20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Blazers/Clippers UNDER 228

This is a huge game in the West tonight.  The Clippers are in 8th place just 1.5 games ahead of the 9th place Blazers.  The team that finishes in 8th has a huge advantage to make the playoffs over the team that finishes 9th in the play-in.  It's safe to say defensive intensity will be very high in this game tonight.

The Clippers rank 28th in pace this season and will control the tempo playing at home tonight.  They have been playing elite defense allowing just 104.0 points per game in their last four games.  The Clippers will shut down the Blazers, who are without two of their top three scorers in Shaedon Sharpe (21.4 PPG) and Jerami Grant (18.6 PPG) tonight.  

Portland will struggle offensively tonight without these two and will have to rely more on defense to try and stay competitive.  They went for just 193 combined points with the Mavs and 211 with the Wizards in their last two games coming in, so this total of 228 is very high for a game involving Portland.

The UNDER is 3-0 in the last three meetings between the Clippers and Blazers with 222 or fewer combined points in all three.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* Knicks/Rockets NBC ANNIHILATOR on Houston ML +105

I think the New York Knicks quietly would like to fall to the 4th seed in the East to avoid the Celtics in the 2nd round.  They are just one game ahead of 4th place Cleveland and would be just fine if the Cavaliers overtake them for the 3rd seed.

That helps explain why the Knicks seem to just be going through the motions are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They are 1-2 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall with double-digit road losses to both the Hornets and Thunder, as well as a narrow home win over the Pelicans.  The Knicks have been terrible on the road all season going 20-18 SU & 14-24 ATS, so they should not be favored over the Rockets tonight.

The Rockets are 25-10 SU at home this season.  They are also 20-7 SU against Eastern Conference opponents.  They want revenge from a 2-point loss at New York in their first meeting this season in February.  Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is a perfect 6-0 SU in the last six meetings.

The Rockets have more to play for right now trying to avoid the play-in sitting in 6th place in the West.  They could climb as high as No. 3 or No. 4 in the West, too.  They are coming off a pair of blowout road wins over the Pelicans by 32 and the Grizzlies by 10.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Rockets on the Money Line Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday UPSET SHOCKER on Phoenix Suns +2

The Phoenix Suns sit in 7th place in the West.  They still have an outside shot at the 6th seed, but at the very least want to make sure they stay in 7th place to give them the best chance to come out of the play-in.  They are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now, and they are about to be as healthy as they have been in a long time.

Indeed, the Suns are 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with their lone loss coming to the Nuggets by 2.  They blew out the Raptors by 22, the Jazz by 25 and the Grizzlies by 26 in their three wins.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but the blowout nature of their win over the Grizzlies last night allowed almost all of their key players to rest in the 4th quarter.

The Suns will only be playing their 3rd game in 7 days tonight, so they should still be very fresh.  And Dillon Brooks (20.9 PPG) makes his much-anticipated return from a hand injury after missing 25 games.  Grayson Allen (17.3 PPG) sat out last night so they would have him available for this game.  The Suns will be 'all in' tonight to get this win.

The Magic have been needing wins for weeks and they just can't get them, and I'm really starting to wonder about the chemistry of this team.  The Magic are 1-6 SU in their last seven games overall.  The one win? How bout a narrow 121-117 home win over the tanking Kings as 15.5-point favorites.

The Magic are coming off a 52-point loss at Toronto, and they had two days off prior to that game.  It's a concerning sign for the Magic, who have no business being favored in this game, especially since they remain without two of their top four scorers in Franz Wagner (21.3 PPG) and Anthony Black (15.3 PPG).  Bet the Suns Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Utah Jazz +17.5

This line is inflated due to the perception that the Jazz are tanking.  But they are only getting outscored by 6.2 points per game at home this season.  And they recently just took the Nuggets to the wire on the road two games ago.  They are much healthier than they've been in a long time and will give the Cavs a run for their money tonight.

The Cavs just don't have much to play for here down the stretch.  They want the 4th seed and are pretty much locked into it trailing the Knicks by 1.5 games for 3rd place and leading the Raptors by 4 games for 4th place.  They would love to finish 4th in the East to assure they play the Pistons in the 2nd round instead of Boston.

The Cavs have been going through the motions for weeks going just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They have just two wins by more than 14 points in their last 18 games, so they aren't really blowing anyone out.  They are without four key players in Allen, Tyson, Strus and Wade tonight.  

Cleveland also has a big game on deck tomorrow night with the Lakers, which they may be saving up for tonight.  The Jazz upset the Cavs 123-112 in Cleveland as 13-point dogs in their first meeting this season.  Bet the Jazz Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Cavs/Jazz OVER 242

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team no matter who they have on the court.  They rank 2nd in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  The Jazz recently went for 270 combined points with the Raptors and 264 with the Nuggets, and they have gone for 242 or more combined points in six of their last seven contests.  

The Jazz are 9-2 OVER in their last 11 games overall, and this total of 242 is too short for a game involving the Jazz right now.  They are 27-11 OVER in all home games this season where they control the pace, and opponents wear down defensively in the altitude with that break-neck pace.

The Cavs just went for 277 combined points with the Heat and 267 with the Magic in two of their last three games coming in.  They are 6-3 OVER in their last nine games overall with 243 or more combined points in five of those.  This total is pretty short for a game involving the Cavs right now, too.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Atlanta Hawks ML -120

The Atlanta Hawks have a lot to play for sitting in 6th place in the East.  They are desperate to avoid the play-in and to win the Southeast Division.  They are only 0.5 games behind the Raptors for 5th place, but only 0.5 games ahead of the 76ers who are in 7th.  They have no margin for error right now.

The Hawks are playing their best basketball of the season to put themselves in this position.  They have gone 15-2 SU & 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  One of those two losses came to the Celtics by 7 on the road on March 27th.  Now is their chance to avenge that defeat just three days later tonight.

They catch the Celtics in a very tough spot playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a road win at Charlotte last night.  The Celtics have already decided to rest two starters in Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta tonight.  They are nearly locked into the #2 seed in the East 4 games behind the Pistons but 2.5 games ahead of the Knicks with only 8 games left.  They don't have nearly as much to play for as Atlanta.  Bet the Hawks on the Money Line Monday.

20* Warriors/Nuggets NBC Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 238.5

The Denver Nuggets are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating this season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time and thriving offensively right now.

The Nuggets and their opponents have gone for at least 233 combined points in 12of their last 14 games overall.  They are coming off a 125-123 win in Phoenix for 248 combined points, a 142-135 win over the Mavs for 277 combined points and a 135-129 win over the Jazz for 264 combined points.  The Nuggets have gone for at least 240 combined points in 9 of their last 12 games.

The Golden State Warriors have quietly gone 15-6 OVER in their last 21 games overall.  They have still been scoring without Steph Curry, but their defense has taken a major hit without Jimmy Butler.  They have gone for 235 or more combined points in 7 of their last 10 games overall.  This total of 238.5 is short for a game involving the Warriors and Nuggets right now.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with 245 and 240 points at the end of regulation in two of them.  This game will be a shootout tonight with very little defense being played.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on New Orleans Pelicans +6

The New Orleans Pelicans are 10-8 SU & 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall and absolute covering machines right now.  They only have four losses by more than 5 points in their last 18 games, so they have been competitive even in defeat.  They have no incentive to tank since they don't have their draft pick.

The Houston Rockets have been one of the most overvalued teams in the NBA this season.  The Rockets are 19-19 SU & 12-26 ATS in their last 38 games overall.  That includes 1-8 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They play a slow tempo style with terrible offense that makes it very tough for them to get margin on opponents.

The Pelicans want revenge from a 107-105 loss in Houston as 5.5-point dogs on March 13th just two weeks ago.  Now they are 6-point home dogs in the rematch, and this is tremendous value tonight.  Bet the Pelicans Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Jazz/Suns OVER 231

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team no matter who they have on the court.  They rank 2nd in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  The Jazz recently went for 270 combined points with the Raptors and 264 with the Nuggets, and they have gone for 242 or more combined points in five of their last six contests.  They are 8-2 OVER in their last 10 games overall, and this total of 231 is too short for a game involving the Jazz right now.

The Suns are having to play more small ball without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks.  They are coming off a 125-123 loss to the Nuggets for 248 combined points, and they have gone for 231 or more combined points in five of their last nine games overall.  They've had the last three days off and will be looking to run and hang a big number on the Jazz tonight to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.

The OVER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Jazz and Suns.  They have gone for 232 or more combined points in seven of their last nine meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Wizards/Warriors OVER 232

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 6th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They have really quit playing defense in the midst of 1-16 SU run.  They have allowed 117 or more points in 16 of their last 18 games overall.

The OVER is 11-3 in Wizards last 14 games overall with 234 or more combined points in 12 of those 14 games.  They are coming off 258 combined points with the Knicks, 243 with the Thunder and 243 with the Jazz.  They have gone for 242 or more combined points in five of their last six games overall, so this total of 232 is pretty short for a game involving the Wizards right now.

The Golden State Warriors have quietly gone 14-6 OVER in their last 20 games overall.  They have still been scoring without Steph Curry, but their defense has taken a major hit without Jimmy Butler.  They have gone for 235 or more combined points in six of their last nine games overall.  This total of 232 is also short for a game involving the Warriors right now.

Golden State beat Washington 125-117 for 242 combined points on March 16th less than two weeks ago.  Neither team lit it up especially the Wizards, who shot just 28.1% from 3.  The Wizards and Warriors have combined for 235 or more points in nine consecutive meetings, making for a 9-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 232-point total.  It should be more of the same in the rematch tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +14

The Washington Wizards are still playing hard despite going 1-16 SU in their last 17 games overall.  They are coming off a 133-110 win over the Jazz, and they are fresh and ready to go tonight playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  They are also 5-3 ATS in their last eight games overall with just three losses by more than 13 points during this stretch.

The Wizards only lost 125-117 at home to the Warriors on March 16th less than two weeks ago.  They only lost by 8 despite shooting just 28.1% from 3.  They have shot better than 30% from 3 in 11 of their last 13 games, so they are shooting it well overall and should have some positive shooting regression in their favor in the rematch tonight to stay within this inflated 14-point spread.

The Warriors have no business being 14-point favorites against anyone right now.  They remain without Curry, Butler, Moody, Post and Horford tonight.  They have gone just 10-19 SU & 10-19 ATS in their last 29 games overall, including 3-9 SU & 1-11 ATS in their last 12 home games.  Their home-court advantage is gone when Curry doesn't play as fans only show up to see him.

The Warriors are also a tired team right now playing their 8th game in 13 days with six of their last seven games on the road.  They may win tonight, but they only beat the Nets by 3 as 12.5-point favorites in their last game, and the Wizards are better than the Nets right now.  Bet the Wizards Friday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Mavs/Blazers OVER 239.5

The Dallas Mavericks are a dead nuts OVER team going 6-1 OVER in their last seven games overall with 240 or more combined points in all seven games.  They have gone for 232 or more combined points in nine consecutive games now.  They are going more small ball with the players that are available, and they rank 5th in pace this season so they are playing fast and small ball, which is a recipe for OVERS.

Dallas is coming off a 142-135 loss in regulation to Denver for 277 combined points.  It was their 7th consecutive game with 240 or more combined points, so this total of 239.5 is actually short for a game involving the Mavericks right now.

The Blazers rank 7th in pace this season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time, which has led to some great offensive numbers in recent games.  They scored 134 points on Brooklyn and 130 on Milwaukee in their last two games.  They will likely get 130-plus again tonight to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.

The OVER is 7-0 in the last seven meetings between the Mavericks and Blazers.  They have gone for 240 or more combined points in six of those seven meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Jazz/Nuggets OVER 248.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team no matter who they have on the court.  They rank 2nd in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  The Jazz recently went for 270 combined points with the Raptors, and they have gone for 242 or more combined points in four of their last five contests.  They are 7-2 OVER in their last nine games overall.

The Denver Nuggets are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating this season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time and thriving offensively right now.

The Nuggets and their opponents have gone for at least 233 combined points in 11 of their last 13 games overall.  They are coming off a 125-123 win in Phoenix for 248 combined points and a 142-135 win over the Mavs for 277 combined points, and they have gone for at least 240 combined points in 8 of their last 11 games.

The Jazz and Nuggets have combined for at least 247 points in three of their last four meetings, topping this number twice.  This total of 248.5 even though it sounds high, isn't high enough for a game involving the Jazz and Nuggets in their current state.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Clippers/Pacers OVER 237.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 14-3 OVER in their last 17 games overall.  They are absolutely tanking and just quit playing defense.  They have allowed at least 123 points in 15 of their last 17 games, including 126 or more points in 13 of those.  

The Pacers have gone for at least 231 combined points in 15 of those 17 games with their opponents.  That includes 246 or more combined points in six straight games coming in.  They are much healthier now with Siakam, Nembhard and Nesmith playing so their offense has really improved during this stretch.  This total of 237.5 is very low for a game involving the Pacers in their current state.

The Clippers are playing faster and thriving offensively with Leonard, Garland and Mathurin healthy at the same time.  They have scored at least 115 points in eight of their last 11 games overall.  They will hang a big number on the Pacers tonight to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Knicks/Hornets NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Charlotte PK

The Charlotte Hornets have gone 22-6 SU & 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games overall.  They have pulled to within 2.5 games of the Atlanta Hawks for 1st place in the Southeast Division.  They are playing inspired basketball to try and pass up the Heat, Magic and Hawks within the division.

The spot really favors the Hornets.  They are fully healthy and will be playing just their 6th game in 15 days.  This extra rest has led to four straight blowout wins over the Heat by 30, the Magic by 19, the Grizzlies by 23 and the Kings by 44.  The starting 5 of Miller, Ball, Knueppel, Bridges and Diabate has been the best lineup in the NBA this season, and now they have scoring punch off the bench with Coby White.

The Knicks have also won 7 straight but they have been much more competitive games.  And six of those wins came against non-playoff teams, while the only game against a potential playoff team was a 3-point home win over the Warriors as 14.5-point favorites.  They have gone just 3-6 ATS in their last nine games overall.

The Knicks are 20-16 SU & 14-22 ATS on the road this season with a big home/road split.  They are without two key role players in Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, so they don't have much depth behind Jalen Brunson.  The Hornets prove they are for real once again with a home win over the Knicks tonight.  Bet the Hornets Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans +5

The New Orleans Pelicans are 10-6 SU & 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall and absolute covering machines right now.  They only have two losses by more than 5 points in their last 16 games, so they have been competitive even in defeat.  They have no incentive to tank since they don't have their draft pick.

While the Pelicans are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, the Pistons are a tired, short-handed team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Not only that, they are coming off an OT loss to the Hawks last night.

Duren played 42 minutes, Jenkins 44, Thompson 37 and Harris 35 minutes last night.  The Pistons are without Cade Cunningham, so they shouldn't be favored by 5 here without him.  Especially if the Pistons decide to rest some guys in this very difficult rest situation.  Bet the Pelicans Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Dallas Mavericks +12.5

This is a very tough spot for the Denver Nuggets.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 125-123 win in Phoenix last night.  They will also be playing their 6th game in 9 days.  Four starters played at least 32 minutes for the Nuggets last night, and I question how much they'll have left in the tank for this one.

The perception that Dallas is tanking is giving up more points here than they should be getting.  They clearly aren't tanking intentionally as they are coming off two straight OT losses to the Clippers and Warriors, two playoff contenders.  They are pretty healthy with Cooper Flagg, and you can tell he and his teammates are trying hard night in and night out when you watch them.

That effort should be there tonight against the Nuggets, who the Mavericks have actually matched up well against this season.  They pulled the outright upset in the two meetings in which Nikola Jokic played for the Nuggets.  They won 131-121 as 11.5-point road dogs and 131-130 as 6.5-point home dogs.  They will take the tired Nuggets to the wire again tonight.  This will be just the 3rd game in 7 days for Dallas.  Bet the Mavericks Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Mavs/Nuggets OVER 244.5

The Denver Nuggets are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating this season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time and thriving offensively right now.

The Nuggets and their opponents have gone for at least 233 combined points in 10 of their last 12 games overall.  They are coming off a 125-123 win in Phoenix for 248 combined points, and they have gone for at least 240 combined points in seven of their last 10 games.

The Dallas Mavericks are a dead nuts OVER team going 5-1 OVER in their last six games overall with 240 or more combined points in all six games.  They have gone for 232 or more combined points in eight consecutive games now.  They are going more small ball with the players that are available, and they rank 5th in pace this season so they are playing fast and small ball, which is a recipe for OVERS.

In the two meetings between the Mavs and Nuggets this season in which Nikola Jokic played in, they were both very high-scoring games.  Dallas won 131-121 for 252 combined points on the road in a game that only saw 46 combined points in the 4th quarter to boot.  Dallas won 131-130 at home for 261 combined points.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Wizards/Jazz OVER 238.5

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 6th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They have really quit playing defense in the midst of their tanking 16-game losing streak.  They have allowed 117 or more points in 16 of their last 17 games overall.

The OVER is 10-3 in Wizards last 13 games overall with 234 or more combined points in 11 of those 13 games.  They are coming off 258 combined points with the Knicks and 243 with the Thunder with 242 or more combined points in four of their last five games overall.

The Utah Jazz are 26-11 OVER at home this season.  They rank 2nd in pace and 29th in defensive rating for a very similar profile to the Wizards.  The Jazz went for 270 combined points with the Raptors in their last game, and they have gone for 242 or more combined points in three of their last four contests.

It's safe to say this game will see a ton of possessions and zero defense.  The end result will be this game sailing OVER this 238.5-point total.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Heat/Cavs Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on OVER 242.5

The Miami Heat are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace this season and are fully healthy right now with their full compliment of weapons.  They are a potent offensive team when that's the case, but they have really slipped defensively.

The Heat are 9-1 OVER in their last 10 games overall finishing with 231 or more combined points in eight of those nine games.  They have gone for 242 or more combined points in four straight games coming in, so this total of 242.5 isn't that high for a game involving Miami right now.

That's especially the case when you consider their opponent in the Cavaliers, who have gone 5-2 OVER in their last seven games overall with 239 or more combined points in five of those seven games.  They are coming off a 136-131 win over the Magic last night for 267 combined points.  That's a Magic team that was without three of their top five scorers.

The OVER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Heat and Cavaliers.  In their two meetings this season, they combined for 278 and 246 points.  The 278 was in OT, but that was at 256 at the end of regulation.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night Line Mistake on Indiana Pacers +11

The Indiana Pacers 3-0 ATS in their last three games with covers against the Magic, Blazers and Spurs, and they recently only lost by 9 to the Knicks to get the cover as well.  While they are tanking, they have stayed reasonably competitive, and this 11-point spread against the Lakers is a couple notches too high.

The Pacers have Siakam, Nesmith and Nembhard back healthy and playing.  Siakam had 37 points to lead the Pacers to a 128-126 road win at Orlando as 10.5-point dogs last time out.  While they have been tanking, they are clearly playing harder than they get credit for with these double-digits spreads.

The Lakers had their 9-game winning streak come to an end with a 113-110 loss in Detroit against a Pistons team that was without Cade Cunningham.  I always like fading teams in that first game after having a long winning streak snapped.  There tends to be a hangover effect.

The Lakers have been very fortunate in close games all season and each of their last five wins during their 9-game winning streak came by 8 points or fewer.  They aren't blowing anyone out.  And without two of their best defenders in Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura tonight, plus DeAndre Ayton questionable, the Lakers are very short-handed.  They lost to the Pistons in their first game without Smart in a while, and he is their glue guy that will be missed trying to defend all these Pacers' guards.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Lakers/Pacers OVER 237.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 13-3 OVER in their last 16 games overall.  They are absolutely tanking and just quit playing defense.  They have allowed at least 123 points in 14 of their last 16 games, including 126 or more points in 12 of those.  

The Pacers have gone for at least 231 combined points in 14 of those 16 games with their opponents.  That includes 246 or more combined points in five straight games coming in.  They are much healthier now with Siakam, Nembhard and Nesmith playing so their offense has really improved during this stretch.  This total of 237.5 is very low for a game involving the Pacers in their current state.

The Lakers are an elite offensive team as long as Doncic and Reaves are healthy and playing, which they have been here down the stretch.  But the Lakers are down two of their best defenders in Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura right now, making them even more of an OVER team.  The Lakers have scored at least 120 points in five of their last eight games overall and will hang a big number on the Pacers tonight.  

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with 239 or more combined points in all three meetings.  They have gone for 239 or more combined points in four of their last five metings as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Nuggets/Suns NBC No-Brainer on OVER 232.5

The Denver Nuggets are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating this season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time and thriving offensively right now.

The Nuggets and their opponents have gone for at least 233 combined points in nine of their last 11 games overall, so this total of 232.5 is very short for a game involving the Nuggets right now.

The Suns are having to go more small ball without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks right now, which are also two key defenders.  I think the fact that they have gone under the total in four consecutive games coming into this one is keeping this total lower than it should be.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings between the Nuggets and Suns with 242 or more combined points in all three.  Two of those meetings happened earlier this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Pelicans/Knicks OVER 231.5

The New Orleans Pelicans are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 11th in pace and 23rd in defensive rating.  They have a very competent offense right now with how healthy they are.  Their top 8 scorers are all healthy and expected to play tonight, and there's a lot of talent there with Murphy, Williamson, Murray and Bey leading the way.

The New York Knicks rank 3rd in offensive rating this season and will hang a big number on the Pelicans tonight.  They have scored 134 or more points four times in their last nine games.  They have gone for 244 or more combined points in five of their last nine games.

The Pelicans have actually gone under the total in five consecutive games, but they have played a lot of good defensive teams and slow-paced teams during this stretch.  They have still gone for at least 233 combined points in six of their last nine games overall, so this total of 231.5 is pretty low for a game involving the Pelicans and Knicks right now.  

New York beat New Orleans 130-125 for 255 combined points in their first meeting this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on Charlotte Hornets -17

The Charlotte Hornets have gone 21-6 SU & 18-9 ATS in their last 27 games overall.  They have pulled to within 2.5 games of the Atlanta Hawks for 1st place in the Southeast Division.  They are playing inspired basketball to try and pass up the Heat, Magic and Hawks within the division.

The spot really favors the Hornets.  They are fully healthy and will be playing just their 5th game in 13 days.  They had the last two days off, and this extra rest has led to three straight blowout wins over the Heat by 30, the Magic by 19 and the Grizzlies by 23.  The starting 5 of Miller, Ball, Knueppel, Bridges and Diabate has been the best lineup in the NBA this season, and now they have scoring punch off the bench with Coby White.

The Kings are blatantly tanking tonight.  They will be without 9 key players in LaVine, Westbrook, Clifford, Murray, Eubanks, Sabonis, Hunter, Hayes and Achiuwa tonight.  They'll be without five of their top six scorers and some of the other pieces that have taken their place and kept them somewhat competitive.  They won't be competitive tonight with this G League lineup they are putting on the court.  Bet the Hornets Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Mavericks OVER 230.5

The Dallas Mavericks are a dead nuts OVER team going 4-1 OVER in their last five games overall with 240 or more combined points in all five games.  They have gone for 232 or more combined points in seven consecutive games now.  They are going more small ball with the players that are available, and this total of 230.5 is very low for a game involving Dallas right now.

The Golden State Warriors have quietly gone 13-5 OVER in their last 18 games overall.  They have still been scoring without Steph Curry, but their defense has taken a major hit without Jimmy Butler.  They have gone for 235 or more combined points in five of their last eight games overall.  This total of 230.5 is also short for a game involving the Warriors right now.

That's especially the case with the Warriors much healthier than they have been in a long time tonight.  Key offensive weapons in Porzingis (16.5 PPG) and Melton (13.3 PPG) will be back tonight, and Moody (11.9 PPG) has been upgraded to questionable.  The Warriors are also playing small ball right now.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Night BLOWOUT on Atlanta Hawks -13.5

The Atlanta Hawks are 12-1 SU & 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall and playing as well as anyone in the NBA.  Amazingly, all 12 wins have come by 9 points or more so they are absolutely obliterating the opposition.

The Hawks are showing what they are capable of when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They are also playing motivated basketball currently sitting in 6th place in the East and in 1st place in the Southeast Division.  But they have no margin for error with the Magic, Heat and Hornets all within 2 games of them within their division.  So there will be no letdown tonight.

The tanking Memphis Grizzlies have gone 1-10 SU in their last 11 games overall.  They have been particularly poor on the road, going 0-5 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five road games with their lone cover coming in a 16-point loss at Detroit as 16.5-point dogs.  They lost by 23 in Charlotte and by 25 in Chicago in their last two road games.

The Grizzlies are blatantly tanking when you look at their injury report with 10 players out.  They are basically fielding a G league team right now.  Bet the Hawks Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pacers/Magic OVER 231.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 12-3 OVER in their last 15 games overall.  They are absolutely tanking and just quit playing defense.  They have allowed at least 123 points in 13 of their last 15 games, including 127 or more points in 11 of those.  They have gone for at least 231 combined points in 13 of those 15 games with their opponents.

The Orlando Magic have gone 6-2 OVER in their last eight games overall.  They have gone for 236 or more combined points in five of their last seven games.  This total of 231.5 is very short for a game involving the Pacers and Magic right now.

The Magic won 135-127 for 262 combined points in their most recent meeting in Orlando on January 4th.  It will be more of the same tonight and another shootout.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Wizards/Knicks OVER 226.5

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 6th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They have really quit playing defense in the midst of their tanking 15-game losin g streak.  They have allowed 117 or more points in 15 of their last 16 games overall.

The OVER is 9-3 in Wizards last 12 games overall with 234 or more combined points in 10 of those 12 games.  This total of 226.5 is very short for a game involving the Wizards right now.

The Knicks rank 3rd in offensive rating this season and will hang a big number on the Wizards to lead the way in us cashing this OVER ticket.  That happened in their most recent meeting on February 3rd when the Knicks won 132-101 for 233 combined points.  The Knicks and Wizards have combined for at least 225 points five times in going 4-1-1 OVER in their last six meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pacers/Spurs OVER 232.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 11-3 OVER in their last 14 games overall.  They are absolutely tanking and just quit playing defense.  They have allowed at least 123 points in 12 of their last 14 games, including 127 or more points in 10 of those.  They have gone for at least 231 combined points in 12 of those 14 games with their opponents.

The Spurs have gone 5-3 OVER in their last eight games overall with 234 or more combined points in five of their last seven games.  They have scored at least 115 points in nine of their last 10 games overall and will hang a big number on the Pacers to lead the way in us cashing this OVER ticket.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on New Orleans Pelicans +5

The New Orleans Pelicans have gone 10-4 SU & 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games overall with two of those losses coming by exactly 2 points.  They are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA and showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  They also have no incentive to tank, so they are playing hard night in and night out.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have gone 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They are without Jarrett Allen (15.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG), and both Donavan Mitchell (28.0 PPG) and Jaylon Tyson (13.1 PPG) are questionable to pay tonight.  Not having Allen is a big blow with what he brings defensively and his versatility in the pick and roll game.  Bet the Pelicans Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Cavs/Pelicans OVER 234.5

The Pelicans ranks 11th in pace and 24th in defensive rating this season.  The Cavaliers rank 13th in pace and 13th in defensive rating.  But the Cavs are 6th in offensive rating this season and 4th in their last 14 games, while the Pelicans are 9th in offensive rating in their last 14 games.

The Pelicans are showing what they are capable of offensively right now due to being one of the healthiest teams in the NBA.  They have scored at least 115 points in nine of their last 12 games, including 122 or more six of those.  They will hang a big number on the Cavaliers tonight.

Cleveland has to go more small ball without C Jarrett Allen right now.  The offense has been potent scoring 120 or more points in four of their last five, but the defense has taken a big hit allowing 117.8 points per game in their last five games.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Celtics/Grizzlies OVER 227.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 10th in pace and 22nd in defensive rating this season.  They have gone 5-3 OVER in their last eight games overall while going for 232 or more combined points in all eight games, making for an 8-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 227.5-point total tonight.

The Grizzlies are tanking and have quit playing defense.  They have allowed 117 or more points in nine consecutive games now.  And it won't get any better tonight going up against the Celtics, who rank 2nd in offensive rating this season and are gaining chemistry with Jayson Tatum's return to the lineup.

The Celtics have scored 117 or more points on the Grizzlies in four consecutive meetings, including 131 in their first meeting this season.  They will hang a big number on Memphis to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.  Memphis is coming off a 125-118 win over Denver and should do enough offensively to contribute as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Atlanta Hawks +4.5

The Atlanta Hawks have gone 11-0 SU & 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with all 11 wins coming by 9 points or more.  They are showing what they are capable of when they are as healthy as they are, and the trade for CJ McCollum has made a huge difference for them.

The Hawks sit in 6th place in the East and tied with the Magic for 1st place in the Southeast Division.  They are also 0.5 games ahead of the Heat and 2.5 ahead of the Hornets in that same division in a tight race.  They will be max motivated tonight.

The Hawks have also taken advantage of being rested and will be playing just their 8th game in 19 days tonight.  They take on a reeling, overrated Houston Rockets team that is just 11-25 ATS in their last 36 games overall.  That includes 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.  Bet the Hawks Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Miami Heat -2.5

The spot really favors the Miami Heat tonight.  They will be motivated coming off consecutive losses to the Magic and Hornets within their division.  They now trail the Magic by 0.5 games for 1st place in the Southeast Division.

The Heat have had the last two days off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  This extra rest has allowed Bam Adebayo to get back healthy after sitting out the loss to the Hornets last game.  Norman Powell is back, and the only key player they are missing now is Andrew Wiggins.  They are one of the deepest teams in the NBA, too.

This is a terrible spot for the Los Angeles Lakers.  They come in overvalued after going 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall with consecutive road wins over the Rockets following four straight home wins.  They beat the Rockets 124-116 last night.

Now the Lakers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 9th game in 15 days.  All five starters played more than 33 minutes last nigh for the Lakers, and they aren't a very deep team.  At the very least I would expect LeBron James to sit this game, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's more.  They'll have nothing left in the tank for Miami tonight.  Bet the Heat Thursday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Charlotte Hornets -4

The Charlotte Hornets have gone 19-6 SU & 16-9 ATS in their last 25 games overall.  They have pulled to within 3.5 games of the Orlando Magic for 1st place in the Southeast Division.  They will be highly motivated to make that 2.5 games after tonight.

The spot really favors the Hornets.  They are fully healthy and will be playing just their 3rd game in 8 days.  They are coming off a 136-106 home win over the Miami Heat.  The starting 5 of Miller, Ball, Knueppel, Bridges and Diabate has been the best lineup in the NBA this season, and now they have scoring punch off the bench with Coby White.

The Magic are a tired team playing their 6th game in 9 days.  They are coming off two tough losses to the Hawks and Thunder on a back-to-back Monday and Tuesday.  They remain without two of their top four scorers in Franz Wagner (21.3 PPG) and Anthony Black (15.3 PPG) tonight.

The Hornets crushed the Magic 124-97 and 120-105 in their last two meetings, both in Orlando since Christmas.  It will be more of the same tonight as the Hornets are the better, more rested, healthier team coming into this one.  Bet the Hornets Thursday.

15* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY on Blazers/Pacers OVER 232

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 10-3 OVER in their last 13 games overall.  They are absolutely tanking and just quit playing defense.  They have allowed at least 123 points in 11 of thier last 13 games, including 130 or more points in eight of those.  They have ogne for at least 231 combined points in 11 of those 13 games with their opponents.

The Blazers rank 7th in pace this season and 4th in pace over their last 15 games.  A return to health for many of their key players have made them a deeper team that is comfortable with playing faster of late, which is what they want to do.

That was on display in their 131-111 home win over Indiana on March 8th just 10 days ago.  Neither team lit it up from 3 with the Pacers shooting 33.3% and the Blazers 36.6%.  The Pacers also shot just 43.2% from the field, and that game still saw 242 combined points.  It should be another shootout in the rematch tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Cavs/Bucks OVER 228.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a dead nuts OVER team right now playing without C Jarrett Allen.  They have had to go more small ball, which has produced a 3-0 OVER run combining for 250 points with Orlando, 243 with Dallas and 250 with Dallas.  This total of 228.5 is very low for a game involving the Cavs right now.

The Bucks have gone 3-2 OVER in their last five games overall with 257 combined points with Indiana and 243 with Phoenix.  Kevin Porter Jr. (17.2 PPG, 7.3 APG) is available tonight for the Bucks to give their offense a boost.  He has only played in two of their last seven games.

Both teams had yesterday off so they are rested and ready to run.  The Bucks beat the Cavs 118-116 for 234 combined points in their last meeting on February 25th.  The 4th quarter only saw 47 combined points as well.  Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley both didn't play for the Cavs, and Giannis was out for the Bucks in that game.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Pistons/Wizards OVER 232.5

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 6th in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  The Wizards are 7-2 OVER in their last nine games overall with 234 or more combined points in eight of those nine games.  This total of 232.5 is very short for a game involving the Wizards right now.

The Detroit Pistons are 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall with 227 or more combined points in all five games.  They went for 238 with Brooklyn, 240 with Philadelphia and 236 with Memphis.  They will hang a big number on the Wizards today to lead the way in us cashing this OVER ticket.  They will also be without Isaiah Stewart tonight so they will have to play more small ball, which favors the OVER.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with 243, 254 and 254 combined points at the end of regulation in those three meetings.  These teams always play in shootouts when they get together, and it will be no different tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5

The spot really favors the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight.  They had yesterday off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  The are as healthy as they have been in a long time with the only key player they are missing being Jalen Williams, who they have been just fine without.  They have won eight consecutive games coming into this one with six of those against playoff contenders.

This is a terrible spot for the Magic, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 124-112 road loss at Atlanta last night.  They will also be playing their 5th game in 7 days, and they'll have nothing left in the tank for the Thunder tonight.  They are also down two starters in Franz Wagner (21.3 PPG) and Anthony Black (15.3 PPG), and they could elect to rest more guys tonight.  

Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Orlando with four wins by 12 points or more.  That includes a 128-92 home win in their first meeting this season.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Mavs/Pelicans OVER 240.5

The Dallas Mavericks are such an OVER team right now because their big men are hurt and they have to play small ball.  They rank 5th in pace this season and are playing a lot faster.  They have Cooper Flagg back healthy and they do have some nice pieces on offense and some good shooters.  

The Mavericks just aren't capable of playing good defense right now, allowing 120 or more points in 13 of their last 18 games overall.  They are coming off 250 and 243 combined points in their two meetings with the Cavaliers coming into this one.

The Pelicans rank 11th in pace and 26th in defensive rating.  But they are electric on offense when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They have scored at least 113 points in 13 of their last 16 games overall.  They will hang a big number on the Mavericks tonight to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Blazers/Nets UNDER 221.5

The Brooklyn Nets are a dead nuts UNDER team.  They rank 27th in pace and 29th in offensive rating.  They are even worse offensively right now with all of the guys they are sitting.

The Nets are without five of their top nine scorers in Porter Jr. (24.2 PPG), Clowney (12.6 PPG), Demin (10.3 PPG), Sharpe (8.7 PPG) and Mann (7.5 PPG).  They are coming off 201 combined points with the 76ers and 205 with the Hawks.

The Blazers are without second-leading scorer Shaedon SHarpe (21.4 PPG).  They have gone 3-2 UNDER in their last five games combining for 212 points with the 76ers, 204 with the Hornets and 205 with the Rockets.  The only two games that went over came against the Pacers and Jazz, which are the definition of over teams playing fast and playing no defense.  That's not the Nets.  Bet the UNDER in this game Monday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH on Atlanta Hawks -3

The Atlanta Hawks have gone 9-0 SU & 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall with all nine wins coming by 9 points or more.  They are showing what they are capable of when they are as healthy as they are, and the trade for CJ McCollum has made a huge difference for them.

The Hawks sit in 9th place in the East just 2 games behind the Raptors for 6th place.  But what makes them really motivated is being just 2.5 games back of the Orlando Magic for the Southeast Division title.  They will be max motivated tonight.

The Hawks have also taken advantage of being rested and will be playing just their 6th game in 15 days tonight.  The Magic will be playing their 4th game in 6 days.  That rest advantage is also a big reason I'm on the Hawks tonight.

Another is the Magic being without both Franz Wagner (21.3 PPG) and Anthony Black (15.3 PPG), which are two of their top four scorers.  I don't think they have the horses to compete with this surging Hawks team on the road tonight.

The Hawks actually own the Magic going 6-3 SU & 5-4 ATS in the last nine meetings.  They won 127-112 at home and 111-107 in Orlando in their two meetings thus far this season.  Bet the Hawks Monday.

15* Warriors/Knicks NBC ANNIHILATOR on New York -13.5

The New York Knicks are 6-3 SU & 6-3 ATS in their last nine games overall with their three losses coming on the road to the Lakers and Clippers, and at home to the Thunder by 3.  They have crushed everyone else winning by 29 at Milwaukee, by 25 at home over San Antonio, by 16 at Toronto, by 39 at Denver, by 17 at Utah and by 9 at Indiana.  Now they will make easy work of the Warriors today.

Golden State has elected to rest 7 of their top 8 scorers with a much more winnable game on deck against the Wizards tomorrow.  They are basically punting this game.  They will be without Curry, Butler, Porzingis, Melton, Moody, Green and Horford today.

It's not like the Warriors have been playing well even when they've had some of these guys available.  The Warriors are 5-12 SU & 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games overall with two of those wins coming against Memphis.  They also lost outright to the tanking Jazz and Bulls in two of their last three games coming in.  They stand no chance of keeping this game competitive today.  Bet the Knicks Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Mavs/Cavs OVER 235.5

This will be a rematch from a 135-108 win by the Cavaliers over the Mavericks on Friday for 243 combined points.  The blowout let both teams rest their starters in a low scoring 4th quarter.  Both should come back fresh for this rematch Sunday.

The Mavericks are such an OVER team right now because their big men are hurt and they have to play small ball.  They rank 5th in pace this season and are playing a lot faster.  They have Cooper Flagg back healthy and they do have some nice pieces on offense and some good shooters.  They just aren't capable of playing good defense right now, allowing 120 or more points in 12 of their last 17 games overall.

The Cavaliers rank 5th in offensive rating this season and have built a chemistry with James Harden.  They lost 128-122 in Orlando for 250 combined points prior to their 138-105 win over the Mavericks last time out for 243 combined points.  They will hang a big number on the Mavs again, and Dallas should shoot better than the 27.3% from 3 they did in the first meeting as we get another OVER.  

The OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings between Cleveland and Dallas with 243, 245, 256 and 240 combined points.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Wizards/Celtics OVER 230

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 5th in pace and 29th in defensive rating this season.  They have become even more of an OVER team with Trae Young now healthy and playing for them.

The Wizards are 6-1 OVER in their last six games overall.  They have gone for 234 or more combined points in all seven games, so this total of 230 is very short for a game involving the Wizards right now.  That includes the 150-129 loss to the Heat in which they allowed 83 points to Bam Adebayo as they have simply quit playing defense knowing they are tanking.

The Celtics are coming off consecutive losses to the Spurs and Thunder, two elite defensive teams.  I think they take out their frustration on the Wizards today and hang a big number on them to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.

The Celtics rank 2nd in offensive rating this season.  Jayson Tatum has returned and the chemistry should continue to improve with each passing game.  Two key shooters in White and Scheierman have been upgraded to probable today as the Celtics are very healthy coming into this one.  The Wizards are as healthy as they have been in a long time as well with some great talent at the guard positions, plus Sarr as a versatile big man.

The OVER is 2-0 in two meetings between the Celtics and Wizards this season with 247 and 243 combined points.  It should be more of the same in another shootout tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Timberwolves/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Minnesota -5.5

I love the spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be highly motivated for a victory coming off three consecutive losses to the Magic, Lakers and Clippers.  They will take out their frustration on the short-handed Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Warriors just can't function without Curry (27.2 PPG) and Butler (20.0 PPG).  They have gone 5-11 SU & 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall with two of those wins coming against Memphis.  They lost their last two games to the Jazz and Bulls, two tanking teams.  They are also without Moody (11.9 PPG), and both Melton (13.0 PPG) and Post (7.6 PPG) are questionable.  I give them little chance of keeping this game competitive against a feisty Minnesota team tonight.  Bet the Timberwolves Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on New Orleans Pelicans +7.5

The New Orleans Pelicans are 7-3 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They have no incentive to tank because they don't have their first-round pick this year.  Their three losses all came on the road to the Clippers, Lakers and Suns during this 10-game stretch.  Six of their 7 wins have come by double-digits.

The Pelicans are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  They are as healthy as they have been all season with each of their top eight scorers all available tonight.  That includes Dejounte Murray, who is gaining confidence with each game playing in 7 games this season for the Pelicans after they traded for him in the offseason.

The Houston Rockets have been grossly overvalued for months.  The Rockets are 15-30 ATS in their last 45 games overall.  They have just 3 wins in their last 19 games by more than 7 points.  They play so slow, struggle on offense and play good defense, which is a recipe for playing to their level of competition.

The Rockets are the much more tired team playing their 6th game in 9 days tonight.  That fatigue showed in a 129-93 road loss at Denver last time out.  And now Alperen Sengun (20.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG) is questionable to even play tonight.  Bet the Pelicans Friday.

15* Bulls/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 234

The Chicago Bulls are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 4th in pace and 23rd in defensive rating.  The Bulls have Josh Giddey healthy and playing right now and he is coming off consecutive triple-doubles.  Tre Jones is also doing a great job running the offense alongside him.

The Bulls went for 236 combined points at the end of regulation with the Kings and Warriors each in their last two games.  This total of 234 is too short for a game involving the Bulls right now.  They face a Lakers team that ranks 20th in defensive rating this season.

The Lakers will be without their best defender in Marcus Smart tonight so they will have no answer for Giddey and Jones.  But they are an elite offensive team with Doncic and Reaves both healthy, and they both are right now.  They scored 128 against Indiana, 110 against New York and 120 against Minnesota in their last three games coming in and will hang a big number on the Bulls tonight.

The OVER is 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings between the Bulls and Lakers.  They have combined for 247, 236, 261 and 273 points in their last four meetings, respectively.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs -4.5

The San Antonio Spurs are playing better than anyone in the NBA right now.  They are 16-1 SU & 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games overall. Their last four wins have been very impressive by 17 over Detroit, by 4 over the Clippers, by 25 over the Rockets and by 9 over the Celtics.

Now the Spurs have the rest advantage over the Denver Nuggets.  The Spurs had yesterday off while the Nuggets were beating the Rockets at home.  That was a tired Houston team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, and the Nuggets took advantage.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Denver rest some guys tonight given they have had so many problems with injuries all season.  But I like the Spurs to get the job done either way.  Bet the Spurs Thursday.

15* Timberwolves/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -1.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are 19-9 SU & 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall.  They are motivated to make the playoffs currently sitting as the 8th seed in the West.  They just got Darius Garland back healthy and implemented into the lineup, and they'll continue being a dangerous team here down the stretch.

While the Clippers had yesterday off, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 120-106 loss to the Lakers last night.  It's a Timberwolves team that has been burning bettors' money going 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall.

The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Timberwolves so they clearly match up with them well.  And this will be their 4th meeting, the first two of which the Clippers did not have Garland and Mathurin who they traded for prior to the deadline.  They also didn't have Kawhi in the last meeting.  The spot really favors Los Angeles tonight.  Bet the Clippers Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Knicks/Jazz OVER 229.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 3rd in pace and 29th in defensive rating this season.  They have gone for at least 230 combined points with their opponents in seven of their last 10 games overall.  This total of 229.5 is very short for a game involving the Jazz.

The New York Knicks rank 3rd in offensive rating this season and will hang a big number on the Jazz today to pave the way in us cashing this OVER 229.5 ticket.  The Knicks went for 245 combined points with the Nuggets and 244 combined points with the Clippers in two of their first three games on this 5-game road trip.

The Knicks beat the Jazz 146-112 for 258 combined points in their first meeting this season.  It will be more of the same in the rematch tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans +2.5

The Toronto Raptors are 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  Their two wins came against the tanking Wizards and Mavericks.  The Raptors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 113-99 loss at Houston last night.

The New Orleans Pelicans are 6-3 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They have no incentive to tank because they don't have their first-round pick this year.  Their three losses all came on the road to the Clippers, Lakers and Suns during this 9-game stretch.  Five of their six wins have come by double-digits.

The Pelicans are rested and ready to go coming in on two days' rest last playing on Sunday.  They are as healthy as they have been all season with each of their top eight scorers all available tonight.  That includes Dejounte Murray, who is gaining confidence with each game playing in 6 games this season for the Pelicans after they traded for him in the offseason.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Pelicans Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors +5.5

The Toronto Raptors have actually played their best basketball on the road this season.  They are 19-11 SU & 17-13 ATS on the highway, including 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four.  They are primed for a big effort tonight because they are so rested playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.

The Houston Rockets are a tired team playing their 4th game in 6 days with another game on deck against Denver in altitude tomorrow.  I think they will monitor minutes for their starters tonight knowing they have that big game against Denver tomorrow.

The Rockets are 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  They lost by 10 in Miami as 2.5-point favorites, lost outright as 9.5-point home favorites to the Warriors, and lost by 25 in San Antonio.  They only beat Washington by 5 as 14.5-point favorites and Portland by 7 as 6.5-point favorites for their lone cover, which came by 0.5 points.  They are one of the most overvalued teams in the NBA.  Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on Atlanta Hawks -9.5

The Atlanta Hawks are 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall and absolutely crushing the opposition.  All six wins have come by 9 points or more including an 18-point win at Milwaukee, a 34-point home win over Portland and a 9-point home win over Philadelphia in their last three.

The Hawks are showing what they are capable of when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They are also motivated to make the playoffs as they currently sit in 9th place in the East.  They are just 2.5 games back of the 6th place Magic with a shot to win the Southeast Division.

The Hawks are also extremely rested.  They have had the last two days off and will be playing just their 3rd game in 9 days tonight.  They are primed for another big effort to keep this run going.

Now they get to face the tanking Mavericks, who are 0-7 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall with six of those seven losses coming by 9 points or more.  They lost by 30 at Toronto, by 20 at Boston and by 27 at Charlotte in three of their last four road games.  They are 2-17 SU & 7-12 ATS in their last 19 games with both wins coming against tanking teams in the Pacers and Nets.  Bet the Hawks Tuesday.

15* Knicks/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles +2.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are 18-9 SU & 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games overall.  They are motivated to make the playoffs currently sitting as the 9th seed in the West.  They just got Darius Garland back healthy and implemented into the lineup, and they'll continue being a dangerous team here down the stretch.

While the Clippers had yesterday off, the Knicks were losing 110-97 to the Lakers on Sunday.  They'll now 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 tonight as Brunson played 42 minutes, Onunoby 38 and Towns 34 yesterday.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Clippers Monday.

20* Nuggets/Thunder NBA No-Brainer on UNDER 232.5

The Nuggets and Thunder have combined for 232 or fewer points at the end of regulation in seven consecutive meetings.  That makes for a 7-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 232.5-point total.  They went for 214, 232, 218, 226, 217, 179 and 204 combined points at the end of regulation in their last seven meetings, respectively.

Of course, I took one of my worst beats of the NBA season when I had the UNDER 234.5 in their most recent meeting on February 27th less than two weeks ago.  That game was tied 107-107 at the end of regulation for 214 combined points.  I'll bank on it not going to OT again in the rematch today and for this game to stay well UNDER this 232.5-point total as a result.  Bet the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Pistons/Heat OVER 230

The Miami Heat rank 1st in the NBA in pace this season.  This total of 230 is very low for a game involving the Heat. They are coming off 248 combined points with the Hornets and 236 with the Nets coming into this one. They have gone for 236 or more combined points in five of their last seven games overall.

The Pistons get Cade Cunningham back today after he sat out yesterday against the Nets and they were lost offensively without him.  The Heat and Pistons went for 230 and 273 combined points in their two previous meetings this season. Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Thunder UNDER 220

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 3-0 UNDER in their last three games overall going for 187 combined points with Dallas, 224 with Chicago and 203 with New York.  They are missing some firepower on offense with three of their top seven scorers out in Williams, Mitchell and Hartenstein.

But the Thunder are the best defensive team in the NBA, and they will shut down a Warriors team that is also missing a bunch of firepower.  Curry, Butler and Moody are out.  Porzingis and Melton are questionable.  That's five of their top six scorers.

The Warriors just went for 202 combined points with the Rockets at the end of regulation and 215 with the Clippers in their last two games coming into this one.  They are still a very good defensive team even without these guys and are having to hang their hats on defense right now to be competitive.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Atlanta Hawks -6.5

The Atlanta Hawks are 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall and absolutely crushing the opposition.  All five wins have come by 11 points or more including an 18-point win at Milwaukee and a 34-point home win over Portland in their last two.

The Hawks are showing what they are capable of when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They are also motivated to make the playoffs as they currently sit in 9th place in the East, just 2.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the 6th seed would would avoid the play-in.

Now the Hawks will be motivated to shrink that margin as they host the 76ers tonight.  They face a beat up 76ers team that is struggling right now due to all their injuries.  They are 1-2 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall losing by 16 in Boston, by 40 at home to San Antonio and needing a late comeback to stave off the tanking Jazz by 4 as 7.5-point home favorites.

The 76ers are without Embiid (26.6 PPG), George (16.0 PPG) and Edgecombe (15.3 PPG).  They face a rested Hawks team playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.  And a Hawks team that has owned the 76ers, going 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS i the least eight meetings.  Bet the Hawks Saturday.

15* NBA Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on Blazers/Rockets UNDER 220

The Houston Rockets are a dead nuts UNDER team ranking 29th in pace and 5th in defensive rating.  The Rockets are 22-9 UNDER in their last 31 games overall and consistently go for fewer than 220 combined points at the end of regulation with their opponents.

The Rockets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 115-113 (OT) loss to the Warriors last night.  That game was tied 101-101 at the end of regulation for just 202 combined points.  Playing on tired legs and short-handed with some injuries, the Rockets will play at a snail's pace again tonight.

The Blazers have plenty of injuries of their own tonight that will hamper them offensively.  The Blazers will be without their top two scorers in Avdija (24.4 PPG) and Sharpe (21.4 PPG).  They will struggle to find buckets against this elite Houston defense.

This will be the 3rd meeting of 2026 already between the Rockets and Blazers, and familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  The 1st meeting saw just 205 combined points and the 2nd meeting saw just 216 combined points.  It will be another ugly, low-scoring defensive battle tonight.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY on Miami Heat -13

The Miami Heat are in 8th place in the East just one game behind the 76ers for the 6th seed to get out of the play-in.  They are rested and motived playing just their 2nd game in 5 days tonight.  The one game was a 124-98 home win over the Brooklyn Nets, and given their standing in the East I don't expect the Heat to take them lightly in the rematch.

The tanking Nets have gone 0-9 SU & 1-8 ATS in their last nine games overall and have rarely been competitive.  They went 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their five road games during this stretch losing by 28 in Cleveland, by 19 in OKC, by 11 in Atlanta, by 37 in Boston and by 26 in Miami.

While the Heat are playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, the Nets will be playing their 9th game in 15 days since the All-Star Break.  This is a tired team that is also playing without talented rookie PG Egor Demin.  They are really playing without a true PG right now.  The Nets are 27th in offensive rating and 27th in defensive rating while ranking 28th in net rating this season.  Bet the Heat Thursday.

20* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles Clippers -11.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are fighting for their playoff lives here down the stretch.  They are 29-31 and in 9th place in the West.  They at the very least are motivated to get the 7th or 8th spot to give themselves a better chance of making the postseason.

The Clippers are 16-8 SU & 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games overall and have been covering machines of late, covering eight of their last nine games overall.  They just got Darius Garland to make his Clippers debut last game after trading James Harden to Cleveland for him.  They'll be ready to roll tonight.

The Indiana Pacers are in full-blown tank mode going 0-6 SU & 0-6 ATS since the All-Star Break.  They lost four of those games agains fellow tanking teams in the Grizzlies, Mavs and Wizards (twice).  They also lost by 24 to Charlotte and by 21 to Philadelphia.  They'll get blown out again tonight.  Bet the Clippers Wednesday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Atlanta Hawks ML +105

The Atlanta Hawks are rested and fully healthy and showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Hawks are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with wins over the Nets by 11, the Wizards by 21, the Wizards by 30 and the Blazers by 34.  

The Hawks have had the last two days off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days tonight.  They are primed for a big effort to put out the threat of the Bucks, who are in 11th pace and the closest team to them in 10th place and the play-in round in the East.

The Bucks are coming off three straight blowout losses to the Knicks by 29 at home, the Bulls by 23 on the road and the Celtics by 27 at home.  They will now be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and their 6th game in 9 days.

Giannis made his return against the Celtics and only played 26 minutes.  He probably will be on a minutes limit again and is a shell of his former self right now.  The Bucks got the bad news that Kevin Porter Jr. (17.5 PPG, 7.4 APG) has been ruled out for this game, which is exactly when I released this play because he has been so good for them and one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  HIs playmaking ability has kept the Bucks competitive, but they will miss him tonight.  Bet the Hawks on the Money Line Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Utah Jazz +8.5

The Utah Jazz just got Keyonte George (23.9 PPG, 6.4 APG) back from a long absence in their last game against the Denver Nuggets.  They took the Nuggets to the wire in a 128-125 loss as 11.5-point dogs.  George had 36 points in the loss.

"I couldn't be more proud of the team's effort," Jazz coach Will Hardy said after the loss to Denver. "I thought we were super active on both sides of the ball."

"He's been making a lot of plays downhill," Hardy said of George. "His reads all season have continued to show all the work he's put in. Development is not all physical. There's an elite understanding to be a top player in this league."

"Coach Will even said it when he came in the locker room," Filipowski said. "If we keep playing hard like this, keep playing together, then we're gonna get where we want to in the future."

The 76ers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after blowout losses to the Spurs by 40 and the Celtics by 16.  They are so short-handed right now playing without Embiid (26.6 PPG), George (16.0 PPG), Edgecombe (15.3 PPG) and Oubre (14.3 PPG) tonight.  That's four of their top five scorers.  They shouldn't be this big of favorites without these guys tonight.  Bet the Jazz Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Phoenix Suns -9.5

The Phoenix Suns will be rested and ready to go tonight.  They have had the last four days off, which has allowed Devin Booker (24.7 PPG, 6.1 APG) to get back healthy for them tonight.  Getting him back makes all the difference for this team.

Now the Suns will make easy work of the tanking Sacramento Kings.  The Kings are 2-18 SU & 7-13 ATS in their last 20 games overall.  They are coming off a 24-point loss to the Lakers.  Their last six losses have all come by 17 points or more as they have rarely been competitive.  Bet the Suns Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Chicago Bulls +10.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without four of their top six scorers tonight in Shai (31.8 PPG), Williams (17.5 PPG), Mitchell (14.1 PPG) and Hartenstein (10.5 PPG) tonight.  They can't be double-digit road favorites over the Chicago Bulls without these four.

The Bulls showed some life in a 120-97 home win as 2.5-point dogs to the Milwaukee Bucks last time out.  They are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days tonight, and they want to give the defending champs a run for their money in this one.

The trio of Giddey, Sexton and Jones at guard to go along with two stretch bigs in Buzelis and Yabusle give the Bulls some firepower here down the stretch.  Those five combined for 87 points against the Bucks last time out.  Bet the Bulls Tuesday.

20* Clippers/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -1

This line has been adjusted too much for the Clippers playing the 2nd of a back-to-back tonight.  But they made easy work of the Pelicans in a 137-117 Sunday.  No starter played more than 29 minutes as they were able to rest in the 4th quarter to save up for this game.

Kawhi Leonard has played the last three 2nd of back-to-backs so I expect him to play tonight.  Darius Garland is expected to make his Clippers debut to give them a boost as well.  And the Clippers had a ton of rest heading into this game as they will be playing just their 3rd game in 10 days.

The Warriors are a dumpster fire in their current state without Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis.  I mean it's basically a G-League lineup, and the Lakers treated them that way last time out winning 129-101 at Golden State.  Curry is likely to miss another couple weeks, and until he returns the Warriors are a fade.  They are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall.  Bet the Clippers Monday.

20* 76ers/Celtics NBC No-Brainer on Philadelphia +9.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are balling out right now going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall.  They beat the Timberwolves by 27 as 8.5-point road dogs, crushed the Pacers by 21 as 10.5-point road favorites and topped the Heat by 7 as 2.5-point home favorites.

The 76ers are rested and ready to go tonight after having the last two days off.  They are 2-1 SU & 2-0-1 ATS in their three meetings with the Celtics this season with their lone loss coming by a single point.  Joel Embiid was a non-factor in all three games, so I'm not concerned that he's out for this one.

Boston is overvalued after going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS since the All-Star Break. The the Celtics have benefited from facing several short-handed teams during this stretch.  They will be playing their 5th game in 9 days.  They will get a fight from the 76ers, and asking them to win this game by double-digits to beat us is asking too much.  Bet the 76ers Sunday.

15* Timberwolves/Nuggets ABC ANNIHILATOR on UNDER 241

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This will be the 4th meeting of the season between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.  They have gone for 241 or fewer combined points at the end of regulation in all three meetings.

This total of 241 has been set too high.  That's especially the case with this being a 3:40 EST start time, and NBA teams aren't accustomed to playing this early.  They tend to be more sluggish.  Defensive intensity will be high with the Nuggets and Timberwolves tied for 4th place in the West.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Lakers/Warriors OVER 227.5

The Los Angeles Lakers are a dead nuts OVER team when the trio of Doncic, Reaves and James are healthy.  That's the case right now.  They rank 11th in offensive rating and 24th in defensive rating this season.  They are a terrible defensive team, but they can light it up offensive with those three leading the way.

The Golden State Warriors have been going even more pace and space with their current lineup without Stephen Curry hoisting up a ton of 3-pointers.  They are 5-1 OVER in their last six games overall with 227 or more combined points in five of those six games.  It should be another shootout for the Warriors tonight given the opponent.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Blazers/Hornets NBA Early ANNIHILATOR on Charlotte -7.5

The Charlotte Hornets are 13-3 SU & 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall.  They have the 6th-best net rating in the NBA in their last 15 games and have been one of the best teams in the NBA in net rating since the start of January.  They are fighting for their playoff lives and max motivated each time they take the court.

The Portland Trail Blazers are also trying to stay in playoff contention, but injuries really have them decimated right now.  They are without their top two scorers in Deni Avdija (24.4 PPG) and Shaedon Sharpe (21.4 PPG).

This is an early 1:10 EST start time, which is something the Hornets are used to.  This is a 10 AM body clock game for the Blazers, something they are not used to.  I don't expect them to handle it well today as they will be sleep walking through the first half.  Bet the Hornets Saturday.

15* Nuggets/Thunder ESPN ANNIHILATOR on UNDER 234

Defensive intensity will be high tonight in this contest between two of the top teams in the West in the Nuggets and Thunder.  Jamal Murray is questionable for the Nuggets, who will be without Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon as well.  That's three of their top four scorers.

The Thunder are an elite defensive team.  They do get Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back tonight, but he won't be 100% and will be on a minutes limit.  They get Chet Holmgren back which helps them much more defensively than it does on offense.   I think Shai's return has inflated this number.

The Thunder and Nuggets have combined for 232 or fewer points in six consecutive meetings, and 226 or fewer in five of those.  They just know each other inside and out, and this game will be more of a defensive battle than this line suggests.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Knicks/Bucks OVER 218

The Milwaukee Bucks are scoring a ton since trading for Cam Thomas to bolster their bench.  They are 4-2 OVER in their last six games overall scoring 116 or more points in four of those games.  They are coming off 234 combined points with the Cavs who were without Harden and Mitchell.  That followed up 245 combined points with the Heat.

The Knicks are 3rd in offensive rating this season.  They should bust out of their funk against a Bucks team that isn't great defensively.  The Bucks have allowed 116 or more points in four consecutive games.

The OVER is 3-1 in the last four meetings.  The Bucks and Knicks have combined for at least 223 points in four consecutive meetings, and 223 or more in eight of their last nine meetings overall.  This total of 218 is too short tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -4.5

The New Orleans Pelicans have no incentive to tank and are playing hard.  They are 7-6 SU & 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They are coming off a pair of wins over playoff contenders in the Warriors and 76ers.

The Jazz have incentive to tank and they are blatantly doing it right now.  They have gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall losing by 16 at home to Portland, by 9 at tanking Memphis and by 20 at Houston.

The Jazz remain without their four best players in Markkanen, George, Jackson Jr. and Nurkic.  The team they are putting on the court is one of the worst teams in the NBA right now.  Bet the Pelicans Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Lakers -5.5

The Los Angeles Lakers will be highly motivated for a victory tonight after dropping their last two games to the Celtics and Magic.  They are fully healthy right now and should make easy work of the short-handed Phoenix Suns.

The Suns lost by 15 at home to the Blazers who were missing Deni Avidja and Shaeden Sharpe.  They lost by 16 at home to the Celtics, who were without Jaylen Brown.  They just aren't playing well right now without their two best players in Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks.

The Suns managed just 77 points against the Blazers and 81 points against the Celtics in their last two games without those guys.  This may be the worst offense in the NBA in its current state, and they certainly don't have the firepower to match this healthy Lakers squad.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Portland Trail Blazers -4.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are fighting for their playoff lives sitting in 9th place in the West right now.  They have gone 5-3 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last eight games overall with their three losses coming to two of the best teams in the West in the Timberwolves (twice) and Nuggets.

Now the Blazers face a tanking Chicago Bulls team that they should handle.  The Bulls are 0-10 SU & 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games overall and clearly not concerned with winning games right now.  They traded away Vucevic, White and Dosunmu and really failed to replace them.  They are coming off a 32-point home loss to the Hornets, and this one will get ugly as well.  Bet the Blazers Thursday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Charlotte Hornets -12.5

The Charlotte Hornets are 12-3 SU & 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  They have the 4th-best net rating in the NBA in their last 15 games and have been one of the best teams in the NBA in net rating since the start of January.

While the Hornets are fully healthy and fighting for their playoff lives, the Indiana Pacers are clearly in tank mode.  They have gone 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their four games since the All-STar Break with losses to the lowly Wizards by 13 and 7 points, a home loss to the Mavericks and a 21-point home loss to the 76ers.  The Hornets are far and away the best team they have played since the break.

The Pacers are without Siakam, Zubac and Nesmith tonight and Nembhard is questionable.  The team they will be putting on the court tonight is one of the worst in the NBA.  Charlotte won by 17 at Washington and by 32 at Chicago in its last two games and will make easy work of tanking Indiana as well.  Bet the Hornets Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Sacramento Kings +14

The Sacramento Kings (13-46) have the worst record in the NBA.  They have some room to spare as they can afford to win several more games and still secure that worst record.  They finally showed some life coming out of the All-Star Break with a cover against the Spurs and an outright upset win over the Grizzlies in their last two games.

The Houston Rockets are one of the most overrated teams in the NBA.  They have gone 7-18 ATS in their last 25 games overall.  Amazingly, they have just two wins by double-digits in their last 25 games, so they aren't getting margin on anyone.  Asking them to win this game by 15-plus points to beat us is asking too much.

That's especially the case with the Rockets without three key players tonight in Steven Adams, Amen Thompson (17.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.3 APG) and Jae'Sean Tate.  This will be just the 2nd game all season that Thompson has missed, and I don't think his loss is being factored into this line enough.

The Kings are 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS in their last two meetings with the Rockets this season pulling off the outright upset as 12.5 and 14.5-point dogs.  Don't be surprised if they pull off the upset again tonight, but at the very least they should stay within this inflated 14-point spread.  Bet the Kings Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Miami Heat -5

The Miami Heat are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference when they are as healthy as they are right now.  It has shown with the Heat going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with their three wins coming by 12, 16 and 31 points.

Now they take on the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks who remain without Giannis.  It did not go well for them last time out in a 122-94 home loss to the Toronto Raptors.  It won't go well for them against an even better team in the Heat tonight.  Miami comes in on two days' rest as well.  Bet the Heat Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/Bulls OVER 229

The Chicago Bulls are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 5th in pace and 25th in defensive rating.  They have both Josh Giddey and Tre Jones back healthy to lead the offense for the stretch run, and they are a potent offensive team when that's the case.

Reinforcements are on the way for the Hornets tonight with both Bridges (18.2 PPG) and White (18.6 PPG) returning.  Now the Hornets have five players who all average 18.2 points per game or more healthy and available for this game, and they will be an elite offensive team when that's the case.  They already rank 5th in offensive rating in their last 15 games even without some of these guys.

The Hornets and Bulls have combined for at least 239 points in four of their last five meetings.  This total of 229 has been set too low tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

25* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 12-2 SU & 9-5 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  Their recent surge has been due to two things.  The addition of James Harden (24.7 PPG, 8.2 APG) has opened up their offense, and the return to health of many of their key guys including Evan Mobley and sharp shooter Sam Merrill has helped as well.

After a bad loss to the Thunder on Sunday, the Cavaliers will be highly motivated to bounce back at home tonight.  They have been dominant at home going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four home games with the wins coming by 26, 25, 30 and 16 points.

The Cavaliers also want revenge on the Knicks after dropping their first two meetings this season both on the road at New York.  That includes blowing a 12-point 4th quarter lead on Christmas Day in a 126-124 loss where they allowed 42 points in the 4th quarter to the Knicks.  They haven't forgotten, and they will get their revenge in their first home meeting tonight.

The Knicks are a tired team playing their 3rd game in 4 days after a pair of narrow wins over Houston by 2 at home and Chicago by 6 on the road.  That followed up a 15-point home loss to Detroit.  They have huge home/road splits this season.  The Knicks are just 14-13 SU & 10-17 ATS on the road this season.  The Cavs went 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS against the Knicks last season winning by 37 and 19 points in their two home meetings.  Bet the Cavaliers Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors +1

The Toronto Raptors made easy work of the Milwaukee Bucks in a 122-94 road win as 4.5-point favorites last time out.  That followed up a 110-101 win in Chicago as 6.5-point favorites in their first game back from the break.

The Raptors are a rested team playing just their 3rd game in 6 days out of the break.  They also get their best player in Scottie Barnes (19.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.3 SPG) back after missing the last game due to personal reasons.  This is one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.

The Raptors are certainly better than the Thunder in their current state.  Thunder are without three of their top four scorers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.8 PPG, 6.4 APG), Jalen Williams (17.5 PPG, 5.4 APG) and Ajay Mitchell (14.1 PPG, 3.7 APG).  They would be without their top four scorers if Chet Holmgren (17.4 PPG, 8.8 APG, 1.9 BPG) doesn't go tonight as he is listed as questionable.

The Thunder were able to get by the lowly Nets and the Cavaliers at home.  They benefited from the Nets shooting 17.1% from 3-point range and shooting 51.2% from 3-point range themselves in the upset win over the Cavs.  Now they are on the road for the first time without all these guys and it will be a different story tonight.  They just don't have the horses to compete with the Raptors on the road in this one.  Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Jazz/Rockets OVER 228.5

The Utah Jazz rank 2nd in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They will continue to play fast and no defense the rest of the season.  This total of 228.5 is very short for a game involving the Jazz.

That's especially the case with Lauri Markkanen returning tonight.  There's a chance Keyonte George returns as well as he is upgraded to questionable after last playing a full game in January.  That would give them their top two scorers who combine to average more than 50 points per game.  But either way, they are going to play fast and no defense.

Houston has been on quite the under run which is keeping this total lower than it should be.  But the Rockets have played a ton of elite defensive teams during this stretch with their last seven games all coming against great defensive teams.  They went for 232 combined points against the Pacers, a team that profiles similarly to the Jazz.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the Jazz and Rockets with 230 or more combined points in all six meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday. 

15* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Portland Trail Blazers -3.5

I love the spot for the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.  They were 4-1 SU & 3-2 ATS in their five games going into the All-Star Break.  They came out of the break with their worst loss of the season to the Denver Nuggets.  They will be highly motivated to get back on track tonight.

They take on a tired Phoenix Suns team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after a 113-110 (2 OT) win over the Orlando Magic last night.  They will have nothing left in the tank for the Blazers tonight.

Making matters worse for the Suns is that Dillon Brooks (20.9 PPG) suffered a broken hand in that win.  They were already without Devin Booker (24.7 PPG), so they will be without their two best players tonight.  They are short-handed as well.  Bet the Blazers Sunday.

20* Celtics/Lakers NBC No-Brainer on OVER 228.5

The Lakers have been a dead nuts OVER team when they have been healthy this season.  They are healthy coming out of the All-Star Break with the return of Luka Doncic to go along with Austin Reaves and LeBron James.

The Lakers improved to 18-8 OVER in home games this season with a 125-122 shootout win over the Clippers in their first game back from the Break.  That's a Clippers team that plays slow and is known more for defense than offense.

Now the Lakers must face the Celtics, who rank 2nd in the NBA in offensive rating with 120.2 points per 100 possession.  The Celtics are coming off a 121-110 win over the Warriors, who have no offense without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler yet they still got to 231 combined points.  This total of 228.5 is very short for a game involving the Celtics and Lakers with how healthy they both are right now.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* Cavs/Thunder ABC Early ANNIHILATOR on Cleveland -4

The Oklahoma City Thunder are without three of their top four scorers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.8 PPG, 6.4 APG), Jalen Williams (17.5 PPG, 5.4 APG) and Ajay Mitchell (14.1 PPG, 3.7 APG).  They were able to get by the Nets without these guys in their first game back from the break.

But the Cleveland Cavaliers are a different animal.  The Cavaliers are 12-1 SU & 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  Their recent surge has been due to two things.  The addition of James Harden (24.7 PPG, 8.2 APG) has opened up their offense, and the return to health of many of their key guys Evan Mobley and sharp shooter Sam Merrill has helped as well.  They will make easy work of the short-handed Thunder today.  Bet the Cavaliers Sunday.

20* Rockets/Knicks ABC No-Brainer on New York -3

I love the spot for the New York Knicks tonight.  They will be motivated to bounce back from a 126-111 home loss to the Pistons, who just have their number winning all three meetings this season.  The Knicks shot just 8-of-35 (22.9%) from 3-point range in that loss and were rusty coming out of the All-Star Break.

I love the spot for the Knicks because they have been dominant following a loss.  In fact, the Knicks are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games following a loss with three blowout wins over the Nets by 54, the Celtics by 22 on the road and the 76ers by 49 on the road.

The Rockets have been very overvalued this season especially since losing Steven Adams to injury.  Houston is just 5-18 ATS in its last 23 games overall.  They won by 4 at Charlotte coming out of the break against a Hornets team missing three key players.  They won't be playing with the same kind of urgency the Knicks will be tonight.  New York should dominate the boards without Adams which will be a key to them winning and covering.  Bet the Knicks Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Brooklyn Nets +18.5

This line has been adjusted too much for the Nets playing the 2nd of a back-to-back tonight.  The Nets trailed the Cavaliers by 35 points entering the 4th quarter and were resting their starters.  The Cavs are playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now, so that blowout loss isn't a concern.  They should still be very fresh for this game against the OKC Thunder tonight especially coming out of the All-Star Break.

The biggest thing for me here is the Thunder have no business being 18.5-point favorites against anyone with the star players they are missing right now.  They are without three of their top four scorers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.8 PPG, 6.4 APG), Jalen Williams (17.5 PPG, 5.4 APG) and Ajay Mitchell (14.1 PPG, 3.7 APG).

The Thunder don't have enough firepower without these guys to warrant laying 18.5 points.  They are going to have to rely on defense to win this game, and with a total this low getting 18.5 points is a tremendous value.  Bet the Nets Friday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH on Cleveland Cavaliers -6

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  The difference is the Cavaliers made easy work of the Nets and got to rest their starters, while the Hornets were in a dog fight with the Rockets and didn't have that same luxury.

The Cavaliers improved to 11-1 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall with a 112-84 home win over the Nets last night.  Their recent surge has been due to two things.  The addition of James Harden (24.8 PPG, 8.2 APG) has opened up their offense, and the return to health of many of their key guys like sharp shooter Sam Merrill has helped as well.

No starter played more than 28 minutes for the Cavaliers last night due to the nature of their blowout which saw them take a 35-point lead into the 4th quarter over the Nets.  The Hornets saw all five starters play at least 29 minutes in their 104-101 loss to the Rockets last night.

Making matters worse for the Hornets is they will be without two starters in Miles Bridges (18.2 PPG), 6.1 RPG) and Moussa Diabate (8.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG).  They will also be without two key role players in Coby White (18.6 PPG) and Grant Williams (7.3 PPG).  They are so short-handed right now, and the Cavs will have significant advantages when the Hornets have to go to their bench.  Bet the Cavaliers Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Boston Celtics -5.5

The Boston Celtics are 35-19 SU & 30-24 ATS this season.  They are 17-10 SU and 17-10 ATS in road games.  The Celtics are in 2nd place in the East trailing the Pistons by 5.5 games and only 0.5 games ahead of the Knicks.  They come out of the All-Star Break motivated to catch the Pistons and also to fend off the Knicks.

While the Celtics are fully healthy for this one, the Warriors will be without Steph Curry (27.2 PPG) and obviously Jimmy Butler (20.0 PPG).  This is one of the worst teams in the NBA in their current state, and asking them to be competitive against this juggernaut of a Celtics team is asking too much.

The Warriors are 2-4 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  The lineup they are currently putting out there has no business catching only 5.5 points to the Celtics tonight.  Bet the Celtics Thursday.

15* NBA Western Conference Total DOMINATOR on Suns/Spurs OVER 229

The Phoenix Suns will be without their best defender in Dillon Brooks tonight.  But they have Devin Booker back healthy and he found his stroke nearly winning the 3-point competition over All-Star Break.  Grayson Allen should be back as well.

The Suns will have plenty of firepower tonight to get in a shootout with the Spurs, who have been playing in a ton of them lately.  While the Suns are 5-2 OVER in their last seven games, the Spurs are 5-0 OVER in their last five games with 239 or more combined points in four consecutive games coming into this one.  This total of 229 is very short for a game involving the Spurs right now.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Night Line Mistake on Raptors/Bulls OVER 231.5

The Chicago Bulls are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 5th in pace and 25th in defensive rating.  The Bulls are 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall coming into this one.  This despite playing without Josh Giddey (18.8 PPG, 8.8 APG) and Tre Jones (12.4 PPG, 5.8 APG) during this stretch.  Both are expected back coming out of the All-Star Break to really make the Bulls even more of an OVER team.

The Raptors are fully healthy coming out of the All-Star Break and are a potent offensive team when that's the case with Ingram, Barnes, Barrett and Quickley leading the way.  They should hang a big number on the Bulls tonight.

This will be a rematch from a 123-107 win by the Raptors on February 5th going into the break.  That game saw just 42 combined points in the 4th quarter, which is unlikely to happen again.  Especially with the Bulls having more firepower in the rematch with Jones and Giddey.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with 228 or more combined points in all five.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on New York Knicks -3.5

Both Detroit big men in Jalen Duren (17.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG) and Isaiah Stewart (10.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG) have suspended this game tonight.  The Pistons are 'fat and happy' coming out of the All-Star Break with a 5.5-game lead on the Celtics and a 6-game lead on the Knicks for 1st place in the East.

The Knicks are fully healthy for this one with the exception of Miles McBride.  The Knicks rank 3rd in offensive rating this season and are scoring 118.1 points per game including 120 per game at home.  They should hang a big number on a Pistons team missing two of their best defenders.

The Knicks are not only motivated to catch the Pistons in the East, they are also motivated due to playing with double-revenge after losing their first two meetings in Detroit this season.  Now the Knicks get them at home, and they have been a totally different team at Madison Square Garden.

Indeed, the Knicks are 21-7 SU & 19-9 ATS at home this season while outscoring opponents by 9.9 points per game on average.  They should be more than 3.5-point home favorites over the Pistons tonight.  Bet the Knicks Thursday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference Total DOMINATOR on Nets/Cavs OVER 229.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a dead nuts OVER team right now with an elite offense.  They have gone 10-1 SU in their last 11 games overall while scoring 119 or more points in eight of their last 10 games.  A big reason for their success is trading for James Harden at PG, plus sharpshooter Sam Merrill back healthy.

The Brooklyn Nets are 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall including 236 or more combined points in three of those five games.  They are pretty healthy coming out of the break with leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. back in the lineup.

Cleveland beat Brooklyn 131-124 for 255 combined points in their lone meeting this season.  This game should sail OVER this 229.5-point total in the rematch.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Blazers/Jazz OVER 238.5

The Blazers have gotten healthy with Avidja, Holiday, Grant and Henderson all back and playing now.  They are a dead nuts OVER team in their current state going 6-0 OVER in their last six games overall.  They have gone for 237 or more combined points in all six games, so this total of 238.5 is pretty short for a game involving Portland right now.

The Jazz have been a dead nuts OVER team all season ranking 3rd in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They just played a low-scoring game last night against the Kings, who were missing 6 of their top 7 scorers.  That result has kept this total lower than it should be.  Portland is a different animal.

The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between the Jazz and Blazers.  They combined for 270 and 254 points in their first two meetings this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Phoenix Suns +8

This line has been adjusted too much for the Suns playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  They jumped out to a 30-point lead on the Mavericks yesterday and coasted to the finish line.  They also had two days off prior to that game, so there's a good chance they'll still be pretty fresh and have everyone available that played last night.

The Thunder cannot be 8-point road favorites over the Suns without two of their top four scorers in MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.8 PPG) and Ajay Mitchell (14.1 PPG).  They are good enough to win this game without them, but to ask them to go on the road and beat the pesky Suns by 9-plus points to beat us is asking too much.  Bet the Suns Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Grizzlies/Nuggets OVER 238

The Denver Nuggets have been a dead nuts OVER team all season going 34-20 OVER in all games.  They are especially an OVER team since getting Nikola Jokic back healthy.  They also have Christian Braun and Cam Johnson back healthy as well.

The Nuggets are 7-1 OVER in their last eight games overall.  The only game that went under was against the Cavaliers last time out where both teams shot poorly yet still combined for 234 points.  They went for 245 points with the Pistons, 261 with the Knicks and 256 with the Bulls in their three previous games.

The Grizzlies are 6-0 OVER in their last six games overall.  They play fast with or without Ja Morant, and they've actually been a better OVER team without him.  They traded away their best defender in Jaren Jackson Jr. as well.  They have gone for 245 or more combined points in four of their last six games.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans PK

The New Orleans Pelicans are the healthiest they have been all season right now and it's the reason they are playing their best basketball of the season.  They have gone 5-4 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They crushed the Kings by 26 after upsetting the Timberwolves as 8.5-point road underdogs in their last two games coming in.

The Miami Heat are far from healthy.  They will be without their top two scorers in Norman Powell (23.0 PPG) and Tyler Herro ( 21.9 PPG) tonight.  Andrew Wiggins (15.9 PPG) is questionable, while Pelle Larsson (10.2 PPG) is out.  The Pelicans are the better team in their current state tonight.  The Heat will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days, while New Orleans will be playing just its 2nd game in 5 days.  Bet the Pelicans Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Blazers/Timberwolves OVER 234

The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing a lot faster now and are a dead nuts OVER team as a result.  They have gone 5-2 OVER in their last seven games overall with 234 or more combined points in six of those seven games.  This total of 234 is pretty short for a game involving the Timberwolves right now.

The Blazers have gotten healthy with Avidja, Holiday, Grant and Henderson all back and playing now.  They are a dead nuts OVER team in their current state going 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall.  They have gone for 237 or more combined points in all five games, so this total of 234 is pretty short for a game involving Portland right now as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.