30*

Milwaukee Bucks -3

Most people are going to think the Bucks are in for a letdown after beating the mighty Golden State Warriors. I think they'll stay hot given that they get to face the lowly Lakers. The Bucks are playing on 2 days rest and the Lakers are returning home from a lengthy road trip. Most of you know by now that I love fading teams in this spot. In fact, the Lakers are just 1-5 in said situation. The Bucks have done well in LA going 12-5 ATS their last 16.

30*

Orlando Magic vs. Brooklyn Nets OVER 198

70* The #1 and BIGGEST PLAY OF THE SEASON

Charlotte Hornets -2

Let me start with this. We RARELY release a 70* play in ANY sport. We haven't had one in the NBA since Game 5 of the NBA Finals when the Spurs beat the Heat. In fact, our last 70* overall was the New England Patriots season win total OVER 10 wins. We're 1 win away from cashing that ticket. But back to why you're here and that's this season's 70* The #1 and BIGGEST PLAY OF THE SEASON!

Let's begin with the Boston Cetlics. This team just played their biggest game of the season last night against the Golden State Warriors. The media heads all said the atmosphere there was like a playoff game. This wasn't even the ESPN game but all the ESPN members were there previewing this game. The Celtics gave one hell of an effort. They took the Warriors to double overtime where they lost in the final seconds. These players gave everything they had in front of their home fans. They now have to travel to Charlotte and attempt to get up for this game against the Hornets. This is an AWFUL spot for the Celtics. This game against the Hornets with be their 3rd game in 4 nights and 4th game in 6 nights. No doubt this team will be tired and in for a serious let down. If you thought it couldn't get any worse for Boston, they have the Cleveland Cavaliers on deck. Every situational angle you can think of goes against the Celtics Saturday night.

Now let's talk about the Charlotte Hornets. This team is rolling. They have won 4 straight games and they have been against solid competition. Their last 3 games they have destroyed everything in their path. They beat Memphis by 24, Miami by 18, and Detroit by 20. Charlotte has played extremely well at home as well. They are 10-3 in their building and their last 2 losses were to Golden State and Cleveland. This team is undervalued right now. Asking the Hornets to just win the game here is a no brainer. Look for Charlotte to roll here tonight.

20*

Portland Trailblazers vs. Phoenix Suns OVER 209

20*

Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans UNDER 214.5

20*

Detroit Pistons -8.5

30*

Orlando Magic +3.5

30*

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls OVER 200.5

30*

Orlando Magic +4.5

This is not the Orlando Magic we have come to know. This team is on fire. They have been playing exceptionally well over the last few weeks and we're going to ride them like a rented mule until they cool off. They have covered the spread in 7 straight contests and 4 straight on the road. 

One of my favorite spots in sports, especially basketball, is when a team returns home from a lengthy road trip. This is Phoenix's first game home since the end of November. In fact, the Suns are just 1-8 ATS their last 9 coming home from a road trip of 7 or more.

Riding the hot team here that benefits playing a team in a horrible spot that also hasn't been playing well. Take the points all day.

30*

Portland Trailblazers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers OVER 199.5

20*

Detroit Pistons -6.5

40* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

Orlando Magic vs. Utah Jazz UNDER 190.5

No doubt the injury to Gobert is going to effect the Jazz's defensive prowess but typically in the NBA when a star goes out, the team steps up big time and their performance (where they would be lacking without their star, rises drastically i.e. their defense.) 

Orlando has been playing great lately but have honestly beaten up on bad teams. I like the Jazz as well in this spot and typically if the Jazz win, the game is going under. The Jazz gave up 100+ points their last game and when that has happened, they have gone under in 5 of the last 6 games. They really prepare well and step up their defensive performance after a poor one. For Orlando, just the long term stats show they play under ball games away from home. They have gone under in 55 of their last 80 on the road.

50* NBA DIVISIONAL GAME OF THE YEAR - Atlantic

New York Knicks -8.5

This is what I like to call "The sigh of relief" game for the 76ers. They finally get the monkey off their back by winning their first game of the season and subsequently ending this dreadful losing streak. When this happens, team's usually going into the tank next game suffering a letdown. The 76ers know they're not going anywhere. What makes this worse for them is that this was the Lakers and Kobe returned to Philly last night for a farewell ceremony. Add even more of an emotional toll. Just listen to all the quotes from the 76ers players. They were totally start struck by Kobe. Now they have to get up and travel for a back to back facing a Knicks team hungry for a win. Not a good recipe for success for a bad team. 

We all know that the 76ers rarely win so even though this trend is only 6 games, we know that it is very spread out. Philadelphia is just 1-5 ATS their last 6 coming off a straight up win. That should tell you everything you need to know about this game.

20*

Memphis Grizzlies +103

20*

Orlando Magic +2.5

20*

Brooklyn Nets +3

20*

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers UNDER 197

20*

Philadelphia 76ers -108

20*

Boston Celtics +3.5

20*

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz UNDER 197

20*

Detroit Pistons +8

20*

Atlanta Hawks +3.5

20*

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans UNDER 211.5

30*

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs OVER 197

30*

Chicago Bulls -140

20*

Los Angeles Clippers -7

40*

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks OVER 203.5

20*

Utah Jazz -3.5

20*

Detroit Pistons -3

20*

New York Knicks +5

30*

Denver Nuggets +11.5

Got to love this spot for the Denver Nuggets. Golden State comes off two huge wins on back to back nights against top opponents. This is now the Warrior's 3rd game in 4 nights. That's hard enough as it is, but doing that at the high altitude in Denver is a whole different story. I can see these Golden State players getting worn out in the 2nd half, especially since their starters have played a ton of minutes lately. The Warrior's are notorious this year for getting off to a slow start to begin games and that is going to be a problem if they do it again in this one, given from what we have mention before about playing in Denver.

Everyone knows that Golden State is going for the record tonight so no doubt there should be some nerves and tight play. You know they want this record, they have stated it. All that is on their mind's is win. Winning by 12+ seems like a lot. Denver can play very loose in this game and has the chance to play spoiler, which teams love. Golden State is just 2-5 their last 7 games against the Nuggets. Look for Denver to keep this game in single digits tonight.

20*

Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors OVER 210

Golden State comes off a huge comeback win last night where they had to use a ton of energy. They also started out of the gates slow against the Clippers and this team makes adjustments very well. A very key stat for GSW is that the over is 5-0 the last 5 games where their starters played more than 160+ minutes combined. 

It takes more effort to play defense than offense. It's easy to come up and down the floor and take shots but it's difficult to defend the speeds of these NBA players and contain when you have tired legs. I expect a rocking chair type scoring affair between these two clubs tonight.

50* NBA UNDERDOG OF THE MONTH

Portland Trailblazers +3.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are in a monumental let down spot here as they come off a heart breaking loss to the Golden State Warriors at home last night. Man, Chef Curry is the best shooter I have ever seen, but I digress. The Clippers were shooting lights out and were running back and forth all night with the Warriors and it meant nothing. It's going to be tough for these Clippers to get focused and travel to one of the best home court advantages in the game at the Moda Center. 

Portland has been playing a lot better than their record. They come off a tough loss as well but they have had some time to dwell on it so I see a focused effort. It took a Corey Brewer 30 footer to lose that game. It took terrible defense and typical Clipper failure for Los Angeles to drop last night. The Clippers have covered just 1 out of 6 tries after scoring 100+ points and they are the same ATS when allowing 100+ points, as well. The dog has covered 4 straight in this series and I expect that trend to grow to 5 tonight. 

20*

Detroit Pistons -140

We'll go ahead and take the points out of the equation here but if you don't want to lay the juice, buy the hook to -2.

20*

Indiana Pacers -7

We did drop our last 76ers game by 2 points as Philly gave up and chose not to foul in the final 11 seconds. Can't win them all but my point is that even though we lost last time fading Philadelphia, we've still done extremely well doing so and we'll try our luck here again tonight.

Taking a hard look at the over in the Sac/Atl game and will post if it becomes a play.

20*

Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks OVER 196

20*

Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls UNDER 198

20*

Boston Celtics +5

20*

Dallas Mavericks -8.5

We have been a roll fading this 76ers club and we're going to do it again tonight. This team just can't put a solid effort up for 4 quarters. Let's say they start off the 1st quarter well and have a lead. In the 2nd half, they still manage to get destroyed. At any time, Philly has the chance to get blown out by double digits.

40*

Detroit Pistons -4

50* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH

Chicago Bulls -6.5

This game sets up nicely for the Chicago Bulls. They just played the 76ers on Monday and haven't played since then. Chicago also doesn't play again until Monday where they get to stay put at the United Center, so no travel. This means we should have a fully rested and focus team playing tonight. To add even more to this, Charlotte destroyed them two weeks ago so no doubt the Bulls have revenge on their minds. The Bulls have covered 28 of the last 39 games when revenging a double digit loss. The Hornets comes off an exciting buzzer beating victory that almost was not as they escaped the Knicks by a fingertip. Charlotte is 2-7 ATS their last 9 coming off a win.

20*

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics OVER 207

40* NBA on TNT GAME OF THE WEEK

Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves OVER 210

This total is unusually low for this contest between these two. This total did open at 209 and quickly jumped to 210/210.5. The last 6 meetings have all seen lines in the 200 teens and even as high as 220. We are basically getting 10 points of value here. Both teams are averaging over 100 points in their current situation tonight. GS scores 113 on the road and Minnesota scores 101 a game. The flip side to that is that Minnesota is giving up over 100 points a game as well. Golden State comes off a big game against the Memphis Grizzlies last night so I expect them to have some tired legs and not give as great of a defensive effort tonight. Both teams should push a shoot a lot of three's. If Chef Curry and Andrew Wiggins are hot, this ticket cashes easily.

20*

Indiana Pacers +3.5

20*

Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics OVER 201.5

20*

Toronto Raptors -9.5

This game reminds me of the Bulls game a couple nights ago. We missed the lower number and took the Bulls at -9 for a smaller play and they destroyed the 76ers. The 76ers are one of my favorite play against teams and they can get blown out on any given night. Its extremely hard for this team to put it together for a full 4 quarters.

Also like the Detroit Pistons +1 is DeMarcus Cousins isn't playing. Will make it an official play if he is ruled out.

40* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

Toronto Raptors -8

20*

Chicago Bulls -9

Was going to make this a bigger play at -7 but this number got away from us. -7 is a very key number in the NBA as teams typically some fouling at the end of the game when down 3 possessions. The Bulls come off a OT loss to Minnesota and they don't play again until Friday after this game. I don't expect them to take the night off because if they do, that's the only way the 76ers can be competitive. If the Bulls stay focused, this is a double digit blowout easy.

20*

Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers OVER 196

20*

Los Angeles Clippers -8

20*

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz UNDER 180

20*

San Antonio Spurs -10

40* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors UNDER 213

20*

Miami Heat -4

20*

Memphis Grizzlies -4

20*

Toronto Raptors -115

30*

Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets OVER 194

20*

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers UNDER 195

20*

Cleveland Cavaliers -13

This one is pretty basic. As long as the Cavaliers don't simply take the night off, they win this one in total blowout fashion. I don't expect them to since they had the weekend of and the play the Knicks next, so no lookahead spot. Philadelphia has absolutely no offense and turnovers the ball over a ton. The trees down low should make it nearly impossible for the young 76ers to score anything in the paint. The 76ers got destroyed by Boston and Utah. There's no reason why Cleveland shouldn't dismantle this team. I do like this correlated with the under since I expect this to be a blowout, the 4th quarter should be just bench players taking bad shots and taking up the entire shot clock to finish out the game.

30*

Orlando Magic +8.5

30*

Utah Jazz vs. Philadelphia 76ers UNDER 186.5

30* ESPN SHOWCASE

Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5

Every one is going to want to line up at the window and bet the Lakers here. Kobe is back and they have their young rookies to bring in the hype for L.A. They also brought in Roy Hibbert and Lou Will in the off-season. We now have 4 players on this team that are selfish scorers. Kobe, Lou, Swaggy P, and Russell all want the ball and shoot every time down the floor. That's not a recipe for success. It's going to take some time for this team to gel, if ever, in all honesty.

I like Minnesota to get up for this game, especially given the recent passing of Flip Saunders. This should give a big boost for the T'Wolves and they should give an inspired effort here. 

-BONUS 50* NBA SEASON WIN TOTAL

Los Angeles Lakers UNDER 29.5 wins

30*

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics UNDER 198

50* NBA TOTAL MAX BET

Washington Wizards vs. Orlando Magic OVER 204.5

It's early in the season so I don't have a bunch of trends to throw out at you for this one but we know that both of these squads have amazing young talent and solid three point shooters. The Wizards, especially with Wall on the floor, can score in seconds with his incredible speed.

The key here is new Magic coach, Scott Skiles. He is going to want to run, run, and run some more. This game could easily look like a Oklahoma City/Houston game with the speed of the back court and the amount of threes being taken. The thing about those games is that they are usually lined in the 214 area. We get this game 10 points less than that. I expect this game to be played back and forth with a ton of transition buckets. As long as one of these teams don't go ice cold from the floor, this goes over with ease.

40* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls UNDER 198.5

I'll start by saying this...All 3 games went under last year on opening night in the NBA. This is actually very common in the Association. Team's come out rusty and they play with some nerves. This is even more the case with this particular game tonight.

These are two defensive teams and this a rematch of last year's playoff series, so this game should have a lot of defensive intensity with the revenge angle for the Bulls. Both teams are big inside, so it's hard to get easy buckets in the paint. Now, both teams will be out certain players or they will not be 100%. Kyrie is out, Love hasn't played in forever, and LeBron took most of the pre-season off. For the Bulls, we know Derrik Rose is playing with double vision, so that's going to kill offensive production. The Bulls have shown through out that they can go ice cold from the floor at times and, to even better our case for the under, can get very physical. 

50* NBA VEGAS INSIDER

Golden State Warriors -1

50* NBA PLAYOFFS TOTAL OF THE YEAR

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors UNDER 203.5

Most people are going to look at these two teams and see the Splash Brothers and King James and think a ton of points. But what has gotten these clubs this far, is their defense. Both teams have been outstanding on the defensive end and really pride themselves in that aspect. 

What makes this a great play is the time off between the Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. Cleveland will have 8 days off and Golden State will have 7. Breaks like this can really throw off offensive rhythm and rust is definitely a factor. With the jitters of the Finals and the fact that Golden State doesn't have a single player on their team with Finals experience, I can definitely see a low scoring 1st quarter/half.

As for the trends, Cleveland has gone under the total in 4 straight road games and Golden State has gone under in 8 straight home games. The Warriors are also 4-0 to the under when playing on 3 or more days rest and are 8-1-1 to the under after scoring 100+ their previous contest.

50* NBA MAX BET

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers OVER 193.5

I'm not going to go all crazy with stats and trends on why I think this game is going to go over. The fact remains that the only time Atlanta had success in this series was when they pushed the pace and shot a ton of 3 balls. Cleveland will gladly play that type of game as well as they love shooting from beyond the arc. In Game 3, both teams shot close to 70 three pointers...66 to be exact!

LeBron James is close to impossible to stop. He either drives to the hoop for an easy basket or dishes it out, while driving, for a wide open 3. If they get into this type of game with pace and have success shooting, this game goes over with ease. I will leave you with one trend here as the over has cashed in 4 straight meetings between these two teams at the Q (Quicken Loans Arena.)

30*

Atlanta Hawks +9.5

40* NBA VEGAS INSIDER

Golden State Warriors -10

There is a reason the odds-makers made the Warriors this big of a favorite. They are better in every facet of the game. It's as simple as the way each team plays. Golden State plays fundamentally sound, solid defense, a deeper bench, has the best shooter(s) in the game, and can drop treys like nobody's business.

Houston is the known street ball team. They are constantly running isolations and there are times where you will see players simply with their hands on their hips (Harden usually) out of the play, if they know the ball isn't coming to them. Golden State will see this and will eat you alive. Also, the Rockets CANNOT shoot free throws either. That will destroy you this late in the playoffs. 

Most people are going to see this line and say "I get the #2 seed getting double digits after 3 straight wins?" Don't get caught in the trap. Rockets are in for a major letdown. In my opinion, Memphis was a better team, definitely the better defensive team, than the Rockets, and the Warriors grinded them down and absolutely punished them late in the series. As long as Curry and Thompson don't have miserable shooting nights, Golden State runs away with this one in the 2nd half.

50* One & Only NBA GAME OF THE YEAR

Houston Rockets +2

For those of you who were on my NHL GAME OF THE YEAR with the Rangers...Man, is this a spitting image of a series or what? Both the Capitals and the Clippers were up 3-1 and now have to play on the road in Game 7. Both had the series in the bag (Capitals had a 1-0 lead with 100 seconds left and lost in OT and the Clippers had a 19 point lead with a couple minutes left in the 3rd and lost badly. Both were in series clinching games. Well, we all know how it ended for the Capitals. I expect a very similar result for the Clippers. What makes this even more similar, both teams are the worst in history blowing 3-1 series leads. If you have watched ESPN at all lately, you will know that more than 80% of the teams in the NBA playing at home for Game 7, win. 

I was shocked to see the Rockets as a 2 point underdog. I thought the odds makers would make the Rockets a short favorite or even a pick 'em. I don't see how the Clippers are going to be mentally stable for this game. The NBA is a game of runs. If and when the Rockets go on a run and/or hit a few threes in a row, I can see the Clippers really falling apart. "We had the series won" or "How did we blow this" is going to enter the player's heads and that is when the Rockets are going to start to pull away. 

The only negatives I can say for this game is that...this is the Rockets. This team is so sporadic it's frustrating. However, this is Game 7, on your home floor, after an epic comeback. HOW COULD YOU NOT BE FOCUSED! The other is Matt Barnes. This may sound a bit superstitious but whenever I make bets involving the Clippers...Matt Barnes is the X-Factor. When I fade the Clippers, he goes 4-7 from 3 point land. If I bet the Clippers, he goes 1-9 from 3. Let's hope the terrible Matt Barnes shows up Sunday. All jokes aside, the pressure got to the Clippers. They were one game away, really one quarter away, from their first Conference Finals in franchise history, and they blew it.  

20*

Golden State Warriors -5

Decided to pull the trigger on this one. Also have a small play on the Wizards ML 1st HALF. If you have the outs...a play on the Atlanta Hawks ML 4th quarter is a solid play as well. Washington should come out strong tonight at home and they have done well early on in the series. Where they have trouble, and it's always been this way for the Wizards, they struggle mightily in the 4th quarter and they always blow their lead.

ML (moneyline)

30*

Chicago Bulls -2

50* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors OVER 195

Consider playing part of this wager on the OVER 98 1st HALF

We said in our last play in this series that if this game stayed under the total yet again, we would have a big play on the over in Game 5. Well, it worked out for us and we're going big. This series has yet to see an over. There has been 4 straight unders but now they're going back to Oracle, where Golden State shoots the rock much better. A big reason for this over is that Tony Allen is not 100% and Chef Curry is starting to get his shot back. I don't see the same level of defense as there has been in the previous games. Golden State knows that the turnovers have been killing them and I expect them to clean those up coming back home. Add in the fact that if the threes start falling with this ruckus crowd, they'll keep shooting them all night, even if they are up by 40. I expect Golden State to try to push this game to a frantic pace as they know they need to get to 100 to win this game.

20*

Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks UNDER 200

40* NBA VEGAS INSIDER 

Cleveland Cavaliers -5

Cavaliers know they have to win this game. They cannot go down 2-3 going back to Chicago. I know it sounds easier said than done, but they also want to protect their coach from his double debacle last game. This is also a nice public fade as more than 60% of the bets are on the Bulls. Also saw a great stat with Joey Crawford, tonight's referee, and Lebron James. The King is 25-3 in games refed by Joey Crawford. Like our chances to get favorable calls tonight.

50* NBA MAX BET

Memphis Grizzlies +5

Looks like the Warriors have met their match. This Memphis defense is for real and it has frustrated the Splash brothers and it has made them look dazed on the floor at times. Again, just like last game when we cashed with the Grizzlies, everyone is going to be on the Warriors here thinking they'll bounce back and there is no way they go down 1-3. I think the Grizzles are going to surprise a lot of folks here tonight. I'm not going to go as far as calling for the outright upset, but it would not surprise me one bit. Getting 5+ points is a gift, especially in the Grindhouse where the Grizzlies are just so tough. This should be a close game throughout and I'll take the generous points all day with the home team.

Side note: Was taking a hard look at the OVER here as the first 3 games have gone UNDER the total. Love taking the over in the playoffs when the first 3 games go under as the oddsmakers typically over adjust the line but they didn't for this game 4 as it has stayed put at 196. Maybe worth a small bet here. If this game does go under, we will have a play on the over in game 5.

50* NBA MAX BET

Cleveland Cavaliers -119

I refuse to over think this one. I know this is going to be a very public play but how can you go against LeBron when trailing in a series? He plays like a man possessed and completely takes over the ball game. When he becomes to unselfish, that's when they struggle. This should be a lot like Game 2. This is basically the season for Cleveland. If you go down 3-1 in the NBA...goodnight.  The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS their last 4 following a loss. Look for them to make it 5 straight wins tonight as they even the series and head back to Cleveland for a huge Game 5. This series has 7 games written all over it.

50* NBA MAX BET

Memphis Grizzlies +4

EVERYONE is going to be on the Golden State Warriors here. "No way they lose two in a row, they always bounce back!" It's that kind of thinking that can get you in trouble in sports. Memphis is the real deal. Having Conley back gives this team a chance. Without him, they probably get swept, or maybe the Grizz get one as their home-court advantage is awesome. The Grindhouse is going to be electric. I don't have any fancy reasonings/trends for this one. This is just a great public fade and I just think this Memphis defense and this atmosphere is going to surprise a lot of folks tonight.

50* NBA VEGAS INSIDER

Los Angeles Clippers -4

With or without Chris Paul, the Clippers should take care of business tonight. The Rockets showed me a lot, or lack thereof, in Game 1. This team just doesn't have the Champion's will. They did win Game 2, I'll give them that, but that was their season right there. They lose that game, they might as well forfeit. They should have a bit of a let down here. I mean they got killed Game 1, in a PERFECT SPOT to win, and barely won Game 2 and this was WITHOUT the Clippers best player. I don't see how this team has a shot coming into the Staples Center.

40* NBA VEGAS INSIDER

Cleveland Cavliers -5.5

Included is my favorite prop play for tonight,

We're going to play LeBron James OVER 1.5 three point makes. We all know that LeBron plays like a man possessed after a loss in the post-season. His line currently at Bookmaker is 29.5 (-130) points. I feel we have better value on the 3 pointers. LeBron went 0-3 from beyond the arc last game. You know he's going to want to improve on that. In the 3 games prior, he attempted 7, 5,and 5. He will take his fair share of 3 pointers. I think we have a great shot here as LeBron should take over this ball game tonight and make at least 2 for us.

30*

Memphis Grizzlies +11

20* Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors OVER 99 1st HALF

Simply playing this game over the first half because these Warriors shut you down completely in the 2nd half, especially in the 3rd quarter. Recommend playing this all they way up to 100.

50* NBA 2nd Round GAME OF THE YEAR

Houston Rockets -6

This is as bad of a spot there is for the LA Clippers tonight. They come off, quite possibly, the biggest win in franchise history after defeating the Champion, San Antonio Spurs, in Game 7 on their home floor by hitting a crazy last second shot. You can tell how much this meant to them as Chris Paul was in tears after the buzzer went off. They now have 1 day off to travel all the way down to Houston to take on the Rockets. To make matters worse, it's obvious Chris Paul is not 100%. He left Game 7 but did return and we all know what happened. This team has got to be drained and should suffer one serious let down.

Houston is well rested and should take advantage of this opportunity. They better or they have no shot of winning this series. This is as good of a edge you can get in the Post-season. Almost all the key trends for this game favor the Rockets and fade the Clippers. Los Angeles is just 1-7 ATS following a win and 1-4 their last 5 after scoring 100+ points. Houston is 21-7 ATS on their home floor and they have covered 6 of their last 7 facing a team with a winning record. As is the case with most Rockets games, if they are nailing their three's (since they shoot some many of them), they cruise to a double digit victory tonight. I expect Houston to push this game to a furious pace and take a 1-0 series lead tonight.

40* NBA VEGAS INSIDER

Atlanta Hawks -4

More than half the bets are on the Brooklyn Nets and yet the line is climbing. It's usually a great bet, in the correct circumstances, backing the favorite when the public likes the dog. If the Atlanta Hawks can give a strong 4th quarter effort, they win this one going away. I know that sounds obvious, but they have played great through the first three quarters then fall apart in the 4th. I expect them to have a great game plan by the coach of the year and win this series tonight knowing they really need the rest for the next round.

20*

Los Angeles Clippers +6

Personally going to play this on a teaser with the Milwaukee Bucks. 6 point tease Bucks +10 & Clippers +12. 

Included is my favorite play for the NBA tonight and it is a prop selection.

DeAndre Jordan OVER 11.5 points (-115) sportsbook.ag

I usually don't play that many prop bets but there are a couple very strong ones I like to use. This DeAndre Jordan prop is one of them. I played this prop religiously last year when odds-makers would post this at 9.5 and we made a killing. I do still like this at 11.5, especially since they are playing the Spurs. 

Most people I think would be scared to play this as everyone knows how pathetic he is shooting from the charity stripe. However, he will get plenty of opportunities from the line as Pop will put the, as Charles Barkley likes to call it, " Hack-a-dummy" into effect. On a bad day, Jordan is good for at least 3-4 alley oop dunks a game. Right there is 6-8 points. Now, I expect DeAndre to, at minimum, attempt 10-12 free throws tonight. As long as he hits his dismal 40%, we have 12 points right there. Just last game he attempted 16 and made 7. So if we get a repeat performance of that, all we need is 3 easy putback or alley oop dunks and we'll have ourselves a winner here.

50* NBA MAX BET

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers UNDER 205

This is a HUGE game for both teams. Sorry for stating the obvious but this is a big reason for the play. This should have the intensity of a Game 7 and it all starts with the defense. Both teams got over the century mark last game so I believe both teams will have a strong emphasis on defense. We all know Pop is the best coach making adjustments and he'll come up with a great defensive game plan after the miserable defensive performance last game. The Spurs are 7-3 to the under when allowing 100+ points the previous game.

As for the Clippers, they are trending to the under in almost every trend category. The have gone under the total in 5 of their last 6 home games and 7 of the last 10 games overall have gone under. A big key stat for this game is that L.A. is 6-2 to the under when scoring 100+ the previous game and 11-5 to the under after allowing 100+ points. Another positive for us under bettors is that Barnes and Griffin are nursing injuries so this should effect their offensive performances.

This series has shown that both teams can really step it up defensively when they want to. For the most part, this has been a lower scoring series, especially at the Staples Center, as one of the games went over due to overtime. Expect a lower scoring, defensive struggle tonight as they magnitude of this game could effect the offensive side of the ball drastically.

40* NBA VEGAS INSIDER

Portland Trailblazers -3

20*

Atlanta Hawks -185

I expect for this game to go over, we need Atlanta to have a great game. Brooklyn seems like a cool pick but this is still a 60 win Atlanta team and the Nets are not a good team. Atlanta in the first 3 quarters have the first 2 games played great and they were killing the Nets. They feel asleep in the fourth and let them back in to make it look closer than it really was. Atlanta should wake up here and take care of business. 

If this is too much juice for you to lay, consider a money-line parlay with Chicago or even Houston tomorrow. 

40* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets OVER 195.5

This play is very similar to our last total of the week. It was on Game 3 of the Golden State/New Orleans series as the first 2 games of the series went under. However, in this Atlanta/Brooklyn series, the first 3 games have gone under. This has now caused the odds makers to over adjust the line. Game 1 saw the total lined at 205. It is now almost 10 points lower. We have to strike now. A great situation in the NBA playoffs is when the first 3 games of a series go under. To be honest, usually the first 2 games is a good situation, but we are in a very rare spot here. Just blindly betting this situation in years past would have made you a lot of money. 

Atlanta shot very poorly in Game 3 and Kyle Korver had a dismal performance. I don't see this happening again. The Hawks should come out with a sense of urgency here as now they know they just can't walk through this series. A loss here and they could be in big trouble. I expect Atlanta to really push the pace tonight. Both teams average 200 points a game. Atlanta scores 101 and allows 99 and Brooklyn is the exact opposite, allowing 101 and scoring 99. Eventually one of these games have to go over. 

I will tell you now that if we don't cash this ticket, we will have an even bigger play on the over in Game 5, especially with this series heading back to Atlanta. I do feel though we have a great opportunity here tonight and we can't pass up this very rare situation. Look for a much higher scoring contest in Game 4.

50* NBA PLAYOFFS GAME OF THE MONTH

Houston Rockets -135

Some spots have this at -2.5 (-105) and buying the hook to -2 would be ok also if you don't want to lay this much juice. 

We took Houston heavy in Game 3 and I knew if they took care of business for us then, we would have a big play here in Game 4. Most of the same things I said for Game 3 can go for Game 4. Dallas has no answer for Houston and shutting down Parsons and Rondo has told me that they have quit on the season. Rondo was a cancer anyway and killed the team chemistry. The Mavs gave EVERYTHING they had in Game 3 and still couldn't come away with a win. They were even up by 13 at one point. 

To make matters worse, Coach Carlisle called out the referees and got fined $25,000 for his remarks. Good luck getting calls now. You just sealed your doom my friend. Houston is too big and too physical for Dallas. The Rockets are 7-1 ATS their last 8 meetings against the Mavericks and are 7-0 ATS their last 7 First Round games. Get your brooms out...we're going heavy on the sweep tonight.

50* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH

Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans OVER 205

Golden State is #1 or #2 in every offensive category. However, they are a solid defensive team, which does hurt, but what is good for us is that they are much worse on the road. As we saw in Game 3, the pace was much faster in New Orleans and the defense was much worse for the Warriors. The Pelicans had great success shooting the ball and went on several runs throughout the game.

I expect the wind has been completely taken out of the sails of the Pelicans after their 4th quarter collapse. They know they blew this series and it's all but over. New Orleans should play this game loose with a nothing to lose attitude. Typically games played with this mentality are higher scoring since they don't give that great of a defensive effort but do try to give the fans a fun, offensive showcase type game to watch. With this being an elimination game, this does give us that chance of a much longer "foul game" at the end of regulation as New Orleans will continue to foul knowing this is the end of their season. New Orleans is a much better scoring team at home and they play much faster. They also are a worse defensive team in their own building. If these teams are knocking down their threes, this goes over with ease

40*

San Antonio Spurs -4

40*

Washington Wizards -3.5

Alright Washington, don't let me down now. It pains me to admit this but I'm a supporter of Washington sports teams. Do I ever let my heart interfere with my head in matters of picking winners...absolutely not. If anything, I'll bet against them more often than not because this town just loves losing and blowing great opportunities. Something tells me this is different. 

Paul Pierce is the X factor for this Wizards club and his veteran leadership has helped the Wizards and has hurt the Raptors. He has gotten into the heads of this Toronto club. I've never been a big fan of Toronto. They shoot way too many jump shots and if they are not falling, they get crushed. The Raptors are 0-5 ATS their last 5 First Round games and the Wizards are 6-0 ATS their last 6 First Round games. I expect the Verizon Center to go ballistic tonight and give a huge boost to the Wizards. As long as the Washington doesn't get soft on the boards and start playing ME ball, the Wizards should cruise here.

40*

Houston Rockets +1

Everything points to the Rockets here. Shutting down Parsons and Rondo half way through this series tells me all I need to know about the Mavs. I feel this team has quit. Deep down they know they have no shot beating this Rockets team. Most of the talk about this team is that Rondo is a cancer and that he is not going to return next season. You can just see players looking on the bench in disgust at him. This KILLS team chemistry.

The Rockets have been destroying the Mavs. Dallas has had no answer for the Rockets. Up top, down low, everything seems to work for Houston. The Rockets are 6-1 ATS their last 7 meetings and 6-0 ATS their last 6 First Round games. Look for Houston to take a commanding 3-0 lead and pretty much put an end to the Mavs season.

30* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans OVER 203

We have a beautiful situation here that we love in the NBA playoffs and we are going to take full advantage. We have two high scoring teams here and Game 1 and Game 2 have gone under the total. This is a great situation to cash on an over bet in Game 3. The best situation there can be, however, is if Games 1-3 go UNDER, Game 4 IS going over. So even if we do lose this bet, I'll tell you right now we're going to have a gigantic play on the over in Game 4. I really do like our chances in this one though as Golden State is #1 or #2 in every offensive category and they are great on defense, which does hurt, but good for us is that they are much worse at home. 

New Orleans is a much better scoring team at home and they play much faster. They also are a worse defensive team in their own building. If these teams are knocking down their threes, this goes over with ease, and if they aren't, our Playoff Total Of The Year is going in Game 4.

30*

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics OVER 203.5

40* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5

LeBron James is the best player of all time in the First Round. He is 36-7 and has swept his opposition 3 years running. King James has lost a Game 3 ONCE in his career, in the first round, as a #1 or #2 seed. I refuse to over think this one. There is just too much of a mis-match in talent between these two clubs. Cleveland should have no problem sweeping these guys.

Little foot note: LeBron's last memory of wearing a Cav's jersey prior to this season...Yeah, getting knocked out of the playoffs in Boston and heading to Miami in the offseason. No doubt he'll want some serious pay back.

30*

Memphis Grizzlies -6

As an added bonus, we are playing the Los Angeles Dodgers as well. I do think Memphis covers but personally am going to play some if it on the moneyline. A teaser with San Antonio is a great option up to +7 as 7 is a very key number, 3 possession game. Personally think Spurs take Game 2 regardless.

40*

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers UNDER 206

30*

Golden State Warriors -12.5