The Spurs are better than their record and I think can move up to “steal” the last play-in spot for the Western Conference Playoffs. Among teams out West, San Antonio has the eighth best point differential.

The Wizards started the season well, but have really fallen off, especially at the pay window. They are 4-15-1 ATS over the L20 games. Tonight’s spread is simply not generous enough for them to turn these woes around.

San Antonio has covered six straight times against teams with losing SU records. Washington comes in at 27-31 SU overall, 11th in the East. But like I said, the Wizards have really fallen off. It wasn’t that long ago they were in the top six.

The Spurs are still on their annual Rodeo Road Trip, which began back on Feb 9 in Cleveland. Prior to breaking for All Star Weekend, they’d won three of four. The only loss was to Eastern Conference leader Chicago and even in that game they had the lead going into the fourth quarter. 

Washington is just 5-12 ATS vs. Western Conference teams this season.

No one is going to argue the point that Memphis had a great first half. They have the third best record in the NBA at 41-19 after winning 32 of 41 and 22 of their last 27. Now in the last game before the All Star Break, the Grizzlies did lose, as an 11.5-point favorite to Portland 123-119. But I am willing to chalk that up to a case of looking ahead to the break.

Minnesota also had a first half they should be happy with. While not as good as Memphis, the Timberwolves are 31-28 and seventh in the Western Conference. It would be a real shock if they didn’t at least make it out of the play-in round. But here they are overmatched.

The Grizzlies are 8-1 ATS against the Timberwolves the last three seasons. The one loss was a bad one, earlier this year in Minnesota. But that was also back in November, before the Grizzlies’ season really took off.

Ja Morant had 44 points in the loss to Portland. The Grizzlies are 28-12 vs. the rest of the Western Conference. Minnesota is only 20-18 in such games. Memphis also has a much better record against winning teams. 

The defensive edge also goes to Memphis. The Timberwolves give up 111.7 points per game, more than you’d like to see, and in the last five games they gave up an average of 121.8 points. Lay the points here. 

Were Dallas to win here, that would make it six wins in the last seven games, going into the All Star Break. The only loss was by two to the Clippers, who they had just beaten the previous game. Tonight the Mavs are in the Big Easy to face the Pelicans and I like their chances of getting another win.

Dallas is pretty solidly a top six team in the Western Conference right now. That didn’t stop them from making some moves at the trade deadline and the two new additions have already been a big help. Davis Bertans and Spencer Dinwiddie were instrumental in the Mavs’ bench outscoring the Heat’s 38-25 in a 107-99 upset on Tuesday. 

That was a solid win for the Mavs, on the road, and the fact they did it with Luka Doncic going just 5 of 19 from the field speaks volumes. Doncic didn’t even have any fourth quarter points in the win over Miami. He had previously averaged 43 points over the previous three games.

New Orleans has lost three of four, all the games coming at home. All three losses have been by double digits. They did not shoot well from three in a 121-109 loss to Memphis on Tuesday.

I just see the Mavs solidly as the better team and have no problem laying a short number in this one. They are 7-3 ATS the last 10 meetings.

With a win here, MIami would go into the All Star Break tied (with Chicago) for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. But Charlotte will not roll over on Thursday as they are rather desperate for a win to close out the first half.

Tuesday brought a particularly painful loss for the Hornets, in Minnesota, where they led most of the way only to fall in overtime. It was their eighth loss in nine games, the one win being against Detroit. Still 9th in the East, it’s getting a little “too close to comfort” when it comes to the cut line for the play-in round.

Shockingly, Charlotte has lost its last six home games. This is a team that averages 113.9 points per game, most in the NBA, but during the six game home losing streak they have scored more than 101 just two times.

I’m expecting more points from the home team tonight. They are 0-2 so far against the Heat this season, scoring just 86 and 99 points in those losses. Again, that’s atypical from a team that leads the league in scoring. 

Miami only scored 99 in a home loss to the Mavericks on Tuesday. It’s hard to win big on the road and with this being the final game before the All Star Break, I can see the Heat being flat. Two thirds of their losses have come on the road. More motivated and at home, Charlotte covers the spread here.

Look for the Suns to rock and roll tonight. Yes, this is the second game of a back to back for them, they are laying double digits and it’s their last game before the All Star Break. But the opponent is Houston, the worst team in the conference.

Phoenix has been the NBA’s best team in the first half of the season. Since January 10th, they’ve lost only once and that was almost two weeks ago, at Atlanta. Last night saw them record a sixth straight victory, beating the Clippers 103-96.

Two prior meetings this year vs. the Rockets have gone well. The Suns won those games by a combined 38 points.

Houston has won just once in its last ten games. Last time out, they lost by 34 to the Jazz. It was the third time in the past five games where the Rockets surrendered more than 130 points. They are 2-8 ATS this season after giving up 130+ points in the previous game.

The Suns have every conceivable edge in this matchup. Unless, for some reason, they choose “not to care,” they will win big. Lay the points.

The Spurs ought to have a better record. They have scored roughly the same number of points that they have allowed this season. They have a positive efficiency rating, which means they also score more than they allow on a per possession basis. Several teams ahead of them in the West - such as the Clippers and Lakers - cannot say any of the above.

Yet the Spurs are somehow buried 14 games under .500 and in 12th place in the conference. Statistically, they are probably the eighth best team. Does this mean they are likely to make a run in the second half? I’m not sure about that. But I am confident they can wax Oklahoma City tonight.

The Thunder are one of two hopeless teams in the West. If not for the Rockets, they’d be in last place. They did win last time out, as a 10-point dog, beating New York 126-124. I’ll concede the fact that the Thunder have been more competitive than you think. They are 37-19 ATS for the season.

But tonight marks the first time in six games where Oklahoma City is NOT a double digit underdog. The last time this happened, they lost by 10 to a bad Sacramento team. The last time the Thunder and Spurs met, the latter won by 22.

OKC still doesn’t have its leading scorer back (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander). The Spurs had won three of four before letting one slip away in Chicago Monday night (led by 6 going into the fourth quarter). They have some new reserves coming in that were acquired at the deadline. Lay the points here.

Minnesota has been on a bit of a roll of late. Charlotte has not. This has led to a spread that is much larger than what it should be for tonight’s matchup, at least in my opinion.

The Timberwolves have been favored in less than half their games this season. The percentage was even more skewed before the last couple weeks when they faced the likes of the Pistons (twice) and the Kings (twice). Those are some of the weakest teams in the league. While Charlotte is struggling right now, they are a lot closer to average over the course of the season.

The Hornets have faced some of the league’s top teams during this losing streak that has seen them drop seven of eight. They lost to Boston (who is red hot) by six, to Cleveland by one and also faced Memphis, Miami and Toronto. Minnesota is a step below all of those teams.

Back in November, Charlotte beat Minnesota 133-115.  They are 4-0 ATS their last four meetings with the Timberwolves.

Also, the Hornets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games and 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a road underdog. Take the points.

The Bulls are back on a winning run, having captured each of the last three games. They did not cover Saturday against Oklahoma City, but that was a large number. The previous two wins were both by 12 points.

The Spurs are in the midst of their annual “Rodeo Road Trip.” Things didn’t get off to a great start with a loss at Cleveland on Feb 9, but the Spurs have since pulled back to back upsets, beating Atlanta and New Orleans. A third straight upset seems unlikely though.

I say that based on the fact the Spurs are still 13 games below .500. Their last three game win streak was around Christmas time. 

Chicago has DeMar DeRozan, who has scored 30 or more points in six consecutive games, the longest stretch by anyone in a Bulls uniform since Michael Jordan. Nikola Vucevic had 31 points and 15 rebounds against Oklahoma City. 

With a 21-8 record at the United Center, the Bulls are a very strong home team. They are also 23-14 ATS when favored this year. Lay the points

This is the second meeting in three days for the Clippers and the Mavericks. The latter took Thursday’s game, which was also here in Dallas, 112-105. Hours after saying goodbye to teammate Kristaps Porzingis (traded to Washington), Luka Doncic ran wild with a 51-point game. 

The Clippers have failed to cover their last five games. Blame the defense. During the 0-5 ATS skid, they are giving up an average of 123.2 points per contest. That is bad. 

Dallas has won four straight, all at home. They now have a 20-10 home record for the season. They are simply better than the Clippers, who are still without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. 

So can the Mavericks cover the spread again? I think so. They’re playing good defense this year: #3 in points allowed for the season, allowing 101.4 points per game at home and 100.6 the last five games. 

Before losing to Dallas on Thursday, LA was blown out in two straight games. They lost by 24 to Milwaukee and 26 to Memphis. Lay the points here.

Well, this game is not likely to be close. Oklahoma City has lost three in a row and 10 of its last 13. They are 17-37 on the season. The last three losses have all been by double digits.

Meanwhile, you’ve got Philadelphia coming off a loss. So they should be plenty motivated. Plus, they just traded for James Harden, so there will be a renewed sense of optimism here. The last 10 times Philly has been off an ATS loss, they are 9-1 ATS. 

Harden likely won’t play on Friday, but the 76ers won’t need him. Joel Embiid has scored 25 or more points in 21 straight games. He had 34 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday against Phoenix. 

While the Sixers are just 1-3 in February, they closed January with a five-game win streak. They are fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 32-22 record. Back in October they defeated the Thunder by 12 points and that was in Oklahoma City. They are now 17-5 ATS L22 games vs. teams with a winning percentage below .400.

OKC lost its leading scorer awhile ago and it shows. Already the league’s lowest scoring team, the Thunder have failed to hit 100 in four of the last six games. Lay the points in this one.

Last night, in College Basketball, I said “something had to give” in the California-Oregon State matchup. My call on that one ended up being right. Now we turn to a similar situation in the NBA with the Nets taking on the Wizards.

Brooklyn has lost its last nine games. That seems inconceivable, but Kevin Durant hasn’t played in any of them while James Harden and Kyrie Irving have also both missed time for their own reasons. Of the three, only Irving is set to play tonight’s game. (Harden could be traded?)

Fortunately, for the Nets, tonight’s game is against a Washington team that has lost eight of its last nine games and is 2-14 ATS in its last 16. The Wizards just learned that leading scorer Bradley Beal is done for the season. I’d say the team’s season is now done as well.

Who will win tonight? I say Brooklyn. They are 17-11 on the road and the better team, even without Durant and Harden. Thus, I will gladly take the points. 

The Wizards’ starting lineup is Aaron Holiday, Spencer Dinwiddie, Thomas Bryant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma. The only teams in the East with worse YTD point differentials are Orlando and Detroit. 

Cleveland has been THE biggest surprise this year. At the start of the season, most had them ranked near the bottom of the league. But here we are, almost at the All-Star Break, and the Cavs have a 33-21 SU record. 

If you were betting on the Cavs in the early portion of the season, then congrats. From November 1st through December 18th, they went an incredible 19-3-2 against the spread. 

Oddsmakers started to catch up to what was going on in Cleveland, but now the team is even stronger. Trading for Caris LeVert and the impending return of Darius Garland make this a true force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavs have won two in a row after beating LeVert’s old team (Indiana) on Sunday. They had to rally from a 20-point deficit, but still ended up winning by 13. As home favorites this year, the Cavs are not only 13-2 straight up, but winning by an average of 12.7 points per game. That’s impressive.

San Antonio hasn’t played since Friday when they defeated Houston 131-106. This is the start of the annual “Rodeo Road Trip” as they won’t be at home again until March 3rd. The biggest issue for the Spurs tonight is that it’s been more than a month since they won back to back games. I’ll lay the short number.

Portland has been a disappointment. But covering a small number, at home, against the league’s worst team sounds doable? Orlando, who is 12-43 on the year, has dropped two in a row by a combined 53 points after previously winning four of six.

That 4-2 stretch was the Magic’s best run of the season. The last two games have brought a return to form as they lost by 20 to Memphis and 33 to Boston. Those were both home games. The road has seen them go 7-23 thus far. You look at this spread and if one were inclined to back the underdog, then it’s an admission that you think they have a good chance of winning the game. I would almost never expect Orlando to win.

Now Portland has lost five in a row and seven of eight. So this matchup is just what the doctor ordered as far as they are concerned. They’ve beaten the Magic 10 straight times, including 98-88 in Orlando on January 17th.

Before getting blitzed by Milwaukee on Saturday, the Blazers had held three straight opponents under 100 points. They’ve already done that once to Orlando. I think they can do it again as the Magic come in as the league’s third lowest scoring team. Lay the points.

Playing for a second straight day, Chicago should be no match for a Phoenix team that’s won 12 of its last 13 games. While this is a matchup of first place teams in the respective conferences, one team is clearly better than the other. 

The Bulls lost Sunday, 119-108 to Philadelphia. They were also home dogs in that one. There is a long list of injured players right now as Zach LaVine and Coby White joined Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso on the bench yesterday. 

Defensively, Chicago has issues. They’ve given up at least 115 points in six straight games. Yesterday, they found themselves down 17 in the fourth quarter before a late rally made things a little interesting.

Look for the Suns to have no mercy on the Bulls tonight. The Western Conference leaders held Washington to 80 points in an easy win on Saturday. They led by 34 going into the fourth quarter.

DeMar DeRozan really tried yesterday for the Bulls, scoring 45 points in 41 minutes. There’s no way he’s going to be able to match that performance here though. Lay the points.

After losing a couple of close ones to top teams (Phoenix, Golden State), the Spurs never had a chance last night, losing to the Heat by the score of 112-95. Because of inclement weather, the start time for the game was moved up 90 minutes. Missing five players, including two starters, San Antonio was held to a season-worst 38 percent from the field.

One of the missing players was leading scorer Dejounte Murray. He’s listed as questionable for tonight. The team could get a boost from the season debut of Zach Collins. Regardless, I think Gregg Popovich will have enough pieces to guide his team to victory over the last place Rockets.

This is a critical game for San Antonio. The annual “Rodeo Road Trip” is set to begin next week. They are 15 games below .500 entering Friday. A win here would give them some much needed momentum going into the upcoming eight-game trip, which goes through the All-Star Break and into March.

When these teams met last month, the Spurs scored 82 points in the paint en route to a 134-104 victory. 

Houston picked up a rare win on Wednesday, ending an 11-game home losing streak by upsetting Cleveland 115-104. It was just their fifth win since 12/19. Only once during that time have they won two straight games. So the decision to lay the short number in this one seems prudent.

The Lakers look to make it back to back wins here as they face the Clippers Thursday night on TNT. This isn’t your “usual” second night of a back to back for the Purple & Gold. While listed as “the road team,” this is the same building they won in last night, defeating Portland 99-94. 

The Lakers did have to rally to get the win last night. They outscored Portland 27-19 in the fourth quarter. They also got 30 points from Anthony Davis, 19 of those coming in the final stanza.

Both LA teams are under .500 and just trying to catch up to the top six in the West. I think it’s unlikely either will do so, and thus they’ll be relegated to the play-in round come April. The Lakers are playing without LeBron James right now, but the Clippers don’t have either Paul George or Kawhi Leonard.

The Clippers are coming off a 4-4 road trip that took them all over the country. They were a bit lucky to finish the trip at .500 as there were multiple huge comebacks. They trailed the Sixers by 24, Wizards by 35 and Magic by 14. Those were all games that they somehow WON. 

Not tonight though. Even with two days rest, I expect the Clippers to struggle coming off the long road trip. They are actually 0-5 ATS this season when playing with exactly two days of rest. The Lakers are 8-2 ATS after a game where they failed to score 100 points.

Indiana is having a really disappointing season thus far, but should certainly be able to take advantage of Orlando playing the second night of a back to back. The Magic have the worst record in the NBA, 11-41, and lost 126-115 in Chicago last night.

Despite a hot start where they shot over 60% in the first quarter, Orlando just couldn’t keep pace in the Windy City. They rallied to tie the game up in the last four minutes, only to run out of gas. I think it’s going to be tough for them to dust themselves off after another loss. The Magic have won just one time in ten tries when playing without rest this season. They are also 8-15 ATS off a double digit loss. 

The Pacers beat the Clippers Monday, 122-116. They are now 4-4 over their last eight games, including a win over Golden State, as they try to stay in playoff contention. Don’t judge the Pacers by their 19-33 record as they have played better than you’d think. What has really hurt them is a league-high 10 losses by three points or fewer.

Even though they’re short-handed right now, the Pacers know this is a game they must win. Lay the points as Orlando is rarely a good bet to keep a game close, let alone win.

Minnesota has an excellent shot at ending Denver’s five-game win streak, regardless if Nikola Jokic plays or not.

The Nuggets will be playing their fifth straight game on the road this evening. Two days ago, they shot over 60% from the field and laid waste to Milwaukee, winning by 36. Jokic dominated down low against a Bucks team that really had no post presence. If Jokic (questionable) even plays tonight, he will be going up against Karl-Anthony Towns. 

The Timberwolves are likewise coming off an impressive win. They beat Utah by 20 on Sunday. It was the fourth time in the last six games that the T’wolves topped 120 points.

There is a huge difference in what Minnesota allows at home and on the road. They allow almost 11 points per game less here in the Twin Cities.

The first two meetings of the year have seen Denver win here and Minnesota win in the Mile High City. Now it’s time for the home team to win one. Lay the points.

Charlotte looks to pick up the pieces after losing 125-113 in Toronto last night. Giving up 39 points in the first quarter is what ultimately doomed the Hornets, although another tough night from behind the arc didn’t help either. In their last two games, the Hornets are a wretched 10 of 67 on three-point attempts.

Perhaps taking it to the basket would be a prudent move tonight against Indiana. The Pacers have allowed 130 points in the paint during their last two games, both of which have been losses.

Both of these teams are somewhat relegated to the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. But there should be no argument as to which is having the better overall season. Charlotte remains four games over .500 while Indiana is languishing, 14 games below the Mendoza Line. 

The Hornets have had the Pacers number this year, winning all three previous meetings. All three were close, but Charlotte has averaged 120 points per game. 

Charlotte is also a top five team in offensive efficiency. They are the second-highest scoring team in the league. Lay the short number on the road. 

Dallas just beat Memphis 104-91 for its 12th win in 14 games. So they are likely feeling good about themselves heading to Golden State. The Mavericks have never lost in the Warriors’ “new building.” They are 3-0 SU/ATS all-time at the Chase Center. Every win has come by at least 20 points.

Golden State, meanwhile, seems to be reeling a bit even though they’ve posted back to back wins. But the two wins were each by just two points and they did not cover the spread in either game. The Warriors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. 

Poor shooting, especially from Steph Curry, has plagued the Warriors a bit recently. Curry is averaging only 20.1 points while shooting 27.6% from three the L10 games. Over the last 14 games, the team has failed to reach 100 points a total of seven times.

But even though Dallas has been dialed in defensively, I believe that Golden State will break out of its “slump” tonight at home, on TNT. The Warriors are still averaging 111.9 points at home. 

They also remain better than the Mavericks at the defensive end. Golden State is #1 in the league in scoring defense and gives up just 99.3 points per game at home. This is a short number for them and I say lay it.

I like this play quite a bit. Looking at the standings, Washington is 9th and Boston is 10th. Neither has played all that well of late. Boston has dropped two in a row, both as a favorite, while Washington is 1-8 ATS its last nine games. The Wizards have also lost two straight as a favorite.

But what sticks out here is that the Celtics have a better point differential. They are better defensively than the Wizards. Looking at all the realistic playoff contenders in the East, the Wiz have the worst point differential.

Boston lost twice to Washington early in the year. In the second game, they sank only 2 of 26 three-point attempts. That’s very bad and also unlikely to repeat itself. Speaking of bad three-point shooting, leading scorer Jayson Tatum has missed his last 20 3PA. This is a player that ranks 10th in the NBA at 25.2 points per game.

I believe the Celtics are due to make a lot of threes in this game. If nothing else, the law of averages is in their favor. 

Going back to January 4th, the Wizards have beaten only one team that wasn’t Orlando or Oklahoma City. Go with the better team on Sunday. TAKE BOSTON

San Antonio’s quest to make it back to .500, or at the very least get back in the top 10 in the West, requires that they win games like this. Tonight they host Oklahoma City, unquestionably one of the four worst teams in the league.

The Thunder have been covering at a high rate this year, as they are always underdogs. But they’ve got just one win in the last eight games. 

Truthfully, the Spurs haven’t been much better, with just two wins in their last 12 games. But they led Phoenix in the fourth quarter, here at home, the other night. I just have a “feeling” this is the game where SA “puts it all together.” 

OKC was down 22 Monday in Dallas. That they were able to close the gap to two when the final buzzer sounded is a little bit misleading.

The Spurs have covered four straight times following a double digit loss at home. Take them minus the points here.

Minnesota played last night, so this is a good chance for Atlanta to pick up a much needed victory. The Hawks are 18-25 right now. This is a team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year.

The Timberwolves haven’t exactly been “playoff regulars,” so they’ve got to be thrilled to be seventh in the West. They picked up a win last night, 112-110, but did not cover as three-point favorites. I picked up a win with the Over.

Minnesota is still a “young” team, so I see them as being prone to a “letdown” this evening. The last time they were off a win and playing with no rest, they scored 88 points and lost to the Knicks. That was at home.

It’s a losing road record for the Timberwolves this season. I can’t stress how desperate the Hawks will be for a win here. They are coming off a win, against Milwaukee, so you know what they’re capable of doing. They won at Minnesota last month. Lay the short number with the HAWKS 

Save for one bad game at Madison Square Garden last week, the Mavericks have been tearing it up of late. They come into Monday having won eight of their last nine games. On Friday, they ended the long win streak of the Memphis Grizzlies with an emphatic 112-85 beatdown. That was followed by another double digit victory, 108-92 over Orlando on Saturday.

This should be a third straight double digit victory for the Mavs as they host Oklahoma City on Monday. While the Thunder have been more competitive than expected so far, they don’t win games. Saturday marked their eighth loss in the last 10 tries. They blew a double digit lead at home against Cleveland and ended up going down 107-102.

The key to the Mavericks’ recent success has been their defense. They’ve led the league in defensive efficiency over the last three weeks - by a rather wide margin, in fact. Oklahoma City, despite averaging 116 points in its last three games, is still last in the league at 100.8 points per game.

This is the third meeting of the year between these teams. In the first two, both of which were played in OKC, the Mavs held the Thunder to 84 and 86 points. Should be another easy win here. Lay the points. 

Utah, who has slipped to fourth in the West, could really use a win here. They’ve lost four in a row despite being favored in their last three games. 

Even more surprising is that all four Jazz losses have been by double digits. This has been their worst stretch of the season.

But tonight sees them returning to the site of their last win, which came on January 5th, 115-109 in Denver. At that moment in time, the Jazz had won eight of nine.

The Nuggets are in the second game of a back to back and playing their third game in four days. The last two have gone well for them. Not only did the blowout Portland 140-108, they did the same to the Lakers last night, winning 133-96. 

But it’s probably not possible for Denver to match last night’s shooting where they were 23 of 40 from three. Depth looks like it will be an issue tonight with JaMychal Green entering health and safety protocol and Austin Rivers out with a non-COVID illness. Utah is too good to continue losing like this. I still think they’re one of the top teams. Lay the points!

San Antonio is desperate for a win here. They lost at home to the Rockets on Wednesday. That was their fourth straight loss as well as their eighth in the last nine games. The only win was by the slightest of margins (99-97) over Boston.

Cleveland is no longer a pushover as it proved again on Wednesday when they went to Utah and smashed the Jazz 111-91, despite being a five-point underdog. The Cavs shockingly own the top point differential in the Eastern Conference.

But their ATS record has slipped a bit this month. They’ve covered just two of the last nine games, Wednesday being one of them. Oddsmakers are going to start catching up with the Cavaliers and this is an instance where I don’t think they should be favored. 

Two starters could be returning tonight for the Spurs. That would greatly aid the likes of Dejounte Murray, who had a triple double in the last game. Murray was backed up by six teammates scoring 11 or more points. I really don’t know how San Antonio managed to lose to Houston. They were up nine in the third quarter.

An interesting tidbit on the Spurs: their home record is 7-11, but they have scored more points than they’ve allowed in those games. They average 115.6 PPG here. Take SAN ANTONIO

After thrashing the Bulls 138-112 last night, Brooklyn is back at home Thursday to play Oklahoma City. That means no Kyrie Irving (unvaccinated) but it’s not like the Thunder should provide a ton of resistance here. My view is that after seven straight ATS losses (going into last night), the Nets are due to pick up steam.

Due to the blowout nature of last night’s game, Steve Nash was able to give some much needed rest to key players. Kevin Durant played just 30 minutes while James Harden played 33. That duo still found a way to combine for 52 points against the Bulls. We should get similar production, if not more, with them on the court for a longer amount of time tonight.

Oklahoma City has lost five in a row and hasn’t been able to even score 100 points in five of its last seven games. They are last in the league in scoring, a big problem when getting ready to face Brooklyn, who is one of the top scoring teams.

Back in November, the Nets beat the Thunder 120-96 and they were nine point ROAD favorites. It wasn’t the second night of a back to back, but there was no Irving.

The real sad thing for the Thunder is that they turned in one of their better offensive games on Tuesday and still lost. I don’t think they’re going to score a ton of points tonight, so lay the points with BROOKLYN.

Golden State will finally get Klay Thompson back on Sunday. It’ll be a familiar foe Thompson and the Warriors are up against. Cleveland is the team they played in four consecutive NBA Finals (2015-18) and they won three of them.

Klay hasn't played a single minute since landing awkwardly on his leg in the 2019 NBA Finals. After that, he then tore his Achilles in November of 2020. That's now 900+ days of being sidelined. 

Over the course of his career, Thompson is shooting an extraordinary 41.9% from deep. He's also accomplished one of the most incredible feats in NBA History. 37pts on 13/13 shooting in a SINGLE QUARTER. I mean that's a great game for most people. He went on to score 52 in the game. Also, Klay once dropped 43 pts while taking only 4 dribbles. Some things that this man has done are just out of this world. 

Cleveland has been a major surprise this season, which is emphasized by them having the NBA’s best against the spread record. But I think the oddsmakers are going to catch up with the Cavs over these next couple months. While this is obviously a big spread, it really says something about how oddsmakers’ perceive the Cavs compared to one of the top teams in the league.

Thompson’s return couldn’t have come at a better time as the Warriors have lost two in a row for the first time this season. Steph Curry and Draymond Green missed the last game, a 101-96 loss in New Orleans, but they are both listed as probable to join Thompson on the court Sunday. Lay the points with GOLDEN STATE

Orlando and Detroit have the two worst records in the NBA. Orlando is 7-32. Detroit is 7-30. Someone’s gotta win here and I think it will be Detroit. Orlando has lost seven in a row. Though Detroit is coming off consecutive 30 point defeats, both of those were on the road. They’d won two straight prior to those losses.

The last time the Pistons were at home, they beat San Antonio. Then they went out and won in Milwaukee, which was rather shocking. Back in October, they won the first matchup of the year with Orlando, 110-103 as six-point favorites. The line is obviously much shorter this time and that’s why we like it. No way you can take Orlando getting such a short number on the road. 

Having won a couple of games recently and playing at home, the Pistons should be more confident heading into this one. They are on an 11-3 ATS run following an ATS loss. Also giving them confidence is the fact they are 6-2 ATS the last eight meetings with Orlando and 5-1 ATS the last six meetings here in Detroit. Take the PISTONS

Denver badly needs to win tonight as they’ve lost their last two games. The losing is tied to injuries and COVID-related absences. But Nikola Jokic is still here and he had 26-21-11 the other night. The Nuggets lost that game, but only by six to a very good opponent (Utah).

Facing a “lesser” team tonight, I look for the Nuggets to get back into the win column. They’ve had only one losing streak longer than two games all year.

Sacramento has also dropped two in a row. Recently, they’ve been losing to teams that have been without their superstars. There was a loss to Dallas (who was without Doncic), a loss to the Lakers (who didn’t have LeBron or Davis) and most recently a loss to Atlanta (who was without Young, Collins and Bogdanovic).

Unlike Denver, the Kings don’t have a Jokic that they can count on to help turn things around. 

Defensively, Sacramento really struggles on the road. They give up 117.4 points per game when playing away from home. Lay the points with DENVER here.

Golden State finds itself in a real predicament tonight. Steph Curry, already mired in a shooting slump, suffered a quad contusion in last night’s loss to Dallas and almost certainly isn’t going to play tonight as a a result. It was a really poor effort from the Warriors last night as they lost 99-82 to the Mavericks.

Curry was just 5 of 24 on field goal attempts, which included 1 of 9 on three pointers. He finished with 14 points. 

The team was only 5 of 28 on three last night. It is next to impossible to fill Curry’s shoes, especially with Klay Thompson still not back. Were Curry playing here, then I’d say there’s an excellent chance Golden State would bounce back from last night’s shooting slump. But that’s not the case,

After facing last year’s NBA Champs and two of the West’s top three teams, New Orleans is getting a big break here with Curry injured. The Pelicans need to start winning as they are just 13-25 this year.

It’s an opportunity the Pelicans must take advantage of here. They’d won five of six before losing the last three. Leading scorer Brandon Ingram has struggled in back to back games, but should bounce back here. Take the points.

I know things haven’t been pretty for Houston of late with losses piling up and some “insubordination” to boot. The team has lost eight in a row, all by at least nine points. But tonight the Rockets will have a full complement of players and they are taking on a Washington team that doesn’t blow many opponents out.

Going back to mid-November, the Wizards have just one win that came by greater than seven points. It was against a Cleveland team that was severely undermanned because of COVID. Since starting the season 10-3, Washington is six games below .500 and a lot of underlying metrics suggest they are very lucky to be in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Five of the last six games have seen the Wizards give up 117 points or more. They actually own the third worst point differential in the conference! The team did win on Monday, but by only three points over Charlotte.

Out West, you’ll find Houston at the bottom of the standings. This is their second losing streak of eight or more games this season, but remember they also had a seven-game win streak in between. A couple of players were suspended for Monday’s loss to the 76ers. Those players are going to be back in the lineup tonight.

Just think this is too many points for a middling Washington team to be laying against anybody. Take HOUSTON plus the points

Both these teams have been defying expectations this season. The Grizzlies have gone 15-4 in their last 19 games, which includes a shocking 10-2 record in the 12 games they were without leading scorer Ja Morant. The Cavs have the best ATS record in the NBA right now at 24-11-2 ATS. 

But Cleveland is not close to being 100 percent right now. There are multiple injuries in the backcourt, including a season-ender to PG Ricky Rubio, which could be a crushing blow. Darius Garland could return to the lineup tonight, but he’s been in health and safety protocol for the last week. How effective will he be in his first game back? 

The Cavs did just beat Indiana on Sunday, 108-104. But they did not cover the spread. It was their fourth straight ATS loss, so predictably they are starting to “give some back” at the betting window. Before beating Indiana, they’d lost each of the previous three games straight up. 

Memphis won its fifth straight last night, beating Brooklyn 118-104 as a 6.5 point underdog. Morant, who is back, has scored 30 or more in four straight games. He had 37 when the Grizzlies beat the Cavs 132-121 in the opening game of the season.

The Grizzlies are a better team than the Cavaliers. Not too worried about this being the second night of a back to back for the Grizz as they are hot right now and 9-3 this year when coming off a double digit win. Take MEMPHIS plus the points

Miami may be undermanned at the moment, but they continue to win. Friday’s 120-110 triumph over Houston, which came on the heels of a game being postponed, was the Heat’s fifth straight victory. We think they’ve got enough to cover against Sacramento here on Sunday.

On Friday, the Heat were led by Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry. That trio is strong enough to carry the team, moving forward. Butler scored a season-high 37 points vs. the Rockets. 

Going back a bit further, Miami has won seven of eight and has the best net efficiency rating this season in the Eastern Conference. While they are 23-13 on the season, Sacramento is just 15-22. 

The Kings were beaten by 16 here at home on New Year’s Eve. The loss was to Dallas, who they had just beaten on a buzzer-beater two days earlier. Sacramento has lost four of its last six, even though all but one of the games took place at home. They have a losing home record.

The Kings’ biggest problem is lack of defense. They give up 113.7 points per contest, which is third most in the NBA. Also of concern is a 1-8 ATS run against teams that have winning records. Take Miami to win and cover here.

Pelicans/Bucks

Tough spot for New Orleans going against one of the top teams in the league. Milwaukee has started to hit their stride with five straight wins, the last being a 136-118 beatdown of Orlando. Expect a similar final score in this game.

The Bucks are averaging 121.6 points during the five-game win streak while allowing only 108.4. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a real tear, averaging 32.3 points and 10 rebounds the last three games while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. 

The Bucks’ bench has contributed at least 36 points in each of the last three games, so it’s been a very well-rounded effort from the defending champs at the offensive end of late.

New Orleans has played some of its best ball of late, winning five of its last six games. They just beat Cleveland, who had several players out, 108-104 in their last game. But the Pelicans are dealing with several absences of their own right now. Three players are in health and safety protocols. Brandon Ingram, who generally carries the scoring load, is questionable with an Achilles injury.

Milwaukee will remember losing to New Orleans in overtime two weeks ago and be out for revenge. The Pelicans are just 3-9 ATS their last 12 games as a road underdog. 10* NBA PLAYBOOK on MILWAUKEE

Lakers/Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are a big public play here, as the Lakers finally broke their five-game slide with a win at Houston last night.

This would typically be a great place to go against LA in the second game of a back-to-back, but there's simply no way that LeBron James can relax considering their current record.

LA also plays with revenge here after a 108-95 home defeat to the Grizz back on December 9th. 

Memphis comes in off B2B BIG wins, pulling away for a 127-102 victory over Sacramento, before then holding on for a 114-113 victory at Phoenix.

Can anyone say letdown spot?

Yes, the Lakers are without AD, but I expect The King and Russell Westbrook to build off last night's win and at the very least, take this one right down to the final moments. Grab the points. 10* COACHES CORNER Lakers. 

Hornets/Nuggets

Every team in the league is dealing with significant injuries and COVID protocol. This play is a great situational one though, as fatigue is also a major facto at this time of year, especially for teams playing the second game of a B2B.

Denver is coming off a 108-94 loss at OKC just last night (I had the Thunder in that one, my 10* GAME OF WEEK), and I believe it'll be predictably "gassed" here.

The Nuggets don't play again until December 26th, where they start off with a two-game road trip our of the X-Mas break at the Clippers and Golden State respectively.

Charlotte has lost all three of its road games so far on this trip, and I say it lays everything on the line in the finale to try and salvage a victory.

As stated off the top, this isn't based around who is or isn't on the court this evening, it's a great overall "situational" play. 8* PLAY on Hornets. 

Denver/OKC

I think Denver is going to get caught "looking past" its lowly opponent today. OKC has won two straight games and covered in three straight. It's playing its best basketball of the season. Off the 102-99 road win at Memphis, it has a tough game at Phoenix tomorrow, so I expect it to make the most of friendly confines.

Denver is just 7-9 on the road. It only averages 106.8 PPG. Off a 133-115 road win at Atlanta and with a game at home tomorrow night against LaMelo Ball and the Hornets, not only is this a letdown off the big win over the Hawks, but a look-ahead spot as well.

Look for the "under the radar" Grizz to, at the very least, keep this one close down the stretch. 10* GAME OF WEEK on Thunder. 

Wizards/Jazz

Washington comes in under the radar here after four straight losses. Utah comes in on the other end of the spectrum, having won eight of its last nine.

These teams are moving in opposite directions, but I think the more desperate side will deliver ATS. This is a revenge game as well for Washington, that lost both SU and ATS at home to the Jazz earlier in the season.

Note that Washington is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 as a road dog in the +9.5 to +11.5 points range.

I say this one is WAY tighter than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. 10* COACHES CORNER on the Wizards. 

Grizzlies/Kings

The Grizz enter off a 113-103 road win at Portland. The Kings are off a 119-105 home win over the Wizards.

Memphis picked up the 128-101 home win in early November over Sacramento, and I expect a similar final outcome here as well.

The biggest difference comes on the defensive end. Memphis allows 109 PPG, which isn't great (ranked 19th), but Sacramento concedes 114 PPG.

The Kings are also just 1-4 ATS in their last five when playing on one days rest, while the Grizz are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five on the road and 5-2 ATS in their last seven following an ATS victory. 8* PLAY-BOOK on Grizzlies. 

Pacers/Bucks

Bucks' star Giannis is sidelined with COVID issues. The Bucks are going to have to make adjustments quickly, which comes at the wrong time here facing the improved Pacers.

Indiana had its four game win streak snapped in a 102-100 setback at home to the Warriors last time out. This is a revenge game for the Pacers though after falling 118-100 to Milwaukee in early November. 

The Bucks are off a 117-103 loss at Boston. Note that Milwaukee is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight off a SU/ATS road loss in which it was held to 105 points or less in.

A great situational play. Outright possible, but grab the points. 8* PLAY on Pacers. 

Warriors/Knicks

The Knicks were the talk of the NBA last season. They're struggling this year though, as they enter having lost three straight, most recently a 112-97 home loss to the Bucks (New York though is 8-2 ATS in its last ten off a SU/ATS home loss in which it was held to 99 points or less in.)

Golden State is now 17-9-1 after last night's 102-100 win at Indiana. The Warriors long Eastern-Conference road swing continues with games at Boston and Toronto after this.

On the heels of the second game of the B2B scenario though, I expect the Warriors to finally stumble here.

The Knicks are ultra-motivated to break out of their slump and here's the perfect "measuring stick" to do that against. New York has all the motivation it needs to get off the schneid and I expect it to deliver. That said, grab the points! 10* GAME OF THE WEEK.

Wizards/Nuggets

Denver returns home after a 4-3, seven-game road trip. I say the Nuggets stumble here in this first game back in friendly confines. That's often the case with professional athletes, who get a little TOO comfortable at home after an extended road trip.

Two nights after falling 123-111 at San Antonio, the Nuggets bounced back with a 127-112 win on the road in the rematch.

Washington is the much "hungrier" dog in this fight. it's lost three of its last four, including a 123-98 setback at home to the Jazz last time out. Washington though is 7-1 ATS in its last eight off a SU/ATS home loss in which it was held to 99 points or less in.

Both teams have plenty of injury issues to contend with, but this one has all the makings of a "nail-biter!" As such, let's grab the points. 8* PLAY on Wizards. 

Magic/Lakers

LA has a nasty habit of "playing down" to the level of its competition and all signs point to that occurring here against the 5-22 Magic.

Orlando has lost four in a row. It hasn't been for a lack of trying though, most recently fallling 106-104 to the Clippers.

The Lakers are the slowest team in the NBA. They've been wildly inconsistent. They're off an easy win at OKC, but note that they're just 2-7 ATS in their last nine off a SU/ATS road win in which they held their opponent to 99 or less points in.

LA could even rest some starters here. No outright, but closer than expected. 8* PLAY on Magic. 

Lakers/Thunder

The Lakers are 13-13 after a 108-95 loss at Memphis last night. LA has chemistry issues. It's also old. The Lakers won't be in the NBA Finals this year obviously.

The young Thunder are off a huge 110-109 road win at Toronto. I say they keep it rolling here. OKC already beat the Lakers 107-104 as 10.5-point underdogs on November 4th and I think it can do it again.

James and company have a target on their back every night. They always have to face their opponents "A" game. Look for this road weary Lakers team to once again fall below the .500 mark.

Grab the points. 10* COACHES CORNER Thunder. 

Cavs/Bucs

Why is everyone continuing to sleep on the Cavaliers? Cleveland comes into this one likely as the hottest team in the league after seven straight ATS victories.

Hows does that old saying go, good teams win, but great teams cover?

The Cavs had won four straight SU, before a tight 109-108 loss at home to Utah.

I like the Cavs to respond here in the second game of the back to back. The Bucks are dealing with injury issues and are preparing for a tough four-game road swing starting in Miami on Wednesday night.

And that's signficant to note, as the Bucks are off a 124-102 home win over the Heat in their most recent action Saturday.

Look for the under the radar visiting side to keep this one interesting late. 10* COACHES CORNER on Cavaliers. 

Spurs/Warriors

The Spurs are quietly playing their best basketball of the season. They've won three straight, most recently a 114-83 win at Portland. I love San Antonio here, and would recommend sprinkling a little on the moneyline as well.

Golden State bounced back with a huge 118-96 victory here last night against the Suns, revenging a loss at Phoenix a week earlier.

I say the Warriors get caught complacent here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

Note that GS is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight when playing the second game of a B2B after scoring 115 or more points in a SU/ATS victory in the first.

This is way too many points to be giving up to this much improved and confident Spurs side. I'm grabbing all these points. 8* PLAY on Spurs. 

76ers/Hawks

I think this one sets up well for the hungry visiting side.

Philadelphia is 11-11, while Atlanta is 12-10.

The 76ers are off a tight 88-87 loss at Boston. Philly had to play from behind the entire night, and it was just unable to get over the hump at the end. With a tough upcoming two-game road set at Charlotte, the 76ers can't afford to take the foot off the gas.

The Hawks are off a 114-111 win at Indiana to open up December. When these teams played on October 30th, the 76ers won 122-94 as 3.5 point favorites and I expect a similar final discrepancy here as well.

This is a good matchup for Joel Embiid. He was shutdown by the Celtics, but finally we can expect a monster game from the Philly big man. 

There's plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. This is going to be a dog fight.

One last big stat working in favor of the visiting side sees the 76ers having gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine off a SU road loss in which they were held to 90 or fewer points in.

Grab the points. 10* GAME OF MONTH on Philadelphia. 

Pistons/Suns

I base my picks on many different things. Being flexible with one's approach is crucial in my opinion. Here I just think that the Suns are overvalued because of their 18 game win streak. They just took out the Warriors at home here two nights ago, and Golden State was on a 17-game win streak.

The Suns ultimately could care less about their win streak. They're realistic and understand it'll come to an end at some point. That won't be tonight. I believe the Suns will win, but I expect them to take the foot off the gas down the stretch as they prepare for the rematch with the Warriors in Golden State tomorrow night.

Look for the hungry Pistons to end their road trip with a solid effort and comfortable cover. 10* COACHES CORNER on the Pistons.

Rockets/Thunder

Houston has won and covered in three straight. That includes a 102-89 victory over OKC two nights ago at home. Normally I always "look" at the revenge factor, but here I don't think it matters at all.

And that's because the Rockets are still just 4-16 on the season. Houston is unquestionably playing its best basketball of the season right now and I expect it to keep the good times rolling here again. 

After six straight ATS covers, the Thunder finally stumbled in Houston last time out and I expect that trend to continue here.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has returned from injury for the Thunder, but it's not going to be enough here against this suddenly surging young Rockets team.

Grab the points though! 8* COACHES CORNER on Houston. 

Pistons/Blazers

Portland has gone 0-3 SU/ATS over its last three. I expect it to come in focussed on the task at hand in this one.

Detroit lost both games in LA, but covered in each as a big underdog.

The Pistons though are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after back-to-back road covers.

Portland on the other hand is 7-1 ATS in its last eight after after three straight SU/ATS road losses in a row.

The Blazers have always played better at home, and that's definitely the case again this season, as they're just 1-10 on the road and 9-1 in Portland.

Detroit is just 2-8 on the road.

Look for the determined home side to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn. 10* COACHES CORNER on Portland. 

Heat/Bulls

The Heat have lost two of their last three, while the Bulls have lost two of three as well.

These are two of the best in the East, but each is looking to snap out of their current mini-slides. 

Both teams are loaded with talent, so it wouldn't be too difficult to write a convincing argument either way.

The Bulls though are off a satisfying 123-88 road win at Olrando just last night (they're only 1-6 ATS in their last seven after a SU/ATS road win in which they posted 120 or more points in.)

Expect fatigue to be a factor here for Chicago and lay the points. 8* Top Tussle on Heat. 

Wolves/Hornets

The Wolves are 9-9, but they come in red hot as they've won five of their last six. 

The Hornets are 12-8 overall, and they've won seven of their last eight games. 

The Wolves have been sharp defensively, allowing just 105 PPG. The combination of Karl Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley has been very effective.

LaMelo Ball leads the nightly charge for the Hornets. He is averaging 19.8 points, 8.1 boards and 7.7 assists this year. While Charlotte does average 112.2 PPG (ranked third), it struggles defensively, ranked 22nd in defensive rating so far this season.

The Hornets are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten vs. the Western Conference and I think this is a bad matchup for them.

Grab the points, but don't be shocked by an outright. 8* PICK on Wolves. 

Heat/Wolves.

Miami is off a 100-92 win at Detroit, unable to cover the 10.5-point spread. The Heat have lost two straight ATS. With two nights off after this, followed by a final road game at Chicago, I think Miami gets caught flat-footed again here.

The Wolves are getting zero respect from the oddsmakers. They're slow in realizing how good Minnesota is playing right now. Minnesota has won four straight and covered in five straight. This is the best basketball that Minnesota has played in years.

Note that the Wolves are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine after a SU/ATS road win in which they held their opponent to 99 or less points in (just beat Pels 110-96 in NO.)

Grab the points. 10* COACHES CORNER on Wolves. 

Heat/Pistons.

Is Miami the better team?

Clearly it is.

Am I calling for an outright upset?

I am not.

But I think that Miami comes in complacent here and "plays down" to the level of its competition. 

Miami is 11-6 overall, but only 5-5 on the road. It's off a 103-100 loss at Washington. 

Detroit is off the 121-116 loss to the Lakers, and it'll be plenty fired up after the scuffle with LeBron James etc.

The Pistons are on the road for a very tough road trip as well after this game, with a game at Milwaukee tomorrow, followed by the Clippers, Lakers, Portland and Phoenix. That puts added importance onto tonight's game to try and "steal" a victory.

Miami on the other hand is in Minnesota tomorrow night, followed by a game at the Bulls. I think the Heat get caught looking ahead.

No outright. Grab the points. 10* COACHES CORNER on Detroit. 

Grizzlies/Jazz

The Grizzlies had won two straight, scoring at least 120 points in each before getting blown out in their last game. 

Ja Morant averages 25.1 PPG for Memphis and he leads four players that average at least 14 PPG. 

The Jazz had lost four of five, before now entering this one having won three straight. Six players scored in double figures in the win over the Kings most recently.

One of these teams is desperate to break out of its current slide, while the other comes in complacent.

I think the hungrier team keeps this one competitive down the stretch (note that the Grizz are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after a 30 points or greater SU/ATS road loss in their last outing.)

Grab the points. 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Grizzlies.

Heat/Wizards

Miami is off five straight covers and four straight victories. With two nights off before a game at Detroit though, I think the Heat come out cold here.

Washington plays with revenge after a 112-97 loss at Miami just two nights ago (and that's sigificant to note as the Wizards are 8-2 ATS in their last ten in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent in which they were held to 99 or fewer points in.)

I think home court matters in this one for sure. The play is Washington. 10* PLAYBOOK on Washington. 

Bulls/Nuggets

In my professional opinion, this is a great "spot bet." A great spot to bet the Nuggets here who come in off back-to-back losses, including last night's humbling 103-89 setback to Philadelphia.

That's back-to-back losses for the Nuggets now after they had won four straight. With a tough two-game road trip at Phoenix and Portland this week, tonight's game takes on added importance to bounce back.

The Bulls have been great this year. They've already exceeded my expectations. They looked impressive in taking out both the Clippers and Lakers to open up their road trip, but off a loss at Portland last time out, I think they're primed for another letdown here in the finale of their Western swing.

Nikola Vucevic is out for the Bulls, to the advantage goes to Nikola Jokic tonight. 

The Nuggets are still 4-0 ATS in their last four at home, while the Bulls are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games against a team with a home winning percentage above .600.

Lay the points. 8* PROFITS on Nuggets. 

I don't think New Orleans will win this game straight up. If I did, I'd take it at +280.

But I do think the Pels can keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

Clearly Miami is the better team. It's loaded with talent. The Pelicans are still without their best player in Zion Williamson until the new year. If you want a complete break down of every player on both teams and their strengths and weaknesses, then I'd recommend heading over to ESPN for an update.

I'm here to tell you why New Orleans is going to keep this one close!

The Heat have covered in three straight, but with the surging Wizards coming to town tomorrow, I say they get caught "looking ahead."

Grab the points, this one has all the makings of a nail-biter!

8* COACHES PLAY-BOOK Pelicans. 

Suns/Wolves

The Suns are 9-3 after their 115-89 win at Houston last night. With two upcoming home games against Dallas starting on Wednesday, followed by Denver and a four-game road trip, I think Phoenix finally stumbles here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

Minnesota is off a 129-102 loss at the Clippers. The night before that they hammered the Lakers 107-83. 

Now the Wolves return home and I expect this healthy team to make a game of this one.

Phoenix is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight in the second game of a B2B after holding its previous opponent to 95 or fewer points in the first. 

10* GAME OF WEEK Minnesota. 

Bulls/Clippers

The Bulls West-Coast opener didn't go so well in Golden State, but I think this young, deep and talented visiting side can bounce back here and before the face the Lakers tomorrow night in this building.

This is the second game of a back-to-back for the Clippers, who pulled away for a win and cover against the Wolves last night.

Fatigue is an issue now at this point of the season. LA is dealing with several injury issues as well.

The Bulls are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after a SU/ATS road loss in which they allowed 120 or more points in as well.

I think the outright upset is in the cards. That said, let's grab the points.

8* SITUATIONAL COACHES CORNER on the Bulls. 

Wolves/Clippers.

I like the Wolves to keep the momentum rolling here after their big win over the Lakers last night. The Clippers are off a 112-109 win over Miami, but with a more high-profile nationally televised game against the Bulls here tomorrow night, I think the home side gets caught looking ahead.

Minnesota broke a six-game slide in last night's 107-83 win here against the Lakers last night. Fatigue won't be an issue this early in the season. Note that the Wolves are 6-1 ATS in their last seven after a SU/ATS road victory in which they held their opponent to 90 points or fewer in as well.

I won't call for the upset, but I think the confident Wolves take this one down to the wire again. 8* play on the Wolves. 

Pistons/Cavaliers.

I've been impressed by the Cavaliers this year. They're 7-5 SU and they've won six straight against the spread. The recent loss of Colin Sexton is going to catch up to them though, and I firmly believe that'll be sooner, rather than later.

The Cavs get caught looking ahead to their game here against Boston tomorrow night, while Detroit will look to take advantage.

The Pistons have covered in two straight and they're off a big 112-104 outright win at Houston as 2.5-point underdogs last time out.

This one sets up as a possible outright upset, but grab the points. 10* COACHES CORNER on Pistons.

Raptors/76ers

I like Toronto to bounce back here after last night's 104-88 loss at Boston.

The 76ers are ravaged by COVID right now and I expect the Raptors to quickly regroup here and to take advantage.

The Raptors have performed well in this position by going 7-1 ATS in their last eight after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. I'm not buying into the "fatigue factor" this early in the season either.

Philadelphia has lost two in a row, and with a six game Western road swing on deck after this, I expect it to go through the motions here as it prepares for that daunting trek.

Look for the Raptors to deliver on Thursday night.

10* COACHES CORNER on Toronto. 

Hornets/Grizzlies.

I'm expecting an all out war until the final horn. 

10* PLAY-BOOK on Charlotte. The Hornets played a back-to-back at LA, losing badly to the Clippers, but then bouncing back with a much better effort in what turned out to be an unfortunate 126-123 OT loss to the Lakers.

The Hornets have now lost five in a row (both SU and ATS), but I expect them, at the very least, to give the Grizz everything they can handle tonight.

Memphis off a tiring 125-118 OT home win over the Wolves, so I believe fatigue is a factor here. Also note that it's a look-ahead spot with Phoenix coming to town next.

I believe these teams are evenly matched on paper. That gives the advantage here to the "hungrier" team, which as I've clearly pointed out above, is the Hornets in my opinion. 10* Charlotte.

Dallas Mavs @ Denver Nuggets

Denver is just 2-2. It's definitely looking to rebound off a 122-110 loss at Utah two nights ago.

Here's the perfect opponent and opportunity to do just that. Dallas is now 3-1 after last night's come from behind 104-99 home win over the Spurs. With a much easier home game against Sacramento up next, this sets up as a very real potential letdown spot for the visiting side.

Denver's had two whole nights off to regroup and prepare for this one. The Nuggets hit the road for three straight as well after this, starting in Minnesota tomorrow night. That puts added importance onto this contest for the home side.

Whether Joker plays or not for Denver, I think the well prepared and much hungrier home side is the correct call here.

Kristaps Porzingis is not the players he once was. He's constantly injured and may not even play for Dallas tonight. Luka Doncic is unbelievable, but after shouldering the load last night, I say he comes in fatigued here.

Look for the Nuggets to find a way to deliver here. The play is Denver.

Charlotte Hornets @ Orlando Magic

The Hornets have been pretty good in the early going. They're 3-1. That includes going 2-0 straight-up and against-the-spread on the road.

The Magic have been pretty much garbage to open, as they're just 1-3. That includes going 0-1 SU/ATS at home.

Off a tough 140-129 OT home loss to Boston, a game that they led most of the way, I expect this young and talented Hornets team to take out its frustrations on this young and rebuilding Magic side.

Orlando was most recently torched 107-90 at Miami on Monday.

A game at home is not what the doctor ordered either to get back on track for the Magic, who are a putrid 1-8-1 ATS in their last ten at home (also a disturbing 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 as an underdog.) 

The Hornets on the other hand are 38-12-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs a team with a winning percentage below .400.

Everything is in place for a lop-sided road destruction for the Hornets. The play is Charlotte.

Memphis Grizzlies @ LA Lakers

The Grizzlies are off a relatively simple 120-114 road win here over the Clippers just last night and I expect them to keep the momentum rolling here. If this were the end of the season, I'd likely avoid playing on a team in the second game of a back-to-back, but in this case, I don't expect fatigue to be an issue whatsoever.

Instead, I think Ja Morant and the opportunistic Grizz are to send a statement by beating both LA teams on two straight night's in their own building. 

Morant had 28 points in last night's win, while De'Anthony Melton added 22 points on nine of 16 shooting.

The Lakers have issues. They're 0-2, most recently falling 115-105 at home to the Suns. LA shot just 39 percent from the field in the setback. 

LA is also 0-4 ATS in its last four home games. 

I expect this one to come right down to the wire. As such, grab the points and the Grizzlies.

Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers

These teams put together very different preseasons and I think their performances matter to open the season.

Golden State went 5-0 and LA went 0-6. The Lakers have plenty of talent, but they'll be without the services of Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker. The Warriors will be without the services of Jonathan Kuminga, Klay Thompson and James Wiseman.

The preseason is not a good indicator of what will transpire in the regular season, but Golden State comes in with confidence and while it may struggle to post an outright upset, I do think this one will get decided in the final moments. 

Because of that, let's grab the points! The play is the Warriors.

The home team has won each game so far, and I believe that it will continue here in Game 5. The Bucks have been excellent the past two games, especially 2-time MVP and DPOY Giannis Antetokoumnpo. The Greek Freak had  41, 13 and 6 in Game 3 in that crucial game. He followed that up with another stellar performance last time out where he dropped 26 while having 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Now, we head back to Phoenix, Arizona where the Suns have looked nearly unstoppable this postseason. Phoenix point guard, Chris Paul, was definitely not his best in Game 4, as he struggled with his ball-handling and his shooting. CP3 is one of the best players in the league to have not won a championship. Every single time he would reach the playoffs, an injury got in the way of his success. Finally, the Suns provided that opportunity and I expect him to have one of his best games of his career this next game as he's also one of the clutchest performers in the NBA. Don't forget, the Suns also have Devin Booker, one of the newest Superstars of the league, who just dropped a 42-piece, as well as former #1 ovr pick Deandre Ayton. Bridges, Cam Payne, and Crowder have been huge as well. Look for Phoenix to take it to the Bucks from the opening Tip-Off and keep the pressure on them the entire game.  Take  phoenix - 3 1/2.

The set-up: The Suns are in the cusp of punching their ticket to the NBA Finals. I think Phoenix will win this series, but it could have its hands full here in Game 5 in trying to put away this desperate Clippers team. LA lost 84-80 in Game 4, and it now has its back against the wall in this elimination contest. 

The pick: I think LA is going to show up and play well defensively and after a poor shooting game last time out, I also expect Paul George to be much more efficient here. The Suns are the better team, but I think this one will come down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last. I'm grabbing the points.

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

The set-up: I just think the Clippers are going to dig deep and deliver the goods in this Game 3. They won't be panicking, as they've already been here in their two previous series, going down 0-2, only to then rally for a series victory. I got down early and have an unfavorable line, and while the Clippers are now the slight home dog, I still think that the change in venue is just what Paul George and this veteran-laden Clippers team needs to get back into this series. 

The pick: Game 2 was tight, and the Clippers had their chances at the end. I say Game 3 is controlled start to finish by the home side. Chris Paul won't be at 100% health and I think LA's competent guards can slow him down even further. For all the reasons listed above, the play is LA.

This is a 10* ELITE OF THE ELITE on the Clippers.

The set-up: The Atlanta Hawks are averaging 106.3 points on 44.4 percent shooting and allowing 105 points in the playoffs, while the Milwaukee Bucks are averaging 107.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 102.3 points so far in the post-season. The Bucks were one of the favorites to advance in the East before the season started, but the Hawks rise to this point is nothing short of spectacular. Clearly, Atlanta has already exceeded expectations to this point. 

The pick: I think Milwaukee is going to win this series. I don't think it'll sweep Atlanta though. That said, I do think that the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is a major matchup issue for the Hawks and I believe that Atlanta is going to struggle down the stretch of this opener. I'm laying points and expecting a comfortable cover for the home side in Game 1.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Bucks.

The set-up: The Clippers ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, but despite only shooting 45 percent from the floor, they still had a shot at upsetting the Suns in Game 1. Phoenix didn't look overly impressive and I believe the Clippers can make the necessary adjustments to not only make Game 2 even more competitive, but possibly even pull off the straight-up upset here. 

The pick: The continued absence of Chris Paul won't help this Suns team over the long-term. He'll likely return soon, but he's out again tonight. So is Kawhi Leonard for the Clippers, but LA is deep and experienced and I believe it throws it best shot at the Suns tonight. That said, grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Clippers.

The set-up: Some cappers put a lot of stock into where the public money is going. Most sharps are contrarian by nature. When there's just a few games remaining though, those percentages of public money become skewed. I think they're much more accurate during the regular season. Most of the public money is on the Hawks, but in this case I think the public is correct. 

The pick: This is going to be a battle. It has been all series. Very back and forth and very close. Nothing's going to change here. Note though that the Hawks are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent in which they were held to 100 points or less in. This one comes down the final moments, so grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Hawks.

The set-up: The Nets would have easily won this series if not for injuries to James Harden and Kyrie Irving. I don't think that Kevin Durant is the best basketball player of all time, but he's clearly been the best players in this series. Even better than the Bucks Giannis, who has played very well himself. But KD is going to be exhausted at this point and after the Game 6 collapse, I think the Bucks can smell the blood in the water. 

The pick: Further, note that Milwaukee is 7-1 ATS in its last eight after holding its previous opponent to 90 points or less in a SU/ATS home victory. Milwaukee's depth will prove to be the difference here vs. this wounded and undermanned Nets side. 

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Bucks.

The set-up: With a chance to end this series here and now, I like the Hawks chances to do just that. This is a well-coached team that continues to get underestimated, both by its opponents, and the bookmakers. It's Atlanta that is controlling the pace and flow of this series and I say nothing changes here in this crucial contest. Philadelphia has the best player on the floor in Joel Embiid, but the Hawks counter with the second best player in this series in Trae Young. 

The pick: The bottom line here though is that Atlanta's defense has been the difference-maker for it during the playoffs and I like the Hawks to continue that run here in this crucial Game 6. Outright win is completely possible obviously, but let's grab the points just in case.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Hawks.

The set-up: Despite both Kyrie Irving and James Harden sitting this one out, I think Kevin Durant and his cast of role players can take this inconsistent Bucks team down to the wire. 

The pick: I think that Blake Griffin, Jeff Green and Joe Harris will have significantly better games at home. The Bucks are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road. Clearly, the outright win isn't out of the question, but also note that Brooklyn is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 at home. I'm grabbing the points.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Nets.

The set-up: The Hawks have been fantastic at making game-to-game adjustments since Nate McMillan took over as head coach. I think that happens again here. Atlanta is now desperate to avoid an 0-3 hole and I like the Hawks to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Note that Philly is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after back-to-back SU/ATS victories in a row as well. 

The pick: ATL on the other hand is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to revenge a 15 points or greater SU/ATS home loss to an opponent. Look for Trae Young to have a monster game for the Hawks' defense to finally show up as well. Outright is obviously possible, but grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Hawks.

The set-up: Brooklyn looked like it was going to roll over the Bucks in this series, but then it shifted to Milwaukee and the Bucks somehow managed to hold on for the 86-83 victory. It was a back and forth game and really, Milwaukee did not win that one by very much obviously. But I think that Game 4 finally sets up as a great spot for the Bucks to bounce back with a convincing win.

The pick: Brooklyn's role players aren't contributing and it's two super stars are now worn out, as the continued absence of "The Beard" is now taking its toll on the Nets. I like Giannis and company to lay the hammer down here. Outright win is obvious, but let's grab the points anyways.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Bucks.

The set-up: I think the Clippers have a legitimate shot at taking Game 2 outright. LA let a lead slip away in Game 1, and it had a shot at sending it to OT late, but ultimately while LA covered in Game 1, it lost outright. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George continue to play well though and the Clippers have the defensive toughness to make adjustments and play better against Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz. 

The pick: LA is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent in which it allowed 110 or more points in. I say that this one comes right down to the wire (at the very least) as well, and that's why I'm recommending to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the LA Clippers.

The set-up: The Hawks destroyed the 76ers in Game 1. Well, they did for three quarters anyways, and then they took the foot off the gas and allowed Philly to make a game of it. Atlanta never trailed though and I think the Hawks have a legimtate shot at taking Game 2 as well. Atlanta looked especially good on the defensive side for three quarters. 

The pick: Is 76ers big man Joel Embiid back to 100% health? He wasn't in top form in Game 1 and the uncertainty in Game 2 is definitely not going to help this 76ers offense. When Embiid is in the line-up, the offense is run through him, but his injury makes it awkward and difficult to game-plan in the short-term. The Hawks are 100% healthy, hungry and Nate McMillan has been brilliant in making adjustments from game to game and I expect him to have another masterpiece planned tonight. Grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Hawks.

The set-up: I'm expecting an absolute war until the final horn. In fact, this game could even go to extra's, that's how competitive it's been. LA's only averaed 108 points here during the playoffs, while Dallas has averaged 115 on the road.

The pick: The Mavericks are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent in which they were held to 100 points or less in. Outright victory? Of course. Dallas has already proven it can win here. In the end though, let's grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Dallas Mavericks.

The set-up: We haven't yet really witnessed the true power of these Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving, KD and James Harden only played in eight regular seaosn games together, and Brooklyn still finished No. 2 in scoring behind the Bucks. Both teams rolled through their first round opponents, but was most impressive to me was how well the Nets played defensively against the Celtics.

The pick: The Heat were completely pathetic. I think Boston could have beaten Miami if they played in the first round. I expect the Nets' Big 3 to take this personally and to send an early message. A great "situational" play here, so lay the points.

This is a 10* ELITE OF THE ELITE on the Nets.

The set-up: These teams are evenly matched, but this is the biggest spread so far in the series. I think the outright upset is very possible here, but in the end I'm going to grab the points. The Nuggets have a chance to close out this series here and now after their 147-140 OT win. Damian Lillard had a truly monster game for the Blazers, and Portland still couldn't pull off the upset. I don't see the Blazers being able to push this one to a Game 7. 

The pick: Nikola Jokic continues to put up impressive numbers and Denver's depth and experience is paying huge dividends right now. The Nuggets are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a road dog in the +4.5 to +6.5 points range. In a contest which I see being decided late, I'm grabbing the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Nuggets.

The set-up: I think LeBron James and the Lakers have more than enough fight in them to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. AD can still return to this series, and LA will be looking great heading home to Game 6 if it can somehow pull off an upset. I don't see much of a drop off here with Andre Drummond ready step and fill the void left by Davis. 

The pick: Chris Paul and Devon Booker are going to have their hands full with LA's elite defense. The Lakers are one of the best in defending the perimeter and I believe the visiting side will double down on that end of the court tonight. I'm not counting out King James in this big game situation. While the outright victory is possible, in the end let's grab the points.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Lakers.

The set-up: I say the Wizards don't go down without a fight here. Note that Philadelphia is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. 

The pick: Washington is also 8-3 ATS in its last 11 in a "double revenge" spot against an opponent, so the fact that this is a "triple revenge" spot makes this play even stronger. I think the outright win is a possibiity as well. I say Washington fights until the final moments. Grab the points.

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

The set-up: The Nets suddenly are facing some adversity. The Celtics finally made some adjustments and combined with a little "home cooking" Jayson Tatum and company looked much better in their upset Game 3 victory. And now I believe Boston will keep the foot on the gas here to try and even things up.

The pick: The Nets have all the talent in the World, but dominating in the regular season and doing well in the playoffs are two entirely different things. Brooklyn's weakness all year has been on the defensive end and I expect it to regress here in this now pressure situation. While the outright is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Boston Celtics.

The set-up: Philadelphia won the first two games at home, but I expect a minor letdown here in its first game away from friendly confines. Russell Westbrook is listed as questionable for this game, and while I do expect him to play, whether he does or not I still love Bradley Beal and the revenge-minded Wizards to claw tooth and nail at home, and at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. 

The pick: Note that the Wizards are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to revenge back-to-back losses to an opponent. With their backs against the wall, look for the Wizards to put forth their best effort so far in this series and in the process, easily cover this spread. Grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Wizards.

The set-up: So far Brooklyn has clearly been the better team. I knew the Nets could score, but it's been their defensive play which has been the suprising thing over their first two victories in this series. I didn't think though that the Celtics would win this series, but I also don't expect it go get swept. This is it, do or die for Boston, as clearly an 0-3 hole would be just too big for it to climb out of. 

The pick: Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge back-to-back SU/ATS losses to an opponent. The Nets somehow managed to hold Boston star Jayson Tatum to just nine points in Game 2, but I expect an entirely different effort from the All Star at home. Expect a much grittier effort from Boston today (and grab as many points as you can!)

This is a 10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the Celtics.

The set-up: The Clippers are clearly getting too much respect here after their 113-103 Game 1 loss. Dallas has a golden opportunity to take a commanding series lead here and I think the pressure is fully on the home side. Note that Dallas is 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a ten points or greater SU/ATS road victory. 

The pick: The Clippers actually lost the last two games of the regular season on purpose to avoid playing the Lakers, and now they're going to pay the price. Note that the Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in their last seven on the road, while the Clippers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five at home. Outright is possible, but let's grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Mavericks.

The set-up: The Heat lost Game 1 by a score of 109-107. I say that's a moral victory for the Heat, as both Jimmy Butler and Bam Abedayo had horrible games. And despite that, Miami took the mighty Bucks to OT on their own floor and even had a shot at the outright victory. Last year the Heat took out the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami coach Eric Spolestra was masterful with his adjustments from game-to-game last year, and with a fully healthy club to draw upon here, I expect him to do just that.

The pick: The Bucks have to get a huge game every night from Giannis. I'm positive the Milwaukee star will deliver with another big performance here, but I think Miami's depth and experience can at the very least, once again keep this one close until the final moments. Grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Heat.

The set-up: The Hawks and Knicks in the playoffs. Who'd have thought? New York was consistent all season, but a great second half push has it in the drivers seat in this series. Atlanta's entire season changed when it hired Nate McMillan as head coach. Both teams avoided having to play in the "play in" tournament, and each got here using different styles of play. The Hawks push the pace and use their incredible shooting efficiency to stretch defenses, while the Knicks are better on the defensive end, wearing teams down and then also using efficient shooting themselves. It's an interesting confilct in styles, but I think the Hawks offer great value here to pull off the slight upset in Game 1.

The pick: The Knicks are going to have difficulties keeping pace with Trae Young and company in my opinion. Also note that the Knicks are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine when playing with three or more days of rest. The staget is set for a big upset in the opener.

This is a 10* FIRST ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR on the Hawks.

The set-up: The Celtics are dealing with injury issues, but they still have loads of talent and experience playing together. They also come off a commanding win over the Wizards, a team which I'd say is almost identical to the Nets. Brooklyn doesn't play defense, and that's not going to win any championships.

The pick: Boston is a big underdog, but it won't go down with a fight. Especially in Game 1. Note as well that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine as a road dog in the +7.5 to +9.5 points range. Grab the points, expect an excting contest.

This is a 10* COACHES CORNER on the Celtics.

The set-up: Memphis plays with revenge here after falling 113-101 to the Warriors in these team's regular season finale. It was a big win for the Warriors at the time, as it ensured that if they lost the first "play in" game, that they'd still have a shot at making the playoffs by hosting the second game and playing the winner of the lower seeds. And that's exactly what's happened here, as Memphis held on for a four-point home victory over the Spurs to set up this rematch.

The pick: Golden State is still hung up on the previous loss to the Lakers, while Memphis is now in the drivers seat after its big win. The Warriors are also injured, while Memphis enters almost completely healthy. Grab the points.

This is a 10* COACHS CORNER on the Grizzlies.

The set-up: Here's a great situational play. The Hornets have lost five straight, while the Pacers have split their last ten games. Indiana's top scorer though Malcolm Brogdon is out. Evan Turner is also out for the Pacers and Caris Lavert and Holliday are also questionable. 

The pick: I love this young Hornets team here led by Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball. Indiana is just too banged up to back here and while I obviously think Charlotte's going to win this one outright, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Hornets.

The set-up: New York has been playing unbelievably well and it's now back in the playoffs. It enters off a highly satisfying 106-100 win over the Clippers, avenging an earlier loss. But with a night off before three straight at home to end the regular season, this absolutely sets up as a look-ahead spot for the visiting side. 

The pick: The Lakers are off a big 123-110 home win over the Suns and with LBJ returning to the line-up tonight, this MEANS a lot to The King and the Lakers overall, who also play with revenge here now after a 111-96 setback in the Big Apple in mid April. Lay the points, expect a blowout.

This is a 10* COACHS CORNER on the Lakers.

The set-up: The Pels are in the 11th spot, on the outside looking into the playoffs with just under a week left in the regular season. They're coming off a 112-110 victory at Charlotte just last night. Star player Zion Williamson is done for the season though, and I think the visiting side will feel the effects of his absence here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. 

The pick: The Grizzlies are in eighth and are coming off a big road win against Toronto. Memphis plays with revenge here as well after a humbling 144-113 setback to New Orleans in mid February. The Grizzlies hit the road for three straight as well after this, before one last home game, putting an added emphasis to perform in this almost "must win" scenario. Lay the points.

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

The set-up: The Raptors need to win out and get some outside help to make the play-in tournament. The Wizards have been steamrolling of late, but off a tight 135-134 loss in Milwaukee just last night, I finally expect Washington to stumble here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. Toronto has three more games at home, before three on the road. It's now or never for the Raptors. 

The pick: Washington has a tricky schedule, with a game at Indiana up next, followed by two at Atlanta, before then wrapping up with two at home vs. Cleveland and Charlotte. The Wizards though are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine when playing the second game of a back-to-back and off an ATS victory in the first. Everything points to Toronto finding a way to get the job done for bettors tonight.

This is a 10* COACHS CORNER on the Raptors.

The set-up: Both teams need wins. Both teams have been playing really well of late. At some point, one of these two teams is going to have a minor "letdown," and I believe that time has come for the Bucks, who enter off back-to-back home wins over East leading Brooklyn, including a hard-fought 124-118 victory just last night. 

The pick: Washington most recently hammered the Pacers 154-141 in regulation at home two nights ago and it plays with the added incentive of revenge here after falling 133-122 to the Bucks on March 15th. With a game tomorrow night at Toronto, the road ahead doesn't get any easier for the visiting side either. I expect this one to come right down to the wire, so grab the points.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on the Wizards.