When oddsmakers sent out Golden State at -4 for Game 6, they did so with the knowledge that Kevin Durant was probably done for the playoffs. Since hoops bettors have lowered the Warriors down to -2.5 and here is why they are correct. Golden State made 20's three's Monday night and outscored Toronto by 36 points from behind the arc and won by a single point. The Raptors average 12 3's a game and they have connected on eight in each of the last two contests after making 41 in the first three encounters. Look for that to even out and remember, Toronto is 8-0 ATS in road games versus teams making 48% or more of their shots. Take the points and likely NBA champs tonight.

The dynasty is closed tonight for Golden State unless Kevin Durant comes back 100 percent like before he was hurt. That is an extremely remote chance if it happens at all. Toronto is on a 7-1 SU and ATS run since losing twice to Milwaukee and is extremely confident. They have the hottest player in the playoffs in Khawi Leonard and the entire Raptors squad is feeding off his energy, competitiveness and quiet leadership. Look for the Warriors to give a great fight, but playing basically an extra season in the last five years and injuries have eroded Steve Kerr's club and Toronto wins by 5 or more and are the new kings of the NBA.

Oddsmakers went the traditional route after Golden State lost The Finals opener and made them a one-point choice for Game 2. However, those watching believed they saw something different and have flipped the Warriors to a two-point underdog. Toronto did a number of things really well both on offense and defense and Golden State showed what a difference Kevin Durant can make. Still, my feeling was the Raptors were going to win a home game of the first two and will take Golden State to do a better job on defense and make more shots on Sunday and win.  

I'm convinced Golden State will win one game in Toronto. That is why I'll take this one for starters. Ultimately, in the NBA Finals, talent and experience count for a great deal and the Warriors have that. Toronto has aspects where they can exploit Golden State in a few areas, thus, look for this to come down to the final minutes where Steve Kerr's club big game experience matters.

Milwaukee was mentally weak and performed poorly Sunday, outside of George Hill, Malcolm Brogdon and Pat Connaughton. It would seem very unlikely the Milwaukee's starting five would go 19-for-69 again (6-29 from behind the arc). Milwaukee's bench again destroyed Toronto's, outscoring them 54-27 and this included the Raptors Norman Powell tallying 19, compared to his playoff average of 7.4. Big edge here for the visitor. Also, keep in mind, Toronto is shooting under 40 percent for the series and under that same number in their last four contests. The Greek Freak and friends are 14-1 SU revenging a same season setback, 26-4 SU after suffering a spread loss and 7-1 SU after shooting less than 40 percent. In every angle, the Milwaukee is winning by more than 11 PPG. The Bucks by at least 6.

Though the headliners in this series are what everyone was talking about, you have to read the entire box-score to understand what matters. This handicapper has said the Milwaukee bench could have a large impact and they outscored Toronto's non-starters 22-12, essentially the difference in the game. If the Bucks bench does not keep their team in the game, the comeback would have come up short. Milwaukee will also shoot better than 25% from three-point land. With Milwaukee 9-1 SU and ATS in the postseason and 8-1 ATS at home when the total is 210 to 219.5, there is ample reason to Fear The Deer on Friday night who win by 10.

Two key elements I see in this game. In three games at Toronto in this series, Philadelphia is shooting 40.2% compared to 45.8% at home. The other aspect is the SU winner is 6-0 ATS. Also, the Sixers are 8-18 ATS after a win by 10 points or more, while the Raptors are 6-0 ATS off a double digit defeat. Lastly, in the last three years Toronto is 8-1 and 7-2 ATS hosting the 76ers, winning by 17.4 PPG. The dinosaurs win by 10 or more. 

Many bettors will follow the Zig-Zag theory in this one, but I won't be one of them. Other than one game, Philadelphia has shot 40% for the series. The 76ers have averaged more than five turnovers more per game than Toronto. After ripping the Raptors in Game 3 at home, Philly has not played with the same fight and vigor and is now 3-8 ATS in conference semi-finals games and loses this one by 5 or more.

Big win for Toronto in Game 4, as they recapture the home court. The Raptors have only had one off defensive game, otherwise, they have held Philly to under 41% shooting in Games, 1,2 and 4. Expect that to continue at home. The Sixers are now 3-7 ATS in conference semis, while Toronto is 8-2 ATS with a day's rest and the home team is 7-3 ATS when these two compete. Toronto by 9.

Was not impressed with Denver's loss at home to Portland. They lacked passion, played unwise basketball in settling for 3's the whole first half and never played with great defensive intensity. Now they have to venture to Portland who will be ready and is 8-3-1 ATS against teams with a losing road record and 22-9 ATS when playing with one day off. With the Nuggets 14-27 ATS on the road after playing a home game and 3-7 ATS away if the home team has a winning record, it will be the Blazers by at least 7.

I realize the world is on Portland tonight and I even understand why. Here is why I won't be. With the injuries to the big guys for the Blazers, they don't have many ways to contain Nikola Jokic. Denver is 6-1 and 4-2-1 ATS against Portland and when they are a home favorite of 5 or less, they are 13-5 ATS and mostly importantly, winning by 9.7 PPG. But here is my top reason for backing the Nuggets, they have forced the Blazers to commit 4.5 more turnovers a game in last eight meetings. They have won the TO battle in each game and that becomes the difference, Denver by 7.

I've bet Houston to win the series and I think they come out in Game 1 with something to prove. If you recall, if Chris Paul does not get hurt in Game 6, they probably win last year's series. The Rockets will run the pick and roll to death and with Golden State not having big guys who are quick enough to play them straight, it would not surprise me to see Houston win outright.

Looking at few quick telltale signs in this series opener. If starts with Toronto being the better defensive team which will help them. The Raptors have been on a real role at home this month dating back to last year at 10-1 ATS winning by 12.9 PPG. Philadelphia is not the most stable of teams and they are 4-12 ATS after two or more covers. But here is the knockout, the last 17 times these two have met, the SU winner is 16-1 ATS, which includes the last eight in a row. If you think Toronto can win like I do, they are the choice.

Oklahoma City has only scored more than 100 points once in this series. In the other three games the Thunder has shot under 40 percent combined and with a great opportunity to close out OKC, I don't think Portland let's this slide.  The Thunder might have bigger brand names, but the Blazers are playing as more of team, they have better depth and coaching. Portland by 7.

The Spurs should have been up 3-0 in series over Denver, but instead they are 2-2 and losing ground. What makes the Nuggets the play is they are dominating play from the three-point in the last three games, with an edge of 23 three's or more than seven more per game. Blend that with that this further opens up the lane and the Denver offense is on the come. With the Spurs 7-16 ATS after a combined score of 215 points or more in three straight games and Denver 17-4 ATS at home after they covered the spread, it's the Nuggets by 9.

Indiana is not playing well and does not have the offensive resources to beat Boston. The C's by 6.

San Antonio has been the better team in this series except for about 18 minutes at the end of Game 2. It not unreal to surmise the Spurs could be up 3-0 over the No. 2 seed. Here are two aspects I cannot overlook for Game 4; Denver is 0-7 ATS in road games revenging a same season loss and San Antonio is 14-4 ATS as a home favorite of six points or less this season. Both angles have a team like the Spurs winning by around 10 points and I concur.

In Houston's last 11 games, their defense has only allowed an average of 101.3 PPG. In Utah's last three games versus the Rockets that have only averaged 95 PPG. Thus, we can figure the Jazz will right around 100 points unless something unusual happens. Since losing to Milwaukee, the Rockets are averaging 121.1 PPG (we tossed out the 149 points against the Suns who did not care) in their last seven outings. When Houston scores 112 or more PPG this season, they are 32-15 ATS and even more importantly they have won by 10.9 PPG. Back Houston. 

The difference in playoff experience showed in Game 1 between the Spurs and Nuggets. Look for Denver to be much calmer in this contest, shoot the ball with greater efficiency and make the right defensive adjustments. The Nuggets are 12-3 ATS at home revenging a straight up loss as a favorite, winning by 16.1 PPG. Denver by 10 or more. 

I have to back the numbers here. OKC was 4-0 SU and ATS against Portland this season, which tells me there is a matchup issue. The Blazers have lost 10 straight playoff games and are recently 0-7 ATS in them. Getting +3.5 on the hook seems like a bargain.

Coach Quin Snyder is still angry at his Utah club for losing to the Lakers on Sunday. The setback ended a seven-game winning streak and was just the club's second loss in 14 games. "Regardless of where you're seeded, you have to play well and play a certain way to win," Snyder told reporters. "We've won some games, so sometimes that masks some things we weren't doing well. Everyone has been talking about the winning streak, but that doesn't mean anything." Since the Jazz has beaten Denver eight straight at home, grab the short number as they win by 6 or more. 

Portland has won 11 of 13 SU and is soaring. Denver is 3-4 SU of late and has not looked sharp. With the Blazers 11-3 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more and 10-1 ATS after allowing 90 points or less, an outright upset is possible.

Boston and Indiana have the same exact record and they are likely to meet in the first round of the playoffs. With just two games left after tonight, the winner probably has home court advantage. The home team is 3-0 SU and the Pacers are 17-5 ATS at home revenging a same season loss. Indiana wins.

With three games to play, San Antonio trails Oklahoma City by one game and would prefer to move up to the No.7 spot out West to avoid Golden State in the first round of the playoffs. Bettors like their chances tonight and moved the Spurs from -5 to -6.5 at Washington. The Wizards have played younger players of late, which is why the spread is so high since San Antonio is 14-25 SU on the road. With the Spurs 1-6-1 ATS of late, I'll take Washington.

Atlanta has gotten very competitive the last few weeks at 5-2 and 6-1 ATS. Orlando has also been playing well, but the Hawks are playing with more confidence than they maybe have all year and are 13-3 ATS on the road off a one or more W's and 8-0 ATS away off an upset win as a home underdog. The Magic win, just by 5 or less. 

Just going with history in the Raptors and Nets. Toronto has won 14 of the last 15, thus, if that continues to play out, the only way the Raptors don't cover if they win the game outright is if the outcome is by one. Toronto by 5. 

Quick turnaround game for the Pistons and Pacers with Indiana having won by 11 on Monday. Besides the motivation factor, Indy is 3-12 ATS after scoring 110 points or more two straight games, while Detroit is  11-3 ATS at home versus teams averaging 23 or more assists a game in the 2nd half of the season. Pistons by 7.

Golden State's not used to playing meaningful games late in the regular season. They lead Denver by just one game in the West and a win would give them a two-game cushion with five to play. I'm forecasting a complete effort from the Warriors tonight who win by 11 or more. 

Always a fan of turnaround games, especially if we catch the loser as a home underdog like the Sacramento. To the Kings' credit, they are not giving up and nearly covered against Houston on Saturday and came back the next night and upset the Spurs on the road. Teams like the Kings are 34-13 ATS revenging a same season loss off an upset win as a road underdog of 10 points or more. The Rockets by just 2. 

San Antonio is playing with two days rest at home where they are 7-0 ATS and winning by more than 13 PPG. They face Sacramento who is 3-9 SU and ATS with no rest and when it is away/away in a back to back situation, they have lost by 12.2 PPG. Add in the Spurs are playing with revenge and are 19-1 ATS revenging a loss where the opponent scored 110 or more points, it's the Spurs by at least 13. 

This is strictly a matter of matchups and Houston has a decisive edge. This is proven by them winning last two games by 20 and 27 points and when the Rockets are home, they are 11-1 ATS after playing one or more consecutive Under's. Houston by 14. 

Don't look now, but here come the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets have won a season-high four straight games (4-0 ATS) and they are tied with Orlando in the loss column at 39, which is one behind Brooklyn and Miami who are 38 and they currently hold down the last two spots in the East playoff chase. NBA bettors have noticed and lifted the Hornets from a Pick to -2.5 against LeBron and the Lakers. No doubt it is bit scary backing Charlotte on the road as a favorite with their 11-24 SU record, yet, the way Kemba Walker is playing, not sure on L.A. who can guard him. A nod to the Hornets with the Lakers 8-21 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in five straight games this season. The former Bobcats by 6. 

The Clippers have won five in a row and 10 of 11 and are surging towards the postseason. Minnesota beat Memphis their last time out which ended an ugly 0-5 SU and ATS run. Not sure what motivation the T-Wolves have at this time. The Clips come into this one 18-6 ATS as road favorite and if we scratch below that surface, they are 14-3 ATS as the sportsbooks choice by six or less. L.A.C. by 5 or more. 

Portland is attracting a lot of action tonight, but I see a Brooklyn team that has covered the last three games of a long road trip and built some momentum. The Nets are also 14-4 ATS in road games off a road win and 15-5 ATS after scoring 105 points or more in three straight contests. Add in this season Brooklyn is 8-2 ATS with two days rest and they end up only losing by a two or three points. 

#528 Blazers -5

Portland has not slipped with CJ McCollum out as Seth Curry has stepped in and filled his spot. Despite Detroit's inside size, they are 3-12 ATS versus teams outrebounding opponents by 3+ per game, while the Blazers are 21-9 ATS off two or more consecutive home wins. Portland by 8. 

#515  Celtics -3

Boston is certainly not playing great basketball, but Charlotte is flat out fading. With the Hornets 5-17 ATS as a home underdog, it's Boston by 6. 

Simply Philadelphia is the better team against Carolina and they are playing very good basketball in winning four in a row. It also has to do wonders for their confidence to beat the Bucks in Milwaukee. With Charlotte 4-15 ATS after a loss by 15 points or more, it Philly by 5.

#536 Wizards 

Good spot for Washington here, having covered eight of 10 and other than the last Charlotte game, playing with purpose. I think they can force Utah to play at their pace and they are 7-0 ATS in home games after scoring 120 points or more this season. 

Strictly a scheduling play. The Nets have lost badly in first two games of the road trip and are 3-9 and 2-10 ATS having played the night before, losing by 10.9 PPG. That is good enough reason for me to take the Clippers at home. 

Milwaukee is off a historic win (FYI - 1st team trail by 20 at the half and win a game by 15 or more points) and Philly has issues with teams that have multiple ways to score. Also, favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points, outscoring their opponents by 9+ points a game, after scoring 105 points or more three straight games, are 18-8 ATS, winning by 8.9 PPG.  

#576  Wizards -3

Washington is surging and playing great at home. Carolina is 9-23 SU on the road, losing by 6.5 PPG, while the Wizards are 12-2 at home playing with revenge, winning by 8 PPG. That sounds exactly correct.

#566 Raptors -9

Toronto humbled by terrible loss to Cleveland, take it out on the Lakers!

#559 Cavaliers +9

Orlando is not playing well and the Cavs are improved. The Magic by just 5. 

After betting against Washington and frequently winning, the Wizards revamped roster is playing better of late in winning three of five and covering five in a row. Orlando has dropped three of four and not covered one of those. I cannot overlook the fact the Wizards are 11-2 ATS at home after a combined score of 215 points or more in two straight games this season. Washington by 6. 

With Towns upgraded to Probable, I'm on Minnesota. Denver is not playing well at the moment in losing four of five as its offense is off kilter, shooting more than three percentage points lower as team than their season average. The T-Wolves have split last four games in Denver and covered each one. The Nuggets win, just by 6.

Indiana has gotten clobbered on the road by the Bucks and 76ers and is back home against an opponent they will handle with ease in New York. This normally might be a game the Pacers take for granted, but all news about Indy finds them very disgusted with the losses and this team is 14-2 ATS at home having lost three of their last four games. With the Knicks 8-19 ATS playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%), it's the Pacers by at least 15! 

#530  Jazz -3

The Thunder are just playing poorly and I'm not sure they will compete with Utah here, who is 18-8 ATS off one or more losses. The Jazz also fit a system in this point spread range in which home teams off a road loss by 10 or more are 43-15 ATS. Utah by 6. 

#503  Raptors +1.5

Yes, Miami has won four straight, but against, struggling Nets, Hawks, Hornets, and Cavs. I concur Toronto has not played great of late, but they are still the better team and all they have to do is win. The Heat is 8-18 ATS after a win by 10 or more and Toronto is 20-12 SU on the road. The Raptors by 4.

The Thunder had lost five of six before winning in OT in Portland tonight. They face a Clippers team that won six of eight and covering seven of them. Also, the Clips have been off since Monday and while I expect OKC to be in the game the whole way, LAC takes the fourth quarter as the fresher team and wins by 5. 

I know the Philly is missing bodies but this is too big of a spread from a talent perspective. This season the Sixers might only be 13-18 ATS on the road, but they have only been outscored by 2 PPG and Houston is 10-19 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season. The Rockets win, just by 5 or less.

I wish I had a profound reason why Charlotte would go from -1.5 to -3.5 point home favorite over Miami, but I don't. The Hornets have won both meetings this season but those games were in October and Charlotte has lost eight of 11, while the Heat has gotten warmer with a 3-1 SU and ATS surge. With Miami 20-10 ATS as underdogs and 20-11 ATS on the road, they are my choice.

#532  Pistons -4.5

Cannot overlook the T-Wolves are 2-12 ATS in road games after a combined score of 235 points or more, while the Pistons are14-4 ATS in home games having won three of their last four games. Detroit by 8.  

#506  Spurs -1

Denver is off two home losses and is 11-18 ATS on the road. San Antonio is off two home wins and is 24-7 and 20-11 ATS in their building. I'm backing the Spurs who are 17-2 ATS revenging a road loss, while the Nuggets are 3-14 ATS away after playing two home games and 2-10 ATS in road games versus teams making 46% or more of their shots this season.

 Toronto is doing their Golden State impression, winning but not covering. The Raptors have won nine of 10, but are 1-5-1 ATS in last seven. Detroit has won eight of 10 covering seven times and is 13-4 ATS at home having won three of their last four games. Toronto is merely 11-22 ATS against teams averaging 88 or more shots and failed to cover again. 

Once again, a good chunk of the betting world has no faith in Portland and they point to the Hornets home record of 20-12 SU. Do they mention Charlotte has lost four straight home games and are on 16-14-2 ATS at home? Nope. The Blazers are blazing hot covering spreads and are 9-1 ATS versus teams allowing 110+ points a game in the 2nd half of the season. Portland by 6. 

#562  Mavs -4.5

Dallas got back on track by beating Indiana at home in their last game, taking them to 21-10 SU and ATS in their building. With Memphis laboring and the Mavs 10-2 ATS at home after one or more wins, they triumph by 7. 

Milwaukee is becoming an increasing fascinating team. And if you follow the comments from the players, they are both trying to be humble, but also suggesting they are not getting enough credit. Going up against LeBron in Tinsel Town should be the extra motivation for a club that is 14-2 ATS in road games playing against a team with a losing record in second half of the season since last year. 

I'm going completely contrarian here in taking Portland. The world is on Toronto and I can understand why, but the Blazers are a better with Moe Harkless back from injury. I'm not saying Portland wins, but cannot ignore they are 8-0 ATS after five or more wins the last two seasons. 

I'm 6-1 taking the Pacers this year and very confident they will cover again, especially now we are off the half point hook. Indiana plays better defense and favorites of 3 to 9.5 points, revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points, off two or more consecutive road losses, are 38-14 ATS, winning by 9.2 PPG. 

#517 Bulls +3.5

Chicago's revamped roster is playing better and the Bulls are 16-3 ATS in road games after covering three of their last four against the spread. One point game either way. 

#514  Nets -5.5

Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points like the Nets in a game involving two teams scoring 102 or more PPG after 42+ games, after allowing 90 points or less, are 47-19, winning by 8.4 PPG.  

Karl-Anthony Towns has been upgraded to 'probable' and they will make the difference for Minnesota. Yes, I have been the Kings frequently in this point spread range and won this season. However, the Timberwolves are 10-2 ATS at home versus terrible teams allowing 110+ points a game and 12-4 ATS at home against teams scoring 110 or more PPG. The T-Wolves by 6 or more.  

Toronto has a losing spread record at home and despite winning seven in a row they have failed to cover any of their last four spreads. Orlando is 17-11 ATS on the road and conversely, they have been playing good defense. Also, teams like the Raptors revenging a road loss of 20 points or more, off a home win by three points or less are 5-14 ATS since 2015. 

#528 Mavs +5.5

If you have been following me, I've taken Dallas at home frequently and why not at 20-9 SU and ATS. The Mavs are also 10-2 ATS catching points at home, plus, it hard to ignore the Denver is 10-18 ATS on the road. One point game either way. 

#514 Charlotte -5

If the Hornets were not coming off a long layoff, this would be my first 10* of the year in the NBA. Washington is 5-15 ATS as a road underdog, losing by 12 PPG and is also 2-10 ATS in road games versus teams scoring 110+ points a game this season. The Hornets by 10 or more. 

Orlando is a solid 16-11 ATS on the road this season and they are on a nice stretch of playing well at 5-1 SU and ATS. New Orleans, up one day, down the next and Pelicans' players know A.D. does not have their back anymore. Let's take the points with the Magic who are 16-5 ATS having covered four of five, with New Orleans 6-15 ATS off a road loss. 

Like where Indiana is at right now having won five in a row. This is a team that decided to overcome Oladipo's absence and play for one another. Charlotte, good luck on trying to figure them out. Also, home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points like the Pacers, in a game involving two teams scoring 102 or more PPG after 42+ games, after allowing 90 points or less, are 45-17 ATS. Indy by 9. 

Portland's having a fine season, but this looks like too many points for a team that is 10-13 SU and ATS on the road. Dallas is 19-8 SU and ATS at home, 10-2 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more and 16-6 ATS after one or more Over's. The Mavericks winning this game would not be a surprise.

#531 Thunder +2

Houston's back home after a 3-1 road trip. Oklahoma City is on fire at 9-1 and 8-2 ATS. In this case, taking the points seems to be the most prudent thing to do with the Thunder who has the better overall squad and wins the game. 

#517  Spurs +7.5

San Antonio comes to play and is 8-1 ATS after two or more consecutive losses this season. Utah wins but just by 3.

Won with Miami on the road the other night but going against them here. Figured they would be focused off three straight losses, but they run into a Kings team that will be ready themselves after a humbling home loss to Houston. Sac-Town is 11-2 ATS as a favorite and 10-2 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3 this season. Kings by 6. 

#570  Kings +3.5

Houston 3-13 ATS on the road vs. teams averaging 110+ points. Kings are 10-2 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3 this season. One point game either way. 

#554 Sixers -3

Big game in the Atlantic Division as Philadelphia tries to climb within two games of front-running Toronto. The 76ers were sent out a four-point favorite, but have been backed down to -2.5 by those betting NBA basketball (now -3). Normally, I consider playing against a team back home like the Sixers off a four or more games road trip. However, that is with one or less days rest. Philly has been off for two days and is 17-6 ATS at home when playing with that amount of time off. Sixers by 8.

#547  Clippers +3.5

Charlotte is 6-16 ATS having won three of four and Clippers are 13-3 ATS in February road games. Clips outright. 

The combination of inexperience and injuries continues to overwhelm the Suns, who dropped their season-high-tying 10th consecutive game on Saturday to Atlanta. With not enough offense and certainly not enough defense to contain James Harden.  In the NBA, take an average team (+/- 3 PPG differential) against a terrible team (-7 or worse PPG diff.) after 42+ games, after a win by 20 points or more and they are 34-11 ATS in next outing. The Rockets by at last a dozen.

While I do have to pump the breaks a little with Boston 15-5 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record, I do note the Thunder have put up the better ATS record of late and the underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in these teams last nine matchups. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the road club is 8-1-1 ATS. Take Oklahoma City to cover the spread. 

Kings win outright

Nets win outright

OKC is in great form and getting a lot of help off the bench. Miami, they are up and down, undependable and the head coach is wondering if he putting the best rotations out on the floor. The Thunder is 4-0-1 ATS in recent games vs. the Heat, 8-2 ATS with two days rest and 8-1 ATS after ringing up 125 or more points. OKC by 8. 

The Clippers have won and covered four of five by getting a greater commitment on the defensive end and making the extra pass on offense. Atlanta is in rebuild mode and you don't know from night to night what the Hawks will give. Teams like Atlanta that after beating the spread by 54 or more points total in their last ten games, against opponent after going Under the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games, are 6-18 ATS this season. Since I don't see the Clippers losing outright, the SU winner in their games is on a 17-0 ATS run. Clips by 9. 

#518 Mavs +5

Cannot ignore Dallas is 20-10 ATS versus teams averaging 88 or more shots a game this season and the fact they are 19-10 ATS as underdogs and 8-1 ATS as a home team catching. Two-point outcome either way. 

#524 T-Wolves +4

Second meeting in three days and Minnesota lost at Utah by just four. The Jazz is 3-11 ATS having won three of four the Timberwolves are 14-2 ATS in home games after three or more consecutive Under's the last three seasons. T-Wolves outright. 

#514 Clippers -5

The Clips are off a nice 3-1 SU and ATS road trip and favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points after successfully covering the spread in two or more games, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%), are 43-13 ATS. L.A. by 8. 

James Harden is playing basketball maybe as well as any player has in this period of games and he's had to with Houston having so many injuries. While everyone marvels at his individual brilliance, they still fell Toronto is the better team and moved them from -1 to -3 on the road. The Rockets are only 3-7 ATS of late and two of those defeats came as underdogs. However, the Raptors are only 5-8-1 ATS as road faves and I'll side with Harden and Houston at this many points.

#575  Clippers -5        

There is just nothing to like about Chicago and the Clippers are 15-5 ATS in road games versus teams allowing 110+ points a game. The Clips by 9. 

#566  Magic -3.5

In theory, not the best spot for Orlando, being a weak home favorite. Still, I cannot overlook that Washington is 4-12 ATS as a road underdog and abysmal 0-10 ATS in away games after scoring 115 points or more, which just happened last night at home. Magic by 7. 

#556  Utah -3.5

Good matchup, but Denver is 2-12 ATS in road games after playing two home games and they have lost seven straight at Utah (1-5-1 ATS) and lose by 7. 

#531  Blazers +5.5

Really like what the Blazers are playing and they are 7-2 SU and ATS of late. Add in OKC is 1-9 ATS off two or more consecutive road wins and the Blazers cover and might win outright. 

Utah is playing great basketball, winners of six straight and 8 of 9. Plus, home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points off a home win by 10 points or more, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 28-7 ATS. The Jazz by 8. 

It's the beginning of the NBA on Saturday's on ABC and we have a doubleheader, with this is the better game. There has been a lot talk about Jimmy Butler running his mouth in Philly, nevertheless, the Sixers are off a shocking beat down of Indiana in the Hoosier State and are winning by 10.3 PPG at home. Oklahoma City is on a 1-5 SU and ATS downturn.

#564  Blazers -2.5

Strictly a situational play. Portland is 10-1 ATS at home games after scoring 105 points or more in five straight games, while the Pelicans are 2-11 ATS after playing exactly two road games this season. Blazers by 6. 

#553  Nets +1.5

Brooklyn is still hanging in and is 16-5 ATS in road games off an upset win as an underdog. Orlando, they are 4-15 ATS as a home favorite the last two seasons. Nets win. 

#530  Celtics -2.5

Classic NBA makes no sense spot with how C's and Toronto are playing. 

#519  Heat +9

Miami is always a tough matchup for Milwaukee, which is why they are 7-1 SU and ATS against the Bucks. Look for that to continue with the Heat 11-3 ATS versus teams forcing 14 or fewer turnovers game this season. 

Scheduling spot play against Detroit. The Pistons are playing a 4th road game in six days and Blake Griffin led his teammates to win at the Clips, which mattered a lot to them. With Utah steadily improving, the Pistons a poor shooting team and Detroit 0-8 ATS versus teams outrebounding opponents by 3+ per game, make it the Jazz by 12.  

Sac-Town by 8.

The Grizzlies by 1

San Antonio is playing outstanding basketball and is 16-4 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3 the last 2 seasons. Spurs Win! 

After losing three in a row, Boston has won seven of nine (7-2 ATS), including four in a row. Miami had a similar stretch leading up to Christmas at 7-2 (8-1 ATS), but since Santa Claus returned to the North Pole, the Heat have cooled off at 3-4 (3-3-1 ATS). NBA bettors have jumped on the C's and pushed from -1 to -2.5. There is a case to be made for choosing the Heat since they are 18-5 ATS off an upset loss as a home favorite. Nevertheless, the Celtics are 14-2 ATS off a home blowout win by 20 points or more and if you the C's like I do, the SU winner of a Boston game is 29-0 ATS the last two months. 

#532 Jazz -9

Line is juiced because Orlando is in a very tough scheduling spot, which is why this is not a higher rated play. No matter from the spread perspective, the Jazz by 12 or more.