CBB 3-PACK

The No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats opened the season with a 69-62 victory over No. 1 Michigan State in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden. They have a team packed with talent (as always) and should not slip up here against an Eastern Kentucky side that is coming off a win against Chattanooga. The Colonels are however just 3-8-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games while the Wildcats are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.

8* play on Kentucky Wildcats. 

CELTICS @ HORNETS TOP RATED TOTAL

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers 122-120 in OT last time out to improve to 4-3 overall and 2-1 at home. They struggled big time on the defensive end in their first two home games though, and here they'll face a Boston Celtics side that is coming off a 119-113 win at Cleveland to make it four wins on the bounce. The Celtics have scored 116+ points in three of those wins and each of the last five games in this series has gone over the total.

Over is 5-1-1 in Hornets last 7 home games and 13-5-1 in their last 19 games following a straight up win.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* 76ERS @ JAZZ NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Jazz have opened the season with seven straight unders, and I think another relatively low-scoring affair is in the cards when they host the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night. 

The Sixers will be looking to bounce back from a 114-109 loss at Phoenix Suns on Monday, and they're likely to be focusing on getting the defense right. "Obviously defensively, I thought they never really felt us in the second half," forward Tobias Harris told reporters after the setback. "They got too many easy looks, too many open looks. So, I thought that was probably the biggest adjustment." 

Overall on the season, Philly is still a top 10 team in defensive efficiency, a category the Jazz rank no. 1 for, but Utah is also one of the worst teams in the league in offensive efficiency.  

Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Utah and 9-2 in the last 11 meetings overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

VIRGINIA @ SYRACUSE CBB BOOKIE BLASTER

The No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers are expected to take a step down in quality from the team that won the National Championship last season, but I think they're good enough to get a win and ATS cover at Syracuse Wednesday night. 

Virginia has lost key pieces like  DeAndre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and Kyle Guy who were all drafted in the last NBA Draft, but the same is also true for this Syracuse team which will need to replace four of its top six scorers. Virginia has consistently ranked top-10 in defensive rating in recent seasons, and coach Tony Bennett should have a good enough of a gameplan in mind to outlast Cuse. 

8* play on Virginia Cavaliers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED NBA SIDE

The Orlando Magic are winless at Dallas since January 2011 and the Mavericks have covered the spread in four of the last five meetings overall. 

The Mavs are clearly the better side this season coming into this matchup with a 4-2 record, and they'll also have a big rest advantage with the Magic on the second leg of a back-to-back set while the home team has had two days of rest since its last game. 

Magic are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Mavs are coming off a 131-111 beatdown of the Cavs at Clevland and are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

NOTRE DAME @ NORTH CAROLINA BANKROLL BUILDER

The North Carolina Tar Heels look like a solid home favorite when they host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Chapel Hill Wednesday night.

They enter the season ranked 11th in the nation, and that despite losing their top five scorers from last season. That says a lot of how much depth of talent this team always has, and it'll face a Notre Dame team on the decline after finishing last season with a losing record.

The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings and that's a trend I like to continue. 

8* play on North Carolina Tar Heels. 

LAKERS @ BULLS TUESDAY NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The LA Lakers have played locked down basketball lately holding opponents to an average of 96.8 ppg through a five-game winning streak, and that's despite one of the games going to OT. They lead the league in defensive efficiency (the number of points a team allows per 100 possessions) and here they'll face a Chicago team that has been held to fewer than 100 points in three of its last four games. 

Under is 26-10-1 in the Bulls last 37 home games vs. a team with a winning road record while the under is 14-5 in Lakers last 19 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and I think they'll limit the damage the 2-5 Bulls can do on offense. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SPURS @ HAWKS TOTAL

The Atlanta Hawks are coming off back-to-back 97-point outings against Miami, but I think they'll put a decent amount of points on the board in this one. 

This San Antonio Spurs team is not of the same mold as what we've seen in recent seasons as they're playing a much higher pace and with more points on both ends of the hardwood as a result. 

The Spurs rank top 10 for offensive efficiency and the over/under is 4-2 in their six games on the season. Additionally, both teams will be fairly well rested, particularly the Hawks as this will be their first game of the month. 

The over/under is 50-35-2 since the start of the 2017 season with one team playing on 3+ days of rest and the opponent has had at least one day between games. 

8* play on OVER. 

KANSAS VS. DUKE CHAMPIONS CLASSIC BANKROLL BUILDER

The Kansas Jayhawks have dominated the Duke Blue Devils in recent seasons, and that's a trend I think will continue here in the opener of the 2018/2019 season.

Duke has lost key pieces like national player of the year Zion Williamson and top-three NBA draft pick R.J. Barrett from last season's roster and Tre Jones might end up being the Blue Devils only non-freshman starter on this year's team. 

Additionally, Kansas has arguably the best center in the game in Udoka Azubuike, a position where Duke is fairly weak. Azubuike played just nine games before suffering a torn ligament in his right hand last season, so he should be well up for this season. 

8* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

BUCKS @ WOLVES MONDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

Both the 4-2 Milwaukee Bucks and the 4-1 Minnesota Timberwolves are off to fast starts to the season thanks to good shooting with both sides averaging almost 120 ppg. 

Minnesota is coming off a 131-109 win over Washington but will have to do without its star center Karl-Anthony Towns who is suspended. Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo collected 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting, 15 rebounds, eight assists in a 115-105 win over Toronto last time out. The Greek Freak should have another big game with Towns not there to challenge him, and as for when the Wolves have the ball, expect them to move it up the floor quickly with only Houston averaging more possessions per game. 

Over is 12-3-1 in Bucks last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 9-4 in Timberwolves last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on OVER. 

PELICANS @ NETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The New Orleans Pelicans took a 115-104 loss at Oklahoma City on Saturday, and did not only lose the game but also their leading scorer Brandon Ingram to a head injury (might miss this game). They're 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and here they'll face a Brooklyn Nets team that defeated Houston their last time out home at Barclays Center. 

The Nets are 2-4 SU on the season, but three of their four losses came by four or fewer points so it's fair to say that they've been battling. 

The Pels are winless on the road and unlikely to keep up with a Nets side looking to get a win in front of the home town crowd before embarking on a five-game road trip. 

8* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S JAZZ @ CLIPPERS TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Utah Jazz have the best scoring defense in the NBA with only 94.0 ppg allowed per game while holding opponents to 42.1 percent shooting from the field. They're also one of the slowest teams with just 100.7 possessions per game and have yet to see any of their games go over the total this season. The Clippers have also stepped it up a notch on the defensive end in recent games and limited the Spurs to 97 points last time out. Under is 3-0 in their last three overall and 4-1 in Clippers last 5 home games. 

We saw just a total of 206 points when these two teams did battle at Utah earlier this week, and I think this will be another low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia 76ers have the fourth best scoring defense in the league and they have held opponents to 35.5 percent shooting from the field.

The Portland Trail Blazers shot just 39.5 percent in a 102-99 win at OKC last time out, and while they generally shoot the ball much better home at Moda Center I don't see points coming easy in this one. 

Under is 3-1 in the Sixers four games on the season and 6-2 in their last 8 vs. teams from the Western Conference. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Washington Wizards have seen an average of 280+ points scored over their last two games, and I think we'll see another high-scoring affair when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday night.

Minnesota has averaged a healthy 114.8 ppg on the season and it has played at the 6th highest pace in the league entering Saturday's slate of games.  

Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Washington and 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall.

8* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

Two of the best teams in the East will battle it out Saturday as the Toronto Raptors visit the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee is just 2-2 on the season despite averaging 120.0 ppg overall and 127.5 ppg in two games at home. They put a 123-91 beating on the Magic at Orlando last night and they'll face a Raptors team off 125-113 win over Detroit.

Both teams rank in the top 10 for offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions) and Milwaukee tops the league for effective field goal percentage.

The over is 8-3 in Raptors last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and 14-6 in Bucks last 20 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

8* play on OVER. 

SPURS @ WARRIORS FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

Scoring points could become an issue for the Golden State Warriors for the foreseeable future. With shooting guard Klay Thompson already out for what looks like the rest of the season, they'll now also have to do without star guard Stephen Curry who suffered a broken hand in Wednesday's 121-110 loss to Phoenix. 

The Spurs are coming off a 103-97 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night and unlikely to push the tempo, and this dinged up Warriors team is unlikely to be able to take advantage of eventual heavy legs the visitors might have

Under is 15-6-1 in Spurs last 22 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400 and 7-2 in Warriors last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* JAZZ @ KINGS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Jazz are limiting opponents to 40.8% shooting from the field on the season and have yet to allow more than 96 points in any of their games. 

As for the Sacramento Kings, they're averaging only 98.6 ppg and note that both these teams are in the bottom six in the NBA for offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions). 

Utah is as per usual one of the slowest teams in the league just barely breaking 100 possessions per game and the under is 5-0 in their first five games this season. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Lakers have won three straight home games SU and ATS since a season-opening road loss at the Clippers. They'll be back on the road for a matchup with the Mavs at Dallas Friday night, and I like the Lakers to put on a show and earn their first W away from home. 

Dallas has won three of four following a 109-106 upset win at Denver, but that was against a Nuggets team playing on no rest. Note that the Mavs are 6-11 ATS coming off a win as and underdog dating back to the start of the last season and 8-19-2 ATS in their last 29 Friday games.

Dallas has a promising star duo in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but they're not at the level of Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis just yet. 

8* play on LA Lakers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Detroit Pistons have struggled on the defensive end of the hardwood, but I just don't think the home team can take advantage with the Bulls coming into this contest on a three-game losing streak through which they've averaged 97.6 ppg. 

Detroit is likely to be without two starters in forward Blake Griffin (hamstring, knee) and guard Reggie Jackson (back), so it can hardly afford to make this a high-tempo game, particularly not with the Nets on deck tomorrow. 

Both teams are shooting under 40 percent from the field, so it stands to reason that we'll see a sluggish game with sloppy shooting.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* SPURS @ CLIPPERS TOTAL

The LA Clippers will be playing on no rest following a loss at Utah last night. I think their heavy legs could become an issue on defense, something that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will be smart enough to exploit by urging his team to push the ball tempo to get open shots. 

The Spurs have averaged 119 ppg while going a perfect 3-0 on the season and the Clippers have had no trouble scoring, entering this contest with a 121.5 ppg average despite being held to 96 points by the Jazz last night. Note that star forward Kawhi Leonard was rested yesterday, and he'll surely be up for putting points on the board against his former team. 

Additionally, we can note that both teams rank near the top of the league for offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions). 

Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings and the last head-to-head matchup here at Staples Center saw a total of 233 points scored. 

10* play on OVER. 

HEAT @ HAWKS TOTAL

The Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-97 with a total closing at 223 just a couple of days ago. The books have adjusted the total plenty for the second leg of this home-and-home set, but I still think it's set too high. 

The Hawks will have to do without Eastern Conference Player of the Week Trae Young (34 points and nine assists average on the season), a tough break for a team that has averaged just 105 ppg. 

The Heat have pushed the tempo in most of their games, but I don't think the Hawks will allow the Miami to dictate the pace in their own building. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets are coming off back-to-back home wins over New Orleans and OKC Thunder, but they're still very much trying to figure out how to make Russell Westbrook and James Harden work together effectively. They enter this contest with an 0-3 ATS record on the season while the hosts Washington Wizards are a perfect 3-0 ATS, and I like the home team to keep this game a lot closer than the point-spread would suggest.

The home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in this series and the Wizards should be well up for this one after opening the season with three consecutive road games. 

10* play on Washington Wizards. 

PISTONS @ RAPTORS ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Detroit Pistons are off to a respectable 2-2 SU and ATS start to the season and have already won twice straight up as underdogs. 

The Toronto Raptors are a solid 3-1 SU and ATS but let the Magic hang around before pulling away late in a 104-95 triumph last time out. 

The Pistons have caused the Raptors plenty of problems at Scotiabank Arena in recent season going 6-2 ATS over the last 8 visits. 

Toronto has a much more interesting matchup with Eastern Conference powerhouse Milwaukee Bucks on deck and just might end up taking Detroit too lightly in this matchup. 

8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

BULLS @ CAVS TOTAL

The Chicago Bulls have played three straight unders since opening the season with a 251 point game at Charlotte. They've averaged only 91 ppg scored over their last two and I think another low-scoring contest is in the cards when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night. 

The Cavs took a 129-112 loss at Milwaukee last time out but had averaged fewer than 100 ppg through their first couple of games this season.

Both teams rank in the bottom third in the league for pace and offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions). While neither team is capable of playing shut down defense, I still think we have a strong case for the under. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TUESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Dallas Mavericks have averaged 121 ppg while splitting a couple of high-scoring affairs against New Orleans and Portland, but I think points will be harder to come by here at Denver Tuesday night with the home team looking to slow down the tempo. 

The Nuggets are 2-0 to the under on the season, scoring 108 points in both games with an average of only 103.5 ppg allowed (and that despite Friday's matchup at Phoenix going to overtime). They were just outside of the top 10 for defensive efficiency (the number of points a team allows per 100 possessions) last season and it looks like Denver will be hard to beat on the defensive end of the hardwood this season as well. 

Under is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 games playing on 0 days rest and 16-5 in their last 21 home games. Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings at Pepsi Center.

*Write up posted before the conclusion of Denver's matchup with the Kings at Sacramento Monday night. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

Both the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns will play their third game in four nigths (and fourth in six), but at least the Suns have the advantage of playing in their own building. The Suns are 2-1 SU (3-0 ATS) on the season and in the groove following a 130-122 upset against the Clippers. "It feels amazing, everybody chipped in," Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. told reporters. "We fought through adversity once again, but we're finding who we are and we're continuing to grow and that's the most beautiful thing about it."

The Jazz took a nine-point loss at LA Lakers on Friday but bounced right back with a massive beatdown of the Kings the next day. Still, I think they're at risk of underestimating the Suns and I like the home team to keep this close. 

Additionally we can note that the under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings overall and 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Phoenix.

8* play on Phoenix Suns. 

NBA 3-PACK

Both the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns will play their third game in four nights (and fourth in six), but at least the Suns have the advantage of playing in their own building. The Suns are 2-1 SU (3-0 ATS) on the season and in the groove following a 130-122 upset against the Clippers. "It feels amazing, everybody chipped in," Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. told reporters. "We fought through adversity once again, but we're finding who we are and we're continuing to grow and that's the most beautiful thing about it."

The Jazz took a nine-point loss at LA Lakers on Friday but bounced right back with a massive beatdown of the Kings the next day. Still, I think they're at risk of underestimating the Suns and I like the home team to keep this close. 

Additionally, we can note that the under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings overall and 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Phoenix.

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The New York Knicks are still in search of their first win of the season, and I think this looks like a good spot against the one-win Chicago Bulls. Both teams are coming off blowout losses, but it should be easier for the home team to pick itself up and bounce back in its own building.

The Knickerbockers are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings at Madison Square Garden and the home town crowd will no doubt do its best to carry the team to a victory. 

8* play on New York Knicks. 

WARRIORS @ THUNDER BOOKIE BREAKER

The Golden State Warriors took a 141-122 beating by the Clippers in their season debut, and Warriors forward Draymond Green was extremely disappointed with the team's performance. "We (expletive) sucked," Green told reporters. "And we gotta get better. I'm not a coach, so I'm not about to go watch a film and say, 'Oh, well we can build on this.' I really don't give a damn about what we can build on. We sucked tonight, and we gotta get better overall. And that's just what it is."

Green should be able to light a fire in his young Warriors teammates and have them ready for this game, and while this is cleary the weakest Warriors side we've seen in several seasons the Thunder have also lost key pieces. Golden State still has All Stars like Steph Curry and Green, but the Thunder lack any kind of star power after not replacing the departed duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George. 

I expect Golden State to come through with a win here. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): TOP RATED RAPTORS @ BULLS ATS PICK

The Toronto Raptors are 1-1 on the season following a 112-106 setback at Boston last night. They'll be playing on no rest here at the 1-1 Chicago Bulls Saturday night, but note that the home team also will play the second leg of a back-to-back after picking up 110-102 triumph at Memphis on Friday. 

It will be interesting to see how the Bulls will develop throughout the season, but I think the Raptors are due for a statement game after starting the season with two rather disappointing outings.

The Raptors are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games playing on no rest and the road team is 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings in this series. 

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

BLAZERS @ KINGS FRIDAY NIGHT HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Portland Trail Blazers took an 8-point loss to Denver in their season opener. C.J McCollum and Damian Lillard had an off-night and combined for just 15-for-39 shooting in the defeat, but I think they'll bounce back with a win here at Sacramento Friday night. 

The Kings didn't only suffer a setback to the woeful (or are they actually that bad?) Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, they also got Marvin Bagley III, De'Aaron Fox, and Buddy Hield banged up. 

The Blazers usually start their seasons strong and have a solid core of players. They're 17-8-2 ATS in their last 27 games following an ATS loss and should roll to a win here. 

8* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

3-PACK

The Portland Trail Blazers took an 8-point loss to Denver in their season opener. C.J McCollum and Damian Lillard had an off-night and combined for just 15-for-39 shooting in the defeat, but I think they'll bounce back with a win here at Sacramento Friday night. 

The Kings didn't only suffer a setback to the woeful (or are they actually that bad?) Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, they also got Marvin Bagley III, De'Aaron Fox, and Buddy Hield banged up. 

The Blazers usually start their seasons strong and have a solid core of players. They're 17-8-2 ATS in their last 27 games following an ATS loss and should roll to a win here. 

Additionally, the under has hit in 12 of their last 18 meetings and I think that's a trend that will continue. 

8* play on UNDER. 

BULLS @ GRIZZLIES FRIDAY NIGHT NO BRAINER

We backed the Bulls and lost in their season opening one-point loss at Charlotte, but I like Chicago to rebound with a win here at Memphis Friday night. 

The Grizzlies are in for a tough season if their first game, a 120-101 loss at Miami, is an indication of things to come. The Bulls have won each of the last four meetings and they're 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Memphis. They have plenty of talented shooters and should be able to run away with this one as Memphis can't match them shot-for-shot. 

8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

CLIPPERS @ WARRIORS THURSDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN

The LA Clippers have had a day of rest since opening the season with a 10-point win over rivals LA Lakers. I think things are setting up nicely for the Clippers here with a game under their belt while the Golden State Warriors might not be quite up to speed yet for their season debut. 

Golden State will play with a huge target on its back all season with everyone looking forward to dethroning the powerhouse that has made five straight finals appearances with three titles to show for it. This will almost certainly be a more difficult campaign for the Warriors, having lost several players, most notably Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson (torn knee ligament) is at risk of missing the whole season.

Kahwi Leonard scored 30 points on 10-19 shooting in his Clippers’ debut, and here he'll get another shot at the Warriors team he beat in the NBA Finals with the Raptors last season. Look for the revamped LA Clippers to get the job done here to start the season 2-0.  

8* play on LA Clippers. 

LATE NIGHT KINGS @ SUNS *TOP PLAY*

The Phoenix Suns have finished dead last in the West in three consecutive seasons and accumulated just 19 wins last season. Not much suggests that 2019/2020 will be much better, and I think they'll come up well short here in the season opener against the Sacramento Kings. 

The Kings slumped at the worst time last season and ended up missing the playoffs by nine games. Still, they won 48% of their games which was a big step forward and they return a talented team that might be able to make another run for the postseason in the stacked Western Conference. They have a new head coach in former Golden State Warriors assistant and Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton, and I think he can do good work with this young, talented roster. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

BULLS @ HORNETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Chicago Bulls have been a punching bag in recent seasons, but they enter this season with a lot of talent on the roster and might exceed expectations early on. 

The spirit in the locker room seems to be high as well. "Anxious, ready to go; confident," Zach LaVine (who posted 23.7 points per game last season) told reporters. "That's my mood for the team, my mood in general. Anxious to get this started, get this thing rolling." ... "You see how much the guys care for each other, " LaVine further said. "The coaches have been doing a good job of putting us in the best positions."

As for the Charlotte Hornets, they'll have to adjust to life without star PG Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb. They've brought in guard Terry Rozier from the Celtics, but center Cody Zeller (10.1 points per game) is their top returning scorer and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with the Bulls in this one. 

8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

LAKERS VS. CLIPPERS OPENING NIGHT BANKROLL BUILDER

The LA Lakers have been the little brother in the Hallway Series over the last seven season, but they hope that will change this year with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the team.

Additionally they have a new head coach in Frank Vogel who'll want to start his tenure with the team with a win.

The LA Clippers have of course brought in a couple of big hitters of their own in NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but the latter is likely to miss at least the first 10 games of the season.

The Lakers have covered the number in seven of the last 10 meetings and I think they'll get the better of their rival here.  

8* play on LA Lakers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Golden State Warriors managed to avoid elimination with a 106-105 win at Toronto on Monday, a contest that just about stayed under the total despite a high-scoring first-half. The series now shifts back to Oakland for Game 6, and I think this one will go over as we're seeing the lowest total so far in the series. 

The game will be the Warriors' last at Oracle Arena before moving to the Chase Center in San Francisco next season. Klay Thompson thinks the fans will be an important 6th man tonight, particularly with Kevin Durant out again after a brief comeback last time out. "I expect our fans to be the loudest they have ever been, especially in the name of Kevin and bringing his type of spirit he would bring to the fight and the competitiveness," Warriors guard Klay Thompson said Wednesday. "I know our fans will do that because we deserve it, but more importantly, Kevin does for what he gave this team, this organization. There wouldn't be banners if it wasn't for his presence."

The Raptors outscored the Warriors 120-96 from three-point land in their three triumphs, while the Warriors owned a 99-57 advantage from behind the arc in their two victories. Considering what's at stake, expect both teams to be locked in and knock down plenty of three-pointers driving up the score. 

Over is 9-3 in Raptors last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 9-4 in Warriors last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings at Oracle Arena. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA TOTAL)

The Golden State Warriors are in desperation mode with their backs against the wall after a Game 4 loss at home to put them in a 3-1 hole in the series. The Warriors simply can not afford to lose another game, and as they are finding it very hard to stop the Raptors offense they're gonna have to focus on outscoring their opponent to stay alive. 

The Raptors are playing with a lot of confidence and have been shooting the ball well throughout the series. The Warriors, and Stephen Curry in particular need to bounce back from a tough outing as they scored just 92 points and turned the ball over 19 times in the most recent loss. Curry himself was just 2-for-9 from behind the arc, extremely unlikely to happen again. 

Over is 6-1-1 in Warriors last 8 road games. Over is 9-3 in Warriors last 12 NBA Championship games. Over is 9-2 in Raptors last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Toronto.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA): MIKE'S BEST NBA PLAYOFFS TOTAL

The Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors combined for 232 points in Game 3 of this series and over is now 9-2 in Warriors last 11 NBA Championship games.

I think we'll see another high-scoring affair here Friday night.

Sure, Warriors are expected to get Klay Thompson back which no doubt will help them defensively, but we should also keep in mind that Thompson was the Warriors' leading scorer in their Game 2 win with 25 points on 10-for-17 shooting. 

The Warriors are in desperate need of a win here to avoid heading to Toronto down 3-1 in the series, and they'll need to heat up offensively to keep pace with a Raptors team that has shot better than 50 percent from the field in its two wins in the series and shot 44.7 percent from beyond the arc last time out.

"We haven't really had a good team shooting night, and I knew eventually at some point we were due for one," Toronto guard Danny Green said after Game 3. "We still have to do a better job defensively on that end of the floor to limit those guys better so we don't have to rely on our offense or our shooting to win games for us."

Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings at Oracle Arena. Over is 13-3 in Raptors last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on OVER. 

MIDWEEK MADNESS 3-PACK

The Toronto Raptors got a lot of production from their role players as they opened the series with a 118-109 triumph. Forward Pascal Siakam shot 14-for-17 en route to a team-high 32 points in that contest but managed just 12 points on 5-for-18 as Golden State showed what's what in Game 2 of the series when it stole homecourt advantage with a 109-104 triumph.  

The Warriors trailed at half time, but managed to come back and pulled away in the second period, despite losing Klay Thompson and Kevin Looney on top of already missing Kevin Durant. Looney has been ruled out for the rest of the series while Thompson might be a go tonight. "... it will be a game-time decision. But I really want to be out there." Thompson told the media on Tuesday. 

The Warriors might be banged up, but they're still the two-time defending champions and have plenty of star power and experience with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins. Count on Warriors to get the job done in a high-scoring affair. 

Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Over is 8-1 in Raptors last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 8-2 in Warriors last 10 NBA Championship games.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA FINALS GAME 3 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Toronto Raptors got a lot of production from their role players as they opened the series with a 118-109 triumph. Forward Pascal Siakam shot 14-for-17 en route to a team-high 32 points in that contest but managed just 12 points on 5-for-18 as Golden State showed what's what in Game 2 of the series when it stole homecourt advantage with a 109-104 triumph.  

The Warriors trailed at half time, but managed to come back and pulled away in the second period, despite losing Klay Thompson and Kevin Looney on top of already missing Kevin Durant. Looney has been ruled out for the rest of the series while Thompson might be a go tonight. "... it will be a game-time decision. But I really want to be out there." Thompson told the media on Tuesday. 

The Warriors might be banged up, but they're still the two-time defending champions and have plenty of star power with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins. Count on Warriors to get the job done in a high-scoring affair. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

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The Toronto Raptors claimed the opener of this series 118-109.

The Warriors did a decent job containing Kawhi Leonard (23 points on 5-of-14 shooting), but instead, role players like Pascal Siakam (32 points) stepped up big time for the Raptors. I don't see that happen two games in a row though with Warriors Draymond Green on a mission. 

"I have to be more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball," Green said Friday. "I think aggressiveness starts with me and everybody else will follow that. If I'm on my heels, everyone else is on their heels. I think that was kind of the story of (Game 1). I started the game not as aggressive as I could be on that side of the ball and it showed in our team defense."

The Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 2 days rest and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss. The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 head-to-head meetings. 

Over is 7-1 in Raptors last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 5-1-1 in Warriors last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. I expect the Warriors to beat Toronto in a fast-paced shootout. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* WARRIORS @ RAPTORS GAME 2 SIDE

The Toronto Raptors claimed the opener of this series 118-109.

The Warriors did a decent job containing Kawhi Leonard (23 points on 5-of-14 shooting), but instead, role players like Pascal Siakam (32 points) stepped up big time for the Raptors. I don't see that happen two games in a row though with Warriors Draymond Green on a mission. 

"I have to be more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball," Green said Friday. "I think aggressiveness starts with me and everybody else will follow that. If I'm on my heels, everyone else is on their heels. I think that was kind of the story of (Game 1). I started the game not as aggressive as I could be on that side of the ball and it showed in our team defense."

The Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 2 days rest and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss. The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 head-to-head meetings. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): WARRIORS @ RAPTORS BEST BET

I absolutely love the Golden State Warriors as an underdog here in the opener of the NBA Finals. Kevin Durant has been ruled out for this contest, but that doesn't bother me one bit as the rest of the Warriors have stepped up their game since his injury. 

They'll also be well rested after sweeping Portland in the Western Conference Finals while Toronto had to battle hard to get past Milwaukee in the East. 

The Raptors have played elite defense throughout the postseason, but let's face it: the East is not as good as the West and they have not seen the likes of the Warriors firepower. 

We can also note that it's a team with very little experience of big games like this while the Warriors have won three of the last four championships.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S BUCKS @ RAPTORS BEST BET

The Milwaukee Bucks were well on their way to the NBA Finals but are now in do-or-die mode instead following three straight losses to the Raptors. 

Despite recent results, I still think they're the superior team and will come through with a win here to take the series to a deciding Game 7 home at Fiserv Forum. 

"We're not going to fold," Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said afterward the most recent setback. "Come on, man. Best team in the league, man. We're not going to fold. We're going to go in and give it everything we've got. We can't fold. We're going to come back to Milwaukee."

Bucks are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up loss and 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 road games. The underdog is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

TOP RATED 10* BUCKS @ RAPTORS GAME 4 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Toronto Raptors were not able to put up much of a fight through the first two games of this series. Surely now they're back in business following a 118-112 double-overtime victory in Sunday's Game 3, right? Not so fast ...  

I'm confident the Milwaukee Bucks will bounce back with a win here to set themselves up to close out the series home at Fiserv Forum next time out. "We don't like losing. We know we are two games away from the NBA Finals," Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters following the loss. "We cannot jump steps. We have to do it a game at a time, a play at a time, a day at a time."

Note that the Bucks are 21-5 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up loss and  6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings with the Raptors. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S BUCKS @ RAPTORS BEST ATS BET

The Toronto Raptors have been completely outmatched in the first two games of this series, and I don't think a change of venue to Scotiabank Arena will make that much of a difference. Note that the Bucks are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Toronto and own all the momentum and confidence. If they're to drop a game in this series, it might be Game 4 before heading back to Milwaukee to close out the series in front of the home town crowd. 

The Bucks are 4-0 SU on the road in the postseason, 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 road games overall and 6-2-1 ATS as road underdogs this season. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

TOP RATED 10* WARRIORS @ BLAZERS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Portland Trail Blazers could easily have won one of the first two games of this series but missed out on a pair golden opportunities to steal homecourt advantage at Oracle Arena. 

"They earned it down the stretch," Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum said of Golden State's 14-3 finish Thursday after the Warriors trailed by eight. "They made more plays than us in the last two minutes, last three minutes, but I like our chances going forward. I like the way we came out and competed." 

The Blazers might be saying the right things, but it must've taken its toll both mentally and physically and think they will find it very difficult to muster up enough energy to beat the Warriors here in Game 3 at Moda Center Saturday night.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr is confident his team will get the job done, and so am I. "We've been in this situation many times, so we know how we have to play. We've got to play with great discipline and some desperation like we did for only parts of (Game 2). We've got to play that way the whole game, and that's what it will take up in Portland." Kerr said.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* RAPTORS @ BUCKS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Milwaukee Bucks opened Game 1 of this series slow but earned a 108-100 victory by outscoring the Toronto Raptors by 15 points in the fourth quarter. A devastating result for the visitors as they missed out on a golden opportunity to steal homecourt advantage. 

"Any coach that goes into a game without playing a game for six days is very worried how are you going to play," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "It's just how are you going to play, how are you going to execute. ... It's impossible to replicate in practice, and you're also incredibly conscientious of staying healthy during those six days. I think we're just all glad to have played, and certainly to get the win. I'm sure they'll be better (Friday)." 

I'm also confident the Bucks will be on their toes from tip-off and put away their opponent early tonight. 

The Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games and 5-0 ATS in their last five Friday games. The Raptors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven Friday games and 1-4 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

BLAZERS @ WARRIORS GAME 2

I backed the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of this series based on how scrappy the Warriors had looked so far in the postseason. 

Well, Golden State showed just how good it can be in the series opener, and in particular it impressed defensively.

Portland's backcourt duo of CJ McCollum and Damien Lillard shot a combined 11-of-31 from the field for 36 points in the 116-94 loss. That can be compared to Warriors Steph Curry who went 9-of-15 from downtown and scored a total of 36 points by himself.   

I think we'll see a blowout win for the Warriors who'll want to make the most of their homecourt advantage before the series shifts to Moda Center in Portland. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): RAPTORS @ BUCKS GAME 1 BEST BET ATS

The Toronto Raptors are just 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and I think they'll find it very hard to keep up with the Milwaukee Bucks here in the opener of the Eastern Conference Finals series. 

The Bucks dropped Game 1 of their semi-finals series with Boston but won the next four. They closed out the series with a dominant 116-91 triumph and are 23-7-1 ATS in their last 31 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. They've had a week to rest and recover from that contest while the visitors have had just three days off since Kawhi Leonard buzzer beater to beat Philadelphia in seven games. 

The Bucks have outscored their opponents by an average of 15.3 points in the postseason, and I'm happy to lay the points on the No. 1 seed tonight. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

TOP RATED 10* BLAZERS @ WARRIORS GAME 1 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers will clash Tuesday night for the opener of their NBA Western Conference Finals series. I'm happy to take the visitors here as I think they are spotted way too many points to pass up on. 

The Blazers must feel pretty confident hitting the road again as they're coming off a huge 100-96 road win as an underdog at Denver in Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinals series on Sunday. We can also note that they were spotted 8.5 points at Golden State on Dec 27, a game they lost by just one point. 

Golden State disposed Houston in six games in its semifinals series, but it was far from easy as the Warriors struggled with their depth all series and covered the spread in only two of those six contests. Now the Warriors will have to do without injured superstar forward Kevin Durant for at least the series opener (calf injury), and we can note that they are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win.

The Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven head-to-head meetings and should keep this relatively close. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

76ERS @ RAPTORS GAME 7

The 76ers are coming off a dominant 112-101 Game 6 win, but I like the Raptors experience and homecourt advantage to be too much to overcome here in the deciding game of the series. "We had a lot of open looks early and we missed them," Toronto All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry told reporters. "They played really well but we have to continue to look at the film and see what we can do to get better and see what we messed up."

This will be the first Game 7 for players like Joel Embid and Ben Simmons and Philly has been rather mediocre on the road all season. We can also note that the Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points while the 76ers are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* NUGGETS @ BLAZERS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Denver Nuggets can close out this series and move on to the Western Conference Finals with a win here at Portland Thursday night. While the Nuggets are far stronger home at Pepsi Center than on the road, note that they won Game 4 here at Moda Center outright after losing a heartbreaking multiple OT Game 3 (still covered the spread). 

The Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in this playoffs series and have the momentum after a 124-98 home romp on Tuesday. "They just played harder than us," Enes Kanter admitted to reporters after the game. "Even the coach said, probably this was our worst basketball the last six weeks," Kanter continued. "On defense, we weren't really communicating with each other; we didn't really trust each other."

Portland might be able to win outright to force a Game 7, but I'm well happy to take the visitors to cover the spread. 

Nuggets are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Conference Semifinals games. Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Conference Semifinals games. Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Portland.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

BLAZERS @ NUGGETS GAME 5 BOOKIE BLASTER

The Denver Nuggets lost homecourt advantage with a Game 2 loss here Pepsi Center but stole it back with a 116-112 win in Portland on Sunday. I don't see them slipping up again in front of the home town crowd where they went an NBA-best 34-7 during the regular season. 

The Nuggets have covered the spread in five of the last six head-to-head meetings and they have the momentum following Sunday's win. "You think about how young we are and what we are doing, going on the road and winning a tough game in a hostile environment, and for Jamal (Murray) to be the centerpiece of that has been phenomenal," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Sunday.

Additionally; Nuggets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 Conference Semifinals games. Trail Blazers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 Conference Semifinals games.

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

WARRIORS @ ROCKETS GAME 4 BASKET BRAWLER

The Houston Rockets came through with a 126-121 overtime win on Saturday to avoid falling into the dreaded 3-0 hole after opening the series with a pair of losses at Oracle Arena. 

This looks like a great spot to back the Warriors to bounce back with a win as they surely want to close out this series in five games next time out in front of the home town crowd. 

Warriors star Steph Curry had a poor Game 3, but that's unlikely to happen twice in a row. "He just had a tough night," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "No matter how good you are, you're going to have some bad games, and just a tough night for him. It just didn't happen."

"We still had a couple of chances to win down the stretch. Obviously, I'm thinking of what I can do better and elevate my game, and I'm looking forward to Monday." Curry himself said.

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

NUGGETS @ BLAZERS GAME 4 NO-BRAINER

The Portland Trail Blazers are in control of this Western Conference Semifinals series after first stealing homecourt advantage at Denver and then defending it with a 140-137 quadruple-overtime victory Friday night. They still need to win again home at Moda Center Sunday to completely consolidate their homecourt advantage, and I think the home team has a big advantage in this contest. 

Both teams will most likely be drained after Friday's marathon matchup, but the Blazers have had the advantage of being able to rest and recover in their own homes. We can also note that the Trail Blazers are 25-12-1 ATS in their last 38 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Trail Blazers are 22-10 ATS in their last 32 games playing on 1 days rest. Nuggets are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games playing on 1 days rest. Look for the home team to run away with this one.

8* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): RAPTORS @ 76ERS GAME 4 TOTAL

The first three games of this series have gone under the total, and I expect another relatively low-scoring affair here in Game 4 Sunday afternoon. 

The Toronto Raptors will be desperate for a win to regain homecourt advantage and, and they know what they have to improve. "I think the first adjustment, we're going to have to make it, I guess we're going to have to play all of them a lot harder," Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said. "We're going to have to play a hell of a lot more physical. I mean if we don't do that, the prettiest things we decided to do offensively aren't going to matter much."

The Philadelphia 76ers won Game 3 116-95, but we can note that under is 8-2 in their last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 7-1 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 8-1 in Raptors last 9 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): WARRIORS @ ROCKETS BEST BET 

The Golden State Warriors got the job done in two games home at Oracle without even playing at top level and will head to Houston with a commanding 2-0 lead in this Western Conference semifinals series. 

The teams have had three days off since the last matchup, something that could favor the visitors with the Warriors 6-2 ATS in their last eight games playing on three or more days rest while the Rockets are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games playing on three or more days rest. 

The Warriors are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and they've covered the spread in each of their last three games as underdogs, the two most recent at Houston on March 13 and at OKC three days later. 

While Houston no doubt will be desperate to win this game, Golden State is just too good when motivated. Well happy to take the points on the reigning champs here. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* BUCKS @ CELTICS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Milwaukee Bucks are the No. 1 seed, but the Boston Celtics stole homecourt advantage by winning Game 1 of this Eastern Conference Semifinals series. The Bucks did, however, make sure not to lose two in a row as they turned it up a notch to put a 123-102 on Boston last time out. 

I think the Bucks will reclaim homecourt with a win here as the series shift to TD Garden. While they may have started this series on the wrong foot, the Bucks sure showed what they're capable of in round 2. They have the momentum coming off a blowout win and plenty of motivation to reclaim homecourt advantage with a win on the road.    

We can note that while Bucks are a solid 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 road games, the Celtics are just 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Happy to take the points on the visitors as I think they have a very good chance of winning this one outright.

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

TOP RATED 10* RAPTORS @ 76ERS GAME 3 BEST BET

The Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers enter Game 3 of this Eastern Conference semifinals series tied at 1-1. Both teams have combined decent defense with poor shooting through the first two games, and I expect more of the same tonight.

Toronto won the first game of the series 108-95, but neither team managed to break 100 points in Game 2, a matchup Philly won despite shooting just 39.5% from the field (Toronto shot 36.7%). 

Under is 7-1 in Raptors last 8 overall. Under is 6-1 in 76ers last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* BLAZERS @ NUGGETS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets won the first matchup of this Western Conference semifinals series 121-113. Denver big man Nikola Jokic took full advantage of the fact that the Blazers are banged down low with Jusuf Nurkic out for the season and Enes Kanter not 100%. "I cannot play the way I want to play," Kanter told reporters after Game 1. "Just keep playing through it". 

I think the Nuggets will be well motivated to make the most of their homecourt advantage again here in Game 2 before the series shift to Portland.

On the season, the Nuggets are 38-8 SU and 28-18 ATS home at Pepsi Center. They're 6-0 ATS in their last six Conference Semifinals games while the Portland Trail Blazers are just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Conference Semifinals games. 

We can also note that Portland has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five on the road.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

MONDAY NIGHT 76ERS @ RAPTORS GAME 2 ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Toronto Raptors put a 108-95 beating on the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinals, and I expect a similar result here in the second game. 

The Raptors have won five straight since losing their postseason opener to Orlando and are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. Furthermore, they're 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and the home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings with Philadelphia. The 76ers have not won in Toronto since Nov. 10, 2012 ... 

They were completely unable to stop Kawhi Leonard in the first matchup up this series with the Toronto star putting up a career playoff-best 45 points on 16-of-23 shooting with 11 rebounds. "That was again, a big time performance at both ends," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. "And I just like the force that he is playing with at both ends, but especially when he is getting the ball. He is pushing it up the floor, he is punching gaps with force, and he is determined to get to spaces."

Toronto has held opponents to 92.5 points and 38.9% shooting from the field through its first six playoff games here in 2019. I expect another dominant defensive performance from the home team tonight. 

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

MONDAY NIGHT 76ERS @ RAPTORS GAME 2 TOTAL

The Toronto Raptors put a 108-95 beating on the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinals, and I expect a similar result here in the second game. 

The Raptors have won five straight since losing their postseason opener to Orlando and are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. Furthermore, they're 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and the home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings with Philadelphia. The 76ers have not won in Toronto since Nov. 10, 2012 ... 

They were completely unable to stop Kawhi Leonard in the first matchup up this series with the Toronto star putting up a career playoff-best 45 points on 16-of-23 shooting with 11 rebounds. "That was again, a big time performance at both ends," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. "And I just like the force that he is playing with at both ends, but especially when he is getting the ball. He is pushing it up the floor, he is punching gaps with force, and he is determined to get to spaces."

Toronto has held opponents to 92.5 points and 38.9% shooting from the field through its first six playoff games here in 2019. I expect another dominant defensive performance from the home team tonight. 

Under is 10-4 in 76ers last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 6-1 in Raptors last 7 overall.

8* play on UNDER.

ROCKETS @ WARRIORS GAME 1 BANKROLL BUILDER

The Golden State Warriors needed six games to get past the LA Clippers in the first round while the Houston Rockets got past Utah Jazz in five games. It however easy to see that the Warriors were guilty of looking past the Clippers, and were extremely dominant when turning it up a notch. 

I don't think they'll take the Rockets lightly, especially after almost losing to them in the Western Conference finals last season. If they decide to throw their weight around the Warriors are still the superior team IMO. 

Sure, the Warriors are a bit banged up with backcourt duo Steph Curry and Klay Thompson questionable with ankle injuries, I don't see them risking giving up their homecourt advantage the crucial series opener.

"We'll see how they're doing (before the game)," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told the media. "I'm not going to make a definitive statement on whether they'll both play. Let's just call it questionable. And there's nothing implied there. They both came in today and got some work, and we'll see how they're doing." Thompson himself said that he expects to play "fully" in today's contest.  

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

SPURS @ NUGGETS TNT *DO OR DIE*

The San Antonio Spurs stepped up with a huge 120-103 win when they faced elimination Thursday night. We now get to enjoy a deciding Game 7 of this Western Conference first-round series with the Denver Nuggets. The teams are not only 3-3 SU in the series but also ATS with the team winning outright also covering the spread in each game. 

It's however also worth noting that the teams have won as underdogs one time each, and I'm happy to take the points on the underdog in what should be a close affair. Sure, it'll be a hostile environment at Pepsi Center, but I don't think it'll faze this veteran Spurs team one bit.

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

TOP RATED SPURS @ NUGGETS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The San Antonio Spurs are in a do-or-die situation here, entering this contest at a 3-2 hole in the series following an 18-point loss in Game 5 of the series on Tuesday.

They're a solid 33-10 SU (25-18) ATS at home on the season while the Denver Nuggets are 21-22 SU (18-25 ATS) on the road and I expect the home team to force an all decisive Game 7. 

The Nuggets had lost 14 straight matchups at San Antonio before coming through with a Game 4 triumph at AT&T Center. To repeat that will be incridibly difficult against this well-coached San Antonio, team, and I expect Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to have his team better prepared for this than last time out. "They just outplayed us in every facet," Popovich said. "We missed a lot at the rim early, or it could have been a much more competitive first half. We've got to have more guys playing well for sure."

Spurs will be ready and fired up, and I don't see them getting knocked out in front of the home town crowd. 

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA NO-BRAINER

The Houston Rockets own a 3-1 lead in this Western Conference playoffs series and had won and covered the spread in each of the first three games before taking a 107-91 loss at Salt Lake City Monday night. 

It's actually not all that the Rockets had a letdown game after three strong performances, and while the Jazz may have been allowed to extend the series for another game, I'm very confident this series ends tonight. 

Utah has been completely outmatched in both games at Houston, losing by 32 and 20 points. Rockets are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight home games and 4-1-1 in the last six meetings with the Jazz.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): TUESDAY NIGHT MAJOR WAGER ATS ALERT

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of elimination here with Portland Trail Blazers heading into Tuesday night's matchup with a 3-1 lead in the series. The Blazers picked up a 111-98 triumph at Oklahoma City last time out and I don't see them losing here in front of the home town crowd. 

OKC's Russell Westbrook shot a weak 5-of-21 from the floor in the last game while the Thunder simply have no answer to Portland's dominant backcourt duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard who combined for 51 points and 11 assists last time out. 

Blazers are 34-9 SU (26-16-1 ATS) home at Moda Center on the season and 34-15-3 ATS in their last 52 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit loss at home and 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Clippers had the audacity to upset the reigning NBA champions with a come from behind win at Oakland in Game 2 of this Western Conference playoff series. The Warriors did however manage to bounce back and reclaimed the momentum with a 132-105 rout of the Clip Show here in LA last time out. 

The Warriors have had their letdown game / wake up call already and now have a chance to take a 3-1 lead and and close out the series home at Oracle Arena in Game 5. With rest a hot commodity here in the playoffs, I don't think Golden State coach Steve Kerr will allow any more slip ups as he surely must value maximum preparation time for the next round. 

Warriors are 28-10 ATS in their last 38 Conference Quarterfinals games. Clippers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 Conference Quarterfinals games. Warriors are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in LA.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets made light work of the Utah Jazz home at Toyota Center in both of the first two games of this Western Conference first-round matchup.

The Jazz are now a favorite for Game 3 home in Salt Lake City, and that's a line I strongly disagree with. 

The Rockets are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall and are playing at an unbelievably high level at the moment. Star guard James Harden has made great use of his teammates in this series and is averaging 30.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 10 assists. "Our swag and our confidence is where it needs to be," Rockets guard James Harden said after a blowout win in Game 2. "We just need to bring that to the road. We all know how tough it is to win at Utah, but we did it last year. We're focused and we're on a level defensively to where we're engaged." 

The Jazz are indeed very hard to beat home at Vivint Smart Home Arena, but they're just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Houston beat Utah twice on the road in the Western Conference semifinals a year ago and it is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Salt Lake City. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

NUGGETS @ SPURS GAME 4 BASKET BRAWLER

The San Antonio Spurs have taken a 2-1 lead in this series after splitting a couple of games at Denver before picking up a 118-108 home victory on Thursday. They've been rock solid home at AT&T Center all season (33-9 SU, 25-17 ATS) while the Denver Nuggets have been rather mediocre on the road (20-22 SU, 17-25 ATS). The Nuggets have lost 14 straight games in San Antonio and Spurs have covered the spread in six of the last eight of those games. 

Spurs have a considerable edge in recent playoff experience, and I think they'll take 3-1 lead in the series with another win here. 

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

TOP RATED 10* BLAZERS @ THUNDER BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The first two games of this series at Portland were both low-scoring affairs, and that's a trend I expect to continue here in Game 3 at Chesapeake Energy Arena Friday night. 

The Thunder really struggled to put points on the board and were held to sub-100 points in both contests. Under is 6-2 in Thunder last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 4-0 in their last four Conference Quarterfinals games.

The Blazers averaged 118.2 ppg at home during the regular season but that number dropped significantly to 111.1 ppg on the road. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine away from home and 6-2 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

The Thunder need to win this game to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole. They're probably smart enough to realize they can't outscore Portland, and I expect the home team to come out and play lock-down defense and try and slow down the tempo. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA): MIKE'S BEST NBA PLAYOFFS SIDE FOR 2019!

The Golden State Warriors were cruising to an easy 2-0 lead in this Western Conference Quarterfinals series as they owned a 31-point lead halfway through the third quarter. Then complacency kicked in, and they ended up losing 135-131 ... 

The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss, and oh boy, will they be fired up for this contest as the series move to LA all tied at 1-1. 

"We have a lot of experience," Warriors guard Klay Thompson said of the two-time defending champions. "This is the first time we've been tied in a series (since Game 7 of last year's Western finals against Houston, which Golden State won). I know we'll bounce back. We're too prideful not to."

Warriors are 27-10 ATS in their last 37 Conference Quarterfinals games. Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): WEDNESDAY NIGHT MAJOR WAGER ALERT

The fourth-seeded Houston Rockets put a 122-90 beating on the fifth-seeded Utah Jazz in Game 1 of this Western Conference first-round series on Tuesday. They're now 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 head-to-head meetings and I expect that dominance to continue here in Game 2. 

Utah's defensive scheme to contain James Harden failed miserable in the series opener as he had 29 points with 10 assists helping seven Rockets players to reach double digits in scoring.

Houston shot 15-of-41 (36.6%) from behind the arc, and while the Jazz are expected to make some adjustments for this contest, I just don't see them keeping up with this Rockets side. 

These sides clashed in the Western Conference semifinals last season, a series the Rockets opened with a win only to drop Game 2. They should have learned their lesson this time around. "It's only one game," Harden said. "They're going to make adjustments, we have to make adjustments and play that much harder and smarter. We'll let it sink in and get ready to go."

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

MAGIC @ RAPTORS GAME 2 BOOKIE BLASTER

The Orlando Magic opened this Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series with a 104-101 win as a 9.5-point underdog. While I don't think the visitors will be able to win both of the first two games in Toronto outright, I do like them to cover the spread again. 

While Toronto relaxed down the stretch of the regular season, the Magic were in must-win mode pretty much since the All Star break and that mindset carried over to Game 1 of this series.

"These last few months, especially since after All-Star break, I think we have one of the best records in the NBA," said D.J Augustin, who scored 25 points Saturday. "It's just a mindset that we came in with. Our goal was to make the playoffs, and just not make it, we want to make noise and win a series or two. We feel like we can, we believe in ourselves, coach believes in us and I feel like that's all we need to get some good wins and build momentum."

The Raptors may have finished the regular season with the 2nd best record in the East, but they've struggled to cover the spread all season long. That was particularly true when closing as a favorite (29-37 ATS) while the Magic finished 30-22 ATS as an underdog. 

8* play on Orlando Magic. 

TOP RATED 10* CLIPPERS @ WARRIORS BOOKIE BREAKER

We have seen most games go under the total so far in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and that's a trend I like to continue here as the Golden State Warriors take on the LA Clippers in Game 2 of their playoffs series. 

The Warriors won the first matchup 121-105, and in that neighbourhood is where I think the final score for this contest will land as well. 

The Clippers have averaged a healthy 115.0 ppg on the season, but they match up poorly offensively against Golden State and have averaged just 97.3 ppg through the last three head-to-head meetings (all three went under the total). 

Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 19-7 in Warriors last 26 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (TOTAL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Portland Trail Blazers closed out the regular season with a 136-131 win over Sacramento. Here they'll face an OKC Thunder team that kept the scorekeepers busy during their five-game winning streak down the stretch. 

The Thunder put a 127-116 beating on Milwaukee in the regular season finale, and playoffs or not, I expect both teams to let offense rule this game. Particularly Portland is likely to struggle to stop OKC in the paint on the defensive end with big man Jusuf Nurkic out for the season. 

We can also note that three of four regular season meetings between these two teams surpassed the posted total for this contest. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* SPURS @ NUGGETS BOOKIE BREAKER

The San Antonio Spurs closed out the regular season strong to earn the No. 7 seed and avoid avoid a matchup with the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

"We ended off strong," DeRozan told The San Antonio Express-News. "Our confidence is high. ... I think we've got our mindset where it's supposed to be heading into the playoffs." They have an experienced roster and a top notch head coach in Gregg Popovich who has won five titles and made six trips to the NBA Finals. 

The No. 2 Denver Nuggets on the other hand struggled down the stretch, splitting their last 10 games. While they have plenty of talent, they lack the experience of the Spurs team they'll face here. Only three of the Nuggets' main rotation players have been to the playoffs before ... 

Spurs are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games. Spurs are 21-8 ATS in the last 29 meetings in Denver. Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games. Nuggets are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

MAGIC @ RAPTORS HARDWOOD HAMMER

I like the Orlando Magic to keep it relatively close here in the opener of their NBA playoffs first round matchup with the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors covered the spread in 121-109 win over Orlando on April 1, but the Magic had gone 4-0-1 ATS in the past five meetings heading into that contest. 

The Magic have won four straight since that setback, all in impressive fashion, and getting two days off since clinching a playoff spot looks just perfect. They have been in playoff mode for quite some time while Toronto could relax down the stretch with the second seed in the conference locked up rather early. 

Toronto closed out the regular season on a 7-1 ATS run but is 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. 

The Raptors are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games playing on three or more days rest, and I can the the home team coming out slow here while Orlando should come flying out of the gate. 

8* play on Orlando Magic. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detroit Pistons sleepwalked through three quarters of yesterday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies and as a result trailed by 22 points at halftime and by 15 points as they entered the fourth quarter.

The Pistons did however come through when it really mattered and outscored their opponent 36-14 in the final period to earn a crucial victory. The job is not done yet, but at least they do control their own destiny heading into the regular season finale. A win and Detroit is in. A loss to the lowly Knicks combined with a Charlotte win over Orlando would see the Hornets overtake them for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. 

The banged up Knicks are coming off a 96-86 triumph at Chicago last night, but can they really muster up that kind of energy and motivation two nights in a row? My money is on NO, and we can note that the Pistons have won the first three meetings with the Knicks this season by an average of 12.3 points.

10* play on Detroit Pistons. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The Houston Rockets are winners of six straight and 20 of their last 23 to move just 1/2 game behind Denver for the No. 2 seed in the conference. Here they'll visit an OKC Thunder team that was heading in the opposite direction but has managed to get on track somewhat with three consecutive wins. 

Still, OKC is just 7-17 ATS in its last 24 games overall and 3-13 ATS in its last 16 vs. Western Conference foes. The Rockets meanwhile are 6-0 ATS in their last six overall and 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings at Chesapeake Energy Arena. 

I expect Houston to come fired up here in its regular season finale, particularly as a loss could see it drop to fourth place in the conference. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Texas Tech Red Raiders' elite defense has shut down some of the most explosive offenses in the nation on their way to the NCAA Tournament Championship Game. They held Michigan State to 15-of-47 (31.9%) shooting from the field in their 61-51 triumph in the semifinals, and I like Texas Tech to come through with another upset win here in the final against Virginia. The Cavaliers have not impressed on their way to the final and needed three last-second free throws to beat Auburn 63-62 in the last round. They've covered the spread in only two of their last six games.  

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 119-110 home at Pepsi Center Friday night. Each of the last three meetings in the series have gone over the total, and I predict another relatively high-scoring affair here at Moda Center Sunday night. 

The Blazers have been held to fewer than 110 points in just one of their last nine games, a 99-90 loss at Detroit on March 30 which was their second game of a back-to-back situation. Over is 19-5-2 in Trail Blazers last 26 games playing on one day of rest and 13-2-1 in their last 16 home games.

The Nuggets have been involved in somewhat low-scoring affairs lately with only two of their last seven going over the total. However, with both teams playoff position still to be decided I expect to see a wide open affair and both teams trying to outscore the other rather than winning with good defense. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA ATS PLAY OF THE DAY

The Charlotte Hornets have been in "must-win" mode for quite some time and have managed to stay in playoff contention with back-to-back wins over New Orleans and Toronto. They still find themselves on the outside looking in at 10th place in the conference, two games back of No. 8 seed Detroit Detroit with three games to play. 

The Pistons have won just two of their last eight and enter Sunday desperate to end a three-game slide. To be fair, they closed all but three of those eight games as underdogs and have delivered the goods more often than not when favored all season. 

The Pistons are 21-13 ATS as a favorite on the season and 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games. The Hornets are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. This looks like a great spot to trust the home favorite. 

10* play on Detroit Pistons. 

SUPER EARLY HEAT @ RAPTORS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Miami Heat will come into this contest hyper motivated, as they're currently outside the playoff spots in the East, one game behind eighth-place Detroit.

"You want to win in the playoffs, you have to learn how to win pressure games and games with expectation and consequences during the regular season," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after Friday’s 111-109 setback at Minnesota on Friday. Here they'll face a Raptors team already locked into second place in the East and just looking to stay healthy for the postseason. 

The underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in the series and the Heat are a solid 26-13 ATS on the road this season. 

8* play on Miami Heat. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY SIDE

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have defeated both Michigan and Gonzaga straight up as underdogs on their way to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. I think they look good to at the very least cover the spread here against the Michigan State Spartans. 

The Red Raiders own an elite defense and rarely turn over the ball which should lead to a slow game, bad news for a Spartans team that is at its best in fast-paced contests. This will be Michigan State's first time against the Red Raiders D, and I don't think they have the key to unlock it. 

Texas Tech shut down the nation’s top scoring offense (Gonzaga) in the Elite Eight round while shooting 39.1% (9-for-23) from behind the arc in its 75-69 win.

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Miami Heat are in desperate need of Ws as they enter Friday half a game on the wrong side of the playoff bubble following back-to-back losses to the Boston Celtics. 

Tonight's opponent looks way easier with the Minnesota Timberwolves already eliminated from playoff contention and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The Wolves have admittedly played their best basketball home at Target Center (24-14 SU), but Miami is a very capable road team and 26-12 ATS away from home on the season. 

The Heat are 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings in Minnesota and I'm well happy to back them as a small favorite here. 

10* play on Miami Heat. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

This looks like a very tough spot for the Philadelphia 76ers who will be playing on no rest after closing out a three-game road trip with a 130-122 loss at Atlanta Wednesday night.

They'll host a well rested Milwaukee Bucks team that has been off since posting a 131-121 win at the Brooklyn Nets Monday night. The Bucks sit top of the Eastern Conference and could look in the No. 1 seed with a win against Philly. 

The Bucks are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 5-1-2 ATS in their last eight games playing on two days rest. The 76ers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games playing on zero days rest.

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

HORNETS @ PELICANS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Charlotte Hornets travel to New Orleans desperate to end a three-game slide. To be fair, they've closed the last two games as double-digit underdogs, but that doesn't change the fact that they've now fallen three games behind eighth-place Miami Heat for the final playoff spot in the East with only five games to play. While highly unlikely to make the playoffs at this point, I expect them to battle as long as they have a shot. 

The banged up New Orlaens Pelicans on the other hand have long since been eliminated from playoff contention. They've lost eight of their last 10 and are likely to be without All-Star forward Anthony Davis, E'Twaun Moore and Jrue Holiday for the rest of the season. We can also note that Julius Randle was left Sunday's game with a finger injury ... 

The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in the series and I expect a motivated Hornets team to get the job done tonight.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA in recent weeks. They've won nine of its last 11 contests but will be looking to bounce back from a loss here following a 99-90 setback to Detroit Saturday night. The Blazers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss and still have plenty to play for as they battle Houston for 3rd place in the conference. "Especially on the road, we can't relax," said Portland center Enes Kanter. "We need to finish the job."

The Minnesota Timberwolves' season has been all but over for a while already. They've dropped seven of their last nine outings and failed to cover the spread in all those losses. The Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I expect Portland to run away with this game. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

MAGIC @ RAPTORS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Toronto Raptors are coming off back-to-back blowout wins at New York and Chicago. They have however struggled to cover spreads home at Scotiabank Arena all season long and are just 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games. 

With the second place in the Eastern Conference all but locked up already the Raptors can relax and put focus on staying healthy, a luxury the visiting Orlando Magic could only dream about. They enter Monday 1/2 game behind the Miami Heat in the battle for the No. 8 spot in the East, but are also just 1 1/2 games behind the sixth-place Detroit Pistons. Plenty to play for ... 

The Magic are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I think they have a good chance stealing this game outright, but let's take the points as insurance.

8* play on Orlando Magic. 

NBA BOOKIE BLASTER

The Memphis Grizzlies are in a tough spot playing on no rest. They're 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 0 days rest and will be face a Clippers team looking to move up the Western conference standings. Clippers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. 

8* play on LA Clippers. 

TOP RATED 10* ELITE EIGHT PLAY OF THE DAY

This will no doubt be an interesting contest with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who own the nation's No. 1 offense, taking on Texas Tech Red Raiders and their top rated defense. 

The Zags have won their two recent games by double-digits to advance to the Elite Eight. They average 88.2 points per game while shooting 52.8 percent from the field, but can also play D as shown in their 72-58 victory over Florida State in the Sweet 16. They forced 14 turnovers while holding the Seminoles to 39.3 percent shooting from the field, including 3-of-20 from 3-point range. 

The Bulldogs have already faced several tough teams like Duke, North Carolina and Tennessee in the non-conference play, which might've served as important lessons. "We saw early on, Tennessee and North Carolina were physical and athletic in both the offensive and defensive end, and I think it prepared us a lot," said guard Zach Norvell Jr. "And also us taking those losses, we understood what it took to come out with a game like that -- you want to bring the fight to them and be more physical for 40 minutes."

Texas Tech completely shut down Michigan in a 63-44 rout last time out but will find it tough to slow down Gonzaga's explosive offense.

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss and look good to bounce back with a big performance here following a 128-118 loss at Milwaukee last time out. 

The Clippers should be fired up here, returning home from a trip out East to play in front of their home fans for the first time since March 19. They'll host a Cleveland Cavaliers team that is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings with the Clippers and 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. 

The Clippers have a playoff berth locked in but are still battling to try and earn the best possible seed. They are 27-12 ATS as a favorite this season, and with motivation and class favoring the home team this an easy play on the Clippers.

10* play on LA Clippers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The Charlotte Hornets are just 11-24 SU (15-20 ATS) on the road this season. They do however travel to LA desperate for Ws and must feel pretty confidence following four straight victories, including a win at Toronto 

The recent surge has kept the Hornets in postseason contention but they still have a lot of ground to make up with five teams battling for the final three Eastern Conference playoff berths.

Here they'll face a Lakers team that saw a two-game winning streak come to an end with a 115-100 rod loss at Utah Wednesday night. LeBron James was rested but figures to be back in action tonight. Still, the Lakers are just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall and 7-25-1 ATS in their last 33 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Hornets are a superb 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 Friday night games and will be looking to avenge a 128-100 home loss to the Lakers on Dec. 15.

10* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

The Virginia Tech Hokis beat the Duke Blue Devils 77-72 home in Blacksburg back in February. 

Duke freshman Zion Williamson missed that contest, but he's back here and has together with RJ Barrett combined for 99 points through the first two rounds of the Big Dance.

Now, I can see why the public like VT here as Duke has looked sluggish lately, and the line has dropped since the opener, but I don't think the undersized Hokies will have any chance of stopping a fired up and physically superior Duke team with revenge on its mind. 

10* play on Duke Blue Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* SWEET 16 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Gonzaga Bulldogs handled their first two opponents in the NCAA Tournament with ease, first brushing off Fairleigh Dickinson by almost 40 points followed by a 12-point win over Baylor. They failed to cover the spread against the Bears but are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss. We can also note that Gonzaga is 20-12 ATS as a favorite this season. 

Here the Bulldogs will face a Florida State Seminoles side that also is coming off a pair of dominant displays, but this is a big step up in competition compared to beating up on Vermont and Murray State.

These teams met in the Sweet 16 a season ago, with the Seminoles besting the Bulldogs 75-60. This is payback time for the Zags as their offensive firepower will prove too much for FSU to handle. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

WARRIORS @ GRIZZLIES ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Golden State Warriors closed out three-game homestand with a 121-114 triumph over Detroit on Saturday. They did however fail to cover the spread and are just 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games. 

Here the Warriors will face a Memphis Grizzlies team that has been putting up a good fight home at FedExForum all season long and is 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. The Grizzlies put a 115-103 beating on Oklahoma City on Monday and are a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in this series and I think Memphis will keep this relatively close. 

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies.