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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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

This is the first of two straight games North of the border for these teams. Charlotte is coming off a 116-111 loss at Indiana. The Raptors are off a 117-105 win over Portland. I expect a similar sort of score here tonight vs. Charlotte, which is just 6-16 on the road. Overall Charlotte averages 111.9 PPG, while conceding 118.1. The Raptors are averaging 111.2 PPG, while allowing 111.2 as well. Look for Toronto to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this opening contest, so to take the "wind" out of the Hornets sails tonight, while also sending a message to them in the next one. I'm laying the points, the play is Toronto!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

After three straight SU/ATS victories in a row, I look for the Bulls to takea  step back here. They're off the 126-118 home win over the Jazz, but I say they get caught looking ahead here to their game at Washington on Wednesday as well. The Celtics actually play with revenge here, as they fell 121-107 as 5.5-point favorites to the Bulls back on November 21st. The Celtics are off back-to-back road victories, but they're still 15-5 at home. They average 118.8 PPG, which is No. 1 in the league. They're also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent in which they were the favorite. Everything points to Boston going up early, and then keeping the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points, the play is the Celtics!

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10* Kings (ASSASSIN)

Sacramento beat LA 134-120 as an 8.5-point favorite back on December 21st and I am anticipating an identical final score here as well basically. Yes, the Lakers have been playing better, but off four straight wins, including a 130-114 victory at home over the Hawks just last night, look for the visitors to come in fatigued, likely resting starters. The Kings are still in first in the Pacific division, but the revenge factor for LA goes out the window in my opinion as Sacramento is 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a SU/ATS home loss in which it allowed 120 or more points in (lost 120-117 to the Hawks as two-point favs.) WIth Orlando coming to town next, followed by two straight at home against the Rockets, this is a PRIME spot for the Kings to start their new win streak; lay the points, the play is Sacramento!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

Four players average double figures for the Blazers. The public is all over the Pacers here, but I think this one sets up well for the visiting side to not only cover, but to win this game outright. Overall Lillard and the Blazers average 112.8 PPG, and allow 112 PPG. Indiana has been playing decently of late, but off a loss in OT at Philly in its last game, I think a classic letdown is in the cards here. The Pacers have coverd in five straight, but I think a letdown is finally imminent. Overall the Pacers average 115.8 PPG, and allow 116.1. Look for Portland to dig deep here and deliver on the road!

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10* Clippers (ASSASSIN)

I like the Clippers to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. LA is off the 110-100 home loss to the Heat. The Clippers have now lost three straight, which is significant to note in our case here as LA is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after three or more SU losses in a row. With a game at Minnesota tomorrow, the Clippers are going to have to put their full focus on Denver tonight. They also play with the added incentive of revnge here after falling 114-104 to the Nuggets back in November. Denver just had its five-game win streak snapped in a listless 124-111 setback at Minnesota. Cleveland comes to town tomorrow, and I say the Nuggets do get caught looking ahead to that one vs. the red hot Donavan Mitchell. The outright is possible, but the official will be to grab the points with LA!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great spot for hungry Charlotte. The Hornets are coming off B2B blowout home losses to the Nets and Lakers, but with a four-game upcoming road-trip, they'll be eager to snap that slide and to also avenge a 130-99 loss to the Grizz back in early November. Note that Charlotte is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent in which it was held to 99 or less points in. The Grizz have been great. They're 23-13 overall, but note that they're just 8-10 on the road. They're off three straight SU/ATS victories in a row, which is significant to note in our case as Memphis just 1-4 ATS in its last five after three or more SU/ATS wins in a row. And with a game at Orlando tomorrow night, this also sets up as a "look-ahead" spot for the visiting side; no outright, but closer than expected, the play is Charlotte!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

No need to overthink this one. Orlando had been the "hottest" team in the league up until last night's blowout home loss to the Lakers, winning ten straight ATS and going 8-2 SU. Now playing the second game of a B2B, I'm expecting a predictable letdown here vs. this desperate Pistons side. Detroit hits the road after this for a five-game road trip, so that puts added importance onto this contest for the home side. The Pistons held the lead in their last game vs. the Clippers for almost the the entire contest, but then allowed LA to tie it up and of course when it went to OT, Detroit failed to cover with the 6.5 points. With a chance to erase that frustrating setback from their memories, here's the perfect opponent to get untracked against; grab the points, the play is Detroit!

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10* Pelicans (NON-CONF GOW)

Here's a great revenge play. After two straight upset road wins, I think the Pacers take a step back here tonight in New Orleans, especially as they get caught "looking ahead" to their contest at home vs. the Pacers tomorrow night. The Pels are off a 128-125 OT road at OKC. They're 13-4 at home and they do indeed play with revenge here after falling 129-122 at Indiana back on November 7th. Look for the Pacers to come out flat-footed here and for the Pels to take advantage; lay the points, the play is New Orleans!

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10* Rockets (ASSASSIN)

Orlando had its six-game win streak snapped on Monday, falling to Atlanta, and I think it'll have a predictable letdown here vs. this hungry Rockets side. Houston won't be lacking motivation here after a 124-105 loss to the Spurs on Monday. Remember that despite their recent success, the Magic are stil just 3-12 on the road this year. Houston has in fact lost three in a row, and this is a game that it'll feel it can win outright obviously. Orlando returns home for the Holidays after this and I think it gets caught looking ahead; clearly the outright win is a possibility, but grab as many points as you can with Houston!

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10* Pelicans (EAST-CONF GOW)

After three straight up and ATS losses in a row, I love the Pelicans to bounce back here at home finally against the Bucks. The Pels most recently fell 118-114 at Phoneix. That was three straight ATS/SU road losses in a row (note though the New Orleans is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS setbacks in a row.) The Pels are 12-3 at home. The Bucks are 7-5 on the road. Milwaukee is off the 123-97 home win over Utah, but I think they'll have their hands full here in the opener of this five-game road trip, which continues at Cleveland, Brooklyn, Boston and Chicago. For many reasons, I believe this game means so much more to New Orleans; grab the points, the play is the Pels!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

I just think the more desperate team is going to dig deep here and find a way to deliver. Brooklyn is 17-12 afrer its 112-100 win over the Wizards. The Nets have played better since firing Steve Nash. They've had three nights off though and I think rest will lead to rust this evening. Toronto is now 13-15 after its disappointing 124-123 home loss to the Kings as five-point favorites on Wednesday. That's now three straight losses for the Raptors. Note though that they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Finally, the Raptors also play with the added incentive of revenge here after a 114-105 loss to the Nets at the start of the month. So I think in a small way this sets up as a letdown spot for the Nets, while at the same time, this is a "gut check" for the Raptors. We've reached the point of the season where your record begins to reflect "who you are" as a team. Clearly, Toronto can not be happy where it's at at the moment. While the outright win is clearly a possibility, I'll ultimately recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is the Raptors!

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10* Suns (SHOCKER)

Whether Devin Booker plays or not, I like the way this one sets up for the Suns. Phoenix is still 16-12 after its 111-97 loss at Houston. That's now five straight SU/ATS losses in a row for the Suns, who are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after five or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Phoenix beat LA 112-95 at the start of the year. And after three straight SU/ATS victories for Paul George and the Clippers, I'm expecting a predictable letdown here finally (note as well that LA is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more ATS victories in a row.) 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 the Suns!

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10* Magic (EXPRESS)

Yes the 14-14 Hawks could REALLY use a win here after losing four of their last five, but the problem is is that they have no chemistry and are playing terribly. That's good news for the surging Magic. Orlando is just 8-20, so after three straight SU/ATS wins in a row, it can ill afford to take the foot off the gas. These teams are moving in different directions and the oddsmakers are slow in recognizing. Orlando plays with revenge as well after a loss to ATL in late November. While the outright is a possibility, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Magic!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

Boston is 21-7, while the Lakers are 11-15. The Celtics have seemingly "run out of gas" though on this Western swing, having lost both games to the Warriors and to the Clippers just last night. I think they stumble again here as the favorite. The Lakers ended their road trip with a convincing 124-117 win at Detroit. They've been playing a lot better behind fantastic play from Anthony Davis. With a night's rest, I think LA has a legitimate shot at winning this game outright. That said, let's grab the points; the play is the Lakers!

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10* Suns (ASSASSIN)

Off a 128-117 loss here just two nights ago, I like the visiting side to bounce back and to find a way to deliver here in this revenge scenario. Note that the Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. New Orleans is in unchartered territory right now with a big target on its back with the No. 1 record in the West at 17-8. With B2B games at Utah after this, followed by another game at the Suns after that, I believe the home side gets caught looking ahead; look for the revenge-minded Suns to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire and grab the points!

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10* Warriors (ASSASSIN)

Boston is 21-5. It'll have "revenge" on its mind here, but I don't think that'll be enough to beat the defending champs in their own building tonight. Boston is off the 125-98 win at Phoenix. It plays the Lakers and Clippers after this. Golden State is the more motivated side here off a 124-123 loss at Utah three nights ago. While only 13-13, the Warriors are still a near-perfect 11-2 at home this season. Golden State and Stephen Curry won't be going down without a fight here in this important non-conference matchup. In a game that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is the Warriors!

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10* Spurs (ASSASSIN)

Two really bad teams collide on Thursday night, and only one can come out the winner. I think that'll be the Spurs tonight on their home floor. Houston is off a rare 132-123 OT home win over Philly, and I think it'll have a predictable letdown here. After this the Rockets return home for four straight, starting with the Bucks, so I also say they get caught "looking ahead" here. "Letdown" + "look ahead" = "trap game!" The Spurs have lost ten straight. But off B2B home losses in which they've failed to reach the 100-point plateu, I expect the home side to come out fired up tonigth. They're off the 133-95 home loss to the Suns, but note that they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine off a SU/ATS home loss in which they were held to 95 or less points in. Look for San Antonio to finally deliver here in front of the home town crowd!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

The Lakers have been playing great. At some point they're going to have a letdown, but they play with revenge here and I look for them to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Cleveland won 114-100 in LA a couple of weeks ago. With two whole nights off before a game vs. Sacramento here, the home side gets caught looking ahead as well. The Cavs' two game win streak was snapped with a listless 92-81 loss at New York last time out. LA smoked the Wizards 130-119 last time out. They've won eight of their last ten. They've scored 128, 133 and 130 points over their last three games. The King always "gets up" for games against the Cavs, especially in Cleveland; grab the points, the play is the Lakers!

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10* Pacers (NON-CONF GOW)

Indiana is 12-11, and Golden State is 13-11. The Warriors aren't having any issues scoring, but they haven't been able to find any consistency on the defensive end this year. The Pacers have been better than most thought, and they've been able to take advantage of team's "looking past" them a few times already this season. And that's going to be the case here in my estimation as well with the Warriors, who hit the road for a game at Utah after this, followed by games vs. Boston and Milwaukee. Golden State is off the "rocking chair" 120-101 victory here at home over Houston, but I expect it to leave the back door wide open here for this Pacers team that's averaging 115.1 PPG, ranked in the Top 10. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Indiana!

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10* Bulls (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great spot for the Bulls to bounce back in. Chicago is only 9-13, including 4-8 on the road. I think it sneaks in under the radar here though after B2B road losses, most recently a 119-111 loss at Golden State. The main reason I like the Bulls here though is that the Kings played, and won 123-96 at the Clippers just last night. Sacramento averages 120 PPG, which ranks second, but its defense is poor. The Kings are going to struggle with fatigue here in the second game of the back-to-back and while I clearly think the outright win is a possibility, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Bulls!

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10* Spurs (ASSASSIN)

The Pels have been great this year, they enter at 13-8. They're just 5-5 on the road though. The Spurs are 6-16 and just 3-8 at home, but after seven straight ATS losses and nine straight SU losses, and also playing with revenge here after a 129-110 loss at New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, I love the home side to, at the very least, keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch (note that the Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a 15 points or greater SU/ATS loss vs. an opponent. New Orleans is off two straight home wins. It has a night off after this before a four-game home stand, starting with red hot Denver. I say the Pels get caught "looking ahead." The outright is a possibility, but the official call will indeed to grab as many points as you can with the Spurs!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

The Knicks are 9-11, while the Pistons are 5-17. Off two straight home losses, and having dropped four of its last five, I like New York to finally bounce back here in this favorable spot. These teams played in New York on November 11th and the Knicks won by a score of 121-112. I expect a similar final outcome here. Detroit has covered in five straight ATS, and I expect that string to end here as well. Look for the Knicks to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish and lay the points with confidence!

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10* Wizards (NON-DIV GOM)

I think this is a great spot for the Wizards. Washington plays with revenge after losing to Boston 112-94 on October 30th. With a game at home against the Wolves tomorrow, the Wizards can't look past the mighty Celtics tonight. Boston is off a 122-104 win over Sacramento, but it could come in complacent here with a game at home tomorrow against Charlotte. The Wizards have lost five straight against-the-spread, but note that Washington is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after five or more ATS losses in a row. No outright, but much closer than expected; grab the points, the play is the Wizards!

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10* Oklahoma City.

Chicago is coming off a 118-113 win over the Bucks on Wednesday. I had the Bulls in that one. However, I expect the visiting side to come out flat here vs. this determined OKC team, that's off a 131-126 OT loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday. Chicago's room for error is very slim most nights, averaging 111.5 PPG, and conceding 111.4 (note that the Bulls will be without Lonzo Ball while Goran Dragic and Kostas Antetokounmpo are listed as day-to-day.) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a double-double with 31 points and 11 assists in a losing cause for the Thunder last time out. OKC averages 115.9 PPG, while allowing 118.3. Chicago has tough upcoming games at the Suns and the Warriors to look ahead to here. Neither team has shown a lot of consistency from game-to-game, but I love the way this one sets up for the home side; the play is the Thunder!

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10* Bulls (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great situational wager on the Bulls here. They'd lost four straight, but then they dug deep and posted a quality 121-107 home win over Boston as a 5.5-point favorite in their most recent outing. That was crucial, because it set the tone for this now six-game road trip starting here in Milwaukee to face the Bucks for the first time this season. But this is another important game, to set the tone in the first outing on this trip. Milwaukee is great, it's 12-4 and off a 119-111 home win over Portland. I'm not calling for an outright upset, but I think this one means so much more to the Bulls. They're off the solid win and need to set the tone for the rest of this roadtrip right here and now agains the No. 1 team in the East; grab the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Lakers (PACIFIC GAME OF MONTH)

The Lakers have been playing a lot better of late, winners of three straight. This is the first game of the year they've played against the Suns. I think LA is still being undervalued here. The Lakers have two straight in San Antonio after this, but I expect the visiting side to take this game very seriously. A quality victory here, with a chance to sweep in San Antonio would then see the Lakers as one of the hottest teams in the league. But one game at a time. The Suns are 10-6. They're coming off a 116-95 win over the Knicks. If we just look at these team's seasonal averages to this point, then the obvious choice here would be to grab the Suns. But the season is a dynamic/fluid one, and things change. The Lakers are a better team now than at the start of the year and I expect them to come out swinging with their best shot tonight; grab the points the play is LA!

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10* BULLS (GOW)

Here's a perfect spot for Chicago to avenge an earlier loss to the Celtics. Chicago is off a 108-107 home loss to Orlando as an 8.5-point favorite. The Bulls will be risking life and limb to try and snap a four-game slide tonight, especially with a very tough six-game road trip that starts on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Boston is 13-3. It's off a 117-109 road win at New Orleans. But with a night off after this, followed by a very favorable six-game home-stand, this sets up as a classic "trap" game for the visiting side in my opinion; the outright is possible, but in the end let's grab the points with the Bulls!

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10* Lakers (ATS BLOOD-BATH)

I think this is a good spot for LA. The Lakers are just 4-10, which includes going 4-5 at home. They're off back-to-back home victories, taking down the Nets 116-103 and the Pistons 128-121. San Antonio is just 6-11 and it's coming off a 119-97 loss here just last night to the Clipper. Fatigue's an issue for the Spurs at this point of the season. They'll get caught looking ahead here to two nights off before a home game against the Pelicans. The Lakers can take advantage and I believe they will; lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

As primarily a situational handicapper, this is type of "situation" that I am constantly looking out for. Here's a great play against Utah, which moved to 11-6 after last night's tight 134-133 home win over the Suns. Utah opened as a 2.5-point dog, and closed as a 1-point favorite. The Jazz though had lost three straight coming into that one, and they also played with revenge after an earlier setback to Phoenix. But now Utah comes to Portland fatigued on the second game of the back-to-back. Portland is 10-5 after a 109-107 home loss to Brooklyn as a 2.5-point favorite. With a tough four-game Eastern swing starting at Milwaukee on Monday, the Blazers will be looking to take advantage of familiar surroundings tonight. Look for the Blazers to bounce back and to take advantage of this "tired" Jazz side; lay the short points!

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10* Warriors (ASSASSIN)

The defending champs have so far struggled with consistency, as they're 6-8 overall. They're coming off a much-needed 132-95 home win over the Spurs as nine-point favorites. I like to go against lop-sided trends and numbers, and so that's the case here for sure in this pick. I like the Warriors in this game for a couple reasons. The first being that if the Warriors have any hopes of repeating as champions this season, they're going to have to actually win a game on the road. This is now just ridiculous, as Golden State is actually 0-7 on the road. I say that string of futility comes to an end today. Suns' fans can empathize though, as Phoenix is 2-4 at home 6-1 at home this season. The Suns are off a tight 113-112 loss at Miami. Clearly they won't be looking past the Warriors today, but Golden State plays with the added incentive of "REVENGE" here today, as it lost 134-105 to the Suns in their most recent matchup on October 25th. The Warriors are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine when trying to avenge a straight-up and against the spread loss of 20 or more points. Phoenix averages 112.5 PPG. The Warriors are averaging 117.4; I'm grabbing the points and GOLDEN STATE in this one!

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10* Mavericks (ASSASSIN)

The Clippers are 8-6 and the Mavericks are 7-5. LA is off a 122-106 win at Houston just last night, but I expect the Clippers to come in fatigued here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. LA only averages 105.2 PPG. Dallas averages 110.5. The Mavericks are coming off a 117-112 home win over Portland. Dallas has failed to cover the spread in nine straight games, but I expect this lop-sided trend to end here in this favorable matchup. Look for LA to pack up its tents and throw in the white flag early in this one; lay the points, the play is Dallas!

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10* Mavericks (ASSASSIN)

The Blazers are 9-3, while the Mavericks are 6-5. The Blazers are off a 106-95 outright road win at New Orleans as nine-point underdogs, but I think they'll finally stumble here on Saturday in this difficult road venue. After this the Blazers have two nights off, followed by two home games vs. the Spurs and Nets, so this sets up as a natural "look ahead" position for the visiting side. Dallas is off a disappointing 113-105 road loss in the nation's capital as a 6-point favorite, but note that it's 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a SU/ATS road loss in which it was favored. This is a stretch of five straight home games for the Mavericks, and I expect an "all hands on deck" performance here to open it up; lay the points, the play is indeed on Dallas!

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10* Wolves (ASSASSIN)

I think an outright victory is possible, but the official call will be to grab as many points as you can. Minnesota is now just 5-7 after its 129-117 home loss to Phoenix. This is the opener of a difficult four-game road trip for the Wolves, so it's all hands on deck for Minnesota tonight. The Grizzlies are 8-4 after their 124-122 OT win at San Antonio on Wednesday. The Grizz hit the road for a two-game road trip starting on Sunday. I think the road is a good place for the underachieving Wolves right now after they just went 1-3 at home. Look for Minnesota to fight and scrap and claw its way to, at the very least, a comfortable ATS cover; grab the play, the play is the Wolves!

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10* Pelicans (EXPRESS)

Portland is off a satisfying 105-95 win at Charlotte just last night, so I'm predicting a letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back. New Orleans is off a game last night as well, winning 115-111 at Chicago. This Pelicans team averages 118.2 PPG, while the Blazers average just 109.4. Note as well the the Blazers are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight off a SU/ATS road victory and then playing the second game of a B2B scenario. Look for New Orleans to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable win and cover; lay the points!

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10* LAKERS (ATS BLOWOUT)

I really like the way this one sets up for the much hungrier underdog here. Both teams have more questions than answers, but the Lakers have a lot of ground to make up. They're just 2-8. After two straight wins, they're off three straight losses, including twice to Utah and once to Cleveland. The "revenge factor" does come into play here though, as the Lakers lost here at "HOME" to the Clippers in the second game of the season by a score of 103-97. The Clippers have actually won three of their last four. They look a bit better of late, but they're still only averaging 103.8 points per game, which ranks 30th. I'm expecting another really tight game between these two teams. In fact, I think this is a game that the Lakers can win outright. The Clippers aren't scaring anyone these days. That said, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

I think the overachieving Jazz have a classic letdown here. The Lakers come in desperate at 2-7, while the Jazz come in complacent at 8-3. Winning can lead to complacency, and losing leads to desperation. LA is off a 114-100 loss at home to the red hot Cavaliers just last night. Fatigue at this point of the season isn't really a concern. The Lakers do play with the immediate revenge factor though after Utah beat them 130-116 in LA last week. Utah is off a 110-102 win at the Clippers last night, and I believe this younger team will finally have a small letdown here. Especially considering that they hit the road for a tough three-game Eastern swing starting in Atlanta on Wednesday. It's a letdown/look-ahead spot which invariably = "trap game!" The outright win is possible, but the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Lakers!

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10* Hornets (BLOOD-BATH)

Both teams comes in off of having played just last night. The Nets destoryed the Wizards by a score of 128-86, while the Hornets got crushed 130-99 at Memphis. It was a great bounce back win for Brooklyn, which really needed something positive at all to lean on with all of the off-court issues, but I'm still not convinced that KD and company have suddenly turned the corner here for good. This one smells of immediate return to the norm for this on again, off again Nets team, that will have to adjust without Kyrie Irving in the line-up. I like Gordon Hayward at home. The Nets are a terrible 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 when playing the second game of a B2B. Both teams are dealing with injuries, and the Hornets will get a lot better when Lonzo Ball and Terry Rozier return. Until then though, I'm expecting this one to come down to the wire; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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9* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

I think the Celtics not only win this game, but do so by a sizeable margin. The Bulls are 5-4 and the Celtics are 4-3. Chicago is 2-2 on the road and Boston is 2-1 at home. The Bulls are off a 106-88 home win over Charlotte, but with a tough upcoming road game North of the border on Sunday, I expect the visitors to get caught looking ahead. Boston is coming off a 114-113 OT road loss in Cleveland. With a game at New York tomorrow night, I expect the Celtics to take care of business here on their home floor. Chicago is still dealing with several key injury issues. The role players got the better of an injured Hornets team, but I expect Boston to take advantage here; all signs point to a blowout, so lay the points with the Celtics!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

I like the way this one sets up for the Pistons. Cleveland is off a 114-113 upset OT home win over the Celtics, and it now hits the road for five straight. After this game in Detroit though it hits the West coast for games against the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Warriors. Can anyone say "look-ahead" spot for this young and overachieving Cavs team? Listen, Donovan Mitchell is a great player, but the Pistons won't be going down without a fight here. Detroit is off back-to-back losses in Milwaukee. They lost 116-91 on Wednesday, but previous to that fell 110-108 as a 13.5-point underdog. I think the Pistons catch Cleveland here at the right tie, as I expect the Cavs to be already planning for their road-trip. While the outright is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with the Pistons!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a fantastic spot for Washington. Outright win? Possible, but this one will be close in my opinion. These teams just played in Washington on Halloween and the 76ers won 118-111. Washington plays with revenge, and it's lost three straight ATS, which is significant to note here as the Wiz are actually 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more straight ATS losses in a row. Washington plays tough defensively, as opponent are shooting 43.5 percent against them, which is fourth best in the NBA. They're not going to make it easy on the home side. I expect a small mental letdown here. Joel Embiid was out in the last game, and he'll be out again here. Look for Washington to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch; grab the points, the play is Washington!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

The Knicks are coming off a tough, but competitive loss to the Bucks on Friday, falling 119-108. I think they'll come in "under the radar" here on Sunday and catch the overacheiving Cavaliers off guard. Cleveland is coming off an epic 132-123 OT win over Boston, and I say it has a predictable letdown here after that emotional win. Donovan Mitchell has gotten out to a strong start for the Cavs, and while Cleveland does have plenty of talent, it's still thin when compared to the top teams in the East. Previous to the loss to Milwaukee, the Knicks beat Charlotte 134-131 in OT. I expect this one to be decided by whichever team has it hands on the ball last, so that means that I'm going to grab up all these points; the play is the Knicks!

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8* Lakers (SPECIAL)

Both teams have gotten out to crummy starts, but I think this one'll be decided in the closing moments. The Lakers are 0-3 SU/ATS, and the Nuggets are 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS. The Lakers offense has struggled, but they'll look to take advantage of a Nuggets team that just gave up 135 points to the Blazers. LA's defense has been decent despite the defeats (the three losses have come against three pretty good teams as well, who have a combined 8-2 record right now.) LeBron James and Anthony Davis look good for the Lakers. If Russell Westbrook has even a mediocre showing here, the Lakers have a legit shot at winning this one outright. Nikola Jokic is always an X-Factor, but this Denver defense looks terrible right now; grab the points, the play is LA!

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10* HEAT (NON-CONF GOM)

Would anyone have guessed that the Heat would be 1-3 right now after four games, and the Blazers would be 4-0? Portland is also 4-0 ATS, while Miami is 0-4 ATS. The law of averages is flawed in many ways, but I've always felt that lop-sided numbers/trends have a way of naturally correcting themselves over the short, mid and the long-term. Miami is off the 98-90 home loss to rival Toronto. It simply CAN NOT afford to look past the Blazers today, because up next is a date at the defending champs tomorrow night. THat's the followed by a tricky road game against an improved Sacramento team (and that's followed by a home game against the Warriors again!) It's all hands on deck for Miami tonight. Would anyone fault Portland for having a minor letdown here after four straight victories to open the season as an underdog? All good things must come to an end. Note, ALL FOUR of Portland's victories have come against the top teams in the West as well, beating Sacramento, Phoenix (in T), the Lakers and most recently hammering the Nuggets 135-110. Now facing their first non-conference opponent of the season, this one screams "letdown" spot to me; the play is Miami!

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This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the 76ers.

The Pacers are 1-2 and the 76ers are 0-2. Neither team has gotten out to a great start, but I look for the 76ers to put the foot on the gas from start to finish in this favorable matchup. The Pacers are off a 124-115 home win over Detroit on Saturday, but I believe they'll stumble here in the opener of this difficult five game road trip. Mostly more than anything, I absolutely expect the 76ers to come out fired up here after two lacklustre games to open the season. The good news is that James Harden looks locked in early for Philly. This is a matchup that favors Joel Embiid and the home side and I expect them to take advantage; lay the points, because I look for the 76ers to win in blowout fashion!

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10* Suns (BLOOD-BATH)

The Suns are 1-1 and the Clippers are 2-0. Phoenix most recently fell 113-111 at Portland in OT as a five-point favorite on Friday night. The Clippers came away with the tight 111-109 road win over the Kings just last night, and I believe they'll be fatigued here in the second game of the back-to-back. Phoenix actually had to erase a 17-point halftime deficit in the loss to the Blazers, but just couldn't get the job done in the end. But with a couple games under their belts, and here facing the undefeated Clippers, I expect Phoenix to be at its best this evening. LA though could very likely rest some of its key players here in the B2B scenario. While I clearly think the outright win is a possibility, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Phoenix!

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10* Kings (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great "situational" play on the Kings. Sacramento lost its opener 115-108 as a 3-point favorite at home to Portland, but I think it bounces back here. The Clippers are off a satisfying 103-97 win over the Lakers in their opener, but with a home game against the Suns tomorrow night, I believe they'll classically get caught "looking ahead" to that one. LA has a great roster, but stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will be used sparingly at the start of the season, after each comes back from a signficant injury. D'Aaron Fox and Damontas Sabonis are the correct call here at home. Mike Brown didn't play his starters a lot in the season opening loss, but we can expect a heavy dose today; while the outright win is clearly not out of the question, let's grab the points, the play is Sacramento!

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10* NUGGETS (BOB)

I like Denver to bounce back after its poor 123-102 road loss at Utah as a 6.5 point favorite. Look for the Nuggets to make the necessary adjustments to be much more competitive vs. the defending champs. I think the Nuggets got caught "looking ahead" to this Friday game. Golden State won and covered over the Lakers in their opener. When Denver gave up fewer than 111.0 points last season, it went 25-17 against the spread and 31-11 overall. Last season, Golden State had the league’s 15th-ranked scoring team (111.0 PPG), while Denver had the 14th-ranked defense in terms of points per game (110.4). Look for a very tight and competitive game, one that's decided in the final moments; grab the points, the play is Denver!

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8* Wolves (DESTRUCTION)

I like to watch the first two weeks of action before really unloading in the NBA. In fact, that's the case for the NBA, College hoops and the NHL as well. To begin with at the start of the season, I like to be contrarian. If the majority of the public goes one way, I'll more than likely go the other. I also look for what I deem to be really great "situational" plays. And in my opinion, this is a great early season situational play. The Jazz are off the upset 123-102 home win over Denver as a 6.5-point underdog, but I expect a predictable letdown here on the road. Minnesota beat OKC by a score of 115-108 in its Opener, but it did not cover the big 11-point spread. Tonight's spread is much more manageable and I believe the deeper home side will indeed keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one; lay the points, the play is Minnesota!

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10* 76ers (NON-DIV GOM)

I like the way this one sets up at home for the 76ers. I believe they'll pull away for a double-digit victory right at the end. The Bucks were decent last year. They averaged 113.9 PPG< and allowed 110.7. The 76ers lost on the road to Boston, but an immediate return to the winner's circle will be in order here. The Bucks will be without Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton to open the season. Milwaukee was bad defensively on the road last year, allowing more than 111 PPG. Look for Philly to pull away down the stretch!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

With the majority of the money and the wagers on Brooklyn, I feel we're getting great value here on Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. This Pels team is legit with CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas and Ingram. The Nets were eliminated by the Celtics in the Playoffs, but they also had a tumultuous season. KD is back, and so is Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn has an entirely new line-up though, and I think much like the Lakers unfortunately, they're going to have difficulties with chemistry in the early going. New Orleans is the better, deeper team on paper. The Slim Reaper and Kyrie are probably the two best players on the floor still, but I don't think it'll be enough with McCollum directing the show for New Orleans. Clearly I feel the outright win is possible, but in the end let's grab the points; the play is the Pelicans!

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8* LAKERS (DESTRUCTION)

LA won only 33 games last year. A dysfunctional line-up and injuries were to blame. LA added Patrick Beverly, Dennis Schroeder, Lonnie Walker, Thomas Bryant, and Dwayne Bacon. Darvin Ham is the new head coach and he'll bring a much needed sense of toughness to the team. One big thing this year working in LA's favor is that big man Anthony Davis appears to be back to 100% health. He was injured most of last year. The Warriors won the Championship and could be in for a bit of a letdown this year. They enter the new season with plenty of controversy as well after Draymond Green puched Jordan Poole in the face in practice a couple of weeks ago and knocked him out cold. It's all hands on deck for LBJ, Ham and the rest of the Lakers on Opening night. Look for this one to come down to the wire and grab the points!

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10* CELTICS (ART OF WAR)

I'm not counting out Boston quite yet. The NBA really needs a Game 7. It would be the icing on the cake for a really great season after a couple of years having to deal with COVID. Everyone needs the extra revenue a Game 7 would deliver. I say Golden State finally stumbles on the road here, as I look for this hungry Celtics side to go up early, and then never look back. The achilles heel of the Warriors has been their play on the road, and Boston has been at its best at home. The Celtics still have the league's No. 1 defense and we can expect it to be out in full force tonight. I say Boston keeps the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points, the play is the Celtics!

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10* CELTICS (GOW)

This has been an exciting, back and forth series. Game 5 though I'm expecting the tightest and most competitive game yet. Yes, Stephen Curry has been phenomenal, but the trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford has also been amazing. Boston has been great on the road as well, going 8-3 SU so far. The Celtics always respond well after a loss and they have the No. 1 defense, conceding just 104.5 PPG. The Warriors allow just 105.5. Golden State managed the win in Game 4 despite shooting 44%. Boston has already won on this floor and I expect another "nail biter" on Monday night as well; the official call will be to grab as many points as you can!

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10* CELTICS (BLOOD-BATH)

I had a play on Boston in Game 3 and I'm right back on them here in Game 4 as well. Golden State lacks size and strength to handle these defensive-minded Celtics. The combination of Al Horford, Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum is difficult to slow down offensively as well, as each is able to create their own offense. Draymond Green played terribly for the Warriors and is more of a distraction now than anything else. Golden State's weakness this season has been its play on the road where it went just 22-19. Boston on the other hand went 28-13 at home. With a chance to put the Warriors on the brink of elimination, I look for this underrated Celtics team to lay the hammer down again in Game 4; the play is Boston!

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10* WARRIORS (ART OF WAR)

I had a play on the Warriors in Game 1, and while that didn't turn out the way I hoped, I'm expecting Golden State to make the necessary adjustments here in Game 2 to not only win this game, but to do so by a significant margin. The Celtics have been playing extremely well, but I expect fatigue to be a factor here. Boston has earned a split in Golden State and I think comes in tired and complacent. The Warriors looked great for 3 quarters in Game 1, but then fell apart uncharacteristically in the 4th quarter. Expect a big bounce-back from Curry and company and lay these points with confidence; the play is Golden State!

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10* CELTICS (ART OF WAR)

At the start of this series, home floor advantage meant a whole lot. But that trend has changed over the last two, and I'm expecting that trend to continue here. Boston won in Miami in Game 5, but it then fell in Game 6 at home. Look for the C's to dig deep here and to deliver again on the road. Note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent in which it conceded 110 or more points in. We've broken this series down completely from start to finish, but the Celtics depth and their aggressive defensive play gets the job done in Game 7; the play is Boston!

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10* HEAT (ART OF WAR)

This has been a very back-and-forth series. As soon as we think we know what's going to happen, one or the other sides bounces back with a big performance. The Celtics have won two straight and can end this series with a victory today. Boston may well indeed go on to win this game outright, but I expect Miami to put up a bitter fight until the end. The Heat are well coached and I expect some major adjustments here. The Celtics have been unbelievable, but they're in unchartered territory here and I have my doubts that they have a killer closing instinct. In a game that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* MAVERICKS (RD)

The Mavericks finally broke through and won 119-109 in Game 4 to avoid the 4-0 sweep. They've given up some huge leads in two other games in this series, so the Mavericks have definitely been competitive so far. I think they keep the momentum rolling here as well. The Mavericks looked phenomenal in beating the Suns, and now they have a blue-print to do the exact same thing for the Warriors. Golden State won't be panicking, but it'll have its hands full here with this desperate visiting side. I'm not going to call for an outright victory or anything, but in a game that I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm going to grab the points; the play is the Mavericks!

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10* CELTICS (RD)

So far this has been a very back and forth series, but I expect that trend to end today. Boston dominated Game 4 and I expect it to keep the momentum rolling tonight. Miami is a great 3-point shooting team, but this Boston defense is incredible. They limited the Heat to just 33% shooting from the floor. Overall the C's allow just 104.5 PPG. Expect Boston's incredible defensive play to be too much for the Heat to handle down the stretch; the play is the Celtics!

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10* CELTICS (RD)

This has been a back-and-forth series and I'm looking for Game 4 to follow suit. The Celtics will be risking life and limb today to try and even this series back up. Off the 109-103 Game 3 loss, note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent in which it was held to 105 or less points in. Boston still ranks first across most defensive stats, including leading the league in scoring defense. The Celtics are also 5-0 ATS in their last five following a SU loss. Look for the home side to double down defensively and then to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable win and cover; the play is the Celtics!

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10* WARRIORS (U OF THE U)

Dallas is on the ropes. Luka Doncic is likely the best player on the floor in this series, but Golden State's offensive depth is just too much for the Mavericks to handle. Andrew Wiggins is out for the Warriors tonight, but it's just "next man up" mentality. Dallas threw its best possible punch at Golden State, and still came up short. I predict another tight battle here and I think it'll come down to the wire, literally the last team touching the ball is going to win type deal. And in a scenario like that, I'll gladly grab the points; the play is the Warriors!

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10* CELTICS (ASSASSIN)

The Celtics looked a lot better with Marcus Smart and Al Horford in the line-up in Game 2, and I believe that with the series shifting to Boston, that the home side will build on that performance with another big win and cover and in Game 3. The Heat finished as No. 1 in the East, but there's no question that they were better at home than on the road (24-17 away.) Boston's tough defensive play, combined with the strong play of Jayson Tatum will be just TOO much for this now struggling HEat team to handle on Saturday night; lay the points!

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10* MAVERICKS (BLOOD-BATH)

Game 1 was evenly matched at half time, but then Golden State pulled away in the second. I expect a full four-quarter effort from the Mavericks tonight though. Dallas had an uncharacteristically horrible shooting night from several players, and I don't expect that to happen twice. The Mavericks now have to make adjustments after the 112-87 Game 1 loss, but they've done well in this spot for bettors by going 7-2 ATS in their last 9 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent in which it was held to 90 or less points in. Much like the Heat's victory in Game 1 of their series with Boston, I'm expecting a letdown here from Golden State as well in Game 2. I'm not predicting an outright upset, but this one comes down to the wire; grab the points!

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10* CELTICS (RED DRAGON)

I had a play on Boston in Game 1 and while that selection came up short, I believe that the visiting side will bounce back and, at the very least, take this contest right down to the wire. Boston lost 118-107 in Game 1, but it's done well in this spot for bettors, as it's 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. Marcus Smart and Al Horford both could play after missing Game 1, which would shift this line even further towards a "pick em." Miami started off the first half slow, then came out like gang-busters in the second half of Game 1. Look for Boston's defense to respond and answer the bell here in this important contest. And while I do absolutely feel an outright win is possible, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Boston!

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10* CELTICS (GOW)

The Boston Celtics will be without the services of Marcus Smart for Game 1, but I still think they'll find a way to win this game. The quick turnaround is going to work in Boston's favor today after its Game 7 win over the Bucks. The Heat on the other hand come out flat here in my estimation after eliminating the 76ers in just six games. Boston went 2-1 in this matchup during the regular season. Jayson Tatum is a matchup issue. Kyle Lowry being out for Miami is big here at this point of the Playoffs. I expect Boston to draw first blood in the ECF!

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10* MAVERICKS (ASSASSIN)

This has been a back-and-forth series, and I'm expecting a very tight affair here in Game 7. Every game in this series has been won by the home team, while also going 6-0 ATS. I say this lop-sided trend ends this evening. The Mavericks role players are going to step up here. The Mavs relentless defensive attack will be in full effect from the opening tip, until the final horn. Phoenix lacks that killer instinct, and while the Suns may well indeed go on to win this contest, expect it to be a real "nail-biter!" The play is Dallas!

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10* CELTICS (GOM)

The NBA would love to see a Game 7 here. I believe it's going to happen. That said, my recommendation will be to grab as many points as you can. The Celtics lost 110-107 in Game 5, but I expect this series to move to a pivotal Game 7. Giannis Antetokounmpo was great with 40 points, while Jayson Tatum scored 34 in a losing cause for the C's. These teams have alternated wins/losses since the series started. Note though that the Bucks are a poor 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games as a home favorite, while the Celtics are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven as an underdog. Boston's superior defense in this critical game will prove to be the difference tonight; buckle up for a Game 7, the play is the Celtics!

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10* GRIZZLIES (ASSASSIN)

No Ja? No problem! The Grizzlies have done exceptionally well without their superstar in the line-up and with their backs against the wall, I expect their best collective effort tonight. Many will be pulling the trigger on GS here, thinking that without Morant, Memphis will struggle. But I think it'll be GS that struggles to put away this desperate home side. Memphis held the lead in the last game until the fourth quarter. Don't expect that to happen again here. Also note that Memphis is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge 2 straight losses against an opponent. In a contest that I see being decided in the final moments, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Memphis!

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10* MAVERICKS (RED DRAGON)

The Mavericks were a Top 5 defense in the regular season, and they've been fantastic so far in this series against the favored Suns as they enter off B2B victories, including a 111-101 win in Game 4. So far home floor advantage has proved critical in this series, but I'll say it's more about Dallas making adjustments after going down 0-2. Those adjustments and success will continue here in Game 3, and I'll argue that it has nothing to do with the venue, but more about the overall approach Dallas is employing now. If you're wagering on this game, you know the cast of characters and the strengths and weaknesses. The momentum as turned and this Dallas team is going to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. While I do think an outright win is possible, let's grab the points!

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10* GRIZZLIES (ASSASSIN)

Why is this line so large suddenly? Because Grizzlies' star Ja Morant is injured. Memphis was going to get destroyed in Game 3 whether Morant went down or not though. It was a bad game overall for Memphis. The Grizzlies have always done really well without their star in the line-up though and I expect them to rally here and use the "next man up" mentality. The good news that's flying under the radar though for Memphis is that Dillon Brooks will be back after serving a 1-game suspension. The Warriors are in the drivers seat again in this series, but I expect a much more competitive affair in Game 4. Note that Memphis is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge a SU/ATS loss of 20 or more points. I say Golden State wins, but the determined Grizzlies comfortably cover with the large spread they've been afforded; the play is Memphis!

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10* PHILADELPHIA (ASSASSIN)

The 76ers are clearly a "different" team with Joel Embiid in the line-up. With a chance to tie up this series, I look for Philadelphia's big man to help key his team to another win at home. Jimmy Butler had 33 points in Game 3 for the Heat, but this 76ers team does indeed look much better at home, especially on the defensive end. The rest of the Heat struggled to shoot, and I expect that to be the case again here. Miami took full advantage in Game's 1 and 2, but now the shoe is on the other foot. Embiid is once again listed as questionable, but with that first awkward game out of the way, we can expect the MVP candidate to be much stronger here in Game 4 all around. Look for the 76ers to dial up the pressure even more and lay these short points with confidence!

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10* CELTICS (RED DRAGON)

This series is all tied up. Milwaukee won Game 1 in a blowout, and Boston returned the favor in Game 2. With the shift in venue though, I'm expecting a much tighter battle tonight. Khris Middleton is out indefinitely for the Bucks, and that's going to have an effect over the long-term. The Celtics have the league's top defender and Jason Tatum is a handful. The C's defended Giannis well in Game 2 and I'm expecting a similar effort here as well. In a game that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Boston!

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10* HEAT (ASSASSIN)

Philadelphia looked lost without Joel Embiid in its opener vs. Miami and I have a hard time seeing the 76ers doing much better in Game 2. In fact, it was the Heat that really started off slowly in Game 1, but then they found their footing and confidently closed out with the 106-92 victory. I'm expecting an even more loip-sided destruction in Game 2. There's zero chemistry between James Harden and the rest of his teammates, while Jimmy Butler and Miami are poised for a much bigger and more dominating effort in Game 2. Miami won't be taking it easy. It's going to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish as they try and break the 76ers' collective will. I just can't see the visitors doing anything on either end of the court without Embiid in the line-up; so lay the points!

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10* CELTICS (DESTRUCTION)

I had a play on Boston in Game 1 and while that play came up short, I expect the home side to risk life and limb here to try and even up this series. Clearly, the last thing that Boston wants to do is head to Milwaukee in an 0-2 hole. The Bucks have been playing really well without star Khris Middleton since he went down with injury vs. the Bulls in the first game, but at some point they're going to have a small mental letdown in these playoffs, and I expect that moment to be this evening. "Rest" did lead to "rust" for Jayson Tatum and company after their 4 game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets. Milwaukee needed an extra game to take care of Chicago, and the Bucks just shot much more efficiently overall. Look for Boston to bounce back here in this super important Game 2 though, and for Milwaukee to be happy with the split that it's already earned; lay the points, the play is the Celtics!

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10* GRIZZLIES (ASSASSIN)

Two teams which had more difficulty than they likely expected in the first round, have advanced to the second round. Each looked great at times, and showed vulnerability in others. The Grizzlies aren't getting enough respect on their own floor is the bottom line for me here though. Golden State has been off since Wednesday. The Warriors went just 1-3 against the Grizzlies in the regular season. The quick turnaround works in the Grizzlies favor in my opinion. Look for Ja Morant to strike first over Stephen Curry and company; that said, grab the points!

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10* WOLVES (ASSASSIN)

This has been a back-and-forth series. With their backs against the wall though, and especially because their playing at home, I look for the Wolves to dig deep here and to extend this series to a decisive Game 7. Clearly with a line like this, the oddsmakers feel these teams are pretty evenly matched. And they are. But Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 home games as an underdog in the +0.5 to +3.5 points range. Both teams are healthy and their strengths and weaknesses are well known. I think the "home floor" advantage proves to be the difference-maker tonight, so buckle up and get ready for our first Game 7 of the Playoffs; that said, grab the points!

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8* PELCIANS (SPECIAL)

This has been a back and forth series. The Suns are still without Devin Booker and while the managed a victory in Game 5, I believe the Pelicans will answer here on their home floor. The stats back our hypothesis as well, as note that New Orleans is 8-2 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a loss against an opponent in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in. I say home floor DOES matter in Game 6; grab the points!

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10* 76ers (ASSASSIN)

I say Philadelphia and Doc Rivers finally get the "monkey" off their backs. Rivers has been involved with three different teams that have blown a 3-1 series lead. Philadelphia itself has just had issues with Toronto over the last five years and would love nothing more than to end this series here and now. I say that James Harden plays his best game of this series and I expect Philadelphia to run away with this one early, and never take the foot off the gas pedal. Toronto's never say die attitude runs out of gas tonight. Note as well that the 76ers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to revenge B2B SU/ATS losses against an opponent. Lay the points, the play is Philly!

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10* WOLVES (ASSASSIN)

So far, this has been a competitive series. These have been fun and exciting and competitive games. I don't think anything will change for Game 5 either between these deadlocked clubs. Minnesota won the last game by a score of 119-118. Over the first three games, Wolves' big man Karl Anthony Towns had been shut down, but he finally exploded for 33 points and 14 boards in Game 4. I expect him to build off that performance. With even more attention being put onto the big man, the Wolves' depth comes into play here as a considerable strength. Minnesota could have won Game 3 as well, but had an epic collapse in the fourth-quarter. For all intents and purposes, the Wolves could have been up 3-1 at this point. In what I expect to be another back-and-forth affair, I'm grabbing the points!

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8* PLAY on the Jazz (SPECIAL)

Jordan Clarkson dropped in 25 points for the Jazz off the bench in Game 4 and he helped seal the deal for Utah in its 100-99 victory. In another contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm going to recommend to grab as many points as you can. Both teams have struggled at times in this series, but Utah's defense has held up. It ranked in the Top 10 in scoring defense during the regular season. Dallas only shot 43% in Game 4. On the season the Mavs only rank 24th in averaging 108 PPG. Luka Doncic has returned, but his health is still a bit of a question mark. As I stated earlier, this one is coming down to the wire; so grab the points!

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10* CELTICS (ASSASSIN)

I say the Nets are cooked. I say Kevin Durant won't answer here. I say Jason Tatum is underrated and overlooked. With a chance to put the final nail in the coffin of what will be considered one of the biggest busts of all time, I believe the Celtics go in for the "Death Blow" this evening. The Nets have been terrible in all facets, especially considering they turn the ball over 16 times per game. Brooklyn has also been allowing an average of 112.7 points per game to Boston. Boston has the defense to slow down Durant and I say Tatum has another huge outing as well. Clearly, the outright win is the prediction, but grab as many points as you can as well with Boston!

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10* WOLVES (FIRST RND. GOY)

This has been an interesting series. And what I personally find interesting about it is that Memphis has somehow figured out a way to slow down Wolves' big man Karl Anthony Towns. He's also struggled a bit at times. That said, I simply can't see this struggling trend of futility lasting much longer. Minnesota had a huge lead in Game 3 and then it inexplicably came up short. With a spread like this, clearly the oddsmakers think these teams are evenly matched, but as good as Memphis has looked over its last two games, it's still very inexperienced. This is uncharted territory, coming from behind in the playoffs on the road to take a series lead. I say that Towns and company bounce back here and take a page out of their "Game 1 playbook." Clearly the outright is possible, but let's grab the points; the play is Minnesota!

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10* BULLS (RED DRAGON)

What do you base your selections on? I have different ways of handicapping the regular season than I do in the Playoffs. Being successful in the playoffs is about making adjustments from game-to-game. That's true for handicappers as well. With Khris Middleton out, the Bucks are simply not the same team. Chicago has already gotten the home floor advantage after splitting out in Milwaukee and I expect the Bulls to push the pace here from start to finish. We could break down all the stats and look at every indidivual player matchup, but for me it's as simple as Middleton being out for the Bucks. And while I obviously think the outright win is a possibility, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is CHICAGO!

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10* NUGGETS (RED DRAGON)

With their backs against the wall, I like the Nuggets to bounce back here at home. Denver plays better at home and it's also 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge 2 straight SU/ATS losses against an opponent. Golden State is now favored to win the Championship over Phoenix, but we'll see how well the Warriors fare on the road in this difficult venue. During the regular season Denver was No. 8 in scoring with 113 PPG. It's been an ugly start for the Nuggets to this series, but we can expect their best effort and another huge game from Nikola Jokic in the process; while the outright is possible, let's grab the points!

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10* PELICANS (ASSASSIN)

While my play on the Pels came up short in Game 1, I absolutely expect them to bounce back here and to keep this one tight up until the final moments. New Orleans fell 110-99 in Game 1, but note that it's 7-3 ATS in its last 10 in trying to revenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent in which it was held to 99 or less points in. Clearly, Phoenix is the better team in every regard, but I don't think it deserves to be a double-digit favorite in Game 2. We'll look for the Pelicans to give their best shot and while that will almost assuredly not be good enough to pull off the outright upset, it'll be more than enough to pull off the comfortable cover; the play is New Orleans!

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10* NUGGETS (GOW)

The Warriors got the better of Denver by a score of 123-107 in Game 1, but I think that the Nuggets will, at the very least, keep Game 2 close enough to comfortably cover with the larger spread that they've been afforded tonight. Jordan Poole had 30 points for the Warriors in Game 1, going 5 of 7 from range. Suffice it to say, I don't expect lightning to "strike twice" for Poole and the Warriors this evening. Nikola Jokic was a force in Game 1 for Denver, finishing with 25 points and I expect him to have an even bigger impact this evening. Denver shot terrible from 3-point range as well in Game 1, finishing 31.5%, well below their nomral 35% clip. Again, we can expect things to "normalize" in that department for Denver this evening as well. I say the Nuggets throw their best shot they have; that said, grab the points!

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10* PELICANS (RED DRAGON)

Are the Suns the better team? Their record would sure indicate that. New Orleans advanced by winning its two Play-In games and I think it'll "sneak in under the radar" here in Game 1. Will the longer lay off help or hinder the Suns? Who knows is the answer. The Pelicans though are currently rolling and I say that momentum carries over in Game 1. New Orleans has been fantastic defensively of late, and it has the offensive punch to keep pace as well with Brandon Ingram back in the line-up. In every conceivable way the Suns are the better team, but not by double digits in this situation. No outright, but closer than expected; the play is New Orleans!

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10* WOLVES (ASSASSIN)

This will be an interesting series. These teams are similar in many regards. I think this one will be decided in the closing moments. To say this is a "revenge" game as well would be a bit of an understatement, as Memphis 8-2 the L10 in this series. Minnesota averages 115.9 PPG, while Memphis averages 115.6. The Grizz are a bit better defensively in allowing 109.9, while the Wolves have conceded 113.2. Very small differences here. Yes, the Grizz have done well all season, but now that the playoffs are here, adjustments will be key. I think Game 1 comes right down to the wire; grab the points, the play is Minnesota!

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10* PELICANS (BOB)

The Pels easily handled the Spurs to advance to play the Clippers, and just like they were then, I think they're also undervalued and underrated by the bookmakers in this matchup as well. The Clippers lost 109-104 to Minnesota, and I believe they'll have their hands full here against this highly skilled visiting side. New Orleans looked superb defensively in its win, holding the Spurs to just 103 points. The Clippers also struggled to put points on the board against a Wolves team that finished in the bottom third on the defensive end. That doesn't bode well facing New Orleans here. I think the outright is possible, but let's grab up all these points as the official call!

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10* HORNETS (GOW)

I think the Hornets have a legitimate shot at taking this game outright. In a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points. The Hornets won their final 3 regular season games, including a 124-108 victory over Washington, while Atlanta won 7 of its last 9, including a 130-114 victory over Houston in its finale. Charlotte has the fourth highest-scoring offense in the league, and the Hawks just aren't known for their tough defensive play. Neither are the Hornets mind you, but that still works in the underdogs favor in my opinion. These teams are almost identical. I say it comes down to the wire; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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10* NUGGETS (RED DRAGON)

Denver comes in as the "hungier" and more focussed team today. The Nuggets are off a 116-97 loss to San Antonio. They play with revenge here though after a 122-118 loss to the Grizzlies in January, and that's important for us to note, as the Nugs have are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 in trying to revenge a SU/ATS loss to an opponent. Memphis just had its 7 game win streak snapped in a tight 121-115 OT loss at Utah and I say it just "goes through the motions" this evening. Home court advantage really does matter for this one, the play is DENVER.

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10* SUNS (ASSASSIN)

Off a 121-110 win over the Lakers last night at home, we're looking for the Suns to keep the foot on the gas here and deliver another "L" for the other team in LA. Despite last night's win, the Suns have still lost 4 straight ATS. Note though that that does in fact work in our favor here, as PHO is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 after 3 or more ATS losses in a row. The Clippers have been playing well of late, but with only two more games to go in the regular season, I don't see any drop off here from Phoenix as it looks to carry its momentum from a strong regular season, into a big playoff run. Lay the points, expect a blowout!

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8* BULLS (SPECIAL)

In a game that we believe will be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're going to grab the points. Milwaukee has lost two straight. It won't be rolling over here obviously, but I still think its vulnerable. Especially on the road. The Bulls play with revenge here as well after a listless 126-98 loss to Milwaukee as 6.5-point dogs in mid March. Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent in which it was held to 99 or less points in. Milwaukee returns home for a date vs. the red hot Celtics on Thursday and I say it gets caught looking ahead; grab the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* 76ERS (GOW)

I think this one sets up well for a complete ATS blowout for the road side. Philly is off a 112-108 win at the Cavaliers, but with a much tougher game at Toronto up next, the 76ers won't want to leave anything to chance. Then Philly closes out the year with two straight winnable games at home against the Pacers again, and then the Pistons to finish things off. Clearly Philadelphia doesn't want to "back in" to the playoffs. Chemistry is crucial at this point of the season. I say the 76ers put the foot on the gas and never let up. They also play with revenge after falling 118-113 to the Pacers as 4-point dogs at the start of the season. Indiana is off a 121-117 loss at home to Detroit. It can't even play spoiler here. I think the home side just "goes through the motions" tonight. Lay the points, expect a blowout; the play is Philadelphia!

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8* CAVALIERS (SPECIAL)

Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot. I feel that this one will be decided in the closing moments. The 76ers are off a much-needed 144-114 win at home over Charlotte, snapping a 3-game slide. With a much more "winnable" game at the Pacers up next, I say the 76ers get caught "flat footed" here in this difficult road venue and off their big win. The Cavs though play with revenge after a 118-114 loss to the 76ers on March 16th. Note that Cleveland is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. The Cavs hit the road for 2 straight after this and hav to face the Nets and Bucks before the end of their season as well, so I say they take this revenge-spot VERY seriously; grab the points!

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10* CELTICS (ASSASSIN)

Boston has been on quite the roll over the last month and it'll now look to close out the final week strong. It's off a 128-123 home win over Indiana. It's dropped 2 straight ATS, but I think it recovers here and lays the hammer down on the Wizards. Washington has nothing to play for. The C's dismantled Washington by a score of 116-87 in Janaury and I expect a similar outcome here as well. Note, this game takes on added importance for Boston as well with three straight tough road games to end the season after this, including at Chicago, Milwaukee and Memphis respectively. In their final regular season home game, I expect the Celtics to push the pace from start to finish; lay the points, the play is BOSTON.

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8* WARRIORS (DESTRUCTION)

We're coming down the home stretch of the regular season with just over a week left to play. Both of these teams will be in the playoffs, but I simply feel that this one means a lot more to the home side. The Warriors are still without Steph Curry, but I expect the home side to step up here after 4 straight losses. The Warriors are deep and well coached. The Jazz are off a satisfying 122-109 win over the Lakers and I think they come in a bit complacent here. The Warriors play with revenge after a 111-85 slapping on Feb. 9, and note that GS is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 in trying to revenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent in which it was held to 90 or less points in. This one MEANS MORE to Golden State!

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10* NETS (ASSASSIN)

Brooklyn is just 1-2 in its last 3. It's off a 120-119 OT loss at home to the Bucks. The easily handled the Hawks though back in December by a score of 113-105 and I expect a similar outcome here as well. Atlanta comes in off 4 straight wins, including a 131-107 victory over Cleveland in its last outing. I simply feel this is a really bad matchup for the Hawks. Atlanta is also still just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 after 3 or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Look for the hungrier Nets to pull away down the stretch; lay the points!

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10* HEAT (GAME OF WEEK)

I base my picks on many different things. Sometimes I believe it's necessary to completely dissect a pick, looking at every stat possible, breaking down individual player matchups, looking at trends and scheduling, line movement and many other factors. Other times I believe that a more common sense approach is the best way to handicap a contest, and that's the case for this particular selection for sure. Miami is desperate to break out of its funk, as it comes in having lost 4 in a row SU and 7 in a row ATS. It also plays with revenge here after falling 115-113 at Sacramento as a 3.5-point fav on January 2nd. This is a big and important game for the Heat, even more so when considering their upcoming 3-game road trip after this vs. Boston, Chicago and Toronto. Sacramento is off B2B victories. It's won 3 straight ATS. Can anyone say predictable letdown spot here?! Especially with 2 straight games at lowly Houston up next?! Lay the points, expect a blowout of epic proportions!

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