10* Knicks (ULTIMATE CONTRARIAN)

While most everyone goes one way, we're going to go the "other" on this one! The Knicks are now 1-1 SU/ATS after last night's 126-120 win at Atlanta as 1-point favs. If this were the end of the season, or even in the middle of the season, then obviously the second game of the "back-to-back" scenario would play a big factor in this contest, but because it's at the start of the season, it's absolutely not. New Orleans beat Memphis 111-104 on the road as a 1-point dog, but with Golden State coming to town next, this sets up as a "look-ahead" spot for the home side as well; a great early season situational contrarian play on New York!

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10* Suns (ROUT)

Neither team was "itself" last year. Each has some new faces this season. Kevin Durant has had a full off-season now to acclimate himself in Phoenix and we don't foresee any chemistry issues for the visiting side out of the gates. The Warriors had a ton of chemistry issues last year, and that could again be the case this season, with the likes of veteran Chris Paul now in the mix. The Suns added Bradley Beal and we believe they have a legitimate shot at winning this one outright. Note as well that Draymond Green is listed as questionable for the home side, and without him playing at 100% capacity, the Warriors usually have a hard time beating the better teams in the league; grab the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Heat (BLOCKBUSTER)

After back-to-back losses, we like Miami to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Note that the Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight SU/ATS home losses vs. an opponent. Miami won't go down without a savage fight here. The Heat were undervalued and overlooked throughout the Playoffs, and we think that's the case here as well. This is just too many points for a Denver to cover. The Nuggets are likely going to be Champions after this, but good teams win and GREAT teams cover; grab the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Heat (GOW)

If you want a complete review of how each of thee team's got here, then there are plenty of "preview" articles out there. Literally millions. If you're wagering on this game then you know the cast of characters and the strengths and weaknesses of each side. You also know that Denver is up 2-1 in this series, and because of that, we're expecting Miami to risk life and limb getting into shooting and passing lanes to secure another slight upset. Note that Miami has done well in this spot for bettors as well, going 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a home loss as an underdog. In a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* HEAT FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN)

NOTE: If you don't have access to FIRST HALF lines, then we also like Miami for the ENTIRE GAME as well.

Miami only took two free throws in Game 1 and was still only a three-pointer away from covering. Miami got better as the game went on after getting steamrolled at the start. We can expect another strong performance from the visting side, but we're anticipating this time for Miami to jump out to a lead in the first half. The Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss vs. an opponent; look for Miami to pay immediate dividends in the first half!

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10* Heat (BLOCKBUSTER)

We've played on the Celtics over the last two games, but now we're jumping on the Heat. Note that Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more SU/ATS losses in a row to an opponent. The Celtics are a great team, and it was almost inconceivable that they'd be swept in this series. But, after two titanic efforts to get to this point, we're finally expecting a letdown here on the road. Miami has been the surprise team out of the East this season and in a contest that we see being decided late, or by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

Boston survived this series with a clutch 116-99 victory in Game 4, and we like the Celtics to rally again here at home with another win and cover. We're contrarian at heart here, and with most of the bets and early money on the Heat, we naturally LOVE the Celtics even more. We think that Boston has finally "figured" out this Miami defense and that all signs here point to another blowout. NBA fans, get ready for a big Game 6 in Miami in a couple days, because everything we see points to a BIG win and COVER by Boston in Game 5; so lay the points with confidence!

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10* Celtics (BOB)

Both Miami and Denver have played at elite levels and are on course for a date in the Finals. Before that happens though, we expect the Celtics to dig deep here and to at least win one game in this series. Note that Boston is still 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent; grab the points, the play is BOSTON!

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10* Lakers (BEST OF BEST)

We've played on the Lakers several times in the Playoffs, but we haven't had any success so far in this series. But with the threat of elimination, we like the Lakers to dig deep here in Game 4 and to deliver a solid win and cover. There's no way LBJ is getting swept. LA isn't going to go on to win this series, but note that the Lakers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent; lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight ATS/SU losses in a row. Clearly, the Heat have been a very surprising team in the Playoffs. They're duplicating their success from the "Bubble" run. A letdown does finally seem imminent here though against a Boston team that is essentially playing its biggest game of the entire year. This one is all about which is the "hungrier" and more "desperate" team in this fight for us; lay the short points, the play is Boston!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

The Lakers were competitive in Game's 1 and 2. With their backs against the wall, we think that LeBron James and company will dig deep here and not only deliver a victory, but do so in blowout fashion. If the Nuggets have had one clear weak point this season, it's been their play on the road where they're just 21-25 SU and ATS. The Lakers are 30-18 SU and 27-19-1 ATS at home. They're also 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. With essentially their season on the line, we like LA in this one! 

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10* Celtics (EAST-CONF FINALS GOY)

We had a play on the "over" in Game 1, and that easily cashed in the Heat's blowout victory. We target the Celtics here though in Game 2, as this is a spot they've done well in for bettors, going 8-2 (80%) ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. An 0-2 hole would be unbelievably difficult for the C's to climb out of with the series shifting to Miami after this. This is Boston's biggest game of the entire year, for all intents and purposes, it's "do or die." The Heat have already accomplished what they set out to do, and that's to earn a "split" over these first two games, as to steal away the  home floor advantage. Expect Miami to take a step back here all around, and for the now desperate Celtics to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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10* Lakers (WEST-CONF FINALS GOY)

The NBA will have some "new" faces in the Finals this year after the Lakers got rid of the defending champs in six games. The Nuggets needed six games as well to get past the Suns. The Lakers are a lot deeper than Phoenix, and Athony Davis is playing almost on par with Nikola Jokic right now. The bottom line here is, if Jokic doesn't ball out every single game, then Denver will struggle. Now, Jokic has the ability to dominate in every game, but it's easier said than done. The Lakers looked great defending the Warriors, and we think they have a legitimate shot at winning Game 1 outright. While that my in fact happen, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* 76ers (WINNER)

This has been a back-and-forth series, and while we're stopping short in calling for an outright upset here in Game 7, we do expect the hungry visiting side to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Note that Philly has responded well in this spot for bettors by going 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. There's no clear-cut favorite to win the title anymore. Anyone that can put together some sort of run based around chemistry and health will have a big opportunity to take it all. In this pressure-packed situation, we feel it's a lot more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe; grab the points, the play is Philadelphia!

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10* Knicks (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on New York in Game 5, and we like the Knicks to, at the very least, take Game 6 right down to the wire as well. Momentum swings back-and-forth in the playoffs. The Heat looked unbeatable up until Game 5, and now that they've had a letdown, New York is the one that comes in confident here. With the majority of the public money on Miami, we're going to "go the other way" and make a big time contrarian wager here on the Knicks in Game 6!

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10* Nuggets (BLOWOUT)

Success in the Playoffs is about many different factors all coming together to work out for the lucky team that prevails in the end. That includes timing, chemistry, injuries, and even "momentum." Denver now firmly has the "momentum" back in this series, and while it wasn't able to get the job done here in Phoenix in Game's 3 and 4, we're expecting a bounce-back on the road here finally. The Suns' starters are exhausted at this point as well. The outright win is obviously possible, but the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Denver!

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10* Knicks (EAST-CONF GOW)

This has been a back-and-forth series and we're expecting that pattern to continue here. New York bounced back after the Game 1 loss with a win and while the outright is possible again here in our opinion in Game 4, our official call will be to grab as many points as you can. The Knicks have responded well in this spot for bettors, going 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a loss vs. an opponent in which they were held to 90 or fewer points in. Grab as many points as you can, the play is the Knicks!

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10* 76ers (BLOCKBUSTER)

Philadelphia managed a win in Game 1 without big man Joel Embiid in the line-up, but the Celtics have bounced back to take Game's 2 and 3, both SU an ATS. But now we feel that the value has swung to the desperate home side, which will be risking life and limb today to avoid going down 3-1 and heading back to Boston. Note as well that Philly is 7-3 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. Clearly the outright win is a possibility, but our official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the 76ers!

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10* Knicks (BLOWOUT)

New York took advantage in Game 2 without Jimmy Butler in the line-up, and we expect the Knicks to take the overachieving Heat off-guard here as well. Despite the loss, Miami has now covered the spread in five straight games, but note that the Heat are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after five or more ATS victories in a row. Grab the points, the play is NEW YORK!

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10* Suns (2ND RND WEST-CONF GOY)

This is it, it's do or die for the Suns. Can KD and Devin Booker win a single game in this series? We say they can, and this is the game they do it! Dating back to Game 5 vs. the Clippers, the Suns have now lost three straight ATS, and that's definitely significant to note here, as Phoenix is a near-perfect 7-1 ATS in its last eight after three or more ATS losses in a row. The Suns are also 6-3 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent in which they were held to 90 or fewer points in. Denver's weakness this year? It's just 20-23 SU/ATS on the road. Look for Booker and KD to push hard and find a way to deliver here in Game 3; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

Can you imagine a World where the Lakers are up 2-0 over the Warriors in the second round of the NBA Playoffs? Because we can! LA looked like the better overall team despite some big performances from Stephen Curry and other key players being super efficient from the outside. The Warriors struggled to put away the Kings in seven games and that fatigue was evident down the stretch in Game 1. We don't see it getting any better for the defending champs here in Game 2. The Lakers have just as much talent and experience and we just feel that this game will very likely be decided by whichever club has its hands on the ball last; grab the points, the play is LA!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on Boston in Game 1, and while that pick came up short, we're now very confident that the Celtics will respond with a resounding victory here in Game 2. James Harden had a huge game with Joel Embiid injured, but we can expect the home side to be keyed in on the Philly star moving forward. Whether Embiid plays or not, we like the Celtics to bounce back here in fine fashion, as note that Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. Having accomplished what it set out to do (earn a "split" in Boston over the first two games), look for Philadelphia to take a step back here in Game 2; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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10* Knicks (2ND RND GOY)

We had a play on New York in Game 1, and while that pick came up short, we're expecting a big bounce-back for the Knicks here in Game 2, and a predictable letdown from the Heat here in Game 2. Miami did the exact same thing in its series vs. the Bucks, winning outright in Game 1, and then both losing SU and ATS in Game 2, satisfied with knowing that it had already "earned the split." Jimmy Butler has been balling out, but we think that the Knicks will make adjustments as well here. The Knicks were in control of Game 1 up until half-time, and then they uncharacteristically fell apart. Note though that NY is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Everthing points to a bounce-back blowout here in Game 2 for the home side; lay the points, the play is NEW YORK!

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10* Celtics (GOW)

During the regular season, the Celtics enjoyed beating up on the 76ers regularly, posting a 3-1 record. We're expecting a similar sort of outcome in this series as well. And we're definitely expecting the Celtics to set the early tone with a blowout victory. Philly star Joel Embiid is also dealing with a nagging knee injury. Look for that to have a big effect in this series as well. Either way, all signs point to a home side blowout in Game 1; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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10* Warriors MONEYLINE (WINNER)

This has been a back-and-forth series. Golden State was terrible on the road this year, but the NBA would love nothing more than to have Stephen Curry going up against LeBron James in the Playoffs. For us, this one comes down to experience in this position. The Kings are in unchartered territory, where these are the moments that Stephen Curry lives for. Sacramento had a great season, but we expect it to finally come to and end here on Sunday night; forget the spread option, instead this play is on Golden State on the moneyline!

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10* Knicks (BLOCKBUSTER)

Both of these teams were underdogs in their opening round series. The Heat got a huge series from Jimmy Butler, but we feel an imminent letdown is, well, imminent now for Butler and the Heat! The Knicks dominated their series over the Cavs from the get-go. We feel New York is better equiped to deal with Miami's outside shooting as well. Miami is thin after its starters, and the Knicks take advantage of that in Game 1; the play is New York!

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10* Grizzlies (BLOCKBUSTER)

With their backs against the wall, the Grizzlies got the job done in Game 5. Now Memphis will have to do what it hasn't been able to do so far in this series, and that's win on the road. Or else it's going Golfing tomorrow. The Lakers looked fatigued, and there are now some injury concerns. All of a sudden, the pressure is on LA to close out this series, but it feels as if the momentum has now swung the other way again. In a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is MEMPHIS.

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10* Warriors (BLOCKBUSTER)

Momentum is a very real, almost tangible factor in sports. And to be the Champ, you gotta beat the Champ. The Warriors have now won three straight and with a chance to close out this series here and now in front of the home town crowd, we're fully expecting Stephen Curry and the now confident Warriors to do just that. The Kings are now banged up as well. For us, we're giving this one the good ole "eye test," as we love the defending Champs in this elimination possibility spot here at home; lay the points, the play is Golden State!

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10* Warriors (BLOCKBUSTER)

We stated when this series started that "home floor" advantage would be crucial, and that's been the case so far. The injury to De'Aaron Fox though throws a monkey-wrench into that angle though. Whether Fox plays or not in this one, we look for Steph Curry and the defending champs to now take advantage, and take control of this series with a big road win. That's not something that the Warriors have done well this year, but now that the Playoffs are here, we're expecting a different result this time around. The stage is now set for Curry take over; lay the points, the play is Golden State!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

We're giving Game 5 the good old "eye test." LA is the better team here in every metric since the Playoffs started. Momentum is a very real, even tangible factor in sports, especially in the Playoffs. And LA just has the Grizzlies number right now. Ja Morant was unreal in Game 4, but his supporting cast has fallen away. The reverse is true for the Lakers, who appear to be gaining stronger chemistry with each game so far. While the outright win is cleary possible, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* Suns (WEST-CONF GOW)

With a chance to end this series here and now at home, we're expecting KD and the Suns to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. The Suns dropped the first game of this series, but their chemistry has improved each night. The Clippers are dealing with several serious injuries to key players. We're expecting Phoenix to not only win this game, but to do so in blowout fashion; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Hawks (EAST-CONF GOW)

We had a play on the Hawks in Game 4 and that play came up a bucket short. With their backs against the wall and facing elimination, we expect ATL to keep this contest a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. The Hawks won't go down without a fight, and note that ATL is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. No outright as stated above, but grab the points; the play is Atlanta!

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10* Wolves (BLOCKBUSTER)

Minnesota is 0-3 SU/ATS in this series. Note though that the Wolves are a near-perfect 5-1 ATS in their last six after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. The Wolves are in "do or die" mode. We didn't expect Minnesota to get swept in this series, and we think a Wolf backed into a corner is a dangerous one. The Nuggets have played near perfect so far over the first three games, and we're finally expecting a small mental letdown here. Denver will then return home to wrap it up. The outright is possible, but grab the points; the pla is Minnesota!

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10* Hawks (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on the "over" in Game 3. ATL jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Celtics looked flat, and we now think the Hawks can duplicate the performance. The majority of the early action has Boston bouncing back, but while the majority goes one way, we're going to go the other way on this one. The Hawks shot poorly in Boston, but finally their shooting percentage went up in Game 3 and we say the maintain it again here in this crucial contest. While the outright win is a possibility, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with Atlanta!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on LA in Game 1, and a play on the Grizzlies in Game 2. We think this back and forth series continues in this pattern, as we look for the Lakers to bounce back in Game 3 and revenge the Game 2 setback. LA is 24-18 at home this year, while Memphis is a poor 16-25 on the road. Having achieved the split in Memphis, we now look for the Lakers to take advantage here at home; lay the points, the play is LA.

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10* Heat (ROUT)

We had the Heat in Game 1 and the Bucks in Game 2. Now back at home, we like Miami to, at the very least, keep this one tight enough to comfortably cover once the final horn sounds. While 26-15 SU on the road, the Bucks were just 21-18-2 ATS. The Heat were 28-15 SU at home. They're also 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. Look for Miami to ride the wave of emotion at home and grab a solid cover; the pla is Miami!

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10* Wolves (BLOOD-BATH)

Denver has a choke-hold on this series after a 2-0 start right? Well, not so quick in our opinions. The Nuggets' cryptonite this year was their play on the road, where they are just 19-22 SU/ATS. Minnesota is 23-19 SU at home. The Wolves are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row vs. an opponent; while the outright win is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with the Wolves!

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10* Warriors (BLOCKBUSTER)

I successfully played on the Kings in both Games 1 and 2, but I like the defending champs to bounce back here at home in this essentially "must win" scenario. Golden State was 33-18 at home this year, and the Warriors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more SU/ATS losses against an opponent. Look for "home cooking" to be the difference-maker for Stephen Curry and company; lay the points, the play is Golden State!

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10* Nets (BLOCKBUSTER)

With their backs against the wall, we're expecting the Nets to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the points. The Nets are a lot better at home, 23-18 SU. Note as well that Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight SU losses against an opponent. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Bucks.

Miami earned the split already here in Milwaukee by taking Game 1 by a score of 130-117. The Heat though perhaps had a bit of an advantage coming into that one, as they were much more prepared and "game ready" so to speak after two "Play In Tournament" games, losing 116-105 to Atlanta as a 5.5-point favorite, before pulling away for the 102-91 win over the Bulls. Milwaukee was hands down the best team in the East during the regular season, but clearly the extra rest did in fact lead to some RUST for the Bucks in Game 1. But now Giannis and company are going to be fighting tooth and nail here to avoid the 0-2 hole. Miami was just terrible on the road this year, going 18-24 straight up and just 16-24-2 against the spread. The Bucks were 32-10 straight up at home and a more modest 23-19 against the spread, but Milwaukee is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. After the emotional victory in the Play In Tournament, followed by the upset victory in Game 1, I think the overachieving Heat have a predictable letdown here. While at the same time, look for the Bucks to bounce back big and keep the pedal to the metal until the final horn; lay the points, the play is the Milwaukee!

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10* Suns (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on Phoenix in Game 1, and while that pick lost, we're absolutely expecting KD, Chris Paul and Devin Booker to bounce back here in Game 2. Despite KD being a veteran, the Suns are still trying to get a "feel" for each other. Phoenix had its opportunity right at the end of the game and came up short. The Suns played from behind the entire night. LA is loaded with experienced talent, but is thin beyond it's star players. Having achieved the split already, we're expecting LA to take a step back here. Conversely, it was a great learning experience for KD and company, who now have something to build off. I expect that progression to be quick; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Cavaliers (EAST-CONF GOW)

We had a big play on the Cavaliers in Game 1, and while that play did come up short, we're expecting a complete bounce back here for Cleveland in Game 2 as the home side pushes the pace to avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole (note that the Cavs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite to an opponent.) Having achieved the "split," look for New York to contentedly head home as it prepares for Game 3; lay the points, the play is the Cavs!

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10* Hawks (BLOCKBUSTER)

I had the Celtics in their Game 1 blowout win and cover, but I think the Hawks will, at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the cover with the ample spread that they've been afforded here in the second game. The Celtics got their big Game 1 victory, but now that advantage of being well-rested is negated. I say the Hawks get a lot more room to operate here in Game 2, especially from range. I'm not calling for an outright upset or anything, but all signs point to this Game 2 being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe; grab the points, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Suns (BLOCKBUSTER)

We're expecting the "home floor advantage" to be a very real factor in this series. The Clippers were 21-20 on the road, while the Suns were 28-13 at home. Funny enough, that wasn't the case for these teams during the regular season, going 2-2 against each other and each winning on the others floor. But with that said, LA hasn't faced Phoenix with Kevin Durant in the line-up. Phoenix is 8-0 in games that Durant has played in and we're expecting that streak to continue here with a convincing win for the home side in Game 1; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Heat (BLOCKBUSTER)

The Bucks have been sitting idle for a few days, but we believe that "rest" is going to lead to "rust" here in Game 1 of this series. We're not predicting an outright upset or anything, but everything points to this game coming "right down to the wire" in our opinions. These teams went 2-2 against each other in the regular season, as Miami does in fact match up well in this series. These teams are experienced and loaded with similar talent. We feel that this is a great situational play, and as stated, no outright, but much closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Lakers (WEST-CONF RND 1 GOY)

The Grizzlies have Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., while the Lakers have Anthony Davis and LeBron James. It comes down to the supporting cast, and this is arguably the best supporting cast that AD and The King have had. Ever. Both are also healthy for the first time in a long time. LA has gotten better defensively since the trade deadline, and we feel that Morant will have a difficult time finding a lot of room to operate vs. this improved LA defense. While the outright win is possible, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the pla is LA!

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10* Cavaliers (EAST-CONF RND. 1 GOY)

The Knicks went 3-1 in the season series, but I can't understate how important I believe that the "home floor advantage" will be in this series. For both teams. New York was 24-17 on the road, while Cleveland was 31-10 at home. Bad news for Knicks backers here today as star Julius Randle is listed as questionable, and if he does play, he'll be far from 100% health. Emotions will be running high for the Cavs as they make the Playoffs for the first time since 2018. Cleveland has the most efficient offense in the league and everything points to a comfortable win and cover as this one comes down the stretch; lay the points, the play is the Cavs!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

Atlanta upset the Heat in the Play-In tournament on the road, but I expect an immediate return to mediocrity here. ATL is still just 18-24 away from friendly confines, while Boston is 32-9 at home. Boston won all four regular season games, and all signs point to a blowout here in Game 1 as the C's will look to send n early message. ATL was unable to contain Boston's 3-point shooting in the regular season, and nothing will be different here; lay the points with confidence, the play is Boston!

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10* Nets (BLOCKBUSTER)

Brooklyn went 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS vs. the 76ers during the regular season, but I think the scrappy nets comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch of this one. Philadelphia has consistently done poor in the playoffs over the last few years, and I think the 76ers are getting too much respect here against the Nets, who are 15-9 ATS as a road dog and 12-3 ATS when getting +5 or more points this year. Outright victory is possible, but let's grab the points; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Wolves (TOP SIDE)

The bottom line here is that beyond Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC just is not very deep. At this point, I believe that becomes a major factor finally for the Thunder. Also note that Rudy Gobert will be back in the line-up tonight after serving a one-game suspension for an altercation he had with a teammate in the final regular season game. Minnesota went 3-1 SU in the regular season in this series and I expect it to make the most of this matchup once again; lay the points, the play is Minnesota!

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10* MIAMI FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN)

(NOTE: I also like the Heat for the entire game if you do not have access to FIRST HALF lines.) For the first time in play-in tournament history, the two lower seeds won in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls upset the Raptors 109-105, but I believe they'll have a much harder time of it here in South Beach. Miami comes in off a 116-105 upset loss to Atlanta. Chicago swept the season series 3-0, meaning that the "revenge" factor definitely comes to play here. The Heat are one of the worst teams in the league ATS, but that fact has only helped in driving today's spread a few points lower than it normally would/should be. Miami is as healthy as its been all year and with most of the early money on Chicago, I feel we're getting tremendous value on the undervalued home side. As stated off the top, I like the Heat for the entire game as well, but I look for them to take the early lead into th half; the play is Miami in the first half!

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10* Lakers (PLAY IN GOY)

For a number of different reasons, I like the way this one sets up for the Lakers. The majority of the early money is on Minnesota, so as a contrarian at heart, that auto makes me like LA here. But the Wolves will be without Jaden McDaniels, who broke his hand foolishly punching a wall. Big man Rudy Gobert punched Kyle Anderson in a heated moment in the huddle. Minnesota is a mess coming into this game, while LA is at full strength. I look for the Lakers to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points with confidence, the play is indeed on the Lakers!

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10* Heat FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN. Note: I also like for the ENTIRE game if you don't have access to FIRST HALF lines.) 

The Heat took three of four regular season meetings with the Hawks. Atlanta has been decent ATS on the road this year, but Miami is very tough at home. The Heat rank second in the league on the defensive end, and I expect that defense to be on top of its game from the "get go" in this one, as to not allow ATL to dictate the tempo; as I say, I like Miami for the whole game as well, but the official call is the Heat in the First Half!

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8* Hawks (BLOWOUT)

The Hawks have earned a spot in the playoffs, but they're still in a fight with Toronto for eighth spot with just two games remaining. They've lost two of three to the 76ers this year, so they'll look to even up the season series here today with a big win. Philadelphia is locked into its spot, so it's expected to now rest starters over the final two games. Atlanta is playing some of its best basketball of the season right now and I expect it to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one; lay the points with confidence, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

It's GO time for the Raptors. They're off the 120-100 win at Charlotte last night, easily covering the massive 15.5-point spread. Toronto is essentially in Playoff mode already though, as it's tied with Atlanta for eighth spot in the East, 17 games back of the Bucks. This is the start of two straight between these teams here in Boston. The Bucks have a three games lead up on Boston, which sits two games ahead of Philadelphia. The Celtics can't afford to take the foot off the gas either, but the Raptors also play with revenge here after falling 106-104 to the Celtics at home on January 21st. That however is significant to note, as the Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU home loss vs. an opponent. In what I expect to be a very tight and competitive affair, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto!

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10* Thunder (NON-DIV. GOY)

One factor I always take into account is the "revenge" factor. The last time these teams played, OKC managed the 124-120 victory over Phoenix here in mid-March. However, at times the "revenge" angle can be overblown or overrated, and for me, that's the case here for sure. I'll argue that this is the most important game of the entire season for the Thunder, who have lost two of their last three, including a 121-117 setback at Indiana last time out. The Thunder are in tenth right now, about to play in the "Play In" Tournament, sitting only 1.5 games back of the Lakers for eighth spot though. Phoenix is pretty much locked in at fourth, unable to catch Sacramento, which is 4 games ahead of it right now. Phoenix has won four straight. After this it finishes with three of its final four at home, including a "cream puff" vs. the Spurs up next. I believe Phoenix gets caught a little flat-footed here, and I expect the home side to risk life and limb to try and pull off the SU upset; that may happen, but the official call is to grab as many points as you can with OKC!

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10* Raptors (ATLANTIC DIV. GOY)

While I do think an outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. I think this is a great "spot" bet. The Raptors have had two nights off after a 106-92 win over the Heat. Toronto has won three straight and it's currently sitting in 9th spot in the Eastern Playoff race, in fact tied with Atlanta for eigth, and two games up on Chicago. The Raptors are playing some of their best ball of the season right now and the play with the added incentive of revenge as well after dropping the most recent matchup with Philly in a 104-101 OT setback on December 19th. Philadelphia snapped a three-game slide with a much-needed 116-108 win over the floundering Mavericks, but with a date at Milwaukee up next, it's not too hard to imagine the home side also getting caught "looking ahead" here; as stated off the top, I'm not calling for the outright upset or anything, but the official call is to grab the points with Toronto!

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10* Wizards (REVENGE BOB)

Boston has won three straight, both SU and ATS. Note though that the Celtics are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. With a much more high-profile and important game at Milwaukee up next on Thursday, this also sets up as a potential "look-ahead" spot for the visitors as well. Washington does indeed play with revenge after falling 130-121 to the Celtics as a 7.5-point dog in Boston back in November. Note though that the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. I say the hungry home side sneaks in under the radar here, catches the Celtics at a really good time here, and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being a lot closer in the end than what this spread is suggesting; grab as many points as you can, the play is the Wizards!

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10* 76ers (ASSASSIN)

After a win at Chicago to open up this road trip, the 76ers have now lost back-to-back West coast contests, most recently falling 125-105 to a desperate Phoenix team. Yes, Philly just beat Denver 126-119 at home back in January, but I'm not reading too much into the revenge factor. For me, this particular play is a good situational one, as I feel that Philly is the much "hungrier" side here after back-to-back poor efforts. I'm expecting a battle until the final horn, so grab the points, the play is Philadelphia!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

Both teams really need a win here. Washington is in 11th spot, three games back of No. 9 Toronto. After a relatively simple 118-97 win over Detroit though, I think that the Raptors will have their hands full with this revenge-minded Washington side, which fell 116-109 in OT at home as a 2.5-point favorite in early March. Note that the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Washington snapped a four-game slide with a big 136-124 win over San Antonio last time out, and I think the Wizards throw their best shot at the Raptors today as well; grab the points, the play is Washington!

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10* Suns (ASSASSIN)

The Suns were playing really well with Kevin Durant, but then the superstar got injured and now Phoenix has been struggling ever since. But I say their current slide ends here tonight in this favorable spot. Phoenix has lost six of its last seven, including three in a row. They've also lost seven straight ATS. The Suns also play with revenge here after falling 100-88 at Philly earlier in the sesaon, and note that Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The 76ers played and lost just last night in Golden State, and I say that fatigue plays a factor in the outcome of this one as well; for all the reasons listed above, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

A complete contrarian play here. A vast majority of the bets and money is on Utah, but that fact has helped in driving this spread a few points too high in my opinion. Utah has somehow won four of its last five SU and it's also gone 6-0 ATS in its last six. The Jazz have just beaten the Celtics and Kings at home, but with Milwaukee coming to town on Friday, this does indeed now set up as a "look ahead" spot as well for Utah. No such luxury for Portland, which enters desperate after six straight losses. I think Utah's surge comes to an end here and Portland, at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire; while the outright win isn't out of the question, let's grab the points!

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10* Raptors (EXPRESS) 

The Raptors are ninth in the East, so are part of the Play In Tournament at the moment. Indiana is currently 12th. Toronto plays with double revenge here as the Pacers have won both earlier meetings so far this season. Here's the perfect opportunity to get that double revenge, as the Pacers continue their four-game road trip after a loss at Charlotte on Monday. The Pacers actually had an 18-point second-quarter lead over Charlotte, but they lost 115-109 in the end. Indiana was super sloppy with the ball, turning it over 21 times. Charlotte's bench outscored Indiana's bench 45-18. Indiana was without Tyrese Haliburton for that one and he'll also be out for this one against Toronto (Haliburton is Indiana's number 1 guy, averaging 20.8 points and 10.4 assists per game.) Indiana averages 115.8 points per game and allows 118.3. Toronto averages 112.9 points per game, while allowing 112.1. Toronto has won seven in a row at home. It plays with double revenge. It catches the Pacers without their top player in the line-up. I smell a blowout here North of the border; lay the points, the play is Toronto!

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10* Nets (ASSASSIN)

After three straight SU/ATS losses in a row, I like the Nets to dig deep and bounce back here. Note that Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Cleveland has won three of it slast four. It's coming off two straight home victories. This is the opener of two straight here between these clubs in Brooklyn, and I say the more desperate home side doubles down and, at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire. The Nets had a winning record before KD and Kyrie left and it'll now be a struggle to maintain that position, but I love the way this one sets up for them here at home tonight; grab the points, the play is the Nets!

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10* Wolves (ASSASSIN)

Minnesota has lost three straight. Note that the Wolves are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU losses in a row. Minnesota plays with revenge after falling 120-107 at home to the Knicks as a 2.5-point favorite back in November. Note that the Wolves are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The Knicks have won three straight, both SU and ATS, but note that New York is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. With an upcoming difficult two-game road trip at Miami and Orlando up next, expect the Knicks to take the foot off the gas in the second half. While an outright win is entirely possible, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Minnesota!

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10* Nets (ASSASSIN)

Denver has struggled since the All-Star break. I don't see it being able to muster much of an offensive attack here after falling 116-110 at the Knicks just last night. The Nuggets have now dropped five of their last six. Brooklyn had won five of six before dropping two in a row. With two nights off to prepare for this one though, I love how this one sets up for the home side. While I do think an outright victory is possible, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

Here's a great spot for the Hornets. I'm not predicting an outright win or anything, but I do think they'll be competitive until the final horn. Charlotte is coming off three straight losses, and note that the Hornets are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU losses in a row. They also play with revenge after a 131-113 loss to Philly back in December, and note that the Hornets are 4-1 ATS in their last five trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. With a game at the Pacers tomorrow night, I say Philly gets caught "looking ahead" here in the second half and takes the foot of the gas; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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10* Nuggets (U OF THE U)

Enough is enough! If you're a Denver fan, that's definitely the way you feel right now after four straight SU/ATS losses in a row. Have Jokic and the Nuggets suddenly forgot how to play? I'd say it's just going to be small "speed bump" in the season, and that things will return to normal shortly. In fact, I believe the time has come for a severe beating. Note that Denver plays with the added incentive of revenge after the Pistons inexplicably beat the Nuggets 110-108 on the road on November 22nd as 10.5-point underdogs. As note, the Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite against an opponent. The Pistons are downright terrible and they're simply in the wrong place at the wrong time in this one; lay the points, the play is the Nuggets!

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10* Wizards (TOP SIDE)

This is a good "common sense" play. Detroit enters off a rare victory just last night, pulling away for a 117-97 victory at home over the Pacers. The win snapped an 11-game slide. With tough upcoming home games vs. the Nuggets and Heat, I say the visitors have an immediate letdown here in the second game of the B2B scenario. The Wizards will be huntry here to snap a three-game slide, but note that Washington is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU losses in a row. The Wizards beat Detroit 119-117 on its own floor last week, and while they failed to cover the spread there, everything points to a cover of the "rocking chair" variety here at home; lay the points, the play is the Wizards!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

The Knicks have lost three straight, both SU and ATS after last night's 106-95 loss to the Clippers here. Note though that New York is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row. New York also plays with revenge here after a 129-123 OT loss to the Lakers at home on January 31st as a two-point fav. That's also significant to note here for us, as the Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponet. The Lakers have some new faces and have been playing well, as they've won and covered in three straight. Note though that LA is still just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Despite having played just last night, I like the Knicks here to bounce back in this favorable spot; grab the points, the play is New York!

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10* Magic (ASSASSIN)

No need to overthink this one. I base my picks on many different things, but this particular one I'm basing on "common sense." I had a play on the Heat in their 119-115 home win over the Cavs. I believe fatigue will be a major issue here for Miami though in the second game of the B2B. Orlando plays with revenge after falling 107-103 in OT to the Heat on February 11th, and that's sigificant for us to note as Orlando is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. Orlando has lost three straight, so it comes in desperate here and while I do think the outright win is a possibility of course, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Orlando!

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10* Heat (BLOOD-BATH)

No need to overthink this one. I thik that the Cavs are the better team. I think the Heat have plenty of issues this year. That said Cleveland has been poor on the road, and Miami has been its best in front of the home town crowd. The Cavs are just 14-19 on the road, while the Heat are 21-13 in front of the home town crowd. These teams played just two nights ago in Cleveland and the Cavaliers won and covered by a score of 104-100. Note though that Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. A little "home cooking" is just what the doctor ordered here for Miami; grab the points, the play is the Heat!

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10* Bulls (NON-CONF GOM)

After four straight SU/ATS losses in a row, I think the Bulls come in a bit undervalued here now. I think they sneak in under the radar after two days off. They play with revenge as well after a 126-103 home loss to the Nuggets at the start of the season, and that's definitely significant to note here, as the Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponet. I say that Denver takes the foot off the gas in the second half. The Nuggets have won four straight. They have a game at the lowly Spurs up next. I say the "hungrier" team delivers in this spot; grab the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Raptors (GOW)

Denver is heavily favored here by the oddsmakers, and nearly 80% of the early money is also on the Nuggets. However, I like the hungry Raptors to, at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Denver has won three straight SU/ATS, but note that the Nuggets are just 1-3 ATS in their last four after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Toronto is fifth right now at 32-33. It's coming off a 116-109 OT win at Washington. I think Toronto is the much "hungrier" team in this non-conference matchup. In a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto!

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8* play on Celtics.

New York has won and covered in eight straight, and because of that fact, I believe the oddsmakers are now overvaluing the Knicks in this spot. All good things come to an end eventually, and New York's great surge here is about to come to an end vs. this revenge-minded Celtics side that fell 109-94 to the Knicks in New York at the end of the February. Note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. Boston is just 1-2 in its last three. It's lost three straight ATS. It's coming off a poor 115-105 loss to Brooklyn as a ten-point favorite. Time to finally annihlate the Knicks today; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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8* play on Hornets.

Here's a great spot for the Hornets to exact a little revenge from a previous loss to the Nets. Brooklyn is coming off a 115-105 upset win at Boston as a ten-point dog and I say is now primed for a predictable "letdown" after that emotional win. With a five game road trip upcoming starting in Houston, it's also a "look-ahead" spot. The Hornets play with revenge after a 123-106 loss to Brooklyn on December 31st. This is just too many points for this patchwork Brooklyn team to cover vs. this focussed and revenge-minded visiting side; grab the points, thep lay is Charlotte!

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8* play on Chicago.

Chicago has lost two of its last three. It's now lost three straight ATS after a 125-104 setback to Phoenix at home as a 3.5-point dog last time out. The Bulls though are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row. They play with revenge as well after a 117-113 setback to the Pacers in mid-February. Note that Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. The Pacers have Philly at home tomorrow night, and I say they get caught "looking ahead." Lay the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

After seven straight SU/ATS wins in a row, I believe the Knicks will finally have their hands full here with this Heat team that's going to be playing with desperation. They also play with revenge after falling 106-104 at New York at the start of February. That's important to note here as the Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite against an opponent. The Knicks have Boston up next, while the Heat have hit a very favorable part of their schedule. I look for the home side to dig deep, to stop its slide and to avenge the earlier setback; the play is Miami!

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10* Clippers (PACIFIC DIVISION GOY)

There's no excuses fro the Clippers here, who have lost three straight, both SU and ATS. That's important to note here though, as LA is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Golden State on the other hand has won three straight, both SU and ATS, which is also important to note here, as the Warriors are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Why/how could the Clippers possibly be favored here on the road in Golden State, a place where the Warriors are 25-7 this year? Obviously, Stephen Curry and several other key players are sidelined with injury. That's all that LA is going to need here to get over the hump and record this victory in my estimation; lay the points, the play is the Clippers!

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10* Bulls (TOP REVENGE SIDE OF SEASON)

The Bulls are only 26-33, but they're a much more respectable 16-13 at home. They went into the break on a six game SU/ATS losing streak. The All-Star game came at a good time. This Bulls' team definitely has identity issues, but with time off to regroup, in the short term I expect them to come in focused, and here's the perfect opponent to get untracked against. The Nets beat Miami before the break and after the KD trade, but a huge drop off in mental focus moving forward is now expected in my opinion. Most importantly though, as the title of this pick indicates, this selection is primarily based around the "revenge" factors, as note that Chicago lost 116-105 at Brooklyn on February 9th as a three-point favorite, which is indeed signficant for us to note, as the Bulls are a near-perfect 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite vs. an opponent; lay the short points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Cavaliers (NON-CONF GOY)

I love the way this one sets up for the Cavaliers from a situational stand point so much, that it's now qualified as my one and only non-conference NBA game of the year. Denver is 41-18, but it's just 14-14 on the road. Cleveland is 38-23 this year, thanks in part to an elite 25-6 home record. The Cavaliers play with revenge here after a 121-108 road loss at Denver on January 6th (note though that Cleveland is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponet.) Look for the break to effect the Nuggets here more as a team than the Cavaliers and lay the short points with confidence; the play is indeed on Cleveland!

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10* Kings (BEST OF BEST)

No need to overanalyze this one, as I believe the immediate "revenge factor" will be all the motivation the Kings need here to win and cover here at home. Dallas is indeed coming off the 122-114 win here last night as a 4.5-point underdog. Note that Sacramento is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. There are a few other situational factors working in favor of the Kings here as well, but the bottom line is that the "revenge" angle will turn out to be the difference-maker in motivation between these clubs tonight; the play is Sacramento!

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10* Hawks (ASSASSIN)

The Hawks went 1-3 on their road trip. They've gone 0-2 ATS in their last two, but I think a little home-cooking is just what the doctor ordered for ATL tonight. While just 27-28 overall this year, the Hawks are 13-11 at home. Phoenix is 30-26 this season, but only 11-17 on the road. The Suns come in off three straight SU road victories, but with their finale of this trip set in Indiana tomorrow night, I expect Phoenix to get caught in a "trap" here, with a small mental letdown, combined with "looking ahead." Lay the points, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Wizards (EASTERN CONFERENCE GOY)

I love the way this one sets up for Washington. I think an outright is possible, but my official call will be to grab as many points as you can. Cleveland is off B2B wins, but off a 122-103 victory at the Pacers just last night, I believe the Cavs come in fatigued here in the second game of the B2B scenario. Cleveland is 33-22 this year, but still just 1l-16 on the road. The Wizards have had big leads in each of their last two losses, so they won't be taking anything for granted here. The Wizards play with the added incentive of revenge as well after falling 117-107 in OT at Cleveland in October. Washington has three straight "winnable" games at home here with Charlotte and Indiana coming to town next. As I said off the top, clearly the outright win is a very real possibility, but let's grab the points; the play is Washington!

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10* Pelicans (WEST-CONF GOY)

The Lakers end their five-game road trip here. They lost the first two games against the Celtics and Nets, but then they've bounced back with back-to-back victories. Most recently it was a come from behind 112-111 victory at the Pacers. I think LA will get caught "looking ahead" here to a couple days off. New Orleans on the other hand is out to snap a ten-game losing streak. This is almost a "do or die" scenario for the Pels. They also play with the added incentive of "revenge" after falling 120-117 in OT as 3.5 point favorite in LA back in November. This is a great "situational" play; the pick is on New Orleans!

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10* PACERS (NON-CONF GOM)

The Lakers have been playing better over the last month. They're coming off a big 129-123 OT win at the Knicks, after dropping the first two games of their road trip at Boston and Brooklyn. The Pacers actually beat the Lakers 116-115 in LA back at the start of the season. I'm not reading anything into the "revenge" angle here though. LA finishes its road trip at New Orleans, and it could very well be caught "looking ahead" to that Conference matchup. The Pacers are just 1-9 in their last ten and they enter off three straight SU/ATS losses in a row. That's significant to note here though as Indiana is 6-2 ATS in its last eight after three or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row. With Sacramento coming to town tomorrow, Indiana can't afford to look past the "on again, off again" Lakers; grab the points, the play is the Pacers!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

While I do think an outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. Miami's three-game win streak just came to an end in a 122-117 loss at Charlotte, but that's important for us to note here as Miami 7-3 ATS in its last ten after a SU/ATS loss as a favorite. It plays with revenge here as well after falling l13-87 at home to Cleveland as a seven-point dog at the start of the season. That's also signficant to note here, as the Heat are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss in which they were held to 95 or fewer points in against an opponent. Cleveland has been trading ATS wins/losses over its last seven games, and off a 122-99 home win over the Clippers as an 11-point fav, I expect this pattern to continue here. In what I expect to be a very competitive affair, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

The Celtics beat the Lakers 122-118 in OT on the road back in December, and these teams "pushed" on the spread in that one. The Celtics though have lost three straight, and I expect them to put an end to the "bleeding" here. Note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. The Celtics have in fact lost five straight ATS. I say the "revenge" factor gets thrown out the window here. LA has won three of its last four, but it's still just 10-14 on the road. The Lakers have a difficult road ahead at Brooklyn, the Knicks, the Pacers and Pelicans, and I believe they get caught "looking ahead" here. I'm laying the points and expecting a rout; the play is Boston!

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10* Mavericks (ASSASSIN)

For a couple of different reasons, I really like the way this one sets up for Luka Doncic and the Mavs. Off back-to-back SU/ATS losses, the Mavericks will be focused on the task at hand here. Dallas beat Phoenix 130-111 at the start of December. Everyone was beating the Suns at that point. Since then, Phoenix actually enters this one red hot with four straight victories, both SU and ATS. All of them have been here at home. Note though that the Suns are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after playing to three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. I say the Suns come in a bit complacent here and while I clealry feel an outright victory is possible, everything points to a minor letdown here from Phoenix, while all signs point to Dallas rallying; grab the points, the play is the Mavericks!

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10* Hawks (ASSASSIN)

I think this one sets up well for the Hawks. Atlanta has now lost two in a row after a five-game win streak, most recently it was a 111-100 setback at Chicago. But overall the Hawks have done really well in this spot for bettors, as they do play with "REVENGE" here after a 121-114 home loss to the Thunder as 6.5-point favorites back in December and Atlanta is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss as a favorite against an opponent. Oklahoma City is 14-9 at home and it's playing its best basketball of the season. It's won seven of its last ten and it's covered in eight straight. All good things do come to an end though. After their most recent 101-99 road win in Denver as three-point underdogs, I'm finally expecting a letdown (I will point out though, that that was without Jokic in the line-up for the Nuggets.) From a situational stand point, I think Oklahoma City is now overvalued here by bettors and bookmakers alike. I love the way this one sets up for ATL to exact some revenge; the play is the Hawks!

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10* Pacers (CENTRAL DIV GOY)

The Pacers return home desperate to snap a four-game road losing streak. Indiana has also gone 0-5 ATS in its last five, which is significant for us to note here in backing the home side, as the Pacers are in fact 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after five or more straight ATS losses in a row. They also play with the revenge factor after falling 124-109 to Chicago back in October. With a tough game at Orlando tomorrow night, I fully expect the home side to take advantage of familiar surroundings. Chicago is off three straight SU/ATS victories after last night's 111-100 home win over the Hawks. Fatigue plays a factor here in the second game of the B2B though. Grab whatever points you can, the play is Indiana!

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10* Blazers (EXPRESS)

The Lakers are coing off a tight 122-120 home win over Memphis as 7-point dogs. With a home game against the Clippers on Tuesday, LA could be caught looking ahead here. Portland plays with revenge after falling 128-109 to the Blazers in November, and that's significant for us to note, as it in fact 6-2 ATS in its last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss of 15 or more points as a favorite. Portland is 11-9 at home after a 105-95 loss to the 76ers three nights ago, but with the Spurs coming to town tomorrow, the Blazers are going to step up here and take care of business in this revenge scenario in my opinion; lay the points, the play is the Blazers!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

All signs point to a Toronto victory here in my opinion. That said, I'll still recommend to grab as many points as you can.  Boston has won eight straight now after a 121-118 OT home win over Golden State last time out. That victory though snapped a five-game ATS winning streak, and I believe the C's will have their hands full here as well. With upcoming games at Orlando and Miami, I also think Boston gets caught looking ahead. The Raptors play with revenge here as well after a 116-110 loss to Boston as 1.5 point dogs back in December. The Raptors return home hungry after B2B SU/ATS road losses, most recently falling 128-126 at Minnesota. The Raptors welcome the Knicks to town tomorrow, so this is an opponent tonight that they can ill afford to look past. Clearly, that would never happen. The C's are the cream in the East, but all signs point to a Boston letdown/look-ahead here finally. The hungrier team finds a way at home this evening; the play is Toronto!

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10* Nets (NON-CONF GOM)

After four straight SU losses in a row, and five straight ATS setbacks, I expect Brooklyn to be the "hungrier" dog in this fight, and therefore I'm going to recommend to grab as many points as you can in this one. Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after five or more ATS losses in a row. Utah has won four of its last five, including three straight ATS. But the Jazz are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven after three or more ATS victories in a row. This is the second game of a back-to-back for Brooklyn after the 117-112 loss at Phoenix last night. The Jazz are off a 126-103 win over the Clippers. I say these teams are very evenly matched and in a contest that I see being decided by whichever club has its hands on the ball last, I'm going to grab the points; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Wizards (EAST-CONF GOM)

Washington is 18-26 and I think it comes in under the radar here facing the 25-20 Knicks, who are interestingly 14-8 on the road, and only 11-12 at home. I base my picks on many different things, and one thing I always look at is the "REVENGE FACTOR. And the revenge fator does indeed come into play here. The Wizards have lost two straight, as they fell 112-108 at home as 3.5-point underdogs to the Knicks just last week, before then also falling 127-118 at home to Golden State on Sunday. But Washington is a wallet-expanding 7-1 against the spread in its last eight in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss against an opponent in which it was held to 110 or fewer points in. The Knicks three game win streak was just snapped in a 123-121 overtime loss at home to Toronto as two-point favorites, and with a much more difficult upcoming schedule at Atlanta, Toronto, Cleveland, Boston and Brooklyn, I think this not only sets up as a letdown spot for the home side, but also a LOOK AHEAD SPOT, and when you add letdown spot and look ahead spot together, that = TRAP GAME. I'm banking on the revenge-minded Wizards to keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

Despite playing just last night, I like Toronto to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. The Raptors are playing their best basektball of the season right now, having won four of their last five, including last night's come from behind 123-120 OT win at New York. Toronto plays with the added incentive of "revenge" here as well after a 104-101 OT loss at home to the Bucks as 5.5-point favorites in early January. Milwaukee bounced back off two-straight losses in Miami to beat Indiana 132-119, but the Bucks are still averaging just 112.2 PPG, ranked 21st. Milwaukee has a road game at Cleveland up next. I think this is going to be a tight game for sure, so I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto! 

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8* Magic (SITUATIONAL SHOCKER)

I like the Magic to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch in this one. The Magic have interestingly been trading wins and losses over their last seven games, and off a tight 112-108 loss at Utah as a five-point underdog last time out, Orlando will be hopeful to keep that streak alive. I'm not calling for the outright upset here though, but I do think the stage is set for a much more competitive battle than what this spread would suggest. The Magic enjoy four whole nights off after this, so I think they'll open up the playbook here. The Nuggets have won and covered in five straight, but note that Denver is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after five or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. No outright, but closer than expected; the play is Orlando!

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10* BULLS (BLOCKBUSTER)

This is a great "situational" play. The Warriors are now 21-21 after their big 144-113 win over the Spurs in the Alamo Dome. I think a letdown is imminent here for the Warriors though, who are still just 4-16 on the road this season. With a game at Washington tomorrow night, it's also a "look ahead" spot for this veteran club that's dealing with injuries. The Bulls though play with revenge after a 119-111 loss at Golden State earlier in the year. Chicago is off three straight SU losses and B2B ATS setbacks. I look for the Bulls to dig deep here and to respond and while I do think the outright is possible, the official call will be to grab the points with Chicago!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

I think Detroit will, at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments. New Orleans is the better team for sure, entering at 25-17 overall. That said, it's just 8-12 on the road. The Pistons are terrible no matter where the play, 12-33 overall and 6-14 at home (9-10-1 ATS at home though, while the Pels are 8-12 ATS on the road as well.) Detroit just snapped a three-game slide with a convincing 135-118 blowout win over the Wolves, and they play with revenge here after a 104-98 loss at New Orleans in December. Look for the Pistons to keep the pedal to the metal and, at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points they've been afforded tonight!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

I had a play on Toronto two nights ago here, and it pulled away for the 132-120 victory in the end. Despite the offensive outburst though, note that the Raptors only average 111.7 PPG, which ranks 25th. I like the Hornets to bounce back here and take it to the Raptors. THey average 112.1 PPG, ranked 22nd. They're also 3-1 ATS in their last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. I just don't trust Toronto here. The Raptors just 18-23 this year. They have a nasty habit of "playing down (or up)" to the level of their competition. I think the Raptors come out flat here, and I expect the hungry Hornets to take advantage; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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