#511 Kings -3

Sacramento is much improved and that shows by them being 12-3 ATS playing against a team with a losing record this season. Kings by 6 over Suns. 

San Antonio as a team has found their groove and is really playing well. Detroit is off a loss in which they lead by 18 at home to Utah. The situation also fits with the Spurs 13-4 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 and the Pistons at 20-40 ATS when the line is +3 to -3.

Pistons win by 1.

#544 Blazers +1

This is strictly a trendy bet. OKC is 7-20 ATS against division foes, while Portland is 15-5 ATS at home vs. those same division opponents. Toss in the Blazers are 11-1 ATS at home after three or more consecutive Under's, winning by 10.7 PPG and the home team is my play. 

#533  Magic +5

Orlando is playing better again at 3-1 SU and ATS, while Minnesota has the opposite record in the same span. The Magic are an excellent 11-5 ATS on the road and  7-0 ATS in away games after playing a road game this season. 

Dallas has been terrible on the road at 2-14 SU, but oddsmakers only have them at this spread in part because they feel they are the better team and the Mavs are 10-3 SU and ATS at Charlotte. The Mavericks pick up a third road win! 

#566 Spurs +1.5

San Antonio on 10-2 ATS run, and is 14-5 and 13-6 ATS at home, also being 4-1 SU and ATS as a home underdog.

#543 Denver -4.5

Nuggets are 10-0 ATS after 2 or more Under's this season, while when the Suns are on the back end of playing two straight nights, they are losing by 14.3 PPG. Denver by at least 10. 

#533  Rockets 

Harden carrying Houston and New Orleans just playing mediocre basketball and they are 1-5 SU and ATS with nor rest. Rockets by 6. 

#514  Pacers - 6.5

Pacers are solid  23-11 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points and all three of my power ratings have them winning by 9 or more. 

Boston has moved on from a three-game losing streak. At home the Celtics are still 10-5 and 9-6 ATS, winning by 8.5 PPG. Philly is 6-9 and 5-10 ATS on the road losing by 5 PPG. With the C's 12-3 ATS at home vs. division opponents the last two seasons, they win by 9. 

#521 Nuggets +1.5

Denver has won four straight and has been a momentum club this year, with a 15-5 ATS mark off two or more wins. Nuggets outright.

The T-Wolves are really struggling at home, while the Spurs have gotten into a nice groove on both sides of the court and are playing back to normal at home. Having lost by 29 at Minny 23 days ago, San Antonio is 10-0 ATS revenging a road loss. Spurs by 10. 

OKC is 4-13 ATS revenging a straight up loss as a road favorite. Two-point game either way. 

The Nets have won five straight and are on 6-0 ATS run. What takes me off them is they have shot 51% or higher in three straight contests and unless you are Golden State, that does not keep happening especially when you are at 45% for the season. Super System: Play On road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (LA LAKERS) after trailing in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half, against opponent after scoring 100 points or more in two straight games. (23-4 ATS, 85.2%) Lakers by 6.

For starters, all my numbers have the Lakers from a Pick to +1.5, that quite a difference. Houston continues to be a team that you never know what you will get from night to night. The Rockets are also the poorer defense team, ranked 26th in field goal percentage defense, compared to 9th for L.A. The deciding factor for me is the Lakers are 6-1 SU when playing two exactly two days rest. 

 #552 Mavs -9

Bigger number than I prefer, which why I dropped in star-rating, but Atlanta is losing by nearly 12 PPG on the road the Mavs are a super 12-2 SU and ATS at home. 

#548 Grizzlies -3

Portland starters played heavy minutes trying to come from behind last night, while Memphis is more rested and 7-2 SU and ATS as a home favorite.

#539 Celtics -3

Boston a little banged up but are on a 6-0 SU and ATS and are dialed in on both sides of the floor. 

Houston has lost seven of nine with a faulty defense and an offense that goes thru dry spells far too often. Portland was playing poorly themselves, but has won and covered two in a row and might be returning to normal. This is too big a number to trust the Rockets and underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points like the Blazers, having won two of their last three games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%), playing a losing team, are 26-4 the last five years.

San Antonio just played at Utah on Tuesday and was clobbered 139-105. On Friday, the Spurs were back home and got revenge on the Lakers who they also lost to this week and I'm looking for the exact same outcome Sunday. San Antonio is 7-1 ATS at home against teams with winning road record and Utah has seldom played well in the southwest with a 7-20-1 ATS mark at San Antonio. The Spurs execute revenge again.

Neither team has been playing great, but I'll back the Bucks with Toronto 15-30 ATS when the total is 220 to 229.5  and teams like Milwaukee who are December underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points, playing four or less games in 10 days are 40-15 ATS.

The Lakers are scrambling for ball-handlers with point guards out. Four different Lakers played 37+ minutes in a loss to Spurs (a winner for us), while nobody played more than 35 minutes for Memphis who won at New Orleans. The Lakers are 1-8 ATS against teams committing 14 or fewer turnovers, while the Grizzlies are 13-3 ATS at home off an upset win as an underdog. Memphis by 6.

The Rockets are really struggling while Dallas is 10-2 SU and ATS at home. Also, when the line is +3 to -3 and the home team is facing a division opponent and is off a road loss by 10 points or more, they are 36-12 ATS. Dallas outright! 

Winning back to back games against the same foe is never easy, especially when the second is on the road like this one for the Lakers. Though San Antonio has been terrible on defense, look for their pride to show up and they win by 3 or four. 

It sure seems strange back Sacramento as a road favorite but the Kings are significantly better than Cleveland. The Kings are 5th in the NBA in shooting percentage and 3rd behind the arc and the Cavaliers struggle in virtually every aspect of shooting. Neither team plays good defense, but the total at around 222, which suits the Kings who are 10-1 ATS when the total is 220 to 229.5 this season. Sac-Town by 7. 

Since losing Victor Oladipo to a wrist injury, the Indiana Pacers have experienced mixed results without their leading scorer at 4-4 and 2-6 ATS. With this, Indiana has been moved from a Pick to +2 at Orlando. But before you get all excited about the Magic, they have lost seven straight to Indiana (1-6 ATS) and 13 of 14 SU and ATS. That would include a 0-7 SU and ATS mark where Mickey and Minnie live half the year. Orlando has to win eventually, but with those numbers and catching points, I'm good with the Pacers.

#509 Hornets +4.5

Charlotte is 8-1 ATS as underdogs this season.

Dallas is 9-2 SU and ATS at home and playing great in their building. This would have been a 3* play but the line is puzzling to me with Portland on a 0-7 ATS run. The Blazers are 11-23 ATS in road games having lost two of their last three games. Dallas by 5. 

All my power ratings have Orlando winning or at a Pick. Miami is 5-16 ATS after two or more consecutive wins, Magic outright. 

Denver has a long history of success north of the border at 16-5 ATS and Toronto is 10-24 ATS after 6 or more consecutive wins. The Super System Eradicator - December underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points playing four or less games in 10 days are 36-13 ATS. Toronto by 2. 

Dallas is 8-2 SU and ATS at home and is off a bad shooting game while the Clippers are off a very good shooting game. Mavs win outright.

Golden State wins but just by 2.

Dallas is on an 8-2 SU and ATS spurt and is more rested them the Lakers who played last night. In addition, road teams like the Mavs, after beating the spread by more than 18 points in their previous game, against an opponent after going under the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games, are 36-13 ATS. The Cuban's might win, cover for sure. 

This line does not make sense as New Orleans has lost four in a row, while Washington has righted the ship and is 6-3 SU. So why would the oddsmakers make the Pelicans this large a favorite? Because this is the NBA, you often have to try and understand the odds and Washington has shot over 56% in last two games, which is nearly 10 percentages points over normal. Chances are they return to normal or below. Plus, home teams like N.O. revenging a road loss of 10 points or more, off an upset loss by 15 points or more as a favorite are on an 8-3 ATS run. 

Utah is really scuffling while the Lakers have been solid the last couple weeks. Lakers by 5 or more.

Home teams like the Spurs versus division opponents when the line is +3 to -3, off a road loss by 10 points or more, are 36-11 ATS the last four years. 

This is the Blazers third game in four nights and is in a back to back spot. The Bucks come in 13-4 ATS versus teams averaging 88 or more shots a game, winning by 10.7 PPG.  

Sorry to be so late, hectic day. Clips playing well, Washington a complete mess and they are 1-12 ATS after allowing 112 or more points. Clippers by 5.

Both teams are playing well but Mavs hanging in and my PR's have this game as  Pick.

Washington is simply not playing good basketball. As noted above, their spread record is poor and they are 1-5 ATS when facing winning teams. The Blazers are 22-9 ATS against an opponent that just allowed 100 or more points and they are also 19-9 ATS after they surrendered 100 or more points. Grab Portland. 

Memphis has been tough at home but Sacramento is playing with a lot of confidence and is not backing down, giving great effort. Both my power ratings have this as 3.5 or less point out, let's grab the Kings. 

The Nets will miss C. LeVert, but not necessarily in the first game, where others take it upon themselves to step up. Miami actually has even more injuries and is on a 0-3 SU and ATS skid. Brooklyn has been playing scrappy basketball, they are back home from a four-game road trip and have covered three straight over Miami. The Nets win this one!

The Spurs have won 14 straight over the Kings. There is talk Sacramento is ready to break the streak at home, but San Antonio knows how to beat them and while the Kings offensive is much improved they are still allowing over 116 PPG. The Spurs have held four of past five foes under 95 points and win by 6. 

This appears to be a hunch bettors special. Detroit has lost five in a row and is 3-6 ATS on the season. Yet, the Pistons have gone from -1 to -3 point favorites at Orlando. The Magic had lost six or seven, but have won their past two and is 4-0 SU and ATS against Detroit at home recently. The Pistons have a better roster, but they are 6-19 ATS on the road when the line is +3 to -3 the last three seasons. 

Orlando is playing very poorly, on a 0-4 SU and ATS decline and the average loss has been by 17.2 PPG, three which were at home. San Antonio, on the other hand, has won four straight (3-1 ATS) behind DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Magic come into this game 4-17 ATS versus teams scoring 110+ points/game, while the Spurs are 18-6 ATS at home after one or more consecutive Under's. The Spurs by at least 12. 

Charlotte's offense has been up and down in their last five games. Because OKC's defense is not particularly good, at worst the Hornets should have an averaging shooting night which should equate to about 115 points. The Thunder are coming off two home wins in which they shot over 50% each time. I'm not certain they can do that again and are more likely to land under 110 points. OKC is also a miserable 6-23 ATS having won two of their last three games and end up losing by 5 or more. 

This is the final stop for Washington on a five-game road trip and they are 1-3 SU and ATS and 1-5 SU and ATS on the season. The Wizards are playing zero defense, which helps Memphis who is shooting great at home and horrible on the road. The Grizz control the tempo like the usually do and move to 18-4 and 16-6 ATS when Washington pays a visit. 

I'm going to ride the hot hand with Sacramento who is young and exciting in winning and covering three straight. The Kings are playing excellent defense and generating a number of turnovers. Orlando has lost four of five and is shooting poorly.  With the Magic 5-16 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last three seasons, this is a one-point game either way. 

Minnesota is just 6-30 lifetime against LeBron James, but that was against much better teams James played on. My power ratings have the T-Wolves winning by either six or seven points and they are 10-1 ATS at home after three or more consecutive Under's. 

With all the injures Ben Simmons has suffered, his team knows how to play and win without him if he cannot go tonight. Detroit has won their first two games but they haven't been overly impressive. They defeated two of the projected weaker teams in the Eastern Conference, Brooklyn and Chicago, both of whom were playing without two of their starters. Philly swept the Pistons last year 4-0 SU and ATS and is 21-9 ATS when playing with two days rest the last three seasons. The Sixers by 6.

I like the upgrades Washington made to their team in the off-season. Miami comes into this game off a loss to Orlando and probably will again be without James Johnson (sports hernia), Dion Waiters (left ankle), Wayne Ellington (left ankle), and Justise Winslow (right hamstring). That leaves a short bench for the Heat to work with. While it is true the Wizards were 11-22 ATS as a home favorite last year, this is a new season and divisional road underdogs off an upset loss to a division rival as a favorite are on a 2-24 ATS slide. 

Milwaukee has better talent on its overall roster and Charlotte is lacking punch to score in the paint. Though the home teams have covered five in a row, the Hornets are 10-24 ATS as an underdog since last year and 2-14 ATS as a home dog the past three years. Bucks by 6. 

I've talked about Kevin Durant was the difference in last year's finals and he's performing similar feats this year against a weaker Cavs crew. LeBron James is the best player of this generation, but he cannot do it alone. After losing to Cleveland in the Finals two years ago, Golden State realized their three best players and the Cavaliers top trio only gave them a small advantage and if they wanted real greatness, they had to tilt the odds in their favor. That is precisely what KD has done.

On Wednesday, when the Splash Brothers were a combined 7 for 27 and 3 for 15 from distance, Steve Kerr's team still won and covered on the road. As analyst Jeff Van Gundy pointed out at the end of Game 3, basketball is a team game, but sometimes individuals can take over and win games, just like Durant did.

For NBA picks, the Warriors are not a no-show like last in Game 4 in the same situation and allow 137 points and lose by 21. This time, Golden State wins a third title in four years and wins by seven or more. 

Cleveland has to be encouraged their defense is doing the job and they have held Boston to 94.6 PPG in the past three contests. The only real improvement needed from the last conflict is closing faster on three-point shooters after the Celtics connected on 13 deep shots.

It goes without saying that a fast start would be a huge benefit given the C's struggles on the road. Boston has quickly gone from confident to passive when falling behind away from TD Garden (1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS). 

Of course James has to have a large game, as well as Kevin Love. But so does Tyronn Lue and his excuse about not playing Kyle Korver more in the first half in Game 5 was because of matchups. You don't have to sit on an NBA bench with dry eraser board to see Korver is largely most effective when on the floor as the third-scoring option with James and Love. You are not going to win every playoff game but it is a coach's responsibility to give his players the best chance to win.

For NBA picks, sometimes you just follow the money instead of being analytical. The home teams are 5-0 SU and ATS in this series and given the final scores, its Cleveland by 10 or more and we head back to Boston for a decisive encounter.

When one team plays this poorly and the other is desperate and motivated, this is how major blowouts happen. While there was much postgame attention paid to the C's starting backcourt shooting 8-for-20 and scoring 23 points, I literally could not recall one of Jayson Tatum's six made baskets and thought he showed his youth. He along with Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown have to be more mentally and physically involved over all 94-foot court.

Besides effort on defense, Stevens will stress ball movement like we have seen in most Boston games, which leads to better shots. Watch for the Celtics to feature Al Horford in the first six minutes, with him only having four shots in Game 3 (seven points). Expect Horford and Rozier in screen and roll action, trying to get Horford on a smaller opponent or pick and pop from Horford.

After three matchups that have decided by 22.6 points a game, we get a close one. Because it still matters the Cavs are 13-30-1 ATS as home favorites and the Boston is 8-0 ATS revenging a road loss of 10 points or more this season. 

The first two encounters were about energy and execution. Each team took a turn at and the other was not able to keep up on either level. I cannot think of a scenario where Golden State will be so nonchalant this time around. Not having the time to go over every one of the Warriors 94 box scores this season, I feel pretty comfortable in saying the starting five's -118 plus/minus rating was or very close to the worst of the season.

Though Kevin Durant had 38 points, his +/- was a team worst -28. Coach Steve Kerr will not coddle these players and he will challenge them and I expect them to respond.

Of Golden State's 13 playoffs games, only two would be considered 'poor'. James Harden and Chris Paul are really tough to guard. Mike D'Antoni has game-planned either to attack Steph Curry. This is an excellent plan given Curry's shortcoming's on that end of the floor. Nonetheless, Kerr just has to remind his team that Harden and Paul will rack up their points and it's everyone's responsibility to limit the other Rockets players to 45 or fewer points.

Because the Warriors were not mentally engaged on Wednesday, their quality of shots really suffered. Their ball movement was mediocre and they settled for too many contested or hurried shots. Look for that to change. While there is a lot of talk about Curry's play, with how Houston is guarding him, he would be better served to drive, dish and take mid-range shots to stretch the Rockets defense internally. Golden State by 9 or 10. 

Off their impressive demolition of Philadelphia in five games, those setting the odds made Boston a -1.5 point home favorite in Game 1. But basketball bettors are loving LeBron and how his team has been begun to play and flipped Cleveland to -1.5 point faves. Do I think the Cavaliers are likely to win one time in the first two games in Bean-Town, yes. I'm just not sure it will the first one with the Celtics 7-0 SU & ATS in the playoffs and 11-0 ATS at home revenging a loss by 10 or more points.

With Boston flipped from a +1.5 point underdog to a -1 point favorite, for the first time in this series they are listed as the favorite. That certainly is interesting seeing they are up 3-1 in the series and the only reason this is occurring is because the betting public has spoken with their cash. The Celtics defense has been sensational and the closest Philadelphia has come to shooting their normal percentage of 46.8% in this series was Game 3, when they were at 43.5%. The C's get ready for Cleveland after tonight. 

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue knows his team has matchup edges he can exploit. After three games Toronto has few answers. With the chance to end the series at home, look for Cleveland to be very focused and if they build up a 10 or 15 point lead this time, they are not going to give it back like the last game and win and cover.

I think Houston got their game faces back on in Game 3 and they have so many more scoring options than Utah. Houston is also 15-7 ATS as a road favorite of six points or less, winning by nearly eight points a game. If the Rockets come to play, they win by 10 or more. 

After Game 6, James reverted back to his passive-aggressive behavior when everything is not right with the world. Like in the past, the King is saying I'm doing all I can, these others guys (my teammates) have to do their job for us to win. He then went on to say they are capable of greatness. LeBron being LeBron.

Indiana knows they are the better - team - but now they have to prove it. Their confidence is high and in the last two contests, they have solved their slow starts conundrum. If they play with the same level of confidence as they have the past two games, they can take Game 7.

Despite losing nine of 11 at Cleveland in recent years, the Pacers are 9-2 ATS. And the Cavaliers have not handled blowouts well, with a 1-10 ATS mark after a 20-plus defeat. 

Golden State was 3-1 (2-2 ATS), but this is fresh series with unknowns. The Warriors took the first three contests, all in 2017 when DeMarcus Cousins was still playing. New Orleans won earlier this month on the road, but Golden State was hardly playing their best. Not sure the Pelicans can win the opening tilt, but they can certainly make this very competitive and I'll call for them to extended ATS win streak to nine.

Utah's comments after blowing the last game expressed their frustration. Now back home, look for Jazz players to have more of killer instinct and do not let up if they build a working margin, just like what happened in Games 3 and 4 when they were home. Make it Utah by 9 and heading to Houston next.

Since the series opener, the next three games have been decided by nine total points. Over four quarters the contests have been very competitive and there is little reason to imagine that will not be the case again. I'll back Indiana with the points, as they are 8-2 ATS recently in northern Ohio and 16-5 ATS when playing with playing with two days rest on the road.

Golden State had a flat game on Sunday and plays with the same passion we saw in the first three games and beats San Antonio by 14. As far as backing Spurs, they have lost 10 straight on the road and are on 0-9 ATS streak to boot.

Raptors win by 6.

For NBA picks, there is not even a hint that San Antonio has what it takes to compete in this series. Golden State is 12-3 ATS when leading in a playoff series the last two seasons, make it 13-3 ATS.

In the playoffs is where coaching really matters, making game by game decisions and adjustments. At this juncture, it seems Quin Snyder is further along than Billy Donovan as an NBA head coach. With Oklahoma City still far from a dependable team and Utah has the ability to slow the Thunder's three stars, collective or individually with their defense, watch OKC slide to is 5-18 ATS revenging a same season loss. 

This is not a championship caliber Spurs team, far from it. But it one with tremendous pride. I think there is a very good chance this will be San Antonio's best showing of the series. They are 18-5 ATS at home after three straight games where they made 42 percent or less of their shots and Golden State is  3-11 ATS after two or more home wins this season. The call is a two-point game either way and the players honor Mrs. Pops. 

Indiana needs to dictate tempo again and play with the same purpose. The Cavaliers will make more three's, however, they do such a poor job defending three-point attempts, as long the Pacers stay within two of 3's made they are in the game. I'm going to take Indiana, thinking they will hang around and not trust the Cavs to come through.

For NBA picks, the Trail Blazers have only averaged 95.6 PPG in their past five outings and given the circumstances, they are due for at least an ordinary scoring game, which is 105 points. Oddsmakers are saying as much with the total listed at 214. Look for bounce back effort from Portland, who betters 13-2 ATS record at home after three or more consecutive Under's and wins by 8 or more.

For NBA picks, Houston gets the in the series opener and here is why. Though many of the T-Wolves main players have been in this environment before, they have not played together. Look for nerves and being jittery to matter, with Minnesota to play better in Game 2 and at home in Game 3.

With the Timberwolves a below average defensive crew, ranked 17th in points allowed and 29th in field goal percentage permitted, the Rockets ability to spread them out is important to drive to the lane. When the Minny tries to help, that leaves a team making NBA-best 15 three's a game to have numerous open looks.

I picked Utah to win series so they have to win one two at OKC. With total at 205, the Thunder is just 5-17 ATS when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season. 

For NBA picks, it is hard to ignore the Blazers 28-13 home record and their quality 23-14-2 ATS mark. Yet, it is equally difficult to dismiss New Orleans road record at 24-17 and is more effective against the spread at 26-15 ATS.

This looks like a seven-game series and the Pelicans will win one time in Rip City, so why not Saturday night? These teams split four games this season and the SU winner is 15-0 ATS since 2014. Take New Orleans.

While the Thunder need a victory, Miami was very upset about how they played in a pathetic 24-point loss to the Knicks. Expect a more inspired effort from the Heat who are 27-12 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite, while OKC is 5-21 ATS having won two of their last three games this season. Expect a two-point game either way.

I usually avoid bad NBA games like this. However, in this case, we have the Nets 27-14 ATS in away games, but here is the rub. Brooklyn is -5.0 in points per game. In the role of a road favorite, they are 2-1 SU and ATS but the margin of victory is just +2.7. With the Bulls 3-2 SU and 4-0-1 ATS of late, I say they cover and possibly even win the game outright! 

Talked to those in my network and all are completely convinced New Orleans comes to play still needing wins to secure a playoff spot, while Suns just want the season to end. I will trust their judgment and know the Pelicans are 11-2 ATS as a road favorite this season. 

Other than one dull showing at Miami, Cleveland is 9-1 and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. Washington is really laboring and is trying to blend John Wall back into the action. Make it the Cavs by 10. 

Not that the Bulls are very good, but Charlotte has not been a great deal better in the second half of the season and Chicago is 10-0 ATS after two or wins this season. The Bulls outright! 

Washington is struggling, while Houston is off their worst shooting game of the season. With the Rockets motivated and road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points like the Wizards 11-33 ATS off a double-digit loss as a favorite of is points or more, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team, it's Houston by 11. 

Pacers win outright.

Toronto probably has the better team at this point but is on a 0-7 ATS bender. Boston has been playing really well and is 7-0 ATS revenging a loss of 10 points or more this season. Celtics Outright! 

Though Portland is playing great, they are too overvalued in this spot tonight against a Clippers team that has won three straight and is 24-14 ATS on the road. The Blazers winning might not be a surprise but I see the Clips covering having a 7-0 ATS record in road games after covering three of their last four against the spread. 

Despite missing too many players due to injury, Boston has won four in a row and will try and make it a 4-0 road trip. Because of said maladies and Utah playing well also, oddsmakers have inflated line that is four points higher than it normally would be. With this in mind, the Celtics have been road warriors all year and are  27-10 and 26-11 ATS away from Bean Town and keep this one close. 

Not that I love the Clips, but the Bucks cannot be trusted and are 10-19 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points and are 13-25 ATS after two or more wins. Clippers by 8. 

I know Denver stinks on the road but Toronto is laboring at 0-6 ATS. Plus, the Raptors fit a negative system of mine in which home favorites in this price range are 7-27 ATS. Toronto wins by six or less. 

Both teams are playing pretty well, but I prefer how New Orleans who is shooting the ball and defending and they find a way to knock off the Pacers. 

Oklahoma City brings its six-game winning streak (5-1 ATS) to Bean Town to face the injury-plagued Celtics. Boston is almost as beat-up as Facebook these days, and are up from two points as home underdogs to +4.5 to the Thunder. Not having Kyrie Irving really affects the C's offense, the same is true without Marcus Smart on defense and their depth has been depleted. While this seems like a big number for OKC to beat, Russell Westbrook is playing on another level and he leads his team to the win and covers.

Kings playing about as well as they have all season, while Pistons just are not very good. The half-point hook is a bonus with Sac-Town. 

Bulls covering spreads and playing well. Expect them to cover. 

Chicago has been playing better at 4-3 and 5-2 ATS and why should any basketball consider the Bulls with this many points against a Cleveland team this 12-39 ATS as a favorite! Cavs win by two 2 and fall to  8-23 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record this season. 

Indiana is a solid 19-14 ATS on the road, while Washington is 7-19 ATS as a home favorite this season. This will be a two-point game either way. 

No Whitehead means no win for Miami against red-hot Lakers. 

The Lakers are just playing well and Denver is 11-20 SU on the road. With L.A./1 12-2 ATS after scoring 110 points or more two straight games this season, they win the game. 

New Orleans has lost last two, but they are 11-2 ATS when the Hornets/Bobcats visit the Big Easy. Also, Charlotte is 0-8 ATS after three or more consecutive Over's this season. 

James Harden is not expected to play and Houston is 12-24 ATS after playing two consecutive road games where he plays or not. With Dallas playing better and 5-2 ATS, they deserve a look. 

A. Davis will play, but he's not 100 percent, besides, home underdogs like New Orleans after having covered four or five of their last six against the spread, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are just 9-36 ATS. 

With Washington 12-3 ATS in road games when playing against a team with a winning record Miami 1-8 ATS at home off a home win this season, I will definitely grab the points.

Miami is in really good form while the Wizards have lost three straight. The Heat is 14-6 ATS as a road underdog of six points or less this season.