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Basketball Archive
Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
06-22-21	Clippers +5.5 v. Suns	Top	103-104	Win	100	19 h 20 m	Show
The Suns played well, especially Devin Booker, and defeated the Clippers, 120-114, in Game 1. The Clippers didn't play as well and were in a quick turnaround spot after having just knocked off the Jazz while the Suns were extremely well-rested. Phoenix made 55 percent of their shots from the floor. The Clippers connected on 45 percent. Yet the Suns still won by just six points. Now that the Clippers have 52 hours between games in Phoenix, I'm expecting a better performance, proper adjustments and a closer game. No Kawhi Leonard for the Clippers, but LA closed out the Jazz without him. No Chris Paul for the Suns, which is just as big of a loss if not more because Paul runs the team and was playing at peak efficiency. The Clippers have made the right adjustments all season. I trust they'll do it again here so I'm taking these points in the belief this is going to be an extremely close game.
06-20-21	Hawks +7 v. 76ers		103-96	Win	100	13 h 20 m	Show
Discount the Hawks at your own peril. Since the start of March, the Hawks are 34-14. They have won four of six road playoff games, including twice in Philadelphia. The Hawks beat the 76ers when down by 18 points and defeated them again when trailing by 26 points. Just what is so good about the 76ers that they should be this high of a favorite? Doc Rivers isn't a great bench coach. Joel Embiid is dealing with a tear in his right knee and is highly frustrated. Ben Simmons has to be lifted during crucial moments because he can't be trusted. The 76ers haven't proven anything. The 76ers have yet to hold Trae Young in check. The Hawks lost by five points in Game 6 because they only made 13 of 24 free throws, shot 41 percent from the floor and hit just 10 3-pointers out of 31 shots. The looks were there. Atlanta just had a cold-shooting game. All the pressure is on the 76ers. Moreso because they are home. Atlanta is on house money. The 76ers have choked before against this team at home. They are not worthy of being this high of a favorite.
06-20-21	Clippers +4 v. Suns		114-120	Loss	-109	9 h 53 m	Show
No Kawhi Leonard. No Chris Paul. The Clippers have shown they can still win without Leonard going 2-0 against the Jazz minus their superstar. But can the Suns win without Paul? Paul was instrumental in Phoenix sweeping Denver averaging 25.5 points and 10.3 assists while playing nearly 36 minutes a game. Now he's out due to COVID protocols. Terance Mann stepped-up big time in relief of Leonard scoring 39 points against the Jazz two days ago. Mann has to be accounted for now after that monster performance. The Suns have yet to prove they can adequately fill Paul's spot and beat an elite opponent in a playoff game. The Suns sweep of Denver could actually hurt them here. The Clippers are riding the momentum of reaching the conference finals for the first time in their history after eliminating the Jazz this past Friday. The Suns, on the other hand, could be flat and rusty having last played a week ago. Phoenix has failed to cover 16 of the last 22 times it has played on three or more day's rest.
06-19-21	Bucks v. Nets -118	Top	115-111	Loss	-118	13 h 25 m	Show
OK, why the Nets for Game 7? I could cite the zig-zag theory where it's the Nets' turn to win. Or I could cite these two huge angles: The Bucks are 1-9 ATS the last 10 times as underdogs, while the Nets are 11-1 ATS the past 12 times as home favorites. Brooklyn also is 4-0 ATS the past four times hosting the Bucks. I also like the Nets being home where the Barclays Center crowd has provided enough energy to make a difference. But in the end it comes down to trust. Mike Budenholzer is an outstanding coach during the regular season. I don't trust him, though, in the playoffs where he seems to get outcoached. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the top-five players in the game. However, I trust Kevin Durant more to deliver a big performance. Antetokounmpo is great, but he's not in the clutch Michael Jordan/LeBron class. My feeling is Durant comes up big, James Harden comes through with a gutty performance and the Nets take care of business at home.
06-18-21	76ers -3 v. Hawks		104-99	Win	100	15 h 57 m	Show
What could the 76ers do for an encore after blowing an 18-point lead to the Hawks in Game 4? Blow a 26-point lead in Game 5. This was one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA playoff history. So, why has the oddsmaker made Philadelphia a road favorite for Game 6? Because they know the 76ers are the better team. I agree with that assessement. It might even be better for the 76ers to be getting out of Philadelphia. There's no chance of the 76ers coasting if they build up another early lead on Atlanta. Trae Young is phenomenal. He's a rising superstar. But he goes hot-and-cold. Not so with Joel Embiid. The 76ers can count on Embiid for a huge game even though he's not 100 percent. I trust the rest of the key 76ers - mainly underrated Tobias Harris and Seth Curry - to give Embiid needed scoring assistance. When the Hawks lose during the postseason they lose big. Their three defeats have been by nine points to the Knicks and by 16 twice to the 76ers.
06-18-21	76ers v. Hawks UNDER 222	Top	104-99	Win	100	15 h 56 m	Show
During the past two games in this series, the 76ers have averaged 103 points and the Hawks have averaged 106. Both games went Under. The oddsmaker has come down a little on the total for this Game 6, but not enough. The 76ers ranked No. 2 in defensive efficiency during the regular season. They are going to be cautious and defensive-minded here after blowing monster leads during the past two games. Atlanta became a respectable defensive club when Nate McMillan took over. This has carried into the playoffs where the Under has cashed in seven of the Hawks' 10 games. The pace has slowed in the last two games to where possessions are less than 99. I don't expect any changes in style of play. If there is, it would be even slower tempo and more defensive intensity as the 76ers try to stave off elimination.
06-16-21	Clippers v. Jazz -2.5	Top	119-111	Loss	-112	13 h 53 m	Show
The Jazz have played 81 games this season. Not once have they lost three in a row. A combination of talent, home-court and coaching will carry the Jazz through this Game 5 and ensure they won't drop three consecutive games for the first time this season. Utah's defense and bench is far stronger than it showed during the Clippers' 118-104 Game 4 victory in LA two days earlier. The Jazz beat the Clippers in the first two games of the series, both in Utah, and outscored the Clippers by 10 points in the second half of Monday's loss. Utah shot 51.4 percent from the floor in the second half, while holding the Clippers to 42.9 percent shooting from the field during the second half. That bode wells for the Jazz turning things around. So does returning home. Utah is 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four games in Salt Lake City. The Clippers are 1-4 ATS as a road 'dog. It's an added plus for Utah if Mike Conley can finally play. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are superstars. But Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are near that level. Gobert is the best defensive big man in basketball. I also like Utah's reserves more than the Clippers. The Clippers are in trouble if both Leonard and George aren't playing their "A" games. I also give the Jazz a solid coaching advantage with Quin Snyder against Ty Lue. (Update: I made this selection before news of Kawhi Leonard being out surfaced. The line has moved considerably following this news. I still like the Jazz to cover against the Clippers, but I would lower my wager at minus 6 1/2 or more.)
06-15-21	Bucks v. Nets +4.5	Top	108-114	Win	100	16 h 41 m	Show
This Bucks-Nets series has had a certain ebb and flow to it. Brooklyn opened the series as the better team. That's changed now since James Harden and Kyrie Irving were injured. Milwaukee is the superior team now. I acknowledge that. But I believe the combination of Kevin Durant, home court and tremendous emotional energy - part of the ebb and flow after the Bucks won the last two games - will keep the Nets in this one. The Nets are experienced playing without all three of their superstars on the court at the same time. They have role players such as Joe Harris and Blake Griffin who can step up when needed. The Nets' supporting cast, bolstered by adrenalin and home-court, has something to prove after being overlooked all season. This is their chance. Brooklyn has covered in 13 of its last 16 home games. The Bucks have failed to cover nine of the last 13 times they've been favored. I don't trust Milwaukee to cover a margin in this road setting especially when the Bucks could be feeling overconfident facing the Nets minus Harden and Irving.
06-13-21	Suns -3 v. Nuggets	Top	125-118	Win	100	29 h 14 m	Show
The oddsmaker has adjusted 4 1/2 points from Game 3 when the Suns were road underdogs. It still isn't enough. The Suns are vastly superior to the Jamal Murray-less Nuggets. Phoenix has won by 17, 25 and 14 points at Denver during Friday's Game 3. The Suns still won by double-digits on Friday despite the Nuggets playing the hardest they have all series and their superstar, Nikola Jokic, scoring 32 points, pulling down 20 rebounds and dishing off 10 assists. It didn't matter. The Nuggets don't have the starters to match the Suns and their bench isn't nearly good enough to compensate. The loss of Murray is huge. This is what I wrote for Game 3 when I also had the Suns: "No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. I have no doubt that the Nuggets will go all out, mustering all of their intensity. But it won't be enough. This series is a mismatch. Phoenix is playing too well and is two levels - not just one level - above the Nuggets right now." None of that has changed. Devin Booker remains a huge force and Chris Paul is playing great with a 34-to-3 assist-to-turnover ratio in the series. The only change could be Denver's morale and confidence. The Nuggets know no team has come back from a 3-0 series deficit. Their best shot two days ago wasn't nearly enough. That has to be depressing.
06-12-21	Jazz v. Clippers UNDER 223.5	Top	106-132	Loss	-110	14 h 20 m	Show
Donovan Mitchell is darn good. But he's not Superman like he's shown during the first two games of this series. Thanks to Mitchell averaging 41 points in the series, the Jazz are averaging 114.5 points in the series. I don't see Mitchell and the Jazz keeping up those scoring averages as the series shifts to LA. The Clippers ranked fourth during the season in scoring defense and sixth in defensive 3-point percentage. I don't find Tyronn Lue the sharpest card in the coaching deck, but finally during the second half of Game 2 he found the right type of zone defense to limit Mitchell and the Jazz. Utah was held to 51 points during the final two quarters of Game 2. I wonder, too, if Mitchell hurt his ankle after a collision with Paul George late in Game 2. Keep in mind, the Jazz haven't had point guard Mike Conley yet for the series. He's questionable for this Game 3. I'm certainly expecting the Clippers to show full playoff intensity defense against Utah. The Jazz have held the Clippers to an average of 110 points. That's four points below the Clippers' season average. Utah has Rudy Gobert, the defensive player of the year, and Bojan Bogdanovic played tremendous defense against Kawhi Leonard during the final quarter of Game 2. George is shooting 12-of-35 from the field in the series. The Clippers can't really rely on others for big-scoring performances besides Leonard and George. The Jazz finished in the top-3 in the major defensive categories - scoring, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. So I envision defense ruling the day in this Game 3 matchup.
06-11-21	Suns +1.5 v. Nuggets	Top	116-102	Win	100	12 h 50 m	Show
I understand and respect the zig/zag theory of playoff basketball. Denver is down 0-2, returning home in must-win mode. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. I have no doubt that the Nuggets will go all out, mustering all of their intensity. But it won't be enough. This series is a mismatch. Phoenix is playing too well and is two levels - not just one level - above the Nuggets right now. Chris Paul has a 26-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio in the series. Devin Booker is a force. The Nuggets are totally overmatched in the backcourt. This is where Denver really misses injured Jamal Murray. The Nuggets' backcourt is composed of Austin Rivers and Facundo Campazzo. These aren't playoff-caliber starters. Rivers is a journeyman. Campazzo is a reserve thrust in an ill-suited starter's role. The Nuggets were able to overcome the Trail Blazers in their previous playoff series because Portland isn't a good defensive club. Phoenix is. The Suns don't have a weak defender. Phoenix hasn't surrendered more than 109 points in a playoff game. Denver is averaging 101.5 points against the Suns. That's 14 points below its season scoring average. Aside from Nikola Jokic, who has been good but not dominant, the Nuggets don't have the scorers to defeat the Suns. Michael Porter Jr. has back problems and Aaron Gordon is best when he's not needed to be counted on like he is here. The Suns have thrived in this role covering 13 of the last 19 times as a 'dog.
06-10-21	Nets v. Bucks -3.5	Top	83-86	Loss	-109	9 h 44 m	Show
It's kind of scary to think how good the Nets would be if they had James Harden having beaten the Bucks by a combined 47 points during the first two games of this series. Both of those victories came in Brooklyn. Harden won't be able to play in this Game 3. Certainly tremendous credit to the Nets. But are the Bucks really this outclassed? I don't see it. Neither does the linesmaker, who has installed Milwaukee as a solid home favorite for this game. The Bucks can beat the Nets inside. They just haven't been able to keep up with the Nets from 3-point range. New Jersey is shooting 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, while the Bucks have made just 24.6 percent of their 3-point shots. Khris Middleton has been especially cold. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a minus 22 rating when he was on the court in Game 2. Middleton isn't a star, but he's certainly better than he's shown. Antetokounmpo isn't in the Michael Jordan/LeBron James Top of the World category, but he's easily one of the 10 best in the NBA right now, if not among the five best in the league. The Bucks went 4-0 following a loss of at least 20 points. After each blowout loss, they responded with a victory in the following game, winning those games by an average of 18.8 points. The Nets are playing on house money right now going on the road up 2-0. The Bucks are home and have tremendous motivation especially with their pride on the line. Maybe the Nets win this series. But a sweep? No sir.
06-08-21	Clippers v. Jazz UNDER 220.5		109-112	Loss	-100	14 h 13 m	Show
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George just aren't great scorers. They're top defenders, too. The Clippers gave up the fourth-fewest points in the NBA and ranked sixth in 3-point defense. LA held the Mavericks to an average of 98.5 points during the last four games of their recently concluded series. Utah is even better defensively. The Jazz rank in the top three in several major defensive categories, including fewest points per game, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. The Clippers are likely to settle for a slow pace having had a short turnaround after going the full seven games with the Mavericks. That series ended two days ago. The Jazz are facing a rust factor. They haven't played in six days. Utah could be minus point guard Mike Conley, who averaged 17.4 points and 8.6 assists against the Grizzlies in the Jazz's last playoff series. Conley is dealing with a hamstring strain. The Clippers scored 126 points against the Mavericks in their Game 7. Dallas isn't the defense team Utah is. The Clippers also went with a smaller lineup against Dallas. That probably isn't going to be the case here where the Clippers will switch to a taller, slower lineup in order to combat 7-foot-1 Rudy Gobert and reserve center Derrick Favors.
06-07-21	Bucks v. Nets OVER 233.5		86-125	Loss	-111	14 h 15 m	Show
Even though Game 1 finished well under the total. This series is about offense with two explosive teams. The Nets produced 115 points in Game 1 despite having James Harden for less than a minute. Harden won't play in this Game 2, but the Nets know that and have made adjustments. They were the No. 2 scoring team in the NBA at 118.6 points while rarely having Harden teamed up with fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at the same time. The Bucks were the only team to outscore the Nets during the season, averaging a league-best 120.1 points per game. Both team's defenses were below average ranking 21st and 22nd. Milwaukee dominated Brooklyn inside, producing 72 points inside the paint with Giannis Antetokounmpo making 16 of 24 shots from the floor. The Game 1 total went Under because the Bucks shot just 20 percent from 3-point range making 6-of-30. Milwaukee's free throw shooting was off, too. The Bucks made just 58 percent on 11-of-19. The Bucks were the fifth-best 3-point shooting team at 38.9 and made 76 percent of their free throws.
06-07-21	Bucks +2 v. Nets	Top	86-125	Loss	-121	14 h 16 m	Show
No getting around it. The Bucks did not play well in Game 1 this past Saturday losing, 115-107, despite James Harden only playing less than a minute before suffering a hamstring injury. Joe Harris and Blake Griffin picked up some of Harden's scoring slack making a combined 9 of 18 from 3-point range. That's not likely to occur again. Harden is ruled out and the Bucks should shoot a lot better from beyond the arc than their 6-of-30 in Game 1. The Bucks also made only 58 percent of their free throws going 11-for-19. What the Bucks did right is bury the Nets with 72 points in the paint. Much of this inside damage was done by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Nets couldn't contain him as he scored 34 points on 16 of 24 shooting from the floor. The Bucks should shoot much better this time around. They ranked in the top-five in field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage. There is no Harden. The Nets are vulnerable inside and can't stop Antetokounmpo. So look for Game 2 to go to the Bucks.
06-06-21	Hawks v. 76ers -2.5	Top	128-124	Loss	-117	8 h 35 m	Show
I'm not expecting Joel Embiid to play. Nice bonus if he does, but I'm certainly not counting on that. The 76ers know how to win without him especially with adequate preparation time, which is the case here. The 76ers closed out the Wizards at home without Embiid. They beat Washington by 17 points despite not playing that well. Philadelphia is 32-7 at home. The Hawks are not a strong road club. Atlanta went 0-6 during its last six regular-season away contests versus opposing playoff teams, including a pair of blowout losses to the 76ers in late April. The 76ers won those two home games by an average of 33 points! Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last six visits to Philadelphia. The 76ers have steadily been building for this moment. The Hawks have done well to advance this far. However, they are young and lack playoff experience. They have not paid their playoff dues to oust the 76ers even if Embiid sits out this series opener. Atlanta's defense greatly improved when Nate McMillan replaced Lloyd Pierce. But the Hawks' defense isn't at the 76ers' top-six level. The 76ers aren't going to sacrifice much on the boards either without Embiid since they have Dwight Howard and Mike Scott to fill in those minutes.
06-05-21	Bucks v. Nets UNDER 239.5		107-115	Win	100	11 h 53 m	Show
Yes there will be four superstars on the court so perhaps the oddsmaker is justified in putting out a total this large. But this also is a playoff game, with defense and intensity at its highest, plus there is a rust factor. The Bucks haven't played in a week. The Nets last played five days ago. Milwaukee had the fifth-best defensive field goal percentage in the league. The Bucks held Miami to 96 points per game during their four-game sweep. That's 12 points below what the Heat averaged during the regular season. Jrue Holiday is an ace defender. He can neutralize James Harden. The Nets won't have Jeff Green. Sure Green isn't Harden, Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant. Still, he's Brooklyn's fourth-leading scorer. Green provides continuity having played in 68 games, second-most on the Nets, and versatility. Green's absence could mean minutes for DeAndre Jordan, who is an Under bettor's best friend. Jordan is a tremendous shot-blocker who has no offensive game. His shooting range is about two feet. The Nets have stiffened their defense lately, holding foes to 109 points or fewer in five of the past seven games.
06-04-21	Clippers -136 v. Mavs	Top	104-97	Win	100	14 h 1 m	Show
It's not just the Zig/Zag and the Clippers being 8-2 ATS during their last 10 visits to Dallas. I like the Clippers because they have two proven superstars to the Mavericks' one. This has been a road series with the visitor covering each of the first five games. I believe the Clippers are the superior team and will prevail here. Luka Doncic is the Mavericks' lone reliable star and he's not 100 percent. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George give the Clippers two superstars to the Mavericks' one. Much credit to the feisty Mavericks for putting the Clippers on the brink of elimination with their, 105-100, Game 5 road victory as 7 1/2-point 'dogs. But the Clippers still had open looks and were aggressive in the paint. I'm not sold on the Mavericks' zone defenses. The Clippers can dent them. This bodes well for LA's chances in this Game 6.
06-03-21	Suns v. Lakers UNDER 207.5	Top	113-100	Loss	-106	13 h 22 m	Show
The Under is 4-0-1 in this series. The lone push should have gone Under, too, but late fouls caused it to push. I don't see any reason not to believe this game won't go Under, too. It should being the sixth game of the series with the Lakers at home trailing, 3-2. The Lakers can't match the Suns' firepower with Anthony Davis either sidelined, or severely limited because of a groin injury. LA needs a supreme defensive effort. The Lakers certainly are capable of this having finished as the No. 2 defense in the league. The Under is 12-5 during the Lakers' last 17 home games. There's also a strong Under bias when these two teams have played in LA with the low side winning seven of the past nine times. The Suns are no slouch defensively either ranking seventh in the NBA. They have held the Lakers to an average of 97 points during the five games in the series. Davis isn't the only key player hurting. Chris Paul is dealing with a shoulder injury. So I'm expecting another slow-paced game with each team taking their time looking for the right shot, probing the defense. This is playoff basketball at it's most intense with the Lakers facing elimination and the Suns out to prove themselves. That means defense rules in this matchup.
06-01-21	Blazers v. Nuggets -115	Top	140-147	Win	100	19 h 27 m	Show
The Nuggets fell behind in their playoff series against the Jazz and Clippers last season. Denver won both of those series. The Nuggets find themselves down 2-1 to the Trail Blazers this season. I'm confident the Nuggets will win this home matchup to even the series after being embarrassed, 115-95, this past Saturday at Portland. Denver has had two full days to absorb that flat performance and being called "soft" by its coach, Michael Malone. The Nuggets have a much better defense than the Trail Blazers, have the deeper bench and should come out with super intensity and purpose. I certainly don't expect the Nuggets to hit just 34 percent of their shots from the floor like they did in Game 3, nor shoot 29.5 percent from 3-point range. Denver ranked 4th in field goal percentage during the regular season and eighth in 3-point shooting accuracy. Portland ranked 25th in defensive field goal percentage. Denver has won eight of its past 10 home games. This is the Nuggets' biggest home game of the season.
05-31-21	Jazz v. Grizzlies +5.5	Top	120-113	Loss	-102	13 h 26 m	Show
After getting a split in Utah, the Grizzlies lost, 121-111, at home this past Saturday to fall behind the Jazz two games to one in their playoff series. So this really becomes a must-win spot for the Grizzlies because a loss sends them to Utah down 3-1 in the series. I trust the Grizzlies to get that win, if not hang very close in this Game 4. The Grizzlies outrebounded the Jazz in Game 3, including holding a nine-rebound advantage on the offensive boards. But the Grizzlies couldn't withstand Utah's hot 49.4 shooting from the floor. The Jazz scored 18 more points from 3-point range and 10 more points from the free throw line, getting 13 more free throw opportunities. Memphis had good looks at the basket. The Grizzlies were just cold, unlike Utah. I expect the Grizzlies to shoot better. The Jazz haven't been able to stop Ja Morant. I also expect the Jazz to score fewer points. Until that loss two days ago, Memphis had held its past five opponents at home to an average of 105.2 points. That would rank No. 2 in the NBA if that were a season average. Memphis has covered 71 percent the last 14 times it has been an underdog. The Grizzlies also have covered five of the past six times they were a home 'dog.
05-30-21	Clippers -3 v. Mavs	Top	106-81	Win	100	20 h 34 m	Show
The Clippers were in deep trouble of not only getting swept by the Mavericks, but also becoming a national joke trailing 2-0 in the series and down by 19 points on the road in Game 3. But the Clippers got it together and won Game 3, 118-108 this past Friday. This doesn't mean the series is over. However, the momentum has shifted. The Clippers have figured things out and I do see them winning Game 4. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are living up to their superstar labels averaging 34.3 points and 26.7 points, respectively. Luka Doncic is a monster for Dallas. The rest of the Mavericks I don't trust, including Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the floor in Game 1 and made an unbelievable 58.5 percent of their shots from the floor in Game 2. They only are an average scoring team. So those games weren't normal. The Clippers are the No. 4 defensive team in the NBA. They ranked sixth in defensive field goal percentage. Dallas shot 44.2 percent from the field in Game 3. The Mavericks made 47 percent of their field goals during the regular season. They are not a 50 percent shooting team especially against an upper tier defense. Dallas has failed to cover seven of the past nine times it has hosted the Clippers.
05-29-21	Nuggets v. Blazers UNDER 227.5	Top	95-115	Win	100	8 h 12 m	Show
This series is three games old and all three games have gone Over. Now we have our first daytime start. That's a plus for the Under because of the unfamiliarity. But the main reason why I'm going Under is pace. The tempo hasn't been fast. The shooting has been outstanding, though. It looked for sure that Game 3 was going Under. But there were more than 50 points scored during the last six minutes of the Nuggets' 120-115 victory Thursday, including 29 during the final 2:29. The Nuggets shot a blazing 20-of-38 from 3-point range for 53 percent. Journeyman Austin Rivers was on fire. I understand these teams have superstars. But only seven teams surrendered fewer points per game than the Nuggets, who also were No. 1 in defensive rebounding. The Trail Blazers aren't a good defensive team, but their intensity should be sky high after falling behind 2-1 in the series with Thursday's home loss. Portland also doesn't have to contend with Nuggets star Jamal Murray. I just don't see a hot-shooting game again here and that's what is needed to make this one go Over.
05-28-21	Nets -7.5 v. Celtics		119-125	Loss	-108	15 h 40 m	Show
Forget any zig-zag theory. The Celtics don't have it this year. They are a dead team. They can't stay within single digits of the powerhouse Nets. Brooklyn was flat in Game 1 yet still won by 11 points. Then the Nets built a 24-point halftime lead in Game 2 and won by 22 points. James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant didn't even need to play major minutes. The only player Boston really trusts is Jayson Tatum with Jaylen Brown out. Tatum could be pressing. He's hit just 9-of-32 shots from the floor. Then in Tuesday's Game 2 Tatum had to leave the game after getting poked in the eye. He'll play here, but he may not be 100 percent.
05-28-21	Knicks v. Hawks -4		94-105	Win	100	13 h 3 m	Show
The Hawks have been able to bottle up Julius Randle, but the Knicks haven't been able to stop Trae Young. The result is the Hawks got a 1-1 split in New York Now this playoff series scene shifts to Atlanta where the Hawks have been the hottest home team in the NBA with 11 straight victories. Atlanta has won 19 of its last 21 home contests and has covered 72 percent of its past 32 home games. The Hawks will have their first capacity crowd of 21,000 against the Knicks for the first time since COVID-19 limitations were put in place. Randle, the Knicks' best player, has missed 28 of 39 shots from the floor. Young is averaging 31 points in the series and has made 22 of 43 shots from the field for 51 percent while also dishing off 17 assists. Young is streaky and right now he's hot and has his confidence. Now he's home where the Hawks have covered 16 of the last 21 times as a home favorite.
05-28-21	Knicks v. Hawks OVER 211		94-105	Loss	-107	13 h 2 m	Show
I see the Hawks coming out aggressive in full attack mode after settling for too many outside shots in a 101-92 road loss to the Knicks this past Wednesday. Atlanta is much stronger at home. The Hawks shoot 47.5 from the floor and 38.4 percent from 3-point range at home compared to 46 percent and 36.2 percent on the road. The Hawks are averaging 123.8 points during their last six home games. They didn't face defenses as tough as the Knicks, but still that's an impressive recent figure. Trae Young is shooting 51 percent from the floor, averaging 31 points in the series. The Knicks haven't been able to slow him down. Young also is averaging 8.5 assists. Julius Randle, on the other hand, is having a bad series and due for a breakout game. The Knicks shot only 38 percent from the floor two days ago yet still managed to score 101 points. The tempo should pick up with the change in venue and so should Randle's 28 percent field goal shooting accuracy.
05-27-21	Suns +7 v. Lakers	Top	95-109	Loss	-100	20 h 4 m	Show
LeBron James is fine. Chris Paul is not. Paul's playing almost with just one arm because of a shoulder injury. Despite this, I like the Suns to cover this Game 3 margin. The Lakers often are overpriced at home. They are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Suns didn't achieve the NBA's second-best record by not overcoming some adversity and by not being resilient. They deserve more respect. Phoenix is 11-3 ATS following a loss and has covered seven of the past nine times when taking points on the road. Paul was ineffective because of his injury when the Lakers evened the series at 1-1 by defeating the Suns, 109-102, two days ago. I'm not expecting much now from the 36-year-old Paul. But I do have faith in reserve point guard Cameron Payne. He played well in that Game 2 loss. James and Paul dominate the headlines. Paul isn't the Suns' best player, though. Devin Booker is. He's an emerging superstar. who doesn't get the attention he deserves. Big man Deandre Ayton gives the Suns the fourth-best player on the court next to James, Anthony Davis and Booker. The Lakers have enough superstar greatness and savvy to probably win this series. But there aren't going to be blowout games. The Suns will keep this one close.
05-26-21	Grizzlies v. Jazz OVER 218		129-141	Win	100	15 h 11 m	Show
Despite subpar shooting from both teams, the Grizzlies and Jazz still put up a combined 221 points in Memphis' 112-109 upset win this past Sunday. The Grizzlies shot 45 percent from the floor, which is below their season average. Utah shot a cold 42 percent from the field. The Jazz shot 46.8 percent from the floor during the regular season while being the fourth-highest scoring team in the league at 116.4 points a game. The Jazz had trouble containing strong wing players in the postseason last year and they had problems with Ja Morant, who shot 11 of 21 from the field and scored 26 points. But even more alarming for the Jazz was the lack of defensive inside help for Rudy Gobert. Memphis scored 62 points in the paint. That's not a fluke. The Grizzlies are a great offensive rebounding team with Jonas Valanciunas and Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis is just an average defensive team. So I'm looking for the Jazz to score a lot more than they did in Game 1 especially with Donovan Mitchell set to make his playoff debut. Only 10 players scored more points per game than Mitchell this season. Even if Mitchell is rusty, his presence frees up sharpshooters Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles while making Gobert more dangerous in the low post. The last six games between the two teams played in Utah have all gone Over.
05-25-21	Mavs v. Clippers UNDER 216.5	Top	127-121	Loss	-109	18 h 5 m	Show
The Mavericks shot 50 percent from the floor while also sinking 17 of 36 3-pointers for 47 percent. There were a combined 50 free throws. Yet the Mavericks and Clippers still went Under 217 1/2 in the Mavericks' 113-103 Game 1 victory. Now the total has opened a point shorter for this Game 2 matchup. Under still is the way to go. I expect the Clippers to tighten their defense, not giving the Mavericks nearly as many open looks as they did in Game 1. Luka Doncic was held to one point during the fourth quarter because the Clippers decided to fully concentrate on him forcing the rest of the Dallas players to beat them from the perimeter - which they did. I don't see the Mavericks repeating their outside shooting. LA gave up the fourth-fewest points during the regular season, while ranking sixth in 3-point defense. Kawhi Leonard is one of the premier defensive players in the NBA. Tempo is huge in handicapping a total. The Mavericks-Clippers Game 1 had the slowest pace of any playoff game. It took exceptional shooting by the Mavericks and a larger than expected number of free throws to even get it close to the projected total.
05-25-21	Celtics v. Nets -9.5		108-130	Win	100	15 h 51 m	Show
The defense was solid, but the Nets didn't play well offensively shooting just 41.7 percent from the floor in Game 1 against the Celtics. Yet the Nets still are such a superior team they won, 104-93. This was a blown opportunity for the Celtics. Not only could the Celtics not win the game, they couldn't even cover as 8-point 'dogs. It was the first time this season Boston had to face the Nets with James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in the lineup together. The Nets never had all three of them versus the Celtics during the regular season when they swept the three meetings winning by an average of 15 points. The Nets also didn't have the huge home crowd support like they have now. More than 14,000 fans should be watching this one at Barclays Center. Boston has failed to cover during its seven visits to the Nets. Brooklyn has covered 13 of the last 16 times it has been favored. Jayson Tatum isn't going to score 50 points, which is what the Celtics need with Jaylen Brown out and Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier proving unreliable. I admire Brad Stevens believing him to be one of the best coaches in the league. But this isn't the Celtics' year. They have regressed very much. Boston is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games. The Celtics are outclassed here and haven't shown any tendency that they can meet this huge challenge. So I have no qualms about laying this many points.
05-24-21	Heat +4.5 v. Bucks	Top	98-132	Loss	-103	11 h 42 m	Show
The Bucks have been a dominant team for the last several years. But they've always had problems with Miami. The Bucks were fortunate to win Game 1 at home this past Saturday, nipping the Heat, 109-107, on a basket by Khris Middleton with a second left in overtime. The Heat came that close despite Jimmy Butler enduring the worst shooting performance of his career. Bam Adebayo, the Heat's second-best player next to Butler, also had a bad shooting game. Combined they were 8-of-37 from the floor for 22 percent. The Bucks dominated the Heat inside the paint outscoring Miami, 56-24. I highly doubt Butler and Abebayo shoot that bad again and the Heat should be better in the paint, too. The Heat led the NBA in paint defense giving up 41.3 points per game. Expect the Heat to play much better in this Game 2. The Heat will need to hit their 3-pointers like they did in Game 1, but those looks are there for them. The Bucks had the worst 3-point shooting defense in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have failed to cover seven of the past eight times they've been favored.
05-23-21	Grizzlies v. Jazz OVER 215.5		112-109	Win	100	19 h 10 m	Show
It was weird scheduling, but it could be telling. The Grizzlies and Jazz met three times during a span of six days from March 26-31. Utah won all three. The combined final scores totaled 231, 236 and 218 points, all of which are higher than what this total opened. Sure I get that this is playoff basketball now. But I remain unconvinced that defense will be more dominant than offense. Utah is the fourth-highest scoring team in the NBA at 116.4. The Jazz have reached at least 121 points in four of their last seven games. The Grizzlies are an average at best defensive team. Not only do they have to deal with Rudy Gobert inside and the outside scoring of Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles, but All-Star guard Donovan MItchell and Mike Conley are back healthy now, too. Mitchell hasn't played in more than a month because of an ankle injury, but he's ready now. He's averaging 26.4 points. The Jazz have something to prove after blowing a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets in their playoff series last season. They won't be adverse to running up a score to send out a clear message. The Grizzlies have scorers, too, along with a tremendous playmaker in Ja Morant. Memphis has the wing players to give the Jazz trouble on the defensive end. Note, too, that each of the past five meetings between the two teams has gone Over.
05-23-21	Hawks v. Knicks -116	Top	107-105	Loss	-116	17 h 46 m	Show
The oddsmaker hasn't respected the Knicks all season and he's certainly not respecting them here with such a short line. All the Knicks have done is lead the NBA in defense, win 16 of their last 20 games and cover 18 of their past 23 games (78 percent). New York swept the Hawks in three meetings this season. The Hawks couldn't stop Julius Randle. Atlanta is 0-6-1 ATS in its past seven games against the Knicks. The Hawks also have failed to cover in their last five overall away games. The Knicks went 25-11 at home this season. Some 15,000 fans are expected to jam Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks' first playoff game in eight years. That will be the biggest Knicks home crowd in 14 months. It's not like the Hawks have much recent playoff experience either. They last reached the postseason in 2017. Randle is the best all-around player on the court. The Knicks have held their last five opponents to 97 points a game. The Hawks haven't been able to beat the Knicks all season. I don't see that changing in this Game 1 matchup. .
05-23-21	Lakers v. Suns UNDER 213.5		90-99	Win	100	13 h 60 m	Show
The Lakers aren't going to race past any elite foe. The veteran Lakers are savvy enough to realize the way to beat the upstart Suns is to play slow and ugly. Then, in the end, LeBron James and Anthony Davis will win them the game. James and Davis not only are great offensive players, but outstanding defensive ones, too. That sometimes gets overlooked. LA was the No. 2 defensive team in the NBA this season. The Suns rely on Chris Paul to maintain their tempo and poise. Paul turned 36 a couple of weeks ago. He's been a slowdown point guard for the past few years. The Lakers aren't going to let the Suns run and the Suns don't want to run. So the pace should be slow. Phoenix also has to deal with nerves and a rust factor. The Suns last made the playoffs in 2010. They haven't played in a week. The Under is 7-1 the past eight times the Suns have played following three or more days of rest.
05-22-21	Celtics v. Nets -7.5	Top	93-104	Win	100	16 h 9 m	Show
The Celtics managed to sneak into the playoffs as the eighth-seed. But don't get fooled. This has been a broken season for Boston. Things aren't suddenly going to get fixed for the Celtics drawing this tough opponent especially with Jalen Brown out. Brooklyn had a dominating season despite rarely having Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the court together. Now all three superstars are healthy at just the right time. The Nets are not a strong defensive club, but their explosiveness factor is off the charts. Brown not only was Boston's second-best player, but he would have been a major defensive help. Marcus Smart can't cover three superstars by himself and underrated Robert Williams isn't 100 percent. The Nets swept the Celitcs winning by a combined 45 points in their three games this season. Not once in any of those matchup were Durant, Harden and Irving all able to play in the same game. Now they can. The Celtics are 5-9 in their last 14 games. Aside from Jayson Tatum, there has been major regression from the past couple of seasons for Boston. The Celtics also have failed to cover during their past six road games against the Nets. The class difference between these two teams is more than single digits, especially when playing in Brooklyn.
05-21-21	Grizzlies v. Warriors UNDER 221		117-112	Loss	-102	15 h 57 m	Show
The teams just met this past Sunday with postseason implications involved. Golden State won, 113-101. It was the fourth straight time the Grizzlies and Warriors went Under the total when playing at Golden State. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the floor, hit 15 of 39 3-pointers and connected on 89 percent of their free throws. So the Warriors' shooting was strong - and the game still went Under with 214 combined points. Stephen Curry finished with 46 points in that game, but was held in check until about 6 1/2 minutes were left by the defensive efforts of Dillon Brooks, who fouled out at that point. Before his forced departure, Brooks held Curry to 11-of-27 shooting from the floor while forcing five turnovers from Curry. Curry has logged 81 minutes in the last two games, the one against the Grizzlies and the game against the Lakers two days ago. Those are the most non-overtime minutes he's played during two straight games this season. Curry is 33 and has had his worst shooting games when physically exhausted. The combination of Brooks and fatigue could reduce Curry's effectiveness, which is the key to Golden State's scoring. The Grizzlies are giving up 105.4 points in their last seven games. The Warriors have held seven of their last 10 opponents to 108 or fewer points.
05-21-21	Grizzlies +5 v. Warriors	Top	117-112	Win	100	15 h 59 m	Show
Aside from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors have a lot of youth and lack big-game inexperience. I don't trust the Warriors in this point spread range against a talented, hungry Grizzlies squad that has the height and muscle to hurt Golden State inside. Yes, the Warriors defeated the Grizzlies, 113-101, at home this past Sunday. But the Grizzlies were right with the Warriors until Dillon Brooks, who was doing a good job covering Curry, fouled out with Memphis trailing just, 93-91. Curry carries a high fatigue rating having played 81 minutes during his last two games. Curry's worst shooting games have occurred when he's been tired. Memphis has covered nine of the last 11 times it has been a 'dog. Big man Jaren Jackson Jr. has returned to the Grizzlies' lineup giving them a frontcourt edge on the Warriors with Jonas Valanclunas in the middle. Curry is an MVP finalist, but Ja Morant gives Memphis an upper tier guard, too.
05-20-21	Pacers v. Wizards OVER 236.5		115-142	Win	100	13 h 8 m	Show
Teams usually step up defensively during the postseason. But I don't see the Pacers and Wizards being capable of that. These two teams live and die by offense. Indiana finished sixth in the NBA in scoring. The Pacers are averaging 129.3 points in their last four games. The Wizards rank last in the NBA defensively. The Over has cashed in 10 of the Pacers' last 13 games. Washington was the No. 3 scoring team in the league. The Wizards have averaged 124.6 points during their last 14 games, discounting their play-in game loss to the Celtics. The Pacers rank 25th defensively. The teams met 17 days ago and there were a whopping 295 points scored! Russell Westbrook averaged 27.3 points and 20 assists per game against the Pacers during the regular season. Bradley Beal isn't 100 percent, but he's back in Washington's lineup. Star guard Malcolm Brogdon is back in Indiana's lineup, which offsets the loss of Caris LeVert.
05-20-21	Pacers v. Wizards -3		115-142	Win	100	13 h 54 m	Show
Washington and Indiana each finished the regular season going 34-38. But I don't see these teams being even. The Wizards came on strong. The Pacers didn't. Washington closed the regular season going 17-6. The Wizards are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games. They defeated the Pacers during all three regular season meetings. Indiana is 6-7 in its last 13 games. A 144-117 pasting of the choking, banged-up Hornets in Tuesday's play-in game doesn't alter my opinion that the Pacers are inferior to the Wizards. The Wizards got their bad game out of the way with a 118-100 loss to the Celtics in their play-in game two days ago. Bradley Beal isn't 100 percent because of a hamstring injury, but he is back playing. Russell Westbrook is a triple-double machine and gives Washington the best all-around player on the court. Washington has shown a bounce back ability. The Wizards are 7-0-1 ATS following a defeat. They also are 18-5 ATS the past 23 times when playing on one day's rest.
05-19-21	Warriors v. Lakers -5		100-103	Loss	-108	13 h 15 m	Show
Now technically this isn't a playoff game. It's a play-in game. Neither team will get eliminated if it loses. But that doesn't mean the stakes aren't big here. When the stakes are big I want LeBron James and Anthony Davis going for me. Together they trump Stephen Curry. Kudos to Curry on a brilliant season, leading the league in scoring. The Lakers, though, have done a good job of clamping down on Curry holding him to 21.5 points a game during the past two meetings. That's nearly 11 points under his season scoring average. The Warriors lack the Lakers' depth. Their rotation goes just eight deep because of injuries. So if Curry is cold, Golden State is in big trouble. The Lakers crushed the Warriors by an average of 28 1/2 points during their last two meetings. LA didn't have Anthony Davis in those games either. Now LA has James and Davis back healthy plus monster rebounder Andre Drummond. Expect the Lakers to dominate the paint and glass with the smaller Warriors minus injured Kelly Oubre and James Wiseman. Oubre also was the player Warriors coach Steve Kerr would have liked to use defending James. Now that task falls on Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins is a good defender, but his offense is going to suffer since his concentration will be on trying to stay on and contain James. The Lakers have the talent edge, home-court and now postseason motivation to win this game by more than the point spread.
05-18-21	Hornets v. Pacers -3		117-144	Win	100	8 h 13 m	Show
Gordon Hayward remains out. LaMelo Ball is far from 100 percent and the Hornets are in free-fall losers of their last five games and 15 of their past 21. While the Hornets have covered just one of their last seven games, the Pacers are 6-0-1 ATS during their past seven games. Indiana has played five tough or hot teams during this seven-game stretch - Lakers, Bucks, 76ers, Wizards and Hawks. Charlotte has been the worst shooting team in the league during its last five games ranking 30th in 3-point percentage and 29th in field goal shooting. Ball, bothered by a broken wrist suffered on March 29, hasn't been the same player since coming back. Obviously the wrist isn't fully healed yet. The Pacers are far more respectable with Domaontis Sabonis back in the lineup. He returned this past Sunday after missing a game because of a quad injury and had a huge game in a 12-point win against the Raptors. The Hornets, who have lost their last five games by an average of 8.8 points, are 1-4 ATS during their last five visits to Indiana.
05-16-21	Grizzlies v. Warriors OVER 229.5		101-113	Loss	-110	6 h 32 m	Show
The Grizzlies and Warriors rank among the top 14 scoring teams in the NBA. This is one of the rare Sunday matchups that has playoff meaning. Both teams have been pointing to this matchup by resting key players. Stephen Curry plays his best when he's not fatigued. He's had four days to rest up for this game. The Grizzlies have yet to face him this season. Curry is going for a scoring title and will be firing at will. The Warriors play small ball. That's fine with the Grizzlies. who have gone Over in 13 of their last 19 road contests. Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, another instant offense performer, also are rested having not played during this past Friday game. Ja Morant gives Memphis a dynamic scorer. The Grizzlies also hold an inside edge with Jonas Valanciunas and Jaren Jackson Jr,, who is rounding into form after being out most of the season. The Warriors haven't seen him this season. Morant, Valanciunas and Jackson all were rested in the Grizzlies' last game this past Friday. The Grizzlies are the fifth-highest offensive rebounding team in the league and No. 1 in second-chance points. The Warriors are weak on the boards, giving up the fourth-most offensive rebounds. Valanciunas is No. 2 in the NBA in offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Jackson's return makes the Grizzlies even more of a force on the offensive boards.
05-15-21	Heat v. Bucks +4.5	Top	108-122	Win	100	10 h 34 m	Show
It's no secret the physical, defensive-minded, well-coached Heat match up well to the Bucks. Miami proved that in a convincing manner last season eliminating the Bucks in five games during the second round of the playoffs. There's also conjecture the Bucks could be sitting out players here. There's already been tremendous early line movement to the Heat. But, even in a worst-case scenario, Milwaukee has enough depth and bench strength to cover this number at home. It's a huge plus if the Bucks do give meaningful minutes to their regulars.
05-14-21	Nuggets v. Pistons +9		104-91	Loss	-115	8 h 30 m	Show
The Nuggets are a bit fat and happy going 2-0 on their current road trip and having home-court advantage clinched for the first round of the playoffs. This is their second to last game of the regular season so the Nuggets could rest a key player or two. Denver's objective is the playoffs, not steamrolling the Pistons by double-digits. Detroit has been getting good play from 2019 first round pick Sekou Doumbouya and its first-round picks this season - Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart and Saben Lee. The youthful Pistons are in full rebuild so it's no surprise they've been up-and-down this season, mostly down. But Detroit should be up for this home matchup. The Pistons are off an embarrassing 19-point home loss to the Timberwolves this past Tuesday. They've had ample rest and prep time for this game. Pistons management showed its commitment to Dwane Casey extending his contract. Casey would very much like his Pistons to finish strong. This is their chance.
05-13-21	Magic +12.5 v. Hawks	Top	93-116	Loss	-109	17 h 57 m	Show
Tight victories against the Wizards on Monday and Wednesday have pushed the Hawks into their first playoff spot in four years. The Hawks are thrilled, relieved and exhausted after nipping Washington, 125-124, three days ago and beating the Wizards, 120-116, last night. This sets up a tremendous letdown spot for the Hawks in today's game against the lowly Magic. This is the Hawks' third game in four days and second in two nights. They are 1-4 ATS the past five times when playing without rest. The Magic held the Bucks, the No. 1 scoring team in the NBA, to 114 points in their last game this past Tuesday. That was six points under the Bucks' season average. The youthful Magic should play hard here, but the situation is the No. 1 factor why Orlando should keep things close.
05-12-21	Rockets +13.5 v. Lakers		122-124	Win	100	12 h 55 m	Show
I'm anticipating a monster letdown from the Lakers after their gutty, 101-99, home overtime win against the Knicks Tuesday night. The Lakers accomplished that minus LeBron James. James is expected to make his return in this game. You couldn't blame the Lakers for taking the Rockets lightly, at least subconsciously, especially with the news that James is returning to the lineup. Houston is 5-43 in its last 48 games establishing itself as the worst team in the West if not the entire NBA. But the Rockets have covered their last three games and should get back Christian Wood, their best big man. They have some underrated backup-caliber guards, too, who can look good against LA's depleted backcourt that is minus Dennis Schroder and possibly Alex Caruso. Houston could catch a major break if the Lakers decided to hold out Anthony Davis, who tweaked his groin during the victory against the Knicks.
05-12-21	Blazers v. Jazz -126		105-98	Loss	-126	12 h 36 m	Show
Simple task for Utah. The Jazz clinch the No. 1 overall playoff seed if they beat the Trail Blazers, Thunder and Kings. This is the tough one left on Utah's regular season schedule so I anticipate the Jazz being up for it. Moreso because Utah is coming off a loss. Golden State halted the Jazz's five-game win streak with a 119-16 home win two days ago. The Jazz held Stephen Curry to 10-of-24 shooting from the floor in the loss. That doesn't bode well for Damian Lillard. Utah is 22-10 ATS the past 32 times as a home favorite. The Jazz are 2-0 versus Portland this season winning by an average of 19.5 points.
05-11-21	Magic v. Bucks -13	Top	102-114	Loss	-110	10 h 29 m	Show
The Bucks have something to prove physically and mentally after being embarrassed, 146-125, on the road by the Spurs Monday night. Milwaukee certainly is going to be motivated for tonight's home game and the Bucks have the perfect patsy to get themselves right again - the Magic. Orlando has lost 18 of 24 since dumping their top players at the trade deadline. The Magic are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games. The Bucks are giving up an unsightly 137.7 points during their last three games. It's been a combination of lackluster defense and hot offenses that have caused this. Milwaukee should clamp down defensively here. Orlando is second-to-last in scoring and last in field goal percentage. The Bucks trail the Nets by one game for second-place in the Eastern Conference. So they will have incentive. The Bucks have dominated the Magic winning the past six meetings while going 5-0-1 ATS. This includes the Bucks' two victories against the Magic this season by an average of 29.5 points.
05-10-21	Jazz -3 v. Warriors	Top	116-119	Loss	-102	11 h 26 m	Show
There's a class difference here worthy enough to lay the road points. The Jazz are 6-1 in their last seven games riding a five-game win streak. No rest stops for them, though, as they hold just a 1 1/2-game lead on the Suns for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Warriors also have been playing well. But they've also played a bunch of bunnies lately. Their last six games have been against the Thunder twice, Pelicans twice, Rockets and Timberwolves. Only the Pelicans have a slim chance of making the playoffs among that dreck. Utah has covered nine of the last 12 in this series and is 4-1 ATS in its past five visits to Golden State.
05-09-21	Pelicans +4 v. Hornets		112-110	Win	100	10 h 46 m	Show
The oddsmaker has overcompensated for the Pelicans not having injured Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Granted those are New Orleans' two best players. The Hornets, however, have five rotation players either out or questionable. So they're dealing with injuries, too. Not only are the Pelicans in must-win mode needing to move up one spot to qualify for the play-in tournament, but the intensity for this matchup is increased because it's a meeting of the Ball brothers, Lonzo and LeMelo. The Pelicans hung in against a much tougher foe than the Hornets this past Friday, losing to the 76ers on the road, 109-107, despite not having Williamson and Ingram. That was the fifth straight road game the Pelicans have covered. They also are 4-0 ATS during their past four visits to Charlotte.
05-09-21	Knicks v. Clippers UNDER 216.5		106-100	Win	100	7 h 35 m	Show
The Knicks are coming off an embarrassing, 128-105, loss to the Suns from Friday night. That was the third-most points the Knicks have surrendered during regulation. New York is the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA in scoring defensive, defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The Knicks should be highly motivated here and for them that starts and ends with defense. The Clippers rank fifth defensively giving up 108 points per game. That number goes down to 106 a game counting just the last seven contests. The Knicks rank 26th in scoring. Two other factors for why this should be a lower-scoring game than the oddsmaker envisions: Pace and game time. The Knicks play at the slowest tempo in the NBA. The Clippers have played at the slowest pace in the league during the last five games. This is an early start time, too. So the shooting rhythm could be off.
05-08-21	Rockets v. Jazz OVER 226	Top	116-124	Win	100	12 h 36 m	Show
Both teams are coming off huge efforts on Friday night. Utah got past the Nuggets, 127-120, at home while the short-handed Rockets turned in a gutty performance in a 141-133 loss to the Bucks on the road. I'm anticipating a letdown from both sides here, which sets up a less-than-intense game with sloppy defense. Houston ranks 27th in scoring defense, defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The Rockets give up 116 points per game. That number shoots up to allowing 127.1 points if you go by their last seven games. Utah is the No. 3 scoring team in the NBA at 116.6. The Jazz don't need Donovan Mitchell's scoring if Bojan Bogdanovic stays hot. Bogdanovic made 16-of-23 shots from the floor, including eight 3-pointers, in scoring 48 points against the Nuggets. Utah is coming off scoring 127 versus the Nuggets and 126 against the Spurs in its last two games, both of which were at home. The Spurs rank 15th defensively while the Nuggets give up the ninth-fewest points in the league. Houston is far worse defensively. The Rockets put up 133 points on the Bucks despite having only eight players. The Rockets were missing Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. versus the Bucks. It's a nice bonus if either, or both, were to play today. Kelly Olynyk continues to contribute strong offensive numbers inside and the Rockets have respectable backcourt scoring depth with Armoni Brooks and D.J. Augustin. If fatigue hits the Rockets, which it very well could, it will show on defense. The Over has cashed in five of Houston's last six games when it played without rest.
05-07-21	Lakers +8.5 v. Blazers	Top	101-106	Win	100	12 h 13 m	Show
No LeBron James. No Dennis Schroder. OK, now that's out the way here's why the Lakers keep this game close, if not pull the outright upset: The Trail Blazers are playing their first home game since April 25. They've been on the road since turning in an impressive 5-1 away mark during this span. So this is a dangerous spot for the Trail Blazers, who have lost their LAST six home games. The Lakers are 1-4 in their past five games. Their win was against the Nuggets, which is impressive. LA's losses, though, were to the Clippers, Raptors, Kings and Wizards. The Kings and Wizards have been sizzling. Anthony Davis is expected to play after logging just nine minutes in his last game. Davis is calling this matchup the biggest game the Lakers have left on their regular season.
05-07-21	Nuggets v. Jazz -4		120-127	Win	100	10 h 58 m	Show
Both teams are banged-up, but have been surviving very nicely. The Jazz are still elite even if Donovan Mitchell isn't ready to return to the lineup. The Nuggets keep losing players. They've been without star shooting guard Jamal Murray and now have a serious crisis in the backcourt with Monte Morris, sparkplug Will Barton and P.J. Dozier all injured. Look for that to catch up to the Nuggets in Salt Lake City, a place they have failed to cover in 11 of their last 15 visits. The Jazz have been home since May going 3-0 SU and ATS since then beating the Spurs twice and Raptors once. The Nuggets are 2-4 ATS in their last six road contests, with one of those covers occurring versus hapless Houston. There is too much for the Nuggets to overcome and the spread is fair to back the home favorite.
05-06-21	Grizzlies v. Pistons +9.5	Top	97-111	Win	100	10 h 42 m	Show
The Grizzlies aren't good enough to cover a road spread this high considering the situation they are in. This marks Memphis' fifth game in seven days. The Grizzlies just defeated the Timberwolves, 139-135, in a wild game on Wednesday night. Memphis is 1-4 ATS the last five times it has been favored. The Pistons are in a youth movement. But they have received strong play from rookies Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes. Those three combined, however, to shoot 4-for-23 in the Pistons' last game. That was two days ago against the Hornets. Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, Josh Jackson and Wayne Ellington didn't play for Detroit in that game. Still, the Pistons only lost, 102-99. The Pistons are 15-6-1 the past 22 times following a loss. They can hang in against this foe, particularly given the Grizzlies' high fatigue rating.
05-05-21	Suns v. Hawks UNDER 228		103-135	Loss	-104	8 h 16 m	Show
There shouldn't be any cheap baskets in this one. The Hawks rank third in 3-point defense, while the Suns are fifth-best in defending 3-pointers. Don't expect a fast pace from the Suns and veteran point guard Chris Paul. Phoenix is playing for the fourth time in six days, third in four days and second in two nights having defeated the Cavaliers in overtime on Tuesday. Paul, who turns 36 on Thursday, logged nearly 36 minutes last night. If you discount a pair of road contests against the 76ers, the Hawks are giving up an average of only 103.6 points in their last five games. The Under has cashed six of the past seven times the Hawks have hosted the Suns.
05-04-21	Mavs v. Heat OVER 215.5	Top	127-113	Win	100	8 h 45 m	Show
Going by season statistics this total seems about right. Both Dallas and Miami are top-10 defenses. However, current form-wise this total is too low. Discounting a 111-99 loss this past Sunday to the Kings, their jinx team, the Mavericks are averaging 124.3 points in their last three games. The Heat have surrendered at least 110 points in three of their last four games. Miami, though, is averaging 120.3 points in its past three games. Dallas has permitted 110 or more points in 10 of its last 13 games. The Mavericks still probably won't have back injured big man Kristaps Porzingis, but they are expected to have back gunner Tim Hardaway Jr. Porzingis does provide inside scoring, but his absence would open things up inside offensively for the Heat. The Heat could be without Andre Iguodala, who has a hip injury. He's a top-notch defender so that would be a plus for the Under.
05-01-21	Nuggets v. Clippers -5	Top	110-104	Loss	-105	10 h 27 m	Show
Early speculation is the Clippers will have superstar Kawhi Leonard for this game. Leonard has played just once during the last three weeks because of a sore foot. The Clippers have been targeting this matchup for Leonard to play. Even if Leonard has to sit out another game, I still like the Clippers to cover. LA is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games. Denver is 8-1 since losing its star, Jamal Murray. The Nuggets, though, have played weak-to-mediocre teams during this stretch. They are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games.
05-01-21	Pistons +7 v. Hornets		94-107	Loss	-104	8 h 59 m	Show
The Hornets haven't been favored by this many points all season. I don't see it here. Not with the Hornets minus Gordon Hayward and LeMelo Ball. The Pistons have proven spunky. Their main rookies - Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes - have been playing well. Detroit is off a double-digit loss at home to the Mavericks. This is a step down in class for the Pistons, who usually play well following a defeat. They are 11-0 ATS in their next game after a double-digit home loss.
04-30-21	Bucks -106 v. Bulls	Top	108-98	Win	100	10 h 57 m	Show
The Bucks have a tremendous track record playing the Bulls on the road covering the past eight times. I expect Milwaukee to make it nine straight against Chicago even without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who played less than a minute before suffering an ankle injury against the Rockets last night. The lowly Rockets stung the Bucks with a 143-136 win. It was the most points the Bucks have surrendered all season. I expect the prideful Bucks to play with super intensity following that humiliation. Milwaukee has the depth to overcome Antetokounmpo's expected absence. The Bulls are without their best player, too, Zach LaVine. He averages just half-a-point less a game than Antetokounmpo at 27.5 points.
04-29-21	Warriors -5 v. Wolves	Top	114-126	Loss	-110	14 h 10 m	Show
Break up the Timberwolves. Minnesota is riding a season-high three game winning streak. The Timberwolves upset powerful Utah twice and then got past lowly Houston, 114-107, this past Tuesday. The Warriors, a .500 team in a desperate struggle to earn the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, are the first decent opponent Minnesota plays after stunning Utah twice. The Timberwolves have picked up their game since Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards have all been on the court together. But they are overdue for a letdown and I expect the Warriors to bring their "A" game after an embarrassing, 133-103, home loss to the Mavericks this past Tuesday. The Warriors have covered each of the last four times following a defeat.
04-28-21	Hawks +8.5 v. 76ers	Top	83-127	Loss	-115	11 h 2 m	Show
This opening point spread is a case of just looking at the last game's results. Those results from two days ago were the 76ers burying the hapless Thunder, 121-90, while the Hawks were getting upset by the lowly Pistons, 100-86. Before that victory against Oklahoma City, losers of 14 of its last 15 games, the 76ers had dropped four in a row. Philadelphia is 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven games. The Hawks had upset the Bucks two games ago leaving them ripe for a letdown against the Pistons. Despite multiple injuries, the Hawks have won and covered 11 of their last 15 games. I'm not expecting Trae Young to return to the Hawks' lineup yet. But Clint Capela has been playing as well as any big man in the league. Guard Kris Dunn made his season debut against the Pistons bolstering Atlanta's backcourt depth. It would not surprise me if the 76ers sat out Joel Embiid for this game. Embiid played against the Thunder, but was in pain due to a sore right shoulder. So I'm taking an early position here knowing if Embiid is rested this line will drop sharply.
04-27-21	Thunder v. Celtics OVER 216		119-115	Win	100	9 h 28 m	Show
I understand Oklahoma City's starting lineup of Theo Maledon, Kenrich Williams, Aleksej Pokusevski, Darius Bazley and Moses Brown is not going to bring back memories of the 1992 USA Olympic Dream Team. But the Thunder's lack of marquee talent cuts both ways. Their defense has been horrible. Oklahoma City is giving up an average of 122.8 points in its last seven games. The Thunder just surrendered 121 points to the 76ers last night. The Celtics may not have all of their weapons if Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Robert Williams III have to sit out again. But Boston does have Jaylen Brown and Evan Fournier back. Plus Boston just yielded 125 points to the Hornets two days ago. The Hornets are minus their two most effective offensive players, Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball.
04-26-21	Jazz -9.5 v. Wolves		104-105	Loss	-110	11 h 38 m	Show
The Jazz are tough enough to face under ordinary circumstances. Now the Timberwolves draw Utah in a rapid revenge spot. Minnesota stunned Utah, 101-96, as 12 1/2-point road 'dogs this past Saturday. The Jazz hadn't played at home in nine days and were going right back on the road following the game. Utah was distracted and not ready to bury the Timberwolves. The Jazz also were cold, shooting just 40.2 percent from the floor. That won't be the case here. The Jazz should be extremely fired-up and focused. They rank No. 3 in the NBA in scoring at 116.5. Minnesota ranks 29th defensively allowing nearly 118 points per game. The Timberwolves won their first two games of the season. They haven't won two straight since then. Minnesota is 7-18-2 ATS following a victory. The Timberwolves have failed to cover five of the last six times they've hosted Utah.
04-26-21	Hawks v. Pistons +4		86-100	Win	100	10 h 57 m	Show
The Pistons usually can be counted on for a good effort thanks to Dwane Casey. Detroit is in a great ambush spot here. The Hawks upset the Bucks, 111-104, as 5 1/2-point home 'dogs on Sunday. Atlanta achieved the victory minus its best player, guard Trae Young. The Hawks are short-handed in the backcourt and at wing with Young, De'Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Tony Snell and Kris Dunn all out. Not only are the Hawks in a letdown spot, but they carry a heavy fatigue rating, too. This marks Atlanta's fifth game in seven days and second in two days. Detroit is in stop-the-pain mode having lost three in a row. Those losses were on the road. The Pistons are 2-0 SU and ATS in their last two home contests beating the Cavaliers and Thunder. The Hawks are a notch above those teams, but they are just a borderline playoff team not some elite opponent. Detroit has covered 77 percent the past 26 times following a non-cover. The Pistons have been getting strong play from their bench. This could prove crucial given the Hawks' high fatigue status.
04-25-21	Kings +9.5 v. Warriors	Top	113-117	Win	100	13 h 50 m	Show
The Kings covered for the eighth time in the past nine meetings against the Warriors when they rolled past Golden State, 141-119, at home on March 25. Sacramento was minus 4 1/2 points in that game. Now look at the spread. Quite a difference. Stephen Curry didn't play in that last meeting. Curry is back anc playing at his highest level, which is considerable. De'Aaron Fox is out for Sacramento due to COVID. Fox is the Kings' best player. Golden State is home this time and will have fans in the stand. This explains the huge point spread differential from the past meeting. But it's not enough to keep me off the Kings. I envision a much closer score than the oddsmaker does. The Kings are in must-win mode trailing the Warriors and Spurs by 5 1/2 games for the final two playoff spots in the West. The loss of Fox is huge. However, it weakens the Kings' bench more than the starting five because star rookie Tyrese Haliburton will move into the starting lineup now. There's a chance the Kings get back big man Richaun Holmes. He's practicing after missing the past five games with a hamstring injury. I'm expecting the Kings to go all out with their starters logging big minutes. The Kings will be well rested having last played this past Wednesday. Sacramento has covered 20 of the past 26 times for 77 percent when playing on three or more day's rest. The Kings have been playing well, too, winning two of their last three games. They have covered their last two road contests upsetting Dallas a week ago and coming within eight points of the Suns on April 15. The Warriors are in a letdown spot coming off a huge and impressive, 118-97, home victory against the Nuggets two days ago. Golden State's depth is down with rotation players Kent Bazemore, Damion Lee, Eric Paschall and James Wiseman all out. So the Kings' backup players won't be so vulnerable.
04-24-21	Bulls v. Heat -4.5		101-106	Win	100	9 h 55 m	Show
The Heat were humbled by the Timberwolves eight days ago. Miami responded to that bad loss by winning three in a row defeating the Nets and blowing out the Rockets and Spurs. But then last night the Heat's 3-game win streak ended in terrible form with a 118-103 road loss to the Hawks. It was one of the Heat's worst defensive games of the season especially considering Atlanta won without its two best players, Trae Young and Clint Capela. Miami bounced back after its loss to Minnesota and I see the Heat doing it again hosting the Bulls, who remain without their top player, Zach LaVine. I consider Erik Spolestra one of the top coaches in the NBA. I trust him to have the Heat fired-up after Friday night's stinker. The Bulls are 1-4 in their last five road games. During this span, Chicago lost by 16 points to the Cavaliers this past Wednesday, lost by 11 to the Grizzlies, fell to the Timberwolves by four and lost to the Hawks by 12.
04-24-21	Raptors v. Knicks UNDER 216.5		103-120	Loss	-110	8 h 40 m	Show
The Knicks rank No. 1 in the major defensive categories, including giving up the fewest points per game at 104.7. Lately, though, the Knicks have been involved in some high-scoring games. The result is five Overs in their last six games. I find these Overs misleading. During their last five games, the Knicks have played two overtimes, met the Pelicans twice and Hawks once. This has led to a lot of scoring inflation. Toronto is a much different opponent. The Raptors have allowed just 105.5 points during their last six games, playing offenses much stronger than the Knicks, who rank 26th in scoring. There were a combined 198 points scored when the Raptors last visited New York just 13 days ago. The Knicks won that game, 102-96. This is a day game with an early start time, which I view as a plus for the Under. The Raptors also will be without injured Chris Boucher. The value of Boucher is well-known to anyone who participates in a deep Rotisserie basketball league like I do. Boucher is shooting 51.9 percent from the floor, which is the highest by far of any Toronto player logging more than 23 minutes a game.
04-23-21	Grizzlies v. Blazers OVER 232.5		130-128	Win	100	12 h 19 m	Show
The Grizzlies have been a tremendous Over road team. They've gone Over in 18 of their past 24 away matchups for 75 percent. If you discount the Grizzlies' last game, a 117-105 loss to the Clippers two days ago, Memphis is averaging 121.8 points in its past eight road games. A big takeaway from the Grizzlies' game against the Clippers was the season debut of 6-foot-11 Jaren Jackson Jr. He scored 15 points in fewer than 18 minutes. The Grizzlies now have an inside scoring threat to go with Ja Morant and a bunch of outside gunners. Jackson averaged 17.4 points last season. Portland ranks 25th in scoring defense and 26th in defensive field goal percentage. So the Grizzlies should get their points. The Trail Blazers are a top-10 scoring team and Memphis is a below average defensive club. The Trail Blazers finally are fully healthy. Damian Lillard had missed three games with a hamstring injury. He returned in Portland's last game, a 106-105 home loss to the Nuggets this past Wednesday. Lillard, though, was rusty shooting only 9-of-23 from the floor, including missing eight of 10 shots from 3-point range. I'm expecting a much better performance from Lillard.
04-22-21	76ers v. Bucks UNDER 225.5		117-124	Loss	-109	10 h 31 m	Show
The 76ers gave it a good try, but they fell to the Suns, 116-113, on Wednesday. Philadelphia was minus Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and Tobias Harris. Those probably are the 76ers' second, third and fourth-most valuable offensive players. Simmons isn't expected to play. Curry and Harris are questionable. Superstar Joel Embiid even might sit, or have his minutes reduced since this is the second consecutive game for Philadelphia. These absences have opened up more playing time for Matisse Thybulle, an excellent defender and a plus for the Under. The Bucks rank fifth in defensive field goal percentage defense. Not only are the 76ers playing without rest, but this will be their third game in four days. The Under has cashed the past five times the 76ers have played on zero rest so expect a slow pace from Philadelphia. The Bucks will have their defensive intensity having lost two in a row with the latest being a 128-127 overtime loss to the Suns this past Monday. That game was Under the total at the end of regulation. The 76ers rank seven in scoring defense and are No. 4 in defensive field goal percentage. There were only a combined 186 points scoring in regulation during the first meeting between the two clubs on March 17.
04-21-21	Nuggets v. Blazers +2	Top	106-105	Win	100	12 h 18 m	Show
The Nuggets are 3-0 since watching the horror of Jamal Murray go down for the season with a torn ACL. Denver has managed to beat the Heat, the hapless Rockets and the Grizzlies in double overtime this past Monday rallying from a 12-point deficit with less than four minutes left in regulation. Now, though, the Nuggets are without Murray and fellow guard Monte Morris. He's out with a hamstring injury. Denver escaped the Grizzlies despite committing 24 turnovers. I don't see the Nuggets escaping on the road here against Portland. The Trail Blazers are off a 113-112 home loss to the Clippers last night. Portland came very close despite not having Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic. Lillard is Portland's best player and Nurkic is their best front-court player. Both Lillard and Nurkic are expected to play against the Nuggets. The Trail Blazers' huge backcourt edge should carry them through.
04-19-21	Suns v. Bucks UNDER 235	Top	128-127	Loss	-110	15 h 48 m	Show
Both teams have something to prove each coming off bad losses. The Suns were blown out at home by the Spurs, 111-85, while the Bucks fell to the Grizzlies, 128-115, at home. Both of these losses occurred this past Saturday so the teams may have gotten caught peeking ahead to this marquee matchup. These are two of the best teams in the NBA. So I'm expecting an intense, playoff-type defensive effort. Yes, there are great scorers on the court. But each team is excellent defensively, too, with the Suns ranking fourth in scoring defense and fifth in 3-point defense, while the Bucks ranking fifth in defensive field goal percentage. This is the Suns' first road game in 11 days. Discounting their away contest against the hapless Rockets, the Suns have averaged just 99 points during their last three road games. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be playing for the third time since being out six games with a knee injury. The Bucks aren't rushing him. He played fewer than 30 minutes against the Grizzlies, which is down from his usual 34-minutes of court time. The Under has cashed five of the last six times the teams have met in Milwaukee.
04-19-21	Cavs -2.5 v. Pistons		105-109	Loss	-110	8 h 44 m	Show
Scared about asking the Cavaliers to win on the road? Don't be. Cleveland has won and covered three of its last four road contests. The Cavaliers still have playoff hopes, while the Pistons are in full rebuild. The Cavaliers have covered the last five in this series, including winning both games against the Pistons this season. Detroit lost, 121-100, to the Wizards two days ago. The Pistons permitted the Wizards, whose guards usually do most of their damage, to score 74 points in the paint.
04-18-21	Rockets v. Magic OVER 218.5		114-110	Win	100	9 h 25 m	Show
Orlando is 1-7 in its last eight games. Houston is 1-10 in its last 11. Something has to give when these two lightweights meet today. Yeah that something is defense. The Rockets have allowed 125 or more points in each of their last five games. They stopped playing defense a long time ago. The Magic's defense has tumbled way down, too. Orlando is giving up an average of 120.1 points in its last eight games. A combination of getting gutted at the trade deadline and having injuries to their best defenders has lowered the Magic's once semi-respectable defense. Houston won't have John Wall. He's sitting out. I'm fine with that because the Rockets still have Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, Jae'Sean Tate and underrated Kelly Olynyk. Wall hasn't had a stellar season either. Orlando will be minus point guard Michael Carter-Williams. So that means big minutes for Cole Anthony, who doesn't have Carter-Williams' defensive mind-set. The Magic have eight players 23 or younger. This is going to be a fun up-and-down game for them.
04-17-21	Spurs v. Suns OVER 227		111-85	Loss	-104	8 h 29 m	Show
When it comes to NBA superstars, Devin Booker's name often gets lost. But sparked by Booker, who averages 25.7 points a game, the Suns are the fifth-highest scoring team in the NBA. They also rank No. 2 in field goal percentage and free throw percentage. San Antonio is a below average defensive team that has given up at least 117 points in six of its last nine games. Phoenix has scored at least 117 points in eight of its last 10 games. The Over has cashed in eight of the Suns' last 10 games. The Spurs have produced 115 or more points in eight of their past 12 games so they should contribute their fair share in getting this total to go Over.
04-17-21	Cavs v. Bulls -121	Top	96-106	Win	100	17 h 32 m	Show
Zach LaVine is out and the Bulls are on a five-game losing streak. So why back them? Two words: Cleveland Cavaliers. It's not too much to ask the Bulls to simply beat the hapless Cavaliers at home. This is the Bulls' opportunity to stop the bleeding while fighting for the 10th and final place in the play-in tournament. Chicago is tied with Toronto for that spot. LaVine is the Bulls' top scorer, but Chicago still holds an inside edge thanks to Nikola Vucevic. The Cavaliers rank last in scoring and second-to-last in offensive efficiency. Cleveland has failed to cover in 15 of its last 22 road contests. The Cavaliers' average road loss is by nearly double-digits.
04-16-21	Magic v. Raptors -130		102-113	Win	100	8 h 23 m	Show
The expression fat and happy doesn't usually apply to the Orlando Magic. But in this rare case it does. The Magic halted a six-game losing streak by beating the Bulls and former teammate, Nikola Vucevic, 115-106, this past Wednesday. I don't see the rebuilding Magic bringing that kind of intensity to this matchup against the desperate Raptors, who need to make a move now. Toronto showed it still can be a force defeating the Spurs, 117-112, two days ago despite missing Kyle Lowery and Fred VanVleet. Both Lowery and VanVleet are expected to play for Toronto today. The Magic couldn't stop VanVleet when the teams last met in Orlando on Feb. 2. VanVleet scored 54 points in a 123-108 Toronto victory. The Raptors also defeated the Magic, 115-102, on Jan. 31 at home. The Raptors should have some added insight into the Magic having acquired former Orlando center Khem Birch eight days ago.
04-16-21	Pacers v. Jazz UNDER 235		111-119	Win	100	5 h 40 m	Show
This is a weird Friday matinee game, which I consider a plus for the Under. The total is set high because the Pacers and Jazz have been piling up a lot of points against bad defenses. So I believe their current scoring form is skewed. The Pacers' last six games have occurred against five below average defenses. Now they go against the Jazz on the road. Utah gives up the fourth-fewest points in the NBA and ranks No. 2 in the league in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. Indiana ranks 22nd in scoring defense. Yet this will be the Jazz's toughest defensive foe in their last five games. Utah's previous four games were against defenses ranked 24th, 26th, 29th and 30th. There were just 198 points scored when the two teams met earlier this season at Indiana on Feb. 7 with the Jazz winning, 103-95. It's a break for Indiana if Jordan Clarkson has to miss another game with an ankle injury. Clarkson is the NBA leader in points off the bench this season, but he shot just 34.5 percent from the floor in March.
04-15-21	Celtics v. Lakers UNDER 212.5	Top	121-113	Loss	-110	18 h 57 m	Show
It's taken until April, but the Celtics finally have started to play good basketball winning six of their last seven games. Strong defense has keyed Boston's turnaround. The Celtics rank fifth in defensive efficiency during their last 10 games, eight of which have gone Under the total. Boston has held four of its last seven opponents to fewer than 103 points. The Lakers have really stressed defense knowing their scoring was going to take a major hit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis both sidelined. LA has slowed down its tempo since losing their superstars and that pace is even slower now with Andre Drummond in the lineup. Drummond has yet to find a comfort zone in LA's offense. He's scored only seven points during the past two games despite logging around 25 minutes a game. This is what Drummond was quoted as saying, "Offensively it's probably the worst I've played in my career, so I'm still trying to figure it out. But I'm not allowing it to take me out of my game. I know why I'm here, which is to help this team out defensively." The Lakers have surrendered an average of just 100.5 points during their last 10 games. That defense easily would rank first in the NBA if computed out for the entire season. Don't look for the Lakers to speed up their style either in this matchup. They just concluded a seven-game, 12-day road trip this past Tuesday night at Charlotte. So their jump-shooting legs could still be tired and they have to reacquaint themselves with the shooting rims at Staples Center. The pace was extremely slow when the Lakers nipped the Celtics, 96-95, in the first meeting this season. James and Davis combined for 48 points in that matchup at Boston. There should be playoff intensity reminiscence of this once great rivalry in this matchup. The Celtics have revenge. The Lakers will have fans in the stands - around 2,000 of them - for the first time this season. The Under has cashed in each of LA's last six home contests.
04-14-21	Mavs -130 v. Grizzlies		114-113	Win	100	11 h 60 m	Show
Minus their rebounding and blocks leader, Kristaps Porzingis, the Mavericks still defeated the Grizzlies, 102-92, on Feb. 22. That was the first game following the week-long All-Star break. I don't see why a healthy Mavericks squad can't duplicate that victory. Dallas is 16-12 on the road. Memphis has a losing home record. The Mavericks have covered in five of their last six visits to Memphis. The Grizzlies are off an 11-point home win against the struggling Bulls. This is their third straight home game and sixth game in nine days. The Mavericks are in a bad mood following an embarrassing, 113-95, home loss to the 76ers from two days ago. Dallas is 9-2 ATS after not covering in its previous game.
04-13-21	Celtics v. Blazers -110	Top	116-115	Loss	-110	12 h 5 m	Show
This is the middle game of the Celtics' three-game road swing. Boston won its third consecutive game upsetting the Nuggets, 105-87, this past Sunday. The Celtics have been living on the edge as each of their victories during their win streak have been come-from-behind. The Celtics have a revenge game on tap against the Lakers on Thursday. LA nipped the Celtics, 96-95, in Boston on Jan. 30. Portland is going to be motivated for this contest while Boston could be flat because of the scheduling. The Celtics are 4-13-1 ATS following a win. They also are 11-16 on the road this season. The Trail Blazers are off a listless, 107-98, home loss to the Heat this past Sunday. Blazers coach Terry Stotts was not happy with how his team played in that loss. I'm expecting a much better performance from the Trail Blazers. Portland is just 2-4 in its last six games. Note, though, the Trail Blazers' losses during this span have come to the Heat, Jazz, Clippers and Bucks. The Celtics are not in the class of the Jazz, Clippers and Bucks.
04-13-21	Nets v. Wolves UNDER 233.5		127-97	Win	100	3 h 5 m	Show
Yes I'm aware that I'm trying to make a pair of bottom-six defenses work by going Under. But the high total offsets that. So in studying this matchup and seeing Brooklyn's lengthy injury report, I find Under to be the way to go. The teams met just 16 days ago and the Nets won, 112-107, for a combined 219 points. Not surprisingly, the stars of that game were James Harden and Kyrie Irving. They combined for 65 points on 22 of 47 shooting from the floor while knocking down 15 of 16 free throws. Neither Harden nor Irving is going to play today. Also out for the Nets are LaMarcus Aldridge and Tyler Johnson. Kevin Durant is in the lineup. However, this is only his third game back from a long injury layoff and he's been on a minutes restriction since returning. The Nets are sure to be stressing defense after getting torched in embarrassing fashion, 126-101, by the shorthanded Lakers this past Saturday. Minnesota is defensively-challenged. But next to Durant, the player the Timberwolves most have to worry about is guard Joe Harris. They should be able to handle that. So the Timberwolves' defensive task has been made much easier with the Nets down Harden, Irving and Aldridge. There will be no fans in the stands and the game is being played in the afternoon. I regard this as more of a plus for the Under.
04-11-21	Pistons +12.5 v. Clippers	Top	124-131	Win	100	12 h 17 m	Show
I know it doesn't say much for the Pistons when Jerami Grant is the team's best player and he may not even play after missing the past two games due to a sore knee. But the Pistons aren't as bad as perceived. They are 4-4 in their last eight games. Detroit 13-5 ATS the past 18 times when taking more than 6 points. This does mark Detroit's fifth and final road game of its current away swing. The Pistons, though, have a lot of young players looking to make their mark. They got their rest last night in a poorly played, 118-103, loss to the Trail Blazers. I believe the Pistons will show more energy and effort in this game. Detroit had shot better than 50 percent from the floor in their previous three games before Portland. The Clippers are fat and happy posting a 6-2 mark during their current homestand. It would be hard to blame the Clippers if they took the Pistons too lightly here. LA is still tinkering with its rotation. Serge Ibaka and Patrick Beverley are both out. Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins are trying to get their footing. Paul George is dealing with a bruised foot. Kawhi Leonard always is a candidate for rest against a sub .500 opponent.
04-09-21	Rockets +12 v. Clippers	Top	109-126	Loss	-108	12 h 55 m	Show
The Clippers enter this matchup against the lowly Rockets fat and happy. LA is riding a three-game win streak, is playing at home for the eighth consecutive game and coming off a highly-satisfying victory against the Suns last night. LA's last four games have been against the Suns, Trail Blazers, Lakers and Nuggets. Now the Clippers get a huge drop in class. The last time the Clippers hosted a below .500 foe was five games ago against the Magic on March 30. Orlando sprung a 103-96 upset in that game. The Rockets are more respectable since getting John Wall and Christian Wood back from injury. They proved that in their last game when they upset the Mavericks, 102-93, at home this past Wednesday. The Rockets displayed tough defense and renewed spirit. So they are capable. I wouldn't be shocked either if Kawhi Leonard sat out. He played 38 minutes against the Suns last night and even got poked in the eye, which he said bothered his vision during the game. If Leonard is indeed rested, this line will go down several points.
04-08-21	Suns v. Clippers -5	Top	103-113	Win	100	19 h 14 m	Show
If there were still any doubt about the Suns not being an elite team it was laid to rest on Wednesday night when Phoenix beat Utah, 117-113, in overtime. Only the Jazz have a better record in the NBA than the Suns. No team has been better against the spread than Phoenix, which has covered 66 percent of its games this season with a 33-17 ATS mark. The Suns have won seven in a row. Yet I'm going against the Suns today. Normally I'd either play on the Suns, or avoid them. They have been the wrong team to fade. Not this time, though. It's not who you play in the NBA when it comes to point spread covers during the regular season, but when you play them. This situation is just too good to ignore the Clippers. Not only are the Clippers an elite team themselves - certainly capable of winning the NBA championship - but they catch the Suns in a horrible spot. The Jazz-Suns Wednesday showdown lived up to the hype. Both teams laid it on the line like it was the seventh game of a playoff series. There was no holding back. The Suns wanted to prove to their fans and to a national TV audience that they indeed are for real. That point was proven, but the price didn't come cheap. Chris Paul, who turns 36 in less than a month, played a season-high 43 minutes against Utah. Devin Booker logged nearly 44 minutes. Deandre Ayton went more than 41 minutes. He hadn't played more than 40 minutes all season. The Suns also played a tight game this past Monday getting past Houston, 133-130, on the road. So they are playing for the third time in four days, all at different venues, and without rest. The Suns are not the deepest of teams. The Clippers are back to full strength with the exception of Serge Ibaka. LA strengthened its rotation by signing DeMarcus Cousins, who says he's in the best shape of his life. The Clippers were idle on Wednesday following an easy, 133-116, home win against the Trail Blazers this past Tuesday. This will be the second meeting between Phoenix and LA. The Clippers defeated the Suns, 112-107, at Phoenix on Jan. 3. Paul George led the way with a season-high 39 points. The Clippers led by 20 at halftime. There was a lot of trash talking in that game. The Clippers have covered eight of their last 10 home games. They are 8-1 ATS the last nine times hosting the Suns. The NBA schedule makers did the Suns no favor scheduling them for this matchup following a home game against the Jazz. The Clippers are going to be up for this game and they have the talent to blow out any opponent, Phoenix included. I can't see the Suns coming up with anything resembling an "A" level performance and effort after Wednesday's tremendous home victory, perhaps the best moment of the season for them. This one goes to the Clippers and I don't expect the score to be close.
04-07-21	Jazz v. Suns UNDER 224.5		113-117	Loss	-109	13 h 41 m	Show
New Orleans and Phoenix are a combined 73-26. Record-wise, they are the two best teams in the NBA. So this is a huge game and ESPN is on hand to televise the matchup. Donovan Mitchell and Devin Booker are outstanding scorers. But these teams know how to play defense. The Jazz rank No. 3 in defensive scoring holding foes to 107.2 points. They also rank No. 2 in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. They haven't given up more than 107 points in seven of their last nine games and not more than 114 points during any of their past 10 games. The Suns are the No. 5 defensive team in the NBA holding opponents to 107.7 points. They rank fourth in 3-point defense and have held opponents to 112 points or less in eight of their last 10 games. When the teams had their lone meeting this season back on New Year's Eve in Utah, there were a combined 201 points scored with the Suns winning, 106-95. This has all the makings of a playoff-caliber intensity type of matchup.
04-07-21	Pelicans +9 v. Nets		111-139	Loss	-110	10 h 7 m	Show
It's easy to look at the Pelicans and see a string of key players hurt and a 26th-ranked defense. There's also a fatigue factor as New Orleans is playing without rest and for the fifth time in seven days. Meanwhile, the Nets are expected to finally get back Kevin Durant, who has missed the past 23 games. However, the combination of a large point spread, James Harden being out with a hamstring injury and the Nets being a horrible favorite put me on New Orleans. The Pelicans are short-handed in the backcourt with Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker out with injuries. Brandon Ingram is questionable. So he may not play either. But Zion Williamson, who has emerged as a high-percentage shooting, all-around monster player, is back from a thumb injury. Lonzo Ball is playing well. Eric Bledsoe is a capable guard and recently signed Isaiah Thomas is available. He played 25 minutes scoring 10 points against the Hawks on Tuesday night. Durant figures to be rusty. He probably won't log a lot of minutes. The Nets may even come into this matchup overconfident based on their opponent and finally getting Durant back while having Kyrie Irving. The oddsmaker seems to be in love with the Nets. The Nets haven't returned this love going 1-9 ATS the past 10 times they've been chalk.
04-06-21	Bulls v. Pacers +1	Top	113-97	Loss	-103	8 h 57 m	Show
The Pacers are off a 139-133 road victory against the Spurs this past Saturday. That's significant for several reasons. It halted a three-game Indiana losing streak and the Pacers accomplished that impressive feat minus Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon. Those are arguably Indiana's two best players. So it's not asking too much for the Pacers to just beat the Bulls at home even if Sabonis and Brodgon have to sit out again. Each is questionable. Indiana has had two full days to rest and game plan. The Bulls have dropped their last four road games, including a 120-104 loss to the Spurs on March 27. Indiana has covered six of the past seven in the series.
04-05-21	Baylor v. Gonzaga -4		86-70	Loss	-115	31 h 19 m	Show
So Baylor and Gonzaga do get to meet after all after their December matchup had to be cancelled. They were the two best teams back then and they still are the two best teams in college basketball. Here's the difference though: Gonzaga can survive if it doesn't play an "A" game, or doesn't shoot well. Baylor can't. The Bulldogs had their brush with elimination, but they held off UCLA in overtime. The Bruins came in with their "A" game, but it wasn't quite enough against one of the best college teams of all-time. That's what the Bulldogs are. Baylor is very good, too. I just don't put them in Gonzaga's class. Each team has their stars. Gonzaga, however, has more weapons, can score better inside and is superior on the boards and at the free throw line as Baylor makes just 68.6 percent of its free throws.
04-05-21	Baylor v. Gonzaga UNDER 159.5		86-70	Win	100	31 h 18 m	Show
Yes, I'm on the planet. I know Baylor and Gonzaga have great offenses. That's why the total is set so high. I can find more reasons, though, to go Under rather that count on both teams to hold up their high offensive standards. Baylor's tremendous defense in the NCAA Tourney is getting overlooked. The Bears have held their five opponents to an average of 60 points. Gonzaga has an above average perimeter defense. UCLA hit a blistering 58 percent from the floor against the Bulldogs in scoring 81 points during regulation. That was highly unusual. I don't see it happening again. The Bulldogs held their previous four NCAA Tourney foes to an average of 64.2 points. This is a neutral court matchup with the game being played at spacious Lucas Oil Stadium, a converted football field with a difficult shooting background.
04-04-21	Grizzlies v. 76ers -3	Top	116-100	Loss	-110	9 h 40 m	Show
The 76ers are dominant at home, the point spread is lower than I anticipated and Joel Embiid is back. This is enough to put me on the 76ers. Philadelphia is 20-4 at home this season. The 76ers have covered 68 percent of their past 52 home games. Memphis is 4-11 ATS the past 15 times when on the road meeting a foe with a winning home record. The Grizzlies have failed to cover during their last four visits to Philadelphia. Embiid wasn't rusty after missing 10 games due to a bruised knee scoring 24 points against the Timberwolves on Saturday.
04-03-21	Cavs +12 v. Heat		101-115	Loss	-109	10 h 59 m	Show
I'm not expecting the Heat to be up for this game, or to produce an "A" type of effort. Why bother, they're playing the Cavaliers. Based on this belief, I'll take Cleveland plus this many points. Miami hosted Cleveland just 2 1/2 weeks ago and won, 113-98. The Cavaliers have lost four in a row. The Heat are on a three-game win streak. This is the Heat's fourth game in six days. Miami is 5-11-1 ATS the past 17 times as a home favorite. But are there other reasons to get involved with the Cavaliers besides perceived line value and the strong possibility of a Miami letdown? Yes, the Cavaliers have been blown out by the 76ers and Jazz in their last two games. But they have been tougher than you might think. Prior to those two defeats, the Cavaliers were highly competitive in five of their previous seven games - beating the Celtics, Raptors and Bulls while losing by six to the Spurs and by two to the hot Kings. The injury absences of Jarrett Allen and Larry Nance Jr. is somewhat off-set by the return of Kevin Love and sparkplug Matthew Dellavedova. Love went 20 minutes against the 76ers. Cleveland only was outscord by two points during Love's time on the court. Love should see more minutes against Miami. Dellavedova made his season debut versus Philly and stabilized Cleveland's second unit. He's a hustling, team-oriented veteran popular with his teammates. Note that Miami has played nine games since defeating the Cavaliers by 15 points. The Heat haven't won by more than 10 points in any of those contests.
04-03-21	Houston v. Baylor -5	Top	59-78	Win	100	79 h 35 m	Show
Before Baylor had to pause its season for three weeks due to COVID-19 back in early February, the Bears were right up there with Gonzaga as the best team in the country. I wouldn't put Baylor back in that super elite class where only Gonzaga resides. But I would the Bears at their own Tier 2 level, a class above Houston. I don't want to denigrate the Cougars. Baylor, however, checks all the boxes for me in this matchup. The Bears possess speed, size and shooting. They average 85.3 points. Houston hasn't broken the 67-point mark in each of its last three games and that's facing inferior competition compared to who Baylor has played. The Bears have won their four NCAA Tourney games by an average of 14.2 points, defeating superior foes than who Houston has beaten. The Cougars have had an easy path not playing a team ranked higher than a No. 10 seed. Their tourney victories were against Cleveland State, Rutgers, Syracuse and Oregon State. Baylor not only is high-scoring, but its defense has shutdown capabilities. The Bears could have the best backcourt trio in the nation with Jared Butler, MaCio Teague and Davion Mitchell, who could be the top defensive player in the country. Houston is a tremendous defensive club. No team is more accurate from 3-point range, though, than the Bears, who make 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. So this negates Houston's inside defensive strength.
04-02-21	Hawks v. Pelicans UNDER 224		126-103	Loss	-110	12 h 11 m	Show
I'm not expecting the Hawks and Pelicans to play with a lot of energy in this one. The visiting Hawks are playing for the third time in four days and second in two nights. They are off a two overtime road win against the Spurs from Thursday. The Pelicans also played last night and had to go overtime, losing, 115-110, to the Magic at home. Not only are the Pelicans playing without rest, but this marks their fifth game in eight days. Neither team is likely to be at full strength either. The Hawks don't expect to have their second and third-leading scorers with John Collins sidelined with an ankle injury and De'Andre Hunter dealing with a sore knee that has kept him out of the past four games. Cam Reddish isn't back yet and Kevin Huerter has gone in the tank. There's also the possibility Trae Young sits because of a sore knee. That would be a huge bonus for the Under. The Pelicans fell to the Magic minus their three best offensive players - Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. New Orleans committed 24 turnovers minus Ball, its point guard. The Pelicans managed only 101 points in regulation against Orlando last night. I would be surprised if all three of these stars sat out again, but I do expect one or two of them to miss this game. The Hawks have been much improved defensively under the coaching of veteran Nate McMillan, who took over from the fired Lloyd Pierce.
03-31-21	Bucks -8 v. Lakers	Top	112-97	Win	100	21 h 50 m	Show
Minus LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers still are capable of dispatching dregs like the Magic and Cavaliers. But they can't hang in against a motivated elite opponent. The Bucks are one such foe. The Lakers draw an angry Bucks team with something to prove having lost three in a row with the latest defeat being a crushing 125-109 road loss to the Clippers two days ago. The Bucks haven't had to travel following that loss because this game is at Staples Center, too. Milwaukee also has revenge motivation for a 113-106 home loss to the Lakers back in January. James was the key in that game scoring 34 points. Davis had 18 points. The Lakers are hoping newly signed Andre Drummond can make a difference. Drummond hasn't played since Feb. 12. His minutes are going to be restricted here and he figures to be plenty rusty.
03-31-21	Knicks -3.5 v. Wolves		101-102	Loss	-109	19 h 49 m	Show
Most teams find it difficult to get up for the Timberwolves. Can you blame them? Minnesota has the worst record in the NBA at 11-36. The Timberwolves have failed to cover 12 of the last 17 times they've been a 'dog, too. The Knicks are the exception. They will be up for this matchup - and it's because of Tom Thibodeau. The defensive guru has the Knicks ranking No. 1 defensively giving up 104.6 points a game. The Timberwolves fired Thibodeau as their coach and president in early January of 2019. The season before Thibodeau had led Minnesota to its first playoff berth in 17 years. New York is coming off a bad 98-88 loss to the Heat this past Tuesday. The Knicks are 9-1 ATS the last 10 times following a loss. They also have shown the ability to take care of business against bad teams going 12-3 ATS the past 15 times versus a sub .500 opponent. The Timberwolves rarely can be counted on to play two strong games in a row. Minnesota nearly upset the hot Nets two days ago, losing 112-107.
03-30-21	Magic +11.5 v. Clippers		103-96	Win	100	12 h 12 m	Show
If the Clippers cared about this opponent they would crush them. But they don't. Would you? Orlando could field the least respectable lineup in the NBA following the trade deadline where they dealt its three best players to play for the future. LA is extremely fat and happy, winners and covers of six in a row, including a highly-satisfying 129-105 destruction of the Bucks Monday night. Maybe Kawhi Leonard sits out this one since he played yesterday. Orlando has a lineup you don't want to know, but the Magic have been competitive covering their last three games: Beating the Suns straight-up, losing by seven points to the Trail Blazers and falling to the Lakers by three points. Those point spread covers all came at home. Now the Magic are on the road. Point, though, is the Magic's youngsters should continue to play hard now that they have an opportunity while the Clippers are in a monster letdown spot. Even if the Clippers build up a big lead, the backdoor should swing open with LA hosting the Nuggets on Thursday in a much bigger game.
03-30-21	UCLA v. Michigan OVER 135	Top	51-49	Loss	-108	20 h 55 m	Show
There's enough value for me now to take the Over. I understand Michigan is a strong defensive team and UCLA has stepped up defensively. But in analyzing this matchup there are certain elements that lead me to getting involved with the high side. UCLA is averaging 78.5 points in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins are getting tremendous backcourt play from Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr., who are averaging a combined 36.8 points per game. The Bruins' field goal and 3-point shooting is slightly down from their regular season numbers. So their point production is impressive even though the scoring numbers were boosted by a pair of overtime games. So is the Bruins' 3-point consistency. They have made 34 3-pointers during their four tournament victories. The Bruins have hit at least 35 percent of their 3-pointers in eight of the past 10 games. The last time UCLA had a below 40 percent shooting game from the floor was early February. So I trust the Bruins to contribute their share of points. Michigan's offense really impressed me in scoring 76 points against Florida State. The Wolverines are moving the ball well - 60 assists on 83 made field goals in their three tournament games - and their execution has been superb. UCLA doesn't force many turnovers and ranks 261st in 3-point defense. Those are red flags. Michigan also makes it free throws being one of the top free throw shooting teams in the nation making 78 percent.
03-29-21	Arkansas +8 v. Baylor	Top	72-81	Loss	-106	19 h 28 m	Show
It takes some luck to reach the Elite Eight. It's very difficult to produce an A game in every pressure-packed matchup. Arkansas got away with that against Oral Roberts in its last game. I'm expecting the Razorbacks to play much better against Baylor, which hasn't been the dominant team it was earlier in the season before having to sit out games because of COVID-19 protocols. I consider Baylor closer to the rest of the remaining teams rather than sitting on the top perch alongside Gonzaga. The Razorbacks aren't getting a lot of love despite peaking at the right time covering 10 of their last 13 games. Arkansas has the defense, necessary guard play and coaching to if not spring the direct upset, at least hang closer than this point spread indicates. Arkansas has the capacity to effectively mix up its defensive coverages. This is crucial in facing Baylor. The Razorbacks held all three of their NCAA Tourney opponents - Colgate, Texas Tech and Oral Roberts - below their season scoring averages. Arkansas is now 10th in defensive efficiency going by the KenPom.com ratings. Moses Moody provides the Razorbacks with an upper level guard. He was instrumental in the Razorbacks ranking seventh in the nation in scoring at 83.3 points a game, which is right there with Baylor's 85.3. Eric Musselman is one of my favorite college coaches. His past teams have a history of not getting rattled in the NCAA Tourney when falling behind. I trust Musselman and the Razorbacks to keep this a close game.
03-29-21	Raptors -3 v. Pistons		104-118	Loss	-110	10 h 1 m	Show
OK, Toronto it's time. The Raptors are four games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They can not afford another loss this month to Detroit. Yes, the Pistons are 2-0 versus Toronto in March beating them 116-112 at home and 129-105 on the road March 3. Detroit, though, is in full rebuild. The Pistons are 2-8 in their last 10 games, including 0-4 during their past four games. The Raptors like to bomb from 3-point range. They rank ninth in 3-point accuracy. Detroit ranks 26th in defensive field goal percentage and 22nd in 3-point defense.