Let's take the Lakers here as a live home underdog.  First, the Pistons are in a very tough spot right now coming off back to back road underdog wins over the Clippers and Warriors.  This is just a prime let down spot here for them.

I also think the Lakers bounce back as they hung tough with the Raptors and then lost to the Jazz @ Utah which you can't blame them for either.  Remind you this is clearly being inflated because the Pistons were just a PK at the Knicks the other week.

I like the Lakers here who have had two days off returning home and this will be the Pistons 3rd road game in 4 days.  

I'm not sure why the Thunder are favored here given what we have seen from them so far but let's take the points here.  The Thunder have been swept by the T Wolves to start the season and they don't like anything special right now.  Their only wins have came against the Knicks, Pacers and Bulls., 3 of the bottom teams in the East.  

Now looking at the Bucks their only two losses came to the Cavs and the Celtics.  They did already beat the Celtics as well.  I just think this young Bucks team has something to prove and will get the job done tonight.  The Thunder just don't deserve to be favored here in this situation.  

This total is just way to high for this match up.  The Magic played last night against the Hornets and that total was just 210.  Now it's up 15 points playing their 2nd of a back to back?  I also think the Pelicans are in a tough spot here as they beat the Cavs their last game.  

Both teams so far have been over teams, but they have clearly adjusted big time as this will be the biggest total for a Pelicans game and the 2nd highest for the Magic so far.  

Take the under

Let's take the Rockets here in a rematch as they won't be over looking the Sixers now beings how they just faced them.  They key last time was that the Rockets were missing Ariza and Nene.  Now both are back and also the Sixers might be missing some key players with Redick and Embiid.  Rockets were just favored by 3 @ Sixers so this is a discount here

Going to go with this situational total here.  Another case where we have both teams playing back to back games each scored over 100 points and the Nuggets went over the total.  Not only is it a back to back game here but also travel involved.  Also here it's hard to ask two teams to both score over a 100 when neither team averages making 10 3's per game.  This is also a let down spot for the Knicks as well so you can expect their offense to drop off here

I will back the Celtics here tonight against the Spurs as they are catching them on a back to back.  The Spurs just haven't looked very good their last 2 games and when you think about this team could easily have a couple more losses under their belt.  

The Celtics had the day off, but are riding a 4 game winning streak and covering in all 4 of those as well.  The Spurs are still without their best player in Leonard and it has became clear that they miss him on both ends.  

Like the situation here with the Knicks as they will be hungry for their first win.  This is similar reason why I backed the Bulls last night.  Also, the Nets are in a very difficult spot tonight as they are coming off a huge upset win over the Cavs.  While, that win does look good I haven't been impressed with the Cavs this year as the Bulls gave them a game and the Magic even throttled them.  I think the Knicks get the job done here 

I think it's safe to fade the Rockets here until they get healthy especially on the road.  The Rockets are without Paul Nene and Ariza.  Those are all 3 big pieces to the Rockets as we were aware last game as they should have lost SU to the Sixers.  The Rockets also struggle big time on defense as they have gave up over 100 points every game expect one when it was 98 points.  I think the Hornets are the right side here

I think the Clippers are taking a big step up in class tonight as they have had the luxury of playing on their home court for the first 3 games beating the Jazz, Suns and Lakers.  I think they find some trouble in Portland tonight who has been very impressive out of the gates to say the least so far.  I think the books are slow to adjust on Portland right now and in this game because the Clippers have covered all 3 of theirs so far.  

We all know this Bulls team is down this year this is no arguing that.  However, I am impresses with their effort here so far as they gave the Cavs all they could handle the other night and even put up a good fight against the Spurs.  So they have played those two teams and also the Raptors it's hard to find a tougher schedule out of the gate like that.

This team just like the Mavs last night we is desperate for their first win.   The thing to remember is that the Hawks are no good also as their only win came against the Mavs who just picked up their first.  Now, they are without their best player in Schroeder who really makes that offense go.  I look for the Bulls to pull away with their first victory tonight

We are seeing a big over reaction here as the Wizards just covered on the road @ Denver and even won SU.  They were steamed up to 5 point dogs in that game and now are laying 7 @ Lakers.  Are the Lakers really that much worse than the Nuggets?  No way!  

I don't trust this Wizards team laying a number like this on the road simply because of the defense or lack there off they decide to play.  I think that keeps the Lakers close here and wouldn't be surprised to see them win outright 

So we get one of the faster paced teams in the Suns against one of the slower paced teams in the Jazz.  Generally teams that play this slow always win the pace battle and with a young team like the Suns I think that will frustrate them some here.  

The betting public will look at this and automatically bet the over, but these two are just combining for 197 points a game.  Also the Suns had their breakout performance last game and shot the lights out of it which won't happen here against a very good defense.  

Paul George gets to face his former team here.  You know the Thunder will be looking to get him involved early and often here.  Well you look at this Pacers roster it is just terrible.  They are also missing Turner and Robinson for this game.  Last night we saw the Pacers upset the T Wolves, but they were without Butler in that game.  The thunder are coming off back to back losses and the last one was a buzzer beater.  They now have had two days off and I think make a statement win tonight.  I normally don't lay this many points in NBA, but given this situation I think it's right

Let's take the under here in this game as we have a unique situation here.  Both teams played last night and now have to travel so that is against them.  Also both games went over the total as well which give us the edge with this total being set to high.  I also think we will see the best defensive effort from the Cavs here before they have two days off.  Neither team is great by any means shooting the 3 ball and with a total this high you will need a decent percentage from both teams here

Like the Nuggets here tonight to bounce back after really letting one slip away against the Wizards by making just dumb turnovers.  Tonight they get some relief because the Hornets aren't near full strength.  

Batum has been out which is a starter, they will also be missing Zeller and Carter-Williams.  MKG is also questionable tonight as well.  I think this is a good spot to back the Nuggets here who will want to start this road trip with a win

I think this Wizards team is pretty overrated and I really don't care for this roster much as the depth isn't there.  They are also lucky to be 2-0, surviving two close home games against the Sixers and Pistons.  They have refused to play defense so far and the Nuggets will slow this game down getting them uncomfortable.  Nuggets win this pretty easy

Alright I will take one more shot here with the Suns as I don't obviously think they are as bad as that first game.  I do like them catching the Lakers off their first game last night vs the Clippers since the Lakers team is so young it could be a little difficult for them here not because they are tired but just for the fact they won't be as interested here tonight and plus the Suns will be out for blood after their awful performance.

I think it's going to take a while now for the Celtics to find their rhythm here as we all know they are dealing with the loss of Hayward.  It wouldn't be as big of an issue to me if they had more experience, but its 2nd year player Brown and rookie Tatum asked to step up.  While, I do love both of them I think right now isn't the right time.  This Sixers team was right in the game @ Washington and they are a team to keep your eye on especially healthy.  Sixers actually have the better matchups here also  

Love the Bucks here tonight for their home opener against their division rival in the Cavs.  I wasn't very impressed with the Cavs at all on opening night as we all know what the Celtics had to over come and go through and they still had a chance at the end of the game.  The Bucks are a team in the East to look out for as we saw first hand with how they handled Boston @ Boston.  The Greek Freak is a machine and the Cavs have no one including LeBron that can stop him.  

Suns probably aren't a playoff team yet, but they have some great young pieces in place to make a run in the next few years.  Portland has two good guards in Lillard and McCollum but the Suns match up well with them here.  However, McCollum will be out for this game serving a suspension.  The Suns have the edge here with that

This might be a sucker bet right out of the gate, but who let's be honest who doesn't think the T Wolves will be very good with everything they have done this off season.  The additions of Butler and Teague to go along with Towns and Wiggins.  The main reason here for me is the fact Parker and Leonard are both out for the Spurs tonight.

Like the Mavs here tonight as I think this team could be a major sleeper with the loaded western conference.  When the Mavs drafted Dennis Smith I thought he was the biggest steal of the draft.   The Hawks on the other hand I think will really struggle this year as quite simply they don't have any scoring options outside of Schroeder.  

No team made a bigger splash this off season IMO than the Celtics as far as adding value to their team.  The trade in getting Kyrie was huge, plus the addition of Hayward.  Not to mention they drafted the best offensive player in Jayson Tatum.  This Celtics team can really defend the ball here.  Another major point in this game is that Thomas is out for the Cavs for a while.  It's going to be a major adjustment I think for them.  Yes they Wade now, but his minutes will be limited.  Celtics will want to prove something here I think they win here tonight

The Over has now hit 3 straight games and we all know the betting public will be all over that now.  I just think with the Cavs facing elimination now going on the road  they will want to slow it down.  Also them hitting 24 threes last game which was a finals record has a lot to do with this inflated line.  The three ball has been on fire for both.  I don't see it happening with the Cavs here to keep it up.  

NBA FINALS GAME OF THE YEAR 

Well here we go here having the home team blow the doors off a team in the first two games of the series.   We all know the situation when you get down 3-0 in a series especially in the NBA Finals. LeBron and Kyrie I fully expect to be on fire.  Also I expect the refs to really change how they call the game meaning Cavs will be getting the benefit of the doubt most of the time.  This is a huge over reaction I love the Cavs tomorrow night!

I'm going with the Cavs here in game 2.  I just think this is very important for them to maybe not win but at least play a close game.  Getting blown in the first two games will only give more confidence to the Warriors.  Cleveland can't shoot any worse than they did in game 1.  I believe they will really try and control the pace here and slow it down

Love the Warriors here tonight who obviously still have a sour taste in their mouth after what happened last year.  This Warriors team is well rested and playing very well.  The matchup here is the biggest thing as I believe the Cavs don't match up across the board.  Warriors can also cause problems with the length of their guards.  Warriors make a statement game 1 tonight 

Yes this is a close out game for the Cavs and they will be plenty motivated but there is no doubt the celtics have played much better the last two even without their best player.  They return home where I expect a huge effort.  Cavs may win but not by double digits

This is just a crazy amount of points.  Yes, I know the Celtics have looked awful while the Cavs are red hot.  Now Thomas being out this line has sky rocketed.  Do the Cavs care how much they win by here?  I highly doubt that LeBron Kyrie or Love get a ton of minutes.  The Celtics are still saying all the right things.  They obviously aren't going to win, but will keep it within 17

Well it's the classic do or die situation here for the Spurs.  Return home after being down 2-0 in the series.  They may not win this game but getting 7.5 is simply way to much to pass up on.  The injuries are playing into this line as well.  Spurs are just to well coached

The Cavs are simply getting way to much respect here over the Celtics.  I believe this Celtics team are going to surprise a lot of people in this series.  Sure the Cavs have the rest factor, so did the Warriors over the Spurs in game 1 and how did that play out?  If it wasn't go Leonard going down the Spurs win easy.  Celtics are a great home team and will want to make a statement in game 1 with their backs against the wall. 

This game here tonight will most definitely be a sharp square divide.  The betting public will be all over the Spurs here no doubt as they were completely dominating the game from the get go.  Leonard goes down and the Spurs came crashing apart. Leonard is now obviously not 100% here and that is why Coach Pop went public about the play because he knows it will cost them big time.  Warriors come out guns blazing tonight  

The Celtics should have ended that series in game 6.  Wall hits the dagger 3 to give the Wizards the victory.  The Celtics have been dominant at home during this series winning every game by double digits.  I see no reason for that to change here tonight 

The Spurs sure looked great in game 6 at Houston, but now they travel to face the Warriors who have only played 8 games this postseason after sweeping the first 2 series.  The rest factor is huge here plus the Spurs without Parker they won't be able to stop them.  I think Warriors win easy 

I think we know who the better team is in this series now.  It is clearly the Rockets, even though they are down in this series.  They flat out blew the last game down the stretch and will respond here in a big way.  I actually don't think this ends up being that close of a game.  

Will take the Celtics here at home on a short price.  The Wizards destroyed the Celtics at home in both games, but I see Boston bouncing back here.  They have been great at home all year long with a 33-13 record.  Wizards despite their record have been terrible on the road with a 20-26 record 

This game has really gon back and forth and no surprise the Rockets made everything in game 4 aftermissing everything in game 3.  Now the Spurs return home and they are a team that rarely plays bad back to back bad games.  We saw how they bounced back in game 2 from game 1.  

Hard not to like the Jazz here getting 9 points at home in an elimination game.  I expect Hill to to be back this game which will provide a spark for them.  I thin most will say the Jazz are deflated, but they still have enough pride wanting to at least win one game.  They shot under 40% last game and were still in it the last few minutes.  

Have to like the Rockets here tonight as they are coming off an ugly game 3.  The Spurs have now won back to back games in a big way and that will sway the betting public.  They know if they lose this game the series is done with game 5 being back at the Spurs.  

We all know who the betting public will be on here.  The Warriors for obvious reasons.  The Jazz are being over looked as they are 7-2 ATS in the playoffs so far.  The have actually covered both games of this series, but that won't stop the betting public from being on them.   Jazz have a great home court advantage which goes under looked as well as they are 30-14 SU.  

We definitely know this line is inflated based on the Cavs were 7 point favorites at home.  On a neutral court that line would be 3 less making it 4 and throw in the home court for the Raptors this game should be around a pick em.  Odds makers have adjusted big time to the Cavs blowing them out.  Cleveland has been hot from 3 which is why the blowouts have happened.  I dont see him raining it in here tonight.  We all saw what happened last night in a crucial game 3 for Washington they blew the Celtics out 

Well the Wizards have had some tough luck in the first two meetings.  in game 1, they jumped out to a 16-0 and really controlled the game through the first 3 quarters.  In game 2, they they controlled that as well and end up losing in OT.  We all know how important game 3's are when down 0-2.  Wizards get revenge tonight 

Love the Spurs here tonight against the Rockets.  The Rockets came to play in game 1 and completely destroyed the Spurs.  Rockets hit 22 3's in game 1 and that is no realistic for game 2.  Coach Pop will have these guys ready to play here tonight.  Spurs make it look easy tonight

I think this is a lot like the Cavs situation we had last night.  The Warriors are a well rested team while the Jazz are coming off a 7 game hard fought series against the Clippers.  There really hasnt been any time for rest for the Jazz.  I just think this game has blow out written all over it and the Warriors are out to prove something this postseason.

The Cavs are well rested and that is the angle I am using here for Game 1.  They haven't played in 8 days now and will be hungry to come out with a win.  The Raptors were in a very tough series with the Bucks as they put up a bigger fight than probably what Toronto had expected.  I think the betting public might be a little hesitant with the Cavs as they only covered one game despite sweeping the Pacers.  The Raptors come in covering 3 straight.  However, I expect this line to go up because of the rest factor

It's hard to not take a home team in game 7 especially after they went on the road and stole one with that being an elimination game.  With a veteran team being able to do that, I believe that really helps them here given this situation now.  The Jazz have to be deflated knowing they blew the chance on their home court.  

You have to be super impressed with what the Celtics did after being down 0-2 and considering they dropped both of those at home.  They came back to win and cover 4 straight.  They now have all the confidence in the world.  They get to face this Wizards team who will have their hands full because the Celtics play such good defense.  Wall and Beal won't be having their way here.  I wasn't very impressed with the Wizards in that series they seemed very fortunate in a lot of key situations.  Celtics make a game 1 statement 

This series is now over.  This young Jazz team is playing with a ton of confidence right now and I believe they seal the deal on their home court tonight.  Clippers without Blake are just a very average basketball team.   

I know this will be the public side for sure, but I also think it has created some value with the Spurs since they lost games 3 and 4 at Memphis.  The Spurs want the series to end tonight and we all know that Coach Pop any time he can get extra rest he will take it.  I believe we see a max effort here from the Spurs to end this series and they will do so tonght 

There is a lot of talk now that he media will drive here with a possible Rondo return.  It doesn't matter to me if he does or not the momentum has shifted big time here as the Celtics now put their foot down.  The Celtics were in full control of both of those games in Chicago and now return home where I expect them to have a huge effort.  Let's say Rondo returns here, is he really going to provide a spark offensively with a broke thumb?  He could never shoot anyways and that will allow the Celtics to really crowd the paint and take away what he does best and that is drive the ball

Really like the Clippers here tonight coming back home.  I believe the betting public will jump all over the Jazz given the situation regarding Griffin.  People are forgetting the Clippers were right in that game 4 and had a chance to win.  The Jazz even shot lights out during that game making 54% of their shots.  Clippers take game 5 tonight

Going to lay the 7.5 with the Rockets here as they are just the better team.  This Thunder team goth their one win of the series and now have their backs against the wall.  Also,  Westbrook has to be running out of gas here.  The Thunder just dont have enough pieces in place.

Really believe the last game was a turning point for the Raptors.  That was the first game they had covered in this series and I believe are in a gret spot now playing with the confidence they needed.  

Missed a good number here with the Jazz but I still think they cover this pretty easy.  The Clippers don't have another scoring threat and will miss him more than ever.  The Jazz had a letdown in game 3 and are primed for a big bounce back here.  

Should be by no surprise that we saw the Celtics handle the Bulls in game 3.  Yea I know everyone will say well their backs are against the wall and they needed it which they did. But for me it is how much different the Bulls team looked without Rondo.  They aren't making up for his loss anywhere and Thomas  can pretty much do whatever he wants.  Celtics know how important this game is as well heading back home for game 4.  

Even though this line has jumped I still see the value with the Spurs.  The Grizzlies were in the desperate spot last game down 2-0 so you knew they were going to give it all they got.  I trust Coach Pop here to really motivate them here and get the easy win.  Hey don't want the Grizz thinking this series is now wide open 

I expect the Hawks to be very motivated here as they really wet the bed last game not even covering.  They lead for most of that game and even in the 4th.  The Hawks have been in the mix in both games despite not shooting well.  I see them bouncing back in a big way 

Westbrook won't let his team quit.  They had gae 2 in the bag the other night until the Rockets just made everything they looked at in the 4th quarter.  I see the Thunder winning tonight's game

I do think with Rondo now out will have a big impact based on how good he has been playing.  This is also desperate mode here being down 2-0 in the series and as everyone knows game 3 is cruncial given hear circumstances 

Pacers have covered both games so far coming back in both of them.  The third game is obviously the most crucial.  If they have any hopes of winning the series everyone knows you can't fall behind 3-0.  Pacers get the W.

Loving the Clippers here also.  I know so far it has been a dog day in the NBA playoffs.  It's about to turn now that we have all 3 home teams coming off a loss.  The key now for the Clippers is that Gobert is out.  That is simply huge for them as they can now control the glass and the paint.  Utah will have to shoot lights out from 3 in order to keep it close

Love the Celtics here tonight to bounce back.  They are way better than the Bulls even though I know most are thinking well the Bulls have Butler and Wade.  It was a difficult situation obviously dealing with what Thomas went through.  The Bulls out rebounded the Celtics by nearly 20 which is unheard of.  That won't happen again tonight.  The Celtics will be playing some of the best defense you have ever seen here.  I love the Celtics to blow them out tonight

The betting public tends to over react as we all know, but they do so on a larger scale come playoff time.  That is what is happening again tonight as yes, the Pacers had a chance to win the game and steal game 1.  They missed the shot so the Cavs were lucky.  I think now we see a much more focused Cavs team.  People are forgetting the Cavs were up 9 with under 3 to go.  The Cavs know this is a crucial game in the series and they will want to put them away.  

While I do love Westbrook and wish they would win this series I also don't think that is realistic.  This Rockets team is going to be a handful as they are just a mad match up for the Thunder.  With all the weapons surrounding Harden it makes it very difficult to guard all the sharp shooters they have.   

I think we are seeing an over reaction now with obviously the horrific new of the car accident involving Isiah Thomas sister.  This Celtics team is legit and I do expect him to play.  Even if he doesn't the team will rally around him here and get it done.  The Bulls are a terrible shooting team and the Celtics play some of the best defense in the league.  

The Clippers need to make a statement here tonight from the get go and not give this young Jazz team any hope.  I do expect this series to be a must watch one, but I look for the Clippers to be very hungry here tonight.  The Jazz are getting a lot of respect because they finished the season beating the Spurs and Warriors.  Both times in LA the Clippers won pretty easily. 

Really like this Raptors team here at full strength.  They now have Lowry back and aren't getting enough respect because they really don't have a so called super star.  The Bucks are a fun and exciting team to watch with all their young talent.  I just don't seem them hanging especially on the road when they have lost by double digits both times this year

Wizards now firmly in the 4 spot I expect them to rest players.  Not getting to in depth here no reason for them to show up

Heat still have everything to play for regarding the 8th seed.  Cavs are a mess as we saw yesterday.

If the Nuggets lose this game they are out of the playoffs.  If that isn't enough motivation then I don't know what is.  They have covered 4 straight and won 3 of those SU.  I know Westbrook is going for the triple double but I believe that is causing a distraction now and we saw that last game as the Suns blew out the Thunder.  His teammates are more into him than actually playing the game.  

Yes the Celtics have dropped 2 straight but I look for them to bounce back here playing a Hornets team who now knows they won't be making the playoffs.  The Celtics want to enter the playoffs on a positive note so you can expect Brad Stevens to have his guys ready tonight.  Celtics can still clinch the #1 overall seed as well as they are just one game back of the Cavs.  A win here tonight will put them half a game behind 

I know this is the public side and maybe I am way wrong in this game but with the Bulls trying to make the playoffs covering this low of line shouldn't be an issue.  Wade is now expected to be back here as well.  Bulls have came on very strong the last 3 weeks while the Nets have nothing to play for. 

With the Nuggets 1.5 behind Portland you know the effort will be here tonight in a big way.  It's obviously a do or die situation for them.  Cousins is questionable right now.  This is a home and home situation for the Pelicans having two days off after playing the Nuggets.  I see them look more forward to the Warriors tomorrow.

The Blazers just lost @ the T Wolves by 1 point just a few days ago.  I see them getting their revenge tonight pretty easily.  I know Portland is missing Nurkic but I'm not worried about that as Portland as a very tough home crowd and they know whats at stake as they control their destiny right now in the 8th spot.  

The Pacers had a hard fought game against the Raptors coming back from as much as 15 down to really taking it to them.  They won't lay over here as they are now tied with the Heat and Bulls for a spot in the playoffs.  The Pacers have been rock solid at home with a 27-12 record.  The Bucks have now lost 2 straight and haven't covered 3 straight.  I believe this veteran Indiana squad takes it to the young Bucks. 

Cavs are in a tough spot here after a double OT win vs the Pacers I expected them to rest guys during last night's game vs the Magic and they did the exact opposite.  This will be their 3rd game in 4 nights while the Celtics have had 2 days off.  Pretty easy to realize who has the big advantage here.  Cavs have been very vulnerable lately and at this point in the season I believe the Celtics want it more. They will play their you know whats off tonight as they want that #1 overall seed 

Late add for premium subsribers only. 

The Hornets season is on the right now after a toug loss last night vs the Wizards.  Hornets are no doubt playing their best basketball right now.  The Heat are ahead of them but with a win tonight the Hornets will only be .5 game back of them and 1.5 for the 8th spot.  There is a big line move happening here as well so I suggest to grab it now

Here is another situation where the Wizards have nothing to play for as well and the Hornets still have a chance for a playoff spot only one game behind the Pacers and Heat.  The Wizards are coming off a a 5 game west coast trip so you no they are tired.  Throw in the fact as I have mentioned they aren't going anywhere I see this being a big flat spot for them tonight.  Hornets have won 3 straight and 4 of 5 

Well it's put up or shut up time for the Pacers tonight.  They are currently tied with the Heat for the last playoff spot, but the Heat hold the tiebreak over them.  This to me is a must win game and I believe they come through.  The Raptors have absolutely nothing to play for here and I wouldn't be surprised to see them rest some guys here.  This will be a max effort here for the Pacers.  

A lot of value here with the Jazz as the Spurs are resting a ton of players here today.  This Jazz team is starting to click right now winning 3 straight and 4 of 5.  They also are one of the rare teams in the playoffs that still has motivation as they want home court advantage in the first round game.  

George Hill expected to miss this game does hurt the Jazz here, but I believe they are catching the Wizards at the right time.  This will be their 3rd road game in 4 days with those extra days being spent in LA.  I doubt they are to interested in this game tonight especially since they have the Warriors on deck.  I do think the Jazz still have something to play for in their heads as they want home court advantage over the Clippers in the first round.

While I know the match up doesn't favor the Thunder I just think they are still giving big time effort.  The Spurs were up big in the 1st quarter on the Warriors and completely laid an egg the rest of the game.  This team looks tired plain and simple.  They now are content with the 2 seed in the West knowing they cant catch the Warriors now so I don't see them playing to hard.  While, Westbrook is playing lights out right now and the Spurs aren't going to have any guard that can stop him.  He is clearly playing for the MVP title and is making a huge case down the stretch.  With the Clippers having the night off I see the Thunder only being one game back for the 5 seed 

I normally don't play big double digit favorites, but with how the Magic ended their last game vs the Thunder.  They blew a big 4th quarter lead Westbrook hit a 3 with a few seconds left to go into OT and then the Magic just fell apart.  I don't see them coming out here after that heart breaking loss.  The Celtics just lost @ home to the red hot Bucks, but now are back in first place so they still have that to play for here.  Also the Celtics have blown out the Magic in the 2 meetings this year.

There is no doubt who the betting public will be all over in this game and that is the Rockets.  Honestly here though the Rockets have absolutely nothing to play for as they have the 3 seed locked up and cant move up or down.  There is zero motivation here for them.  Portland has all that motivation though as they have a one game lead for the 8th seed in the Western Conference.  They are quietly one of the hottest teams in the league winning 4 straight and 7 of 8.  I believe they get another win here

Maybe this is the breakout game for the Cavs, but I will pay to see it.  This team has been flat out awful lately and while they do have the 1 seed to play for the Bulls have the playoffs to play for as well.  Last game really showed me that Bulls are still fighting as they won @ Milwaukee in impressive fashion as the Bucks are one of the hottest teams in the league right now.  I also think most would be surprised here to know that the Bulls are 3-0 SU against the Cavs this year.  Will fade the Cavs until proven other wise especially with how bad that defense has looked 

GAME OF THE MONTH!

We are really getting a discount on the Clippers here tonight.  This team is coming off a terrible loss where they blew and 18 point lead to the Kings in the final 5 minutes of that game.  They now have had two days off and will be eager for a big bounce back.  The Wizards played last night beating the Lakers and staying an extra night in LA for these guys isn't always a good thing.  The Clippers do have big motivation here also as they are only ahead of the Thunder by 1 game.  The 5 and 6 seed is very crucial because they would rather play the Jazz and the Rockets first round.  I see a big bounce back the Clippers tonight

I was against the Bucks last night in a loss, but will go against them again here.  They played a Hornets team who failed to show and gave them open look after open look.  This Bucks team won't shoot over 60% against a defensive team like Boston no way.  The Celtics are red hot right now winning 4 straight and 7 of 8.  This streak has now gave them control on the Eastern Conference.  With a win here tonight they go a full game ahead of the Cavs.  That serves as enough motivation for me plus catching the Bucks on a back to back doesn't hurt either.  

Call me a sucker here but I'm going to take the Thunder.  They have everything to play for and I believe that great comeback win over the Mavs last game will serve as big time motivation.  The Thunder laid an egg to the Magic @ home already, but that was a different Magic team then before all the trades happened.  Thunder at worst want to keep their 6 seed because falling to the 7 and 8 is a no no in the West.  This is also Oladipo's first game back @ Orlando since being traded there.  I see big effort from the the Thunder tonight 

Anther situation here for desperate teams.  While both teams have been playing very well the Nuggets and Jokic have been getting all the attention.  Well, Portland has won 3 straight and 6 of 7 here to get themselves in contention.  In fact these are the only two teams that can make it for the final spot in the Western Conference.  Nuggets just 2-3 SU their last 5 and a large part of their success came because they have been at home for a long time 

Rockets are't getting enough respect here with the Warriors coming to town.  Rockets will want revenge after losing to them on their home floor the first time around.  They key here in that was Durant was still playing.  The Warriors haven't been the same without him.  I know the public will be backing Golden St because they still have the 1 seed to play for.  I just think the Rockets are a bad match up without Durant in the lineup. 

If any team is due for a blowout win it is the Hawks.  Yes they have struggled big time recently, but they are still in the hunt for the playoffs which should give them all the motivation here.  Atlanta is in a 3 way tie for the 5th 6th and 7th spot right now.  The remaining games are very crucial.  

Also we all know that the Suns are tanking right now as they have lost 8 straight and 10 of their last 11 games.  They are also in a rough spot with this being their 6th straight road game in 10 days.  Even though the Hawks are missing players they still should have no problem as the Suns are extremely young and missing all their veteran players 

It's do or die time right now for the Hornets who are sitting outside the playoff race.  Hornets are two games back of the Miami Heat and need this if they want a chance.  The Hornets have had the Bucks number this year winning every game so far.  This will be the Bucks 5th game in 8 days which is a big factor.  With a game @ Toronto looming the Hornets know they need this in the worst possible way 

The T Wolves to me are a telling sign of another tanking team as they have lost 6 straight and failed to cover in each of those games.  The Pacers are tied with three teams right now for spots 5-8 so this game is very important.  This will be the T Wolves 6th road game in their last 7 games.  With everything at stake and being a short home favorite I expect them to take care business 

The Grizzlies are comfortable in the playoffs right now, but there is no doubt they would like to improve their seed to avoid the Warriors or the Spurs.  They are only 1.5 games behind the Thunder.  Both teams played last night Grizz lost @ Warriors and Kings had a crazy comeback vs the Clippers.  I don't look for the Kings to be very interested here as they were very excited last night.  The Grizz do have the motivation here and would like to finish this west coast road trip with a win.  Ty Lawson is also questionable for the Kings 

I don't trust the Cavs here at all as they have shown zero interest on the defensive side giving up 100 + points 5 straight games.  On the road they have gave up 10 straight games over 100 + points.  With that obviously comes struggle and they are just 5-5 SU heir L10.  The Spurs are only 2.5 back of the 1 seed with this game and the Warriors coming to town next they could be within one game.  

Both teams are playing well at the moment, but all the motivation lies here with the Thunder.  The Rockets are locked in to the 3 seed in the Western Conference.  All 3 games between these two teams have been decided by 3 points or less.  With the Thunder trying to climb into the 5th spot to avoid playing the Rockets first round I see them playing extra hard.  Also the Rockets will be without Ryan Anderson who is more crucial than the average person thinks 

I'm not going against this Bucks team who is one of the hottest in the league right now.  With the Bulls losing to the Sixers @ home it tells me they are done for the year.  The Bucks have owned the Bulls this season winning every game by double digits.  They are 8-2 SU their last 10 with the 2 losses coming @ Memphis and @ Golden St, both very good teams obviously.  

Really like Portland here tonight as they are a desperate team trying to make the playoffs.  They currently sit 1.5 games out of the 8th spot behind the Nuggets.  The T Wolves are in a tough spot here playing last night in LA and lost to the pathetic Lakers.  Portland won't be taking any games off for the rest of the season, while I think Minnesota has clearly tossed in the towel now losing 5 straight 

While the Raptors have been playing good without Lowry this a a Mavs team that has been rock solid @ home the last couple months.  They are 15-4 ATS L19 home games.  It's also evident that the Mavs haven't quit on the season as they just beat the Clippers last game out.  I like the Mavs to take this one