MIKE'S PELICANS/SPURS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The New Orleans Pelicans are 7-0 SU and ATS in the last 7 meetings with the San Antonio Spurs. This is clearly a favorable matchup for the Pels who are 25-9 ATS in their last 34 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5.

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS.

MIKE'S RAPTORS/ROCKETS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to back the Houston Rockets to bounce back from a 110-99 loss to Toronto. The Raptors are a far easier opponent and they are in a letdown spot following an upset win in Chicago. The Rockets are 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE ROCKETS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* SUNS/HAWKS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Atlanta Hawks are coming off a dominant 138-122 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, but they have struggled with consistency for quite some time. The Hawks are 13-41 ATS in their last 54 games following an ATS win, 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.The Phoenix Suns have a boatload of talent on the team and they've started to click. 

5* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The New York Knicks are 9-1 to the under in their last 10 games. They've ramped up the intensity on the defensive end lately, holding eight of their last 10 opponents to 103 points or fewer. The Indiana Pacers have scored 120+ points in three of their last four games, but I think they'll find it difficult to get good looks against this Knicks team. 

Under is 7-2 in Pacers last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 9-1 in Knicks last 10 home games.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

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

I think the LA Lakers will show up tonight following back-to-back double-digit losses in Houston and Atlanta. The Lakers are 17-8 ATS in their last 25 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600

The Boston Celtics are coming off a 129-124 win over Indiana but they are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite. 

4* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Sacramento Kings are coming off four straight wins. They are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 road games vs. a team with a winning home record while the Miami Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

The reeling Heat are coming into this game on a seven-game losing streak, and they are 0-7-1 ATS in their last 8 games. The Heat took a 118-105 beating by the Phoenix Suns in their last game, they are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home.

4* PLAY ON THE KINGS.

MIKE'S SIXERS/WARRIORS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

It's impossible to know who will suit up for the injury-plagued Philadelphia 76ers who not only will be playing on no rest, but also their fourth straight road game following a 130-104 loss in Portland last night.

Center Joel Embiid (left knee) and Tyrese Maxey (left ankle) both sat out their second straight game and they're listed as questionable for tonight's contest, and I think there's a good chance that they'll both miss this game as well. 

The Golden State last played in a loss to the LA Lakers on Saturday and they're coming off back-to-back one-point losses. I think we'll see a hungry Warriors team get the better of the shorthanded Sixers. 

3* PLAY ON THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/KNICKS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BOMBER

We won with the under when the NY Knicks took on the Charlotte Hornets Monday night, and I think we'll see another under for the Knicks tonight. 

Under is 6-0 in Knicks last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 6-1 in Knicks last 7 games as a home favorite.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

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

The Los Angeles Lakers took a 135-119 loss in Houston last night. The Lakers playing on no rest bodes well for an over here as the Hawks can take advantage of an away team dealing with fatigue. 

Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 44-19-1 in Lakers last 64 road games. Over is 20-8 in Hawks last 28 home games.

4* PLAY ON THE OVER.

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

This looks like a good spot to fade the Los Angeles Lakers following back-to-back wins SU and ATS. They defeated the Golden State Warriors 145-144 as a road underdog on Saturday, but note that the Lakers are 6-21 ATS in their last 27 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS win.

4* PLAY ON THE HOUSTON ROCKETS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* EASTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The New York Knicks have put up 120+ points in three of their last four games and the Charlotte Hornets are allowing 120.5 points per game (25th) on the season, but situationally, I think this looks like a good spot for an under. 

Under is 5-1 in Knicks last 6 games as a road favorite. Under is 20-7 in Knicks last 27 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 35-15-2 in Hornets last 52 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

I expect regression from the Phoenix Suns after scoring 130+ points in back-to-back games. The Orlando Magic have struggled offensively for some time and have not scored more than 109 points in any of their last nine games while being held to fewer than 100 points in four of those games. 

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S LATE-NIGHT 4* KINGS/MAVS NBA TOP PLAY

This looks like a great spot to fade the Dallas Mavericks following their close win over the Hawks in Atlanta last night. Luka Doncic put up 73 points in 44 minutes played, so he'll be exhausted, and that's if he even suits up which seems unlikely.  

4* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Atlanta Hawks are coming three consecutive losses. They are 5-21 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up loss and 9-24 ATS in their last 33 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

The Dallas Mavericks are also coming off three losses but they are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss. and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite.

4* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

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

The Houston Rockets took a 137-131 loss to Portland in their last game. I think this will be a much lower-scoring game. The under is 36-15-2 in Rockets last 53 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 8-3 in their last 11 games as an underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

How Can Joel Embiid possibly top his 70-point performance in Philadelphia's 133-123 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday?

Well, he's had two days of rest since, and I think we'll see a hungry and super-focused Sixers side looking to avenge a 132-126 home loss to the Pacers back in November. The Pacers are 24-21 for the season, but they've dropped five of their last six games. 

76ers are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games as a road favorite. 76ers are 25-12-1 ATS in their last 38 games following a straight up win. Pacers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog of 5.0-10.5.

4* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

GAME OF THE YEAR ALERT - 5* CAVS/BUCKS MAX BET

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off two lackluster wins against Detroit, but I think they'll come out fired up tonight as they look to avenge a 135-105 beatdown in Cleveland from a week ago. The Cavs have since recorded dominant wins in Atlanta and Orlando and they'll likely be running out of steam. 

All things considered, this is a fantastic spot to back the Bucks. 

5* PLAY ON THE BUCKS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Knicks are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. They are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games as a road favorite. The Nets are 4-16-1 ATS in their last 21 games overall and 7-18-3 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

4* PLAY ON THE KNICKS.

MIKE'S GRIZZLIES/RAPTORS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies scored only 96 points in a loss in Chicago on Saturday and they rank 29th in the NBA with their 107.8 points per game. The Toronto Raptors are also a below-average team offensively with their 114.7 ppg (18th). 

Under is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.Under is 18-5 in Grizzlies last 23 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

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

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a roll as they head to Florida riding a seven-game winning streak through which they are 6-1 ATS. The Orlando Magic are coming off a 105-87 win over Miami but have otherwise looked rather flat in recent weeks. 

Cavaliers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5. 

4* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

MIKE'S PACERS/SUNS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a tough spot for the Indiana Pacers who will close out a six-game road trip with a visit to Phoenix. The Suns are on a roll and I don't think they'll have any trouble running over this exhausted Indiana team. 

3* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

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

This looks like a good spot to back the Houston Rockets to end a three-game losing streak and get a cover after going 0-6 ATS in their last six games. The Utah Jazz had won six in a row before taking a 134-129 loss to OKC on Thursday, and I don't think they're hungry enough to bounce back with a win. 

4* PLAY ON THE ROCKETS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

It feels like the public perception is that games involving either of these two teams go over the total 99% of the time, but the Phoenix Suns are only 22-18 to the over while the New Orleans Pelicans have a 21-21 over/under record. The Pels' play on the defensive end of the hardwood is underrated, and situational trends indicate that this game will go under the total. 

Under is 8-2 in Pelicans last 10 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Suns last 9 games as a road underdog. Under is 6-1 in Suns last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S LATE PACERS/KINGS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Sacramento Kings will be happy to be home from a five-game road trip. They closed out the trip with losses at Philly, Milwaukee, and Phoenix, but note that the Kings are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss. The Indiana Pacers are in a tough spot as this will be their third straight game on the road, and with visits to Portland and Phoenix next up on the schedule.

3* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MAX BET ALERT - 5* WESTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Memphis Grizzlies are 24-16 to the under while the Minnesota Timberwolves are 20-19 to the over. However, the over/under is 5-10-1 in the Wolves games as home favorites.

The Grizzlies are severely banged up, and it's hurting them more offensively than defensively. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S MAVS/LAKERS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

Both teams are somewhat banged up; Mavs superstar Luka Doncic is listed as questionable, and Lakers Lebron James also is listed as questionable while Anthony Davis is listed as probable.

If either of these three is out, the total will drop and I like the under in this game.

The Mavs won 127-125 with a total of 235.5 when these two teams battled it out in Dallas last month, but the previous four meetings had all gone under the total. 

Under is 6-1 in Mavericks last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 12-4 in Lakers last 16 home games.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets are 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last five games. This looks like another tough spot for the Rockets as they close out a six-game road trip with a matchup against the Knicks in New York Wednesday night. The Knicks have been playing well lately and I expect them to bounce back with a strong outing here following a loss to Orlando on Monday. 

Knicks are 12-4-2 ATS in their last 18 games following a straight up loss. Knicks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.

4* PLAY ON THE KNICKS. 

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

This looks like a great spot to back the Los Angeles Clippers to bounce back from a 109-105 loss in Minnesota. The Oklahoma City Thunder had won four in a row before heading to LA to face the Lakers late last night. I think they'll be gassed out here and I like the Clippers to run away with this one. 

Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite. Clippers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.

5* PLAY ON THE CLIPPERS.

MIKE'S HEAT/NETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Brooklyn Nets have a huge rest advantage as they've had three days of rest since a 111-102 loss in Cleveland on Thursday while this is the second leg of a back-to-back set for the Heat. Additionally, this will be the third game in four nights for Miami who is due for a clunker after back-to-back wins. 

Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE NETS. 

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

The Atlanta Hawks are only 9-29 ATS on the season, and I don't think they're in any position to lay this kind of number against a San Antonio Spurs team that has covered the spread in six straight games. 

Hawks are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 home games.Hawks are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite.

4* PLAY ON THE SPURS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I expect a hyper-focused Boston Celtics team to take the court here following a 135-102 loss in Milwaukee. It was their second game of a back-to-back set, a situation the visiting Houston Rockets are in for this game following a tight win in Detroit last night.

Also, not only with the Rockets be playing on short rest, but also their fourth straight game on the road. 

Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog. Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.

4* PLAY ON THE CELTICS. 

MAX BET ALERT: 5* ROCKETS/PISTONS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Houston Rockets are 0-5 SU and ATS on the road against teams from the East this season and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5. 

I expect the Pistons to come out fired up after going 0-3 SU and ATS in their last three games, the last two home at Little Caesars Arena. 

5* PLAY ON THE PISTONS. 

MIKE'S 5* SUNS/LAKERS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to back the Phoenix Suns to bounce back from back-to-back losses while the Lakers lack the same urgency following back-to-back home wins over the LA Clippers and the Raptors. 

Lakers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite. Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

5* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the Denver Nuggets following their 131-114 home win over Detroit. Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as a road favorite.

The Utah Jazz have recovered from a slow start to the season, and they are 8-2 SU and ATS in their last 10 games. The Jazz are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE JAZZ. 

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

I expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to bounce back with a strong offensive outing following a 115-108 loss to Dallas. They've been held to fewer than 110 points in four of their last five games, but here they'll face an Orlando team that has struggled on the defensive end in recent games. 

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MAX BET ALERT: 5* SUNS/CLIPPERS NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Los Angeles Clippers are 21-14 to the under on the season. They won 131-122 when they visited Phoenix on January 3, but I think this will be a lower-scoring affair here in the second meeting of the season. 

Under is 11-3 in Clippers last 14 games as a home favorite. Under is 7-1 in Suns last 8 games as a road underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S CELTICS/PACERS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Indiana Pacers are coming off a 118-101 loss to Boston on Saturday. They had scored 120 points or more in six straight games before that game, so they were due to lay an egg sooner or later. I think they'll bounce back with a strong offensive outing as they clash with the Celtics again Monday night. 

Over is 38-15 in Pacers last 53 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

HAWKS/MAGIC TOTAL - SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Orlando Magic are 20-15 on the season, but they're only 4-6 in their last 10 games and 1-3 in their last four. For this game, they're down several key players, and I think they'll find it difficult to keep with an Atlanta team that is looking to bounce back from a humbling 150-116 loss in Indiana.

The Hawks have put up 130, 141 and 116 points in their last three games while the Magic have scored 115, 135 and 122 in their last three. I think the Hawks will prevail in a high-scoring affair.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic are 20-15 on the season, but they're only 4-6 in their last 10 games and 1-3 in their last four. For this game, they're down several key players, and I think they'll find it difficult to keep with an Atlanta team that is looking to bounce back from a humbling 150-116 loss in Indiana.

The Hawks have put up 130, 141 and 116 points in their last three games while the Magic have scored 115, 135 and 122 in their last three. I think the Hawks will prevail in a high-scoring affair.

4* PLAY ON THE ATLANTA HAWKS. 

MIKE'S LATE NIGHT 4* GRIZZLIES/LAKERS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Memphis Grizzlies are 21-13 to the under on the season, but I think we'll see a relatively high-scoring game when they visit the LA Lakers Friday night. 

Over is 5-0 in Lakers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 23-11 in Grizzlies last 34 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.

4* PLAY ON THE OVER.

MAX BET ALERT: 5* KNICKS/SIXERS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a 110-97 win over the Bulls.

The Sixers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. 

I think they'll have their way with a Knicks side that is in a potential flat spot following solid wins over Chicago and Minnesota. 

The Knicks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS win and 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

5* PLAY ON THE 76ERS.

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

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a pair of losses as favorites against Indiana. Since the start of last season, the Bucks are 18-4 to the over following back-to-back ATS losses. 

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S RAPTORS/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies will be playing on short rest, but they barely had to break a sweat to dispose of the San Antonio Spurs last night. The Raptors are in a tough spot as they'll play their fourth road game in five games following a quick pitstop home in Toronto. 

Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5. Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win.

3* play on the Memphis Grizzlies.

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

The Houston Rockets are 18-13 to the under on the season, but they've played at a much higher pace of late with each of their last three games going over 240 points.

The slumping Brooklyn Nets have had a hard time getting stops lately, and here they'll have tired legs following a 112-85 loss in New Orleans last night.

I think the Rockets will have no trouble running up the score, but I also like Brooklyn to put up its fair share of points against a Houston team that has allowed 120 points or more in six of its past nine games. 

Over is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 5-1 in Nets last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.

5* play on the over. 

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

I like the Milwaukee Bucks to get quick revenge for a 122-113 home loss to Indiana on New Year's Day. The Bucks were in control of the game until the last quarter, and I expect them to put a beating on Indiana tonight. 

Bucks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games. Bucks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss.

4* PLAY ON THE BUCKS.

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

The Charlotte Hornets are winless through their last 11 games despite putting up a decent amount of points in most contests. They're one of the worst teams in the league on the defensive end allowing 121.1 points per game and here they'll face a Sacramento team that has scored 117 points or more in seven of their last 10 games. 

Over is 8-2 in Kings last 10 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Over is 23-8 in Kings last 31 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Brooklyn Nets are 2-8 SU and 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games, and I think they're in for a tough start to 2024 as well as they're facing a New Orleans team that is rolling.  

Nets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games. Nets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

4* PLAY ON THE PELICANS.

MIKE'S PACERS/BUCKS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Milwaukee Bucks won 140-126 when they hosted Indiana on Dec 13, and I expect them to win big again when they face each other on New Year's Day. 

Bucks are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Pacers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

3* PLAY ON THE BUCKS.

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

This looks like a good spot to fade the Detroit Pistons who picked up just their third win of the season in their last game while the Houston Rockets will be looking to end a three-game losing streak. All three games were played home at Toyota Center, but against tough opponents like Indiana, Phoenix and Philadelphia. 

The Rockets are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite. The Pistons are 10-21-2 ATS in their last 33 games following an ATS win and Pistons are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win.

4* PLAY ON THE HOUSTON ROCKETS.

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

The Sacramento Kinga are 11-5 SU at home and 7-7 SU on the road. The Grizzlies are only 2-11 SU at home, and while they should be more competitive in general moving forward with Ja Morant back from suspension, I still like the Kings to win and cover as a short underdog in Memphis on New Year's Eve. Kings are 18-4 ATS in their last 22 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Kings are 21-9 ATS in their last 30 road games.

4* PLAY ON THE KINGS.

MIKE'S LATE LAKERS/WOLVES NBA NIGHTCAP

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with consistency all season. They're coming off a 133-112 rout of Charlotte but are only 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win and 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following an ATS win. The Minnesota Timberwolves did not cover the spread in their 118-110 win over Dallas on Thursday but they are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.

3* PLAY ON THE WOLVES.

MAX BET ALERT: 5* NBA EASTERN CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

Both teams have been playing well lately, but the Cavs tend to do better against the spread as favorites than underdogs. While the Cavs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, they're only 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog and here they'll face a Bucks team that is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 games as a road favorite of 5.0-10.5.

5* PLAY ON THE BUCKS. 

MIKE'S 4* SPURS/BLAZERS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The San Antonio Spurs are 20-9 to the over on the season, but I think the bookmakers are overestimating how many points we'll see when they visit Portland on Thursday night. Sure, both teams have struggled on the defensive end of the court all season, but they're also among the worst when it comes to scoring. The under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S PACERS/BULLS TOTAL

The over/under is 3-7 in the last 10 meetings and I expect another relatively low-scoring affair when Chicago hosts the Pacers tonight. The under is 19-9 in Bulls last 28 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 8-3 in Pacers last 11 games as a road favorite.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S MAVS/WOLVES TOTAL

The Dallas Mavericks will be playing on short rest following a 113-110 loss to Cleveland last night while Minnesota will be looking to bounce back from a 129-106 loss in Oklahoma City on Tuesday. I expect the Wolves to bounce back with a strong outing and they should be able to take advantage of tired Mavs legs. The over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

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

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be playing on short rest following a 129-106 win over Minnesota last night, and tired legs usually have a more negative impact defensively than offensively. The over is 8-3 in Thunder's last 11 games playing on 0 days rest and 7-1 in Knicks' last 8 games as a road underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

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

The Toronto Raptors are only 2-8 SU and ATS in their last eight games, but they're coming into this game well-rested, unlike the Washington Wizards who will be playing on short rest following a 127-119 loss to Orlando last night.

Wizards are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog. Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

4* PLAY ON THE RAPTORS.

MIKE'S LATE-NIGHT KINGS/BLAZERS NBA NIGHTCAP

This looks like a good spot to back the Kings to bounce back from a 110-98 loss to Minnesota. The Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss and 23-9 ATS in their last 32 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

3* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MIKE'S GRIZZLIES/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Pelicans to avenge a 115-113 loss as an 8.5-point home favorite against Memphis last Tuesday.

The Pels are coming off a 106-104 loss to Houston, but they are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS. 

MAX BET ALERT: MIKE'S 5* PACERS/ROCKETS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

These two teams are trending in opposite directions as Indiana has cooled off since a great start to the season while Houston has been heating up going 7-3 SU and ATS in their past 10 games.

The Rockets are 15-5-3 ATS in their last 23 home games and 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite while the Pacers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.

5* PLAY ON THE ROCKETS.

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

The Golden State Warriors are heading into the festive season on a five-game winning streak. They have a win over Boston in there but have otherwise mostly been taking advantage of way weaker opponents and four of the five wins came at home, the only road win as a 6-point favorite in Portland.

The Warriors have managed to win without Draymond Green (suspension), but with no one to lock down Nikola Jokic, I think they're about to run into some serious trouble here against a Denver team that is just as hot with seven wins in eight games. 

4* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

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

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to Oklahoma City on a four-game losing streak. I think they're in for another tough game here against a Thunder team that defeated them 133-110 back in November. The Thunder are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Lakers covered the closing line in a loss at Minnesota on Thursday but they are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win.

4* PLAY ON THE THUNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to fade the Houston Rockets following a 122-96 rout of Dallas last night. Here they'll face a more rested Pelicans team currently playing solid basketball. The Pelicans are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games and 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Rockets are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 0 days rest.

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS. 

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

The Sacramento Kings got humiliated in a 144-119 home loss to Boston on Wednesday. The Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games. The Phoenix Suns took a 109-104 loss as a road favorite in Portland on Tuesday, but they are only 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON THE KINGS. 

MIKE'S 4* MAGIC/BUCKS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Milwaukee Bucks are 19-8 to the over on the season and 14-5 to the over in games with a total of 230 or higher. They've scored 128 points or more in each game through a five-game winning streak and 130+ points in seven of their last 10 games. Orlando has struggled on the defensive end of late. 

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/RAPTORS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Denver Nuggets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5 and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games. I think they're in for a tough game here north of the border against a Raptors team that is 17-8-1 ATS in its last 26 home games.

3* PLAY ON THE RAPTORS. 

5* MAX BET ALERT - WOLVES/SIXERS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The 20-5 Minnesota Timberwolves have a better record than the 18-8 Philadelphia 76ers, but I think regression is coming the Wolves' way.

The 76ers are 22-6 ATS in their last 28 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5 and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5. The Timberwolves are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE 76ERS.

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

The Phoenix Suns won 120-107 when they hosted Portland about a month ago, and I think they're undervalued by the betting market here after going 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games. The Blazers covered the spread in a 118-114 loss to Golden State on Sunday, but they are still only 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games as a home underdog and the Suns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

4* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

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

The Chicago Bulls are 8-1-1 to the over in their last 10 games and here they'll face a Sixers team that has scored at least 124 points in every game through a six-game winning streak. The over is 7-2 in 76ers last 9 games as a favorite and 9-1-1 in Bulls last 11 games as an underdog.

4* 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. 

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 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.