MIKE'S 4* WOLVES/NUGGETS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I have a ton of respect for this talented Minnesota Timberwolves team who most likely will be a problem in the West for seasons to come, but I'm not sure if they're ready just yet. Their sweep of the Phoenix Suns was impressive, but now they'll face a Denver Nuggets team that has winning mentality and postseason experience in abundance. Sure, they looked sluggish in their series against the Lakers, but still won 4-1. 

The Wolves went 3-1 ATS in the four regular-season meetings, but the Nuggets won 116-107 in the very last one here at Ball Arena on April 10. 

4* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S 4* CLIPPERS/MAVS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks will be looking to close out the series at home after taking a 3-2 lead in the series with a 123-93 win in LA. They've held the Clippers to 93 points or fewer in three of the five games, and I expect them to make life very difficult for the Clippers tonight. 

Under is 11-3 in Mavericks last 14 games as a home favorite. Mavericks are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 10-3 in Clippers last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NBA EAST CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Milwaukee Bucks are still alive in the series following a 115-92 win in Game 5. They were without  Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, both listed as doubtful for this game, but figured out how to stop the high-scoring Pacers on the defensive end. 

I expect them to stick to the same game plan in Game 6, and Indiana does not strike me as a team that adapts well. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* MAVS/CLIPPERS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The series is tied at 2-2 following a 116-11 Clippers win on Sunday. Both teams have won one at home and one on the road, and I like the Mavs to bounce back with a win and cover as a road favorite in LA here in Game 5. 

Mavericks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Mavericks are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 road games. Clippers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS win. Clippers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

4* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

MIKE'S 4* HEAT/CELTICS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The last two games have seen just 188 and 190 points, respectively. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair as the Boston Celtics look to wrap up the series with a win as a double-digit favorite. 

Under is 8-2 in Celtics last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 6-1 in Heat last 7 playoff games as an underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S 4* PACERS/BUCKS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The banged-up Milwaukee Bucks have had no answer to the Indiana Pacers, who have won three straight since losing Game 1 of the series. The Pacers have scored 125, 121, and 126 games, and they have major incentives to close out this series before the Bucks get healthy. 

4* PLAY ON THE PACERS. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/KNICKS TOTAL THRASHER

The over/under is 2-2 in this series, and I expect another under despite seeing the lowest total so far. The Knicks have been playing suffocating defense and have made things difficult for the Sixers for most of the series.

Now, Philly's star center, Joel Embiid, is banged up again. I don't see him missing the game, but if he's even remotely limited the Sixers offense will suffer big time. 

Under is 21-6 in 76ers last 27 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 6-2 in Knicks last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NBA WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

I don't see how this series will end any other way than with a gentleman's sweep for the Denver Nuggets. Sure, they've looked far from dominant in this playoff series, but I expect them to come through with a complete outing after taking a 119-108 loss in Game 4. They had won 11 straight meetings with the Lakers prior to that loss, and I love the situational trends: 

Nuggets are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

WOLVES/SUNS SIDE

I expected much, much more from the Phoenix Suns in this series. On paper, they have all the talent needed to make some serious noise in the post-season.

The Suns' stars have failed to gel as a team, though, and they have found it difficult to compete against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is holding opponents to an NBA-best 106.3 points per game. 

Now down 3-0 in the series, I think we'll see the Suns' stars getting even more desperate and, as a result, take even worse shots, leading to a low-scoring game in which the Wolves should have an edge. 

3* PLAY ON THE WOLVES.  

5* NBA WEST CONF ROUND 1 TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

I expected much, much more from the Phoenix Suns in this series. On paper, they have all the talent needed to make some serious noise in the post-season.

The Suns' stars have failed to gel as a team, though, and they have found it difficult to compete against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is holding opponents to an NBA-best 106.3 points per game. 

Now down 3-0 in the series, I think we'll see the Suns' stars getting even more desperate and, as a result, take even worse shots, leading to a low-scoring game in which the Wolves should have an edge. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.  

MIKE'S 4* BUCKS/PACERS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Bucks won the opener of this playoff series, but it's been all Indiana Pacers since and I like the Pacers to win and cover here in Game 4.

The Pacers won by three points in OT as a 6.5-point home favorite in Game 3, but the bookmakers are still making them an even bigger favorite in this game, which says a lot, IMO. 

The banged up Bucks have been without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the past six games, and now Damian Lillard is listed as doubtful and Khris Middleton listed as probable. 

4* PLAY ON THE PACERS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Even though the Celtics have the superior roster, I'm honestly not all that surprised that the Miami Heat were able to steal a game in Boston. They're probably the most well-coached team in the NBA, but the Celtics have the talent and I expect a huge bounce back game following the 111-101 loss to the Heat in Game 2 of this series. 

Heat are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games as a home underdog. Heat are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win.

3* PLAY ON THE CELTICS.

MIKE'S 4* THUNDER/PELICANS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New Orleans Pelicans will. more or less, be fighting for their playoff life here after dropping two games in OKC, but I like the Thunder to win as a short road favorite at Smoothie King Center. The Thunder have won six of the last seven head-to-head matchups outright, while going 5-2 ATS, so they are clearly a bad matchup for the Pelicans. 

Pelicans are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Thunder are 37-18-3 ATS in their last 58 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

4* PLAY ON THE THUNDER. 

5* NBA WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 96-93 win in LA, and I don't see them giving up the precious homecourt advantage right away. 

Mavericks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Mavericks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Clippers are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

5* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

5* NBA EAST CONF ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

I expect to see a fired-up and desperate Philadelphia 76ers team after dropping two games in New York. They're significantly stronger at home at Wells Fargo Center than on the road, and this is a must-win game for the Sixers, as going down 0-3 would be devastating.  

76ers are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. 76ers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss. Knicks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 playoff games as an underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE 76ERS.

MIKE'S CAVS/MAGIC NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

We won with the Cleveland Cavaliers in both of the series' first two games, but I expect to see a super-motivated Orlando Magic team here in Game 3. They are 29-12 SU at home on the season compared to 18-25 on the road, and while i still have the Cavs as a much better team, I like the Magic to win as a short home favorite in this particular matchup. 

Magic are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games as a home favorite. Magic are 31-12 ATS in their last 43 games as a favorite. Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

3* PLAY ON THE MAGIC. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

In addition to the Thunder to win and cover the spread, I also like the under. Under is 24-9-1 in Pelicans last 34 games as a road underdog. Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 games as a favorite.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* PELICANS/THUNDER NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Oklahoma City Thunder to bounce back with a big game after just barely getting a win in Game 1.

That loss must be deflating for the Pels, who must feel like that was their chance to steal one in OKC.

I stand by what I said in my Game 1 analysis, that these two teams are a lot closer in skill than the seeds would suggest, but the situation warrants a play on the Thunder. 

4* PLAY ON THE THUNDER. 

5* NBA WEST CONF ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Los Angeles Clippers opened the series with a dominant wire-to-wire win, but the bookmakers are still making the Dallas Mavericks are road favorite here in Game 2. I agree with that as I expect a big bounce back game from the Mavs while the Clippers are at risk at coming out overcondident following their big win.

Mavericks are 9-3 ATS sa favorites off a loss of more than 10 points. Mavericks are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 road games. Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE MAVS. 

MIKE'S SUNS/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I expect the Phoenix Suns to bounce back with a strong effort after taking a 120-95 loss in Game 1 of the series. I still have the sixth-seeded Suns as a better team than the third-seeded Timberwolves, and they're 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

We lost with the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1.

I predicted that the Nuggets would get off a slow start following the extended break, and while that prediction came true, they woke up big time in the second half to get the cover. That was the Lakers chance of stealing a game at Denver IMO, and now I expect the Nuggets to win Game 2 comfortably.

We can also note that the Nuggets are 9-0 SU and 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings. 

3* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

5* NBA EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the opener of this series 97-83, and I don't think the Magic will be able to keep this one close either. The Cavs are 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings and they've been reliable as home favorites this season. 

5* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

MIKE'S PELICANS/THUNDER NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the No.1 seed in the West heading into the playoffs, but are they the best team in the conference? They're the most talented, I'll admit that, but I think the gap to the New Orleans Pelicans is a lot smaller than the odds would suggest.

The Thunder will be a team to watch for seasons to come, but they still lack postseason experience. 

Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS.

5* NBA WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Los Angeles Clippers have the higher seed and, as such, homecourt advantage in this battle between the No.4 and the No.5 seed in the West, but I, much like the bookmakers, make the Mavs the better team.

That the Mavs are a road favorite here in the opener of this series is quite telling, and I don't think they'll let us down.

Clippers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Clippers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Clippers are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 playoff games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. Mavericks are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as a road favorite.

5* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

5* NBA EASTERN  CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This is a low total, and if we combine the spread with the total the bookmakers project the Celtics to win 111.5 - 97.5.

I think Heat will score 100+, but I'm still not sure that will be enough to cover the number; the Celtics are an offensive juggernaut that has scored 130+ points in back-to-back games while barely breaking a sweat.

Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Denver Nuggets looked sluggish at times in regular season play, but there's no doubt in my mind that they'll show up in the playoffs.

Still, this is a lot of points to cover in a game where they might need a quarter of two to get back at it from a 6-day break. 

3* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

MIKE'S 4* SUNS/WOLVES NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The No. 3 seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves, finished the regular season with the better record, but the Phoenix Suns won all three meetings. Much like the bookmakers, I have Phoenix as the better team, and I think they'll start this series with a bang. 

Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games. Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

4* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S MAGIC/CAVS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers and the No. 5 seed Orlando Magic split four regular-season meetings, but I give the Cavs a big edge in this playoffs series. 

Cavaliers are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5 and the Magic have struggled on the road most of the season. 

3* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

MIKE'S KINGS/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The New Orleans Pelicans are 5-0 against the Sacramento Kings on the season. They're clearly a bad matchup for the Kings, who are overvalued by the betting market after dismantling the Golden State Warriors last time. Sure, the Kings looked elite, but I think the Warriors made them look better than they are. 

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Heat are one of the most well-coached teams in the league, and they always show up in the playoffs. The betting market overvalues the Chicago Bulls following their dominant win over an Atlanta Hawks team that is well below playoff material. I'll gladly take Miami to cover this short number. 

4* PLAY ON THE HEAT. 

MIKE'S HAWKS/BULLS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Atlanta Hawks are coming into the postseason on a six-game slide, and I think it'll be a quick exit against a Chicago Bulls team that has won two of three meetings on the season. 

Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Hawks are 4-17 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE BULLS. 

5* NBA EAST CONF PLAY-IN GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Philadelphia 76ers have had their season ruined by injuries, but we've seen just how dangerous they are when healthy down the stretch. They are a top 3 team in the East IMO, and while the Miami Heat are a feisty bunch, I don't think they'll stand a chance in this matchup and might need to give up on this early to save energy for the second-chance game against the winner of Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks.  

5* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

5* NBA WEST CONF WILD CARD GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Sacramento Kings are stumbling into the postseason with only two wins in their last seven games, and now they're coming up against a Golden State Warriors team that is much better than its No. 10 seed would suggest.

The playoffs always bring out the best of Steph Curry, and he's also great at elevating his teammates. 

The last three meetings were all decided by one point, but I think the Warriors will run away with this one. 

5* PLAY ON THE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Los Angeles Lakers forced this matchup with a 124-108 win in the regular-season finale, and that win should give them a big psychological advantage. The Pels might also feel a bit deflated, as they could've avoided the play-in tournament altogether with a win in that game. 

Even so, one could argue that the New Orleans Pelicans have a better team than the Los Angeles Lakers, but they do not have the same playoff experience on their roster.

LeBron James does not choke this early in the playoffs, and I fully expect Anthony Davis to play even though he's listed as questionable. 

3* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Denver Nuggets are coming off a highly disappointing 121-120 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio.

A win in that game, and they could've locked down the No. 1 seed in the conference without any help. Now, instead, they're coming into Sunday in a three-way tie for the top spot with Minnesota and Oklahoma City and need both to lose to pass them in the standings.

I expect the Nuggets to do what they can and put a beating on a Grizzlies team that has lost four straight games by 12 points or more.

3* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/THUNDER NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The OKC Thunder are looking to secure the top spot in the conference, while the Dallas Mavericks have their No. 5 seed and a first-round matchup with the LA Clippers locked in.

I don't expect to see much life from Dallas in this game, and the Thunder should be able to slow down once they've taken a comfortable lead. 

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S HORNETS/CAVS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

This seems like too low a total for a contest of exhibition character, where defense will not be a priority. 

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S PISTONS/MAVS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a terrible spot for the Detroit Pistons who will have to face one of the hottest teams in the league while playing on short rest.

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 111-92 win in Miami. They are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points, 9-1 SU and ATS in their last 10 games, and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games.

Additionally, the Mavericks are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record while the Pistons are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

3* PLAY ON THE MAVS. 

MIKE'S 4* PACERS/CAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the Indiana Pacers following three consecutive wins. In their last game, the Pacers put a 140-123 beating on Toronto, but they are only 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had lost three on the bounce before their 110-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednessday night. They'll be looking forward to close out the regular season with two home games, and they are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/JAZZ ATS

I don't see why a Houston Rockets team already eliminated from the playoffs should be this big of a favorite. Sure, the Jazz have been a punching bag in recent weeks (0-10 SU, 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games), but they're 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record, and they lost by only one point when they hosted the Rockets on March 29. 

In addition to Jazz to cover the spread, I also like the over. Over is 12-2 in Rockets last 14 overall. Over is 15-7-2 in Rockets last 24 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE JAZZ. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/JAZZ TOTAL

I don't see why a Houston Rockets team already eliminated from the playoffs should be this big of a favorite. Sure, the Jazz have been a punching bag in recent weeks (0-10 SU, 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games), but they're 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record, and they lost by only one point when they hosted the Rockets on March 29. 

In addition to Jazz to cover the spread, I also like the over. Over is 12-2 in Rockets last 14 overall. Over is 15-7-2 in Rockets last 24 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5* NBA EASTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Boston Celtics have had the No. 1 seed in the conference locked up for quite some time, and their only focus for now is to stay healthy, so they're unlikely to fight hard on the defensive end. 

The New York Knicks will be fired up as they push for the No. 2 seed in the East, and they are coming off back-to-back 120+ point games.

Over is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 overall.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER.

MIKE'S LATE SUNS/CLIPPERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I expect the Phoenix Suns to bounce back with a big game tonight after getting wrecked by the Clippers in Phoenix last night. The game was much more lopsided than the 105-92 scoreline would suggest; the Clippers were up by 33 points at halftime! The Suns are a lot better than that, and there's a good reason they're a favorite tonight. 

Clippers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE SUNS.

MAVS/HEAT TOTAL 

This looks like a good spot to fade the Dallas Mavericks, who are in a potential flat spot following a 130-104 win in Charlotte last night, their fourth win and cover in a row. The Miami Heat will also play on short rest following a 117-111 win in Atlanta Tuesday night, but they have the homecourt advantage. 

Heat are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

In addition to Miami to cover the spread, I also like the over. The Heat have averaged 117 ppg through their last three games, and the over is 6-0 in their last 6 overall.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to fade the Dallas Mavericks, who are in a potential flat spot following a 130-104 win in Charlotte last night, their fourth win and cover in a row. The Miami Heat will also play on short rest following a 117-111 win in Atlanta Tuesday night, but they have the homecourt advantage. 

Heat are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

5* PLAY ON THE HEAT.

MIKE'S WIZARDS/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly the superior team, but the Washington Wizards have been fairly competitive in recent weeks, and they are 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater. The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE WIZARDS. 

MIKE'S 4* MAGIC/ROCKETS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a favorable spot to back the Houston Rockets to end a five-game losing streak.

They're catching an Orlando team in a potential letdown spot following its 113-98 win over the Chicago Bulls last time out. 

Rockets are 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

4* PLAY ON THE ROCKETS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/HORNETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Dallas Mavericks are red hot and 8-1 ATS in their last nine games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE MAVS. 

MIKE'S 5* NCAA TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BEST BET

The defending champions, the UConn Huskies, are the first team since North Carolina (2016, 2017) to play in back-to-back title games. They're perfect 5-0 SU in their previous five title game appearances.

Both teams are perfect against the spread in the NCAA tournament this year, but I make the Huskies an even bigger favorite for this matchup than the bookmakers do. 

5* PLAY ON UCONN. 

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 44-32-1 to the over for the season, and I expect them to give us a strong effort on the offensive end tonight following a 126-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers in their last game. 

Over is 21-7 in Thunder last 28 games following a straight up loss. Over is 8-2 in Thunder last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 9-2 in Thunder last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Over is 6-1 in Hornets last 7 games as an underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5* NBA WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans are heading into Sunday with almost identical records, but the Pels are going through a slump and coming off four consecutive losses.

The Suns on the other hand are gearing up in time for the playoffs, and they're 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.

The Pelicans are 11-25-1 ATS in their last 37 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

5* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

5* NCAA TOURNAMENT FINAL FOUR TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Alabama Crimson Tide have scored 89 points in back-to-back games, but tonight they'll face a UConn Huskies team that has held its last two opponents to 52 points each, and its last four opponents to 58 points or fewer. The Huskies will dominate the game and control the tempo, and I expect them to make this a relatively low-scoring affair. 

Under is 4-0 in Huskies last 4 NCAA Tournament games. Under is 6-1 in Huskies last 7 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. Under is 9-4 in Crimson Tide last 13 games as an underdog of 7.0-12.5.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia 76ers have been heating up as they've been getting healthier, but they still have to make up ground to avoid the play-in tournament.

The Sixers are a lot more dangerous than their current 8th-seed would suggest, and I think they'll make light work of a Memphis Grizzlies team that will play on short rest following a 108-90 win over the Detroit Pistons last night.

Additionally, the Grizzlies are in a potential letdown spot after three consecutive upset wins. 

4* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/MAVS SIDE

This looks like a tough spot for the Golden State Warriors, who will on the road for a second straight night following their 133-110 win in Houston last night. They're riding a six-game winning streak but will now face a Dallas team that is even hotter with eight wins in nine games.

The Mavs will also play on short rest, but they've not had to travel, and this is a revenge spot for the Mavs after losing 104-100 when they visited the Warriors on April 2. 

In addition to the Mavs to cover the spread, I also like the under. Under is 6-0 in Warriors last 6 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5. Under is 43-15-1 in Mavericks last 59 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

3* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

MIKE'S WARRIORS/MAVS TOTAL

This looks like a tough spot for the Golden State Warriors, who will on the road for a second straight night following their 133-110 win in Houston last night. They're riding a six-game winning streak but will now face a Dallas team that is even hotter with eight wins in nine games.

The Mavs will also play on short rest, but they've not had to travel, and this is a revenge spot for the Mavs after losing 104-100 when they visited the Warriors on April 2. 

In addition to the Mavs to cover the spread, I also like the under. Under is 6-0 in Warriors last 6 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5. Under is 43-15-1 in Mavericks last 59 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics are coming off three straight double-digit wins, and I think they'll keep pressing the pedal to the metal when they host the Sacramento Kings Friday night. The Kings will play on no rest and fatigue was already an issue yesterday when they fell apart in the second half of a 120-109 loss to the Knicks in New York. 

Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Celtics are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Kings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.

4* PLAY ON THE CELTICS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The over/under is 1-4 in the last five meetings and the under is 35-16-1 in Rockets last 52 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 8-3 in Warriors last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Philadelphia 76ers have been shorthanded in recent weeks, but Joel Embiid was back in action in their 109-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. I think they have a good chance of winning outright when visiting the Miami Heat tonight. 

The Heat are riding a three-game winning streak, but note that they are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win, and the 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

3* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to back the New York Knicks to bounce back from three consecutive losses while at the same time fading a Sacramento Kinsg team that is coming off a pair of double-digit wins. 

Knicks are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5. Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Kings are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win. Kings are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE KNICKS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the Cleveland Cavaliers following their 129-113 win in Utah Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight-up record, and they'll face a Phoenix Suns team that'll play in front of their hometown crowd for the first time since March 21.

The Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.

5* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S LATE-NIGHT MAVS/WARRIORS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Dallas Mavericks won 109-99 when they hosted the Golden State Warriors on March 13, and I expect another relatively low-scoring affair when they clash at Chase Center Tuesday night. 

Under is 18-7-1 in Warriors last 26 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Under is 19-9 in Warriors last 28 overall. Under is 56-27 in Mavericks last 83 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

This looks like a great spot to back the Cleveland Cavaliers to bounce back from a humbling 130-101 loss to the Nuggets in Denver. Tonight they'll take on a far easier opponent in a Utah Jazz team that is coming off a 127-106 loss in Sacramento and is winless and 2-7 ATS in its last nine games. 

Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Jazz are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Jazz are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE CAVS.

5* NBA WESTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns are coming into the week in sixth and eighth place, respectively. With both teams in need of wins down the stretch, I think we'll see a low-scoring game of playoff character when they clash on Monday night. 

Under is 21-6 in Pelicans last 27 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. Under is 5-1 in Suns last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S BULLS/WOLVES SIDE

The Minnesota Timberwolves are holding opponents to an NBA-best 106.2 points per game on the season, but I think the bookmakers have set the total way too low for this Sunday night matchup with the Chicago Bulls. 

Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 8-0 in Bulls last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

In addition to the over, I also like the Bulls to cover the spread. The Wolves are in a potential flat spot following their 111-98 win over the Nuggets in Denver Friday night. The Bulls, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from a 125-108 loss as a road favorite in Brooklyn. 

3* PLAY ON THE BULLS. 

5* NBA EAST vs. WEST TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Minnesota Timberwolves are holding opponents to an NBA-best 106.2 points per game on the season, but I think the bookmakers have set the total way too low for this Sunday night matchup with the Chicago Bulls. 

Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 8-0 in Bulls last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/NETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Brooklyn Nets have built some momentum with three consecutive wins, and i think they'll put the LA Lakers to the test Sunday afternoon. 

Nets are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite. Lakers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.

3* PLAY ON THE NETS. 

MIKE'S 4* SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with injuries, but they're still a much stronger team than the Toronto Raptors and I expect to see a focused and motivated Sixers team tonight as they look to end a three-game losing streak. 

76ers are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Raptors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater. Raptors are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Raptors are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games as a home underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE SIXERS.

5* CBB TOURNEY ELITE 8 GAME OF THE YEAR

Both teams are coming into this NCAA Tournament West Regional final matchup off impressive upset wins against the top-two seeds in the Sweet 16, but I like the Alabama Crimson Tide to be the team to move on to the Final Four. 

Clemson defeated Bama 85-77 in Tuscaloosa in November, but that was part of a rough five-game losing streak for the Tide, who are in a much better position now.  

Bama scored 89 points on UNC last time out, and their 90.7 points per game is the best scoring average in the nation. Clemson has won as underdogs three times in the tournament, but this is where the Tigers run comes to an end. 

5* PLAY ON ALABAMA. 

5* NBA EASTERN CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

This looks like a great spot to fade the Atlanta Hawks who are coming off back-to-back double-digit upset wins over the Boston Celtics. The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from losses to the LA Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Hawks are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games as an underdog. Bucks are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5.

5* PLAY ON THE BUCKS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Boston Celtics to bounce back from a pair of close losses as double-digit favories against the Hawks in Atlanta. The Celtics are too proud of a team to drop three in a row, and they're still a solid 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games overall and 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5.

The Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

3* PLAY ON THE CELTICS.

MIKE'S CBB TOURNEY SWEET 16 GAME OF THE YEAR

The Tennessee Volunteers are 2-12-2 ATS in their last 16 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5 while the Creighton Bluejays are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games as an underdog and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

The Vols have an edge of the defensive end, but they made only 33.8% of their shots when they knocked out Texas in the last round while Creighton has a lot of scoring threats.

5* PLAY ON CREIGHTON. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a fantastic spot to fade the Charlotte Hornets, who are coming off a 118-111 win as a 9.5-point underdog to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since the All-Star break, underdogs off a win as an underdog are only 14-31 ATS, and the Warriors are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite of 11.0 or greater.

4* PLAY ON THE WARRIORS: 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the San Antonio Spurs following their upset win as a 12-point underdog to the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

The Spurs are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up win, and they'll face a Utah Jazz team looking to snap back from a 115-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Jazz are 19-9-2 ATS in their last 30 games following a double-digit loss at home and 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON THE JAZZ.

5* NBA WESTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Los Angeles Lakers will play on short rest following a 128-124 loss to the Bucks in Milwaukee last night.

Tired legs typically equal high-scoring games for the Lakers, who are 8-0-1 to the over in their last 9 games playing on 0 days rest.

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a 128-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets, and they've allowed 118 points or more in four of their last five games. 

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S CLIPPERS/SIXERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Philadelphia 76ers are still in playoff contention despite being hit hard with injuries in the second half of the season. They defeated the Clippers 121-107 as a 9-point underdog on Sunday but took a loss to the Sacramento Kings the following night as they closed out a four-game road trip.

Both teams will play their third game in four nights, but it's a tougher spot for the shorhanded 76ers and I expect to see a hyper-motivated Clippers as they look to bounce back from losses to the Sixers and the Pacers. 

Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5. 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5. 76ers are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 home games.

3* PLAY ON THE CLIPPERS.

MIKE'S 4* MAVS/KINGS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY (10:00 PM)

The Sacramento Kings will play on short rest following a 108-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers and they have held their last five opponents to an average of 102.4 ppg. The Dallas Mavericks have also been feisty on the defensive end of late with only 105, 107, 97 and 105 points allowed through their last four games. 

Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 games as a favorite. Under is 55-27 in Mavericks last 82 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S WARRIORS/HEAT TOTAL

This looks like a great spot to fade the Miami Heat who are in a potential letdown spot after blowing the doors off the Cavs on Sunday while at the same time backing the Golden State Warriors to rally after back-to-back losses. 

Heat are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog. Warriors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss. Warriors are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss. Warriors are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

In addition to the Warriors to win the game, I also like the under. 

Under is 10-1 in Warriors last 11 games as a road favorite. Under is 6-1 in Heat last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 8-1 in Heat last 9 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* EAST vs. WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

This looks like a great spot to fade the Miami Heat who are in a potential letdown spot after blowing the doors off the Cavs on Sunday while at the same time backing the Golden State Warriors to rally after back-to-back losses. 

Heat are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog. Warriors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss. Warriors are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss. Warriors are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

5* PLAY ON THE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S WIZARDS/BULLS NBA SIDE

This looks like a good spot to back the Chicago Bulls to bounce back from losses as underdogs to the Houston Houston and the Boston Celtics.

The Washington Wizards are a far easier opponent, and note that the Bulls are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite of 11.0 or greater.

The Wizards are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and in a letdown spot following back-to-back wins over the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors. The Wizards are 4-10-2 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win.

3* PLAY ON THE BULLS.

MIKE'S SUNS/SPURS NBA SIDE

The Phoenix Suns put a 131-106 beating on the Spurs in Phoenix on Saturday, and I expect them to win big again when facing the Spurs in San Antonio Monday night.

Suns are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

3* PLAY ON THE SUNS.

MIKE'S CELTICS/HAWKS NBA TOTAL

The Boston Celtics have scored 119 points or more in eight straight games. They defeated the Hawks 125-117 in Boston on Feb 7. That game went under the closing total of 244 points, but we're seeing a much lower number for this game.

Over is 40-16 in Hawks last 56 Monday games. Over is 8-3 in Hawks last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 5-1-1 in Celtics last 7 games as a favorite.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER.

5* WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK 

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a 104-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but I would not be surprised if they lost outright when hosting the Golden State Warriors Sunday night. When fully fit, the Wolves would have a massive advantage in the paint, but that will not be the case for this game. Karl-Anthony Towns is sidelined, and Rudy Gobert is listed as questionable. Additionally, Anthony Edwards is also listed as questionable while the Warriors are coming into the game at full strength. 

The Warriors will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 123-111 loss as a home favorite over the Indiana Pacers. Warriors are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss, 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS loss, and 14-3 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

5* PLAY ON THE WARRIORS.

MIKE'S CAVS/HEAT SIDE

This looks like a good spot to back the Cleveland Cavaliers to bounce back-to-back losses SU and ATS.

The Cavs are coming off a 104-91 loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota, but note that they're 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.

They'll visit a Heat team that is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

In addition to the Cavs covering the spread, I also like the under as I think the total is this low for a very good reason as both teams are dealing with injuries. Under is 20-6 in Cavaliers last 26 road games. Under is 12-4 in Heat last 16 home games. Under is 35-16 in Heat last 51 overall.

3* PLAY ON THE CAVS.

MIKE'S CAVS/HEAT TOTAL

This looks like a good spot to back the Cleveland Cavaliers to bounce back-to-back losses SU and ATS.

The Cavs are coming off a 104-91 loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota, but note that they're 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.

They'll visit a Heat team that is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

In addition to the Cavs covering the spread, I also like the under as I think the total is this low for a very good reason as both teams are dealing with injuries. Under is 20-6 in Cavaliers last 26 road games. Under is 12-4 in Heat last 16 home games. Under is 35-16 in Heat last 51 overall.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S CELTICS/BULLS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Celtics will play on short rest following a 129-102 blowout win in Detroit Friday night. I think we'll see a slower-paced and lower-scoring game when they visit the Bulls in Chicago tonight. 

Under is 5-1-1 in Celtics last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 8-3 in Bulls last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S SUNS/SPURS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to fade the San Antonio Spurs, who will play on short rest following a 99-97 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. The Phoenix Suns are currently the no.7 seed in the West and looking to improve their position and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament. 

The Suns will be a team to watch in the playoffs. They have an absolutely elite starting five, arguably the best in the NBA, and I expect them to be able to take advantage of a tired Spurs team. 

3* PLAY ON THE PHOENIX SUNS. 

5* WESTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

On Thursday, the Utah Jazz lost 113-97 to the Mavs in Dallas. They have scored 100, 104, 107, and 97 points in their last four games, all of which went under the total. 

The Houston Rockets have been involved in high-scoring affairs lately, but note that the under is 14-6 in the Rockets' last 20 Saturday games.

Additionally, the under is 38-17 in the Rockets' last 55 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. This situation applies to this contest as they're coming off a 127-117 win over the Chicago Bulls.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NCAAB TOURNAMENT ROUND OF 32 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Kansas Jayhawks barely scraped past Samford in a tight game on Thursday, and they've not looked quite right for some time. The Gonzaga Bulldogs, on the other hand, were as dominant as ever in their 21-point win over McNeese State. I see no reason why we wouldn't back the team that looks the part in this matchup. 

Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games as a favorite. Jayhawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games as an underdog. Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

5* PLAY ON THE GONZAGA BULLDOGS.

MIKE'S CELTICS/PISTONS NBA TOTAL 

In addition to the Celtics winning and covering the spread, I also like the over as I expect Boston to keep pushing the pedal to the metal through four quarters. 

Over is 14-5-1 in Pistons last 20 games as a home underdog of 11.0 or greater. Over is 5-2-2 in Celtics last 9 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER.

5* NBA EASTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Celtics beat the Pistons 119-94 in Boston on Monday and followed that up with a 122-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.

The Pistons are coming off a 122-103 loss to the Pacers, and I don't see how they can keep it close against a Boston team that clearly has no intentions of slowing down or likely to look past any opponent. 

Celtics are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a favorite. Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Celtics are 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Pistons are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

5* PLAY ON THE CELTICS.

MIKE'S 4* UAB/SDSU CBB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The UAB Blazers are coming off an 85-69 victory over Temple in the AAC tournament championship game on Sunday, but today they'll face a much tougher opponent in the San Diego State Aztecs, who will be looking to gear up again following a string of disappointing results.

The Aztecs went on a huge run in the tournament last year to reach the national title game, and I think they're a much stronger team than their recent results suggest.

4* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO STATE. 

MIKE'S EARLY NORTHWESTERN/FAU CBB BOOKIE BREAKER (12:15 PM)

The Northwestern Wildcats are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5. The Florida Atlantic Owls are only 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

3* PLAY ON NORTHWESTERN. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Both teams are hot and coming off convincing wins, but I like the New Orleans Pelicans to come through with a win as road favorites when they visit the Orlando Magic Thursday night. 

Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.Magic are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. Pelicans are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite.

4* PLAY ON THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS.

5* NBA EAST vs. WEST GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Toronto will be playing on long rest following a 111-96 loss to the Magic in Orlando on Sunday, but they're still dealing with a ton of injuries, and with a 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS record in their last 10 games, clearly a team in tanking mode. 

The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, are eyeing the postseason. They are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite, while the Raptors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

5* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MIKE'S PACERS/PISTONS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a great spot to back the Indiana Pacers to bounce back from a disappointing 108-103 loss a, a 7-point favorite against the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night. The Pacers are 9-4-1 ATS off a loss as a favorite this season (5-1 as favorites), and they'll face a Detroit Pistons team that took a 25-point loss in Boston its last time out. 

3* PLAY ON THE PACERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 107-105 win over Denver, and the under is 18-6 in the Mavs last 24 games following a straight up win.

The San Antonio Spurs lost 122-115 to Brooklyn their last time out, but they have mostly been involved in relatively low-scoring games lately. 

Under is 10-2 in Spurs last 12 home games and 16-6-1 in Spurs last 23 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NBA EAST vs. WEST GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

I like the red-hot Houston Rockets to come through with another big win when they visit the Wizards at Capital One Arena Tuesday night.

The Wizards lost 130-104 to the Boston Celtics a couple of nights ago and are 0-5 ATS in their last five games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

The Rockets are coming off an impressive 117-103 win over Cleveland. They are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 11-4-1 ATS in their previous 16 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE ROCKETS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Sacramento Kings took a 98-91 loss to the Knicks on Saturday. I expect to see more points when they host the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night. The Grizzlies have one of the worst scoring averages in the league and they play solid D, but I expect the high-paced Kings to drive up the tempo. 

Over is 28-12 in Kings last 40 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Over is 5-1 in Grizzlies last 6 games as a road underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S BLAZERS/BULLS NBA TOTAL

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 127-98 win over the Washington Wizards Saturday and the over is now 5-1 in Bulls last 6 games as a favorite. The Portland Trail Blazers lost 126-107 in New Orleans on Saturday. The over is 11-4 in Trail Blazers last 15 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S HEAT/SIXERS NBA TOTAL

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a low-scoring 109-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets, and the under is 4-1 in their last five games. I think we'll see another relatively low-scoring affair Monday night when they host a Miami Heat team on a 6-0 run to the under. 

Under is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 home games. Under is 20-7 in Heat last 27 games as a road underdog. Under is 27-11 in Heat last 38 games as an underdog. Under is 19-7 in Heat last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.