I will take the Raptors here for Game 1.  I know there won’t be much respect for them from the betting public‘s view but I think they win this series.  Cavs have struggled big time on defense we saw that with the Pacers.  Lowry and Derozan don’t get the credit they deserve.  Statement Game 1

I'm going to lay the big number with the Rockets here.  I think the rest will benefit them big time as the Jazz are coming off a hard fought series.  Similar to last night's winner I had with the Warriors I think the Jazz are getting respect like the Pelicans were and this game gets ugly.  

I think this Warriors team is going to surprise a lot of people.  I also think the Pelicans are very over valued here and are a bad match up against Golden St.  The fact New Orleans swept Portland and now are catching 9 will have the public all over them.  Curry I expect to see tonight and the Warriors will run away

I has the Thunder in a crazy comeback last game and think they will ride the momentum here.  Yes the Jazz have played great and look the part I just have to take Westbrook and company as we know how much of a competitor he is.  The experience lies with the Thunder as well

I think the Raptors end this series here tonight.  This has been a home team series but I think it’s time  take a look at Toronto.  The comeback they had was crazy and even covered.  Derozan and Lowry will step it up big time tonight

Well the home team has won every game so far in this series and I dont see it switching up here.  The Bucks blew out the Celtics in game 3 and were doing the same in game 4 but let them claw their way back into but ultimately held on.  It's still hard for me to trust Boston on the road with all the major injuries they have   

I think most think this Thunder team is dead in the water, but I think we get a major performance out of them tonight.  The Jazz have taken 3 straight now and there is a lot of negative surrounding the Thunder by the media.  When that happens I tend to back that team.  Thunder win easy tonight 

I just think the Raptors are a lot better than the Wizards.  Yes, they dropped the last two games but you can expect a big effort here tonight.  The Raptors have one of the best home courts in the league going 36-7 so far on the season

I think this line has finally reached a huge over reaction.  The Sixers were

only favored by 6.5 @ Home in the first two games and they actually lost one of those.  Now that Philly has won both road games this line has flown up.  It’s a big overreaction to me and Miami isn’t going to lay down

No choice but to take the Thunder here to try and square this series up.  They know going 3-1 means he Series is over so the effort will be at the all time max tonight.  I don’t think the Jazz can repeat that performance from last game as well

I know people are going to say it's a must win situation here for the Cavs and sure it is, but I just think something is wrong with this team and I really like to momentum of the Pacers right now.  I mean lets face it the Pacers could be up 3-0 going for the sweep right now if wasn't for a close loss in game 2.  

I had the Wizards in game 3 and they blew out the Raptors.  I don't think they can repeat that performance which was near perfect.   They shot 55% from the field 90% from the free throw line and 44% from long distance.  I see Toronto winning this one and ending the series in game 5

I hade the Bucks in game 3 in an easy blowout win.  I think they get the job done again today and tie this series back up.  Every game so far the home team has covered.  I don't see Milwaukee having a let down here after a nice performance 

Cant pass up on the T Wolves now at this price.  I like this situations a lot as Minnesota will want to avoid going down 3-0 in the series.  I think this is way too many points for Houston to be laying given the circumstances.  

Interesting switch in the line here.  Another home team down 2-0 in the series but are favored by 6.  Odds makers are tilting their hand here IMO.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks came back and won this series actually 

Another situation here where we have the home team down 2-0 in the series and I play this angle every time because it is profitable.  The Wizards will get one win at least and the first will come tonight.  Raptors shot over 50% in both games that will likely come down big time

I have been on the Warriors the first two games of this series but will look to fade them here.  Game 3 is obviously crucial here as you can’t go down 3-0 and expect to win so the effort will be there.  Also throw in the fact that Coach Pop wife passed away they will want to win it for him and their family here tonight

I backed the Thunder in game 1 of the series and will back them again here tonight.  I think this Thunder team is one to keep your eye on this post season.  They have the experience and I believe that carries them here

I like Portland here to bounce back after dropping game 1. These types of must win games are the ones I like with a home team and going down 2-0 with the next two being on the road is pretty much over.  Portland has a great home court and they won’t shoot as bad as the first game and New Orleans won’t shoot as well

As much as I want Boston to win I don’t see it happening.  The injuries will catch up eventually and I stayed away from Game 1 just because everyone is pumped for that first one.  I think the Bucks really control this game tonight and Win this one and ultimately the series

I backed the Warriors in game 1 and will again here with a bigger number.  As I mentioned this Warriors team was going through the motions and now we are seeing a focused and hungry bunch after being dismissed by a lot of people with Curry being out

I like the Thunder here to make a statement this post season.  I will be riding them a lot as I think the talent rises when it comes post season and we all know how much they have on that team.  The Jazz are a great story no doubt but what’s their experience here?  Thunder roll

Don’t sleep on this Portland team.  They actually had the benefit of some rest down the stretch while the Pelicans had to play their tails off to get in.  The fact New Orleans played so well is keeping this line lower.  Portland has a huge and underrated home court advantage and I think they get the job done easy tonight

I think the Warriors werent interest at all come the end of the regular season as the Rockets locked up the one seed.  I also think now the Warriors will have plenty of motivation to make a point as people are saying how bad they will struggle with Curry being out first round.  Golden St makes a statement game 1

Two of the hottest teams are squaring off here tonight.  I had the Jazz last night in a blowout 40 point win over the Warriors.  I think now Portland gets it done tonight to lock up the 3 seed and catching the Jazz at the right time.  

This is a big game for the Pelicans as if they win they are the 6 seed and could fall to the 7 with a loss which is wha they want to avoid.  The Spurs are just habring on right now dealing with those injuries.  The Pelicans have been playing great ever since the Cousins injury

This is a very important game for the Jazz as they could fall from the 4 seed all the way down to the 7.  On the other hand this game means absolutely nothing to the Warriors.  I think we get a big effort regardless of the players being out.  This Jazz team is playing with a lot of confidence 

I have to take the Nuggets here tonight as they sit in the 9th spot and can’t afford a loss or they are done.  I Portland has a lot to play for wanting to lock down that 3 seed but this is more important to Denver 

Let’s take the Thunder here with a big effort as the West is so crowded they haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet.  The Heat and have nothing to play for I actually think they will throw the game because they would rather move down and play Boston in the first round they are hurt

The young Sixers will be pumped here for this one tonight.  The Cavs won a game last night but needed a Mountain come back to do so.  The Sixers are flat out on fire right now.  They have won 12 straight and still could over take the scabs for the 3 seed.  I’m not stepping in front of Philly right now

The Pacers really have zero motivation here tonight as they have locked up a playoff spot.  They could move up to the 4th seed but that doesn't matter as the 4 and 5 play each other first round so there is no need for them to show up.  The Nuggets survived a OT win after they let Milwaukee come back.  Denver is fighting for a spot right now sitting in the 9th spot just one game behind.  They cant afford and losses 

I will lay the -4 here with the Thunder.  The Warriors can't get the #1 seed and are now locked into the #2 seed.  With that they have nothing to play for while the Thunder still are fighting for their playoff lives.  They are only 1.5 up on the 8th seed right now.   A win here would pretty much seal it up for a playoff berth. 

A win here would clinch a playoff berth for the Bucks which I think they do.  More importantly for them though is that they are trying to climb up the seed spots to avoid playing the Raptors first round.  With the Celtics dealing with all sorts of injuries still Milwaukee comes out on top 

The Nuggets are on the outside looking in.  While I know the Bucks still have a lot to play for I think more of the motivation is with Denver.  They simply can’t afford a loss especially at home.  So with this short price we will take it

The Rockets have all but sealed up the #1 seed for the playoff.  So clearly the motivation is with one team and that is the Spurs.  They have not locked up a bid yet for the playoffs and the West is a mess right now.  I think they rally here against their rival and get the job done

wrong team is favored here in this game tonight.  A spot for the playoffs is on the line tonight as the Pistons sit in 9th place in the East behind the Wizards.  We will get a max effort here no doubt about it.  

I think the Jazz put the beat down here on the Celtics tonight who are battling a ton of injuries.  The Jazz have had two days while the Celtics are on their 4 straight road game.  Utah is just holding on to the 7th seed right now so they need wins.  

I was against the Cavs last night in an easy winner and will be against them again tonight plaing a back to back.  Love got hurt and I doubt he plays.  Also the Hornets are a long shot to make the playoffs but they aren't eliminated yet so the effort will still be there plus they have won 4 straight

Yea, the Cavs are playing well winning 5 straight games with two of those coming on the road.  I just think the bigger effort will come from Miami who is fighting for the final playoff spot.  A win here tonight would pretty much seal the deal for them.  They are also coming of back to back tough road losses so a bounce back plays a huge role.  

I think the betting public will likely side with Portland here because of how hot they have been and the two sharp shooters they have in Lillard and McCollum.  The Pelicans though have really turned it around and with a win here tonight they would have a legit shot of grabbing the 3 seed from Portland.  I look for New Orleans to get it done 

I had the Nuggets last night in a loser as they laid a huge egg in the 2nd half.  People might say the Raptors have motivation, but I dont see it as they pretty much have the 1 seed on lock down right now and aren't looking to blow anyway away.  They have failed to cover in 6 straight games now.  The Nuggets really need one after last night as they are fighting for their playoff lives now

I know the Sixers are hot right now and would love the 3 seed over the Cavs.  I just think with denver currently being out of the 8th spot right now we will see them have a lot more motivation.  They have won 2 straight road games and I like the momentum they have.

I know most will say this is an important game for Miami as they sit in the 7th spot just ahead of the Bucks by .5 game.  Given the schedule though I think its just as important for the Pacers here as they have 6 of their next 7 on the road and two of those games are against the Warriors.  They need this one badly tonight.  

I’m going to take my chances here with the Kings tonight to cover against the Hawks.  Atlanta is coming off a crazy Win @Utah as a 13 point dog.  I think they are due for a major let down!  I also see the Kings wanting some sort of revenge from earlier this season as they lost by 40+ points at Atlanta

Believe it or not there is actually a chance that the Spurs could miss the playoffs.  I know Leonard is out but the Spurs have shown a sense of urgency here winning and covering 4 straight games.  The Wizards have pretty much locked up a spot for the East

I know Holliday is battling the flu tonight and probably won’t play which is why they are underdogs here.  I think this line is an over reaction to that.  The Pelicans can’t afford any slip ups at home as they are in a tough spot here for the playoffs.  Davis has been playing great and I think he can provide enough tonwin

Yes, the Rockets have been great all season but Portland has really turned their season around after All Star break.  They have won 13 straight  two wins over the Warriors during this stretch.  They also have a lot more to play for as they want the 3 seed in the West which will be a lot easier road come playoffs.  I will take the points

The T Wolves have been very disappointing to me even though they have battled injuries.  This team shouldn’t be fighting for a playoff spot.  The fact they are though and are playing the team right behind them I think they respond with a sense of urgency.  

Late Add

Late Add

I think the time is here to fade the Rockets who just won last night and played a tough team @ OKC.  I look for Bucks to be on high alert here tonight wanting to end this long winning streak.  Rockets are without sharp shooter Ryan Anderson tonight which is a bigger loss than the average person realizes.  

I'm not buying this line swing here in favor of the Jazz.  Utah has been playing very well but they have only played one road game in their last 8 games.  They are also a below average team on the road while the Pacers play very well at home with a 22-11 record.  

I think the wrong team is favored here in this game tonight.  This is one of those games where these teams just played and the Hornets were only 3.5 point dogs.  They actually blew a decent lead in that game and the Sixers covered.  Hornets win this SU

I will back the Wizards here tonight to snap their 3 game home losing streak.  That should sever as enough motivation here for them.  The Heat are playing well and have won 4 of their last 5 games, but all of those were at home.  Washington is the desperate team here and will take them at this short price 

The Bucks won the first game after All Star break and haven't won one since.  I think tonight is the game with Giannis they win.  The Sixers are getting a serious amount of love right now considering they were 6.5 point dogs and lost by 12 back in January.  I will take the Bucks here at home 

I will take Miami here at a short price at home.  I think the Lakers love is getting a little too much respect here since they beat the Kings and Hawks both on the road and covered both those games.  Miami is fighting for a playoff spot and they know this home stretch they have right now is very important.  

NBA PLAY OF THE DAY!

I like the Bucks here to respond with a big effort here considering the fact that Washington is ahead of them in the Eastern Conference right now.  The Bucks just lost by 2 to the Pelicans at home so they will be eager to beat the Wiz who are still without their super star in Wall.  The Wizards also have huge game on deck with the Warriors 

I think the wrong team ended up being favored here.  Miami will look to turn things around as they ended before All Star break on a bad streak.  They have had two days off now after blowing out Memphis while the Sixers are playing their 3rd in 4 nights.  The Sixers also have a huge look ahead with the Cavs on deck 

At this price even money I will take a stand against Houston.  While the Rockets are hot, so are the Jazz right now.  The Jazz are 12-1 SU their last 13 games and you know they have this one circled tonight.  With Eric Gordon being out tonight for Houston that is a big loss as he does give Harden a lot more freedom than what people realize.  

I would normally say this spot would be weird because it's one of those stand alone road games on a back to back spot.  However, though I think it's different now given that the Cavs lost at home last night to the Wizards without Wall.  That should wake this team up here and I think they will bounce back with a big effort

The Celtics have me a little worries right now.  They went into All Star breaking losing 3 straight homes and 4 of their last 5 overall.  I think we will see the Pistons as a play on team here the 2nd half of the season trying to make the playoffs.  They are currently sitting in the 9 spot.  

The Celtics should be plenty motivated here to avoid a 3 game home losing streak.  This will be the 4th straight road for the Clippers in 6 days.  Another reason I think we get a huge effort from Boston is for the fact this is their last game before All Star break.  

I like these type of games in the NBA where a team that just recently lost to a bad team get their chance or revenge right away.  The Pistons were a hot team for a little bit with they got Griffin.  Just two games ago they were beat by the Hawks @ Atlanta.  Atlanta played last night in a hard fought game and covered vs the Bucks.  I think the Pistons take some anger out here and blow them out 

I will take the Bulls at a short price here against the Magic.  The Magic have been playing better as they are 4-2 SU their last 6 and 4-2 ATS.  3 of those 4 games were at home though.  The Bulls do get everyone back tonight except Dunn so I think that helps them a lot.  Also I believe the Magic will struggle on the road without their best player in Gordon 

Utah is one of the hottest teams in the league right now winning 7 straight games, but they made a huge splash yesterday before the trade deadline.  With them shopping their best true scorer in Hood after playing so well I can see this having a negative impact on the team.  They plan on cutting Rose and Crowder isn't much of an upgrade considering how bad he has played.  The Hornets are in their final road game here so expect a big effort 

I like the Heat here tonight as they will have all the motivation to try and avoid losing 3 straight at home.  They have had some close games here lately and have wound up on the wrong side.  They have lost 5 straight, but all 5 were single digits including a couple that came down to the final seconds.  Wade may not play tonight and even if he doesnt that is fine but I think he will bring enough energy for the Heat here tonight. 

Maybe LeBron will put his team on his back here and he could, but there is no way I could back them as they barely can yield a team.  The Cavs made the biggest moves yesterday which I think were very good getting younger and better on defense.  None of those players are playing tonight throw that in with the fact that Love is still out.  I could see the Cavs just throwing this game since they might have 7 guys available.

The Raptors just don't get any love when it comes to the betting market and public.  The Raptors have a legit shot to be #1 seed in the Eastern Conference.  They also play damn good basketball at home with a 21-4 record.  The Celtics have some nagging injuries right now Toronto gets the best of them tonight

I will take the Knicks here tonight as they just faced this Bucks team at Milwaukee and let one slip away losing by 2.  The Bucks have some injury issues right now and Giannis will play tonight but wont be 100%.  The Knicks have been a bet on team all season at home with a 16-10 ATS record 

Wizards have covered and won SU 4 straight games.  I think the Pacers are being under valued as they are playing well themselves.  They have won 4 of their last 5 games and 6 straight home games which has lasted 3 weeks now.  The Wizards will slow down here without Wall as he will be a big miss against this Pacers team 

LATE ADD....Jazz playing their 2nd of a back to back here and the Spurs are coming off a home loss.  This spot favors the Spurs for a bounce back and they play very well at home 

I like the Suns here tonight catching this many and really wouldn't be surprised to see the upset.  The Jazz are really thin at the guard position with some injuries.  This is also a classic let down spot here the Jazz are coming off two huge wins beating the Raptors and Warriors and now have the Spurs on deck.  The Suns snapped their losing streak last game and generally teams ride that momentum

The Lakers had been playing prior to dropping their last two games.  I think this road trip is now getting to them. Here is another games I like the fact that the Nets snapped a losing streak last game beating the Sixers as big underdogs.  Also the Lakers beat the Nets earlier this season so revenge is in the mind of the Nets here 

The Pacers are 4-1 SU their last 5 games, but all those wins came at home and one of them came against these Hornets just two games ago.  Im a big fan of the quick revenge spots in the NBA and that is what we have here.  I also think we get a strong effort from the Hornets because they have a west coast trip following this game.  

Let's take Denver here coming off just two brutal losses.  They lost by 1 to the Celtics and by 2 to the Spurs.  The Thunder had their winning streak snapped and I think they lose again here.  These teams have played twice with each team coming away with a win, but the Nuggets only lost by 1 at OKC.  

The Nuggets have one of the most underrated home courts in the NBA.  They are an impressive 19-6 at home this year.  Boston right now isn't playing great ball at all.  They are now just 1-5 SU their last 6 games.  I think this is a tough spot here for Boston coming off that thrilling game against the Warriors.  They also have some injuries with Smart and Rozier.  

The Knicks being favored on the road?  Big no thanks for me considering they are 6-19 SU and are now playing their 2nd of a back to back.  Yes, I know the Suns aren't world beaters by any means but on their home court here they should at least be favored by a couple points.  

I think the Lakers are being over valued here winning 7 of 8 games.   Only one of those wins came on the road and it was against the Mavs.  The Bulls have been playing well since healthy and I think they get the job done here tonight.  

The Pelicans are starting to play a lot better here and I will take my chances here.  The Pelicans have won 6 of their last 7 games.  They will be extra motivated here to take down the Rockets.  The Pelicans played them tough in the first game only losing by 7.  I wouldn't be surprised to see them upset the Rockets here

I'm not a fan of this Wizards team.  There is simply too much talent on that team to play like they do.  The only thing they have going for them tonight is having two days off after getting embarrassed by the Mavs.  The Thunder are playing well right now winning 5 straight games and I'm sure Westbrook and company haven't forgot about the 22 point loss @ Washington earlier this season

This line scared me to be honest seems too low here for Denver.  I think Denver will have the motivation here after having two days off and dropping their last home game to the Suns as big favorites.  Portland little over valued here winning 3 straight as all 3 came on their home court 

This won't be a popular play at all, but lets take a shot here.  I know the Grizz are banged up by quite franjly it hasn't stopped much as they have covered 4 straight and 6 of their last 7 games.  This has the feeling of the ultimate let down spot for the Sixers here is the main reason going against them.  They have won 3 straight games which included the Raptors, Celtics and Bucks.  How will they handle this game?  Will this young team treat this one like the other?  I highly doubt it 

Hornets are starting to play better as of late winning 3 of their last 4 games.  Where they have the huge advantage tonight is the rest.  They have had two days off while this will be Miami's 4th straight road game and second of a back to back.  

I like the Suns here tonight with all the points.  This team was blown out at the beginning of the month at Denver.  The Suns were missing some players at that time and are still without Chriss, but everyone else is back.  Denver has only covered once in the last 7 times.  Suns have had two days off here.  Not only will Millsap be out tonight but Murray will be also 

This won't be a popular play at all, but I have to go against the Pelicans here who are coming a huge OT win last night @ Boston.  This will be their 4th game in 6 days with travel in every one and as I mentioned now a back to back situation.

The Hawks are coming off a nice win over the Spurs and let's see if they can add something more to it.  They have covered 3 of their last 4 games.  The Hawks also took the Pelicans down to the wire earlier losing by just 1 @ New Orleans 

I'm going against this Wizards team tonight as I just dont like the make up of this team.  They have won a few games lately and I know this is their first game of a 5 game road trip and teams normally play hard in this spot.  But, this team has only covered once in the last 8 games.

The Hornets are starting to play a little better as of late going 5-3 SU their last 8 games.  This is a key stretch here for the Hornets with a lot of home games coming up.  This is their chance to get back in the playoff discussion.  

I backed the Heat yesterday in an easy win over the Bucks.  Yes, this Miami team is on fire right now, but the Bulls have been playing very well for the last month.  They are 13-7 SU their last 20 games which is impressive considering the start they had to the season.  I also like that Miami has beaten the Bulls in both meetings giving the Bulls a nice revenge angle tonight 

I will take the chance here with the Nets based on this spot.  Knicks are coming off an OT loss vs the Pelicans yesterday.  The Knicks have also beat the Nets both times this season so the Nets will want revenge.  The Nets have been covering machines as of late as well covering 8 of their last 9 games.  Knicks are a terrible 4-15 on the road 

I will be a sucker here and take the Heat.  If you polled people and asked them who the 4th best team in the Eastern Conference is it would take them forever to guess the Heat.  Well despite injuries along the way Miami is in 4th just 1.5 games behind the Cavs.  Miami gets back Johnson and Winslow today.  Bucks are coming off a tough loss vs the Warriors.  Miami has won 6 straight and 9 of their last 11

This looks like a good spot to back the Mavs here at home.  They have quietly been playing pretty good ball here going 6-3 SU their last 9 games.  Their 3 losses during that stretch were all by 4 points or less.  The Lakers are getting some love here because they have won 3 straight, but all at home.  They beat the Kings and Hawks who are terrible and then a injuries Spurs team which I had the Lakers last game.  

I will take the Bucks here tonight catching too many here at home.  The Warriors have been great team to back after a loss, but that isn't their concern anymore as they strictly care about postseason.  Curry won't be playing tonight which only adds value here with the Bucks.  I also think the Warriors will be looking ahead here to the Raptors and Cavs following this game.  

Maybe the Cavs bounce back here and beat me, but I just can't back them here.  That was a pathetic showing last night as Toronto just destroyed them.  The Pacers have had no problem with the Cavs this season beating them twice already.  The Cavs are just 3-7 SU their last 10 games.  Thomas is also out tonight for rest. 

The Lakers are playing with some confidence right now winning back to back games.  I think they get another here tonight as the Spurs continue to be short handed.  No Leonard, Parker, Green or Gay.  Lakers are now back to healthy with Ball back they win this outright

Any team that pulls an upset on the road as a double digit underdog and plays on a back to back I will fade every single time.  Throw in the fact that the Clippers beat the best team in basketball this is a huge let down spot.  I don't trust them here to back that performance up again.

When Anthony Davis isn't going to play I will look to fade the Pelicans every game.  I dont think Cousins is capable of carrying the load for this team.  The Grizz have been just a bad team there is no doubt about it having their own injury issues, but they have been covering numbers lately and when bad teams cover numbers we need to keep riding it.  

This is a huge bounce back spot for the Thunder here.  They were embarrassed on their home court last night against Portland without Lillard and maybe they were looking ahead to this match up.  With that I think we get a max effort here as the Thunder look to split the season series with them.  The T Wolves have been playing well coming off a beat down over the Cavs which I did have.  Give me the more motivated team in this ESPN showdown 

As I have mentioned a lot this season you have to ride the bad teams when they get hot and fade when that wears off.  The Bulls for nearly a month stretch would have made you some good money just backing them blind every game.  That has worn off here as they are just 1-5 SU their last 6.  Throw in the fact that they have beat the Knicks twice gives New York the huge revenge factor.  The Knicks have been a team you want to back at home with a 15-7 SU and ATS record 

The T Wolves are starting to play a little better here going 8-3 SU their last 11 games.  The Cavs have only covered 2 of their last 12 games.  I think the Wolves have a chance to make a statement here and continue their run.  I need to see more from the Cavs now that Thomas is playing as I think they need more time 

The Bucks are one of the most inconsistent teams IMO this year.  They have so much talent but continue to hover around the 500 mark.  I like the Pacers here as they snapped their 5 game losing streak and that was due because of Oladipo returning to the line up.  

I like Portland tonight against the Spurs who are still battling injuries. Portland already took the Spurs down to the wire 3 weeks ago on their home court but lost by 2.  I look for them to get the revenge with Leonard Parker Green and Gay all out tonight