This is a 10* play on DENVER

Washington was going to be in a tough spot here, regardless of last night's outcome. But losing 126-120 in overtime at Chicago was probably Wednesday's least ideal outcome. After Bradley Beal tied the game in the closing seconds of regulation, the Wizards went 0 for 6 from the field in OT. It was their third loss in four games and this one really stung considering how bad the Bulls are and that they were without two of their top players. Now Washington has to deal with Denver, one of the top teams in the league. Sure this one is at home, but the Wizards are just 2-5 ATS their last seven games vs. teams with winning records. The Nuggets come in having won four in a row. They just took care of the Celtics, in Boston, and now trail Golden State by just one-half game for first place in the Western Conference. They've also been off for the last two days. This is probably one of the worst possible opponents for the Nuggets tonight, home or not. Play on DENVER

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This is an 8* play on WASHINGTON

The Wizards are still technically alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but on life support. To remain viable, they must win tonight in Chicago. Fortunately, the task should not be that difficult against a Bulls team that is just 8-27 at home and getting consistently hammered. The Bulls did win their last time out, beating Phoenix 116-101 on the road. But before that it was five straight losses, three of them by 16 or more points. The last time these teams played was here in the Windy City and Washington won 134-125 with a similar pointspread. It's a but suspicious as to why the oddsmakers wouldn't have adjusted. At least a little bit. Since that time, the Wizards are just 1-6 on the road and they just lost 116-95 at home to Utah. But they'd also gone 7-1 ATS in the eight games prior to getting blown out by the Jazz. This is a game the Wizards should win with ease. Play on WASHINGTON

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This is an 8* play on ORLANDO

Orlando needs to take advantage here of a New Orleans team that has basically thrown in the towel on the 2018-19 season. Anthony Davis has been relegated to limited minutes in the wake of his highly publicized trade demand and the team's fortunes essentially sunk right after those demands were made. The Pelicans are officially eliminated from playoff contention in the Western Conference as they've fallen to 11 games below .500. Defense is non-existent here with them allowing 116.1 points per game, which is tied for the most in the West. They've allowed 122 or more points in six straight games. Orlando has held its last two opponents under 100 and its last four all to 105 or less. This will be the Magic's third straight game at home vs. a non-playoff team. They've won the previous two by double digits. The Magic are 7-2 ATS their last nine home games. Play on ORLANDO

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This is an 8* play on SACRAMENTO

One of these teams (Brooklyn) will likely make the playoffs while the other (Sacramento) will not. But a pretty strong case can be made that the non-playoff team is better and the respective designations are simply a byproduct of the two uneven conferences. Sacramento, despite having little shot at making the playoffs, is in a good spot here. They've covered three straight, including a 129-102 win over the Bulls on Sunday. Shockingly, the Kings have been an outstanding bet when favored this season, going 15-4 ATS (17-2 SU). They are favored here to beat a Brooklyn team that seems to have hit a wall. A seven-game road trip has opened with three straight losses as the Nets have fallen to 11-16 SU vs. the Western Conference. Like Sacramento, the Nets typically take care of business when they're favored. They've been favored 24 times and won 20 of those games. But as an underdog, they're just 16-32 SU. With it being a short number, we'll lay it!  Play on SACRAMENTO

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This is an 8* play on UTAH

Utah comes to Washington D.C. in search of a win and should get it at the expense of the struggling Wizards. The Jazz have won and covered each of their last three games. While all three games were against lesser opponents, they did win by double digits every time. All three wins were by at least 16 points, including a wire to wire beatdown of Brooklyn on Saturday. Washington has actually gone 7-1 ATS its last eight games and just put up 135 points in a surprising performance against Memphis two days ago. But it's been a long time since they were able to beat the Jazz. The last five meetings have all gone Utah's way and this one will too, by a rather comfortable margin, considering how poor the Wizards are defensively. Utah has covered 7 of its last 9 games vs. teams with losing records. Play on UTAH

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This is a 10* play on CHARLOTTE

Miami really let one slip away Friday night. They were facing Milwaukee and up by 20 points at halftime. This was at home too. The Bucks were 1-100 SU all-time when trailing by 20+ at the half, including 0-77 on the road. The Heat were 51-0 SU all-time when leading by that much at half, here at home. Guess what? They lost 113-98, becoming the 1st team in league history to be up 20 at the half and still lose by 15. It's going to be very difficult to get over that loss. Now in comes Charlotte, who directly gained from the Heat's pain. Also on Friday, Charlotte beat Washington to pull within one game of Miami, who holds the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets have some revenge on the mind Sunday as they just lost at home to Miami, 91-84, on March 6th. It's important to note that the Heat actually play worse at home (where they have a losing SU record) as opposed to the road. They are just 4-9 ATS the last 13 games at home. They are 2-9 ATS their previous 11 division games. We say to take the points here. Play on CHARLOTTE

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This is an 8* play on MEMPHIS

Memphis is catching points and catching Washington in the second game of a back to back tonight. That's a combo that works in their favor. The Wizards lost last night, falling 116-110 to Charlotte right here at home. Bradley Beal scored 40 points, but the Wizards were down 14 at the end of the first quarter and 17 heading into the fourth. Memphis is rested as they've been off for two days and likely motivated considering they were torched for 132 points by Atlanta of all teams in their last game. Going into that game, the Grizzlies were #1 in the league in scoring defense. It was the most points they allowed in any game all year. A bounce back seems likely given the way they had been playing. Memphis is 4-2 SU/5-1 ATS this month with wins over both Portland and Utah. Play on MEMPHIS

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This is a 10* play on DETROIT

On Monday, the Pistons chose a poor time to turn in their worst effort in months. They were dominated from start to finish by the Nets in a 103-75 loss. That cost them sixth place in the Eastern Conference, perhaps a meaningless distinction, but beating the teams you're competing with for playoff positioning is important this time of year. It's a similar matchup for Wednesday as the Pistons travel to Miami. The Heat are in 8th place right now, three games back of the Pistons.  But that precious "breathing room" isn't something Detroit wants to be conceding right now. The good news is the Pistons haven't dropped back to back games since the All Star Break. They've gone 12-3 SU the last 15 games and the last time they were off a loss, they responded with a 129-93 win, on the road no less. Miami has actually played worse at home this year (15-19 SU) than on the road (16-16) and just gave up 125 points on almost 57% shooting Sunday to Toronto. So Detroit should shoot a lot better here than they did vs. Brooklyn, a game they finished 27% from the field. The previous three games all saw them shoot better than 53.5%. The Pistons are the better team here. Play on DETROIT

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This is a 10* play on INDIANA

It certainly looks like it will be a tough three-way fight for the #3 seed in the Eastern Conference between Indiana, Philadelphia and Boston. Getting that #3 seed is crucial, not only for the home court advantage in the 1st round of playoffs, but it also allows that team to avoid playing either of the other two teams in question. Indiana has done itself no favors by losing its last two games, but they have a certified "layup" tonight when they host the league-worst Knicks. The two games that the Pacers just lost both came on the road and were against Milwaukee and Philadelphia. At home, this team is 25-9 SU and holding opponents to almost 100 PPG (100.1 to be exact). I expect the Pacers offense to be MUCH better tonight than it was against the Bucks and Sixers, who both held them under 100 points. The Knicks are atrocious defensively as they give up 114.5 PPG on the road. After winning three of four surrounding the All Star Break, New York has reverted to its losing ways by dropping six straight games. They've been held below 100 in three straight and those games were against teams that aren't even good defensively. The three teams (Suns, Kings, Timberwolves) all actually rank in the bottom 10 in points allowed. The Knicks have lost 38 of their last 43 games. Play on INDIANA

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This is an 8* play on DETROIT

Both of these teams are trying to get into the playoffs, which (even in the Eastern Conference) would be considered a significant achievement. The Pistons have made the playoffs only once (2016) in the last decade and have not won a playoff series since their run of six straight Eastern Conference Finals, which ended in '08. The Nets have missed the playoffs 8 of the last 11 years including each of the last three. So the fact both might make it makes this an important game. Detroit is simply playing better right now. Their 131-108 win over the Bulls yesterday puts them an impressive 5-0 SU/ATS in March and 12-2 SU (11-3 ATS) their last 14 games overall. Brooklyn has won three straight, but had won only 5 of its previous 15 games before that. They are also 1-4 ATS so far this month. You might think that the Pistons are at a bit of a disadvantage playing in the second game of a back to back, but it was an early game Sunday and an easy victory. The Pistons are 6-3 ATS playing without rest anyway and averaging 123 PPG in March on 52.5% shooting. They are a tough team to beat right now. Play on DETROIT

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This is a 10* play on ORLANDO

Orlando is trying to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, which is an achievable goal as they are just one game back of eighth place Miami. If they were to accomplish the goal, it would be the first time in the playoffs for the Magic since the Dwight Howard era, which ended back in 2012. That's a serious drought, so while we can talk about how depth shy the East is this year, that hardly matters to the Magic. Dallas is not going to make the playoffs out West and if there was any thought that they might make a late run, that's been killed by them winning just once in the last nine games. Recently, they've taken some very terrible losses, one by 30 at home to Memphis and another by 39 at Brooklyn. The Mavs only have six road wins all year, which is tied for the second fewest in the league. Orlando has dropped two in a row, but both games were on the road. Tonight is their only home game for the first 13 days of March, so they should play well. Don't be afraid to lay the points as they are in a good spot here. Play on ORLANDO

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This is an 8* play on SACRAMENTO

Expect the narrative of "BOSTON IS BACK" to start flying after the Celtics just handed Golden State its worst home loss EVER (33 points) under Steve Kerr. But with a quick turnaround, against a Sacramento team that has been a major surprised, the good times may not last long. Let's not forget the Celtics had lost five of six since the All Star Break prior to last night's shocking triumph out in Oakland. The Kings have the league's 2nd best ATS record at 37-26 and that includes a 22-11 mark at home. The fact that they're no longer favored (line jumped the fence after Boston won last night) is a little disappointing based on the fact they are 15-2 SU/13-4 ATS as chalk. The Kings did a good job defensively in their last game. Granted, it was the Knicks, but Boston is only 3-7 ATS when playing the second night of a back to back and they average just 105 PPG. Play on SACRAMENTO  

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This is an 8* play on CHICAGO

This is the second night of a back to back for both teams. Philly won last night, beating Orlando 114-106, while Chicago lost 105-96 to Indiana. Those results are pretty "par for the course" for the respective seasons the two teams are having, but we like the Bulls getting points at home tonight. The 76ers are nowhere near as strong on the road (16-14) as they are at home (25-9) and laying points on the road can certainly be tricky. Joel Embiid is still absent from the Philly lineup, leaving them very thin in the frontcourt. They were lucky to have a strong 1st half last night vs. Orlando (scored 70 pts) as they only scored 44 in the 2nd half. Meanwhile, Chicago had the lead with just over seven minutes to go last night in Indiana before wilting down the stretch. They'd also won five of their previous seven games. An upset here is a real possibility. Play on CHICAGO

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This is an 8* play on DETROIT

Though they did beat Oklahoma City last night, this is going to be a really tough spot for Minnesota here. That was a home game vs. the Thunder and now it's back on the road where they've lost three in a row and are just 9-24 this season. Detroit has really started to gain some steam, winning 9 of its last 11, and both losses took place on the road. All things considered, laying a short number like this seems to be a "no-brainer." The Pistons have had two days off to prepare and just beat the Raptors. Making that win even more impressive is the fact they were playing the second night of a back to back. The Timberwolves are just 2-7 SU in that scenario this season with all seven losses taking place out on the road. The T'wolves are terrible defensively and the Pistons have not lost a home game since Feb 2. This is a big game for Detroit as a win gets them above .500 for the first time since Dec 19. Play on DETROIT

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This is an 8* play on HOUSTON

We won by taking the Rockets Sunday in Boston and now they head up to Canada to face another Eastern Conference power, that obviously being the Raptors. Boston's recent struggles made them an easy fade against a Houston squad that has clearly found its stride during a five game win streak. Beating a better Toronto team may prove more difficult, but given the ease with which the Rockets downed the Celtics (won by 11 and it wasn't even really that close), simply winning here would not be that "big of a deal." The Rockets are now 19-9 SU when James Harden, Chris Paul and Clint Capella are all in the starting lineup. That threesome being on the floor together was crucial in the Rockets finishing last season with the best record in the regular season. Toronto just lost to Detroit over the weekend. There was no Kawhi Leonard in that game, but him being back tonight won't be enough to get by this red hot Houston team. Play on HOUSTON

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This is a 10* on SAN ANTONIO

Denver is off a couple of head scratching defeats, both at home no less. One was to Utah, which would seem like not that big of a deal, but the Jazz were playing short-handed in that game. But more puzzling was the Nuggets losing to the Pelicans on Saturday, as 12.5-point favorites, game where they didn't even have to face Anthony Davis. I said to take New Orleans plus the points in that one and even I was surprised at the final result, especially considering NO trailed by as many as 19 at one point. Now the Nuggets must to go to San Antonio where the Spurs have won back to back games. They beat a hot Detroit team and a very good Oklahoma City team, both at home, in those last two games. This win streak comes on the heels of the annual "Rodeo Road Trip" which went very poorly vs. the Spurs this year (1-7 SU and ATS). The Spurs have now won six straight home games. These teams split a home and home back in late December with the home team winning both games. Look for that trend to continue here. Play on SAN ANTONIO

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This is an 8* play on HOUSTON

The Celtics remain a clear fade for us as even when they won Friday night vs. Washington, they still trailed in the second half. That win came on the heels of a four-game losing streak to start the 2nd half of the season. We'd just played against them Wednesday when they lost at home to Portland. It's a similar setup Sunday as they welcome in a Houston team that has won four in a row. Boston couldn't beat the Blazers (who were on a similar win streak) and it's tough seeing them beating the Rockets either. In the five games since All Star Weekend concluded, the Celtics are averaging only 101.4 points per game and have been held under the century mark three times. Houston has averaged 116.4 points per game since the break, topping 118 each of the last four games. The Rockets were short-handed for their last game, but still found a way to win on the road despite trailing Miami by as much as 21 points in the second half. James Harden scored 58 points in the come from behind win. Houston won the season's first meeting 127-113 and you should  expect a similar type score today. Play on HOUSTON

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This is an 8* play on New Orleans

When looking at this line, you probably could have guessed that Anthony Davis will be sitting out for the Pelicans. You would be correct as the team played last night - and won - beating Phoenix 130-116. But given what a distraction Davis has become, maybe his absence isn't all that it's "cracked up to be?" The Pelicans shot the ball ridiculously well Friday night, especially from three-point range. It won't be that easy tonight in Denver, but they're also now getting a boatload of points. The Nuggets suffered a rare home defeat at the hands of Utah (who was short-handed) on Thursday, snapping a nine-game win streak here. Maybe the situation isn't all that ideal for New Orleans, but the pointspread is far too generous for a team that has covered 10 of its last 14 games. New Orleans usually scores a lot, whether Davis is in the lineup or not, and that makes covering against them as double digit chalk problematic to say the least. Play on NEW ORLEANS 

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This is a 10* play on OKLAHOMA CITY 

Oklahoma City has not covered any of its last four contests. The most recent one was a 121-112 loss at Denver. The previous three all saw them fail to cover as a favorite. The only SU win in this stretch was a double overtime game vs. Utah. Today, they'll host a Philadelphia team that has had its own problems since returning from All Star Weekend. The Sixers have won two of the games, but barely as they beat Miami by four and New Orleans by only one. Depending when one bet that New Orleans game, it could have been a win or loss. Using the closing line of Sixers -2.5, it would be the third straight ATS loss for the team. I think some may be surprised over the size of this line, but remember Philly still doesn't have Joel Embiid. With a healthy Embiid in the lineup, they lost to the Thunder last month. They also won't have Boban Marjanovic in the lineup tonight. But perhaps more pertinent of all here is the Thunder's 19-game win streak over the Sixers, which is the longest active streak by one team over another in the league. Philly has beaten OKC just one time since the move from Seattle -- in 2008. Love the Thunder here as they are due to break out. Play on OKLAHOMA CITY

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This is an 8* play on Portland

I think its pretty apparent that Boston has a lot of problems going on right now. Last night, they were handed their worst defeat of the season, by Toronto, 118-95. They have little time to sulk as tonight they return home to face the red-hot Blazers. The Celtics are now 0-3 since the break and rapidly running out of excuses. Now all three losses did take place on the road. But Portland has had no such difficulty winning on the road, going 3-0 there since the break. It's a four-game win streak overall for the Blazers, who have also covered the spread in all four games. The latest win came in Cleveland Monday night by a score of 123-110. When coming off a double digit victory this season, Portland has gone 16-5 ATS in its next game. Given the recent form of the two teams here, I don't know how one can make a case for Boston, who is also 3-6 ATS playing in the second night of a back to back. Play on PORTLAND

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This is an 8* play on NEW ORLEANS

I've bet against Philadelphia each of their last two games and gone 2-0 ATS. They barely got by Miami, winning by just four points at home. Then they got blown out by Portland, also at home. Now they take their act on the road and one player that won't be making the trek to the Big Easy is Joel Embiid. Embiid has missed those last two games, so that helps explain the slide. But giving up 130 points to the Blazers was definitely not a good look, Embiid or no Embiid. New Orleans just beat the Lakers Saturday night and did so with Anthony Davis not even suiting up. Davis should play tonight and he'd join seven teammates that were in double figures vs. LA, a 128-point effort that included the Pelicans highest scoring 1st quarter (43 points) all season. The Pelicans have an 18-11 record at home and thus looking like a strong play on the Monday card. Philly has gotten to play six out of its last seven games at home with the one road game coming against the Knicks. Their record is only .500 (14-14 SU) on the road. Play on NEW ORLEANS

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This is a 10* play on DETROIT

Initially, things weren't looking so good for Indiana without Victor Oladipo. They lost the first four games after it was announced their leading scorer was done for the year with a knee injury. But since then, the Pacers are 8-1 with the only loss coming to the team with the league's best record, Milwaukee. They've gone 7-2 ATS in those games. But on Monday, it appears as if they'll have to overcome more injuries with Myles Turner and Tyreke Evans still on the questionable list. They'll also have to overcome a Detroit team that is starting to build some of its own momentum after winning five out of its last six. That win streak has the Pistons in the coveted eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. They just went on the road and whipped Miami by 23 points. Tonight is a big revenge game in the Motor City as the Pistons lost to the Pacers by 37 back in December. Indiana is only 1-4 ATS on the division road and I think they are poised to lose another tonight. Play on DETROIT

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This is a 10* play on CLEVELAND

Cleveland is actually favored here as they are coming off a win and Memphis is off a loss, last night, to the Clippers. While the idea of the Cavs laying points may scare off some, I think the situation calls for it as their opponents are both unrested and incredibly short-handed. Going on the road in the second night of a back to back is bad enough for a slumping Memphis team, but doing so without Jaren Jackson Jr, who was the #4 pick in last year's draft, makes things even tougher. The Grizzlies have lost 15 of their last 19 games anyway and are 9-21 SU on the road. The fact that they blew a fourth quarter lead last night makes this even tougher. Cleveland played one of its better games of the season Thursday night, beating Phoenix 111-98 and they led comfortably most of the way. Kevin Love is now back, so the Cavs aren't as bad as they look on paper. Memphis is 2-6 SU and ATS in the second game of a back to back this year. Play on CLEVELAND 

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This is an 8* play on PORTLAND

Despite an off-night from leading scorer Damian Lillard, the Blazers were still able to go on the road and beat Brooklyn - handily - Thursday night, winning by a final score of 113-99. They were just three-point favorites. One has to imagine Lillard will play better here, even if it is against a tougher opponent. He shot just 5 of 21 against the Nets. This is a 26.0 PPG scorer mind you, now backed by Enes Kanter, who contributed 18 pts and nine rebounds in his Blazers debut. As for Philly, they struggled to beat the Heat here Thursday night as they were without Joel Embiid. It looks like they'll be without their starting center for at least a week, so those struggles could continue even with a strong-looking roster. They trailed Miami going into the fourth quarter and with as little as 1:56 to go. While a late surge got them the win, the Sixers still failed to cover, which was good as I bet against them. I'll do the same again here knowing that Portland crushed them earlier this year by 34, another game where the Sixers didn't have Embiid. Philly is a season-best 17 games over .500 right now and likely to drop a game or two. The Blazers are 14-5 ATS coming off a double digit win. Play on PORTLAND

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This is a 10* play on CHARLOTTE

Charlotte starts the 2nd half of their season with a key division home game vs. Washington. The Hornets, unlike the Wizards, are likely playoff bound this year thanks to a watered down Eastern Conference. But just because the East is so watered down doesn't mean the Hornets should take a playoff berth for granted. They lost four of five going into All Star Weekend, but now return home where they are a very strong 19-9 SU while averaging 113.3 PPG. Though the loss took place a while ago, there is revenge in play here with the Wizards, who beat the Hornets 130-126 back on December 29th. But that was in D.C. and back when Washington still had John Wall in the lineup (Wall is done for the year). The Wiz are a really lousy road team (8-23 SU) and road games where the oddsmakers expect a lot of scoring have REALLY been their undoing. The team's ATS record in away games with a total of at least 230 pts is 0-6-1 and they've lost all seven straight up. Charlotte is 1-9 SU in games where Tony Parker doesn't play, but he's expected back in the lineup for tonight. Cody Zeller is also now healthy. I look for the Hornets to roll in their first game since the break. Play on CHARLOTTE

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This is an 8* play on MIAMI

I'll be playing both the side and total in this Miami-Philly game. For the side, I'm taking the Heat plus the points. They'll be getting both Goran Dragic and Derrick Jones Jr back in the rotation tonight. This is great news, particularly with Dragic, who is their starting point guard. To me, this is too many points for Philly to be laying in the first game after a long layoff. It's a situation that's conducive to suffering an upset. I know the 76ers look strong on paper, but Joel Embiid isn't playing tonight. He's going to miss the next week due to a knee injury. I know it's been awhile since they last played, but the Sixers are just 5-12 ATS off a double digit win. Before the All Star Break, they beat the Knicks by 15. Miami won at Dallas right before the Break and Dallas is a good home team. They can win here as well. Take the points. Play on MIAMI

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This is a 10* play on ATLANTA

The Knicks are setting a new benchmark for futility. They lost again last night, 126-111 to Philadelphia. That makes it 18 in a row. Since November 25th, they have lost 33 of 36 games. Two of their three wins were games that went to overtime (both two point wins) and the other was against the Lakers without LeBron. Playing in the second night of a back to back, right before going on break, I don't see the Knicks turning things around here. Yes, they've beaten Atlanta twice this year. But that'll have the Hawks extra motivated tonight. The Hawks picked up a nice win Tuesday against the Lakers (who had LeBron). This should not be a hard game for them. It's a rare spot where they're favored tonight, but it's certainly an ideal opponent. The Knicks will put up no resistance as they are 1-9 SU on no rest this year, losing by an average of 11 PPG. Play on ATLANTA

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This is a 10* play on INDIANA

Indiana continues to surprise despite being without Victor Oladipo. Monday saw them win for a sixth straight time, 99-99 over Charlotte. They got off to a fast start in that one and were able to hold on after jumping out to 16-point halftime lead. They're 5-1 ATS during the six-game win streak and getting points tonight against Milwaukee. The Bucks, who continue to lead the Eastern Conference, have been equally as hot - if not hotter. They've won and covered seven of their last eight, including an easy one in Chicago Monday night. But this has all the makings of an "upset" with the Pacers already being 4-1 SU/ATS in the home dog role this season. It's pretty clear to me that this team isn't being given the proper credit right now due to the Oladipo injury. But the rest of the team has more than picked up the slack. This is a strong defensive group and the last time they hosted Milwaukee, the result was a 113-97 win with only 12 points from Oladipo. Indiana is 22-7 SU at home and a great value here getting points. Play on INDIANA

AAA

This is an 8* Play on Philadelphia 

Kyrie Irving won't play tonight for Boston and that means big trouble for the Celtics going up against a 76ers team that has really begun to hit its stride. I took Philly Sunday, laying a similar number to the Lakers. They won 143-120, easily covering the number. I expect the same here. With Tobias Harris on board, the Sixers have as strong a starting five as any team in the league outside of Golden State. They are also 23-6 straight up here at home where they are winning by an average of almost 10 PPG. Boston has lost two straight, both as favorites. After losing at the buzzer to the Lakers last Thursday, they blew a huge lead against the Clippers Saturday and lost by double digits as double digit favorites. The Celtics are only a .500 team on the road (13-13 SU) and they are 3-6 (both SU and ATS) as an underdog this season. Philadelphia is 71-43 ATS its L114 home games and is in top form right now. Don't expect them to take the Celtics lightly as they're 0-2 against them this season, including an OT loss on Christmas Day. This is their revenge. Play on PHILADELPHIA

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This is an 8* Play on PORTLAND

The last time Portland came to Oklahoma City, the number was only +4. While the Thunder did win that day, 123-114, one can only presume the real reason for the spike in the line is that the Blazers had to play Sunday and the Thunder did not. It was the closest of losses for Portland yesterday as they went down 102-101 after getting outscored 24-9 in the fourth quarter by Dallas. That should have them pretty eager to suit up this evening. OKC has won 10 of 11, but this looks to be too high of a spread in game between two of the top four teams in the Western Conference. Even with yesterday's loss, Portland has still won 7 of 10. All things considered, these teams are pretty even. OKC was a slight dog when it won at Houston Saturday. That's a Rockets team just below the Blazers in the Western Conference standings. Portland is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS loss. Play on PORTLAND

AAA

This is a 8* play on DETROIT

It won't take many wins (38?) to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference this year. But regardless of how many it does take, there's no denying that both the Pistons and Wizards are coming off "good weeks" as far as keeping their postseason hopes relevant goes. Washington is coming off two straight wins while Detroit has won three in row. Now the Wizards happened to beat Chicago and Cleveland, two of the very worst teams in the league. The Pistons are coming off a home and home sweep of the Knicks, who have the worst record in the league. So there's really no need to alter our reads on the respective teams. Washington is still a really bad road team with an ATS record of 8-20 away from home (8-21 SU). So there's not much argument to be made for liking them getting such a short number. The Pistons are more rested coming into tonight and recent home wins over Dallas and Denver indicate that this should not be a hard number to cover. Washington is 5-21 ATS the L26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Detroit has a 16-13 SU record at home. Play on DETROIT

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This is a 10* play on CLEVELAND

It's the teams with the two worst records in the league meeting Monday night in Cleveland. The Cavaliers (11-45) are a half game up on the miserable Knicks, who have lost 16 in a row. That streak matches the worst in franchise history. They've also lost 24 of 25 and 29 out of the last 31. While this may seem to be the Knicks best chance at winning in a long time, the same holds true for the Cavs, who come in as the favorite for only the fifth time all season. The Knicks already lost once here in Cleveland, two months ago, by a score of 113-106. Kevin Love could play tonight for the Cavs, who are likely to be the more motivated team by virtue of playing at home. This very likely will be an ugly game, but predicting the Knicks to win on the road seems a bit foolish. Therefore, I will "hold my nose" and take Cleveland, who has actually won three times since the Knicks last won a game. Play on CLEVELAND

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This is a 10* play on PHILADELPHIA

About two weeks ago the Sixers beat the Lakers 121-105. They were 7.5 point favorites on the road. If any of that sounds odd to you, be aware that LeBron James did not play. Obviously, there needs to be some sort of adjustment made by the oddsmakers now that LeBron is back in the Lakers lineup. But a Lakers team that is simply mediocre at best should still be a bigger underdog for this rematch in Philly. The Sixers are also stronger now than they were two weeks ago, thanks to the Tobias Harris trade. In terms of a starting five, the 76ers have one of the best groups in the league. They just beat a very good Denver team by seven here at home on Friday. That same night saw the Lakers win in Boston, but the win came on a buzzer beater and that was after they trailed the Celtics by as many as 18 points. Remember that with James in the lineup, the Lakers lost by 42 to an Indiana team (Wednesday) that no longer has Victor Oladipo. The 76ers are 22-6 SU at home this year and 70-43 ATS their L113 home games. Play on PHILADELPHIA 

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This is a 10* play on UTAH

Utah is hot, San Antonio is not. It's as simple as that Saturday night for this Western Conference clash. The Jazz have won 13 of their last 18 games, mirroring last year's second half surge. They are also 9-2 the L11 home games. The Spurs have not gotten off to a good start on their annual "Rodeo Road Trip" as they're now 0-3 after tasting defeat in Portland Thursday night. I didn't like them in that spot (played against them) and with this being a third road game in four nights and fourth in six nights, it's just as difficult to see them winning - or even covering - here. Speaking of covering, that's something San Antonio has not done for six straight games. There were two meetings in December between these teams and the home team won handily both times. The Spurs have been a pretty bad road team as their record away from home is now 10-18 straight up. Of the two, Utah is the much better defensive team. All signs point to an easy Jazz victory tonight. Play on UTAH.

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This is an 8* play on MIAMI

Second time in a row we'll be playing against Sacramento. We chose to lay the points with Houston on Wednesday and they really handed it to the Kings in a 127-101 game. That snapped Sacramento's three-game win streak. Maybe the most surprising thing about the Kings is how they've made the most of the times that they've been favored. They've gone 12-1 straight up and 11-2 against the spread in those games and come in as chalk tonight vs. Miami. But give me the Heat and the points after they just upset the Blazers in Portland Tuesday night. Miami is 8-2 ATS after winning a game outright as a dog. They have a 15-8 ATS record as an underdog and have covered 16 of their 25 road games so far. I do not see the Kings staying above .500 for too long. They're still weak defensively. Miami has revenge for an early season loss at home. Play on MIAMI

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This is a 10* play on PORTLAND

San Antonio essentially waved the proverbial "white flag" last night as it sat both DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge against Golden State. Thus, the final result was rather predictable and sure enough they lost 141-102. Not that they had much of a chance, but giving up 49 pts in the third quarter certainly didn't help. The Spurs are now 0-2 to start the annual "Rodeo Road Trip" as they also lost in Sacramento Monday. Though DeRozan and Aldridge will presumably both play tonight, it's not like Portland is an easy place to play. And the Blazers are looking to bounce back from an embarrassing loss they suffered on Tuesday to Miami, also a National TV game. I don't see Portland losing two in a row at home, so lay the points. Play on PORTLAND

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This is a 10* Play on Houston

Houston is at the end of a four-game road trip here. But I expect them to play well against the overachieving Kings. In the second game of a back to back on Monday, they won by eight at Phoenix. That followed a very impressive performance at Utah where they won by 27. The Kings have won three in a row, all at home, and just upset the Spurs Monday. Who would have thought they'd be three games over .500 after 53 games? Not I. Things are starting to come together for the Rockets with Chris Paul back in the lineup. Earlier this season, they blew Sacramento out by 20 points. The Kings still give up too many points to be taken seriously. Houston covers the small number. Play on HOUSTON

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This is an 8* play on the LAKERS

All of a sudden, Indiana has won two in a row. This is a rather dramatic turn from the way things had been going since the season-ending injury suffered by leading scorer Victor Oladpio. Before beating the Heat and Pelicans, the Pacers had lost four in a row. They're still struggling to score as they've averaged less than 100 PPG in the six games withould Oladipo. The 109 they scored last night in New Orleans was the most of any of the six games. This being the second night of a back to back, it's tough to like the Pacers chances. Last night, they faced New Orleans without Anthony Davis. Tonight, it's the Lakers with a returning LeBron James. The Lakers will be rested and ready, James in particular, as he sat out Saturday's loss to the Warriors. James' official return to the lineup was two nights earlier and the Lakers beat the Clippers 123-120. They're a team fighting to get back into the top eight in the Western Conference and tonight's matchup is theirs for the taking. Play on LA LAKERS

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This is an 8* play on PHOENIX

Houston could not possibly have played any better than it did Saturday in Utah. Against a very hot Jazz team, they won going away, 125-98 as seven-point pups. James Harden continued his record-setting streak with 43 points, his 26th game in a row scoring 30 or more. With Chris Paul likely to play tonight, the expectation is going to be the Rockets will roll in Phoenix. After all, the Suns are a team they have beaten eight consecutive times. Furthermore, Phoenix is on a season-worst 10-game losing streak right now and second leading scorer T.J. Warren is M.I.A. But, I'm here to advise that you should "pump the brakes" on what has been a wildly inconsistent Houston team that is 11-14 on the road and playing a third game in four nights. The Rockets are 5-14 ATS after topping 115 points in their last game. Phoenix was actually favored in their last game when they lost at home to Atlanta. They are 2-0 ATS this season when coming off an outright loss as a favorite. Play on PHOENIX

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This is an 8* play on DETROIT

This will be the Pistons first game since blowing a 25-point lead to the Clippers over the weekend. Playing at home, they should come out motivated. It's a tough opponent they're hosting as Denver has won six straight. They're 37-15 SU and tied with Golden State for the best record in the Western Conference. But the Nuggets may very well be road weary as this will be the fourth time playing away from home in the last seven games with two more away dates to come this week. They barely escaped Minnesota with a one-point win on Saturday. The fact that they've been so successful in spite of so many injuries is what's particularly shocking.  Two starters are still out for tonight. Detroit badly needs a win to stay in the playoff hunt as they are two games back of the 8th spot right now. Denver is just 14-11 SU on the road (23-4 SU at home) and has been outscored in those games. Play on DETROIT

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This is a 10* play on BOSTON

Oklahoma City bring a seven-game win streak into Boston Sunday, which is a season-best. They are now just 3.5 games back of Denver & Golden State in the Western Conference. Paul George is playing at a MVP-level right now as he scored 43 points in the Thunder's last win, which came Friday night in Miami by score of 118-102. But I still believe Boston to be the better team in this matchup. The Celtics have won eight of nine, the only loss coming by four points to Golden State. There's now some manufactured "drama" surrounding Kyrie Irving's future with the team, but the present still looks very bright. The Celtics may only be in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, but they have a better point differential than the Thunder. I expect them to go on a big second half run. While OKC is 7-2 ATS as an underdog this year, Boston deserves to be favored by more than the "token" three points in this matchup. They are 36-17 ATS their last 53 home games. Play on BOSTON

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This is an 8* play on SACRAMENTO

This is a prime letdown spot for Philly after they beat the Warriors Thursday night. The Kings are not as bad as you, or anyone else, thinks. Thanks to some of the best three-point shooting in the league, they have been able to stay above .500 past the mid-season mark for the 1st time in forever. Something else noteworthy here is that the Sixers are a below average team on the road. This is the end of a pretty tough trip for them, one that has seen them play Denver, the Lakers and Golden State. They've managed to win the last two, but their tank may be near empty tonight. The Kings scored 135 points in their last game and anything close to that tonight will make them hard to beat. Play on SACRAMENTO

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This is an 8* play on the BUCKS

The two top teams in the Eastern Conference square off up in Canada in this TNT matchup. The last time the Raptors and Bucks met, the former was able to win 123-116 in Milwaukee despite not having Kyle Lowry. But the Bucks were also in the second night of a back to back there and probably overconfident after scoring 144 points the previous night. Though their records are almost identical, all other number indicate the Bucks have been the superior team compared to the Raptors this year. Milwaukee has the best point differential in the sport right now at +10.0 PPG. Tuesday's win in Detroit kept them perfect this year when coming off a SU loss (13-0). The Bucks won the first two times they faced the Raptors, one of those wins coming in Toronto. The Bucks are also 4-2 straight up and against the spread as an underdog. Play on MILWAUKEE 

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This is a 10* play on DETROIT

Last Friday, Dallas beat Detroit 106-101. That game was at home though where the Mavs own an 18-7 straight up record. This time, the game is in the Motor City. The Mavs did win on the road last night, but that was against the team with the fewest wins in the league (New York). Their road record is still an ugly 5-20 SU and playing this rematch in the second night of a back to back does them no favors. The Pistons have played just one time since losing to Dallas and it was here at home, Tuesday, versus the Bucks. They lost by 10. But Milwaukee is one of the best teams in the league. Dallas has played eight back to backs this season. They are 1-7 straight up in the second game. Play on DETROIT

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This is an 8* play on CHICAGO

Brooklyn just lost a hard-fought game last night in Boston, by a score of 112-104. So having to turn around in 24 hours and lay an uncharacteristic amount of points seems dicey. Yes, they're playing the Bulls, a team that has won just one time in 2019. But Chicago's last two losses were by three and five points. The Nets had won six straight going into last night, but it's still a pretty rare sight to see them favored by so many points. They have recently covered similar spots against the likes of Atlanta and New York. But neither of those games were played in the second night of a back to back. The Nets are just 2-8 straight up and against the spread when unrested this season. Chicago comes in with a winning ATS record when on a losing streak of three or more games. They'll cover here. Play on CHICAGO

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This is an 8* play on DETROIT

Milwaukee has the best straight up record in the league (35-13) right now and a big reason for that is they have yet to drop back to back games this season. They are off a loss here. Sunday, Oklahoma City beat them, 118-112. For the record, the Bucks were a small underdog in that game. Tonight, they are pretty sizable favorite in Detroit. While it is pretty remarkable how well they have performed off a loss this season, going 12-0 SU (10-2 ATS) and winning by an average of 14.8 points per game, I think the potential for a "slip up" is present tonight. Detroit has been off for three days since concluding a road trip with a narrow defeat in Dallas. Tonight is a triple revenge spot as the Pistons look to avoid a season sweep at the hands of their division rival. The Pistons have played just two games on three or more days rest. They won both. Play on DETROIT 

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This is a 10* play on ORLANDO

As touched upon in the writeup for the Milwaukee-Detroit game, Oklahoma City picked up a big win Sunday at the Bucks expense. It was the fifth straight win for the Thunder overall. Paul George is playing at a MVP level right now and the entire team is shooting well from three-point land. But tonight's game in Orlando is trickier than it looks. The Magic may not be doing much winning of late, but they're not getting blown out either. Their last six losses have been by a total of 30 points. That's an average of just five points per game. Sunday found them leading the Rockets (on the road) by as much as 16 points before they wilted late and lost 103-98. Taking out games where they are favored at home, Orlando has a pretty good ATS record this year. Three of Oklahoma City's wins during the current win streak have been by six points or less. I can see them slipping up here. Play on ORLANDO

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This is a 10* play on the PACERS

Indiana's first game without Victor Oladipo resulted in a loss (at Memphis), but it's not as if the Pacers weren't competitive Saturday night. They lost by only three on the road despite getting out to a really slow start. Now staying competitive with Golden State is obviously a much more difficult proposition. Obviously, the Pacers cannot afford a similar slow start to the one we saw in Memphis. Lucky for them, this game takes place at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where they are 18-6 this season. Often times, we see the oddsmakers and public overreact to an injury. Losing Oladipo is a tough break, but had he been in the lineup tonight, my guess is the spread would be a lot closer to a pick 'em. Not sure Oladipo is worth THAT much to the spread. Indiana is 7-5 SU with him out of the lineup this season. The Warriors are off a big-time road win in Boston and may not give this game their full attention. It's also at the end of a five-game road swing. The Pacers are a perfect 3-0 ATS as home dogs this season. Play on INDIANA

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This is an 8* play on the KNICKS

The Knicks are having a tough go of it this season, but I used them (plus the points) earlier in the week and came out ahead. That was against Houston, their last home game, and they lost by six while getting eight. That ATS win was followed up by a less than stellar performance in Brooklyn where they did NOT cover, losing by 10 as 8.5-point dogs. The losing streak has now hit eight in the Big Apple and the Knicks are 2-21 SU their last 23 games. The good news is the last time they were on an eight-game losing streak, they won, beating the Lakers. Tonight, they host Miami, who just failed to cover as a road favorite in Cleveland Friday. Before that, the Heat had lost four of five. Don't like them in the road favorite role at all. I wasn't afraid to take the points with the Cavs against the Heat and its the same story here. The home team has won the last five times these teams have played. Play on NEW YORK

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This is a 10* play on the MAVS

So Toronto comes into this game off two straight losses on the road. Both were close games. They lost to Indiana by four in what turned out to be Victor Oladipo's final game of the season. They lost to Houston by two, but never actually led in the game. Facing Dallas, the expectation will be for the Raptors to win. But Dallas has proven to be a tough out lately and all season for that matter when they're at home. The Mavericks' home record is now 18-6 SU following two straight wins (and covers) against the Clippers and Pistons. Typically, you'll see the Mavs play much better defense at home than on the road. That's definitely been the case the last two games. Luka Doncic is great and should be the Rookie of the Year. Hopefully, Dennis Smith Jr can find peace playing alongside Doncic. Dallas is 17-7 ATS at home, including a phenomenal 8-1 as an underdog. Play on DALLAS 

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This is a 10* play on the CAVS

It's "deja vu all over again" in Cleveland where the fanbase has to be feeling "2010 vibes." Of course, the 2010-11 season was a disaster as LeBron James had just decided to take his "talents" to South Beach. The Cavs would finish a league-worst 19-63 SU that year. Of course, everything worked out in the end as James returned and Cleveland won its first major professional sports championship in six decades. But eight years later, the Cavaliers have returned to the bottom of the league. They are 9-40 SU and have won only one time in the last 18 games. Somewhat ironically, they face LeBron's "other" former team tonight. As bad as things are, I expect Cleveland to cover. Miami has failed to score even 100 points in four of its last five games. They should not be laying this much weight to anybody on the road. Without Goran Dragic, turnovers have been an issue. This will be the Heat's 5th road game in 11 days. Cleveland is playing at home for just the 2nd time in 17 days, so maybe that motivates them?  Play on CLEVELAND

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This is a 10* play on the WIZARDS

Golden State rolls into Washington D.C. on an eight-game win streak. But the Wizards should be ready for this nationally televised affair Thursday night and they're playing a lot better since John Wall went down. Over the last 10 games, Washington's record is 7-3 straight up and 8-2 against the spread. Their last game, a 101-87 win over Detroit, saw them allow a season-low in points. The only home game they've lost in the new year was to Toronto, by two, and that game went to double overtime. The Warriors have hardly played a murderer's row of opponents lately. January's schedule has been filled with sub-.500 foes, save for that big win they had in Denver last Tuesday. The Wizards are six games below the Mendoza Line, but that doesn't mean they're out of it in the Eastern Conference. Not that the underdog needs any added motivation beyond hosting the NBA Champs on TNT. Washington is a good home team too. Their record at the Verizon Center is 14-8 straight up and they're 5-1 ATS when getting points. Play on WASHINGTON. 

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This is a 10* play on the KNICKS

The Knicks have very little going for them presently, but they are getting a nice number at home tonight against a Houston side that just got blown out Monday in Philadelphia. The Rockets reliance on James Harden, some would say over-reliance, has perhaps become a bit of a problem. Harden scored 37 on MLK Day, but the rest of the team did very little to support him, contributing only 56 points. Part of that is injuries to both Clint Capela and Chris Paul, which have them out of the lineup. Carmelo Anthony is long gone. Then again, offense doesn't matter much when you're giving up as many points as the Rockets have been lately. They are 4-12 ATS this season after giving up 115 or more points the last game. The Rockets are just 9-13 SU on the road this year, so I wouldn't put it past them to throw up another "clunker" tonight. Eventually, Harden's record-breaking streak of 30+ point games (now at 20 straight) is going to come to an end. Play NEW YORK

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This is an 8* play on the LAKERS.

The Lakers would appear to be severely outmanned here and have little chance of keeping up with the Warriors. But that's what the pointspread is for and I think this is way too many points for Golden State to be laying on the road. Only two nights ago, the Lakers took another quality team (Houston) into overtime and even led that game by as much as 21 points. Letting such a lead slip away is pretty painful, but it shows this team is ready to compete, even without LeBron James. Before that overtime game vs. the Rockets, the Lakers managed to beat the Thunder, also an overtime game. Those last two games were both on the road. Lonzo Ball is also now out, joining James on the bench, but at least this game takes place in the Staples Center where the Lakers are 15-9 SU. Also, don't sell this team's defense short. They've held their last five opponents to a 40.7 field goal percentage. It will be tough holding Golden State to that number, but it's going to take some "getting used to" for the Warriors and DeMarcus Cousins, who will playing just his second game tonight. I say take the points. Play on LA LAKERS. 

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This is a 10* play on BOSTON.

With three straight wins, the Celtics seem to have turned a bit of a corner. While two of those wins were against Memphis and Atlanta, both struggling teams, the other was over Toronto. The last time Boston lost a home game was all the way back on December 21st against Milwaukee, who has the best record in the league. For Martin Luther King Day, they will welcome in a Miami squad that's at the end of a four-game trip. The Heat's only win on this trip came in Chicago and today marks their third game in the last four days. Boston is in the same situation, but is at home and a better team. It's no accident that the Celtics are winning so much at home. The simply play better here, averaging 114.4 points while giving up just 103.8 points. Miami is the definition of average and just faced two very bad offensive teams. They'll have problems here trying to stop Kyrie Irving, who has averaged 30.5 points over the last four games and 35.0 in the last two. This is a revenge game for the Celtics, who lost by 11 down in Miami on an off-shooting night for Kyrie. Different story this time. Play on BOSTON

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This is an 8* play on CHARLOTTE.

The Suns and Hornets each last played on Thursday. The way those games went I believe will have a bearing on today's contest. Phoenix took a brutal loss up in Toronto, losing at the buzzer in a game effort. They were obviously big underdogs up in Canada, but fought hard throughout only to come up just short. This is a tough turnaround having to head down to Charlotte, who was quite successful on Thursday as they clobbered Sacramento 114-95. That was the Hornets second straight win as they'd previously upset San Antonio at the end of a six-game swing out West. At home, I think the Hornets have a pretty clear edge here. They recently (as in earlier this month) beat the Suns out in Phoenix, 119-113. The Suns shot 51.5% overall from the field in that game, including 10 of 25 (40%) from three-point range. They aren't likely to shoot that well again playing on the road. The Suns are an awful 4-18 away from home, getting outscored by almost 12 points per game. Charlotte is 15-8 at home and should win big Saturday. Play on CHARLOTTE 

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This is a 10* Play on the CLIPPERS.

This will be the Warriors third game in four nights. They have certainly scored plenty in the previous two. It was a 142-111 statement win in Denver Tuesday night. Wednesday saw them rally from behind for a 147-140 win over the Pelicans. Tonight they're in LA to face a desperate Clippers side that has lost four straight. Your first thought might be this is a terrible time to be facing the Warriors. After all, they'll be adding DeMarcus Cousins (making season debut) to an already historically great roster. But the Clips are no pushovers and getting this many points at home, they're a strong value play. Again, I'll point out that the Warriors did trail the Pelicans pretty significantly Wednesday. They were behind by 17 in the first half. Also, wouldn't it be fair to question if Cousins will disrupt their offensive rhythm? The Clippers are 6-0 ATS in Friday night games and they have already played the Warriors tough on two separate occasions. Once, at home, they beat them. The second time was a 2-point loss in Oakland. I'm taking the points in this ESPN matchup.  Play on LA CLIPPERS.

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This is a 10* play on DENVER.

Denver is coming off a humiliating loss Tuesday night to Golden State. They were beaten, at home, by a score of 142-111. Most notably they gave up a 51-point 1st quarter, which was a NBA record. Tonight they have an opportunity to take their frustration out on a lesser opponent. Let us not forget the kind of season the Nuggets are having. What happened Tuesday was just one game. This team is still 18-4 at home. They are still second in the Western Conference (and could even be tied for 1st depending what happens Wednesday night with Golden State vs. New Orleans). Bottom line is they are one of the best teams in the league. Tonight's opponent is one of the very worst in the league. Chicago has lost eight straight games. Four of the eight losses have been by 12 points or more. Even though they played the Nuggets tough very early in the year, the Bulls are just 2-7 ATS the last nine meetings. I expect the Nuggets to come out HIGHLY motivated in this one. Play on DENVER

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This is an 8* play on the KNICKS

This game takes place in London, hence the afternoon start time. As if things couldn't already be bad enough for the Knicks (have lost 17 of its last 19 games), they'll be playing this game without Enes Kanter. Kanter, their leading rebounder and third leading scorer, has opted to stay back in America over growing safety concens due to his feud with the Turkish President. Meanwhile, a curious thing has taken place with the Wizards (18-26 SU). They've played a whole lot better since losing John Wall for the season! They are also playing without Dwight Howard. Despite missing the two former All-Stars, Washington owns recent wins over Oklahoma City, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. But the Bucks didn't have Giannis in that game. Also, the Wiz's last game was a double OT loss to Toronto. That's the last thing they needed before this trip. The bottom line is that in a neutral setting like this, there's too many unknowns to lay this many points with a below average team like Washington. They are 2-6 ATS after allowing 130 or more points their last game. Play on NEW YORK.

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This is a 10* play on the CLIPPERS.

Games like this one are always going to be important considering the nature of the Western Conference where so many teams are bunched up. For the Clippers, who are on a three-game losing streak and desperate for a win, fortunately this game is taking place at the Staples Center. Though things have been a bit rough recently, at least they're still 6th in the Conference. They have a 14-8 SU record at home. Utah has heated up recently, but at the expense of some weak opponents, and they're still 9th in the West. The Jazz have a four-game win streak, but all four wins were at home and they came against Orlando, the Lakers (no LeBron), Chicago and Detroit. Hardly a "murderer's row" there. The Clippers are 17-7 ATS when favored. Play on LA CLIPPERS 

AAA

This is a 10* play on Denver.

I probably don't have to tell you what a big game this is. The big thing for Denver is getting it at home where they have an 18-3 record and have won 12 in a row. They've already beaten Golden State once this year here. Sure, it was by just two points, but that'll work again here. The Warriors are a surprising 10-10 straight up against teams with winning records and only 7-13 against the spread in those games. Denver has a half-game lead on them right now for 1st in the Western Conference. A key edge in this game lies on the defensive end. Golden State gives up 112.1 points per game on the road. Denver allows only 102.1 at home. Play on DENVER

AAA

This is a 10* PLAY ON THE CLIPPERS

Unless it happens to involve Phoenix, virtually every Western Conference game this year carries some meaning. Right now, you have 10 teams bunched up, just five games within one another. The difference between those 10 teams is 5th place and second from the bottom (14th). The Clippers and Pelicans happen to be two of the teams in this jumbled mess. Los Angeles is out in front, tied for 5th in the conference, while New Orleans is towards the bottom of the back and 4.5 games behind LA. The Clippers have the homecourt advantage tonight and that's huge considering the Pelicans terrible 5-17 road record. NO just lost up in Minnesota Saturday and the Clippers team that takes the court tonight will not be in a giving mood after losing themselves (as 7.5 point favorites) to Detroit, right here at home that same night. The Clippers, who are 17-7 ATS when favored, have come back to win three of the four times after they've previously suffered an outright loss as a favorite. The Pelicans may have Anthony Davis, but the Clippers have the deeper roster, which is evident by the fact they're currently on pace to have the highest scoring bench in three decades. New Orleans is one of the worst defensive teams in the league and gives up almost 115 PPG. Play on LOS ANGELES

AAA

This is an 8* play on the CAVS

The Cavs are very bad, but they will be highly motivated tonight to beat the Lakers even though the greatest and most famous player in Cleveland history (LeBron James) will not be playing. Any motivation lost from not facing James is made up by the fact that the Lakers are infinitely more beatable without him. Friday's loss in Utah was very ugly (shot 36%) and dropped LA to 3-6 since James got injured. So laying this many points with the Lakers right now seems most unwise. Yes, Cleveland has lost 12 in a row and just allowed 141 points in their last game (to Houston). But even when the Lakers had James, the Cavs took them down to the wire back in November, losing by only four points. After a string of horrible defensive performances, you have to think Cleveland is going to eventually "show up" for one of these games. I feel tonight is the night as the Lakers were rarely favored by this many even with James in the lineup. Play on Cleveland 

AAA

This is an 8* play on GOLDEN STATE

Again, a game where the favorite should roll to victory. I had the Warriors Tuesday night when they hosted the Knicks. I spelled it out that NY was in the wrong place at the wrong time and sure enough it was all Golden State in a 122-95 blowout. Tonight they face a comparable team to the Knicks in the Bulls. The Warriors have been off for two days while Chicago is playing its second road game in three nights. They gave up 124 points Wednesday in Portland, so you can just imagine how many Golden State should score tonight. Over the last five games, they have averaged 126 points/game. Chicago simply isn't capable of scoring anywhere close to that number and after scoring 112 in Portland, they're probably due for a downturn anyway. The Bulls have the worst offensive efficency in the league currently. This spread is at least several points too low as the Warriors already won by 25 in Chicago earlier in the year, scoring 149 (!) points in the process. Play on GOLDEN STATE

AAA

This is a 10* play on BROOKLYN.

Here's a game where I like the underdog. The Nets have risen to 6th in the Eastern Conference (entering Thursday), if you can believe that. They have won four out of their last five, two of them on the road and two as underdogs. Now winning in Toronto will not be easy. The Raptors have reclaimed the top spot in the East via a three-game win streak, which includes impressive triumphs over Milwaukee and Indiana. The last game was a bit of a sleepwalking-type effort though as they only beat Atlanta by three, right here at home. The following night the Nets took advantage of the Hawks being unrested and beat them by 16. While Kyle Lowry is back for the Raptors now, Jonas Valanciunas remains out for several more weeks. Brooklyn beat Toronto last month, albeit at home, doing so as an 8.5-point dog. They're actually playing much better now with a 13-4 SU record the last 17 games, topping Toronto's own 10-7 over the same stretch. Play on BROOKLYN

AAA

This is an 8* play on PHILADELPHIA

The 76ers should have an even easier time than expected with the Hawks tonight. Atlanta has lost two straight on the road and four out of its last five overall. They are just 12-29 SU and one of the clear bottom five teams in the league. Philadelphia has just been unbelievable when it comes to covering games at home the last three seasons, going 67-39 ATS. They need not worry about this high pointspread considering they've already beaten Atlanta by 21 on this floor, earlier this season. For further proof of how much better the Sixers are at home, look at what they just did vs. Washington, splitting a home and home. The performance on the road was terrible, but at home they put up 132 points. The Sixers are now 18-3 SU at home this year and averaging 117.3 PPG. They are 7-1 ATS following a double digit loss (lost 123-106 in Washington Wednesday) as well. Play on PHILADELPHIA

AAA

This is a 10* play on Denver.

I'd say it's fair to say this is a pretty important game in the Western Conference. Denver is one game up on Golden State for the top spot while the Clippers aren't too far behind, in fourth position, just 3.5 back of the Nuggets. But Denver has always enjoyed one of the league's strongest home court advantages and I'm a little surprised they're not favored by more here. They're 16-3 SU at the Pepsi Center so far this year and are outscoring teams here by a double digit margin. In their last game, the Nuggets won at Miami, 103-99 as a two-point dogs. That's a good sign for tonight as they're a perfect 5-0 against the spread when coming off an outright win as an underdog. The Clippers come in riding a three-game win streak, but those wins were against Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte, all sub-.500 teams. LA had better than usual defensive performances in those three wins, but I wouldn't expect such an effort to take place here considering they still allow more than 115 PPG on the road. This is a revenge game for the Nuggets as they lost to the Clippers by 21 at the Staples Center right before Christmas. Revenge will be sweet tonight. Play on DENVER 

AAA

THis is an 8* play on the PISTONS.

Under normal circumstances, the Pistons would not be a great bet in this price range, on the road, against the Lakers. But this is not a normal circumstance. The Lakers are playing without LeBron James and as we've seen that hasn't gone too well for them. Since James injured his groin Christmas Night against Golden State, LA is just 2-5 straight up. One of the two wins did come Monday, as 7.5-point dogs, in Dallas. But before that, they'd lost at home to the Knicks and gotten blown out in Minnesota. Now you need not tell me that Detroit has been floundering itself recently, but they'll come out highly motivated here to win a national TV game against a wounded foe. The Lakers are a poor 11-16 ATS when favored and 3-9 ATS vs. the Eastern Conference and remember most of those games were played with LeBron in the lineup. The Pistons aren't a great shooting team, but neither are the Lakers since LeBron went down. Play on DETROIT

AAA

This is an 8* play on Golden State

It's time for the Warriors to wake up and start playing like the Warriors. Tonight's home game against the 10-30 Knicks offers the perfect opportunity for that to happen. The Knicks had to play last night in Portland where they predictably lost by double digits. They're in no shape to compete here. It its true that they have covered three straight games, all on the road, including a win over the Lakers. But this is a team that has lost 14 of its last 16 games. The Lakers did not have LeBron James when the Knicks played them. Before that, the Knicks last SU win in regulation came all the way back on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Obviously, judging from the line here, the SU result is not what we're worried about. Golden State has been a home favorite of more than 12.5 points three times this season. They have covered all three times. After some shaky performances last week, they're rested and ready to blow somebody out. The Knicks happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Play on GOLDEN STATE 

AAA

This is an 8* play on DETROIT

The Pistons won for me as underdogs last week, beating Memphis as a 6.5-point road dog. They've since lost, here at home, 110-105 to Utah. The task gets no tougher tonight with San Antonio paying a visit. The Spurs have not only won 12 of their last 15 games, they've gone 13-2 against the spread. They are now sixth in the Western Conference, but playing as well as anyone. Look for this to be a letdown spot, however. This game falls smack dab in the middle of a home and home against the Grizzlies. The Spurs won by 20 the other night over Memphis, at home, but they're still only 6-12 SU on the road this season. A major change for them on the road is that they allow 114.7 points per game. At home, they allow 103.6 points per game. Detroit (17-20 SU) should come out highly motivated tonight seeing as they blew an 18-point first quarter lead to the Jazz on Saturday. The Pistons have gone 6-3 ATS against Western Conference teams this year. Play on DETROIT 

AAA

This is a *10* play on the BULLS

The 19-21 Nets have played surprisingly well of late and have even risen to the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Since December 7th, their record is 11-3 straight up and 10-4 against the spread. This despite still being without top scorer Caris LeVert. I do expect this team to start cooling down though. Despite all the success, which includes a road win over Memphis Friday night, Brooklyn still isn't a very good road team. They're below .500 on the road for the season, so coming in as a favorite seems shaky, even though they're 2-0 ATS YTD in the role of road chalk. One of those wins/covers came here on Chicago on 12/19, but the win was by only three points and the Bulls have started to play better since then for interim coach Jim Boylan, at least on the defensive end. Chicago also recently got back two starters, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen, back from injuries. They'll be out for revenge here and should get it. The Bulls are looking to avoid a winless three-game homestand here and have lost three in a row overall. But they are 8-3 ATS this season off 3+ SU losses and just took a very good Indiana team to overtime Friday. LeVert isn't the only player missing for the Nets; they're also without Allen Crabbe and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Play on CHICAGO

AAA

This is a 10* play on the Bulls 

The 10-28 Bulls are having a tough season, but I like them plus the points tonight at home vs. Indiana. The Pacers (25-12) are starting a five-game road trip here and likely have their eyes on a much bigger game Sunday in Toronto. That'll be a revenge spot for a game they lost up in Canada back on December 19th. Indiana might be 12-2 its last 14 games and 5-0 the last 5, but they've actually struggled some with the Bulls this year. In two meetings, they've won by only six and two points and failed to cover the spread both times. Chicago certainly didn't play well here at home Wednesday night, losing big to Orlando. But they just made a trade and the players should come out pretty motivated tonight. The Pacers are just 1-4 ATS their last five visits to the Windy City and they are also 1-4 ATS their last five games against teams with a win percentage below .400. Play on CHICAGO

AAA

This is a 10* play on Golden State (10*)

A rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals takes place Thursday night on TNT. But needless to say, neither the Rockets nor Warriors are sitting as pretty right now as they were last season. Golden State (25-13 SU) isn't running away with things as per usual and Houston (21-15 SU) has already lost nearly the same number of games as they did all of last year (17). But both have shown recent signs of turning things around. The Rockets have suffered just one loss in the last 11 games and it was by two, on the road, in the second night of a back to back. They've won and covered five straight games. But the Warriors just turned it two straight double digit road wins and there's a reason this spread is so high. Right now, they are as healthy as they've been all season. They certainly weren't healthy the last time they played Houston as both Steph Curry and Draymond Green sat. The result was getting blown out by 21 on the road. Look for them to get a measure of revenge at home as this time its the Rockets that are short-handed (no Chris Paul). Golden State won its last game 132-109 and is 4-0 ATS this year after scoring at least 130 points. Play on GOLDEN STATE.

AAA

This is a 10* play on the PISTONS.

The Pistons (16-19 SU) have lost three in a row (all on the road) and now finish the road trip in Memphis Wednesday night. This is the second night of a back to back for Detroit, who was beaten badly yesterday in Milwaukee (lost 121-98). Lucky for them though, the Grizzlies (18-18 SU) aren't playing a whole lot better right now as they've lost seven of nine and covered the spread only once during that time. That hardly makes them a tantalizing favorite, so taking the points here seems like a logical maneuver even though the Pistons are playing without rest. So far this year, Detroit has gone 2-1 ATS in the second game of a back to back. Because last night's game wasn't close, Andre Drummond saw limited playing time and that bodes well for tonight. Detroit is just 3-14 its last 17 games against Memphis, which seems odd as I don't see the Grizzlies as being a substantially better team. I'll take the points here as the Pistons at least keep it close and certainly are capable of winning the game outright. Play on DETROIT

AAA

This is a 10* play on Sacramento.

The 19-17 Kings host the 21-16 Blazers here. Sacramento has been flying under the radar this year and the end result has been one of the better ATS records in the league (21-15). They definitely have their issues playing defense, but just split a home and home with the Lakers and have won three straight home games overall. Portland has struggled on the road this year, going 7-10 straight up. That includes a 5-10 record when priced as the underdog. They too have defensive issues; namely on the road where they give up 114.1 points per game, which is way more than they allow at home. I think most will be surprised to see the Blazers as such a short favorite here, but don't be one of those who falls for the oddsmakers "trap."  They're not going to play anywhere near as well as they did Saturday at home against Philadelphia (who was playing without Joel Embiid). Play on SACRAMENTO 

AAA

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Golden State Warriors.

We had a play on the Blazers on Thursday night in their upset win at Golden State, but we think the defending champs will risk life and limb to get back into the winners circle tonight. The Warriors are healthy and they have no excuses right now, other than they aren’t playing fantastic and they’re running into some determined competition. But enough is enough. Clearly the Warriors possess the talent and experience to annihilate any team off the face of the planet at any given time. The Blazers are tough at home, but we think that they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time here. Note that the WARRIORS are already 3-1 ATS this year after allowing 105 points or more in three straight games, while the Blazers are still just 7-10 ATS as an underdog this season. Lay the points, this one has blowout written all over it.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* EXPRESS on the Charlotte Hornets.

Two hungry teams collide on Friday night, but we think that the home court advantage will prove crucial in this matchup. This is the conclusion of a home and home set in which the Nets took the first one 134-132 in double OT. Brooklyn has been playing amazing of late having won nine of ten, but we absolutely believe this now sets up as a classic letdown spot after the epic double OT win at home. The Hornets on the other hand come in on the other end of the spectrum with two straight losses and back below .500. Charlotte is the “hungrier” team by far. Additionally note that Brooklyn is a poor 3-4 ATS already this year after a win by six points or less, while the HORNETS are already 10-3 ATS this year after having lost two of their last three games. Lay the points and expect a complete blowout.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Portland Trailblazers.

The Blazers will be hungry for a bounce back performances here after getting crushed 117-96 in Utah on Tuesday. A date vs. the Warriors is just what the doctor ordered, as the defending champs have never looked more “beatable” than they do now after their poor 127-101 loss to the Lakers on Monday. Note that this is a revenge game as well for Portland after it fell 125-97 here last month in the only other matchup of the year. The Blazers average 111 points and they allow 110.9. The Warriors average 115.6 PPG and they allow 112. Note that Portland is already 10-6 ATS this year trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent, while Golden State is just 4-9 ATS this season as a home favorite in the 6.5 to 12 points range. Play on the TRAILBLAZERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL BEATDOWN on the Utah Jazz.

Portland has won four of five, but we think it’ll stumble here in this difficult road venue on X-Mas night. The Jazz had won two in a row before a loss in OKC on Saturday. The Jazz already demolished the Blazers by 30 points on Friday and they’ll be looking for a repeat performance here. Additionally note that Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home and 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven following a loss, while Portland is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight on the road. Lay the points; play on the JAZZ.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on the New York Knicks.

We’re not calling for the outright victory, but this one is going to be much closer battle that what this spread would suggest in our opinion. The Bucks look susceptible to us after their 94-87 road loss to Miami on Saturday, while New York will be hungry to get back on track after a 114-107 loss to the Hawks on Friday. Note that the teams have already split a pair of games this year as well. Additionally note that Milwaukee is already a poor 2-4 ATS this year when playing with two days rest and only 3-7 ATS this season as a road favorite, while New York is already 4-1 ATS this year as a home dog in the 6.5 to 12 points range. Grab the points; play on the KNICKS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Dallas Mavericks.

Two teams which we’re really expected to do too much this year in the Western Conference have defied the odds to this point. Dallas is 15-13 and Denver is 20-9. We think the Nuggets get caught looking past the Mavs today though and we love the visitors to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. The Mavericks come in as the “hungrier” team. Dallas has lost two in a row after a three-game win streak. The Mavs average 109.6 PPG and they allow 108.1. The Nuggets average 109.4 and they allow 102.9. But after three straight home wins, including a victory over the Raptors in their latest, all signs point to a classic letdown here in our opinion. Note that the MAVERICKS are already 5-1 ATS this year after allowing 115 points or more, while Denver is already just 3-4 ATS this year after playing two straight home games. We’re banking on a battle; grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Portland Trailblazers.

Portland comes in off a big come from behind win over Toronto and we look for it to carry that momentum over here. LA on the other hand has already started to slide after its big start to the season, coming in having lost three straight. The Clippers were overachieving to start the year and we think they’re completely out of gas at this point. Portland won’t be taking anything for granted, as the win over the Raptors broke a two-game slide. This is a revenge game as well and note that the BLAZERS are 8-4 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent this season. Grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Detroit Pistons.

The Celtics come in “flat” here in our opinion after their 129-108 home win over Atlanta last night. Detroit covered in its last game in Charlotte on Wednesday, but the Pistons will be hungry to get back into the winners circle after their tough 108-107 setback to the Hornets. They’re also out to avenge a 108-105 loss in Boston back on October 30th. It’s a perfect situational play for the PISTONS, but also note that the Celtics are just 7-9 ATS on the road this year and only 30-36 ATS after having won six or seven of their last eight games, while Detroit is already 6-2 ATS in its last eight when playing with double revenge after two straight loss vs. an opponent. Grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Portland Trailblazers.

We think this one sets up as a natural letdown spot after the Raptors beat the Warriors in Golden State last time out, even without the services of offensive star Kawhi Leonard. The Blazers come in as the off back-to-back losses though and they’ll clearly be the “hungrier” team here. A great situational play, but also note that Toronto is interestingly just 9-14 ATS in its last 23 vs. the Northwest Division, while Portland is still 9-5 ATS at home. Grab the points, play on the BLAZERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Sacramento Kings.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats:

As note that Minnesota is just 5-7 ATS on the road this year, while Sacramento is 7-4 ATS at home.

The bottom line: The KINGS are also 4-1 ATS in their last five overall and we think that they offer great value in front of the home town crowd; grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Detroit Pistons.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Detroit is still 6-4 ATS in its last ten road games, while Charlotte is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after scoring 118 points or more in its previous contest (beat Knicks 119-107 on the road Sunday.)

The bottom line: The PISTONS come in as the hungrier team after five straight losses. While Detroit may not win outright, we’re expecting this one to come right down to the wire; grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Charlotte Hornets.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Charlotte is 8-2 ATS already this year after having lost two of its last three games and 6-2 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in four straight games, while New York is just 8-10 ATS vs. poor defensive teams which allow 106 PPG and only 8-10 ATS vs. good offensive teams which score 106 plus points per contest.

The bottom line: After an extended losing streak, the HORNETS got back on track last time out. No overlooking their opponent today either; lay the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* play on the Portland Trail Blazers.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that despite their recent surge, the Wolves are still only 4-6 ATS on the road, while Portland is still 8-5 ATS at home despite it’s recent slide.

The bottom line: Whether CJ McCollum plays or not, we like the “hungrier” BLAZERS to find a way to get the job done here finally.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Boston Celtics.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Boston enters on top form, playing its best ball of the year by going 4-1 ATS in its last five, while the Bulls are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games when playing the second game of a back-to-back as a +3.5 to +12.5 points underdog.

The bottom line: Look for the CELTICS to take advantage of this tired Bulls team which played just last night.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Atlanta Hawks.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Denver is just 2-8 ATS in its last ten when playing the second game of a back-to-back as a 7 points or higher favorite, while ATL is 6-3 ATS in its last nine as a home underdog of seven points or more vs. a non-conference opponent and on the heels of a three-games or more losing streak.

The bottom line: Denver’s clearly the better team, but it has a tough game in Charlotte on Friday. This is the final game of a long Eastern swing for the Nuggets and they’ll be resting some players here. It’s the window of opportunity that the hungry HAWKS need; grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Charlotte Hornets.

Denver is 17-7, while Charlotte is just 11-13. The Nuggets though get caught complacent here in our opinion after their extended winning stretch, most recently a 12-118 OT win in Orlando. Charlotte absolutely enters as the hungrier team, most recently falling 121-104 in Minnesota. 

The bottom line: Note that Denver is still only 14-17 ATS in its last 31 as a road favorite, while Charlotte is 3-0 ATS as a home underdog this year and 3-1 ATS after allowing 120 points or more. Play on CHARLOTTE.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Philadelphia 76ers.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Philadelphia is already 4-2 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent, while Toronto is just 5-8 ATS as a home favorite this season and only 4-5 ATS following a non-conference game.

The bottom line: We like the revenge minded 76ERS to keep this one competitive. Grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* play on the Charlotte Hornets.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Charlotte is already a perfect 3-0 ATS this year as a road dog of six points or less and 3-1 ATS in its last four following an upset loss a home favorite, while Minnesota is already just 1-3 ATS this year after covering four or five of its last six games.

The bottom line: Charlotte’s been scuffling and the Wolves have been winning. Losing leads to determination and winning tends to lead to complacency. No outright, but a battle to the end. Play on the HORNETS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Golden State Warriors.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Golden State is 3-1 ATS this year as a road favorite in the 6.5 to 12 points range and a perfect 3-0 ATS after playing three straight non-conference games, while Cleveland is just 5-6 ATS at home this year and only 3-4 ATS in non-conference games.

The bottom line: The Cavaliers played just last night and they come in exhausted. The Warriors have been losing left and right, but Steph Curry returned recently and they finally got back on track with a big win over the Hawks last times out. Expect a similar blowout here; lay the points, play on the WARRIORS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Golden State Warriors.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Golden State is 7-1 ATS in its last eight after allowing 110 points or more in three straight games, while ATL is just 9-13 ATS as an underdog this season and only 3-7 ATS at home.

The bottom line: The Warriors have struggled without Curry, who returned against the red hot Pistons last time out in what turned out to be another loss for the defending champs. But with that first game out of the way and with something to prove to the basketball world, we expect GOLDEN STATE to lay the hammer down from start to finish tonight; lay the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Miami Heat.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Utah is still just 8-9 ATS as a favorite this year, while Miami is 8-2 ATS in its last ten off an upset win as a home underdog. 

The bottom line: The HEAT have dominated this series of late, having won four straight. The Jazz have won two straight on the road, but we think they come up short here. Grab the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* SUPER BLOWOUT on the New Orleans Pelicans.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Washington is just 2-4 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more and only 3-5 ATS in its last eight vs. teams with losing records, while New Orleans is still 5-3 ATS in its last eight at home.

The bottom line: After a 135-131 home win over Houston, we’re expecting a predictable letdown here from the Wizards. New Orleans looks to bounce back from a 124-107 loss to Boston and to also avenge a 124-114 road loss in Washington last weekend. Note that the Wizards are just 2-7 SU on the road overall this year. Play on the PELICANS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ASSASSIN on the Golden State Warriors.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Orlando is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine non-conference road games when playing the second game of a back-to-back in which it won the first contest (upset the Lakers 108-104 yesterday), while Golden State is already 5-2 ATS this year after allowing 115 points or more.

The bottom line: Golden State has struggled without Stephen Curry, but it’s slowly starting to figure things out. After a terrible stretch, there’s no way the home side will “look past” its opponent today. Conversely, we look for the WARRIORS to take full advantage of a tired/complacent Magic side; lay the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Denver Nuggets.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last nine as a road dog vs. a Western Conference opponent in the +3.5 to +7.5 points range, while OKC is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight in the second game of a back-to-back as a 3.5 points or more favorite.

The bottom line: Denver’s depth helps it here in the second game of the back to back for each side and while we wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, we’ll recommend grabbing the points; play on the NUGGETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Atlanta Hawks.

We don't subscribe to any single handicapping methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account numerous different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. One set of criteria which we always use when making our decisions are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics.

This particular play is based primarily on strong/relevant ATS stats and common sense:

As note that Boston is already just 2-8 ATS on the road and only 1-3 ATS this season off an upset loss as a favorite, while Atlanta is 5-3 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 23-15 ATS in its last 38 after three or more SU losses.

The bottom line: The Celtics are struggling with consistency and we think the hungry HAWKS have a golden opportunity at the outright upset. That said, grab the points; play on the Atlanta.

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