Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Toronto Raptors (-) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7 ET - The last 5 times the Raptors have been held under 40% from the field they've responded every single time with a win and cover, a perfect 5-0 ATS mark. Toronto did win the battle of the boards in Game One and I look for them to be even more aggressive tonight after losing at home by double digits Saturday. The Raptors are 9-4 ATS this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Bucks are 6-18 ATS the last 3 seasons when they are off of a game where they allowed 85 points or less. The Raptors are known for Game One struggles in playoff series but, as they've done in the past, they'll make the proper adjustments and come up huge in Game Two. 8* TORONTO

SA Insider - Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 9:30 ET - The Grizzlies only scored 52 points in the final 3 quarters of Saturday's loss and yet the game still went over the total. I certainly expect Memphis to shoot the ball better in Game 2 but, as mentioned in my Game 1 pick on the Spurs, the absence of Tony Allen is really hurting the Grizzlies defense. San Antonio erupted for 111 points in Saturday's easy win and I expect another explosion on offense tonight. The series takes two days off after tonight's game and the Spurs want to make another statement before the series heads to Memphis. That said, San Antonio isn't going to take their foot off of the gas in this one and, with the Grizzlies unlikely to be held to such an awful performance from the field again, this one should fly over the total. This season, when the Spurs allow 85 points or less in a game, the over is 5-1 in their next game. The Grizzlies are a perfect 5-0 to the over the last 5 times they've been held under 100 points in a game. Take advantage of the low total posted on this game as well as the downward line move as it has opened up some nice line value on the over in this one. 10* OVER the total in San Antonio

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Monday 8* Indiana Pacers (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7 ET - With the Pacers one point loss at Cleveland on Saturday, Indiana is now a perfect 7-0 ATS in the month of April. I see no reason to not keep riding the Pacers and their ATS streak. The Cavaliers are at the other end of the spectrum as they're currently on a 5-12 ATS run. Keep in mind, Cleveland failed to cover Game One of this series despite shooting 54% from the field and that says a lot right there. The Cavs are highly unlikely to again shoot that well tonight. Cleveland is now 6-11 ATS this season (and 20-39 ATS the last 3 seasons) in divisional games. The Pacers are 6-2 ATS in all playoff games in recent seasons. Indiana is also 2-0 SU and ATS when trailing in a playoff series and long-term the Pacers are 27-15 ATS when trailing in a playoff series. After coming up just short in Game One, Indiana will go even harder in Game Two and should the Pacers again fall short of the upset, the points should prove to be more than enough here. 8* INDIANA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics (-) vs Chicago Bulls @ 6:30 ET - The markets reacted, as expected, to the news that Isaiah Thomas' sister tragically passed away in a car accident early Saturday morning. Now a line that was as high as a -8 has dropped to a -6. This is as if bettors have intimate knowledge of the family, how close knit they are or are not, and how Thomas will react to this. News flash: they really don't know any of this. That said, Thomas is going to play Sunday and I expect his teammates to also rally around him and I also can tell you that when looking at some of the historical events with this family and Thomas being on the East Coast and his sister on the West Coast I think it is evident that this is not going to be nearly as impacting as many think it would be. In any event, I would have been fine laying 8 here but am even happier to lay just 6. By the way, I don't mean to make light of the passing of someone in the Thomas family. I express my condolences on that. I am just saying it's unlikely to be anywhere as impacting to Thomas as some think it may be. If anything it is likely to drive he and his Celtics teammates (on his behalf) to play even harder on Sunday evening. I know the Bulls made a nice late season push and have some playoff veterans. However, I also know that the Celtics earned this #1 seed and are now being severely undervalued even though they have the home court edge. The Celtics went 11-6 ATS against Central Division opponents this season. The Bulls went 3-8 SU (and 4-7 ATS) this season when off of a game where they allowed 90 points or less. The home team has won each of the last 7 meetings between these teams and the average margin of victory has been 8 points. Look for the home team to get it done again and 11 of the Celtics last 14 wins have been by 7 points or more. 12 of the Bulls last 15 losses have come by 7 points or more. 10* BOSTON

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 3:30 ET - This total was as high as a 223 and now has dropped below 220. I like the added value on the over here in a game where the Warriors are unlikely to take their foot off of the gas. This is a playoff rematch from last May and 4 of those 5 games went over the total. Also, all 4 of their regular season match-ups this season totaled at least 224 points. The Trail Blazers averaged 108 points per game in the regular season and the Warriors averaged 119 points per game in their home games. There is no reason this game can't be a 123-108 type game which would have it landing right around the current point spread of -14.5 in favor of Golden State. That would also have it going over the total by about a dozen points which is why this selection is a top play for me. Excellent line value here and the over is 15-8 this season when Portland has faced a team that averages 106 points or more per game. Also, should this total creep back up again, the Blazers are 14-8 to the over in games with a posted total of 220 points or more this season. The Warriors are averaging 126 points per game in their last 6 meetings with the Trail Blazers and they want to make a statement here at home in Game One which means plenty of run and gun with big points expected here. 10* OVER the total in Golden State

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 1 ET - Look for defense to be the difference maker here. The Wizards big weakness is defense and they allowed their opponents to hit at least 49.4% from the field in 15 of their last 23 games! As for the Hawks, they have held their opponents to less than 46.3% from the field in 18 of their last 26 games. Washington finished up the season on an 8-9 run and 4 of the 8 wins came by 5 points or less. Atlanta, before a meaningless season finale where they benched their starts, won 6 of their last 8 games and one of the two losses came by just a bucket. Even though the Wizards took 3 of the 4 regular season meetings, two of the three wins came by 4 points or less. Also, they've met only once since late January and the Hawks truly have turned things up a notch on defense during their late season run while the Wizards defensive shortcomings became even more apparent in their late season fade. Grab the value with the dangerous, defensive-minded road dog here. 8* ATLANTA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Top Play San Antonio Spurs (-) vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 8 ET - Memphis gave the Spurs some trouble in the regular season and, as a result, we're being given some line value here. Let's not forget that in the post-season last year San Antonio ripped the Grizzlies by an average margin of 22 points per game in an absolute shellacking of Memphis. While the Spurs are not necessarily the same team as last year, they are still unquestionably one of the league's best teams and, in game one, they host a Grizzlies team that relies on physical play and defense to overcome it's offensive shortcomings. That said, Memphis has a major problem here as they lost Tony Allen to injury in their final regular season game. He is a veteran defensive stalwart that the Grizzlies absolutely had to have to have a real shot at slowing down Kawhi Leonard. With Allen out, Leonard is going to run roughshod over the Grizzlies and let's also not forget the Spurs are one of the top three point shooting teams in the league. This one is likely to quickly turn into a home rout as San Antonio takes advantage of an Allen-less Grizz team that lost 9 of its last 12 games. Memphis went 1-11 SU (and ATS!) when playing with 2 days of rest this season. The Spurs are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings with the Grizzlies and the average margin of victory in those 9 games was 15.7 points per win! Look for another home rout here! 10* SAN ANTONIO

Total Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 5:30 ET - Fresh legs here for both teams of course with 2 days off before the playoffs begin. That is noteworthy in this case as the over is 10-2 this season when the Raptors enter a game with 2 days off between games. I like the fact that this total has dropped from an opener of 203.5 down to a 199 as of early gameday morning. This is offering us solid line value in this spot. Toronto is off of an under in their most recent game but previously had gone over the total in 6 of their last 8 games. The Bucks had some unders late in the season but their better defensive games had a lot to do with the opposition. In fact, in their last 3 road games against playoff teams, Milwaukee has allowed an average of 109 points per game! In the Raptors last 8 home games, they've allowed an average of 107 points per game. You can see why I am liking the value here with this over as all hands are on deck for both teams and the Raptors are a different team when at home in the post-season. They can put up huge points and get red hot from the outside and this has been particularly true when playing north of the border! The Raptors are 26-15 to the over in home games this season and also went 18-9 to the over in their games against teams with a winning record. The Bucks wrapped up the regular season with an ugly loss but are 14-7 to the over this season when off of a loss by a double digit margin. Take advantage of the line value here. Raptors are going to run and gun in this game and force Milwaukee to match their fast tempo. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Indiana Pacers (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 3 ET - The defending NBA champs have struggled on defense this season and they also come into this game having lost 4 straight games. Conversely, the Pacers come into this match-up having won 5 straight games and certainly are the hungrier team. That hunger factor is very important and I see that being a limiting factor here in Game 1 for the Cavaliers who arguably come into this series with a "cavalier" attitude in terms of a "been there, done that" approach. It's going to be hard for that "approach" to get the job done (at least in Game 1) when the Pacers are going to come in with a huge push of energy and emotion after they fought their way into the playoffs with a red hot season-ending run. Indiana is full of confidence right now and they are 31-17 ATS against divisional foes the last 3 seasons combined. The Cavs are 20-38 ATS versus divisional foes the last 3 seasons combined and they are an ugly 3-15 ATS when off of a game where they scored 85 points or less. I know Cleveland comes into this game thinking they can "flip a switch" and everything will immediately be "alright" but that is unlikely to be the case against this determined and highly motivated Pacers team that has covered 6 straight games to begin April! 8* INDIANA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves @ 8:05 ET - This should play out more like an All-Star game than anything else. Minnesota lost the last game they really cared about (home finale) last night and will simply do tonight what this young team has done for much of the season (run and gun with very little defense). The Rockets are locked into their playoff seeding and will simply get their guys some minutes and certainly the focus will not be on intense defense but rather on staying sharp with the outside shooting and quick scoring ability that characterizes this Houston team. The last time these teams met they combined for 272 points and no that game did not go to overtime! The Rockets have allowed an average of 118 points per game in their last 9 games. The T-wolves have allowed an average of 114 points per game in their last 15 games. Minnesota is 22-9 to the over (including 11-4 this season) when they are off of an upset loss as a favorite. The Rockets are 11-6 to the over this season in their games against Northwest Division opponents. 9 of the last 10 meetings between these teams have gone over the total and this one has "run and gun" written all over it. 8* OVER the total in Houston

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:05 ET - The Mavericks will likely play without Dirk Nowitzki and Jose Juan Barea tonight and, as a result, this line has jumped tremendously. This is even though Memphis has no concern about this game whatsoever and the Grizzlies head coach admitted he is spending zero time worrying about the Mavericks and all of his focus is going into their upcoming playoff opponent, the Spurs. The hungry role players that will be on the floor tonight for Dallas are playing their final game of the the season. Conversely, the Grizzlies players (including the bench) are excited about the upcoming post-season and are just trying to stay sharp in tonight's game. I give the Mavericks a great shot at winning this game outright as the players who are on the floor tonight will be giving it their all and looking to close out the season with a win while the Grizzlies only concern is staying healthy for a big match-up with the Spurs coming up. By the way, Memphis has lost 8 of their last 11 games and have gone 1-10 SU and ATS this season when playing with two days of rest between games. The Mavericks are 15-10 ATS this season when off of a double digit loss and they'll be the more focused team in tonight's game. Grab the big dog value in a game where distracted Memphis just isn't likely to score enough to get a big cover no matter who the Mavs have on the floor. The Grizzlies have only reached triple digits 4 times in their last 11 games! This should be an ugly game where there is solid line value with the big points! 10* DALLAS plus the points Wednesday evening

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (+) @ Dallas Mavericks @ 8:35 ET - The Nuggets playoff hopes got dashed by a last second super long three pointer against the Thunder and, as disappointing as that is, Denver knew their post-season chances were slim. The fact is, the way they lost to OKC is going to have the Nuggets fired up here. That was their final home game of the season and Oklahoma City ruined it for them. What is the only thing that Denver can do now to make up for it per se? They can beat the Mavericks in their home finale and at least ruin someone else's. You can bet (literally!) that the Nuggets are geared up to do just that here. Look for a strong effort from the road team here as they look to avenge a 20 point loss in their only other visit to Dallas this season. It's time for redemption and they want to do to the Mavs what the Thunder just did to them. The Nuggets had covered 4 straight and 11 of 15 before that loss. Conversely, the Mavericks come into this game having lost 4 straight and 8 of their last 9. The Mavs have seen each of their last 3 games go over the total as they've allowed an average of 113 points per game with some sub-par defense included! The past 3 seasons combined, when the Mavericks are on a 3-0 run to the over, they have gone 8-16 ATS! The D is just not there for the Mavs right now, and the Nuggets will bring their D in the Big D tonight as they look to let out some frustration. Look for the Nuggets to improve to 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games against teams with a losing record. 10* DENVER

NBA TV Blowout ATS Rout - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Oklahoma City Thunder (+) @ Minnesota Timberwolves @ 8:05 ET - The Timberwolves have lost 11 of 14 games. Granted the Thunder got Russell Westbrook his record and also are locked into their seeding for the post-season so they have little to play for here. However, the T-wolves only have 3 wins in their last 14 games and 2 of those wins came by only a single point. Also, Minny just lost to the Lakers as a 6 point favorite. Even with OKC resting some guys and letting back-ups get plenty of minutes here, think of how bad the Lakers are and how many of them would actually beat out guys that are on the Thunder roster. The point is that this line is inflated given the talent of depth of Oklahoma City as well as the fact that they're motivated by a 10 point loss in their last meeting with the Timberwolves. OKC is 10-3 ATS when off of a divisional game and 6-3 ATS when off of an upset win as an underdog. The Thunder also are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. The Timberwolves are 13-22 ATS as a favorite this season and 25-42 ATS the last 3 seasons combined. They are a young team that has trouble closing teams out and the Thunder will surprise here as they get revenge even with guys sitting and resting. The bench steps up. 8* OKLAHOMA CITY

Rickenbach NBA Monday 8* Washington Wizards (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 8 ET - I realize that the Pistons are closing out The Palace of Auburn Hills. However, Detroit is also closing out another disappointing campaign where they've fallen short of the post-season. That said, even though the Wizards are going to rest some guys as they're preparing for the playoffs and are locked into position, Washington also wants to get some momentum back and strengthen it's bench play as it prepares for the first round of playoff action. That being the case, 4 losses in their last 6 games is not going to cut it and the Wizards know they must start playing better. I look for a strong effort from the road team here and the fact that Washington has gone from a 3.5 point favorite to a 3.5 point dog in this match-up is huge in terms of the line value. The Pistons are in a back to back here and have gone 5-11 ATS (and 3-13 SU) in the 2nd game of a back to back this season. The Wizards are 22-14 SU (and 23-13 ATS) when playing with revenge this season and, unlike Detroit, they were off yesterday. 8* WASHINGTON

Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:05 ET - The Bucks just clinched a playoff spot and I know they have some motivation to win here because of seeding for the playoffs but I also know they're laying big points here considering the Hornets just got eliminated from the post-season over the weekend and would love nothing more than to upset the Bucks tonight. Charlotte will be motivated by the opportunity to push the Bucks down a little in the standings. Keep in mind, this is a unique situation as Milwaukee just got in this past weekend and Charlotte just got knocked out over the weekend. That makes this a bit of a revenge spot for the Hornets who also do have true revenge here because they lost at home to the Bucks two weeks ago. The road team has covered 6 straight meetings in this series and the away team has notched the outright SU win on the road in 5 straight meetings. Even though the Bucks are expected to have Malcolm Brogdon back tonight his back may flare up on him again and he is truly not 100% and, also, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still dealing with an illness. That is why, even though Kemba Walker of the Hornets may not play tonight, I still like the road dog to put up one helluva fight in this game and that should be enough for the road cash even if they fall short of the upset win. It's payback time here. 10* CHARLOTTE

Rickenbach NBA 8* Monday Philadelphia 76'ers (+) vs Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers need to win as they still haven't locked up a post-season spot while the 76'ers have been eliminated for a long time. That said, Indiana just has to be the play here, right? As usual, the old "must win" scenario is very over-priced and the market has pushed it even higher. The Pacers are now laying 9 points on the road and, keep in mind, Indiana is only 12-28 in road games this season and the 76'ers have gone 17-23 at home. Also, this is Philly's home finale so they are certainly are not going to just "lay down" for this game. Give me the big home dog here! The Sixers are 21-12 ATS (including a perfect 3-0 this season) when off of a game where they scored 85 points or less. The Pacers are 6-11 ATS in games against Atlantic Division opponents and, as noted above, the home/road dichotomy is huge here as Indiana has gone just 15-25 ATS in road games this season while the 76'ers have gone 26-14 ATS in home games this season. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (+) @ Phoenix Suns @ 6:05 ET - The first numbers posted on this one had Dallas as a 2.5 point favorite and they are now a 1.5 point underdog as of early Sunday morning. With a full 4 point move here we are even getting more line value in a game where the Mavs are highly motivated and catching the Suns at the right time for a big win. Keep in mind, Phoenix is off of their huge win over Russell Westbrook and company as they knocked off the Thunder by a 120-99 final on Friday night. Prior to that win the Suns had lost 13 straight and they could definitely come out a little flat here. Dallas has lost two home match-ups with Phoenix this season as they Mavericks only win over the Suns was a victory in a neutral site game played in Mexico. Phoenix is 2-11 SU in Sunday games this season while the Mavericks are 9-1 SU (and 10-0 ATS!) in Sunday games this season. I don't use a lot of "day of the week" trends but the Sunday trends are worth paying attention too because the Sunday games involves two key factors. That is, how a team handles things the night before (being that it is a Saturday night) and then how they prep for what is generally an earlier than usual tip-off the next day. As you can see from those numbers above, Dallas has handled it well this season and Phoenix certainly has not. Also, going further back, the last 3 seasons combined Dallas is 24-11 SU in Sunday games while Phoenix is 11-27 SU! The Mavs will be hungry to bounce back after their home loss to the Spurs Friday and the Mavericks are 14-8 ATS this when off of a loss by a double digit margin. The Suns are off the huge win over the Thunder and Phoenix has gone 8-13 ATS (and 5-16 SU) this season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. I'll gladly fade them in this spot as the Mavericks are out for revenge. 10* DALLAS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* Denver Nuggets (-) vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 5:05 ET - Denver is still alive in the playoff race and the team they're chasing, Portland, is off until tomorrow. That means nothing is going to change the mindset of the Nuggets here. They're going to go hard and try to stay alive as they know their playoff hopes, though slim, are still there. They could be catching the right team at the right time. The Thunder would like to help Russell Westbrook get his triple double record but, other than that, the main concern of Oklahoma City right now is to just stay healthy. That was evident in the 21 point beating that they just took at Phoenix on Friday night. Now the Thunder face a motivated Nuggets team and Denver has a long losing streak in this series and are highly motivated by that as well as the playoff implications. The Nuggets have covered 4 straight games and the Thunder are on a 4-6 ATS run overall and have failed to cover 9 of their last 14 road games as well. OKC is 4-12 SU (and 5-11 ATS) in games with a posted total of 220 or more this season. The Nuggets are 23-15 ATS in games with a posted total of 220 or more this season. Denver is off of a big win over New Orleans Friday and they are 13-8 ATS when off of a win by a margin of 10 points or more this season. Look for the Nuggets to improve to 7-2 ATS in Sunday games this season. 8* DENVER

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Miami Heat (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that this is a tough back to back spot for the Heat. But these things must be treated differently late in the season. A back to back at this time of the year is not the same as one early in the season or mid-season. In this case for Miami, after falling just short at Toronto last night, it's do or die time. The Heat need to win and keep their playoff hopes alive. Until their playoff chances are pronounced dead they are not going to stop fighting. That said, I see great line value here. Washington's defensive inadequacies continue to do them in. The Wizards are off of a non-covering win at New York and are now on a 6-14 ATS run. Even if they win this game versus Miami (and certainly the Heat are the more motivated team) they may not cover this inflated number. The Wizards are 14-10 in their last 24 games but only 4 of the 24 games was a Wizards win by double digits. They just don't blow teams out very often and Miami is a dog by half a dozen here and that's a sizable spread for them. Even though the Heat have cooled off and are only 10-7 in their last 17 games, only 2 of those 17 games resulted in a Miami loss by more than 4 points. The Heat are 12-2 ATS in the 2nd game of a back to back this season. They're also on an 11-1 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record. Look for the Wizards long-term ATS woes to continue here as the Heat are once again playing their "game of the year" as wins are so critical for them right now. 8* MIAMI

PA Insider - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers (+) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:05 ET - The Sixers were held to a ridiculous 36.3% from the field in Thursday's home game versus the Bulls and still only lost the game by 12 points. I expect Philly to bounce back and shoot much better here and that's bad news for a Bucks team that is simply playing pathetic and inexcusable basketball right now. Milwaukee hasn't even managed to punch their ticket to the playoffs just yet because they've lost 3 straight games. Overall it's an 0-4 ATS run for the Bucks and they've averaged just 84 points per game in their last two games and yet they've allowed 106.4 points per game in their last 7 games. It looks like Milwaukee is falling back into old habits and the Sixers are a dangerous home dog when they're motivated. That said, the Bucks have had the 76'ers number in recent meetings in Philly and the Sixers will be out for some payback here. This is especially true with Philadelphia coming off of back to back embarrassing performances at home. The 76'ers played awful defense in one game and had awful offense in the next. They still have covered 11 of their last 14 games against teams with a winning record and are 20-8 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, the Sixers are 19-8 ATS when off of a loss by a double digit margin. The Bucks are an ugly 5-11 ATS against Atlantic Division foes this season. Also, Milwaukee is 16-27 ATS in their games against teams with a losing record this season. The Bucks underestimate the 76'ers here and I smell an upset but will certainly grab the generous points. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* Miami Heat (+) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - Toronto has Kyle Lowry back but is beating a Pistons team that has lost 10 of 12 games really that great of a sign for the Raptors? Toronto had to rally just to get the win and the Pistons had been in an awful slump. Now the Raptors host a Heat team that is desperately hanging on to it's post-season hopes and that means they'll be very tough for Toronto to put away here. I would not be surprised to see Miami get the outright upset win they need but certainly there is value with the points being offered here. The Heat have been at their best in spots like this as they are on a 10-1 ATS run against teams with a winning record. Miami got an upset win at Charlotte Wednesday that they desperately needed. While that may seem like it makes this a good spot to fade them, the fact is that in a late-season spot like this with their playoff lives on the line, there is no way the Heat are going to come out flat here. Also, when off of an upset win as an underdog this season, Miami has gone 13-5 ATS this season! The Raptors are on an 11-18 ATS run in April games and, although Toronto still has some home court playoff seeding implications at stake here, they won't be able to match the intensity and will of a Heat team that is playing for their lives right now. That makes the dangerous, revenge minded dog the play here and the Heat are 10-5 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. 8* MIAMI early Friday evening

NBA TV Blowout ATS Rout - Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:35 ET - The very first number that came out on this game was a -9 for Cleveland and now the Cavaliers are all the way up to being a 12 point choice in this game. I'll gladly grab the value on the other side with the Hawks plus the big points. Atlanta is likely to be without Paul Millsap but, keep in mind, the Cavs are expected to be without Tristan Thompson and that hurts since they don't have Andrew Bogut whom they had high hopes for before he got hurt a month ago. The interior defense of the Cavaliers is going to be impacted here and I look for Dwight Howard and company to take advantage. This game has meaning for both teams so I expect plenty of intensity from both teams and a much closer game than many are expecting here. Keep in mind, the road team has won 4 straight meetings between these teams. Atlanta is seeking revenge for a hard-fought 5-point home loss to the Cavaliers in their most recent meeting. The Cavs are suddenly receiving a lot of love because they just trounced Boston but the Hawks are also coming off of a win over the Celtics. Also, let's not forget that Cleveland had lost 11 of their last 18 games before their recent 4-game winning streak. By the way the 4 victories have included wins over the Magic and 76'ers (2 very poor teams) as well as a 5-point win over Indiana. This is simply too many points in a game that means a lot to Atlanta. The Hawks have won 3 of 5 after a tough recent stretch and one of the two losses came by just a bucket. The point is they should hang tough in this one throughout. The Hawks are 16-10 ATS as an underdog this season and 11-4 ATS in divisional games. The Cavaliers are 7-12 ATS this season when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. 10* ATLANTA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 8* Brooklyn Nets (+) @ Orlando Magic @ 7:05 ET - Both teams are eliminated from post-season contention but the comparison ends there because Brooklyn is still playing hard but Orlando certainly is not. The Nets have won 3 straight and covered 13 of their last 17 games. The Magic have lost 5 straight and they've covered just 3 of their last 13 games. Orlando does have a home game on deck with Indiana and they may "rise up" in a game like that since they may be able to hurt the Pacers post-season chances. However, in a game like this, there is simply no reason for the Magic to be excited as they host a team they've beaten in 5 of the last 6 meetings. As for the Nets, not only are they still giving some strong effort on the floor, they are motivated by the late-season visit here last year where the Magic pummeled them 139-105 in a game where Orlando did not seem to let up. Look for the Nets to return the favor on the road this time around. The Magic have failed to cover 12 of their last 13 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Also, on the season, Orlando is 1-7 (SU and ATS) in games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The Nets are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games with a posted total of 219 points or more and I look for a road upset in this one but will grab the available points. 8* BROOKLYN NETS early Thursday evening

PA Insider - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls (-) @ Philadelphia 76'ers @ 7:05 ET - The Sixers beat the Bulls in Chicago two weeks ago but much has changed since then. Philly is showing that they have officially thrown in the towel on the season. Yes, the lack of a shot at post-season has long been determined but at least Philadelphia was playing with some pride. However, they enter this game having lost 4 straight and the 76'ers have allowed a ridiculous shooting percentage of 56.5% from the field in their last 3 games. They now face a Bulls team seeking revenge and still alive in the playoff race. I highly doubt that Philadelphia is going to be able to match the intensity of Chicago in this one. The Bulls had won 4 straight before the loss to the Knicks and Chicago will bounce back here. They know they have 4 very winnable games to wrap up the regular season and they know it's basically a "win and your in" situation for them. The Bulls only shot 38% at New York Tuesday and they are 3-0 ATS the last 3 times they've been held under 41% from the field. Also, Philly is unlikely to shoot 55% like they did at Chicago two weeks ago. The 76'ers last 9 games featured the aberration that was the win at Chicago and, other than that, the 8 games saw the Sixers shoot a combined 42.7% from the field. Philadelphia is 8-15 ATS (and 3-20 SU) when they enter a game off of 3 more consecutive overs. The 76'ers also are now 1-15 SU in April games the past 3 seasons combined. The Bulls get the win here and I look for a big cover too as they improve upon a 31-20 ATS mark in their last 51 games against Atlantic Division opponents. Revenge time here. 10* CHICAGO early Thursday evening.

Total Dominator - Rickenbach NBA 8* OVER the total in Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 8:05 ET - I lost with my over involving OKC last night but the Bucks were simply pathetic. Scoring only 79 points in that game was a complete embarrassment for then. The Thunder, even with taking their foot off the gas and Russell Westbrook getting rest due to Milwaukee's horrible effort, still scored 110 points. I look for Oklahoma City to have another big game on offense tonight but I expect the Grizzlies to score right along with them. Memphis will be looking to have a breakout game after having to face the determined defense of the Spurs. The playoff positioning of both the Thunder and Grizzlies is very nearly "set" so I don't expect a lot of defensive intensity in this one. Look for a free-flowing game and the Thunder did score 114 points the last time they faced Memphis. As for the Grizzlies, they scored 114 points the last time they hosted Oklahoma City.  Both these teams have been trending "under" of late but I prefer to be a contrarian and the Thunder are 14-8 to the over in April games and have stayed under the total just 7 times in 21 games when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. Now embarking on a 4-game road trip after a 3-game homestand, look for the Thunder team to be in full "run and gun" mode here as they look to help Westbrook break Oscar Robertson's record for most triple double performances in a season! 8* OVER the total in Memphis

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* Charlotte Hornets (-) vs Miami Heat @ 7:05 ET - After the first numbers yesterday on this game were -3, the line dropped substantially. In fact, it got so low that Charlotte can be had on the money line for a very low price in this one and that make it well worth it to put a Hornets win by 2 or 1 into the win column with this one. Of course Charlotte is in a tough back to back here as they battled hard and ultimately lost at Washington last night. But truly the Hornets season is on the line and that means this isn't a "normal" back to back. Also, Charlotte is hosting a Miami team that has lost 4 of its last 6 games. Also, when the Heat are without Dion Waiters (ankle injury) they have struggled this season and have lost 5 of the 8 games he's missed. Especially in crunch-time they are missing his late-game offense and I don't see the Hornets again struggling late after they blew a big early lead yesterday at Washington. Now, back home and fired up, look for the hotter team (Hornets 7-3 last 10 games) to get right back on track. Adding fuel to the fire, Miami knocked Charlotte out of the playoffs last season and the Hornets lost the most recent regular season match-up with the Heat after winning the first two. The Hornets are still 10-4 (SU and ATS) in divisional games this season and the Heat have actually lost 6 of 9 games this season when playing with 2 days of rest. In other words, Miami's rest edge may not be as big as you would think. Hornets keep their season alive with a home win tonight. 8* CHARLOTTE

Total Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:05 ET - Given where Oklahoma City's position is in the standings are they really more concerned about wins and losses or giving Russell Westbrook the opportunity to break Oscar Robertson's all time triple double record? No matter where you stand on that question, the fact is that plenty of "run and gun" should be expected in this game Tuesday. The Thunder are off of back to back home losses and need to respond. The Bucks are off of a home loss to Dallas and they talked about their lack of defensive intensity in that game. However, does that mean "under" here? Not necessarily as the Bucks use their defense to fuel fast breaks going the other way and that leads to quick, easy points in transition the other way. The point is that Milwaukee can be expected to push the pace in this one and, at that same time, no team really enjoys success in slowing down Westbrook and company. This is especially true when the Thunder are off of back to back home losses. The Bucks are on a 4-1 run to the over in their last 5 games. Also, each of Milwaukee's last two visits to OKC have gone over the total. The over is 8-4 this season when the Bucks are off of an upset loss as a favorite and they'll respond off of the home loss to the Mavericks. As for the Thunder, the over is 14-7 in their last 21 April games. More of the same on this early April night as the over improves to 6-1 in Milwaukee's Tuesday games this season. 8* OVER the total in Oklahoma City 

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Charlotte Hornets (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - This is a classic case of "hot versus not" and, at the same time, it is also a game that means much more to the Hornets than the Wizards. Sure, Washington would like to get back on track after a disappointing finish to their road trip. But the first game back after a West Coast road trip is often the toughest one on an East Coast team and the Wizards just wrapped up playing 4 games in 6 days out West by getting blasted by 24 points at Golden State. Washington has now lost 3 straight games and they're playoff positioning at this point is really not giving them any huge motivation for winning games. Conversely, Charlotte has been playing "desperate" basketball of late as they are fighting hard for a playoff berth. The Hornets have won 3 straight games and 7 of their last 9. Also, Charlotte has gone 10-3 SU and ATS in divisional games this season. Off of an upset win at Oklahoma City many may want to fade the Hornets here but Charlotte is actually a perfect 3-0 SU this season when off of an upset win as an underdog. Also, the Wizards have covered only 5 games in their last 18 so it's not like their streak of sub-par play is only short-term. The fact is that Washington continues to be over-valued and they've covered only 1 home game since February 28th. The Hornets have not enjoyed success in recent trips to DC so there is no shortage of motivation here as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. The hungrier hot team catches the Wizards still reeling and needing more time to recover from their west coast road trip. 8* CHARLOTTE

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers (+) @ Minnesota Timberwolves @ 7 ET - The Trail Blazers opened up as the favorite here but are now a 2 point dog. Of course many are looking at the fact that Minnesota is seeking revenge and would love to play the role of spoiler here. However, the Timberwolves just don't play enough defense to get the stops necessary to stay in front of the Trailblazers. The Blazers have won 6 straight games and 14 of their last 17. The Wolves have lost 7 of their last 9 games. Minny has only won 1 game in it last 7 meetings with Portland and that victory came by a single point. In other words, give the Blazers +2 (the line on this game as of early gameday morning) and they would be on a 7-0 ATS run in games against the T-wolves. The other reason people are likely fading Portland has to do with Jusuf Nurkic being out but Noah Vonleh got extra minutes against Phoenix as a result of Nurkic's absence and he scored 14 points and had 13 rebounds. The Blazers still have enough firepower to get past a Wolves team that has allowed a ridiculous 54% from the field during their current 2-7 streak their last 9 games. Look for more of the same Monday. The Trailblazers are 9-3 SU (and 8-4 ATS) in divisional games this season and 4-0 SU and ATS the last 4 times they've been off of a game where they scored 130 points or more. The Timberwolves are 4-8 SU in divisional games this season and 4-10 ATS when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. 10* PORTLAND

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach Sunday NBA 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 3:35 ET - This line looks "funny" to me and long-time followers know how I feel about "strange" lines. They are usually set that way for a reason. In this case, the line on this game opened up with the Bucks as "only" a 5.5 point favorite even though Milwaukee has won 14 of 17 games and are at home hosting a Mavericks team that has lost 4 straight games and 8 of its last 11. The line appears even more "questionable" when one considers that not only are the Bucks the much hotter team but Dallas has gone 9-26 in road games this season. That said, in typical contrarian fashion, I am on the Mavs here. Now, as always, there is support for the contrarian decision. Even though the Bucks are motivated to improve their position in the playoff standings, the Mavericks are even more motivated to make sure they stay alive in the race for a post-season spot. Certainly things are looking bleak for Dallas but I don't see them stopping the fight until the final bell on their season has been rung. The Mavericks have gone 10-6 ATS their last 16 games against teams with a winning record. Also, the Mavs are a phenomenal 9-0 ATS (and 8-1 SU) in Sunday games this season! Could an outright upset be in the offing here? The Bucks are just 2-5 SU (and an ugly 1-6 ATS) in Sunday games this season. Milwaukee also is only 16-25 ATS in their games against teams with a losing record this season. Additionally, the Bucks are 6-16 ATS in recent season (and 52-93 ATS long-term) when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. Grab the points! 10* MILWAUKEE plus the points Sunday.

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Charlotte Hornets @ 3:05 ET - This total opened up at a 216.5 and has dropped to as low as a 213.5 as of early game day morning. I see value with the over in this one as I don't see the Thunder slowing down Kemba Walker but I also doubt the Hornets are going to be able to stop Russell Westbrook. Couple that with the fact that both these teams are fighting for playoff reasons - Charlotte just hoping to get in and Oklahoma City trying to remain 6th seed in west - and you have a match-up that should lead to a fast-paced affair. The Thunder will dictate the tempo at home and, after a bad finish (41 points in 2nd half) against the Spurs Friday night, there is now doubt that OKC will keep the "pedal to the metal" throughout this game in terms of the pace. Thunder games in April have gone over the total in 13 of 20 the past 2 seasons. The Hornets enter this game having gone over the total in 6 straight games! These last 6 games have been part of a 6-2 stretch for Charlotte so they are unlikely to change what's been working for them. In other words, look for the high-scoring games to continue! The over is 6-3 this season in Hornets games against Northwest Division opponents and the last time these teams met they totaled 235 points in early January. More of the same today. 8* OVER the total in Oklahoma City Sunday.

NBA TV Blowout ATS Rout - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Chicago Bulls @ 5:05 ET - The Bulls are still fighting for a playoff spot but the Hawks haven't clinched theirs either. That said, I am backing an Atlanta team that is rejuvenated and got a little bit of their swagger back thanks to back to back wins. Yes, it is true that the wins came against bad teams (Suns and Sixers) but sometimes that's all it takes for a team to get back into rhythm. Keep in mind, the Bulls are off of back to back wins but, prior to that had been struggling just like the Hawks had. Also, Chicago's most recent win was a big one as they knocked off the defending champs (and division rival) Cavaliers. When off of an upset win as an underdog the Bulls have gone 7-12 SU this season and 16-28 ATS the L3 seasons combined. Even though Chicago is playing this game with home loss revenge the Bulls have gone 4-8 ATS (and 3-9 SU) this season when they are looking to avenge a home defeat. Against southeast division opponents the last 3 seasons Chicago is a combined 17-35 ATS. The Hawks are 10-4 ATS against central division opponents this season and, even though they come into this game with their offense still struggling a bit, Atlanta has been very impressive on the defensive end. The Hawks have held teams to a combined 41% from the field in their last 6 games! By comparison, the Bulls haven't held a team below 44% in any of their past 5 games. Don't be surprised if this is an upset win but certainly I am grabbing the generous points available in this one. 10* ATLANTA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Los Angeles Lakers (+) @ Los Angeles Clippers @ 3:35 ET - When you have the worst record in your conference and the season is almost over, there are very few games that will motivate you. That is why when motivation does come up it is very often a very strong "play on" situation as the team very often will have plenty of mental energy for the game and will outwork their unsuspecting foe. That is is the case here with the Lakers as their face their LA rivals one last time for the season. Keep in mind the Lakers have been the "punching bag" of the Clips for some time now in recent seasons but they did get an upset win over the Clippers on Christmas Day. Since then though, the Lakers lost twice to the Clippers and a little payback is on order here. Now I am certainly not saying the Lakers are going to upset the Clips here but the generous points should be plenty for us to get the cover in a game that is likely to be decided by single digits. Tough spot for the Clippers here as they are playing their 3rd game in 4 days. Also, what has been unimpressive about the Clips recently is that their defense has allowed 49.4% shooting from the field in their last 3 games. Now they face a Lakers team that has knocked down at least 46.7% from the field in 5 of their last 6 games. In 3 of those 5 solid shooting efforts the Lakers shot better than 50.5% from the field. With their shots continuing to fall and the Clippers guilty of being lackadaisical on defense once again (who can blame them for being disinterested in this one), look for the Lakers to hang around in this game. The Clips are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games against teams with a losing record while the Lakers are going to go all out in one of their last games of the season that really carries much meaning for them. The early start likely to make it that much more difficult for the Clips to pull away in a game that is their 3rd in 4 days. 8* LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Rickenbach Friday NBA 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:05 ET - The Pistons, though their playoff hopes are slim, certainly aren't going to quit on the season as long as they still have a mathematical shot at the post-season. That said, last night's win (albeit a non-cover) was a big one for Detroit and they aren't going to slow down tonight. Couple that with the fact that this line has been consistently moving up since it first came out (we're now getting double digits with the Pistons) and you have a great value spot for a big dog play. Detroit has lost their last two games against the Bucks by a combined 38 points so revenge is on order here. Even though this is a 4th game in 5 nights situation for the Pistons they can worry about rest later. They have 4 days off coming up after tonight's game and they know this game is basically their season when it comes to playoff chances. That said, this can't be looked at as a "normal" 4 games in 5 nights situation. When teams playoff hopes are on the line this isn't treated in the same way as a "4th in 5" situation played in December or January, as an example. Also, as hot as the Bucks have been they've not made a good home favorite when in this price range. In fact, Milwaukee is 1-8 ATS their last 9 home games where they are favored by more than 4 points. Look for the Bucks to drop to 5-12 ATS in Friday games this season as the division rival Pistons come into this game with their season on line and knowing they don't play again until Wednesday. It's now or never for the hungry road dog in this one. 10* DETROIT

Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* OVER the total in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76'ers @ 7:35 ET - The regular season in NBA is almost over. The Cavaliers started the season with 3 straight unders. Since those early results 5 months ago, the Cavs have had only one other stretch this entire season where they've had 3 straight unders. Cleveland enters this game off back to back unders and, as you can see from the above, the strong odds are that they snap the streak and an over results tonight. The Cavaliers will be fired up as they are off of an upset loss as a favorite and that is a situation that has seen them go 10-5 to the over this season. Also, the Cavs have lost 3 straight games and that's only happened 3 other times this season and every single time Cleveland has won their next game and every single time it went over the total. Look for that 3-0 mark to the over to improve to 4-0 tonight as the Cavaliers are fired up and will take advantage of one of the weaker defensive teams in the league. The Sixers particularly struggle with their D on the road as they've allowed an average of 110 points per game away from home this season. In this spot, given the situation, look for the Cavs to put up about 120 and if the odds makers are right about the spread, that makes this a 120-110 type game that easily flies over the number. The Cavs have averaged 119 points per game this season when they are off of 3 straight losses so getting to 120 or more (especially considering it's Philly they're facing) is certainly very attainable. The over is 21-10 the L3 seasons combined when the Cavaliers face a team that allows an average of 106 points or more per game. 8* OVER the total in Cleveland

Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* Charlotte Hornets (+) vs Denver Nuggets @ 7:05 ET - Though both teams have slim post-season hopes at this point in the season, the key to the value here is the home court factor as well as how each of these teams is current playing. Momentum is certainly on the side of the Hornets who have won 5 of their last 7 games to keep their shot at a playoff berth alive. As for the Nuggets, they are off of a second straight loss and it was of the back-breaker variety at Portland. Denver trails the Blazers in the playoff race at that was a key game and the defeat was the Nuggets 4th in their last 6 games. I expect this to lead to the demise of Denver down the stretch run as that demoralizing loss really took a lot out of this Nuggets team. Charlotte won in Colorado earlier this month and now I expect them to again come up big here at home as the Hornets improve to 7-2 ATS against Northwest Division opponents this season. As for the Nuggets, though they play this game with home loss revenge, they are only 5-10 ATS (and an awful 2-13 SU) when playing with home loss revenge this season! 8* CHARLOTTE

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons (-) vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:35 ET - The Pistons are on a losing streak but most of those defeats came on enemy hardwood. Detroit did lose their most recent home game but only by a single point to Miami and this is a Pistons team that is still 23-15 in home game this season. Thursday they host Brooklyn and the Nets are an ugly 6-30 on the road this season. We're getting line value here because of Detroit's recent losing streak and the fact that the Nets have played a little better of late. Even with Brooklyn having won 3 of their last 5 games should a team that has won only 16.7% of its road games this season really be only a +6 in this spot. This line was as high as a +7 in some spots yesterday but has come down as of very early Thursday morning and this has led to great line value with the hungry Pistons on their home floor. Detroit has been given a little extra life in terms of their playoff hopes because Indiana has lost two straight games. In other words, the Pistons certainly aren't going to stop fighting at this point and I look for them to get back on track at home in a big way Thursday after the tough one point loss to the Heat Tuesday. Detroit also plays this game with double revenge as they lost both games with the Nets this season but both of those games were in Brooklyn. The home team has now taken 5 of the last 6 meetings between these teams and I expect more of the same here. The average margin of victory in the Pistons victories the last two times they've hosted the Nets was 14 points and I expect a similar result here which is why this play is getting my Top Play rating. Brooklyn is 8-13 ATS when off of an upset loss as a favorite and they just got upset by the 76'ers Tuesday. The Pistons are 8-3 ATS this season when they are on a SU losing streak of 3 games or more and I look for them to "stop the bleeding" in a big way Thursday night. 10* DETROIT PISTONS

Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* Boston Celtics (-) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:35 ET - The Bucks are off of a rather "crazy" road win at Charlotte last night as Milwaukee simply shot lights out including hitting a ridiculous percentage of their threes. Note that the Hornets played a clean game with only 4 team turnovers and the Bucks scored just 2 fast break points in the game. In other words Milwaukee certainly wasn't forcing turnovers nor scoring in transition. But the fact is that its hard to lose a game when your team hits 14 of 30 three pointers plus hits 73% from inside the arc and that what Milwaukee did last night. Needless to say everything was falling the Bucks way last night and I feel that Boston may remain a little under-valued tonight as a result. After all, the Celtics are currently holding the top record in the Eastern Conference and they are at home and rested with only a bad Orlando team on deck. Boston has won 7 of its last 8 games and are 11-4 ATS against Central Division opponents this season. The Bucks were on a 3-5 ATS skid before last night's insane shooting performance and Milwaukee had been held under 44.4% from the field in 5 of their last 6 games before the big win at Charlotte yesterday. The Bucks are 4-11 ATS against Atlantic Division opponents this season and I look for Milwaukee to drop to 6-11 ATS on the season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. The Celtics have won 3 straight meetings with the Bucks including a blowout win by 15 the last time they hosted Milwaukee. 8* BOSTON 

Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets (+) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - The Hornets are off of a tough home loss to Milwaukee as the Bucks simply shot lights out including hitting a ridiculous percentage of their threes. Charlotte played a clean game with only 4 team turnovers and the Hornets allowed just 2 fast break points. But its hard to win when a team hits 14 of 30 three pointers plus hits 73% from inside the arc. Needless to say everything was falling the Bucks way last night and Charlotte is a little under-valued tonight as a result. The Hornets are trying to stay alive in the playoff race and had won 4 of 5 before last night's disappointing results. Though the Raptors have won 4 of the last 6 meetings between these teams, 3 of the 4 wins came by a margin of 6 points or less. Toronto has allowed 48% shooting from the field in their last 4 home games while the Hornets have allowed 45.5% or less in 3 of their last 4 road games. Over the past 5 weeks Charlotte has gone 6-2 ATS when off of a loss and, coming off of an ATS loss last night, note that only 2 times this entire season have the Hornets failed to cover both games of a back to back situation. Look for the road team to prove to be the hungrier team as Raptors 6 straight wins will have them looking right past the Hornets here. 10* CHARLOTTE

Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia 76'ers vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:05 ET - The Hawks have been an under team this season and that includes when they are in the 2nd game of a back to back too. However, Atlanta came into this season having gone 26-14 (65%) to the over when in the 2nd game of a back to back the past two seasons combined and I expect both teams to be relaxed on defense in this one as they are each coming off wins last night. The Sixers are 12-5 to the over when playing the 2nd game of a back to back this season. Also, the 76'ers and Hawks have combined to go over the total in 5 of their last 6 meetings. I am well aware of the fact that Atlanta has been trending under of late but, given the situation here for both clubs, this one should be a wide-open affair with plenty of run and gun. 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia

Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76'ers @ 7:35 ET - Seriously, is anybody going to play defense in this one? Why bother? Both teams long ago eliminated from post-season contention and now meeting in a meaningless late-season game. Also, both teams have fresh legs as they were off yesterday. The Sixers are allowing 110 points per game in road games this season and the Nets are allowing 113 points per game in all games this season. Even though these teams have had some recent unders heading into this game, the 76'ers have allowed an average of 90 FG attempts per game in their last 3 games and the Nets have allowed an average of 95 field goal attempts per game in their last 4 games. As you can see, neither team has been slowing down the pace nor preventing their opponent from having plenty of scoring opportunities. I look for more of the same tonight and Brooklyn is 16-9 to the over this season in games with a posted total of 220 points or more. Also, the Nets are a long-term 23-13 to the over in games against teams that allow an average of at least 106 points per game. The Sixers just got hammered at Indiana and they are 17-8 to the over this season when off of a loss by 10 points or more. Also, Philadelphia is 13-6 to the over in their last 19 games against teams with a losing record on the season. Look for more of the same tonight. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn

Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Charlotte Hornets (-) vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:05 ET - This seems to be a popular revenge spot but, honestly, does it really matter that Milwaukee has revenge here? The Hornets have won 3 straight times over the Bucks and all 3 of those games were in Milwaukee and the Bucks couldn't get their revenge there either. Milwaukee is on a 3-13 ATS run in games against Southeast Division opponents. Also, the Bucks defense has been on the decline again of late as they've allowed 49% from the field in their last 5 games. The Hornets defense has struggled in their last 2 games but previously had held their opponents under 46% from the field in 8 of their 10 prior games. Charlotte is off of a big win over Phoenix, scoring 120 in the victory, and they are a stellar 8-3 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. Though the Hornets playoff chances are slim, they're not dead yet and I look for them to improve to 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games with a big home win here. 8* CHARLOTTE

Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Minnesota Timberwolves (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - From late January through early February, the Pacers were hot and won 7 straight games. However, from then until March 24th, Indiana lost 14 of 21 games! Now, coming off of another rare win (albeit against the lowly Sixers), the Pacers appear to be in the perfect spot to fade them! This is a team that hasn't won back to back games in 7 WEEKS! They are laying a short number here but don't be fooled. The road team has covered each of the last 5 meetings between these teams. The Timberwolves do come into this one on a losing streak (6 games both SU and ATS) but they are looking to avenge a home loss to the Pacers in January and Minnesota is 47-33 ATS when playing with home loss revenge. Indiana is 7-11 ATS this season when off of a win by a double digit margin. Also, the Pacers are an ugly 15-24 ATS when facing teams with a losing record this season. The Indiana bench has been thinned with Robinson and Jefferson out plus Stuckey unlikely to play tonight. With the Pacers playing again tomorrow night and this being part of a stretch of 7 games in 11 days for Indiana, I look for the Timberwolves to wear them down in this one. 8* MINNESOTA

TNT Blowout ATS Rout - Rickenbach NBA Monday 10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers (+) @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8 ET - The Cavaliers seek revenge for a home loss to the Spurs two months ago. Cleveland comes into this game off of a home loss to Washington. That is significant because the regular season is almost over and yet there have been only 4 times this entire season that the Cavaliers have had a losing streak of 2 games or more. In other words, look for the Cavs to respond here. Cleveland was off yesterday and they have two days off after tonight's game so you can bet that LeBron James and company are going to go 'all out' in terms of the effort for tonight's revenge game. Though the Spurs certainly won't overlook the Cavs, San Antonio does have big games against Western Conference foes Golden State, Oklahoma City, Utah and Memphis on deck. The Warriors are up next on Wednesday and the Spurs are still hopeful of catching them for the #1 seeding in the West so that is a huge game. San Antonio has been hot but, keep in mind, they are only 11-18 ATS this season when they enter a match-up on a winning streak of 3 games or more. The Cavs are 8-3 SU this season when off of a loss by a margin of 10 points or more. The Cavaliers are also 61-31 SU the last 3 seasons combined when they are playing with revenge. I won't be surprised if they get the upset win on the road here and they are 37-18 SU when off of an upset loss as a favorite. That said, after the loss to the Wizards, look for the Cavs to bounce back here. Grab the points for the added "insurance" as I don't see the Spurs winning this by more than one possession if they even win it all! 10* CLEVELAND

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Monday 8* OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic @ 7:35 ET - The Raptors are off back to back unders where they held their opponent under 100 points in each game. That is significant because it has only happened 7 other times this season and each time it happened the next game went over the total. Not only is this a 7-0 situation to the over but the games have blasted past the O/U with an average of 224 points scored. Orlando comes into this game well-rested as they have been off since Friday and that is significant because the Magic are 7-2 to the over this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Even though Orlando held Detroit to 87 points Friday, a repeat of that feat is unlikely here. That's because, prior to that game, the Magic allowed 114.3 points per game in their last 7 games. As for the Orlando offensive production, they have scored 102 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Look for another solid shooting performance from the Magic here but they are unlikely to slow down a Raptors offense that averages 111 points per game when at home this season. 8* OVER the total in Toronto

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (-) vs New Orleans Pelicans @ 8:05 ET - Some teams handle playoff pressure well and others handle it poorly. This season, the Nuggets certainly fall into the first category! Denver has won 6 of its last 8 games as they look to secure a post-season berth in the West and the Nuggets have also been a covering machine as they are on a 11-4 ATS run their last 15 games. Look for Denver to take advantage here of facing a Pelicans team that is in a tough scheduling spot. While the Nuggets are fully focused on this game as it is their only home game between March 22nd and April 7th, New Orleans is in a much different situation here. The Pelicans are off of a divisional loss (at Houston) Friday and they have a game at Utah tomorrow night. So New Orleans is in the midst of a 3 games in 4 night stretch and tonight's game and tomorrow's game are both played in high altitude. In other words, rather than gasping for air tonight as the game goes on, if the Pelicans are down big the smarter thing to do is to conserve energy and save it for tomorrow night's game at Utah. I just don't see the Pelicans staying within the rather small number here given the situation. Keep in mind, New Orleans is going to have to "run and gun" to keep up with the Nuggets here and the Pelicans are 2-6 SU their last 8 road games with a posted total of 220 points or more while Denver is 11-6 SU (and ATS) in home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The Pelicans have lost 4 of their last 6 road games and are also 5-9 SU (and ATS) when off of a divisional game this season. The Nuggets are on an 11-4 ATS run in games against teams with a losing record and will take advantage of facing a Pelicans team that has gone just 11-24 SU on the road this season. 10* DENVER

PA Insider - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* Philadelphia 76'ers (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 6:05 ET - The 76'ers are on an incredible 17-4 ATS run after a big upset win at Chicago Friday. While the first though would be to fade Philadelphia off of an upset win like that, the Sixers have proven time and time again this season that you simply should not fade them in a spot like this! Philly is 18-7 ATS off of an upset win as an underdog this season. Also, the 76'ers are 5-1 (ATS and SU!) when off of a win by a double digit margin this season and 9-2 ATS when they are off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. While Philly is playing loose and relaxed at this late juncture of the season, the Pacers have been feeling the pressures of playoff positioning. Indiana is an ugly 7-14 SU their last 21 games! Also, the Pacers come into this game on a 2-6 ATS run and they'll be doing good just to win this game let alone cover the spread! Versus teams that allow 106 points or more on the season, Indiana has gone 8-18 ATS. Also, the Pacers are an ugly 4-10 ATS in games against the Atlantic Division this season. Wins have been few and far between for Indiana for quite some time now and, in the entire month of March, the Pacers have had just 2 wins of more than 7 points. That said, I like my chances with the Sixers continuing to relish their underdog role and the opportunity to play spoiler. The 76'ers should again be in this one all the way! 8* PHILADELPHIA

TV Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 3:35 ET - The very first numbers that popped up on this total were 235. Of course the markets couldn't believe what they saw and it has already been bet down to a 231.5 but I am here to tell you...believe it! The huge total posted here is absolutely justified. Oklahoma City is red hot on offense right now and has shot 50% or better from the field in 6 of its last 8 games. The Thunder scored 122 against Philly Wednesday and, in their two prior road games, OKC exploded for at least 122 points in each game! The Rockets, of course, are one of the top scoring teams in the league and they are certainly not known for their focus on defense. With a huge game on deck with Golden State this certainly doesn't look like a spot for anything to change for Houston. They'll continue to play their all O / no D style and that means both teams are likely to get to at least 120 in this one in what should be a highly entertaining game with a ton of points. The Rockets are averaging 120 points over their last 14 games but they've also allowed 114 points per game in their last 8 games. The over is 10-4 this season (and 33-17 the L3 seasons) in Rockets games against Northwest Division opponents. Oklahoma City's last two visits to face the Rockets have both gone over the total and I expect another one here as this one is all about the "run and gun" offensive efficiency of each team. 10* OVER the total in Houston

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* Brooklyn Nets (+) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 1:05 ET - The Hawks will most assuredly be a "public play" here and, as long-time followers know, I love to fade the "popular" choice. The key here is this line just "jumped off the page" today because when you see a playoff-caliber team with a winning record at home and facing a team that is 42 games under .500 (Nets are 15-57) and yet only laying 6.5 points you have to wonder what is going on. I can tell you what is going on though! The Hawks are in a massive funk and feeling the pressure of really taking a plunge in the playoff picture. That is why Atlanta has been shooting poorly and they've now lost 6 straight games. Here they are hosting a Brooklyn team that has not had to worry about the post-season for a long time and they are simply playing loose and relaxed basketball. Though they lost at Washington Friday, the Nets did shoot 52.4% from the field and they also shot well it was just a 5 point loss here at Atlanta less than 3 weeks ago and that was back when the Hawks were playing a little better. Now Brooklyn can take advantage of a slumping Hawks team that just got back from a road trip and is 1-4 (SU and ATS) this season when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games on the road. Keep in mind, the Nets had covered 8 of their last 10 games prior to the ugly loss to the Wizards. They'll bounce back here against a floundering Atlanta team. 8* BROOKLYN

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Raptors (+) @ Dallas Mavericks @ 8:35 ET - Even though this is a revenge spot for the Mavericks (lost ugly at Toronto two weeks ago), the Raptors simply are too dominant on the glass for the Mavs. In the last two meetings Dallas has been outrebounded by a combined 42 boards. Also, Toronto comes into this game having won 4 straight games and they've outrebounded their opponents by a combined 56 rebounds in their last 3 games. The Mavericks are off of a win but they failed to cover 5 of their 7 prior games and they've been outrebounded by 85 caroms in their last 6 games. Look for the rebounding edge to again be a key here as the Raptors dominate the boards. Toronto has been shooting the ball better than Dallas of late as the Mavericks seem to be wilting under the playoff pressure quite often while the Raptors (truly quite secure in their playoff position) are playing relaxed and confident and shooting the ball quite well again as they've rebounded from a recent slump. Toronto is 5-2 SU and ATS this season when off of an upset win as an underdog. The Raptors are also 14-7 ATS (and 15-6 SU) when off of a game where they won by a double digit margin. As for the Mavericks, they are 3-6 ATS against Atlantic Division opponents this season. Also, the Mavs are only 11-19 SU against teams with a winning record this season. 10* TORONTO

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz @ 3:35 ET - About two weeks ago the Clippers and Jazz matched up and the game went over the total. It's also been about two weeks since the Jazz have been on the road against a Western Conference foe and that is a significant fact because the over is a PERFECT 6-0 in Utah's last 6 road games against Western Conference opponents. Also, Utah has allowed 110 points per game in their last 5 road games against opponents from the West. The Clippers are off of a loss and were held under 100 points. They'll be hungry to bounce back here and the over is 6-1 the last 7 times that Los Angeles was off of a game where they were held to 99 points or less. The Clips have averaged 114.7 points per game in those 7 games! The over is 9-4 in Utah's last 13 games against teams with a winning record. Look for the over to improve to 6-3 this season in LA's games against teams that allow an average of 98 points or less per game. 8* OVER the total in Los Angeles Clippers

Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* OVER the total in Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - The Cavaliers are looking to bounce back off of a loss but Cleveland's recent domination of Charlotte ensures that the Hornets certainly aren't going to back down here. As a result, expect a back and forth high-scoring game here as the Cavs have allowed each of their last 3 opponents to shoot 51% or better from the field. The Hornets have averaged 111 points per game in their last 5 home games and they'll be tough to stop here but don't look for the Charlotte defense to enjoy much success against the Cavaliers either. Cleveland has averaged 112.6 points per game in their last 5 games against the Hornets. The total on this game opened up in the 215.5 range and is now down to a 212.5 as of mid-morning on gameday. This is offering even more value to the over and the over is a hot 4-1 (80%) this season when Charlotte enters a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. Also, the over is 9-4 (69%) this season when the Cavaliers are off of an upset loss as a favorite. After their disappointing defeat at Denver, the Cavs will fired up and employing plenty of "run and gun" in this one. 8* OVER the total in Charlotte

Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* Orlando Magic (+) vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Magic had a bad fourth quarter and lost to the Hornets Wednesday. Now this line has gone from an opener of 2.5 on the Pistons all the way up to a -4 as of mid-morning on gameday. Detroit has lost (and failed to cover) 5 of its last 6 games. The Pistons shots just aren't falling and, as a result, they're feeling all the pressure here. Conversely, the Magic come into this game loose and relaxed and playing with nothing to lose as they certainly don't have to worry about any playoff pressure! That makes for an ultra dangerous home dog in a spot like this and I like the fact that the Magic had won 4 of their last 7 home games before falling apart late against Charlotte Wednesday. Look for Orlando to bounce back and take advantage of a Pistons team that's been held to 44.3% or less from the field in 6 straight games! Detroit is 3-6 SU (and ATS) when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. Also, on the season, the Pistons are an ugly 12-23 ATS in road games. I smell an upset here but I am happy to grab all the points I can get. 8* ORLANDO

Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - Both teams dealing with playoff pressure right now as they work hard to secure a post-season berth. However, the Nuggets are dealing with the pressure much better than the Pacers and that's why you shouldn't be "fooled" by the interesting line that was posted on this game. Considering Denver is only 13-20 SU in road games this season and Indiana is 25-10 SU in home games this season, why would the Pacers have opened up at very close to the "pick'em range" in this game? Of course it is with good reason but many will feel the odds makers made a mistake here or simply "giving this one away" for the Pacers. It just doesn't work that way folks and I actually like to look for games like this for the sole intention of playing the other side. Here are the "real" keys for this one. Indiana is on a long-term 7-13 (35%) straight-up run their last 20 games. The Nuggets are 8-4 SU (and 9-3 ATS!) in their last 12 games. This is a classic case of two teams going in opposite directions but the betting markets, as usual, are likely to be slow to adjust. That is when you can find significant value which is what I believe we have here. The Pacers have been held under 44.7% from the field in 6 of their last 7 games. The hot-shooting Nuggets have knocked down over 48.7% from the field in 9 of their last 12 games! Denver is also on a 4-0 ATS run against the Pacers and a long-term 19-8 ATS run against Central Division opponents. Even though the Nuggets full season numbers are not impressive (in terms of defense), note that Indiana is 8-17 ATS (32%) in their games this season against teams that are allowing 106 points or more per game! The Pacers offense simply won't be able to keep up with the hot shooting Nuggets in this one. 10* DENVER

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 8* UNDER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Phoenix Suns @ 7:35 ET - It is getting so late in the season now that some teams simply just don't care. Phoenix has now lost 5 straight games and 7 of their last 8. The Suns have averaged only 101 points per game in their last 7 games and this has led to 7 straight unders for Phoenix! The Suns are simply not shooting well and there is no reason to expect that to change tonight as Phoenix just doesn't have a lot of "fire" in them at this late juncture in the season. Brooklyn, like the Suns, is also generally known for very high scoring games but they've had just 3 overs in their last 8 games as the Nets have been held to 105 points or less in 6 of their last 8 games. Brooklyn has not shot well at all in their last 3 games - under 43.5% in those games. Phoenix has been held under 44% from the field in 5 straight games! The very first number that popped up on this total was 219 and the markets have now pushed it all the way up to 224.5 as of mid-morning gameday. The under is 4-1 (80%) the last 5 times that Brooklyn was off of an upset win as an underdog. The under is 8-3 in Phoenix games in March and, as noted above, it's "that time of year again" for the Suns as they wind down a disappointing campaign and the under is now 30-12 in March games for the Suns the past 3 seasons combined. More of the same Thursday evening. 8* UNDER the total in Brooklyn

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Toronto Raptors (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - While I successfully played against the Raptors Tuesday because their playoff seeding is highly unlikely to change a great deal, that doesn't mean there are not going to be games that Toronto will be "up for" as the regular season winds down and this is one of those! The Raptors lost at Miami by 15 points a little less than 2 weeks ago and that sets this rematch up perfectly for revenge. Even though the final margin looked ugly it had a lot do with Toronto getting outscored by 27 points from three point land as they had a horrific night shooting the 3-ball. The Raptors did win the battle of the boards in that game and had 16 more field goal attempts than the Heat in that one. Even though Serge Ibaka is likely to miss tonight's game he shot very poorly against Miami two weeks ago and was also not a big factor on the boards. With that said, his absence from tonight's game is unlikely to have the impact that many are expecting. With this line having already moved from a 3 up to a 4.5 excellent line value is being offered with the road dog. The Raptors have a SU record of 24-13 this season (and 86-34 the L3 seasons combined) in their games against teams with a losing record. The Heat are 12-21 SU this season (and 49-74 the L3 seasons combined) in their games against teams with a winning record. Miami also has a big game at Boston on deck while the Raptors have a non-conference foe up next. 10* TORONTO

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 8:05 ET - Both these teams have been struggling with recent losses but, as a result, that means we are getting extra line value with the revenging team that is on the road and therefore catching inflated points here. The Hawks lost by 26 points versus the Wizards in late January and that game was at Atlanta! Needless to say some home loss revenge is on order here and now they're being given points against a division rival that has covered just TWICE in their last 11 games! Though Atlanta is also in a slump I question whether Washington should really be this big of a favorite against a tough division rival whose road record this season is just as good as their home record (Hawks 2 games over .500 both away from home and at home). The Hawks have some injury issues but not enough to justify the Wizards being priced in the way they are tonight. This is not an uncommon time of year for Washington to be struggling. The Wizards are now 15-26 ATS in March games the past 3 seasons combined. The Hawks are 25-16 ATS the L3 seasons combined when they are playing with home loss revenge. Also, Atlanta is off of a loss at Charlotte and the Hawks are 9-4 ATS (and 10-3 SU!) this season when they are off of a divisional game. 10* ATLANTA HAWKS Wednesday evening

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* Orlando Magic (+) vs Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - The Magic lost by 40 points at Charlotte a little less than 2 weeks ago. Even though Orlando's post-season aspirations are long gone, as professionals, players will get up for a game like this. Not only do the Magic have a chance to play spoiler here and put a major dent in the last bit of playoff hopes that the Hornets still have, this game also comes against a division rival. Couple that with the embarrassing 121-81 defeat at Charlotte on the 10th of the month and you have the perfect ingredients for a huge effort from Orlando in this one. Also, Charlotte has a big home game on deck as the defending champs will be in town as LeBron James and company pay a visit. The Hornets will certainly be up for that game against the Cavs but it would not surprise me to see them a little flat tonight as they face the Magic. Charlotte is on a 3-11 ATS run against teams with a losing record. Also, the Hornets are off of back to back big divisional wins over Washington and Atlanta and Charlotte is only 3-8 ATS this season when off of a divisional game. Also, the Hornets are an ugly 3-8 ATS this season when they are off of a game where they held their opponent to 90 points or less. I am grabbing the classic "ugly dog" in a highly motivated spot! 8* ORLANDO MAGIC early Wednesday

Bulldogs Best - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors @ 8:35 ET - These teams met on December 30th and that game stayed under the total. However, prior to that, each of the last 4 meetings between these teams went over the total. The Mavericks are still fighting to have a shot at a playoff berth and they'll go hard tonight. The issue for the Mavs is they'll struggle to stop a Golden State offense that is starting to knock down shots at a high percentage again. They've adjust to life without Kevin Durant and have averaged 117 points per game in their last 3 games. The Warriors have hit 55% of their shots from the field in those 3 games and Golden State also has hit a high percentage of their three points over their last 4 games. Look for the Warriors to stay hot tonight but not also that Dallas has scored at least 111 points per game in 2 of their last 3 games and shot over 50% from the field in those 2 games plus over 40% from three point land in those two match-ups. The Mavericks have averaged 107 points per game in their last 5 home games and that recent hot shooting was coming on the road so don't look for them to slow down here. In fact, the Mavs have won 13 of their last 17 home games so they come into this match-up with plenty of confidence and won't hesitate to push the pace here. Dallas, after the midway point of a season, when facing a team that averages 106 points or more per game, has gone 18-10 to the over. Also, they've played 6 Tuesday games this season and ZERO have stayed under the total. 10* OVER the total in Dallas Tuesday night

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Chicago Bulls (+) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:05 ET - While the Raptors are very nearly locked into their playoff position - unlikely to catch Boston and unlikely to drop below Indiana - the Bulls are fighting for their playoff lives right now. Chicago is part of a grouping of 4 teams in the East - currently seeded from 7th to 10th - that are all only separated by 1.5 games in the standings. That makes this game critical for the Bulls and they are catching Toronto at a good time as the Raptors are off of a big win over the Pacers (the closest team to them in the standings). Chicago has certainly had the Raptors number with 11 straight wins over Toronto and an 11-0 ATS run for the Bulls in their match-ups. Chicago has had the past two days off and is 7-3 SU and ATS this season when they enter a game with two days of rest between games. The Bulls are also 24-14 ATS (and 27-11 ATS) the L3 seasons combined when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Chicago also now has a few games under their belt without Dwyane Wade as they adjust to life without the veteran player who is now out for the season with a fractured elbow. The Raptors are known for playing down to their level of competition and, off of that big win over Indiana, and with a strong Miami team on deck, don't be surprised if Toronto again falls short here. The Raptors are 6-11 ATS in their last 17 games against teams with a losing record. 8* CHICAGO BULLS Tuesday evening

TNT Top Game - Rickenbach NBA 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors @ 8 ET - With Kevin Durant out for Golden State, this match-up will lack some of the defensive intensity that otherwise would be present. As a result, look for Oklahoma City to push the tempo extremely fast in this game as they look to create quick scoring chances against the KD-less Warriors. As for GS, their best bet will be red hot outside shooting, as usual, and Golden State comes into this one having shot a ridiculous 59% from the field in their last two games combined. Those blowout wins averaged 119.5 points per game and the Warriors now face a Thunder team that has won 5 straight games and is averaging 115 points per game in their last 6 games. That means a 118-116 type game (right in line with the current point spread on this game) would not be a surprised in this match-up and that is a double digit margin over the current total posted on this game. The result? Value for us! There have been just 4 unders in the last 16 games for the Thunder and I certainly like having 75% odds in our favor for the over in this one! OKC has shot 50% or better from the field in 4 straight games and 5 of their last 6. The Warriors are heating up again on offense and that includes shooting the 3-ball very well in their last 3 games combined. The Warriors are known for victimizing the Thunder from 3-point land and have averaged 15 three pointers per game in the last 5 meetings. With Golden State coming into this one hot, look for more of the same tonight as both teams "go off" with huge point totals amassed! 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma City 

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Monday 8* Philadelphia 76'ers (+) @ Orlando Magic @ 7:05 ET - The 76'ers just keep on covering. They won versus Boston yesterday and, even though this is a back to back spot for Philly, yesterday's game was an early afternoon start so the travel situation is truly not bad. Also, the Sixers have been a covering machine in the 2nd game of back to backs too with a 6-1 ATS mark in their last 7. Overall it's been an incredible 31-9 ATS run for the 76'ers. Philadelphia is also on a 6-0 ATS run against teams that allow 106 points or more per game while Orlando is on a 1-8 ATS run against teams that give up 106 points or more per game on average. Even though Jahlil Okafor hurt his knee in yesterday's game and is questionable tonight, the Sixers were -11 in the 12 minutes he was on the floor versus the Celtics. That means they were +17 with their "small ball" lineup and that should bode well for success against the Magic as well. Orlando is back from a west coast road trip and east coast teams often struggle in the first game back after traveling out west. Also, Nikola Vucevic is having issues with his achilles and that is likely to impact him if he plays tonight. The Magic are on a 10-18 ATS run overall and Orlando is off of an upset win as an underdog (at Phoenix Friday) and they are 5-10 ATS and 1-14 SU this when off of an outright win as a dog. Since Orlando is the fave here we can include SU stats in the equation and combining that 1-14 mark with the Sixers 6-0 ATS run noted above and Orlando's 1-8 ATS run noted above (both against poor defensive teams) we have a combined 28-2 (93%) mark favoring the 76'ers here! 8* PHILADELPHIA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* OVER the total in New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves @ 6:05 ET - Each of the last 5 meetings between these teams in New Orleans has resulted in an over. Overall, 6 straight meetings in this series have resulted in an over. The Pelicans come into this game having gone over the total in 3 of their last 4 games. New Orleans has allowed at least 112 points in 3 of their last 4 games and they've averaged scoring 116 points in these 4 games. I expect more of the same Sunday as Minnesota also comes into this game red hot again on offense. The Timberwolves have seen each of their last 3 games go over the total and Minnesota is averaging 109.3 points per game in those 3 games. The T-wolves have allowed 115 points per game in these 3 games. The over is 9-2 this season when Minny enters a game on an over streak of 3 games or more. The over is 74-45 in New Orleans home games the past 3 seasons combined and also 26-16 when off of a win by a double digit margin. Off of their big win by 16 points versus the Rockets Friday, the Pelicans offense stays hot and helps to send this one flying over the total. 8* OVER the total in New Orleans

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Utah Jazz (-) @ Chicago Bulls @ 9:05 ET - Though it may seem a little uncomfortable laying sizable points on the road, is the perfect spot to do just that. Utah is fired up off of a loss and they catch the Bulls playing the 2nd game of a back to back and also it's the 5th game in 7 days for a Chicago team that used a lot of energy trying to rally from a big deficit at Washington last night. The Bulls have lost 7 of their last 8 games. The Jazz had won 6 of their last 7 before the loss at Cleveland Thursday. Utah is playing this game with home loss revenge and that is a situation that has seen them go 37-13 (74%) ATS the last 3 seasons combined! Also, the Bulls are an ugly 14-27 ATS in Saturday games the past 3 seasons combined and also 10-19 ATS in games against Northwest Division opponents. Road rout should result here. 8* UTAH

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Portland Trail Blazers (+) @ Atlanta Hawks @ 6:05 ET - The Blazers are off of a huge win over the Spurs at San Antonio but that was back on Wednesday so they'll have no problem being ready to go here. The motivational factor helps as they lost at home versus the Hawks last month. Since that loss the Trail Blazers went 3-1 at home. Portland is also 3-1 in their last 4 road games and I like their chances here against a slumping Hawks team. Off of a home loss the Hawks have now failed to cover 10 of their last 13 games since knocking off the Blazers in Portland. As you can see, Atlanta has been in a downward spiral since the very game that is creating this nice revenge spot for the Blazers here. While many will likely look to fade the Trail Blazers since they are off of an upset of the Spurs, Portland is actually 23-11 SU (and 21-13 ATS) the L3 seasons combined when off of an upset win as an underdog. The Hawks are only 18-28 ATS as a favorite this season and their recent 3-10 ATS slump continues here. 8* PORTLAND

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Friday 8* Detroit Pistons (-) vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - The Raptors are off of a home loss to the Thunder and are now back on the road where they are on a 2-6 ATS skid. Making matters worse for Toronto is the fact that they are likely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Detroit is coming off of embarrassing back to back losses at Cleveland and then versus Utah and the Pistons are fired up about a bounce back effort here. Detroit got a 1 point win at Toronto last month but revenge has not played out well at all for the Raptors this season. Toronto has gone 2-9 SU and 3-7-1 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Pistons are a solid 13-8 ATS when off of a loss by a double digit margin this season. Also, the past 3 seasons combined, Detroit is a strong 15-8 ATS when they are off of a game where they were held to 85 points or less. The Pistons were on a 10-2 (SU and ATS!) run in home games before the embarrassing loss to the Jazz Wednesday. Look for a big bounce back here as the Raptors road misery continues! 8* DETROIT

Market Mover - Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics @ 7:35 ET - The very first total that popped up on this game was a 223 yesterday and this total has now dropped a full 8 points to 215. Of course the line move is because Isaiah Thomas is expected to miss for the Celtics tonight. However, Brooklyn is one of the worst teams in the league (particularly on defense) this season and when Thomas missed earlier this season and the Celtics faced a weak foe (Orlando), Boston scored 117 points. I expect a very "loosely played" contest tonight as Boston lets up some on the defensive end after back to back big wins while Brooklyn simply continues to "run and gun" as they're certainly just "playing out the string" on the season. The Nets last 3 games have totaled an average of 230 points. The Celtics are off of a 117 point performance versus Minnesota. Also, in Boston's last 4 road games they have allowed at least 109 points in 3 of the 4 games. The over is 9-4 this season when the Celtics are off of a win by a margin of 10 points or more. The over is 15-7 this season when the Nets are facing a team that averages 106 points or more per game on the season. Keep in mind, Brooklyn is allowing 114 points per game on the season and this is a back to back spot for the Nets. Look for the over to improve to 8-4 this season when the Nets are in the 2nd game of a back to back. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Utah Jazz @ 7:05 ET - The Jazz shut down the Pistons at Detroit last night but previously had allowed 50% or better from the field in 5 of their last 8 games. Also, after a blowout win, it is only natural that a team has a tendency to unconsciously decrease defensive intensity. As a result, Utah is 15-5 to the over this season when they are off of a win by 10 points or more. The Jazz had allowed 108 points or more in 6 of their last 8 games before yesterday's domination of Detroit. Utah now faces the red hot shooting of the Cavaliers. Cleveland comes into this game having averaged 118.7 points per game in their last 3 games. The Cavs have averaged 54% from the field in these 3 games. Also, what is interesting is that the Cavaliers defense has allowed at least 96 shots from the field in each of its last 3 games. There will be plenty of scoring opportunities for both clubs in this one and 14 of the last 19 meetings between these teams in Cleveland have resulted in an over. Look for more of the same in this one and I'll take advantage of a line drop here that has already seen this total go from an opener of 210 down to as low as a 206 as of Thursday morning. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 8:05 ET - Even though this is a back to back for the Trail Blazers they'll still have plenty of fresh legs. That's because no one had to play extended minutes last night at New Orleans because Portland had a dreadful performance and got blown out. The Blazers managed just 77 points because they shot only 30% from the field in one of the worst performances by any team this entire season in the NBA. Needless to say a bounce back can be expected here and they catch the Spurs in a bit of a downward cycle on the defensive end. Looking at the Spurs last 5 games, they had one strong performance (against Golden State) but allowed an average of 104 points per game (and 47% shooting from the field) in the other 4 games combined. Portland is now off of back to back unders but they had gone over the total in 7 straight games prior. The Trail Blazers defense is a definite weakness and they've allowed 113 points per game in their last 3 games against the Spurs. Each of Portland's last two games at San Antonio have gone over the total and, overall, the over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings between these teams. The Blazers, when past the midway point of a season and facing a team that averages 106 points or more per game, have gone 20-8 to the over! After last night's nonsense look for a typical Trail Blazers game tonight and the Spurs will be willing to "run and gun" a bit here as they were off yesterday and have 2 off days on deck after this game. 10* OVER the total in San Antonio

Double Burial - Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* Detroit Pistons (+) vs Utah Jazz @ 7:35 ET - Calling his a rare Double Burial situation as the Pistons not only got crushed by the Cavaliers last night (128 to 96), they also lost at Utah 110 to 77 in mid-January. Those two ugly losses make this the perfect spot to back Detroit in revenge mode. I am well aware of the fact that this is a back to back spot for the Pistons but their most recent back to back saw them upset the Cavaliers (also as a home dog) back on Thursday. Now they are a home dog to a Jazz team that is off of a huge win versus the Clippers and also has a big game on deck at Cleveland to face the defending champion Cavaliers tomorrow night. Detroit is on a 10-2 (SU and ATS) run since January 1st in home games. Going a little further back it is a 13-3 SU run for the Pistons in home games. The Jazz, prior to their big win over the Clips, had failed to cover 8 of their last 13 games. Utah also has failed to cover 3 of its last 4 road games. The Pistons are 7-2 (SU and ATS) against Northwest Division opponents this season but one of those losses was the aforementioned burial at Utah in January. Couple that with last night's burial at Cleveland and the Pistons are in double burial bounce back mode here. They'll be hungry and I look for them to get revenge at home but will gladly grab the generous available points. 8* DETROIT

Western Conference Total of the Year - Rickenbach NBA 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 8:05 ET - Both of these teams have been involved in some OT games of late so that has to be factored into the handicap of this total of course. However, even after eliminating overtime from the equation, Portland has averaged 112 points per game in regulation time of their last 9 games. As for the Pelicans, they struggled on offense (as most teams do) against the Spurs and Jazz. However, other than a disappointing effort against Toronto, the Pelicans other 4 games dating back to February 26th have seen them score at least 105 points in all 4 games. New Orleans averaged 109 points per game in those 4 games. Look for more of the same in this game as the Pelicans are home where there have allowed an average of 107.4 points per game in their last 5 games. The Trail Blazers are on the road where they had allowed over 49% from the field in 4 of their last 6 games before taking advantage of facing a bad Suns team at Phoenix on Sunday. The over is 64-42 the last 3 seasons combined when Portland is an underdog. Also, the over is 73-44 in New Orleans home games the last 3 seasons combined. The Pelicans are also 8-3 to the over this season (and 29-16 to the over the past 3 seasons) when they are facing a Northwest Division opponent. A big total was set on this game but, as you can see from all of the above, it was absolutely justified. Also, with both teams off of a win, "hunger" on the defensive end simply will not be there tonight. Look for these teams to go over the total for the 4th time in their last 5 meetings. 10* OVER the total in New Orleans

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA 8* Detroit Pistons (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - This is a revenge spot for the Cavaliers but, of course, the odds makers know that too and they had to put an over-inflated number on Cleveland just to get balanced action on this game. We'll take advantage by grabbing the under-valued Pistons on the other side. Detroit comes into this game having won and covered 12 of their last 18 games. The Cavs have been at the other end of the spectrum of late as they are on a 3-6 SU and ATS run their last 9 games. Over their last 6 games the Cavaliers have been outrebounded by an average of 5 boards per game and they've turned the ball over 79 times while forcing just 49 turnovers. The Pistons have outrebounded their opponent in 6 straight games and, in their last 7 games, they've forced 99 turnovers while they've had just 52 turnovers of their own! The Cavaliers are just 19-36 ATS in divisional games the past 3 seasons and this season they are 6-12 ATS when they are off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. The Pistons have the rest edge here and they are 8-1 SU (and 7-2 ATS) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Detroit also is on an 8-2 ATS run against teams that are allowing 106 points or more per game on the season. The Pistons are still in search of securing a playoff spot as they have a ways to go so there certainly will be no let up here. Look for the road dog to remain red hot Tuesday. 8* DETROIT

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks @ 7:35 ET - The first number that popped up when the lines came out had this O/U pegged at 200. The total has moved down to a 195.5 and that's understandable given the fact that the Mavericks are on a 10-2 run to the under and the Raptors are on an 18-7 run to the under. However, the key here is both teams are off of particularly poor shooting performances and I expect a big bounce back given the situation. The Raptors are desperate to stop a recent free-fall in the standings and the Mavericks are fighting to stay alive for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. That said, with each team off of a loss where they were held under 38% from the field, look for a big bounce back effort here. The Raptors, when off of a game where they held to 38.0% or less from the field have gone 3-2 to the over in their next game. Though the 3-2 is nothing phenomenal in terms of the record, the key is that the Raptors scored an average of 108 points per game in those 5 games. As for the Mavs, when they are held to 38.0% or less from the field, they have gone 3-1 to the over in their next game. Also, Dallas is averaging 106.6 points per game in their last 5 games but also allowing 103 points per game in their last 7 road games. I see no reason that either team should fail to get to 100 here given the situation. By the way, Toronto has allowed over 100 points in 5 of their last 6 games. The over is 3-1 this season in Raptors games when they enter the game on an under streak of 3 games or more. The over is also 17-10 in Raptors non-conference games this season. More of the same on Monday. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA 8* Chicago Bulls (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - Everyone saw the Bulls take a beating yesterday at Boston because they simply couldn't buy a bucket throughout the first half of that game. For Chicago, it was extremely ugly and I look for the Bulls to redeem themselves tonight at Charlotte. Not surprisingly, the Hornets are already up to a 7 point favorite after opening up at a -5 for this game. Of course much of that has to to with the beating that Chicago took yesterday at Boston. I'll grab the extra value with the Bulls here as Chicago still has playoff hopes alive (actually sitting a little in front of the Hornets right now) and they certainly aren't going to lay down in Charlotte! Adding to the value for this play is the fact that Chicago just scored a season-low in points with just 80 yesterday and they are 6-2 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 90 points or less. By the way, the only two ATS losses in those record were a 2 point win and a 2 point loss. That said, had the Bulls been at the number they are for tonight's game in those two contests, the record would be a perfect 8-0 ATS on the season. The point is, expect a bounce back from Chicago here! Also, the Bulls are 3-2 SU in the 2nd game of back to backs since the calendar turned to 2017 and both losses came by 5 points or less. Working with the number on tonight's game, the Bulls would be 5-0 ATS in the 2nd game of back to backs on the year. Even though Charlotte has revenge from a loss at Chicago in early January, the Hornets are only 12-18 ATS when playing with revenge this season. Charlotte is also an ugly 6-10 SU and ATS when off of an upset loss as a favorite and they suffered a home loss versus New Orleans Saturday. The Bulls may not wow you with their record and current losing streak but the Hornets aren't exactly known for taking care of business when they're supposed to. In fact, Charlotte is 11-20 ATS on the season (including 3-10 ATS their last 13) when they are facing a team with a losing record. 8* CHICAGO BULLS 

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #875 Sunday 8* OVER 221 in Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks @ 6:05 ET - Another horrific 4th quarter did in the Knicks yesterday and they have now stayed under the total in 2 straight games and 8 of their last 9. Whether or not New York's losing ways continue Sunday, at least their scoring woes should be helped by facing the worst defense in the league. Brooklyn is allowing 114 points per game on the season and is happy to be back home after a long road trip. The over is 6-3 this season in Brooklyn home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. The Knicks are 9-3 to the over this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, New York is 4-1 to the over when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. Look for a loosely played affair with plenty of offensive fireworks as there is truly no reason for defensive intensity given the current state of these two teams at this point in the season. Keep in mind this is on top of the fact that both these teams play horrible defense even when they are "trying". More of the same here! 8* OVER the total in Brooklyn

NBA TV Blowout ATS Rout - Rickenbach NBA Game #873 Sunday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 6:05 ET - The Pacers are a popular choice today and that's understandable based on the situation involving Miami. On the surface, Indiana looks like the play. But when you look further into this situation, the Heat won so easily versus Toronto yesterday that key players were able to get significant rest and did not have to log big minutes. Also, Miami had two days off prior to that win over the Raptors. The Heat also have the added benefit of having two days off after this game. In other words, the situation is not nearly as bad as a "normal" back to back and, by the way, Miami has gone 10-2 ATS this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, the Heat come into this one having won and covered 4 straight games and, of course, Miami has been one of the hottest teams in the league now for quite some time. They're taking on an Indiana team they've beaten 4 straight times and one of their two losses against the Pacers that preceded that run came by just three points. Also, Indiana comes into this game having lost 10 of their last 14 games. The Pacers are off of a loss to the division rival Bucks and are only 5-8 ATS when off of a divisional game this season. The Heat are 8-0 SU and ATS in their last 8 games played against teams with a winning record and they'll stay red hot here. 10* Top Play MIAMI

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #871 Sunday 8* Chicago Bulls (+) @ Boston Celtics @ 3:35 ET - Chicago has lost and failed to cover 4 straight games. However, Boston just got back from a west coast road trip and that first game back is often the toughest. The Celtics have been struggling too as they have lost 3 of their last 4 and overall have won just 4 of their last 10 games. Only twice in their last ten games has Boston won by a margin of more than 6 points. That said, there is good value here with a hungry Bulls team. Chicago gets fired up after a losing streak like they've been on. In fact, the Bulls are 6-1 ATS this season (and 15-4 ATS the L3 seasons) when on a losing streak of 3 games or more. The Celtics are only 2-6 ATS this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. Grab the ugly dog in this one. 8* CHICAGO

Early ATS Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #706 Saturday 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons (-) vs New York Knicks @ 5:05 ET - This looks like a typical spot where one would want to fade Detroit. They are off of a big win versus the defending NBA Champs and it is a trip to Cleveland that is on deck for the Pistons so they are truly in a division rival sandwich her involving the Cavaliers. However, one should not overlook the fact that the Pistons are currently fighting for their playoff lives so truly I just see no way possible that Detroit is going to overlook the Knicks here. That is especially true when they know it will be very tough to win at Cleveland Tuesday. Also, the fact that the Pistons have two days off after this means they can certainly put all energy and focus and attention into this game. The Knicks are having another "train wreck" season and, besides the enticement of fading a bad team here, it is certainly also worth noting that the home team has won each of the last 5 meetings between these teams. The Pistons are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Also, the Knicks are on a surprising 3-7 ATS run against teams with a losing record. The Pistons are hungry to get back to .500 and continue to make strides toward a playoff berth. 10* DETROIT

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #702 Saturday 8* Oklahoma City Thunder (-) vs Utah Jazz @ 3:05 ET - When Utah was last at OKC they were favored by 2.5 points and now they are a 2 point dog even though, since that tight loss, the Jazz have won 4 of 5 while the Thunder have lost 4 of 5. Don't be fooled. Lay the points with Oklahoma City. The reason for the somewhat "strange line" is the banged up backcourt of the Jazz and that will likely prove to be a limiting factor in this one for Utah. Both teams are off of a big win so that evens out with OKC off of a win over SA and the Jazz off of a win over Houston. The Thunder should see a huge game from Westbrook here with Utah's injury situation being an issue for sure. Oklahoma City is 24-9 SU and 23-10 ATS in home games this season. The Thunder also are 11-6 SU and ATS when off of a win by a double digit margin. The Jazz are an ugly 4-12 SU (and 5-11 ATS) as an underdog this season and the low number on the money line here has me suggesting you play that one this way to make both a 1 and 2 point victory for the Thunder a win for us in the pocketbook too! Utah is off of a rare, high-scoring win and the Jazz have gone 2-7 ATS (and 1-8 SU) the last 3 seasons combined when they are off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. It all adds up to a very favorable situation for the home team in this one. 8* OKLAHOMA CITY

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #509 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers @ 8:05 ET - This total has dropped tremendously. Yesterday it was a high as a 210.5 and it's now down to as low as a 204.5 as of nearly noon ET on gameday. I got burned by the Bucks over when they faced the Knicks Wednesday and everything looked great at halftime and then fell apart in the 2nd half. That said, I won't hesitate to come right back with it here. The Pacers are off of a big win over Detroit (115-98) and that big win could leave them a little flat on the defensive end for this one. The over is 8-4 this season when the Pacers are off of a divisional game. As for the Bucks, they have now stayed under the total in 3 straight games and the only time that happened this season it resulted in an over in the very next game and long-term the over is 91-68 in that situation for Bucks games. Milwaukee's games have recently being staying under but it certainly hasn't had much to do with stellar defense! The Bucks have allowed 46.4% or more from the field in 8 of their last 9 games. The strength for Milwaukee, particularly at home, is their offensive production, and the Bucks have won 4 straight games and averaged 107 points per game. Indiana will be seeking to avenge a 116-100 home loss to the Bucks last month and you can bet the Pacers will put up much more than 100 in this one. By the way, the first meeting between these teams this season totaled 232 points. Given tonight's situation, look for the over to improve to 3-0 this season in match-ups between these teams. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee Friday

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Friday 8* Orlando Magic (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - Ugly dog theory in full effect here. I know the Magic may not appear overly attractive on the surface but there is value here because the Hornets are laying big points even though they had lost 6 of their last 7 home games prior to a win over Indiana Monday. Charlotte promptly followed up that rare home win with a loss at Miami Wednesday and this is a Hornets team that has covered the spread just 6 times in their last 21 games. Also, when off of a divisional game (just faced Heat), the Hornets have gone 2-6 SU (and 1-7 ATS) this season. Also, Charlotte has gone 10-20 ATS this season in their games against teams with a losing record. In other words, the Hornets are known for playing down to the level of competition. Orlando is off of a home win versus Chicago and the Magic have been playing much better, after a tough stretch, as the Magic have now covered 4 of their last 6 games. Orlando has lost each of the 2 prior meetings with the Hornets by an average margin of defeat of 20 points per game so a little payback is on order here. While Charlotte is playing with playoff pressure as they look to stay alive, the Magic are playing loose and relaxed. Also, if the Hornets are able to get a big lead in this game don't be surprised if they allow a backdoor cover as they will be wanting to save their legs for tomorrow's match-up with New Orleans. Simply no incentive for a blowout on the part of the Hornets here while the Magic do have revenge incentive in this match-up. That is why this should prove to simply be too many points! 8* ORLANDO

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NBA Game #705 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Clippers (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:05 ET - Memphis is seeking revenge for a loss at LA in early January. However, each of the two prior meetings were taken by the road team and there is actually plenty of reason to expect the "road edge" to return here. The fact is that the Grizzlies are struggling as they are currently on a 3-6 run (both SU and ATS). Also, even though the Clippers are in a back to back here and Memphis is playing with rest, the Grizzlies are a surprising 1-7 (SU and ATS) when they enter a game with 2 days of rest between games. Additionally, the fact that the Clips lost by 16 at Minnesota last night will have them fired up here. The Clippers were on a modest 7-4 winning run prior to the loss to the Timberwolves. Also, when playing the 2nd game of a back to back, the Clips are actually 34-19 SU the past 3 seasons combined. In 2017, when off of a loss where the Clippers have been held to less than 100 points (as they were last night at Minny), they have won their next game all 4 times. I look for that SU mark to improve to 5-0 here and that means the added points we are getting here should prove to just be a bonus. 10* LA CLIPPERS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #702 Thursday 8* Detroit Pistons (+) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:35 ET - "Everybody and their brother", as the saying goes, will be piling on Cleveland here since they are off back to back losses. Of course that is why this line has been driven from as low as the Cavaliers -3.5 all the way up to now as a high as Cavs -6 as of gameday morning. This has opened up exceptional line value on the Pistons here because, keep in mind, it's about more than back to back losses for Cleveland here. The fact is that the Cavaliers are in the midst of a 2-4 stretch that has seen them go 1-5 ATS at the betting window! This team is simply struggling right now and they are on the road and facing a division rival who is off of a loss and has not lost back to back games since January! The Pistons were on an 11-5 ATS streak before their ugly 17 point loss at Indiana last night. Look for Detroit, even though this is a back to back spot, to get right back on track here as they have gone 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against teams that allow 106 points or more per game. Also, the Pistons are 12-7 ATS this season when off of a loss by a double digit margin. The Cavaliers are only 11-19 ATS against teams with a losing record on the season. Also, even when off of an upset loss as a favorite, the Cavs have gone 4-7 ATS this season. The Cavs knocked Detroit out of the post-season last April and so these games always have extra meaning for the Pistons. The home team has easily covered each of the first two match-ups this season and I look for that trend to continue here. 8* DETROIT

Insiders Edge - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks @ 8:05 ET - This total opened up at a 213 and has already dropped by a bucket - down to 211 - as of early gameday morning. While certainly not a big move I'll gladly grab the value on the other side of the move because I was already looking "over" in this one. Both teams are off of wins, both teams play little defense, and both teams were off yesterday so they have fresh legs. The Bucks have their offense rolling again as they've won 3 straight games and averaged 108.3 points per game in the process. The Knicks also come into this one strong, in terms of offensive production, as they've averaged 105 points per game in their last 5 road games. New York is allowing 109 points per game on the season and the Bucks allow 105 points per game so far on the season. The Bucks had allowed their last 7 opponents to average 50% from the field before finally holding their most recent opponent in check. However, that had more to do with facing the tanking Sixers moreso than any type of stellar defense on the part of Milwaukee. The over is 22-11 in Bucks home games this season and the over is 9-4 this season when New York is off of an upset win as an underdog. After the Knicks got the outright win at Orlando Monday, look for even less emphasis than usual (which is not much) for New York in this one. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee

NBA TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #702 Tuesday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Oklahoma City Thunder vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 8:05 ET - The Thunder were rolling with 4 straight wins and then went on the road and lost all 3 games including the opener of the trip at Portland. That makes this a revenge spot for Oklahoma City but where I see the best value in this one is with the total. The Thunder are preaching defense as they prep for this match-up as they allowed 48.8% or better in each of the 3 games on their recent road trip. Oklahoma City got a little help in terms of having a good shot at being able to slow down the Trail Blazers tonight because of a scheduling quirk that came up last night. Portland was at Minnesota for a big game with the Timberwolves but it was cancelled due to poor floor conditions. The Blazers came into that game having won back to back games and having averaged 119 points per game in their 3 games last week as they averaged a ridiculous 53% from the field in those 3 games. Look for last night's cancelled game to throw off the timing of the Portland offense for tonight's game. When you're rolling a shooting well you want to keep on playing and that was an odd situation in Minnesota last night that will throw this team out of kilter a bit. That said, there is also added value here because this total opened at a 222 and is already up to a 223.5 as of early gameday morning. The under is 16-6 this season when the Thunder are playing with revenge. Look for more of the same in this one as a result similar to the 105-99 final the last time OKC hosted the Trail Blazers would not surprise me. 10* UNDER the total in Oklahoma City

Rickenbach NBA Game #509 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:35 ET - The Warriors game should have gone over the total yesterday and didn't. The end game results were crazy the way it played out in the final minute or so at New York. As for the Hawks, they completely blew their game by getting outscored 7-0 to finish the game after having built up a 6-point lead with about a minute and a half to go in the game versus Indiana. Look for Atlanta to be more aggressive on offense after that poor effort versus the Pacers yesterday and the Warriors will happily oblige as they love run and gun fast paced affairs. Golden State called a time out about 6.5 minutes into yesterday's game. They had been struggling with their shooting in recent games and it continued early in yesterday's game. The Warriors had only 10 points in the first 6.5 minutes. From that point on, after the time out, Golden State scored 102 points in less than 3.5 quarters of play. That projects out to about 120 points and I expect the Warriors to carry that momentum into today's game while the Hawks offense also gets back on track after scoring just 96 points yesterday's game. Keep in mind, prior to yesterday's loss, Atlanta had shot the ball very well in three straight games and averaged 114.7 points per game. The total on this opened up around 216.5 yesterday and has dropped as low as 213.5 as of early gameday morning. Of course recent unders in this series have helped drive that move but the situational set-up here is trending toward a wide-open affair here with plenty of offense and I love the extra line value this move on the total has given us. The Hawks are in the middle portion of a 6 game homestand and the over is 94-62 when Atlanta enters a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. Both these teams have played to a lot of unders recently but I like the direction that the Warriors are heading with their offense after yesterday's strong performance the last 41+ minutes and I like the fact the Hawks offense had been on fire in recent games and will bounce back after yesterday's tough loss to Indiana. 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Monday

Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Monday 8* OVER the total in Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - The Knicks over had so many chances late in yesterday's game (versus Golden State) and New York simply fell apart at the end. The Knicks hurt themselves (and me) late in that game and I won't hesitate to come right back with the over in this one after that game yesterday had no business staying under the total based on the end-game scenario that played out. Taking on Orlando, allowing 106 points per game on the season, should help New York finish stronger tonight. The Knicks are 10-4 to the over against Southeast Division opponents this season. Also, New York and Orlando both came into yesterday's action on long "under streaks" and that's why, even though the Knicks are allowing 109 points per game this season (and the Magic allow 106), this total opened up at a 210 rather than the 215 range where it belongs. I'll take advantage of the value here because Orlando's big blown lead at Washington yesterday (allowed Wizards to come back from 17 down) is going to have the Magic never taking their foot off of the gas in this game. Orlando attempted 35 threes in yesterday's game and both they and the Wizards each nailed 14 three-pointers yesterday. Look for another wild one here in Orlando as this game will have a good pace after each team comes in off of disappointing losses where they know they needed to be more aggressive on the offensive end late in the game. 8* OVER the total in Orlando

Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Monday 8* Miami Heat (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - Cleveland lost by 28 at Miami on Saturday so now, automatically, the Cavaliers are the play here in the eyes of most people. Being a contrarian, I am not "most people" and the fact is that the Cavs are not the same team without Kevin Love. The Cavaliers enter this game on a 2-3 SU (1-4 ATS) run and the 2 wins each came by 7 points or less. That said, the Heat would be on an 0-5 ATS run at the price range they are being bet up to in this game. This line, after being as low as a 7.5 yesterday, is already up to a 9 on gameday morning and this is offering fantastic line value with a Miami team that is fighting for their playoff lives and certainly won't let up here! The Heat are 18-4 SU their last 22 games and only 1 of the 4 losses have come by double digits (just barely, defeated by 11 at Orlando). With that said, the value we are getting here with a hungry Miami team against a Cavs team that is still suffering from a bit of "World Champion hangover" is simply too good to pass up on. The World Champs are only 14-11 SU their last 25 games. They'll certainly pick up the intensity in the post-season but, until then, spots like this are perfect to fade them. Even when playing with revenge this season, the Cavs are just 6-6 ATS and an uninspiring 7-5 SU. Against teams with a losing record, the Cavaliers are 11-18 ATS this season. Cleveland is also an ugly 6-11 ATS this season when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. The Heat are 7-1 ATS when they are off of a game where they scored 115 points or more and they've covered 6 straight games against teams with a winning record. The Heat lost by 30 in their last visit here (early this season) and they haven't forgotten that beating either. 8* MIAMI plus the big points Monday

ABC Daytime Blowout - Rickenbach NBA Game #823 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Knicks vs Golden State Warriors @ 3:35 ET - Of course the big story out of Golden State has been the recent loss of Kevin Durant to injury. However, what has also made headlines is some surprisingly poor shooting performance for key players like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Needless to say, a bounce back looms because the Warriors are a stacked team that is certainly about much more than just KD. That said, I am looking for the sub-par Knicks defense to be the perfect antidote for the Warriors. Look for a huge performance from GS shooters today as they take advantage of a Knicks D that has had some better performances of late only because they've faced some weak teams (Philly twice and Orlando) as well as a struggling Raptors team. Prior to this, the Knicks had given up 111 points or more in 8 of their 10 previous games. The Warriors, prior to the ugly 94-87 loss at Chicago, had allowed 107 points or more in 10 of their 13 prior games. Golden State is well rested for this one and they will happily push the pace and look to put up a ton of points and get their shooters back on track. The Warriors are 9-1 to the over in their 10 games this season where they enter off of 2 days of rest. GS has been off since Thursday. The over is 4-2 in New York's home games with a posted total of 220 points or more. Also, Knicks games are 20-11 to the over this season when they are facing a team with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in New York Sunday afternoon

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #822 Sunday 8* Atlanta Hawks (-) vs Indiana Pacers @ 1:05 ET - The money line is so low on this one right now at -145 that I would suggest playing the Hawks on the money line rather than laying the -3. Of course playing the latter means we need Atlanta to win by 4 to cash our ticket so playing the former opens up 1, 2 and 3 as win numbers for us and there is enough value in this low money line to do just that. I certainly like the fact that this line opened up at a -4 yesterday and has come down some. With yesterday's number we would have needed Hawks to win by 5 to cash our ticket. The key here is that everyone remembers Atlanta's loss to Cleveland Friday when the Hawks gave up 135 points but of course the Cavaliers had a ridiculous 25 three-pointers in that game. The point is that the Cavs had 16 points from the free throw line, 44 from inside the arc, and a ridiculous 75 points from outside the arc. That type of ridiculousness is not going to be repeated here and, keep in mind, Atlanta still ended up losing that game by only 5 points. The Pacers are off of a hard-fought loss at San Antonio Wednesday and that was their 8th loss in their last 10 games. Even though Indiana is playing this game with home loss revenge, the Pacers are an ugly 16-26 ATS (and 12-30 SU) the last 3 seasons when playing with ome loss revenge. The Hawks are 9-3 SU and ATS this season in their games against teams from the Central Division. 8* ATLANTA on the money line very early Sunday

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #507 Saturday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Clippers (-) vs Chicago Bulls @ 8:35 ET - With Chicago seeking revenge for a loss at Los Angeles earlier this coupled with the fact that the Clippers are in back to back but the Bulls were off last night, many will be backing the home team here. However, in typical contrarian fashion I am lining up on the other side. The Clips are fired up after a turnover-filled loss at Milwaukee last night. LA knows that was an unacceptable performance against the Bucks as it was also ugly at the free thrown line. The Clippers also were done in by Milwaukee shooting lights out in last night's game. After all of that, the Clip should respond in a big way at Chicago and they're catching the Bulls at the right time to get the job done. Chicago is off of a big home win versus Golden State as they got the upset of the Warriors as a sizable home dog. The Bulls are 14-25 ATS the past 3 seasons combined when they are off of an upset win as an underdog. Also, Chicago is 2-5 SU and ATS this season when they are off of a game where they allowed 90 points or less. The Clippers are 55-28 SU in non-conference games the past 3 seasons combined and, for only the 3rd time this season, LA has failed to cover the spread in 4 straight games. This entire season, the Clips have never had a 5-game ATS losing streak and I don't expect that to change today given the strong motivation for the Clippers after last night's ugly performance at Milwaukee. 10* LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Saturday 8* Detroit Pistons (-) @ Philadelphia 76'ers @ 6:05 ET - Philadelphia, though truly starting to tank the season, is off of a win last night versus the Knicks. That victory snapped a 3-game losing streak for the Sixers. Overall, the 76'ers had lost 11 of their last 16 games prior to last night's win. Now, in a tough back to back scheduling spot, Philly hosts a Detroit team that is well-rested (off since Wednesday) and also fired up (off of a 23 point loss). The Pistons had won 8 of 12 before that ugly loss at New Orleans and that was a strange loss for Detroit as they took 25 more shots from the field than the Pelicans and yet still managed to lose ugly. Poor shooting from three point land and insanely bad shooting from the free throw line were big difference-makers in the game. Look for the Pistons to take advantage of facing a weak foe today as they bounce back on Saturday. Detroit is 5-1 in their last 6 games against the 76'ers and all 6 games were decided by a margin of at least a dozen points! The Pistons are 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS when playing with 2 days of rest between games this season. 8* DETROIT

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #829 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 8:05 ET - This total was as high as a 216 yesterday so it has come down nearly 5 points now and I'll gladly grab the over here with the "no defense" Bucks. Milwaukee has allowed 50% from the field in their last 5 games and that includes allowing at least 48% from the field in all 5 games. The Bucks have allowed an average of 108 points per game in these 5 games and now host a Clippers team that has allowed an average of 118 points per game in their 4 games since the All Star break. One of those games did go to OT but even taking the OT out of the equation it's been 116 points per game allowed by the Clips. Look for the Bucks to push the pace at home and this one to turn into a wild, high-scoring shootout. The over is 20-11 in Clippers road games this season and the over is 12-3 this season when the Bucks are off of a loss by margin of 10 points or more. Also, the Bucks are 21-10 to the over in home games this season. In non-conference action, Milwaukee has gone 13-7 to the over this season. As is typically the case, the defense played in non-conference match-ups tends to be a little less intense. In my mind, and apparently the odds makers mind as well, based on the trends noted above, we should expect a ton of points in this match-up tonight and I'll gladly fade what is a "wrong way line move" in my opinion. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee 

ESPN ATS Blowout - Rickenbach NBA Game #828 Friday 8* Atlanta Hawks (+) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - Guys will be looking at Cleveland here since they're off of a loss and also lost at home to Atlanta earlier this season. However, the Hawks plus the points should prove to be the play. The Cavs are without Kevin Love of course and new acquisition Andrew Bogut is not yet available. Also, even though Cleveland does have the aforementioned home revenge angle in effect here, the Cavaliers have gone 12-20 ATS when playing with home loss revenge the past 3 seasons. In other words, the markets tend to over-adjust in a spot like this and I feel that is the case here. This is especially true because Atlanta has their own home loss revenge in mind here. The last time the Hawks hosted the Cavs was certainly a big game. It was on May 8th and Atlanta lost by a single point in a game that ended up completing a 4-game sweep for the Cavaliers and knocking the Hawks out of the playoffs. In other words, expect Atlanta to be rocking tonight and expect the Hawks to be flying all over the floor in this opportunity to take down LeBron James and company. Hosting the defending world champs is always a big deal and the Hawks are 9-2 ATS against Central Division opponents this season and and they catch the Cavs stumbling a bit on a 3-game ATS losing streak. Overall the Hawks are 11-6 ATS season and 10 of the 11 wins have been outright upsets. They relish this role and I expect another upset tonight but will certainly grab all the points I can get. 8* ATLANTA HAWKS

TNT ATS Blowout - Rickenbach NBA Game #702 Thursday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls (+) vs Golden State Warriors @ 8 ET - Yesterday afternoon when lines first popped up on this game the Warriors were available as low as a -5. Now, as of very early gameday morning, lines as high as a -7.5 are now posted on Golden State. I completely understand the affection the markets have for the top team in the league, especially when considering that the Warriors are off of a loss. However, this is going to prove to be a tough spot for Golden State and I'll gladly grab the value being offered with the big home dog. The Warriors just lost Kevin Durant to a knee injury and will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. As for the Bulls, they will be playing for just the 2nd time in 5 nights and they'll certainly be motivated for this game. Teams almost always get "up" for facing the top teams in the league and Chicago also has the added revenge factor here. The Bulls got annihilated by 31 points last month at Golden State and they also got ripped by 31 points the last time they hosted the Warriors which was last January. Before Chicago's home loss to Denver Tuesday (Nuggets shot "lights out" in that one), the Bulls had won and covered 4 straight games. They've been playing very well and can resume the hot streak here. The Warriors, conversely, are on an 0-4 ATS run and they'll have their hands full as, without Durant, they take on a hungry Chicago team in this one. The Bulls are 15-9 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. Golden State is allowing 116.5 points per game in their last 4 road games. 10* Top Play CHICAGO BULLS plus the big points 

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #515 Wednesday - 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers (+) @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:35 ET - This is simply too many points for the Spurs to be giving up to a quality Pacers team. Once again, San Antonio played very well on their annual "Rodeo Road Trip" where they're forced out of their venue for a period of a few weeks due to the rodeo taking over their venue. However, the first game back home (especially with the trip wrapping up on the West Coast) is often a tough one after all the travel. I expect the Spurs will find a way to get the win here but look for the game to be decided by single digits. The Pacers are off of a confidence-boosting win at Houston Monday where Indiana rallied from a deficit and knocked off another quality Western Conference team. After tonight's game, the Pacers don't play again until Sunday at Atlanta so, with 3 days off coming up, Indiana is going to go hard in this one. Also, the Pacers are seeking revenge for a tight home loss to the Spurs two weeks ago. Indiana has been shooting quite well and they got their offense flowing against the Rockets Monday. When the Pacers are off of a game where they scored 115 points or more, they've gone 8-5 ATS this season and 16-9 SU the past 3 seasons combined. Look for the Spurs to drop to 3-7 ATS on the season when they are playing a game with 2 days of rest between games. 10* Top Play INDIANA plus the big points Wednesday night

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - The Magic are off of an unusually strong game on defense. They held the Hawks to 86 points in a big win on Saturday. Prior to that victory, Orlando had lost 6 of its last 7 games and allowed 113 points per game. The Knicks are also off of a rare, solid performance on defense although it wasn't quite enough in a 92-91 loss to the Raptors Monday. Prior to that, New York had allowed 109 points or more in 7 of their last 8 games. Based on the numbers above you're looking at a game tonight that should total 222 points and yet this total opened up at 215 and has dropped to 214 as of early gameday morning. The over is 10-3 this season in Knicks games against Southeast Division opponents. Also, New York suffered a home loss (which did go over by the way) in early January and the Knicks are 11-6 to the over this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Magic come into this game having stayed under the total in 3 straight games but that is a situation that has seen the over go 6-2 this season. That said, for both of these teams, I look for a return to "normal" results tonight and that means a fast-paced high-scoring game erupts down in Florida tonight. 8* OVER the total in Orlando

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #710 Tuesday 10* Top Play Oklahoma City Thunder (-) vs Utah Jazz @ 8:05 ET - The Jazz dominated the glass against the Wizards Sunday and that helped them overcome a turnover-filled game (24 turnovers for Utah) as they got the road win at Washington. They won't be able to use rebounding to overcome another sloppy game here because the Thunder are one of the top rebounding teams in the league. Couple that with the fact that Oklahoma City is chasing the Jazz for the top spot in the division, this one is set up nicely for home dominance. The Thunder are 22-8 SU (and 20-9-1 ATS) in home games this season. OKC is also 6-3 ATS in divisional games this season whereas Utah has only covered 4 of 10 in divisional action this season. Oklahoma City has won 5 of its last 6 meetings with Utah including each of the last 4 times they've hosted the Jazz. The Thunder have been shooting the ball very well and are one of the highest scoring teams in the league. At home, Oklahoma City is averaging 110 points per game this season. The Jazz are known for struggling to keep up with fast-paced opposition as they are now 15-31 SU the L3 seasons combined in games against teams averaging 106 points or more per game. That includes covering just 9 of 24 games this season that fit those parameters. The Thunder will either pull to within 2 games of Utah in the division or they'll fall to 4 games back depending on tonight's result. As you can see, it's a huge game for OKC and I expect their home floor, rebounding edge, Utah's turnover struggles, and the extra motivation for the Thunder to all be difference makers in this one. 10* OKLAHOMA CITY for a top play selection Tuesday night

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #702 Tuesday 8* Washington Wizards (+) vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:05 ET - The Wizards are off of a home loss to Utah Sunday despite forcing 24 turnovers in that game. Washington hasn't lost 3 straight games since mid-November and the Wizards are fired up about taking on the team with the NBA's best record. In other words, it's the perfect time for Washington (24-8 at home this season) to respond in a big way. The Wizards are 13-5 ATS this season when off of a non-conference game. After losing to the Jazz Sunday, they'll make the most of this opportunity against the league-best Warriors who are in a tough back to back spot. Golden State was at Philadelphia last night and they got the win but their key players did play significant minutes and the Warriors will face an even tougher challenge tonight. The Warriors are only 4-7 ATS in the 2nd game of back to backs this season. Overall, with last night's non-covering win over the Sixers, Golden State is just 7-12 ATS in their last 19 road games. The Wizards, before Sunday's home loss, were 16-4 ATS in their last 20 home games. Grab the big home dog value in this one! 8* WASHINGTON plus the points early Tuesday evening.

Insiders Edge - Rickenbach NBA Game #511 Monday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (Pick'em) @ Dallas Mavericks @ 8:35 ET - The Mavericks are off of a win against New Orleans but the Pelicans have now lost 3 straight games by an average margin of 17 points per game so I am certainly not sold yet on Nerlens Noel being a huge pick-up for the Mavs. Give credit to Dallas for making some moves to try and improve their opportunity for getting to the #8 seed in the West but the Heat are in a similar position. Miami is going for the #8 seed in the East and, not only that, they are playing the better basketball in comparison with Dallas. Many were starting to question Miami's run after back to back losses two weeks ago. However, the Heat have answered critics by reeling off 3 straight wins and they've now won 16 of 18 wins (both SU and ATS). Miami is still playing with a ton of confidence and this is a team that is 9-2 ATS when off of a win by a double digit margin this season. The Mavericks are 5-9 SU this season (and 16-23 ATS the L3 seasons combined) when they are off of an upset win as an underdog. Also, the Mavs have lost each of their last 3 meetings with the Heat. Dallas had lost 5 of 7 before upsetting New Orleans as a small home dog Saturday and we're getting line value here with a red hot Heat team being priced even better than where the New Orleans line closed at (-2) on Saturday. I'll grab the value as Noel is already talking about taking down the Heat here when he really didn't do that great at stopping the Pelicans bigs on Saturday. New Orleans lost that game for other reasons and Hassan Whiteside and the Heat are going to "take it" to the Mavs here. 10* MIAMI