20* Lakers/Suns NBA TV No-Brainer on Los Angeles +12

The Los Angeles Lakers should not be catching 12 points against the Phoenix Suns given the discrepancy in motivation.  The Lakers are in must-win mode if they want to make the playoffs and took the Nuggets to the wire last time out even without LeBron James.

The Phoenix Suns are locked in to the No. 1 seed in the West and have absolutely nothing to play for.  That has showed in their level of play the last two games.  They lost outright 114-122 at Memphis as 7.5-point favorites and followed it up with an outright 96-117 loss as 14-point favorites at short-handed Oklahoma City.  Why would they show up tonight?  Take the Lakers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +9.5

The San Antonio Spurs are playing their best basketball of the season trying to make the playoffs here down the stretch.  They have gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by a single point to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Spurs should not be catching 9.5 points against the Denver Nuggets with how well they are playing right now.  This game means a lot more to the Spurs than it does the Nuggets.  This is a Denver team that has been overvalued for weeks, going just 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games overall.

San Antonio is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Spurs are 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games as road underdogs of 6.5 to 12 points.  San Antonio is 19-9 ATS in its last 28 trips to Denver.  Bet the Spurs Tuesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Wizards/Timberwolves OVER 237.5

Two great OVER teams square off tonight when the Washington Wizards visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.  This game should see 240-plus combined points with ease tonight to cash this OVER ticket.

The Timberwolves are coming off two massive shootouts with 266 combined points against Denver and 271 combined points against Houston.  They have allowed 125 or more points in five of their last six games overall and are one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.  

The Wizards have gone OVER the total in three straight, combining for 237 points with Orlando, 238 points with Dallas and 246 points with Boston.  Both Boston and Dallas are not over teams as they are two of the better defensive teams in the NBA.

Minnesota is 20-3 OVER in its last 23 games after allowing 130 points or more last game.  The Timberwolves are 16-2 OVER in their last 18 games vs. teams that make 46% of their shots or better.  The OVER is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.  The OVER is 8-0 in Timberwolves last eight vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Houston Rockets +17.5

The Brooklyn Nets shouldn't be favored by 17 points over anyone.  They have been disappointing down the stretch despite having both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving healthy.  They are 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall with their lone win coming by 7 points over the Detroit Pistons as 14-point home favorites.

The problem with the Raptors right now is they have key injuries to their role players.  Seth Curry, Bruce Brown, Goran Dragic and James Johnson are all on the injury report.  Without being at full strength, the Nets are going to have a problem putting away the Rockets by 18-plus points to cover this number.

Houston has quietly gone 4-1-1 ATS in its last six games overall and has not packed it in.  The Rockets haven't lost any of their last six games by more than 7 points.  That includes a 7-point loss to the Timberwolves as 13.5-point underdogs last time out.

Brooklyn is a woeful 5-24-1 ATS in its last 30 home games, including 4-23 ATS in its last 27 games as a home favorite.  The Nets can't be laying 17.5 points here.  Take the Rockets Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on 76ers/Pacers OVER 233

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 4-0 OVER in their last four games overall combining for 255 points with the Hawks, 243 points with the Nuggets, 251 points with the Celtics and 238 points with the Pistons.

The Pacers play at a fast place and play zero defense, which has been the case for Rick Carlisle-coached teams for a few years now.  The Pacers have allowed 121 or more points in six consecutive games.  The 76ers will oblige as they recently put up 144 points against the Hornets.

Indiana is 8-0 OVER in its last eight games as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  The OVER is 36-17 in Pacers last 53 home games.  Roll with the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on San Antonio Spurs -14

The Portland Trail Blazers are openly tanking.  They are 2-16 SU & 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games overall with eight losses by 30 points or more and 12 losses by 14 points or more.  They have nine players on the injury report that are out, plus they traded away McCollum, Powell and Covington.

The San Antonio Spurs are battling with the Los Angeles Lakers for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.  They have come up clutch down the stretch in going 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  That includes a 133-96 win at Portland on March 23rd and a 130-111 home win over Portland on April 1st.

I like knowing that the Spurs won't be taking the Blazers lightly given what's at stake for them, which is why I'm willing to lay this big of a number.  It should be more of the same here with yet another win by 15-plus points to cover this number.  Roll with the Spurs Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +5

The New York Knicks have officially been eliminated from the playoffs.  They played like it yesterday in their 101-119 upset home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Now they'll have to play the 2nd of a back-to-back with eight players on the injury report.  They shut down Julius Randle for the season.

The Magic aren't playing great, but the spot favors them and they shouldn't be 5-point home underdogs to a Knicks team that doesn't care about wins and is tired playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  This is their most winnable game left on the schedule and I fully expect them to take advantage.

Orlando is 14-6 ATS after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games this season.  The Knicks are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit home loss.  New York is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite.  Orlando is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Take the Magic Sunday.

20* Nuggets/Lakers ABC No-Brainer Los Angeles +3

It's now or never for the Los Angeles Lakers if they want to make the playoffs.  LeBron James, Anthony Davis and company have too much pride to go away quietly.  I think we are getting the Lakers are one of their best values of the season as home underdogs to the Denver Nuggets tonight.

This is an inconsistent Nuggets team that doesn't deserve to be favored on the road here.  The Nuggets are just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They have not done well when they have stepped up in class, and they have narrow wins over some bad teams recently in the Thunder, Hornets and Pacers.

The Lakers have lost five straight coming in, but all five were to playoff contenders in the 76ers, Pelicans (twice), Mavericks and Jazz.  And they didn't have AD and LeBron for any of those games except the 3-point loss to the Pelicans.  They will have better chemistry in their 2nd game back together, and they should pull the upset today at home to stay alive for the playoffs.

Denver is 0-8 ATS in its last eight games after four straight games where it had five or more rebounds than its opponent.  The Nuggets are 0-6 ATS in their last six games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.  Los Angeles is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.  Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last five trips to Los Angeles.  Bet the Lakers Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Jazz/Warriors UNDER 218

The Golden State Warriors have been struggling offensively without Stephen Curry.  They have averaged just 103.4 points per game in their last eight games overall.  But they are still a pretty good defensive team with Draymond Green and company, ranking 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

The Utah Jazz are a much better defensive team with Rudy Gobert healthy, and he is right now.  I think this game will be like a playoff game with the Warriors trying to hang on to home-court advantage in the first round, and the Jazz trying to get it.  They are two games behind the Warriors and 1.5 games behind the Mavericks for the 3rd and 4th seeds.

This has been a low-scoring series in recent meetings.  Indeed, these teams have met twice since January 23rd.  The Warriors won 94-92 at home for just 186 combined points.  The Jazz got their revenge with a 111-85 home win and only 196 combined points on February 9th.  This will be their 4th and final meeting, and familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.

Golden State is 9-1 UNDER in home games vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 36% or better this season.  The UNDER is 9-1-1 in Jazz last 11 games following a win by more than 10 points.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Jazz last eight games as road favorites.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Warriors last seven home games.  Take the UNDER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Timberwolves/Nuggets UNDER 242

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a couple injuries that have quietly hurt them offensively.  They are without Jaden McDaniels and Malik Beasley, two role players that were huge for them making this surge in the second half.  The Timberwolves have now scored 116 or fewer points in five consecutive games.

Denver prefers to play at a slower pace and will control the tempo playing at home tonight.  The Nuggets rank 20th in the NBA in pace this season.  Both teams are in the middle of the pack in defensive efficiency as well.

Head-to-head history says there's value with the UNDER.  Five of the last six meetings between the Nuggets and Timberwolves have seen 239 or fewer combined points.  This will be the 4th and final meeting between these teams, and familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.

This total has been bet up from 233.5 all the way up to 242, so there's value with the UNDER based on the line move, too.  I also like the fact that both teams will be playing with defensive intensity tonight as the Timberwolves are trying to chase down the Nuggets for the 6th seed in the West.  This is a meaningful game, and both teams will treat it like a playoff game.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -1.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Chicago Bulls right now.  They have gone through their worst stretch of the season over the past month.  But they are now as healthy as they have been all season with only Lonzo Ball being out.  And they have shown they can play well without him.

The Clippers are getting too much respect due to getting Paul George back and completing a huge comeback to beat the Utah Jazz at home on Tuesday.  They had gone 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their previous five games overall.

The key here is the Bulls are the more motivated team.  They have a lot more to play for sitting in the 5th spot trying to move up to 4th or at least avoid falling into the play-in round.  The Clippers are essentially locked in to the 8th seed in the West, 5.5 games behind 7th seed Minnesota and 4 games ahead of 9th seed New Orleans.  They really don't have anything to play for until the playoffs.

Los Angeles is 1-10 ATS when revenging a loss as a home favorite this season.  Chicago is 23-7 ATS in its last 30 games as a home favorite.  The Bulls are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet the Bulls Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Detroit Pistons +10

The Detroit Pistons are a perfect 17-0 ATS in their last 17 games as underdogs with eight outright upsets.  They have been the single-most underrated team in the NBA since the All-Star Break.  And now they are catching a whopping 10 points against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

You can count on the Pistons to show up every night.  That's evident by the fact that the Pistons haven't lost any of their last 20 games by more than 11 points, and only one loss by more than 9 points.  That makes for a 19-1 system backing the Pistons pertaining to this 10-point spread.

Philadelphia just played two of the best teams in the NBA and the two teams that made the NBA Finals in the Suns and Bucks in back-to-back games.  They came up short in both, and now they'll have a hard time getting motivated to face the Pistons after losing to those two.  This is also a tired Philadelphia team playing their 11th game in 19 days.  Take the Pistons Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -13.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are openly tanking.  They are 2-14 SU & 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games overall with eight losses by 30 points or more and 11 losses by 14 points or more.  They have nine players on the injury report that are out, plus they traded away McCollum, Powell and Covington.

The Pelicans are fighting to make the playoffs right now as they are currently 9th in the West just one game ahead of the Spurs and Lakers.  One of those three teams will not make the playoffs, and the Pelicans are playing with a sense of urgency right now that has them playing some of their best basketball of the season.

Indeed, the Pelicans are 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall with their two losses coming by 3 and 4 points.  They beat the Spurs by 33, upset the Hawks on the road, beat the Bulls by 17 at home and beat the Lakers by 8 at home.  They just got Brandon Ingram back from injury and his addition will make them a dangerous team moving forward.  Former Blazer McCollum will not be taking this game lightly, and neither will his teammates given what's at stake.

Portland is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 home games after allowing 130 points or more.  The Blazers are 1-9 ATS following a loss by 6 points or less this season.  The Pelicans are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 road games.  The Blazers are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 home games.  Roll with the Pelicans Wednesday.

20* Heat/Celtics ESPN No-Brainer on Miami +5.5

The Miami Heat put their differences aside and crushed Sacramento 123-100 at home on Monday.  They realize they are in 1st place in the East with three teams within 1.5 games of them.  They have a great opportunity to get home-court advantage down the stretch, and I look for them to put it all on the line tonight.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Heat after going 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Celtics, who have gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.

The Heat want revenge from two blowout losses to the Celtics in their two meetings this season.  They won't have to deal with Robert Williams, who suffered a meniscus tear two games ago and is one of the more underrated players in the league.  The Celtics will take a big hit defensively without his presence moving forward.

Miami is a perfect 10-0 ATS in its last 10 road games after losing three of its last four games coming in.  The Heat are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine road games.  Miami is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 trips to Boston.  It will be good for them to get on the road and get away from the distractions at home here.  Bet the Heat Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +3.5

The Orlando Magic are 7-9 SU & 9-7 ATS in their last 16 games overall and have not packed it in.  They have been competitive in most their losses during this stretch.  This is a favorable spot for them playing just their 3rd game in 7 days as they will be rested and ready to go.

The same cannot be said for the Wizards, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 94-107 home loss to the Chicago Bulls last night.  The Wizards will also be playing their 5th game in 7 days, which is about as tough a situation as there is in the NBA today.  They should not be favored over the Magic given this terrible rest spot for them.

Orlando is 11-1 ATS after failing to cover five or six of its last seven ATS this season.  The Magic are 19-9 ATS in road games when revenging a loss this season.  Washington is 7-18-1 ATS in its last 26 games as a favorite.  The Wizards are 7-23-1 ATS in their last 31 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Magic are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games as underdogs.  Orlando is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings, including 5-0 ATS in its last five trips to Washington.  Take the Magic Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +14

The Detroit Pistons are a perfect 16-0 ATS in their last 16 games as underdogs with eight outright upsets.  They have been the single-most underrated team in the NBA since the All-Star Break.  And now they are catching a whopping 14 points against the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

You can count on the Pistons to show up every night.  That's evident by the fact that the Pistons haven't lost any of their last 19 games by more than 11 points, making for a 19-0 system backing them pertaining to this 14-point spread.

The Nets don't have a lot to play for here down the stretch.  They are basically going to be anywhere from the 7 seed to the 10 seed to where they have to play in the play-in round no matter what.  Of course, it's beneficial for them to get the 7 or the 8 over the 9 or the 10, but I don't think they will be playing with an extra sense of urgency.

The Nets are 5-22-1 ATS in their last 28 home games.  Brooklyn is 5-23 ATS in its last 28 games as a home favorite.  Detroit is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games.  The Pistons are 16-2 ATS in their last 18 games overall.  Bet the Pistons Tuesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Spurs/Rockets OVER 234

The way the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets play usually results in a shootout.  For starters, the Rockets rank 2nd in the NBA in pace while the Spurs rank 4th, so this game is sure to be a barn burner with both teams getting up and down the floor.

Neither team likes to play defense, either.  The Rockets rank dead last (30th) in the NBA in defensive efficiency, while the Spurs rank 20th in that same category.  But both teams have trended under the total recently with the Rockets going 6-0 their last six and the Spurs 4-0 their last four, which is keeping this total lower than it should be.

This will be the 4th meeting between the Spurs and Rockets this season and each of the first three have gone OVER this 234-point total.  They combined for 252, 238 and 237 points in those three meetings.  It should be more of the same here in another shootout.  Take the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Sacramento Kings +13

The Miami Heat are falling apart at the seams.  They got in a big argument on the sidelines in their 104-118 upset loss at 10-point favorites to Golden State.  Then they came back and blew a 17-point 4th quarter lead, getting outscored 38-13 to close to lose 103-111 to the New York Knicks as 9.5-point home favorites.

The Heat went on to lost 95-110 at home to the Nets and that was an even bigger blowout than the final score would suggest as they trailed by 28 entering the 4th quarter.  The Heat are now 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall and cannot be trusted right now to lay this big of a number to the Sacramento Kings given their chemistry issues.

The Kings have quietly been a money maker down the stretch and have flexed their depth without Fox and Sabonis.  Sacramento is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games overall.  The last three games have been very impressive.  They took Phoenix to OT in a 3-point home loss as 8-point dogs, upset Indiana on the road as 6-point dogs and upset the Magic on the road as 2.5-point dogs.

Sacramento is rested and ready to go playing just its 3rd game in 8 days tonight.  Miami will be playing its 3rd game in 4 days.  The Heat are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 home games following two or more consecutive ATS losses.  The Kings are 49-33 ATS in their last 82 games as road underdogs, including 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games in this role.  The Heat are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games.  Miami is 0-6 ATS in its last six games as a favorite.  Sacramento is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Roll with the Kings Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -3.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Chicago Bulls after going 4-10 SU & 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  I cashed them outright as underdogs at Cleveland on Saturday, and I'm back on them again here Monday as only 3.5-point road favorites over the New York Knicks.

While the Bulls had yesterday off and are fully healthy with the exception of Lonzo Ball, the Knicks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Bulls after a 104-102 road win at Detroit yesterday and now having to travel back to New York.

It's also a good time to 'sell high' on the Knicks, who have gone 5-2 SU in their last seven games and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games.  That's why they are getting some respect here with such a short number.  But the Bulls are far and away the better team and in the much better spot.  Chicago also has a lot more to play for in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Chicago is 18-6 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  New York is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 home games following a win.  The Knicks are 2-13 ATS in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.  The Bulls are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games as favorites.  New York is 1-8 ATS in its last nine home games, including 0-5 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

15* 76ers/Suns Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia +5

The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot to play for right now.  They are percentage points ahead of the Miami Heat for the No. 1 seed in the East with four teams within 0.5 games of each other for that top spot.

The Phoenix Suns have nothing to play for right now.  They have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and the No. 1 seed overall in the playoffs.  If they continue playing at the high level they have been all season, more power to them.  But I'm willing to bet against that here down the stretch.

The 76ers are starting to form a nice chemistry with James Harden on board now.  They have gone 12-4 SU in their last 16 games overall and are coming off a 25-point road win over the Clippers on Friday.  Look for them to take the Suns to the wire on the road tonight and likely pull off the upset.

Plays on road teams (Philadelphia) - when revenging a same-season loss against an opponent that is off a win by 10 points or more as an underdog are 55-24 (69.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The 76ers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS in its last even games as a road underdog.  Roll with the 76ers Sunday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Minnesota Timberwolves +6.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the hottest teams in the NBA.  They have gone 11-3 SU & 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They continue to lack the respect they deserve as 6.5-point road underdogs to the Boston Celtics today.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Celtics, who are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games overall.  But unlike the Timberwolves, they are getting that respect.  This line should be much closer to PK.  I'll gladly take the value with the road underdogs here.

Minnesota is a perfect 9-0 ATS in Sunday games this season.  Boston is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games after covering four of its last five ATS.  The Celtics are 15-35-1 ATS in their last 51 games following a win by more than 10 points.  Bet the Timberwolves Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday UPSET SHOCKER on Detroit Pistons +4

The Detroit Pistons are a perfect 15-0 ATS in their last 15 games as underdogs with eight outright upsets.  They have been the single-most underrated team in the NBA since the All-Star Break.  And now they are a home dog to the New York Knicks tonight when they shouldn't be.

The Knicks are five games out of the playoffs in the East with 10 games to play.  They are all but eliminated.  But they are getting respect here as road favorites off two straight upset road wins over the Hornets as 8.5-point dogs and the Heat as 9.5-point dogs.    Now they come back as 4-point road favorites at Detroit, which is too big of an adjustment considering this obvious letdown spot.  Take the Pistons Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Chicago Bulls +2.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Chicago Bulls.  They have gone just 3-10 SU & 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They should be favored here over the Cleveland Cavaliers considering they are finally as healthy as they have been in a long time and get DeMar DeRozan back from injury tonight.  The only key player they are missing is Lonzo Ball, who they have been without for a long time.

The Cavaliers are the team with the big injury concerns, playing without Jarrett Allen, Rajon Rondo and Dean Wade.  They have not been playing well without Allen.  They are just 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  They needed a late rally to beat the Pistons by 4 as 6-point home favorites, lost to the Lakers by 11 as 4.5-point home favorites and lost to the Raptors by 13 as 5-point road dogs in their last three games coming in.

The Bulls have crushed the Cavaliers in their last two meetings, winning 117-104 and 101-91.  Chicago is 33-15 ATS in the last 48 meetings.  The Bulls are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 trips to Cleveland.  Cleveland is 18-47-2 ATS in its last 67 games following an ATS loss.  Roll with the Bulls Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Bulls/Cavaliers OVER 222

The Chicago Bulls and their opponents have combined for at least 224 points in three of their last four games.  They have allowed 125 or more points in four of their last five games.  I expect them to win a shootout tonight with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The key here is that the Cavaliers are without Jarrett Allen.  He is one of the best defenders in the league.  Without him, the Cavaliers have become soft on defense and have had to play more small ball on offense.  That is evident by the fact that the Cavaliers are 6-0 OVER in their last six games overall with combined scores of 221 or more points in all six.  Take the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Brooklyn Nets -3.5

The Miami Heat are falling apart at the seams.  They got in a big argument on the sidelines in their 104-118 upset loss at 10-point favorites to Golden State.  Then they came back last night and blew a 17-point 4th quarter lead, getting outscored 38-13 to close to lose 103-111 to the New York Knicks as 9.5-point home favorites.

The Heat can't be trusted in this spot.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Meanwhile, the Brookyn Nets come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest and just their 3rd game in 8 days.

The Nets will have Kyrie Irving for this game, and they just got the news that he will be allowed to play in home games.  This team has a lot of good mojo right now because of that news, plus they have both Seth Curry and Goran Dragic healthy for this one.  I like for them to run the Heat out of the building tonight and take advantage of their tired legs.

The Nets are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 road games and have really formed a nice chemistry with Irving on the highway.  Brooklyn is 5-1 ATS in its last six games following an ATS loss.  Miami is 0-6 ATS in its last six games overall and reeling.  Bet the Nets Saturday.

20* Mavs/Timberwolves NBA No-Brainer on Minnesota -1.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the past month.  They have gone 10-3 SU & 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They have a lot to play for the rest of the way as they are currently the 7th seed in the West and only one game back of the Nuggets for the 6th seed, which would have them avoiding the play-in round.

I love the spot for the Timberwolves tonight.  They are coming off two straight painful losses blowing a 13-point halftime lead to the Suns and also losing 108-110 at Dallas the game prior.  Now they get their shot at revenge on the Mavericks at home this time around.  Minnesota is 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games with all six wins coming by 14 points or more and that lone loss to the Suns, the best team in the NBA.

Minnesota is 17-5 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The home team is 4-0 SU in the last four meetings.  The Timberwolves are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games as home favorites.  Roll with the Timberwolves Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Detroit Pistons -2.5

The Detroit Pistons have been the single-most underrated team in the NBA down the stretch.  They have gone 15-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall and are coming off a 122-101 upset home win as 5-point underdogs to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.  

When they have Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham on the floor at the same time, they have been a force.  The Pistons have been competitive in each of their last 16 games during this run not once losing by more than 11 points.  They should handle the Washington Wizards tonight.

The Wizards look to be tanking.  They are just 1-8 SU & 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall.  This is a tough spot for the Wizards as they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 102-114 loss in Milwaukee last night in which the Bucks were without Giannis and Middleton.  They won't have much left in the tank for Detroit tonight.  Bet the Pistons Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Bulls/Pelicans OVER 225

The Chicago Bulls are coming off one of their worst offensive performances of the season.  They got 92 shots up but scored just 98 points on 42.4% shooting against the Bucks.  This total has been set too low based off that result and there's value with the OVER tonight.

The Bulls have not been playing well defensively, allowing 125 or more points in three of their last four games.  They face a Pelicans team that is clicking offensively, scoring 114 or more points in 13 of their last 17 games overall.  The Pelicans have also allowed 131 or more points in four of their last nine games.  The Pelicans rank 20th in defensive efficiency this season while the Bulls rank 21st.

These teams tend to play in shootouts when they get together.  Indeed, the OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings with combined scores of 231 or more points in all six meetings with none of them going to overtime.  They have averaged a whopping 242.8 combined points per game in those six meetings, which is roughly 18 points more than tonight's posted total of 225.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

25* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Minnesota Timberwolves ML +110

Nobody is playing better than the Minnesota Timberwolves right now.  They are 10-2 SU & 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They sit in 7th place in the West with an excellent chance to move into the Top 6 and avoid the play-in round as the season nears a close.  They are stepping up when these games matter most.

Games do not matter for the Phoenix Suns right now.  They have already locked up the top seed in the Western Conference and basically the top seed in the playoffs overall.  I question their motivation the rest of the way.  They needed OT to beat the Kings last time out, and I don't think they'll give the kind of effort it's going to take to beat a motivated Timberwolves team on the road tonight.

Plus, the Suns are short-handed right now playing without two of their best player in Chris Paul and Cameron Johnson.  They've been able to beat some overmatched teams without these two, but they aren't going to be able to beat a team the caliber of the Timberwolves without them.

Minnesota is 17-4 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Timberwolves are 11-0 ATS in home games with a total of 230 or higher this season.  Minnesota is 20-8-1 ATS in its last 29 home games, including 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in its last six home games with all six wins coming by 14 points or more.  Bet the Timberwolves on the Money Line Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Charlotte Hornets -7

The New York Knicks just suffered a devastating loss to the Atlanta Hawks last night in which they blew a double-digit 4th quarter lead.  Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  They have essentially been eliminated from playoff contention with that defeat, and they won't have much left in the tank for the Hornets tonight.

The Knicks are likely to be without Julius Randle again tonight.  They take on a red hot Hornets team that is 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with four wins by double-digits.  Charlotte will use its up-tempo style to take advantage of the tired legs of the Knicks.  The Hornets rank 4th in the NBA in pace and have a lot to play for right now, so motivation is on their side as well.

Charlotte has owned New York in two meetings this season.  They won 104-96 at home and 97-87 on the road.  Charlotte is 4-0 ATS in its last four home meetings with New York.  The Hornets are rested right now and are 15-6 ATS when playing 6 or fewer games in 14 days this season.  The Knicks are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.  Roll with the Hornets Wednesday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +4.5

The Detroit Pistons continue to battle.  They have gone 7-8 SU & 14-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall with all eight losses coming by 11 points or fewer, so they have been competitive in every game.  They get Jerami Grant back from injury tonight and have a great chance to upset the Atlanta Hawks.

This is a terrible spot for the Hawks.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 117-111 win in New York last night.  They needed a double-digit 4th quarter comeback to win that game, so they had to expend max energy.  The Hawks will also be playing their 7th game in 11 days and won't have anything left in the tank for the Pistons tonight.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 5-0 SU in the last five meetings.  Detroit is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in its last three home meetings with Atlanta including upset victories as 8-point dogs and 4.5-point dogs in the last two.

The Hawks are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games following a win.  The Pistons are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 games when their opponent scored 100 or more points in their previous game.  Take the Pistons Wednesday.

15* Clippers/Nuggets TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles +7

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Los Angeles Clippers.  They have gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall with a 3-point loss to Toronto and an OT loss at Cleveland while also getting blown out at Utah last time out.  Now the Clippers will be rested and refocused coming in on three days' rest having last played on Friday.

Look for a big effort from the Clippers, and it should be good enough to stay within this 7-point spread of the struggling Denver Nuggets.  The Nuggets are just 2-4 SU in their last six games overall and 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They are coming off a 20-point home loss to Boston.  They are a tired team right now playing their 10th game in 17 days, so it's easy to see why they have been struggling.

This has been a closely-contested series in recent meetings.  Each of the last last five meetings have been decided by 7 points or less, and all three meetings this season were decided by 3 points or fewer.  Given that head-to-head history, there's clearly value on the Clippers tonight, especially coming in on three days' rest.

The Clippers are 23-6-1 ATS in their last 30 games playing on three or more days' rest.  The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.  Denver is 1-8 ATS in home games vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 36% or better this season.  Take the Clippers Tuesday.

20* Bulls/Bucks NBA No-Brainer on Chicago +7.5

I cashed the Bulls -3 over the Raptors last night and I'm back on them again tonight against the Bucks.  They are as healthy as they have been basically all season and a dangerous team moving forward.  I'm not concerned they are playing the 2nd of a back-to-back because of this health and the fact that they had two days off prior to that 113-99 win over the Raptors.

The Bucks are the team with injury concerns.  They do get Giannis Antetokounmpo back from a knee injury tonight, but they will be without their second-best player in Khris Middleton tonight due to a wrist injury.  They should not be 7.5-point favorites over the Bulls without Middleton.

Each of the last three meetings between Chicago and Milwaukee have been decided by 6 points or less and have come down to the wire.  The Bulls have lost both meetings this season by 4 as 11-point road dogs and by 6 as 5-point home dogs.  They want some revenge here in their third meeting with their hated rivals.

Milwaukee is 2-11 ATS in home games following a non-conference game this season.  The Bucks are 1-11 ATS when playing against a team that wins between 51% and 60% of their games this season.  Chicago is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 trips to Milwaukee.  Bet the Bulls Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing as well as any team in the NBA right now.  They are 10-1 SU & 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with nine wins by 9 points or more.  Teams haven't even been competitive with them.

Now the Timberwolves find themselves as underdogs to the Dallas Mavericks.  This is a rested Timberwolves team that will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  They are almost fully healthy with the exception of Jaden McDaniels, and they are playing with a ton of chemistry right now.

The Mavericks are going the other way.  They are coming off two straight blowout road loss to Philadelphia by 10 and Charlotte by 21.  Now they return home after a five-game road trip, and I always like fading teams in that first home game back from an extended road trip because there are distractions they have to deal with at home.  Roll with the Timberwolves Monday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH on Chicago Bulls -3

I love the spot for the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They are highly motivated for a victory coming off three straight road losses at Sacramento, Utah and Phoenix.  Now they are back home where they are 25-10 SU & 23-12 ATS this season.

The Bulls also come in rested and ready to go on two days' rest.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time with the only player they are missing being Lonzo Ball.  They are expected to get Patrick Williams back from injury today and will be a force moving forward in the East.

This is a terrible spot for the Raptors, while will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back off an upset win in Philadelphia last night.  It will also be the 7th game in 11 days for the Raptors, who simply cannot have much left in the tank for the Bulls tonight.  Expect Chicago to run them out of the building.

Chicago is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games following two straight games where they allowed a shooting percentage of 50% or higher.  The Bulls are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games as home favorites.  Chicago is 21-8 ATS in its last 29 meetings with Toronto, including 4-0 ATS in its last four home meetings.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons -7.5

The Detroit Pistons have made me more money than any team in the NBA over the past month and it's not close.  I'm going to continue to ride them today.  The Pistons are 14-0 ATS in their last 13 games overall as long as you bet them early in their 4-point loss to the Clippers as closing 3.5-point dogs, which we did.

The Pistons come in rested having yesterday off and take on a tired Portland Trail Blazers team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 98-129 loss in Indiana last night in which they got blown out by 19 in the 4th quarter.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons tonight.

The Blazers are just 1-10 SU in their last 11 games overall with nine losses by 9 points or more, so they have rarely been competitive.  It's easy to see why considering they are so short-handed right now with six players out and two questionable, plus they traded away CJ McCollum, Norman Powell and Robert Covington.  This is one of the worst rosters in the NBA right now.  Take the Pistons Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Thunder/Magic OVER 225

The Orlando Magic clearly aren't concerned with playing defense right now.  They have seen four straight games with 228 or more combined points.  Their last two were very concerning as they lost 108-150 to Brooklyn for 258 combined points and 120-134 to Detroit for 254 combined points.

The Thunder are also not concerned with playing defense right now.  Indeed, they have allowed 116 or more points in eight consecutive games.  In fact, Oklahoma City has given up 120 or more points in 10 of their last 12 games.

The OVER is 12-1-1 in Thunder last 14 games overall.  The OVER is 3-0 in Magic last three games overall.  The OVER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Orlando.  Don't expect much defense to be played in this contest, either.  Take the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Grizzlies/Rockets OVER 235

The Houston Rockets are a great OVER team.  They rank 2nd in the NBA in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive efficiency.  The Memphis Grizzlies will oblige them in an up-tempo game as they rank 3rd in the NBA in pace and 6th in offensive efficiency.

These teams just played on March 6th with Houston pulling the 123-112 upset as 10.5-point home underdogs and 235 combined points.  Keep in mind Memphis only shot 5-of-26 (19.2%) from 3-point range in that game and that's not going to happen again.  Both teams shot poorly from the FT line as well, so they should easily top 235 combined points in the rematch.

Houston is 11-2 OVER in its last 13 games after allowing 120 or more points in three consecutive games.  The OVER is 6-1 in Grizzlies last seven road games vs. a team with a losing record.  The OVER is 17-8-1 in Rockets last 26 games as home underdogs.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +7.5

The Detroit Pistons are the single most underrated team in the NBA right now.  They have gone 12-1 ATS or 13-0 ATS in their last 13 games overall depending on what line you got on them in their 4-point loss to the Clippers as 3.5-point closing underdogs.  We cashed in on them +4.5.

I'm going to continue backing this team that has made me so much money over the past month.  They are now catching 7.5 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers and have been underdogs in 21 consecutive games now, so oddsmakers continue to miss-price them.  They have pulled outright upsets in seven of their last 13 games during this streak.

The Pistons even won 134-120 in Orlando last time out without their two best players in Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham, flexing their depth.  But now Grant and Cunningham are both expected back tonight.  They'll take on a tired Cleveland team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 119-116 (OT) comeback win over Denver last night.  

They will also be playing 6th game in 9 days.  Four of their five starters played at least 37 minutes last night, and they are short-handed as it is playing without Collin Sexton, Jarrett Allen, Rajon Rondo and Dean Wade.  It's a tall task to ask the Cavaliers to win by 8-plus points to beat us given the spot.  Bet the Pistons Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Charlotte Hornets ML +105

The Dallas Mavericks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, their 3rd road game in 4 days and their 5th consecutive road games today.  They should not be favored on the road over the Charlotte Hornets Saturday in a game I fully expect the home team to win outright.

They face a Hornets team playing some of their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with three consecutive wins by double-digits.  They beat the Pelicans by 22 on the road, the Thunder by 18 on the road and the Hawks by 10 at home.  Now they come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest and just their 3rd game in 8 days.

Charlotte is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight games when playing on two days' rest.  The Hornets are 16-6 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days this season.  Roll with the Hornets on the Money Line Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Los Angeles Clippers +5.5

The Utah Jazz are in a world of hurt right now playing without their top two scorers tonight in Donovan Mitchell (25.7 PPG, 5.5 APG) and Bojan Bogdanovic (18.1 PPG).  They should not even be favored over the Clippers tonight without these two, let alone 5.5-point favorites.

The Clippers have been undervalued all season as they have stepped up in the absence of Leonard and George and managed to put together a .500 season with a great chance to make the playoffs down the stretch.  Off an OT loss to Cleveland and a 3-point loss to Toronto, the Clippers will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.

They should win this game outright against a tired Utah Jazz team that will be playing their 8th game in 13 days.  That fatigue will be even more of a factor for the Jazz tonight considering they are short-handed.

Los Angeles is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 road games following a loss by 6 points or less.  The Clippers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last five games following a win.  The Jazz are 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Roll with the Clippers Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pacers/Rockets OVER 240.5

The Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets have nothing to play for.  There will be no defense played in this game, and it's not like either team plays defense anyway.  These are two of the best OVER teams in the NBA with the way they play.

The Rockets rank 2nd in the NBA in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive efficiency.  They have allowed 112 or more points in nine consecutive games coming in.  The OVER is 11-4 in Pacers last 15 games overall so they will happily oblige with the Rockets and get up and down the court.  Indiana ranks 27th in defensive efficiency.

Indiana has allowed 107 or more points in 15 consecutive games.  That includes 119 or more points in 10 of those 15 contests.  But they have been clicking on offense with Brogdon, Haliburton and Hield running the show now.  They have scored 119 or more points in nine of their last 13 games overall.

Indiana is 25-9 OVER in its last 34 games with a total of 230 or higher.  Houston is 8-1 OVER against Central Division opponents this season.  The OVER is 20-6-1 in Pacers last 27 games following a loss by more than 10 points.  Indiana is 48-23-1 OVER in its last 72 games following a loss.  The OVER is 24-11-1 in Rockets last 36 games following a loss.  The OVER is 17-7-1 in Rockets last 25 games as home underdogs.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Raptors/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto -1.5

The Toronto Raptors are rolling right now going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with four straight road wins at San Antonio, Phoenix, Denver and the LA Lakers.  They would love nothing more than to cap off this road trip with their fifth consecutive victory over the Clippers tonight.

The Raptors' resurgence has gone hand-in-hand with getting All-Star Fred VanVleet back from injury.  He made his return against the Spurs and has played in three of the past four games.  They even won without him at Denver.  They are as healthy as they have been all season and playing up to their potential.

The Clippers are a tired team right now playing their 6th game in 9 days and coming off three straight road games and an overtime loss to Cleveland.  Injuries are really starting to pile up for the Clippers.  They were already without Leonard, George and Powell, and now they may be without Morris, Jackson and Covington, who are all questionable for this game Wednesday.

Toronto is a perfect 7-0 ATS in road games following three or more consecutive wins this season.  It is winning by 12.6 points per game in this spot.  The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as road favorites.  Toronto is 21-6 ATS in its last 27 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Los Angeles is 2-7 ATS in its last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Bet the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Charlotte Hornets -1.5

The Charlotte Hornets have their mojo back going 4-2 SU & 4-2 ATS in their last six games overall with three wins by 18 points or more.  Their two losses came to the Nets and Celtics, two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.  They have scored 119 or more points in five of their last six games overall.

They face an overrated Hawks team that has won three in a row against suspect competition but failed to cover the spread in all three.  In fact, the Hawks are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall.  They have struggled on the road all season going 12-21 SU & 10-23 ATS in their 33 games away from home.  They are also playing without one of their best players in John Collins right now.

The Hawks are 0-6 ATS in their last six games following a win.  Atlanta is 10-25 ATS in its last 35 road games.  Charlotte is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 home meetings with Atlanta.  The Hornets will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, while the Hawks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days.  Take the Hornets Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Detroit Pistons +13

The Detroit Pistons are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 games overall and the most underrated team in the NBA right now.  I have been on them for the majority of these games and I'm going to continue to ride them until the oddsmakers adjust properly.  The Pistons are still lacking the respect they deserve as 13-point dogs to the Miami Heat tonight.

Detroit has been an underdog in all 11 games during this 11-0 ATS run and has pulled six outright upsets.  They were competitive in all five losses too with all five coming by 11 points or fewer and four of those were to playoff teams.  They upset five playoff contenders as well, so the schedule has not been easy.

Detroit is 3-0 ATS in three meetings with Miami this season as all three went down to the wire.  Detroit lost 92-100 as 10.5-point home underdogs on November 23rd, won 100-90 as 6.5-point home underdogs on December 19th and only lost 112-115 as 12-point road underdogs on December 23rd.  This current version of Detroit is much better than the version that played Miami in those three meetings in 2021.

Plays on road underdogs (Detroit) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is coming off an upset loss as a favorite are 35-9 (79.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Pistons Tuesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +9.5

The Orlando Magic are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA right now.  They have gone 5-4 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They are as healthy as they have been all season and it's starting to pay major dividends as this young, talented roster is shining late in the season.

The Magic have upset wins over the Raptors as 7-point road dogs, the Pelicans as 8.5-point road dogs and the Timberwolves as 8.5-point home dogs during this stretch.  They also lost to Phoenix by 3 as 6-point home dogs and in OT by 2 to the 76ers as 11-point dogs.  They have proven they can hang with the best teams in the NBA.

The Brooklyn Nets are overvalued right now after going 3-0 SU & 2-1 ATS in their last three games overall.  They are primed for a letdown here against the Magic and each of the last two meetings went down to the wire.  The Magic pulled the 100-93 upset as 6-point road underdogs on December 18th and only lost 113-115 as 9.5-point road underdogs at Brooklyn on November 19th this season.

Brooklyn is 8-22 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Asking them to win by double-digits to beat us is asking too much.  The Nets are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 games as favorites overall.  Orlando is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 meetings with Brooklyn.  Bet the Magic Tuesday.

15* Raptors/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 225

The Lakers have been a great OVER team this season as they rank 5th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency.  The OVER is 5-1 in Lakers last six games overall and they have combined for 227 or more points with their opponents in all six games.  So this 225-point total has been set too low tonight.

That's especially the case with the Raptors going OVER the total in their last two games.  They won 117-112 in Phoenix for 229 combined points and 127-115 in Denver for 242 combined points.  They are really clicking offensively right now scoring 117 points or more in three straight and take ona. Lakers team that has allowed 109 or more points in seven straight, including 140 to Phoenix yesterday.

Plays on the OVER on all teams where the total is 220 or higher (LA Lakers) - an average offensive team (108-114 PPG) against a good defensive team (104-108 PPG) after 42-plus games after allowing 130 points or more are 35-9 (79.5%) since 1996.  Roll with the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Golden State Warriors -12

The Golden State Warriors are back to playing as well as they did in the first half of the season.  They are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games with wins by 15 at home over the Clippers, by 11 on the road at the Nuggets and by 13 at home over the Bucks.  And now they are expected to get Draymond Green back tonight.

The Washington Wizards are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  They lost to the short-handed Clippers by 6, to the struggling Lakers by 13 and to the short-handed Blazers outright by 9 as 6.5-point favorites.  They won't be able to hang with the Warriors given their lack of talent on their current roster after the trade deadline.

Golden State is 7-0 ATS in its last seven home games following two straight wins by 10 points or more.  Washington is 0-7 ATS vs. Pacific Division opponents this season.  The Wizards are 5-18 ATS in non-conference games this season.  Washington is 16-35-2 ATS in its last 53 games overall.  Take the Warriors Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -3.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now.  They have gone 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall with six wins by 9 points or more.  They should be more than 3.5-point favorites against the lowly San Antonio Spurs tonight.

The Spurs are just 2-6 SU & 3-5 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They are coming off an upset home loss to the Indiana Pacers by double-digits and are dealing with a bunch of injuries right now.  The Timberwolves have their Big 3 healthy in Towns, Russell and Edwards and are a force when these three are on the court together.

Minnesota beat San Antonio 115-90 at home in their lone meeting this season.  The Timberwolves are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The Spurs are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games as home underdogs.  San Antonio is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Minnesota is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  Bet the Timberwolves Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +12.5

The Orlando Magic are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA right now. They are as healthy as they have been all season and starting to show what they are capable of with all of their young talent.

Indeed, the Magic are 5-3 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall. They are coming off two huge upset wins over the Pelicans are 8.5-point dogs and the Timberwolves as 8.5-point dogs. They also recently upset the Raptors on the road as 7-point dogs.

The Magic should not be catching 12.5 points from the 76ers tonight. Philadelphia is 1-3 ATS in its last four games overall with losses to Miami by 17 and Brooklyn by 29. The Magic will be playing with triple-revenge after losing all three meetings with the 76ers this season by 5, 10 and 13 points. They were competitive in all three and will give the 76ers a run for their money today in their 4th and final meeting. Roll with the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +4.5

The Detroit Pistons are the most underrated team in the NBA right now. They have gone 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games overall with six outright wins as underdogs. They've been competitive in all their losses, too.

I'll continue to back the Pistons today catching 4.5 points at home to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are 1-3 SU in their last four games overall with two losses by 23 points to the Knicks and by 15 points to the Warriors. Their lone win came by 6 points at home against Washington.

The Clippers cannot be trusted to go on the road and lay a number to a Pistons team playing this week. The Clippers are without George and Leonard and have been for a while, but they are also without a couple more key players in Norman Powell and Robert Covington. They don't have enough talent without these guys to be trusted on a nightly basis. Take the Pistons Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Sacramento Kings +9.5

This is a very tough spot for the Utah Jazz today. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days. It's no wonder they lost outright to the Spurs last night and are just 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.

The Jazz should not be 9.5-point favorites against the Kings tonight given the spot. Asking them to win by double-digits to beat us is asking too much on tired legs. That's especially the case with the Kings rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest.

The Kings have played some of their best basketball on the road of late. They only lost by 1 at Dallas at the buzzer as 5-point dogs in their lsat road game. They upset the Spurs as 6.5-point road dogs in their previous road game. They are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games overall.

Sacramento is 6-0 ATS in its last six Saturday games. the Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last five games when their opponent allowed 100 points or more in their previous game. Sacramento is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games vs. a team with a winning record. The Jazz are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a loss. Bet the Kings Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Indiana Pacers +5.5

San Antonio just pulled the upset over the Utah Jazz yesterday to give Greg Popovich his record-setting win. Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days. This is a clear letdown spot for the Spurs.

Meanwhile, the Pacers come in on three days' rest and will be by far the fresher team. The Pacers have been very competitive of late with only one loss by more than 10 points in their last 11 games. They can certainly hang with the Spurs given the spot.

San Antonio is 8-27 ATS in its last 35 home games following a win. Indiana is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 road games vs. Western Conference opponents. The Pacers are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games. The Spurs are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following an ATS win. Indiana is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings, including 5-0 ATS in its last five trips to San Antonio. Take the Pacers Saturday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Charlotte Hornets -1.5

The New Orleans Pelicans were playing well with four straight wins and covers and forming some chemistry with CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. They have gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS since.

The Pelicans blew a massive lead in a 130-138 loss at Denver to start the skid. They followed it up with a 111-132 loss at Memphis. And they capped it off with a 102-108 upset home loss to the Orlando Magic as 8.5-point favorites.

Things have gone from bad to worse for the Pelicans now. They will be without their two best players in Ingram (22.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.5 APG) and McCollum (22.2 PPG, 5.1 APG). They simply don't have enough talent on the roster to make up for the losses of their top two scorers.

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Hornets after losing back-to-back games to two of the best teams in the East in Brooklyn and Boston. Now they face a team they can handle in the short-handed Pelicans and should do just that.

The Hornets are 24-10-1 ATS in their 35 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Charlotte is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games as a road favorite. Roll with the Hornets Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Pistons/Celtics UNDER 216.5

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games. Well, the Pistons and Celtics will be meeting for a 3rd time since February 16th. It's safe to say these teams are very familiar with one another, and points will be hard to come by as a result.

The Pistons won 112-111 on February 16th for 223 combined points with a total set of 213. The Celtics won 113-104 on February 26th for 217 combined points and a total of 216.5. This 3rd meeting will be the lowest scoring yet and will stay UNDER this 216.5-point total.

Detroit is 18-4 UNDER in Friday games over the last two seasons. The UNDER is 4-0 in Pistons last four games overall. The UNDER is 8-2 in Celtics last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +14

The Detroit Pistons are 6-3 SU & 9-0 ATS in their last nine games overall. They have won six games outright as underdogs during this stretch and are the single-most underrated team in the NBA right now.

Now here they are catching 14 points against the Boston Celtics Friday. This is a Celtics team they just beat 112-111 as 12.5-point road underdogs on February 16th. The Celtics had their revenge in a 113-104 road win as 12.5-point favorites, but they needed a 4th quarter comeback to get it.

I fully expect Detroit to hang again in their 3rd meeting in less than a month. The Celtics are getting too much love due to winning four straight and 15 of their last 17 games overall. It's a great time to 'sell high' on them today.

Boston is 1-12 ATS vs. poor rebounding teams that get outrebounded by 3-plus boards per game this season. The Celtics are 9-25-1 ATS in their last 35 games following a win by more than 10 points. Bet the Pistons Friday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Toronto Raptors -1

I like the spot for the Toronto Raptors tonight. They will be highly motivated for a victory after losing three straight coming in.

The Raptors are rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest. A big reason for their struggles is they have been without their best player in Fred VanVleet, but he is expected to make his anticipated return tonight and makes all the difference for this team.

The Spurs are just playing out the string at 25-40 on the season. They aren't doing a very good job of it as they have gone just 1-4 SU in their last five games overall. They are a team that is going to be hard to trust to show up on a nightly basis the rest the way.

San Antonio is 8-26 ATS in its last 34 home games following a win. Toronto is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games following a loss. The Spurs are 0-6 ATS in their last six games as home underdogs. Bet the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Minnesota Timberwolves -14

The Minnesota Timberwolves have no problem beating teams by margin. They have cashed for me a couple games recently as roughly 14-point favorites. And I'm back on them again today.

The Timberwolves have won their last two meetings with the Thunder by 30 and 37 points. One of those a 138-101 win at Oklahoma City on March 4th just a few days ago. They have now won four straight games by 14 points or more coming in.

The Thunder are banged up right now playing without almost all of their key players with the exception of Gilgeous-Alexander, but he can't do it all. The Thunder are 0-3 in their last three games overall losing to the Timberwolves by 31, the Jazz by 13 and the Bucks by 27. Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after that loss to the Bucks last night.

Minnesota is a perfect 8-0 ATS in home games with a total of 230 or higher this season. The Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall. Minnesota is 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine games as a home favorite. Take the Timberwolves Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Cavs/Pacers OVER 222.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 15-4 OVER in their last 19 games overall.  They have scored 112 or more points in 15 of those 19 games.  They have allowed 110 or more points in 18 of their last 21 games.

The Pacers are forming some chemistry with newcomers Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield and now have Malcolm Brogdon healthy.  They are great on offense with these guys, but they remain terrible on defense and don't have a rim protector.  They rank 26th in defensive efficiency this season.

Speaking of rim protectors, the Cavaliers will be without center Jarrett Allen tonight.  That's a big blow for them defensively as Allen averages 10.8 rebounding and 1.3 blocks per game and is one of the best defenders in the NBA.  They will have to go small ball tonight, which will help us cash this OVER ticket.

These teams just played on February 11th with the Cavaliers winning 120-113  for 233 combined points.  The OVER is 6-0-1 in Cavaliers last seven games as road favorites.  The OVER is 6-0 in Pacers last six games as home underdogs.  The OVER is 20-6 in Pacers last 26 home games.  Take the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic +6.5

The Orland Magic are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 3-2 SU & 3-2 ATS in their last five games overall.  Their two losses were explainable as they lost to the Pacers in OT after beating them by 16 the game prior in a revenge spot.  And they lost on the road at Memphis in the 2nd of a back-to-back after upsetting Toronto on the road the night before.

Now the Magic are rested and ready to go coming in on two days' rest having last played on Saturday.  A big reason they are playing so well right now is they are as healthy as they have been in a long time, and this is a young team with a ton of talent.  They are forming chemistry with Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Terrance Ross, Markelle Fultz and Chuma Okeke.  They will have all of these guys available tonight with the exception of perhaps Suggs, who is questioable.

The Suns are decimated by injuries right now that they cannot possibly overcome.  They are without three of their top five scorers in Devin Booker (25.6 PPG), Chris Paul (14.9 PPG, 10.7 APG) and Cameron Johnson (12.8 PPG).  It's no wonder they are just 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with their only wins coming at home against the short-handed Blazers and the struggling Knicks on a buzzer-beater.  They should not be 6.5-point road favorites with these three guys out tonight.  Bet the Magic Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -14.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 12-4 SU & 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall and quietly playing some of the best basketball in the NBA right now.  They have won three straight by 14 points or more coming in and I think they win by 15-plus tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.

They take on a struggling Blazers team that is getting blown out on a regular basis.  Indeed, the Blazers are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing at home to the Warriors by 37, at home to the Nuggets by 32 and on the road to the Suns by 30 despite the Suns playing without both Chris Paul and Devin Booker.  They also lost to the Timberwolves by 14 last time out.

The problem for the Blazers right now is injuries and they might just be tanking.  They are without Damian Lillard, Nassir Little, Joe Ingles, Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart, Justise Winslow and Eric Bledsoe.  The only decent player they had healthy was Anfernee Simons, but he just suffered a quad injury against the Timberwolves and is out for this rematch.  He had 38 points in that game and they are going to be completely lost without him.

Portland is 1-11 ATS when playing 6 or less games in 14 days this season.  Minnesota is 7-0 ATS in home games with a total of 230 or higher this season.  The Timberwolves are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.  Minnesota is 4-0 ATS in its last four home meetings with Portland.  Take the Timberwolves Monday.

25* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Detroit Pistons +7.5

The Detroit Pistons are 5-2 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall.  I have been riding them for most of this streak, and I'm going to continue riding them tonight.  They are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA right now.  They are a young, talented team that is forming chemistry with Grant, Cunningham, Bey and Bagley all playing well.

The Pistons upset the Celtics as 12.5-point road underdogs, upset the Cavaliers as 6-point home underdogs, upset the Hornets as 10-point road underdogs, upset the Raptors as 8-point road underdogs and upset the Pacers as 3-point home underdogs.  They nearly beat the Celtics again as 12.5-point home underdogs and only lost to the Wizards by 3 as 3.5-point road underdogs.

Now the Pistons are catching 7.5 points at home against an Atlanta Hawks team that plays no defense.  The Hawks rank 27th in the NBA in defensive efficiency.  That's why they cannot be trusted to lay numbers like this, and it's also why they have been a huge disappointment this season with a losing record after making the Eastern Conference Finals last year.

Atlanta is 10-21 ATS in road games this season.  The Hawks are 1-8 ATS in road games after winning two of their last three games this season.  The Hawks are 18-42 ATS in their last 60 games following a road win by 3 points or less.  Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games.  Detroit is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games as an underdog.  Bet the Pistons Monday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pelicans/Nuggets UNDER 229

The New Orleans Pelicans are playing elite defense which has been key to their 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS run with four straight blowout victories.  They have allowed 102 or fewer points in all four games and an average of just 95.5 points per game.  This total is set way too high with how well they are playing defensively.

The Nuggets are a solid defensive team that has allowed 111 or fewer points in seven of their last nine games overall.  These are two teams that play at slow tempos too as the Pelicans rank 22nd in pace while the Nuggets rank 21st.  We've seen that play out in recent meetings between these teams.  

The UNDER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings as the Nuggets and Pelicans have combined for 226 or fewer points at the end of regulation in all eight meetings.  They have combined for 210, 218 and 221 points at the end of regulation in three meetings this season.  So this will be their 4th meeting this season, and familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.

The UNDER is 9-1-1 in Pelicans last 11 road games.  The UNDER is 7-0 in Pelicans last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  The UNDER is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Denver.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -13.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves will have no problem putting away the Portland Trail Blazers by 14-plus points to cover this big number Saturday.  The Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but they were allowed to rest their starters in the 4th quarter due to their 138-101 blowout of the Thunder.  They could get Anthony Edwards back tonight as well.

Either way, the Timberwolves should roll tonight and still be fresh after having two days off prior to that Thunder game.  They take on a struggling Blazers team that is getting blown out on a regular basis.  Indeed, the Blazers are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall losing at home to the Warriors by 37, at home to the Nuggets by 32 and on the road to the Suns by 30 despite the Suns playing without both Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

The problem for the Blazers right now is injuries and they might just be tanking.  They are without Damian Lillard, Nassir Little, Joe Ingles, Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart, Justise Winslow and Eric Bledsoe.  The only decent player they have healthy right now is Anfernee Simons, and he cannot carry this team by himself.

Portland is 1-10 ATS when playing 6 or fewer games in 14 days this season.  The Blazers are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.  The Timberwolves are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games as favorites, including 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games as home favorites.  Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last six trips to Minnesota.  Roll with the Timberwolves Saturday.

20* 76ers/Heat NBA No-Brainer on Miami -1.5

The Miami Heat are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games overall with their lone losses coming to the Mavericks by 8 at home and the Bucks by 1 on the road.  They managed to beat the Nets and Kevin Durant without Jimmy Butler and PJ Tucker.  Both should be back tonight after resting on the 2nd of a back-to-back in that game.

While the Heat come in on one days' rest, the 76ers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a comeback 125-119 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers as 7.5-point favorites last night.  Now they have to travel to Miami and will be a tired team playing their 3rd game in 4 days.  Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey and James Harden all played more than 35 minutes last night.

Miami is 4-1 SU & 3-1-1 ATS in its last five home meetings with Philadelphia.  The Heat are 20-5 ATS after going under the total in their previous game this season.  Miami is 24-7 ATS vs. poor pressure teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  The Heat are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take the Heat Saturday.

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on New Orleans Pelicans +4.5

The New Orleans Pelicans have been a different team since the All-Star Break.  They are starting to form chemistry with newcomer CJ McCollum along with Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas.  They are coming off three of their best games of the season and are fully capable of upsetting the Jazz tonight.

Indeed, the Pelicans are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall.  They beat the Suns 117-102 as 6.5-point road dogs, the Lakers 123-95 as 1-point road dogs and the Kings 125-95 as 6.5-point home favorites.  They will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days tonight so they'll be rested and ready to go.

The Utah Jazz just needed overtime to beat the Rockets last time out as 15-point favorites.  They squeaked by the short-handed Suns by 4 and the Mavericks by 5 while also getting upset by the Lakers by 5 in their last four games.  They are vulnerable right now, and I expect the Pelicans to upset them at home, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

Utah is 5-16-1 ATS in its last 22 Friday games.  The Jazz are 8-21-2 ATS in their last 31 games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  New Orleans is 8-1 ATS in its last nine Friday games.  The Pelicans are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  Take the Pelicans Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +9.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have gone 35-17-4 ATS in their last 56 games overall.  They have been a consistent money maker this season no matter who has been in the lineup.  They overcame injuries in a 129-125 win at Indiana as an 8-point dog and a 119-107 win at Denver as a 14.5-point dog in two of their last three games.

The Minnesota Timberwolves should not be 9.5-point road favorites over the Thunder tonight.  They were 9-point home favorites and 5.5-point road favorites in their first two meetings this season, so we are getting some value with the Thunder.  And it's worth noting the Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards (21.4 PPG), who scored 24 and 22 points in those two meetings with the Thunder earlier this season.

Oklahoma City is 20-8 ATS when playing with double revenge and two straight losses against an opponent this season.  The Timberwolves are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games.  The Thunder are 23-8-3 ATS in their last 34 games following an ATS win.  Oklahoma City is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six games following a win by more than 10 points.  Roll with the Thunder Friday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic +8.5

I faded the Raptors last night with the Pistons +9 in their outright upset.  I'm fading the Raptors again tonight in this 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 9 days as this will be their third 2nd of a back-to-back situation since the All-Star Break.

It's safe to say the Raptors are fatigued right now and it's showing in their play.  They are just 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS since the break with blowout losses by 32 to the Hornets and by 27 to the Hawks as well as that upset loss to the Pistons.  They also only beat the short-handed Nets by a single point as 9-point favorites.  Their only win and cover also came against the short-handed Nets.

The Magic have been much more competitive since the break in going 2-1 SU & 2-1 ATS with their only loss coming to the Pacers in OT after beating the Pacers by 16 the game prior, so it was a letdown spot for them.  They also beat the Rockets by 8 as 3.5-point favorites.  And while the Magic are mostly healthy, the Raptors are without OG Anunoby (17.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG) and could be without Fred VanVleet (21.4 PPG, 6.9 APG) again tonight.

Toronto is 1-7 ATS in its last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  The Raptors are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The Magic are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.  Toronto is 0-7 ATS in home games vs. poor teams that are outscored by 3-plus points per game this season.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +9

The Detroit Pistons are 3-2 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  They have upset wins at Boston as 12-point dogs, at home against Cleveland as 5-point road and on the road at Charlotte as 10-point dogs.  They only lost by 9 as 12.5-point dogs in the rematch with the Celtics and by 3 at Washington as 3.5-point dogs.

I like the talent on this Detroit team and they are one of the few teams with a poor record that shows up every night, which has made them a money maker for me and my clients and other backers alike here down the stretch.  I'm certainly grabbing the 9 points with them with how poorly the Raptors are playing right now.

Indeed, the Raptors are 3-4 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They lost to the Pelicans by 30, the Hawks by 27 and the Hornets by 32.  They only beat the Nets by a single point as 8-point favorites last time out, and that was a Nets team missing all their key players.  They do have a win at Minnesota, but the Timberwolves were playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and they were not.  Both Fred VanVleet (21.4 PPG, 6.9 APG) and OG Anunoby (17.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG) are questionable for the Raptors tonight.

The Pistons simply own the Raptors.  They have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings with five outright upsets as underdogs with three of those wins coming by 14 points or more.  Detroit is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 trips to Toronto.  The Raptors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  Detroit is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls PK

I like the spot for the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They had won six straight before running into two of the best teams in the NBA in losses to the Grizzlies and Heat in their last two games.  Now they have had the last two days off and will be rested and ready to go, plus motivated to get back on track.

They take on a struggling Atlanta Hawks team that is 5-7 SU & 5-7 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  The Hawks are without John Collins, and they could be without Trae Young, who suffered an ankle injury in their 98-107 loss to the Celtics on Tuesday.  He was able to return, but he was limping and not the same after coming back in.  He will still be hobbled even if he decides to play tonight.

The Bulls simply own the Hawks.  They have gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their three meetings with Atlanta this season with two wins by double-digits.  It should be more of the same tonight and I know the Bulls won't be overlooking them since they are coming off two straight losses.

Chicago is 40-18-1 ATS in its last 59 games as a favorite.  The Bulls are 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Chicago is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight games following an ATS loss.  Atlanta is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  The Hawks are 0-4 ATS in their last four games as underdogs.  Chicago is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings.  Take the Bulls Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Utah Jazz -13

The Houston Rockets are 0-10 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They have lost 14 of their last 15 as well.  You just can't trust them to show up on a nightly basis, and that's especially the case tonight given this horrendous spot for them.

The Rockets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days.  They just lost 100-113 at home to the Clippers last night, and now I expect them to get routed by the Utah Jazz just as they have been twice already this season.  They Jazz have beaten them by 34 at home and by 31 on the road in two of their three meetings this season.

Utah is playing some of its best basketball of the season right now since getting Rudy Gobert back from injury to go along with Donovan Mitchell.  The Jazz are fully healthy and dangerous.  They are 8-1 SU & 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They are also rested and ready to go coming in on two days' rest after last playing on Sunday.

The Jazz are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games following a SU win.  Utah is 4-0 ATS in its last four trips to Houston.  The Rockets are 21-53 ATS in their last 74 games following a loss by more than 10 points.  Houston is 16-44 ATS in its last 60 home games.  The Rockets are 0-6 ATS in their last six games playing on zero rest.  Houston is 1-9 ATS in home games off a home loss this season.  Take the Jazz Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers -1

The Indiana Pacers are starting to form some chemistry with the newcomers in Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and company.  They have been competitive in six of their last seven games only once losing by double-digits.  They played close games against Cleveland, Minnesota and Milwaukee and also beat Boston outright by 21.

Of course, the Pacers followed up that upset win over the Celtics by losing 103-119 in Orlando the next night in a predictable letdown spot on the 2nd of a back-to-back.  Now the Pacers get their shot at revenge on the Magic here just two days later, and I expect them to get it.

Malcolm Brogdon rested in that 2nd of a back-to-back but is expected to be back in the lineup tonight.  He leads the team in scoring at 18.5 points per game and also averages 5.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game.  He and Haliburton will make a formidable duo in the backcourt for the Pacers the rest the way provided they are healthy and playing together.

Orlando is 10-26-1 ATS in its last 37 home games.  The Magic are 19-47-3 ATS in their last 69 games as home underdogs.  Indiana is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 trips to Orlando.  The Magic are 0-8 ATS in after covering three of their last four ATS this season.  I'll gladly back the more motivated Pacers tonight at basically a pick 'em price.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Clippers/Rockets UNDER 229

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and boy are the Clippers and Rockets familiar with one another right now.  This will be their 3rd meeting in two weeks tonight and they will be playing each other for a 2nd consecutive time and their 3rd time in 4 games.

The first meeting was a shootout as both teams played little defense just wanting to get to the All-Star Break in a 142-111 win by the Clippers.  But they came back for just 197 combined points on Sunday in a 99-98 win by the Clippers.  That game was played at a much slower tempo, and this one will be too.

Plays on the UNDER on road teams with a total of 220 to 229.5 (LA Clippers) - after going under the total by more than 18 points in their previous game with a winning record on the season playing a losing team are 38-13 (74.5%) over the last five seasons.

The UNDER is 6-0-1 in Clippers last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Houston.  Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* Hawks/Celtics TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 227.5

This total has been inflated due to the Celtics going over the total in five straight and the Hawks going over the total in three of their last four and seven of their last 10.  There's definitely value with the UNDER tonight.

That's especially the case considering familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and the Hawks and Celtics will be meeting for the 2nd time in just over two weeks here.  Boston won 105-95 for just 200 combined points on February 13th with a total of 223.  Now they have set the total even higher in the rematch, which makes zero sense.

In fact, the UNDER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with combined scores of 200, 198 and 209 points.  All three meetings took place this season, so this will be the 4th and final meeting.  Again, familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.

Boston ranks 23rd in pace while Atlanta ranks 16th.  Boston ranks 2nd in defensive efficiency, making them a great UNDER candidate moving forward.  The Hawks have been much better defensively since Clint Capela has been available.  The UNDER is 12-5 in Celtics last 17 games as home favorites.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Bulls/Heat UNDER 224.5

The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls have the two best records in the Eastern Conference.  First place is on the line tonight when the Bulls travel to face the Heat.  I usually look to back the UNDER in this big games between two of the top teams in the NBA because the intensity level is higher, thus the defensive effort is stronger.

Recent head-to-head history also favors the UNDER in a big way.  Indeed, the Bulls and Heat have combined for 215 or fewer points in six consecutive meetings.  They have also combined for 224 or fewer points in 11 consecutive meetings, making for an 11-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 224.5-point total.

Kyle Lowry will be out for the Heat tonight, which will hurt them on offense as he runs the show.  Look for the Heat to slow it down a lot and run the offense through Jimmy Butler, which will help our UNDER.  The Heat have been a much better defensive team since getting Butler and Bam Adebayo back healthy to go along with PJ Tucker.  Those are three of the best defenders in the NBA today.  They have allowed 111 or fewer points in nine of their last 10 games overall.

The UNDER is 13-6-1 in Bulls last 20 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Bulls last five games overall.  Plays on the UNDER in all teams where the total is 220 or higher (Miami) - a well rested team playing 4 or less games in 10 days in a game involving two good teams that win between 60% & 75% of their games are 111-47 (70.3%) since 1996.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers +8.5

I faded the Boston Celtics yesterday with success and I'm fading them again today for many of the same reasons.  The Celtics are now 6-0 in their last six road games while outscoring opponents by a combined 157 points.  They set an NBA record in their five-game road winning streak outscoring opponents by 148 points.

Simply put, the Celtics are overvalued on the road right now after making history.  They are also a tired team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd road game in 4 days.  That's going to make it hard for them to go on the road and put Indiana away by 9-plus points, which is what it is going to take to cover this inflated number.

The Pacers will be playing just their 2nd game since the All-Star Break.  They formed some chemistry over the break with their new players in Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield joining a now healthy Malcolm Brogdon and company.  They have been competitive in five straight games as all five were decided by 9 points or fewer, and they will be competitive tonight given the poor spot for the Celtics.

Indiana is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games after allowing more than 125 points in its previous game.  Bet the Pacers Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Celtics/Pistons UNDER 216.5

I always like backing NBA UNDERS in morning/early afternoon games.  Players aren't use to playing at these early start times, and they tend to be sleep walking through these games.  This is a 12:10 EST start time in Detroit this afternoon as the Pistons host the Celtics.

But what I really like about this UNDER bet is the Celtics and Pistons are very familiar with one another.  In fact, it will be their 3rd meeting since a 102-93 road win by the Celtics on February 4th for just 195 combined points.  Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and these teams met against in the final game prior to the All-Star Break.  They combined to make 29-of-62 from 3-point range in that game and combined for 223 points and that's not going to happen again.

Boston is a great UNDER team because they rank just 24th in pace this season and 2nd in defensive efficiency.  They are 12th in offensive efficiency and struggle on that end at times.  They face a Pistons team that ranks 29th in offensive efficiency.

The UNDER is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings in Detroit.  The UNDER is 13-3 in Celtics last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.  The UNDER is 38-18-1 in Celtics last 57 games following a win by more than 10 points.  Take the UNDER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +11.5

The Detroit Pistons have won outright as underdogs in their last two games and I've been on them for both.  They beat the Celtics 112-111 as 12.5-point road underdogs and the Cavaliers 106-103 as 6-point home underdogs.  I'm certainly backing them again here catching 11.5 points against the Celtics at home this time around.

Oddsmakers have only adjusted this game a single point.  The Pistons go from being 12.5-point road dogs on February 16th in Boston to 11.5-point home dogs in the rematch.  Keep in mind they were also 10-point home dogs to the Celtics when they lost by 9 and covered on February 4th earlier this month as well.

Simply put, the Celtics are getting too much respect from oddsmakers due to a 5-0 run on the road in which they have set an NBA record by outscoring opponents by a combined 148 points.  It is an incredible run, but now it's time for us to take advantage of this publicity and take the value with the Pistons at home today.

Boston is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 games vs. poor rebounding teams that get outrebounded by 3-plus boards per game.  The Celtics are 11-25 ATS in their last 26 games when revenging a loss as a favorite.  Boston is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games after scoring more than 125 points in its previous game.  The Celtics are 8-24-1 ATS in their last 33 games following a win by more than 10 points.  Detroit is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings, including 4-0 ATS in the last four home meetings.  Bet the Pistons Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on New Orleans Pelicans +7.5

The Phoenix Suns beat the Thunder 124-104 last night, but it was much closer than the final score would indicate.  It was a single-digit game in the closing minutes before a huge run by the Suns to put the game away.  That was a short-handed, terrible Thunder team as well.

Now the Suns will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after four of their five starters played at least 30 minutes last night.  They are without Chris Paul and Cameron Payne, their top two points guards.  They won't be better off in the long run without these two, and certainly not in this 2nd of a back-to-back situation.

The Pelicans went into the break playing some of their best basketball of the season.  They went 5-4 SU in their final nine games.  They made the trade for CJ McCollum, and he is teaming up well with Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas to make them far from pushovers here down the stretch.  Herbert Jones and Jaxson Hayes are also two underrated players for the Pelicans that are playing well.

Phoenix is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 home games after covering four or five of its last six against the spread this season.  New Orleans is 6-0 ATS in its last six road games.  Take the Pelicans Friday.

20* Heat/Knicks ESPN No-Brainer on Miami -5

The Miami Heat are 0.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for first place in the Eastern Conference.  They have put themselves in this position despite battling injuries to key players all season.  But now they are as healthy as they have been in a long time and it's starting to show with their play on the court.

Indeed, the Heat are 6-1 SU in their last seven games overall with four wins by double-digits.  They should make easy work of the struggling New York Knicks, who are just 3-13 SU & 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall with eight losses by 9 points or more.

The Kemba Walker signing did not work as he has now been ruled out for the rest of the season and not because of an injury, but because of chemistry issues.  They are also without Derrick Rose and could be without both RJ Barrett and Nerlens Noel.

The Heat simply own the Knicks.  They have gone 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with seven of those wins coming by 6 points or more.  This is clearly a terrible matchup for the Knicks, and it will continue to be tonight with who they are missing and how healthy the Heat are coming out of the break.

Miami is 44-21 ATS in its last 65 games when playing on three or more days' rest.  The Heat are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games as road favorites.  The Knicks are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Miami is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 road games following a win by 6 points or less.  Bet the Heat Friday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago Bulls -3

The Chicago Bulls are tied for 1st in the Eastern Conference coming out of the All-Star Break despite battling through injuries.  They come out of the break healthier with both Zach LaVine and Ayo Dosunmu expected to play as well as new acquisition Tristan Thompson.

The Bulls went into the break on a five-game winning streak without LaVine thanks to the play of DeMar DeRozan, who has made a great case for MVP this season.  They also got great play from Coby White and Nikola Vucevic.  With these three plus LaVine healthy coming out of the break, the Bulls are a force.

The Atlanta Hawks have been a huge disappointment this season at 28-30 after making the Eastern Conference Finals last year.  They continue to get too much respect from the books here coming out of the break as only 3-point road underdogs.  The Hawks are 11-17 SU & 10-18 ATS on the road this season.

Atlanta is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Chicago is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 home games.  The Bulls are 27-10 ATS in their last 37 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Chicago won 131-117 at home and 130-118 on the road in its two previous meetings with Atlanta this season.  Bet the Bulls Thursday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +7

The Detroit Pistons are fully healthy coming out of the All-Star Break.  They are going to be a sneaky competitive team down the stretch and went into the break with an upset road win at Boston as 12.5-point underdogs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the surprise of the NBA this season at 35-23 SU & 34-22-2 ATS.  The word is out on them now and you aren't going to get many bargains backing the Cavaliers moving forward.

Injuries have caught up with the Cavaliers as they lost their final two games going into the break.  Now they come out of the break missing their most important player in All-Star Darius Garland (20.3 PPG, 8.0 APG) along with key acquisition Caris LeVert (18.2 PPG).  Those are their two leading scorers currently.

Cleveland is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games vs. poor offensive teams that score 108 or fewer points per game in the 2nd half of the season over the last two seasons.  The Cavaliers are 16-40-2 ATS in their last 58 games following an ATS loss.  Cleveland is 2-5-1 ATS in its last eight road games.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Heat/Hornets UNDER 226.5

This will be the 3rd meeting between Miami and Charlotte this season.  Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and I look for these teams to struggle to score points tonight just as they have in their first two meetings this season.

Miami beat Charlotte 114-99 for just 213 combined points in their first meeting back on October.  Then they just met a few weeks ago with Miami winning 104-86 on the road for just 190 combined points on February 5th.  There's no way this total should be set as high as 226.5 points tonight given those two results.

Miami recently got Bam Adebayo back from injury and he's one of the best defenders in the NBA.  That has been on display of late as the Heat have allowed 100 or fewer points in four of their last six games overall while going 5-1 during that stretch.  He makes all the difference for this team defensively.

The Hornets have been held to 109 or fewer points at the end of regulation in seven of their last nine games overall and are struggling on that end.  The UNDER is 6-3 in their last nine games overall and would be 7-2 if not for an OT game against Minnesota last time out that was tied 108-108 at the end of regulation.

The UNDER is 23-9 in the last 32 meetings in Charlotte.  The UNDER is 12-3 in Hornets last 15 games as underdogs.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Hornets last six home games.  The UNDER is 7-0 in Hornets last seven Thursday games.  Take the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Detroit Pistons +12.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Detroit Pistons.  They are 0-8 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  But they have been through the gauntlet against mostly playoff teams during this stretch.

Their lone cover came in a 93-102 home loss to the Boston Celtics on February 4th.  Now they will be out for revenge from that defeat, and I really like their chances of staying within this inflated number given the terrible spot for the Celtics.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Celtics, who are have won nine consecutive games coming in.  That includes their blowout road win at Philadelphia last night.  Now the Celtics will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days.  They will be without Marcus Smart, who was injured against the 76ers.  They could also be without Robert Williams, who is questionable with a calf injury.

Boston is 0-8 ATS in its last eight games following two consecutive covers as a favorite.  The Celtics are 1-10 ATS vs. poor rebounding teams that get outrebounded by 3-plus boards per game this season.  Boston is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games after scoring more than 125 points in its previous game.  The Pistons are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.  These four trends combine for a 32-2 system backing Detroit tonight.  Roll with the Pistons Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic +6.5

The Atlanta Hawks are just 2-4 SU & 2-4 ATS in their last six games overall.  That includes 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their three road games during this stretch with losses at Toronto by 11, at Dallas by 9 and at Boston by 10.  They also lost by 15 at home to the Spurs during this stretch.  Their two wins both came at home against the Pacers and Cavaliers.

Now the Hawks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days after a 124-116 home win over the Cavaliers last night.  All five starters played more than 30 minutes last night, so they won't have much left in the tank for the Orlando Magic tonight.

The Magic are as healthy as they have been in a long time and are playing competitive basketball.  Each of their top nine scorers are healthy right now.  They have gone 3-3 SU in their last six home games with upset wins over the Mavericks and Bulls.  They are prepared to give the Hawks a run for their money at home here tonight given the spot.

Atlanta is 10-17 SU & 9-18 ATS on the road this season.  The Hawks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.  The Magic are 5-1 ATS in their last six games when playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Magic Wednesday.

20* Celtics/76ers TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 210.5

Two teams that prefer to play at slow tempos square off tonight when the Boston Celtics visit the Philadelphia 76ers.  The 76ers rank 26th in pace this season while the Celtics rank 21st.  Both teams get after it defensively as the Celtics rank 2nd in defensive efficiency while the 76ers rank 8th.

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  Well, this will be the 4th and final meetings between the Celtics and 76ers tonight.  These teams combined for 210, 211 and 175 points in their first three meetings this season.

The Celtics have really been shutting teams down defensively.  They have allowed 108 or fewer points in 11 consecutive games, including 97 or fewer in nine of those.  The 76ers have held their last two opponents to 93 and 87 points, respectively.  They have scored 103 or less in four of their last six contests.

Philadelphia is 8-1 UNDER off a home win by 10 points or more this season.  Boston is 11-3 UNDER as a road favorite this season.  The UNDER is 19-7 in 76ers last 26 games as underdogs.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Oklahoma City Thunder +8.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the most undervalued teams in the NBA all season.  They are 34-16-3 ATS in their last 53 games overall.  They continue to remain competitive despite some injuries throughout the season and of late.

The Thunder should not be catching 8.5 points on the road to the New York Knicks.  The Knicks are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games overall and coming off a bad 103-112 loss to the short-handed Blazers.  They are also just 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.

Injuries are starting to add up for the Knicks as they are without Derrick Rose and RJ Barrett, and they could be without Cameron Reddish, Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel, who are all questionable.  They have no business laying 8.5 points tonight given their current state.

Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with New York.  The Thunder are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games.  Oklahoma City is 7-0 ATS in road games with a total of 200 to 209.5 this season.  The Thunder are 10-1 ATS in road games vs. Eastern Conference opponents this season.  New York is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games vs. teams that score 104 points per game or fewer.  Roll with the Thunder Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +4.5

The Detroit Pistons have been through the gauntlet.  They have lost seven straight games with each of the last six coming against playoff contenders.  It's a great time to 'buy low' on them as they take a big step down in class here against the New York Knicks.

The Pistons are healthy right now and have talent.  Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham are both healthy.  They get Marvin Bagley III from the Kings and he should contribute the rest of the way and is probable tonight.  The only key player they are missing is 5th-leading scorer Frank Jackson (10.9 PPG).

The Wizards were sellers at the trade deadline and probably cannot be trusted much the rest of the way.  Bradley Beal is out with a season-ending injury, and they traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who remains out with a knee injury.  Daniel Gafford is out as well.  I think the Pistons have the better talent when comparing the current players available tonight.

Washington is 2-15-1 ATS in its last 18 games overall.  The Wizards are 0-8 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take the Pistons Monday.

15* Hawks/Celtics ABC ANNIHILATOR on Atlanta +7.5

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Boston Celtics.  They have gone 9-1 SU in their last 10 games overall against a pretty weak schedule.  The one loss?  A 92-108 road loss against these Atlanta Hawks.

I like the Hawks catching 7.5 points in the rematch.  They won't be taking the Celtics lightly after going 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall.  And they simply have owned the Celtics in recent meetings.

Indeed, the Hawks are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with wins by 15, 11 and 16 points.  The Hawks are also 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Atlanta is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games playing on one days' rest.  The Celtics are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as home favorites.  Take the Hawks Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Toronto Raptors -3.5

The Toronto Raptors are 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last eight games overall and playing their best basketball of the season.  All eight wins have come by 4 points or more, including four straight wins by double-digits.  Toronto is also 23-6 ATS in its last 29 games overall.

The Raptors are rested and ready to go after having yesterday off.  The same cannot be said for the Nuggets, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 102-108 loss in Boston last night.  The Nuggets are now 0-3 SU in their last three road games with all three losses by 4 points or more.

Home-court advantage has been big in this series as the home team is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings with all five wins coming by 8 points or more.  The Nuggets are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games playing on zero rest.  Denver is 9-19 ATS in its last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Toronto is 9-0 ATS in its last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Take the Raptors Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New York Knicks -4.5

The Portland Trail Blazers just traded away all of their top players outside of Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons.  They traded away Norman Powell and CJ McCollum among others.  They are clearly punting on this season after a stretch in which they have gone 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall with four losses by 14 points or more.

The Knicks stood pat at the deadline and like their team.  They are coming off an impressive 116-114 win as 9.5-point road underdogs at Golden State.  They will be highly motivated to cap off this five-game road trip with one final victory here at Portland against the short-handed Blazers tonight.

The Knicks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as favorites, including 4-1 ATS in their last five games as road favorites.  New York is 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland.  Roll with the Knicks Saturday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -3

This is a tough spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  They will be playing their 3rd road game in 4 days after an upset loss in Sacramento last time out.  The injury report is ugly for the Timberwolves with Russell, Edwards, Beverly, Prince, Reid and Okogie all questionable.

The Bulls have Zach LaVine and Coby White back now to go along with DeRozan and Vucevic.  With these four healthy, they can beat anyone.  The Bulls went on the road and topped the Hornets 121-109 last time out Wednesday and now should cover as only 3-point home favorites against the Timberwolves tonight.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 8-1 SU & 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.  The Timberwolves are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.  Chicago is 24-9 ATS in its last 33 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Bulls are 36-17-1 ATS in their last 54 games as favorites.  Take the Bulls Friday.

15* Bucks/Suns TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 233.5

This total has been inflated because both the Bucks and Suns have been going over the total with regularity here of late.  The Bucks are 5-1 over in their last six games, while the Suns are 4-1 over in their last five games.  So we are getting some value with the UNDER tonight because of that.

The Bucks and Suns are familiar with one another after meeting in the NBA Finals last season.  This will be their first meeting this season, and I think that familiarity will lead to a low-scoring game.  I also like taking UNDERS in games between two of the top teams in the NBA because they are more motivated to win and play harder defensively.

Five of the six meetings between Milwaukee and Phoenix in the NBA Finals saw 226 or fewer combined points.  The UNDER is 37-18-2 in Bucks last 57 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 230 or higher (Milwaukee) - off a road win, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a team with a winning record are 52-15 (77.6%) since 1996.  Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 210 or higher (Phoenix) - a hot team having won 12 or more of its last 15 games against another hot team that has won eight or more of their last 10 games are 44-13 (77.2%) over the last five seasons.  Take the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Nets/Wizards OVER 217.5

Two teams that aren't getting many stops of late square off in the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.  This is a pretty low total for two teams that don't get stops and like to push the pace.

The Nets are 0-9 SU in their last nine games overall while allowing 110 or more points in eight of those nine losses.  They will get Kyrie Irving back for this game, but that only helps the OVER because he is a big plus on offense and a big negative on defense.

Washington has allowed 109 or more points in seven of its last nine games overall.  The offense has been held in check but a lot of that has been the competition.  They take a big step down in class here against the Nets and should hang a big number.

The Nets and Wizards just combined for 237 points in a 119-118 Brooklyn victory on January 19th in the first and only meeting this season.  In fact, the Wizards and Nets have combined for 219 or more points in five of their last six meetings and 219 or more points in eight of their last 10 meetings as well.

Brooklyn is 11-2 OVER in road games with a total of 210 to 219.5 over the last two seasons.  The Nets are 17-5 OVER in their last 22 games following three consecutive losses by 10 points or more.  Brooklyn is 10-1 OVER in its last 11 road games vs. poor 3-point shooting teams that make 33% or less.  The OVER is 5-0 in Wizards last five games as home favorites.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Wizards -2.5

The Brooklyn Nets are broken right now.  They are 0-9 SU & 1-8 ATS in their last nine games overall with seven losses by double-digits.  That includes five straight losses by double-digits, and their last three losses have come by 35, 20 and 23 points, respectively.

The problem for the Nets is they are missing almost all their key players.  Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, James Harden, Paul Millsap and LaMarcus Aldridge are all out tonight.  Nicolas Claxton is questionable.  They will have Kyrie Irving since this is a road game, but it won't be enough to get them a win in Washington.

The Wizards are pretty much fully healthy outside of Bradley Beal.  I like the talent on this team overall and the depth.  They are better even without Beal than the Nets are without all the guys they are missing.  And the Wizards come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest and just their 3rd game in 8 days.  This is a big step down in clash for Washington after their last five games have come against the Grizzlies, Bucks, 76ers, Suns and Heat.

Plays on home favorites (Washington) - after a loss by 10 points or more against an opponent that is off four straight losses by 10 points or more are 32-10 (76.2%) ATS since 1996.  Brooklyn is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games following two consecutive losses by 10 points or more.  The Nets are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 trips to Washington.  Roll with the Wizards Thursday.

20* Warriors/Jazz ESPN No-Brainer on Utah -1

The Utah Jazz are playing much better since getting Donovan Mitchell back from injury, which is no surprise.  The Jazz are 3-0 SU & 2-0-1 ATS in their last three games overall.  They come in rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days tonight.

Now the Jazz want revenge on the Warriors after dropping each of the first two meetings with them this season.  But Mitchell missed their 92-94 road loss at Golden State on January 23rd in their last meeting.  Having him back and playing at home will make all the difference tonight.

The Warriors are getting a lot of respect due to their current nine-game winning streak.  But it has come against weak competition with the Rockets (twice), that 2-point win over the Mitchell-less Jazz, the Mavericks, the Timberwolves, the Nets, the Spurs, the Kings and the Thunder.  This is their toughest test in nearly a month.

The Warriors will be without Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala tonight and could be without Kevon Looney.  Utah is 21-10 ATS in its last 31 home games following a home game.  Bet the Jazz Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Detroit Pistons +11.5

The Detroit Pistons have been feisty despite their poor record.  They are just 2-8 SU but 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games overall as they have been a difficult team to get margin on.  And I fully expect them to stay within 11.5 points of the Mavericks as they have only lost two of their last 10 games by more than 11 points.

This is the ideal letdown spot for the Mavericks.  They are coming off two straight huge home wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks.  But remember, they were upset by the Thunder as 12-point home favorites and by Orlando as 5-point road favorites in their previous two games.  They will have a hard time getting margin here in this letdown spot.

Detroit is a perfect 8-0 ATS after failing to cover the spread in three of its last four games this season.  Dallas is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points.  The Pistons are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS loss.  Detroit is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to Dallas.  Bet the Pistons Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -7.5

The Boston Celtics are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 7-1 SU in their last eight games overall with six of those wins coming by 9 points or more.  Now they should crush the short-handed Brooklyn Nets tonight.

The Nets are 0-8 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall with six of those losses coming by double-digits.  Not only are they without Kevin Durant, but they are also without Joe Harris, Paul Millsap, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kyrie Irving.  They could also be without James Harden, who is questionable with a nagging hamstring injury.

Brooklyn is 5-19 ATS in all home games this season.  The Nets are 0-8 ATS in home games after playing a road game this season.  It's a bad spot as they return home following a five-game road trip and will be playing in their 5th different city in eight days.  Take the Celtics Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Golden State Warriors -12.5

The Golden State Warriors have won eight consecutive games coming in.  They will be motivated to keep this winning streak alive, and they shouldn't have much trouble against the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder tonight.

The Warriors are rested and ready to go coming in on three days' rest having last played on Thursday.  They take on an Oklahoma City team that is just 4-13 SU in their last 17 games overall.  Of course, the Thunder are so short-handed right now it has been hard for them to even be competitive.

Oklahoma City is without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jeremiah Robinson-Early, Aaron Wiggins and Mike Muscala right now.  They could also be without Luguentz Dort, who is questionable.  They don't have the horses to even keep this game competitive against the Warriors tonight.

Golden State is 8-1 ATS vs. horrible offensive teams that score 104 or fewer points per game this season.  They are winning by 17.9 points per game in this spot.  The Warriors are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  They have won five straight meetings with the Thunder with four of those wins coming by 21 points or more.  Bet the Warriors Monday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Orlando Magic +9.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Boston Celtics today.  They have gone 6-1 SU & 4-3 ATS in their last seven games overall against a pretty easy schedule.  Now they find themselves laying 9.5 points on the road to the Orlando Magic.  Asking them to win by double-digits to beat us is asking too much.

The Magic have been feisty of late as they have gotten healthy.  They have gone 3-2 SU & 3-2 ATS in their last five games overall with their only losses coming to Memphis and Boston.  This line is adjusted too much for the Magic having to play the 2nd of a back-to-back after a home loss to Memphis last night.

But the Magic had two days off prior to that Memphis game.  They got blown out by 20 so they could rest their starters in the 4th quarter against a Grizzlies team that is playing as well as anyone.  And there won't be any travel involved as they remain at home.  The Magic will have plenty left in the tank to stay within 9.5 points of the Celtics today.

Boston is 0-10 ATS vs. poor rebounding teams that get outrebounded by 3-plus boards per game this season.  The Magic are 5-0 ATS in their last five Sunday games.  Take the Magic Sunday.