think the Spurs are taking the night off. Take the THUNDER!