5* MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S CBB TOTAL OF THE WEEK

Oral Roberts has scored 76 points or more in four straight games and Oklahoma State has started to find its rhythm as well. 

The over is 35-17 in Golden Eagles last 52 games as an underdog of 7.0-12.5 and 20-8-2 in Cowboys last 30 games as a home favorite of 0.5-7.5.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MAX BET ALERT: MIKE'S 5* NBA GAME OF THE YEAR

This looks like a great spot to fade the 4-20 San Antonio Spurs following their upset win against the Lakers while at the same time back the New Orleans Pelicans who are playing great basketball right now. 

The Spurs are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win. The Pelicans are 24-8 ATS in their last 32 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5 and a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS in the last six matchups with the Lakers. 

5* PLAY ON THE PELICANS. 

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

This looks like a good spot to back the Miami Heat to avenge a 124-116 loss to the Bulls here at Kaseya Center just a couple of nights ago. The Heat are 15-9 ATS as favorites in revenge games since the start of last season and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.

4* PLAY ON THE HEAT. 

MAX BET ALERT: MIKE'S 5* CBB TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Miami-Fl Hurricanes are coming off three consecutive unders, but I think we'll see a decent amount of points when they host La Salle this Saturday. The over is 6-2 in Hurricanes last 8 games as a favorite of 13.0 or greater and Explorers last 6 games as an underdog of 13.0 or greater.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S **LATE NIGHT** KNICKS/SUNS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The over is 6-0 in the Knicks last 6 games, but I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring affair when they visit Phoenix Friday night. The under is 8-1 in Knicks last 9 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5 and 5-1 in Knicks last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/SPURS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Los Angeles Lakers won 122-119 here in San Antonio Wednesday night. They were without LeBron James, who missed the game with a left calf contusion, but he'll be back on the court for this game and I expect the Lakers to win this one more comfortably. The Lakers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.

3* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

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

The Boston Celtics will be playing on short rest following a 116-107 win over Cleveland last night. I think we'll see at least as many points when they host Orlando Friday night. The over is 20-6-1 in Celtics last 27 games playing on 0 days rest and 8-3 in their last 11 Friday games.

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

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

This looks like a good spot to back the Sacramento Kings to bounce back from a 119-99 loss to the Clippers in LA. They are 9-1 SU and 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Thunder who I think are in a letdown spot following a 134-120 win over Utah and four wins in their last five games. 

The Kings are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Thunder are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

4* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MAX BET ALERT - MIKE'S 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The New York Knicks are coming off a 136-130 win over Toronto. They have been putting up plenty of points lately but have allowed 130 points or more in three straight games. The Jazz took a 134-120 loss in Oklahoma City Monday night and the over is 23-11-1 in their last 35 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER.

MIKE'S GRIZZLIES/ROCKETS TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies are 13-9 to the under while the Houston Rockets are 14-6 to the under. This total looks a bit low to me though. I expect the Rockets to put up a lot of points after scoring only 93 points in their win over San Antonio Monday. 

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S PACERS/BUCKS BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Bucks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and while the Pacers are 13-9 on the season and 4-1 in their last five games, I think tougher times are coming for Indiana.

This is also a revenge spot for the Bucks after taking a 128-119 loss in the semifinals of the in-season tournament in Las Vegas last week. 

3* PLAY ON MILWAUKEE BUCKS. 

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

The Los Angeles Clippers are 14-8 to the under on the season and I think they're due for a low-scoring game after defeating Portland 132-127 yesterday. 

The under is 7-1 in Clippers last 8 games as a home favorite and 11-1 in Clippers last 12 games as a favorite. The under is 20-6 in Kings last 26 games as a road underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S WARRIORS/SUNS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Phoenix Sun have won the first two meetings of the season and I think they'll beat the Warriors again here Tuesday night. They'll come in well-rested since a 114-106 loss to Sacramento on Friday. The Suns are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games playing on 3 or more days rest. 

The Warriors are coming off a 138-126 loss in Oklahoma City on Friday. The Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

3* PLAY ON PHOENIX SUNS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Memphis Grizzlies to bounce back from a 127-103 loss to Minnesota. The Grizzlies are Grizzlies are 36-17 ATS in their last 53 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points, 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5 and 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 Monday games.

3* PLAY ON MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. 

MIKE'S 5* JAZZ/THUNDER NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a 138-136 win over Golden State. The over is 21-10 in their last 31 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and they have scored 120 points or more in seven of their last 10 games. The Jazz are 18-8-1 to the over in their last 27 games as a road underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

I like the Lakers to win and cover the number here in the final of the NBA's in-season tournament.

This just might be LeBrons last chance of winning some silverware, and while Indiana is riding a three-game winning streak with wins over Miami, Boston, and Milwaukee, the Pacers have been overachieving and are doomed to come back to earth soon. 

4* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The under is 11-4 in Warriors' last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 5-2 in Thunder's last 7 games as a home favorite. The under is 4-1 in Thunder's last 5 Friday games and 8-3 in Warriors' last 11 Friday games.

Sure, each of the last six meetings has gone over the total, but this total looks too high to me. 

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

The Los Angeles Lakers are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5 while the Pelicans are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5 and 11-26-1 ATS in their last 38 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

5* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA EASTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Brooklyn Nets are coming off a 129-101 win over Orlando on Saturday. They've scored 118 points or more in five of their last 10 games. The over is 7-2 in Nets last 9 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 18-8 in Nets last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

The Atlanta Hawks have scored 120 points or more in six of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 132-121 loss to Milwaukee and the over is 19-7 in Hawks last 26 home games.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S MAGIC/CAVS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Orlando Magic saw a franchise high-tying nine-game winning streak come to a halt with a 129-101 loss to Brooklyn on Saturday. The loss did not come as a total surprise as they've been struggling on the defensive end lately. Now they'll face a Cleveland team that is very solid on the defensive end, and points won't come easy for Orlando. 

3* PLAY ON CLEVELAND CAVALIERS. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Lakers host the Suns in the quarterfinals of the NBA in-season tournament Tuesday night. I think this will be a relatively low-scoring affair. While I don't think the teams cared much about this in-season tournament initially, now when they're in the quarterfinals, they might. We should see a tight playoff-like game. 

The under is 5-1 in Suns last 6 games as an underdog. The under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games as a favorite.

5* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are a disappointing 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS, but I like them here as they look to bounce back from a 79-65 loss to Creighton.

Southern Illinois is getting too much respect and is overvalued following a 101-62 rout of Saint Louis. They've struggled with consistency lately. They are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS win and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

3* PLAY ON OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS. 

MIKE'S 5* CBB GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to fade the SMU Mustangs who have struggled to cover spreads lately, going just 1-4-1 ATS over their last six games. They are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite of 13.0 or greater and 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite.

The Texas A&M Commerce Lions defeated St. Josephs' 57-54 as an 18-point road favorite on Nov 17 in their last game as an underdog. They are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 13.0 or greater and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

5* PLAY ON TEXAS A&M COMMERCE LIONS. 

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

This looks like a good spot to fade the New York Knicks who will be playing on short rest following a 118-112 win over Detroit last night. 

The Knicks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5 and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on no rest.

The Raptors are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite, 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5 and 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

4* PLAY ON TORONTO RAPTORS. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Utah Jazz will be playing on short rest after losing 105-91 in Memphis last night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are on a heater, coming into this game on an 8-2 run straight up and 4-1 ATS in their last five games.

The Wolves defeated the Jazz 123-95 here at Target Center on Nov 4 and they are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite.

The Jazz are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.

3* PLAY ON MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES. 

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

The Kings are coming off a 124-123 win over Golden State yesterday, but I think we'll see fewer points when they face the Clippers on short rest tonight. The under is over/under is 3-7 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings and 14-6 in Kings' last 20 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. 

The Clippers have scored 109, 106, 107 and 104 points through their last four games, and they are 9-1 to the under through their last 10 games. The under is 8-0 in Clippers last 8 games as a favorite.

4* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The 76ers are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite and 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.

Since the start of last season, the Sixers are 23-12 ATS against opponents from the Western Conference. 

The New Orleans Pelicans are in a less than ideal spot as they return home from a three-game road trip. Since the start of last season, the Pels are 3-6 ATS in a home game following three road games and they are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

4* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS. 

MIKE'S RAPTORS/NETS NBA BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Brooklyn Nets are coming off a 118-109 win over Chicago, but I think this will be a much lower-scoring affair.

The Nets are 23-16 to the under coming off a game that went over the total if the total is 220 points or higher, and the under is 27-11 in the Nets last 38 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

3* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 3* HORNETS/KNICKS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Sure, the Charlotte Hornets are only 5-10 straight up and 6-9 against the spread this season, but should the New York Knicks really be favored by double-digits in this matchup? The Knicks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. The Hornets are 10-5-1 ATS in their last 16 games a road underdog of 10 points or more. 

3* PLAY ON CHARLOTTE HORNETS. 

MIKE'S 5* BUCKS/HEAT NBA GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Milwaukee Bucks are 7-1 straight up in their last eight games. They've failed to cover the spread in their last two, but as double-digit home favorites over Washington and Portland. They won both games, and I like them to cover a much smaller spread tonight. Since the start of last season, the Bucks are 14-7-2 as a road favorite of no more than 3.5 points. 

5* PLAY ON MILWAUKEE BUCKS. 

MIKE'S 4* WIZARDS/PISTONS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Wizards are heading to Detroit looking to end a nine-game slide, and this looks like a favorable spot to do so as they are 9-1 straight up and 6-4 against the spread in the last 10 meetings with Detroit. The Pistons are in even worse shape, coming off 13 consecutive losses. The Wizards are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

4* PLAY ON WASHINGTON WIZARDS. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Brooklyn Nets will be playing on short rest following a 112-97 win over Miami yesterday, so I think they'll try and slow down the tempo and the Bulls are a naturally slow team, averaging only 98.2 possessions per game (29th). 

The Chicago Bulls have averaged only 100.5 points over their last six games. 

Under is 14-6 in Nets last 20 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.

Each of the last five head-to-head meetings has gone under the total. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 5* SIXERS/THUNDER NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a pair of losses, the most recent a 112-99 setback in Minnesota. They were without Joel Embiid in that game, but the reigning MVP should be back on the court here. Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren has had a great season, but he's no Embiid yet.

The Thunder come into the game on a six-game winning streak and have moved to 11-4 on the season. They have been overachieving and I think a motivated Sixers team will give them a reality check. 

Since the start of the 2022 season, the Sixers are 10-2 ATS following back-to-back losses. The 76ers are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5 and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.

5* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH

The Los Angeles Clippers have a lot of individual talent, but they're not playing like a team. The Clippers are coming off a 109-102 win over the Spurs in San Antonio, but they did not cover the spread. They are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win.

The New Orleans Pelicans have closed as underdogs in their last five games but still won four of those games outright and covered the spread in all five games.

The Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

5* PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS PELICANS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks are 7-3 straight up and 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Lakers. The Mavs are coming off a 129-113 loss but they are 22-10 ATS in their last 32 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

I like Dallas to come out fired up here following losses to Milwaukee and Sacramento while the Lakers are in a potential flat spot following three straight wins and a 6-1 record in their last seven games. The Lakers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

4* PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading to Philadelphia riding a three-game winning streak, but this looks like a potential letdown spot for the Cavs after an upset win against the Nuggets on Sunday. They are 0-2 SU and ATS coming off an upset win this season and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight-up win. 

The 76ers are coming off a 121-99 win in Brooklyn. They are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.

4* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

MIKE'S CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

This is a system play where we target college basketball underdogs that average more offensive rebounds than their opponent, make more three-pointers than their opponent, and force more turnovers than their opponent.

3* PLAY ON GEORGIA SOUTHERN. 

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

This looks like a good spot to back the Miami Heat to get quick revenge for a 102-97 loss here in Chicago on Saturday. The Heat came into that game on a seven-game winning streak, so it was about time that they came up short. Miami led until the final minute of the game, and I think they'll come into this game looking to make it right. 

4* PLAY ON THE HEAT. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to back the Denver Nuggets to bounce back from a 115-110 loss to New Orleans Friday night. The Nuggets are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games coming off a loss. The Cavs are coming off consecutive wins but they are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.

4* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

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

The Minnesota Timberwolves had won seven straight games before their 133-115 loss in Phoenix Wednesday night.

This will be the finale of a five-game road trip, but at least they'll be well-rested, unlike the Pelicans who will be playing on short rest after defeating Denver 115-110 Friday night.

The Pelicans are now coming off back-to-back upset wins, and I would not be surprised if they come out flat tonight. 

4* PLAY ON THE WOLVES. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/CLIPPERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Houston Rockets are 6-0 SU and 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games. They're coming into this game weel-rested as they've been off since a 107-104 win over Denver on Nov 12. They're in a very different spot than the reeling Los Angeles Clippers who are 0-6 and 1-5 ATS in their last six games. They're 0-5 since the arrival of James Harden, and they just can't see to get Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook to gel together. 

This is not my favorite spot, but I think the Rockets are undervalued despite their recent hot streak. 

3* PLAY ON HOUSTON ROCKETS. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The San Antonio Spurs are 9-2 to the over on the season, and they are allowed 124.1 points per game. Here they'll battle it out with a Sacramento Kings team that is almost equally weak on the defensive end. The Kings are rolling and have scored 121+ points in three of their last four games. I expect a bounce back game from the Spurs after being held to 87 points in their last game. 

5* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S NETS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to back the Heat to avenge a 109-105 loss as a 7-point favorite against Brooklyn on November 1.

The Heat have won six on the bounce following that setback, and while they're edging closer and closer to a loss, I still like them to bring max effort in this revenge spot. 

3* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S 5* MAVS/WIZARDS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Dallas Mavericks will be looking to bounce back from a 131-110 loss in New Orleans last night. They had defeated the Pelicans by 12 points only two nights before, so I'm not completely surprised that the Pels won the next game, but the Mavs can't be happy about that scoreline. 

The Mavs will be playing on short rest, but I expect to see a motivated Mavs team with a chip on their shoulder after yesterday's debacle. 

As for the Wizards, they're 1-7 SU and 4-4 ATS in their last eight games and 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games as a home underdog.

5* PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS. 

MIKE'S HAWKS/PISTONS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to back the Atlanta Hawks to bounce back from a 117-109 loss to Miami as a 7-point favorite. They had won five of their past seven games but have failed to cover the spread in their last three, which makes me think they're "due" for a big night here against a struggling Detroit team.

The Pistons are coming into the game on an eight-game losing streak, through which they are 2-6 ATS. The Hawks are 3-2 on the road, and the Pistons are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

The Pistons are 10-23-1 ATS in their last 34 games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.

Atlanta star Trae Young is dealing with a personal matter, and it is unknown if he will play. If he doesn't, I expect the rest of the team to step up. 

3* PLAY ON ATLANTA HAWKS. 

MIKE'S CBB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are perfect 2-0 straight up and against the spread while the Rider Broncos are 1-1 straight up (0-1 ATS).

This is a simple sell high/buy low spot with Nebraska off blowout wins of 25+ points while Rider took a 95-65 loss to Marquette in its last game. 

This is ugly, but that's also where you can find the most value. 

3* PLAY ON RIDER BRONCOS. 

MIKE'S KNICKS/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I like the New York Knicks to cover the number here as the Celtics might be caught looking ahead to their next game against a Sixers team that defeated them 106-103 in Philadelphia last week. 

Sure, the Knicks will be playing on short rest following a 129-107 home win over Charlotte on Sunday, but they are 22-10-2 ATS in their last 34 games playing on 0 days rest, 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 16-4-1 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

3* PLAY ON NEW YORK KNICKS. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/ROCKETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Houston Rockets have answered a season-opening three-game losing streak with five consecutive wins. Now they'll face the reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets though, and I think the visitors will win this one comfortably. They'll come into this game well-rested with three days off since their 108-105 win over Golden State on Wednesday while Houston battled New Orleans in a close game Friday night. 

The Nuggets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 3 or more days rest and Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.

3* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Golden State Warriors (6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-5 SU, 2-6 ATS) Saturday night. The Warriors are 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. 

Both teams will be looking to bounce back from setbacks, with Cleveland coming off a 128-120 loss in Oklahoma City while Golden State will be looking to snap back from a 108-105 loss in Denver.

The Warriors return home from a four-game road trip and this will be just their third home game for the season. I think they'll bring their very best effort here to put on a show for the home town crowd on a Saturday night. 

This is also a bad matchup for the Cavs who have been struggling to stop opponents from scoring from behind the arc. 

5* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies (1-7 SU, 2-6 ATS) are off to a miserable start to the season, but here they'll face a Utah team that is in about just as bad shape as they are.

The Jazz (2-7, 3-6 ATS) are having major issues on the defensive end and its worth noting that this is as big of a favorite as Memphis has been all season.

In their last game as a favorite on Nov 5, the Grizzlies won 112-100 in Portland and covered the -3.5 point spread.

This is also a revenge spot for the Grizzlies after taking a 133-109 beating as a 2-point underdog in Utah on Nov 1.

3* PLAY ON MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. 

MIKE'S BUCKS/PACERS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BOMBER

Both teams will be playing on no rest, with the Milwaukee Bucks coming off a 120-118 win over Detroit while the Indiana Pacers are coming off a 134-118 win over Utah.

We won with the over in Milwaukee as a free pick yesterday but lost with the under in Indiana as a premium play.

For this matchup, I like the over as I think tired legs will have a bigger negative effect on the defensive end than the offensive end.

Since the start of last season, the Pacers are 11-4 to the over when playing on 0 days rest, and they are 7-1 to the over overall this season.

3* PLAY ON OVER.

MIKE'S ARIZONA STATE/MISSISSIPPI STATE CBB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Arizona State Sun Devils have a new look with only three players returning from the team that reached the NCAA Tournament last season. Of those three returning players, forward Alonzo Gaffney is out injured. 

The Mississippi State Bulldogs on the other hand are returning a big majority (and all top five scorers!) of a team that also reached the NCAA Tournament last season. I think the continuity gives them the edge we need to back them here in the season opener. 

3* PLAY ON MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS. 

Mike Lundin's Pistons/Bucks NBA Free Pick

The Detroit Pistons are heading to Milkwaukee on a five-game losing streak, and they allowed 120 points or more in four of those losses. This is a bad time to face a Bucks team that is coming off a 129-125 win in Brooklyn. Defensively, the Bucks have had their issues in the early goings as well, as they rank only 25th with 119.7 points allowed per game. 

2* FREE PICK ON THE OVER. 

Mike Lundin is coming off a 2-0 SWEEP with his NHL Tuesday. His TOP-RATED NHL premium picks are on a RED HOT 16-2 (89%) RUN with profits of +$13,960 for $1,000/game bettors!

His 3-pack of premium picks for Wednesday features Mike's 4* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY and two basketball plays. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/PACERS TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Utah Jazz are 6-2 to the over while the Indiana Pacers are 6-1 to the over, but only one of Utah's games has gone over than 244 points while four of Indiana's games have gone over 244 points.

Sure, this will be a high-tempo, high-scoring affair, but the I think the total is inflated. It only takes one relatively slow quarter (or even a half of a quarter) to make this under a winner.

3* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Celtics (5-0 SU, 2-1-2 ATS) head to Minnesota looking to stay undefeated, and they've dominated the Wolves in recent seasons, winning nine of the last 10 outright while going 7-2-1 against the spread. The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) are coming off win over Denver and Utah but I don't think they stand a chance against this Boston team. 

3* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

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

This looks like a good spot to back the Sacramento Kings to bounce back from a humbling 107-89 loss here in Houston just a couple of days ago. Sure, they'll be without standout guard De'Aaron Fox (ankle) again, but they still have a lot more talent on the floor than the Rockets. 

The Kings are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight-up loss and 38-18-1 ATS in their last 57 road games. The Rockets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS. 

5* BEST BET: MIKE'S WARRIORS/CAVS NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Golden State Warriors are 4-2 to the under on the season while the Cleveland Cavaliers have a 3-3 over/under record. 

The Warriors defeated the Thunder 141-139 Friday night, but note that the under is 2-0 this season when they scored 120+ points in their previous game. 

The Cavs put up 116 points in a loss in Indiana on Friday but they are averaging only 105.7 ppg (26th) for the season. Since the start of last season, the Cavs have a 17-26 over/under record as home favorites.  

The Warriors average only 93.9 possessions per game (21st) and Cleveland 92.9 possessions per game (23rd). I don't see either team pushing the tempo.

5* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/NETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Celtics are 4-0 SU and 2-1-1 ATS on the season. They've won their last two games 126-107 and 155-104, and here they'll face a Brooklyn team they've dominated in recent seasons, winning nine of 10 straight up while going 8-2 against the spread. The Celtics are 28-18 ATS following a game in which they scored 120+ points.

This is a tough spot for the Nets who will be playing on no rest following a 109-107 win at Chicago last night. Additionally, they're just returning home from a four-game road trip. 

3* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S KINGS/ROCKETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

This looks like a good spot to back the Sacramento Kings to snap back from a tight loss at Golden State Thursday night and fade the Houston Rockets following their 128-119 win over Charlotte on Wednesday, their first W of the season.

The Kings are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS on the season, with both losses coming against Golden State. I think they're a much better team than Houston, and I like the spot.  

3* PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS. 

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

The Philadelphia 76ers are 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS on the season. They're coming into this game riding a three-game winning streak through which they won each game by at least seven points. 

The Phoenix Suns are 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS on the season. They're coming off back-to-back home losses to San Antonio and have been dealing with injuries to key players. Bradley Beal has yet to suit up and Devin Booker has missed three of the first five games with an ankle sprain. Booker is questionable for this game, and this is a tough 1 PM ET start for Phoenix.  

 4* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Denver Nuggets took a 110-89 loss at Minnesota in their last game. Now they'll face a red hot Dallas team that has opened the season with four straight wins while going 3-1 ATS. The Nuggets looked like the team to beat until its misstep against the Wolves, but I'm not sure they'll bounce back with a big outing and this is the Mavs first chance to prove themselves against the reigning champs. 

The Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. The Mavericks are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a road underdog.

3* PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic are 2-2 straight up but 3-1 against the spread while the Utah Jazz are 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS. 

This looks like a good spot to back the Magic to snap back from consecutive losses and their first ATS loss of the season while at the same time fading the Jazz who are coming off a  dominant 133-109 win over Memphis last night. I doubt they can give that kind of effort two nights in a row. 

Since the start of last season, the Magic are 11-5-1 ATS off an ATS loss of 10 points or more and they are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following an ATS loss.

4* PLAY ON ORLANDO MAGIC. 

MIKE'S 5* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Houston Rockets have opened the season 0-3 straight up and against the spread, while the Charlotte Hornets are 1-2 SU and ATS.

If the Rockets were facing a better team here, I might be looking to back them here due to public perception and all, but against a Hornets team that has opened the season almost equally poorly, that does not apply here IMO. 

For all of the Hornets' issues, note that they have averaged a decent 112.0 points per game (14th), and they're sharing the ball well averaging 29.0 assists per game (4th). They just put up 121 points on Brooklyn, and I think they'll get their second win of the season here against a Houston team that has a lot of things to figure out. 

Additionally, note that the Rockets are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. 

5* PLAY ON CHARLOTTE HORNETS. 

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

The Phoenix Suns are 2-1 straight up and 3-0 against the spread on the season while the San Antonio Spurs are 1-2 SU and ATS. 

Since the start of the 2015 season, teams that have started the season 3-0 ATS are only 13-21-1 ATS in their fourth game of the season.

This is also a good spot to back the Spurs to snap back after taking a 40-point loss to the LA Clippers in their last game. Last season, teams went 7-2 ATS off a loss of 40 points or more. 

I think we'll see max effort from the Spurs tonight. 

4* PLAY ON SAN ANTONIO SPURS.

MIKE'S MAVS/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 2-0 straight up and 1-1 against the spread. The Memphis Grizzlies are 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS. While the Grizzlies are still winless. note that their three losses all have been by seven points or fewer.

The Grizzlies are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as a home underdog while the Mavericks are 16-36-1 ATS in their last 53 games as a favorite and 11-27-2 ATS in their last 40 games following a straight up win.

3* PLAY ON MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/WIZARDS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Celtics are 2-0 straight up but only 0-1-1 against the spread, and last season they were only 3-6-1 through their first 10 games on the season. The Washington Wizards are 1-1 SU and ATS.

Since the start of last season, the Celtics are only 0-4 ATS as double-digit road favorites and the Wizards are 4-1 ATS in the last four meetings with the Celtics in Washington.

3* PLAY ON WASHINGTON WIZARDS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Chicago Bulls are 1-2 straight up and 0-3 against the spread on the season. The Indiana Pacers are perfect 2-0 SU and ATS, and I think they'll get another win and cover here. The Pacers have defeated Washington 143-120 and the Cavs 125-13 at Cleveland.

Since the start of last season, the Pacers are 14-7 ATS coming off a game where they scored 125 points or more. 

The Bulls are 18-43-2 ATS in their last 63 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON INDIANA PACERS.

The Houston Rockets will be hungry for a win after opening the season with road losses at Orlando and San Antonio. The Golden State Warriors will be on the road for a second straight game after winning 122-114 at Sacramento Friday night.

Last season, the Warriors had a ton of success at home, but on the road, not so much. The Warriors are 18-39-1 ATS in their last 58 road games and 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games as a road favorite.

3* PLAY ON HOUSTON ROCKETS.

5* MAX BET: MIKE'S NUGGETS/THUNDER NBA GAME OF THE MONTH

The Denver Nuggets have opened the season with wins over the Lakers and the Grizzlies. The Oklahoma City Thunder are also undefeated through road games at Chicago and Cleveland, and I think they'll keep rolling here in their home opener.

Denver has superior talent, but I think this early-season matchup means a lot more for the Thunder who will be looking to take down the defending NBA champions.

OKC has been shooting a red-hot 49.2% from behind the arc, and while not sustainable, for the moment I'd rather be on their side than bet against them.

5* PLAY ON OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER. 

MIKE'S HEAT/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Miami Heat will play on no rest after taking a 119-111 loss at Boston last night. Playing on no rest shouldn't be that big of an issue this early in the season, and I like Miami to keep this close. 

The Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5 and 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games as an underdog. The Heat are 16-8 ATS in their second straight game as underdogs.

The Timberwolves are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games as a home favorite.

3* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Toronto Raptors will play on no rest after battling the Bulls in Chicago last night. While the Sixers are on the road, they've had an extra day to make it across the border to Toronto following their 117-118 loss at Milwaukee Thursday night. Sure, playing on no rest this early in the season might not be as taxing as late season, but I still give the Sixers a solid edge in this matchup. 

3* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS. 

MIKE's WARRIORS/KINGS SPREAD PLAY

We won with the under as a free pick when the Warriors hosted Phoenix in their season opener. In the write-up, I mentioned how I expect the Warriors to play at a slower pace this season with Chris Paul in the team, and that turned out the be the case. 

The Kings opened the season with a 130-114 win at Utah, but I think this will be a much lower-scoring affair. Also, the under is 6-3-1 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. 

In addition to the under, I also like the Kings to win and cover as they look to avenge last season's postseason exit to the Warriors. 

3* PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS

5* BEST BET: MIKE'S NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

We won with the under as a free pick when the Warriors hosted Phoenix in their season opener. In the write-up, I mentioned how I expect the Warriors to play at a slower pace this season with Chris Paul in the team, and that turned out the be the case. 

The Kings opened the season with a 130-114 win at Utah, but I think this will be a much lower-scoring affair. Also, the under is 6-3-1 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. 

5* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/SPURS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The San Antonio Spurs allowed a league-worst 123.1 points per game last year, and they took a 126-119 loss to Dallas in their first game of the season. The Houston Rockets scored only 86 points in a loss at Orlando in their season opener, but even the Rockets should be able to run up the score against this Spurs team.

The over/under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings. The total has gone over in nine of San Antonio’s last 11 games at home. The total has gone over in five of San Antonio’s last six games played on a Friday when at home.

3* PLAY ON OVER. 

4* SIXERS/BUCKS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia 76ers will have to do without James Harden (personal reasons) in their season opener, but I still think they're spotted to many points to pass up on here against the Bucks. 

The Bucks have a bit of a new look this year with the addition of Damian Lillard and the loss of Jrue Holiday. Cameron Payne and Khris Middleton are questionable for tonight's game. I think Dame and Giannis will work well together over the season, but perhaps not from Game 1. Let's take the points.

4* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/SPURS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The San Antonio Spurs allowed a league-worst 123.1 points per game last year. They've added the No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama to the roster, and it will be very interesting to follow him this season. Mavs superstar Luka Doncic is up in the air as he's recovering from a mild calf strain. I don't think he'll miss the season opener, and I think we'll see plenty of points for both teams. 

3* PLAY ON OVER. 

4* PELICANS/GRIZZLIES NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I like the New Orleans Pelicans to open the season with a win at Memphis tonight.

The Grizzlies will have to do without their suspended star guard Ja Morant for 25 games, and while they did well without him in the lineup last year I'm not sure I would trust that to happen here. Also, starting center Steven Adams will miss the season because of knee surgery which must've put a wrench in their overall game plan. 

The Pelicans on the other hand are healthy, which means we'll see both star forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram as well as guard CJ McCollum on the court. 

4* PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS PELICANS.

MIKE'S LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets swept the LA Lakers in the Western Conference finals last year. This is admittedly a very different Lakers team, but I'm not sure if it's for the better, and neither AD nor LeBron is getting any younger. Denver is bringing back the same starting five that won them the title, and I don't expect a championship hangover here in the season opener. 

3* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

Mike's 10* NBA Finals GAME OF THE YEAR

So at first glance, this looks like a lot of points, but keep in mind that in the Nuggets' wins in this series, they covered the spread comfortably each time. 

They just won the two games in Miami by 15 and 13 points respectively, and now have the Heat on the ropes. Miami has overachieved throughout the playoffs, but is now finally getting exposed by a much better and laser-focused Denver team.

I expect the Nuggets to take this one by double-digits. 

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

10* Nuggets/Heat NBA TOP PLAY of the Day

After losing Game 2 at home, the Nuggets took command of the series again with an impressive 109-94 win here in Miami in Game 3. If the Nuggets stay focused, I don't see them letting Miami back in the series again. 

Heat are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Heat are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami.

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

Mike's 10* Nuggets/Heat Game 3 NBA *BEST BET*

The teams are coming into Game 3 tied at one apiece. The Nuggets dominated Game 1 of the series, but seemed to take the food of the gas in the following game, allowing Miami to come from behind and record an upset win. The Nuggets will not make the same mistake again. The Heat are a feisty bunch, but I expect a laser-focused Denver team to dominate this game from start to finish. 

Nuggets are 26-10 ATS in the last 36 meetings. Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Miami.

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

Mike's 10* Heat/Nuggets NBA Total *TOP PLAY*

I expect a better offensive performance from Miami after putting up only 93 points on 41% shooting in Game 1 of the NBA finals. They had only one day rest following their Game 7 win against Boston, but have now had two days to rest and prepare. Expect fresh legs from both sides, leading to high-tempo basketball and effective offenses. 

Over is 4-1 in Heat last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 8-3 in Heat last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 6-1 in Nuggets last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* HEAT/CELTICS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Celtics forced Game 7 here in Boston with a tip-in just before time expired on Saturday.

One can only imagine how shocked and deflated the Heat must feel after thinking they had their finals ticket booked.

All other games in the series have ended with the winning team running away with the game comfortably, and I don't see any other result here than Boston winning big in front of the home town crowd. 

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S 10* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

All aboard the Boston Celtics bandwagon! Yes, the Celtics are about as square of a play as it gets, but they are clearly the more talented team and they have all the momentum in this series. Miami overperformed through the first three games of the series but is now choking big time. I do not see the Heat coming back and expect it to be Boston in blowouts from now on, as to be expected when a No. 1 seed faces a No. 8 seed. 

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS -2.5. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Game 4 landed on 215 points and went under the total by a bucket following three straight overs to start the series.

The Celtics finally showed up and did their part by putting up 116 points while Miami sputtered in the second half. I tbink we'll see a high-scoring game here at TD Garden as the Celtics look to build on the momentum of Tuesday's win. 

Over is 10-1 in Heat's last 11 road games. Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 home games. Over is 11-4 in Celtics last 15 overall. Over is 22-8 in Heat last 30 overall.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Heat have put up 123, 111, and 128 points through the first three games of the series. The Celtics will need to put up similar numbers to get back in the series, and I don't think they're ready to pack it in just yet. 

This is not my strongest look the playoffs by any means, but I still think there's decent value on the over. 

Over is 11-3 in Celtics last 14 overall. Over is 22-7 in Heat last 29 overall.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* NUGGETS/LAKERS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

Through the first three games of the series, the Nuggets have made it clear that if they show up, they don't lose.

The only way I see the Lakers winning here is if the Nuggets decide to take the night off to close out the series at home instead. So my reasoning is that if they lose, they won't cover the spread, and if they show up, they'll win outright. Therefore, I think we're getting better value on the moneyline than the point spread. 

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

10* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK - CELTICS/HEAT G3 BEST BET

Both of the first two games of this series went over the total (and this line), and the Heat are 10-5 to the over for the season. Over is 10-2 in Celtics' last 12 road games and I think they'll really push the tempo here as they're desperate for a win. Additionally, the over is 10-2 in Heat's last 12 home games.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

10* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MIKE'S NUGGETS/LAKERS MAJOR WAGER

Through the first two games of the series, I think the Nuggets have made it very clear that turn it up a notch and run away with the game whenever they feel like it. 

Here see more than a 10-point swing on the point spread compared to the two games in Denver, only because of the change of venue to LA which seems wild to me. 

Sure, Denver is a lot better at home than on the road, but note that the Nuggets are 6-2 ATS on the season when spotted five points or more on the road. 

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Heat won the opener of this series as a hefty underdog, and now the betting market expects the top-seeded Celtics to snap back with a blowout win.

I get the logic, and in most cases I would back Boston here, but as I said prior to Game 1, "Miami is not your typical No. 8 seed" and this is a lot of points for a Conference Finals matchup. 

The Heat are scrappy, they have decent depth, and Jimmy Butler is playing out of his mind. Additionally, the Heat are 14-5 ATS in the last 19 meetings in Boston.

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S 10* TOP-RATED LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets built up a big lead early before taking their foot off the gas in the backend of Game 1 of this series. In the end, the Nuggets won by six which would cover this number. The Lakers with AD and Lebron should not be underestimated, but at times it looked like men against boys, and the Lakers are now 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Denver.

Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Lakers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The top-seeded Boston is no doubt the better team in this series, but Miami is not your typical No. 8 seed. They're playing with a lot of heart and they are 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings in Boston. The Celtics have a tendency to underestimate their opponents, and I expect Miami to keep this one close. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S 10* CELTICS/HAWKS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Celtics have allowed Philly to hang around in this series until Game 7, but I think it ends with a blowout win for Boston. When focused and locked, in they're clearly the better team and they're three wins ahve come by 34, 12 and nine points.

They have home-court advantage here in this win-or-go-home game, and we'll hopefully see Jason Tatum waking up earlier than in the fourth quarter, as was the case in Philly Thursday night. 

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/LAKERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The bookmakers are releasing lower and lower totals for this series, but for a good reason. While Game 5 went over the total, I don't think that will be the case here as the Warriors' points per game average on the road is quite a lot lower than at home while the Lakers' offensive home/away splits are almost identical, but they play much better defense at home. 

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/SUNS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Phoenix is facing elimination following a 118-102 loss in Denver Tuesday night. The Nuggets are averaging 112.6 points per game on the road, well below their 118.7 ppg average at home. With their backs against the wall, I expect a solid defensive outing from the Suns and this total looks more than a couple of points too high to me. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/SUNS SIDE

Phoenix is facing elimination following a 118-102 loss in Denver Tuesday night. The Nuggets are averaging 112.6 points per game on the road, well below their 118.7 ppg average at home. With their backs against the wall, I expect a solid defensive outing from the Suns and this total looks more than a couple of points too high to me. 

In addition to the under, I also like the Suns to win and cover. Home-court advantage has been huge throughout the series, and I don't see why it wouldn't be the case here again, especially with the Suns in desperation mode. 

8* PLAY ON PHOENIX SUNS. 

MIKE'S 10* LAKERS/WARRIORS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY

The first two games of the series went over the total, but both coaches have made adjustments defensively and the following two games both went under the total. I expect another relatively low-scoring affair here as the two teams are getting more and more familiar with each other. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 10* SUNS/NUGGETS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The over/under is 3-1 in this series, but I think this will be a relatively low-scoring affair following a 250+ game on Sunday. With this being Game 5 of the series, the teams know each other well by now and the coaches should know which adjustments to make on the defensive end. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Sixers are the Celtics are coming into Game 5 tied at 2-2, which must be rather disappointing for Boston who've been favored in each game of the series, even in Philly. I expect them to bounce back with a win here after dropping Game 4 in overtime. 

Celtics are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games. Celtics are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. 76ers are 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

8* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

CELTICS/HAWKS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S 10* MAJOR WAGER

The Celtics dropped the opener of this series, but they've bounced back with a pair of impressive wins. Philadelphia is a good team, but it really lit a fire in the Celtics by winning Game 1 and I expect another comfortable Boston win here. 

Celtics are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Celtics are 35-17-1 ATS in their last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 76ers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Celtics are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS.