CLIPPERS/SPURS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Spurs took a big beating by Toronto a couple of days ago and now they'll face a Clippers team that is coming off a solid win at Houston. The Clippers are one of the best defensive teams in the league and the Spurs are dealing with injuries.  

8* PLAY ON LA CLIPPERS. 

TOP-RATED 10* HEAT/PACERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I think the Pacers are in for a tough one after covering the spread in three straight games. They've had three days off since closing out a five-game road trip with a loss in Brooklyn, but that much time off is not necessarily a good thing. The Pacers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest and the Heat are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Indiana.

10* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - 10* PELS/LAKERS MAJOR WAGER

The Lakers are 1-5 SU and ATS on the season. They won big last time out, but are still not playing like a team, unlike the Pels who have a good mix of routine and young and hungry players. Pelicans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Lakers are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Lakers are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games playing on 2 days rest.

10* PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS PELICANS. 

GRIZZLIES/BLAZERS NBA BOOKIE BOMBER

The Blazers are off to a hot 5-1 SU and ATS start to the season, but I think they're in for a tough game here against a Memphis team looking to bounce back from a pair of losses at Utah. Grizzlies are 39-13 ATS in their last 52 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Trail Blazers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

8* PLAY ON MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. 

CLIPPERS/ROCKETS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Clippers are only 1-6 ATS on the season. They won by only two points in a 95-93 triumph here at Houston a couple of days ago, but I expect a more comfortable win tonight. Over the last three seasons, the Rockets are 7-17 ATS after allowing 105 points or less in their previous game and 13-25 ATS after scoring 100 points or less in their previous game. 

8* PLAY ON LA CLIPPERS. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/HEAT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

Both the Warriors and the Heat are coming into this game on a two-game losing streak. The Warriours should be particularly disappointed, losing as decent-sized favorites at Charlotte and Detroit. The Warriors are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. The Warriors defeated the Heat 123-110 at home last week. Heat are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 home games.

8* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S HAWKS/RAPTORS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Hawks took a 123-115 loss at Milwaukee on Saturday, but they were playing on no rest after beating the Pistons in Detroit the previous night. Hawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss, and I think they match up well against this Toronto team. Looking at the metrics, negative regression is likely to come for the Raptors. 

8* PLAY ON ATLANTA HAWKS. 

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

The Grizzlies have won four of their last five games and they put a 125-110 beating on the Kings at Sacramento Thursday night. The Jazz are in a tough spot coming off a 101-117 loss in Denver Friday night. Jazz are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest. Jazz are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

10* PLAY ON MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES. 

MIKE'S HAWKS/PISTONS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Hawks won 118-113 here in Detroit on Wednesday. They failed to cover the 7-point spread, but they're asked to cover a smaller number tonight. Bojan Bogdanovic hit some big threes in the last couple of minutes to keep it as close as it was, and I don't think they'll get as lucky this time around. 

8* PLAY ON ATLANTA HAWKS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/NETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

This looks like a good spot to back the Mavs to bounce back from a 113-111 loss at New Orleans on Tuesday. The Nets battled the Bucks Wednesday night and they are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 0 days rest. Brooklyn is really struggling on the defensive end and the Mavs have one of the best field goal percentages in the league. 

8* PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Sixers have had a disappointing start to the season, but they're coming into this game on a high note after beating Indiana 120-106 last time out for their first win of the season. 76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

8* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS. 

MIKE'S HAWKS/PISTONS 10* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to back the Hawks as they look to bounce back from a humiliating 126-109 home loss to Charlotte. They've had two days to reset while the Pistons are coming off a 120-109 road loss at Washington last night. Hawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss. Pistons are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

10* PLAY ON ATLANTA HAWKS. 

NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MIKE'S 10* WARRIORS/SUNS TOTAL

The Warriors are 3-0 to the over on the season as they've been allowed to run up the score against the Lakers, the Nuggets, and the Kings. Now they go on the road for the first time this season, and they'll face a Suns team that knows how to slow down the Warriors. Under is 13-3 in the last 16 head-to-head meetings and 3-0 in Suns' first three games of the season. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/ROCKETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

I'll gladly fade the Jazz who will be playing their second road game in two nights. They won 122-121 in OT at New Orleans last night, and that was after an OT win at Minnesota on Friday. The Rockets meanwhile are looking for their first win of the season after losses at Atlanta, to Memphis, and most recently a 20-point setback at Milwaukee. Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ROCKETS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT SIDE

The Celtics impressed in their 126-117 win against Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Heat lost 116-108 to the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and they're coming into this game with an extra day of rest compared to the Heat. Celtics are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 2 days rest and 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Miami.

Over is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 17-5 in Heat last 22 Friday games.

8* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT TOTAL

The Celtics impressed in their 126-117 win against Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Heat lost 116-108 to the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and they're coming into this game with an extra day of rest compared to the Heat. Celtics are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 2 days rest and 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Miami.

Over is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 17-5 in Heat last 22 Friday games.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

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

The Nets took a 130-108 loss to the Pelicans in their season opener, while Toronto defeated Cleveland in its first game of the season. The Nets will be dangerous when healthy, but for now they're without Seth Curry and T.J. Warren while Joe Harris is listed as probable for this game. Last season, the Nets were 6-28 ATS as home favorites. This is a short number, but I like the Raptors in this one. 

10* PLAY ON TORONTO RAPTORS. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* CLIPPERS/LAKERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Lakers went 10-of-40 (20%) from three-point range in their 123-109 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday. Surely they'll find better looks here against a Clippers team that might be caught on its heels on defense in its season opener. Offensively, I don't think the Clippers will have any issues as the Lakers look quite soft on the defensive end. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S PELICANS/NETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Nets are coming off a disappointing season. They have a lot of new faces for this season, and while I expect them to improve I think they're in for a tough start here against a Pelicans team that is young and hungry. The Nets have a lot of talent, but they have yet to prove they're a good TEAM. 

8* PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS PELICANS. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/CELTICS OPENING NIGHT TOTAL

The under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between these two Atlantic Division rivals, and I expect both teams to come out with a playoff-like intensity on defense to set the tone for the season ahead.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE YEAR - MIKE'S NBA PLAYOFFS TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

We cashed the under in Game 5 of the NBA finals, a game the Warriors won 104-94 despite shooting 9-for-40 (22%) from 3-point range and Steph Curry going 0-for-9 from behind the arc. I expect the Warriors to keep bombing away, and more successfully, as they can play without as much pressure as Boston, with a potential Game 7 taking place home at Chase Center. If their shots fall, which I assume they will, the Celtics must score to keep up. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/WARRIORS NBA FINALS GAME 5 10* TOTAL TOP PLAY

Through the first four games of the NBA finals, we have seen the two teams trade wins and losses and alternate high-scoring with low-scoring affairs. I still expect another low-scoring affair here following a 107-97 Golden State in Boston on Friday. The Celtics are the best defensive team in the NBA, and the Warriors do not get enough credit for their efforts on the defensive end as mostly all we remember are them bombing away from behind the arc. It would take some seriously above average shooting for this to go over, but that'll get less and less likely as the teams get more familiar with each other. 

Under is 12-3 in Warriors last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home and 18-6 in the last 24 meetings.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/CELTICS NBA FINALS GAME 4 TOP PLAY

The Boston Celtics hold a 2-1 lead in the series following a 116-100 win on Wednesday. They've struggled with consistency throughout the playoffs though (remember that their last two series both went seven games), and at the end of the last game, the Warriors' stars looked angry and determined rather than deflated. 

Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss. Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* WARRIORS/CELTICS NBA TOTAL

Golden State took it up a notch defensive in Game 2 and held Boston to 88 points on 38 percent shooting from the field. Now the series moves to Boston, and I expect another low-scoring affair. The Warriors are deadly at home and average 112.6 points per game overall on the season, but that number drops to 109.1 ppg on the road. They clearly do not shoot the ball as well or play at the same high tempo outside of Chase Center, and Boston is arguably the best defensive team in the league. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR - MIKE'S NBA PLAYOFFS BEST BET

Game 1 was a game of runs, and the Celtics got the last laugh after stunning the Warriors by outscoring them 40-16 in the last quarter and going on a 20-5 run over the last six minutes of the game.

This is now pretty much a must-win game for the Warriors as heading to Boston down 2-0 in the series would put them in an extremely difficult spot. Bit of a square play, but I expect a blowout win for the Dubs. 

Warriors are 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Warriors are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS following a loss this postseason. 

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S NBA FINALS CELTICS/WARRIORS GAME 1 BEST BET

The Golden State Warriors needed only five games to take care of business against Dallas in the WCF while Miami took Boston to seven games in the ECF. While the Celtics have had a decent amount of time to heal up since Game 7 on Sunday, there could easily be some injuries lingering from the tough and physical series against the Heat. 

The Warriors are 9-0 SU and 7-2 ATS as home favorites in the playoffs. They were favorites of at least 5.5 points in those games. I have no doubt they'll cover this short spread in the opener of the NBA finals. 

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - CELTICS/HEAT GAME 7 TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Miami Heat forced this Game 7 with a 111-103 win Friday night. The previous two games were much lower scoring, with 184 and 173 points respectively. The two teams know each other inside and out by now, and I expect both teams to step up on defense here in this win-or-go-home game.

Under is 6-2 in Celtics' last 8 games as a favorite. Under is 7-3 in Heat's last 10 games as an underdog. Under is 7-3 in Heat's last 10 games following a straight up win.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS GAME 6 NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Celtics have the Heat on the ropes following a 93-80 win in Miami to take a 3-2 lead in the series. They now get a chance to close out the series in front of the hometown crowd at TD Garden, and I don't think Miami can keep this close.

Only one of the previous five games in the series was decided by single digits, and Miami is not the same team without NBA Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro who has missed the last two games due to a groin injury. Herro was listed as questionable on Thursday, and even if he plays, he's unlikely to be at 100%. 

Celtics are 29-14-1 ATS in their last 44 playoff games as a favorite.

8* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MAVS/WARRIORS GAME 5 MAJOR WAGER

The Dallas Mavericks fended off elimination with a 119-109 Game 4 victory home in Dallas, but they're still heading to California down 3-1 in the series.

The Warriors failed to complete the true sweep, but there's no way they're missing out on this opportunity to complete the "gentleman's sweep" at home. I fully expect them to press the pedal to the metal again after an uninspired performance last time out, and then there's not anything the Mavs can do to stop them. 

Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog. Warriors are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.

Warriors by double digits. 

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

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

The Celtics and the Heat have traded wins and losses through the first four games of the series. With the Celtics winning last time out, that should mean that Miami will take this one, but I don't think that will be the case. Boston has been the better team throughout the series (IMO), and the fact that they're a favorite on the road here in Game 5 says a lot. Heat are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as an underdog. Celtics are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS

MIKE'S WARRIORS/MAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I thought the Dallas Mavericks would be able to pull out a win in Game 3. I was wrong. 

The Warriors once again proved to be too much to handle, and I don't see them stepping off the gas here in Game 4.

Completing the sweep tonight would have them at a significant rest advantage against whichever team comes out of the East, especially with that series looking to go to seven games. 

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

We won with Miami in Game 3 of the series a couple of days ago, but that was with the Heat off a big home loss. Now they're instead coming off a win on the road and I like the Celtics to be the more amped up side for this game as it would be extremely tough to go back to Miami down 3-1 in the series.

Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss. Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/MAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

With Golden State holding a 2-0 lead in this series, this is pretty much a must-win game for the Dallas Mavericks. The good news is that they put together a very strong first half before collapsing in Game 2, and now they return home where they've been hard to beat all playoffs. 

Mavericks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Mavericks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Mavericks are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as a favorite. Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.

10* PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS GAME 3 NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I think Boston is the better team in this series, but giving this many points to a Miami team off a 20-point home loss seems like a few too many. The Heat are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home, 18-8 ATS in their last 26 games as an underdog and 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 road games. The Heat are 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Boston.

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MAVS/WARRIORS 10* BEST BET

The Golden State Warriors put a real beating on the Mavs in the opener of this series. The final score was 112-87 in favor of Golden State and Mavs superstar Luka Doncic was held to 20 points on 6-of-18 shooting from the field. It seemed like every Maverick was misfiring while the Warriors couldn't miss, but think this will be a much closer game. The Mavs are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS loss, the Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.

10* PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Miami Heat won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals 118-107. I think the Celtics are in for another tough game here in Game 2. The Celtics have Marcus Smart and Robert Williams banged up while Al Horford is likely to miss the game due to COVID-19 protocol. With their full roster at full strength, the Celtics could win this one, but not in their current condition. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MAVS/WARRIORS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a seven-game series against Phoenix. While the deciding Game 7 on Sunday ended in a route, they're still at a rest disadvantage compared to the Warriors who finished off the Grizzlies in six games. The Warriors are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games.

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* TOTAL

The first two games of this series were high-scoring affairs, but the following four games have gone under the total. I fully expect another low-scoring game here in this win-or-go-home matchup where the winner will move on to take on the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals and the loser will, well, go home. The losing team has been held to fewer than 101 points in the last four games, and I would not be surprised if neither team tops 100 points in this one. 

Under is 15-5-1 in Suns last 21 games playing on 2 days rest and 34-16-1 in Suns last 51 games following a straight up loss. Under is 47-22 in Mavericks last 69 games as an underdog.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* SIDE

The two teams have traded wins and losses throughout this series, with each team winning two games on the road and one at home. The Celtics won 108-95 at Milwaukee on Friday, and I think the alternating of wins and losses stop today. The homecourt advantage should really come in effect here for Game 7, and the Celtics have been the better team in this series IMO. Their role players have mostly been solid while the Bucks' have struggled to contribute much.  

Celtics are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Bucks are 11-23 ATS in their last 34 games as an underdog. Bucks are 3-12-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S 10* GRIZZLIES/WARRIORS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors had the opportunity to close out this series in Memphis a couple of days ago, but instead, they came out sleepwalking and lost by just under 40 points. I expect the Warriors to bounce back in a big way and finish off the Grizzlies here on the second try. 

The Grizzlies will once again be without leading scorer Ja Morant, and while they made it work in the last game, one must wonder how much gas is left in the tank after the 134-95 rout. The Warriors will no doubt be motivated, as they look to repay the humiliation.  

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The last two games of this series have gone over the total, but the Bucks are 8-2 to the under over their last 10 and 6-1 to the under in their last 7 games as a favorite.

The Bucks have the upper hand in the series after shooting 45 percent from three-point range in a 110-107 win in Boston on Wednesday.

The Celtics rank No. 1 for several defensive metrics, including scoring defense, defensive field goal percentage and defensive three-point percentage, and I expect them to do a better job closing down the Bucks tonight. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SUNS/MAVS NBA BUCKET BREAKER

Each of the last three games of this series has gone under the total.

The two teams know each other very well by now, and from here on out it's all about grit and defense, especially for the Mavs who would see their postseason come to an end with a loss. The Suns are not shooting the ball quite as well on the road as they do at home.

The under is 16-5-2 in Suns last 23 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 21-5 in Mavericks last 26 games as a home underdog.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* HEAT/SIXERS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

I think the Sixers will go off tonight, facing elimination after getting humiliated in a 120-85 loss in Miami on Tuesday.

Both teams have defended their homecourt through the first five games of the series, and the 76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite as well as 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

The Heat are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.

10* PLAY ON PHILADELPHIA 76ERS.

MIKE'S WARRIORS/GRIZZLIES TOTAL

Memphis' star point guard Ja Morant missed Monday's Game 4 loss to the Warriors, and he is doubtful to return at all this postseason. The Grizzlies played surprisingly well without him when Morant missed a part of the regular season, but this is the playoffs and the Warriors will be looking to close this one out tonight and avoid a Game 7. I expect the Warriors to take this in a low-scoring game as I don't see how the Grizzlies will be able to put up enough points without Morant. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* WARRIORS/GRIZZLIES TOP PLAY

Memphis' star point guard Ja Morant missed Monday's Game 4 loss to the Warriors, and he is doubtful to return at all this postseason. The Grizzlies played surprisingly well without him when Morant missed a part of the regular season, but this is the playoffs and the Warriors will be looking to close this one out tonight and avoid a Game 7. I don't see how the Grizzlies will be able to put up enough points without Morant to keep this close.

10* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/HEAT NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The 76ers tied the series with a 116-108 win at home in Philadelphia on Sunday, but now they're back in Miami where they struggled with their shooting through the first two games of the series. The Heat had allowed 86, 94, 92, 103, and 99 points through their last five games prior to Sunday's defeat. Under is 10-3 in 76ers' last 13 games as a road underdog and 14-3 in Heat's last 17 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Miami.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Each of the first three games of this best-of-seven series has gone under the total. The maximum points scored was 204 as Milwaukee took a 2-1 lead in the series with a 103-101 win in the last game. I don't see why we would see a different type of game tonight. 

Under is 8-0 in Bucks last 8 overall and 19-6-2 in Bucks last 27 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 overall.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SUNS/MAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns can't be too pleased with their performance in a 103-94 loss to Dallas on Friday. They're still holding a 2-1 lead in the series, and I like Phoenix to bounce back with a win here so they can finish the series at home on Tuesday. The Suns are 17-8 ATS after failing to cover the spread against their opponent in the last meeting and 15-4 ATS facing an opponent they lost straight up to in the last meeting. The Suns are 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Dallas.

10* PLAY ON PHOENIX SUNS. 

MIKE'S GRIZZLIES/WARRIORS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Memphis Grizzlies tied the series with a 106-101 win on Tuesday. They played with a bigger passion than the Warriors who looked satisfied with leaving Memphis with one win, but I expect to see more fire in the Warriors tonight as they don't want to give back homecourt the advantage. 

Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. Warriors are 38-15-1 ATS in their last 54 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Grizzlies are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 playoff games as an underdog.

8* PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

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

The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks combined for 190 and 195 points in the first two games of this series. I expect the top-notch defending to continue when the series moves to Milwaukee on Saturday. The Celtics have the best scoring defense in the NBA, and the under is 7-0 in Bucks last 7 overall. 

Under is 18-6-2 in Bucks last 26 playoff games as a favorite.

10 PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SUNS/MAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns are traveling to Dallas with a 2-0 lead in the series, and a win here would put them in a great position. They won the last game by 20 points and I think that was it for the Mavs. Luka Doncic has averaged 40 points through the first two games of the series, but he's not getting much help.

The Suns are 14-3 SU and ATS as favorites of -0.5 to -4 points this season. The Suns are 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Dallas.

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

MIKE'S HEAT/SIXERS GAME 3 NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

Without their star center and MVP candidate Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers did not stand much of a chance in either of the first two games of this series. Embiid will miss Game 3 as well, and I think the Heat will win and cover the spread comfortably. The Heat have been playing exceptional defense, and I don't think moving to the homecourt will improve Sixers' shooting all that much. 

The Heat are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 road games and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games as a road favorite. Additionally, they are 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings with the Sixers. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S MAVS/SUNS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns won Game 1 of this Western Conference semifinal series 121-114. Neither team could've been satisfied with their defensive performance, and I expect a much lower final score here as Dallas tries to make it as ugly as possible to keep it close. The Mavs have relied on defense over offense all season long, and the under 6-2 in Suns last 8 games as a home favorite. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/GRIZZLIES 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies combined for 233 points in the first game of their Western Conference semi-finals series. Still, the over/under is at 3-8 through the last 11 meetings. I think both teams will play better defense here as they'll be more familiar which each others offensive schemes when matching up for the second time in three days.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

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

The Milwaukee Bucks won the opener of this Eastern Conference semi-finals series, which puts Boston in a precarious spot here for Game 2.

A loss here would put them in an incredbly tough situation, and I expect to see a hyper-motivated Celtics team after coming out flat as a pancake in Game 1.

Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss, and 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings with Milwaukee. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

MIKE'S MAVS/SUNS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks have the second-best scoring defense in the league and they held Utah to 100 points or fewer in four of their six meetings in the first round of the playoffs. They know they'll have to stay aggressive on D to have a chance against the top-seeded Suns. Under is 6-1 in Suns' last 7 games as a home favorite and 6-2 in the last 8 meetings with Dallas.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/GRIZZLIES NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Memphis Grizzlies are the higher seed, but they were taken to six games by Minnesota in the first round while the Warriors swept the Nuggets.

The young and hungry Grizzlies have had an impressive year and Ja Morant will be one of the best players in the league for years to come, but they miss the experienced leadership that the Warriors have.

I think the fact that the bookmakers made Golden State the favorite here says it all. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

MIKE'S BUCKS/CELTICS SIDE

The two teams split the four regular-season meetings, with the home team winning outright in each game. The Celtics covered the spread in all four of those games and they are 9-1 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Bucks. 

Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton will miss the beginning (and possibly all of this series) with a sprained MCL. They would need to be fully healthy to beat this Celtics team that is peaking at exactly the right time and made a sweep of the Nets in the first round look easy. 

I also like the under. Sure, three of the four regular-season meetings went over the total (and with bigger totals than this), but this is the playoffs. Both teams have been locked in on defense and neither will give up easy looks.

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

MIKE'S BUCKS/CELTICS TOTAL

The two teams split the four regular-season meetings, with the home team winning outright in each game. The Celtics covered the spread in all four of those games and they are 9-1 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Bucks. 

Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton will miss the beginning (and possibly all of this series) with a sprained MCL. They would need to be fully healthy to beat this Celtics team that is peaking at exactly the right time and made a sweep of the Nets in the first round look easy. 

I also like the under. Sure, three of the four regular-season meetings went over the total (and with bigger totals than this), but this is the playoffs. Both teams have been locked in on defense and neither will give up easy looks.

8* play on UNDER.

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MAVS/JAZZ BIG BET ALERT

The Dallas Mavericks have looked deadly since getting their star player Luka Doncic back in the lineup, and they absolutely wrecked Utah in a 102-77 Game 5 win. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS win, 41-16-1 ATS in their last 58 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and they have covered the spread in the last four games of this series. Can the Jazz bounce back? I don't think so. The Jazz are 5-15-2 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 15-34-3 ATS in their last 52 games following an ATS loss.

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Each of the last four games in this series has gone under the total. Toronto has seemingly figured out how to defend their opponent and held Philly to 38% shooting in a 103-88 win Monday night. The Sixers have the star players and the flair, but both James Harden and Tyrese Maxey have really struggled in recent games. Still facing elimination, it will be in Toronto's best interest to turn this into another scrappy dogfight, and I expect they will succeed.  

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* BULLS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Bucks have held the Bulls to 95 points or fewer in three of the first four games of the series, 81 and 95 points in the last two. 

The Bulls are lacking healthy playmakers with Alex Caruso in the league's concussion protocol and All-Star Zach LaVine in the NBA's health and safety protocol, in addition to Lonzo Ball and Matt Thomas also being out. 

Under is 15-5-2 in Bucks last 22 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee.

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MIKE'S PELS/SUNS MAJOR WAGER

I fully expect the Phoenix Suns to bounce back with a big win here after getting outplayed and outworked in a 118-103 loss in New Orleans on Sunday. The Suns are 16-2 SU and 14-4 ATS when revenging a loss this season and the Pelicans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Additionally, Phoenix is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. 

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/MAVS 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks lost Game 4 in Utah 100-99 as a 6-point underdog, but the good news is that Luka Doncic was back in the lineup.

Doncic was the team's best player as per usual with 30 points and 10 boards, and having him back is massive for the Mavs. They return home for Game 5, and I don't see Dallas losing this one on homecourt and with their star player back. 

The Mavs have covered the spread in each of the last three games in this playoff series and they are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Jazz. 

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* SUNS/PELS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Pels 114-111 in an intense back-and-forth Friday night. The Suns now hold a 2-1 lead in the series and a win here would set them up to close it out at home in a couple of days. The Suns are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 playoff games as a favorite, the Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a home underdog. Suns' leading scorer Devin Booker is expected to miss the game because of a hamstring injury, but the Suns won Game 3 without him. I expect a comfortable win for the Suns. 

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

WARRIORS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Golden State Warriors have dominated in every aspect possible through the first three games of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. Game 3 was the closest Denver has come so far, but the Warriors still managed to come back to win 118-113. I don't see the deflated Nuggets being able to put up a fight, and the Warriors close it out today. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

MIKE'S SUPER EARLY BUCKS/BULLS NBA BOOKIE BOMBER

The Chicago Bulls had the audacity to win Game 2 in Milwaukee, but the Bucks made them pay for the insult with a 30-point rout in Game 3. The Bucks improved to 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 Conference Quarterfinals games while the Bulls fell to 9-23 ATS in their last 32 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games as an underdog. The Bucks are the much better team, and they won't make the mistake of taking the Bulls lightly again after the Game 2 loss. 

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

MIKE'S LATE NIGHT GRIZZLIES/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BU$tER

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off back-to-back wins since being caught off guard by the Wolves in the opener of this series. They'll now be looking to take a 3-1 lead and set themselves up to close out the series at home in a couple of days. They came back from a huge deficit to win Game 3, and I think the demoralized Wolves are toast now. 

Grizzlies are 26-10 ATS in their last 36 games as a favorite. Grizzlies are 23-11-1 ATS in their last 35 road games. Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Minnesota. Grizzlies are 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings.

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MIKE'S MAVS/JAZZ 10* TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Dallas Mavericks won the first game of this Eastern Conference first-round playoff series 99-93, but the next two games were much higher scoring. Utah won the last game 126-118 and I think we'll see a decent amount of points in this contest as well. The over is 8-2 in Mavericks' last 10 overall and 19-6-1 in Jazz's last 26 playoff games as a favorite.

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/RAPTORS 10* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia 76ers hold a 3-0 lead of this Eastern Conference first-round playoff series and would close it out with a win today. The Raptors must be devasted after losing Game 3 in overtime after leading with as much as 17 points in the second quarter. The Sixers will be motivated to get this done ASAP in order to maximize its rest ahead of the next round. 

10* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

TOP-RATED 10* SUNS/PELS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

I absolutely love the Phoenix Suns here. They completely underestimated the Pels in Game 2 following a dominant win in the series opener, but that won't happen again. Now it'll be full steam ahead for the Suns for the rest of the series, and this game is critical as they'll be looking to take back their lost homecourt advantage ASAP. Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS win. Suns are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in New Orleans.

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S WARRIORS/NUGGETS 10* MAJOR WAGER

The Godlen State Warriors have toyed with the Nuggets through the first two games of the series. They've found no answer for how to stop the Warriors three-point shooting and Denver superstar Nikola Jokic is visibly frustrated and got ejected in the last game. I don't see the Nuggets being able to turn this around. Nuggets are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Toronto Raptors have not been able to stop Joel Embiid so far, and I don't see why tonight would be any different. That being said, I expect the Raptors to show up offensively after putting up only 97 points in the last game. Over is 16-5-3 in 76ers last 24 games as a road favorite, over is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S NETS/CELTICS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics won the first game of this first-round playoff series against the Nets 115-114. They had combined for 122 points already at halftime, but I think both teams will be more disciplined defensively right from the start tonight. Under is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 9-3 in Celtics last 12 games playing on 2 days rest.

10* play on UNDER. 

WOLVES/GRIZZLIES 10* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I expect a strong defensive outing from Memphis after allowing Minnesota to shoot 50% from the field in a 130-117 loss to the Wolves in Game 1 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. The under was 6-0 in Grizzlies' last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record prior to the last game, and this is an extremely high total for a playoff game. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/MAVS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Jazz won the first game of this series 99-93, and I think we'll see another low-scoring game here in Game 2. Mavs' superstar Luka Doncic missed the last game with a left calf strain, and he is unlikely to suit up for this one as well. Under is 10-1 in Jazz last 11 games as a road favorite. Under is 43-18 in Mavericks last 61 games as an underdog. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Dallas.

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S PELS/SUNS 10* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns covered the spread in only two of their last seven games, but they had already locked up the No. 1 seed for quite some time by then. They've had a week off to rest and prepare while the Pels have had to battle San Antonio and the Clippers in the play-in tournament.

Suns are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Suns are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 playoff games as a favorite. Suns went 3-1 ATS in the four regular season meetings. 

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

MIKE'S NETS/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

Brooklyn won the first meeting of the season, 123-104, but the Celtics won the next three, two of them by 20+ points. The Celtics were one of the most impressive teams down the stretch of the regular season. The Nets won six of their last nine games, but they covered the spread in only two of those games. The Celtics led the NBA in several defensive categories and while the Nets have offensive talent, I think they'll struggle to keep up with Boston.

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

MIKE'S WOLVES/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Memphis Grizzlies are 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings. The home team won and covered in each of the four regular-season meetings. Timberwolves are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog. Grizzlies are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games as a home favorite.

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

TOP-RATED 10* JAZZ/MAVS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings, and I think it's safe to say that defense will be a priority for both teams here in the opener now when it is playoff time. Under is 9-1 in Jazz last 10 games as a road favorite. Under is 46-19-1 in Mavericks last 66 home games.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* PELS/CLIPPERS NBA BOOKE BREAKER

The Los Angeles Clippers lost at Minnesota in their first play-in game, but they get another shot at making the playoffs here against a New Orleans team that defeated the Spurs 113-103 in their Wednesday play-in game. The Clippers have looked great since getting Paul George back in the lineup, and they are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

10* play on Los Angeles Clippers. 

MIKE'S SPURS/PELS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The San Antonio Spurs won three of the four regular season meetings. The Spurs are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog. These are two very evenly matched teams, and I'm happy to take the points on the underdog. 

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

CLIPPERS/WOLVES NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Clippers won three of four regular season meetings, but Minnesota won the last one. I think Minnesota is the better side, and don't underestimate the homecourt advantage.  

Clippers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Timberwolves are 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS as home favorites of fewer than five points this season. 

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves.

MIKE'S CAVS/NETS PLAY-IN GAME TOTAL

These two teams battled it out less than a week ago in a game the Nets won 118-107. That score went under the posted total of 232.5 points for that game and would also have gone under the total the bookmakers have for this game. With a spot in the playoffs on the line, there will be no room to slack off on defense. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S BUCKS/PISTONS NBA BOOKIE BOMBER

The Milwaukee Bucks will be playing on no rest and off a hard-fought win against Boston. The Bucks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 0 days rest and the Pistons are 19-1 ATS as underdogs since February 16. Detroit's success as underdogs is the worlds' worst kept secret at this point, but I expect them to keep putting up good fights until the end of the season. 

8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

MIKE'S MAGIC/HORNETS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Charlotte Hornets can put up points at an impressive clip, but they are one of the worst teams in the league on the defensive end, allowing 115.1 points per game. The Orlando Magic, are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the league, but they hung 120 points on Cleveland just a couple of days ago. The Over is 14-3 in Hornets last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and 5-1 in the last 6 meetings with the Magic in Charlotte.

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S THUNDER/JAZZ NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Both teams will be playing on no rest. The OKC Thunder defeated Portland 98-94 last night to move to 9-2 ATS over their last 11 games. They are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as a road underdog. The Utah Jazz are coming off an OT win against the Grizzlies. The Jazz are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 0 days rest and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.

8* play on Oklahoma City Thunder. 

MAVS/PISTONS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Detroit Pistons are a monster 19-0 ATS as underdogs since February 16. Ride until the wheels fall off.

8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

SPURS/NUGGETS SIDE

The San Antonio Spurs are 6-1 SU and ATS over their last six games, and they'll need to keep playing hard in order to keep the Lakers behind them for the last spot in the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets are coming off a dominant win on the road against said Lakers, but they are only 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite. The Nuggets have not been playing great D lately with 118, 136 and 118 points alloaed over their last three games. I expect Spurs to keep this close in a high-scoring game. 

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

SPURS/NUGGETS TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs are 6-1 SU and ATS over their last six games, and they'll need to keep playing hard in order to keep the Lakers behind them for the last spot in the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets are coming off a dominant win on the road against said Lakers, but they are only 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite. The Nuggets have not been playing great D lately with 118, 136 and 118 points alloaed over their last three games. I expect Spurs to keep this close in a high-scoring game. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to back the Philadelphia 76ers, who while they won their last game, failed to cover the spread. The 76ers are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games following an ATS loss, and this should be a smooth ride against a tanking Indiana team that is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall and 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games as a home underdog.

10* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

CBB GAME OF THE YEAR - MIKE'S NCAA TOURNEY BEST BET

The North Carolina Tar Heels have already won three times as underdogs on their way to the final of the NCAA Tournament, but I don't think they'll be able to beat Kansas in the final.

The Tar Heels were rather fortunate that Duke went cold from the free-throw line in their semi-finals matchup, and they rely heavily on Caleb Love and Brady Manek to light it up from behind the arc.

Kansas is one of the best teams in the nation at defending the three-ball, and I expect Kansas to control this game from start to finish. 

10* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

HEAT/RAPTORS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to fade Miami off a blowout win at Chicago on Saturday. The Heat are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest and the Raptors are 9-5 ATS against an opponent that is playing on no rest this season.

The Raptors are coming off a blowout win themselves, a 102-89 triumph at Orlando. Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

MIKE'S NBA BOOKIE BOMBER

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a big win at Denver on Friday. They are however still two games behind the Nuggets for the sixth seed in the Western Conference, and I expect them to keep pushing here against a tanking Rockets team. Timberwolves are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

NUGGETS/LAKERS 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets knocked the socks off the Lakers with a 133-96 win back in January. The Lakers are coming into this game on a five-game losing streak while Denver had won three in a row before losing to Minnesota in its last game. 

Sure, the Lakers are the more desperate of the two sides currently on the outside looking on the play-in tournament bracket, but I highly doubt the Nuggets will give them a free pass, especially coming off a loss themselves. Also, the Nuggets need to make sure they don't fall into the play-in tournament. 

Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Lakers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog. Lakers are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 Sunday games.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* UNC/DUKE FINAL FOUR BEST BET

The North Carolina Tar Heels have done well to make it to the Final Four, but now they'll face a Duke team that is on a mission to give coach Mike Krzyzewski the send off he deserves.

This is a big revenge game for Duke after taking a 94-81 loss to UNC in Coach K's homecourt goodbye.

UNC has taken down two tough opponents in Baylor and UCLA but was rather fortunate to face a weak and overachieving Saint Peter's team in the last round.

I think a super motivated Duke team will prove to be too much for the Tar Heels. 

10* play on Duke Blue Devils. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

This is a big game for both teams with Nets, Hornets and Hawks in 8th, 9th and 10th place the East, all with the same record, but I think Brooklyn has an edge. 

The Nets are coming off a disappointing OT home loss to Milwaukee while the Hawks are coming off four straight wins SU and ATS. Atlanta should find it hard to keep playing at as high of a level as it lately, and I expect the Nets to really bring it here off a loss. 

The Nets are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 road games, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Hawks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

10* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* TOTAL

Through their last four games, the Indiana Pacers have alllowed 133, 131, 132 and 125 points. Over is 16-5 in Pacers last 21 games as an underdog.

The Boston Celtics put up only 98 points in a subpar performance against Miami in their last game. The over is still 6-1 in Celtics last 7 overall and I expect them to run up the score here against a Pacers team that has made it pretty clear that defense is not a priority. 

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S BASKETBALL CLASSIC'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TOTAL

I like the over when the Fresno State Bulldogs take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the Basketball Classic’s Championship Game. Both teams are very strong defensively, but that's common knowledge, and the bookmakers are taking advantage by adjusting the total downwards, knowing casual bettors will still slam the under. It's worth noting that Fresno State has scored 80+ in two of its last three games. The over is 6-2 in Bulldogs last 8 overall and Over is 5-1 in Chanticleers last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on OVER.

MIKE'S SIXERS/PISTONS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER 

The Detroit Pistons have won only 20 games this season, but they've been extremely competitive lately going 11-0-1 ATS as an underdog this month and 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The 76ers are coming off a loss to Milwaukee and they are only 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite. The Pistons lost by 11 points when they hosted Philly back in November, but they've improved a lot as a team since. 

8* play on Detroit Pistons.