15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Bulls/Pacers OVER 230.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 4th in the NBA in pace and 25th in defensive efficiency.  They have a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (20.0 PPG, 10.1 APG) now and he makes all the difference for this team offensively.

This total is lower than it should be due to the Bulls going under the total in five consecutive games coming in.  But they should get their offense going tonight against the Pacers, plus I expect them to give up a big number here.  

The first two meetings between these teams saw totals of 234.5 and 233 points, so as you can see there's some value on this OVER 230.5 number when you compare the previous two totals.  They combined for 233 points in their first meeting and 226 in their 2nd meeting.  But they shot a combined 15-of-61 from 3-point range in that 2nd meeting, and they aren't going to shoot that poorly again.

Plays on the OVER on road teams where the total is 220 or higher (Chicago) - after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games in February games are 45-19 (70.3%) Over the last five seasons.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers -2.5

The Indiana Pacers will be highly motivated for a victory tonight after losing five consecutive games coming in.  This is their final game prior to the All-Star Break so they would love to go into the break without the sour taste of a six-game losing streak.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time and primed for a big effort here.

The Chicago Bulls are struggling worse, going 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 15 at Memphis, by 11 at Brooklyn, by 8 at Cleveland and by 9 at home to Orlando.  Making matters worse are six players on the injury report.  They will be without DeRozan and Jones Jr, while both Caruso and Dragic are questionable.

The Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  Indiana is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home meetings with Chicago.  The Pacers are 17-14 SU & 18-12 ATS at home this season.  The Bulls are 10-19 SU on the road this season.  Chicago is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games following three or more consecutive underdogs.  Indiana is 10-2 ATS in home games following a non-conference game this season.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 24-10 ATS in their last 34 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

I just cashed the Magic +5 last night in their 100-91 outright win at Chicago.  Now this line has been adjusted too much for them playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  This is one of the deepest teams in the NBA so they can handle these situations better than most.

The Toronto Raptors cannot be trusted to lay this kind of a number right now.  They only beat the Pistons by 1 as 11-point home favorites last time out, and they lost by 6 to Utah as 8.5-point favorites the game prior.  This is a step up in class for Toronto.

Orlando upset Toronto in each of their last two meetings this season winning 113-109 as 8-point dogs and 111-99 as 7-point dogs.  The Raptors are 16-46 ATS in their last 62 games when revenging two consecutive SU loss as a favorite.  Toronto is 5-13 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  The Magic are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Bet the Magic Tuesday.

20* Celtics/Bucks TNT No-Brainer on Milwaukee -8.5

The Boston Celtics stand little chance of keeping this game competitive tonight considering they are going to be without their three best players in Jayson Tatum (30.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.5 APG), Jaylen Brown (26.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG) and Marcus Smart (11.1 PPG, 7.2 APG).  It's simply too much for them to overcome tonight.  Not to mention, Robert Williams and Grant Williams are both questionable as well.

The Milwaukee Bucks won't be taking the Celtics lightly without these guys, either.  They trail the Celtics for 1st place in the East and this will be a National TV game, so they will be putting their best foot forward.  It's amazing how good this team is when healthy and it has shown over the past couple weeks during their current 10-game winning streak.  Nine of the 10 wins have come by 8 points or more.

The Bucks are 16-6 ATS as favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Milwaukee is 23-5 SU & 18-10 ATS at home this season.  The Bucks are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. good offensive teams that average 116 or more points per game.  Bet the Bucks Tuesday.

20* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Washington Wizards +4

The Washington Wizards have quietly gone 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last eight games overall with three outright upsets.  They are playing their best basketball of the season right now, and I fully expect them to upset the Golden State Warriors tonight.  The Wizards are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and are primed for another big effort.

I'm looking to fade the Warriors without Stephen Curry until he returns.  They are coming off consecutive losses to the Blazers and Lakers, who didn't even have LeBron James.  They could be without Andrew Wiggins, who is questionable with an ankle injury.  They just should not be favored over the Wizards given the state of these two teams currently.

The Wizards are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following a win.  The Wizards are 23-9-1 ATS in their last 33 games following a win by more than 10 points.  The Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games.  Golden State is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following a loss.  Bet the Wizards Monday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Minnesota Timberwolves +8

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a great spot tonight.  They coming in on two days' rest and have the next two days off after this game.  They will be 'all in' tonight in Dallas a result, and it should be enough to cover this 8-point spread and possibly win this game outright.

Dallas won both games with Kyrie Irving and without Luka Doncic, but then lost the game they both made their debut together against the Kings.  The Mavericks will now be playing their 3rd game in 4 days after two shootouts with the Kings in Sacramento.  I fully expect the Mavericks to be overvalued the rest the way with Irving and Doncic, who are both great on offense but terrible on defense.

Minnesota is 4-3 SU & 4-3 ATS in its last seven meetings with Dallas with two losses coming by 2 and 5 points.  So the Timberwolves have lost just one game in their last seven meetings with the Mavericks by more than this 8-point margin.

The Timberwolves are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a SU loss, and 6-0 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss as well.  Dallas is 6-16 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Bet the Timberwolves Monday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Orlando Magic +5

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 23-10 ATS in their last 33 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

Now the Magic have their sights set on revenge from a 109-128 home loss to the Chicago Bulls on January 28th two weeks ago.  That was a terrible spot for the Magic playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a loss at Miami the night before.  It was also their 6th game in 9 days and they had nothing left in the tank for the Bulls.

Now they face a Chicago team not playing well at all going 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall with losses by 15 at Memphis, by 11 at Brooklyn and by 8 at Cleveland.  The Bulls will be playing their 5th game in 8 days here and are starting to run out of gas heading into the All-Star Break.

The Magic are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU loss, and 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.  Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Chicago.  Bet the Magic Monday.

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

The Detroit Pistons aren't tanking contrary to popular belief.  They kept almost everyone at the trade deadline including Bojan Bogdanovic (21.5 PPG), who was one of the hottest trade pieces on the market.  They promptly won their first game since the deadline over the Spurs at home.

The Toronto Raptors promptly were upset as 8.5-point home favorites to the Utah Jazz in their first game since the deadline.  They cannot be trusted here as 11.5-point favorites over the Pistons, especially when you consider how Detroit has had their number in recent meetings.

Indeed, the Pistons are actually 6-1 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last seven meetings with the Raptors with six outright upsets as underdogs of 5 points or more in all six.  Their lone loss came by 4 points.  They just match up well with the Raptors clearly, and they won't go down without a fight today.  Bet the Pistons Sunday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +2.5

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 23-9 ATS in their last 32 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The spot favors the Magic tonight as they had Friday off, while Miami just had to go to the wire in a 97-95 home win over lowly Houston as 12-point favorites.  A big reason the Heat struggled is because they are short-handed right now playing without Lowry, Oladipo and Robinson.  Now they'll have to play the 2nd of a back-to-back after having four players play at least 34 minutes last night.  They won't have much left in the tank for Orlando.

The home team is 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings.  The Magic are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  The Heat are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Miami is 9-23-2 ATS in its last 34 games following a win.  The Heat are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games playing on zero rest.  The Magic are 17-4 ATS in their last 21 games playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Magic Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Brooklyn Nets +3.5

I have the Brooklyn Nets circled as a 'buy low' team moving forward.  They just traded away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving but got back some great pieces in those trades that will have them playing team basketball moving forward.  I like Dinwiddie, Finney-Smith, Bridge and Johnson a lot.  

Not to mention, Cam Thomas is on an absolute tear scoring 44, 47, 43 and 20 points in his last four games.  The Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with upset wins over Chicago and Washington as well as narrow losses to the Clippers and Suns.  I fully expect them to upset the 76ers tonight.

This is a terrible spot for the 76ers.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a comeback 119-108 home win over New York last night.  They will now be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.  Embiid played 37 minutes, Harden 37, Harris 34, Maxey 32 and Tucker 30 last night.  Don't be surprised if they rest Embiid or others here.

Brooklyn is 13-5 ATS as an underdog this season.  The Nets are 8-1 ATS in home games after covering four or five of their last six games this season.  The 76ers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Brooklyn is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games.  Bet the Nets Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Night BLOWOUT on Sacramento Kings -1.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Dallas Mavericks after winning four of their last five and covering four consecutive games coming in.  That includes an upset win on National TV as 8-point dogs at the Clippers in their first game with Kyrie Irving.  Now this is a letdown spot for them to say the least, and there are going to be chemistry issues for a few games after these trades.

The Kings have good chemistry and didn't make any moves over the deadline.  They like their team as it's easy to see why as they have gone 11-5 SU in their last 16 games overall and rank 2nd in the entire NBA in offensive efficiency.  They will test this weak Dallas defense that ranks 21st in defensive efficiency and got even worse when trading for Irving while losing Finney-Smith.

Dallas is 8-20-1 ATS in its last 29 games following a win.  The Mavericks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  The Kings are 22-10-1 ATS in their last 33 games playing on one days' rest.  Sacramento is 23-8-1 ATS in the last 32 meetings, including 4-1-1 ATS in the last six home meetings.  Bet the Kings Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +3.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 33-20-1 ATS in all games this season and have been the most profitable team to back over the past two seasons.  They have gone 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall with six outright upsets.  I fully expect them to upset the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.

The Blazers are dealing with a ton of injuries right now and are playing horrific defense.  They have allowed 112 or more points in 10 consecutive games and 14 o their last 15 games overall.  Now they face a potent Thunder offense that has scored 111 or more points in 16 of their last 18 games overall.

Oklahoma City is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games following three consecutive games where they committed 4-plus more turnovers than their opponents.  The Thunder are 17-6 ATS as road underdogs this season.  Oklahoma City is 10-1 ATS vs. poor pressure defensive teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  The Thunder are 43-21-1 ATS in their last 65 road games.  Oklahoma City is 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland.  Bet the Thunder Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Mavs/Kings OVER 233.5

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 9th in pace, 2nd in offensive efficiency and 23rd in defensive efficiency.  The OVER is 3-0 in Kings last three games overall coming in with combined scores of 268, 260 and 240 points.

The Mavericks are now an OVER team with the trade for Kyrie Irving and books haven't adjusted yet.  They now have three elite scorers in Doncic, Irving and Wood and a bunch of question marks defensively.  They shot 52.6% in their first game with Irving in an upset win over the Clippers.

Sacramento is 11-2 OVER in its last 13 February home games.  The OVER is 16-7-1 in Kings last 24 home games overall.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on New Orleans Pelicans +3

The New Orleans Pelicans are still undervalued after a recent 10-game losing streak.  I have backed them in two of their last three games since where they've gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS as 1.5-point favorites over the Lakers, 2-point dogs to the Kings and 1-point favorites over the Hawks.  They won those three games by a combined 46 points.

Now the Pelicans are once again undervalued as 3-point home dogs to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Cleveland has one of the biggest home/road splits in the NBA this season.  The Cavaliers are just 12-16 SU & 11-15-2 ATS on the road this season and should not be favored over the Pelicans here.

Cleveland is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games after winning four of its last five games.  The Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS in their last six Friday games.  New Orleans is 7-1 ATS in its last eight home meetings with Cleveland.  The Pelicans are 20-9 SU & 16-12-1 ATS at home this season.  Bet the Pelicans Friday.

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

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 22-9 ATS in their last 31 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

Now the Magic are out for revenge from a narrow 116-119 loss at Denver as 10.5-point underdogs on January 15th in their first meeting this season.  I like their chances of staying within 6.5 points at home in the rematch and likely pulling off the upset tonight.  Denver is just 1-3 SU in its last four road games with its lone win coming by a single point.

Denver is 1-9 ATS in road games following three consecutive games where it made 47% of its shots or better this season.  The Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  The Magic are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.  Orlando is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following a SU loss.  The Magic are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  These five trends combine for a 32-2 system backing Orlando tonight.  Bet the Magic Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Warriors/Blazers OVER 234.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are a dead nuts OVER team right now playing without Jusuf Nurkic.  They have been force to go small ball and it has led to a ton of high scoring games.  In fact, the Blazers and their opponents have combined for at least 233 points in eight of their last nine games overall.

The Warriors will have no problem going small and getting up and down with the Blazers tonight.  The Warriors and their opponents have combined for at least 232 points in 14 consecutive games.  The OVER is 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall during this stretch.  They just scored 141 points on the Thunder in their first game without Curry, and this total has been adjusted too much down due to him being out.

The OVER is 7-0 in Warriors' seven road games with a line of +3 to -3 this season.  Golden State is 14-1 OVER in its last 15 games vs. a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) in the second half of the season.  The OVER is 35-14-3 in Warriors last 52 road games.  The OVER is 16-5-1 in the last 22 meetings in Portland.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Kings/Rockets OVER 238.5

This is a low total for a game involving the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, who are both dead nuts OVER teams.  The recent head-to-head history really shows that as well.

The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings with combined scores of 260, 253, 250, 239 and 239 points.  The Kings and Rockets have combined for at least 230 points in eight consecutive meetings as well.  They have gone for 250, 253 and 260 points in their three meetings this season.  Enough said.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Thunder/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT Oklahoma City +6.5

The Los Angeles Lakers return home from a grueling five-game road trip at Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Indiana and New Orleans.  I always like fading teams in that first game back home following a long road trip because there are so many distractions back home.

Speaking of distractions, LeBron James needs 37 points tonight to break Kareem's All-Time scoring record.  I expect the Lakers to be playing a lot of 1 on 5 tonight because of it.  That's not going to work for them to beat the Thunder by 7-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Thunder after getting blown out at Golden State last night where Klay Thompson made 12 3-pointers and nothing went right for them.  The good news is that they are still fresh now as no player played more than 30 minutes for the Thunder last night.

Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following a loss.  The Thunder are 6-1 ATS in their last seven trips to Los Angeles.  Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 4 days this season.  The Thunder are 13-2 ATS after losing four or five of their last six games this season.  Oklahoma City is 7-0 ATS after three straight games committing four-plus more turnovers than their opponent this season.  The Thunder are 9-1 ATS vs. poor pressure defensive teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans ML -120

It's 'buy low' time on the New Orleans Pelicans after going 2-10 SU in their last 12 games overall.  But they are getting healthier and are only without Zion Williamson, who should return soon.  They are coming off two straight home wins over the Lakers by 5 and Kings by 32 and should top the Atlanta Hawks tonight as well.

New Orleans is 19-9 SU at home this season, while Atlanta is 14-16 SU & 13-17 ATS on the road.  This is a very tough spot for the Hawks playing their 5th consecutive road game.  They just lost by 20 at Denver last time out.

The Hawks are 0-6 ATS in their last six games when playing on two days' rest.  They are getting too much respect due to coming in on two days' rest.  The Pelicans have two days off after this and will be 'all in' for this game tonight.  Bet the Pelicans on the Money Line Tuesday.

20* NBA Tuesday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic ML +105

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 22-8 ATS in their last 30 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The Magic should not be home underdogs to the New York Knicks tonight.  The Knicks are a tired team right now playing their 3rd game in 4 days and have played three OT games in their past six.  They are coming off an upset win over the 76ers at home on ESPN Sunday, and this is now a letdown spot for them.  They have played the Cavs, Celtics, Nets, Lakers, Heat, Clippers and 76ers in their last seven games and now they will take a breather here against the Magic.

The Knicks are 0-4 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Magic are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Orlando is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Bet the Magic Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder +4

The Golden State Warriors will be without Stephen Curry at least until after the All-Star Break.  They shouldn't be favored over the Oklahoma City Thunder without him tonight.  The Thunder are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA going 32-19-1 ATS in all games this season, including 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

The Thunder come in the more rested team playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, while the Warriors will be playing their 4th game in 6 days.  Oklahoma City wants revenge from a 120-128 home loss to the Warriors on January 30th just a week ago when Curry scored 38 points and made eight 3-pointers.

Oklahoma City is 42-20-1 ATS in its last 63 road games.  The Thunder are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.  Oklahoma City is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games vs. teams that are called for 2-plus more fouls per game than their opponents.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Kings/Rockets OVER 233

This is a very low total for a game involving the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, who are both dead nuts OVER teams.  The recent head-to-head history really shows that as well.

The OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings with combined scores of 253, 250, 239 and 239 points.  The Kings and Rockets have combined for at least 230 points in seven consecutive meetings as well.  Enough said.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* 76ers/Knicks ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Philadelphia -4

The Philadelphia 76ers are fully healthy and playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now.  They have gone 9-1 SU in their last 10 games overall.  They are rested and ready to go tonight after having yesterday off and playing just their 5th game in 11 days.  The 76ers should be bigger favorites over the Knicks tonight given the horrible spot for the home team.

Indeed, the Knicks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 128-134 (OT) home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last night.  Their four best players all played at least 38 minutes with Barrett 43, Randle 40, Brunson 38 and Grimes 38 in that defeat.  They have played six consecutive games decided by single-digits, and after this rough stretch they won't have much left in the tank for the 76ers tonight.

Home-court advantage has not mattered in this series for the Knicks.  The 76ers are actually 10-1 SU in their last 11 trips to Madison Square Garden.  Philadelphia is 15-4 ATS when playing 6 or fewer games in 14 days this season.  New York is 11-26 ATS in its last 27 home games following a home game.  The Knicks are 0-8 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.  Bet the 76ers Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Cavs/Pacers OVER 225.5

The Indiana Pacers have gone under the total in three consecutive games coming in, which has the books setting this number too low.  Their last six totals were all 234 or higher, so this is a very low total for a game involving the Pacers.

Indiana's best player in Tyrese Haliburton just returned from injury and has been a little rusty in his first two games back.  But he should be much closer to full strength now and back to running this up-tempo style that Rick Carlisle likes to run.  The Pacers rank 3rd in the NBA in pace this season and 24th in defensive efficiency.

As long as Mitchell and Garland are on the floor for the Cavaliers they are a potent offensive team.  They are as healthy as they have been all season right now.  They will have no problem getting up and down with the Pacers, which has certainly been the case in recent meetings.

Indeed, the OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings with 261, 230, 251 and 233 combined points at the end of regulation those last four meetings, respectively.  Indiana is 8-1 OVER in its last nine games following an upset win as a home underdog.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Sunday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic +2

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The Magic should not be underdogs to the lowly Charlotte Hornets, who have lost three consecutive games coming in.  The Hornets lost by 9 at Milwaukee, by 16 at Chicago and by 6 at Detroit.  Now they will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days with lots of travel involved.  They have almost zero home-court advantage as they are just 7-16 SU & 8-15 ATS at home this season.

Charlotte is 1-8 ATS in its last nine home games following three or more consecutive losses.  Orlando is 15-3 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on one days' rest.  The Hornets are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +5

Both the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back tonight.  But the spot is much worse for the Suns than it is for the Pistons, so getting 5 points with the Pistons at home tonight is simply too much.

The short-handed Suns are coming off a shocking 106-94 win at Boston last night.  That sets them up for a letdown spot here plus having to travel from Boston to Detroit.  It will be the 9th game in 15 days for the Suns, who are without Booker, Payne and Shamet and could be without Cameron Johnson due to injury management.

The Pistons are much healthier and much fresher following their 118-112 home win over the Hornets last night.  They get to stay at home here, had three days off prior to that game, and they will now be playing just their 7th game in 20 days.  This team really couldn't be more fresh than they are right now, and it has shown in their recent play in going 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with upset wins over the Nets and Hornets, plus close losses to Dallas by 6 and Houston by 3.

Plays against favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Phoenix) - a hot team winning six or seven of their last eight games, when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 75-35 (68.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  

The Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last six games when playing on zero rest.  Phoenix is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following a win by more than 10 points.  Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last five games when playing on zero rest.  The Pistons are 28-10 ATS in the last 38 meetings, including 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Detroit.  Bet the Pistons Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on New Orleans Pelicans ML +100

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans.  They have lost 10 consecutive games coming into this one with all 10 against playoff contenders.  Now they find themselves as home underdogs to the Los Angeles Lakers, and we'll take advantage.

It's safe to say the Pelicans will be highly motivated to put an end to this 10-game skid.  I like their chances tonight against a banged up Lakers team that could be without LeBron James.  It is also a tired Lakers team playing their 5th consecutive road game that has included a pair of OT games against the Celtics and Knicks.  I think they run out of gas here tonight.

The Lakers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home meetings with the Lakers.  New Orleans is 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in its last four meetings with Los Angeles with its lone loss coming on the road in OT.  Bet the Pelicans on the Money Line Saturday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington Wizards +3.5

The Washington Wizards are playing their best basketball of the season right now largely due to the fact that they are as healthy as they have been all year.  They are 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with three outright victories as underdogs.

Unfortunately, their six-game winning streak came to an end last night with a fluky 116-124 home loss to the Blazers last night in which they blew an 18-point halftime lead.  Now they come back highly motivated for a victory.  The only reason they are underdogs here is due to playing the second of a back-to-back, but they will still be fresh considering they had three days off prior to playing Portland.  Not all back-to-backs are created equal.

I'll gladly fade the Brooklyn Nets as home favorites here.  They remain without Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons and T.J. Warren are both questionable, and now Kyrie Irving is requesting to be traded.  This franchise is just filled with turmoil, especially right now.  They can't be trusted as home favorites given their current state and the way they have played at home of late.

Indeed, the Nets are 14-39 ATS in their last 53 games as home favorites.  The Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.  Washington is 41-17-2 ATS in its last 60 games when playing on zero rest.  Brooklyn is 16-40-2 ATS in its last 58 home games overall.  Bet the Wizards Saturday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz ML -115

The Utah Jazz have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA.  They are 18-9 SU at home this season and just have to win tonight to cover the money line for us.  They take on an Atlanta Hawks team that is 13-15 SU & 12-16 ATS on the road this season and has been a terrible road team through the years.

Utah comes in fully healthy, rested and ready to go tonight.  The Jazz will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.  The Hawks will be playing their 3rd road game in 5 days after losing at Portland and beating short-handed Phoenix.  

This will be their toughest test of this road trip thus far, and they have Denver on deck tomorrow, so don't be surprised if they limit starters minutes tonight to prepare for that 2nd of a back-to-back.  Utah has two more days off after this, so they will be 'all in' for this one.

Atlanta is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games following an upset win as an underdog.  The Hawks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win.  Atlanta is 9-23 ATS in its last 32 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The Jazz are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Jazz are 6-0 SU in the last six meetings with all six wins by 5 points or more.  Bet the Jazz on the Money Line Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +5.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a sandwich spot here.  They are coming off a huge 119-114 (OT) win over the defending champion Warriors, and now they have the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets on deck.  They are in a letdown and lookahead spot here, and I don't think they put their best foot forward because of it.  That's going to make it tough for them to cover this 5.5-point spread against the pesky Magic tonight.

Orlando is 11-2 ATS following two consecutive road games this season.  The Magic are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last five games following an ATS loss.  The Magic are 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings, including 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Minnesota.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Detroit Pistons -1

The Detroit Pistons have a massive rest advantage over the Charlotte Hornets tonight that should lead them to victory in this battle between Eastern Conference bottom feeders.  Detroit was last seen losing 105-111 at Dallas as 8.5-point dogs on Monday, so they have had the last three days off.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd road game in 4 days after losses at Milwaukee on Tuesday and at Chicago on Thursday.  Washington played over 38 minutes last night against the Bulls, Ball 35, Rozier 36 and Plumlee 31.  The Hornets won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons tonight.

Detroit is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  The Hornets are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games when playing 8 or more games in 14 days.  Charlotte is 6-14 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record this season.  Bet the Pistons Friday.

15* Clippers/Bucks TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 231

This is a very high total for a game involving the Los Angeles Clippers.  They are a dead nuts UNDER team ranking 22nd in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency.  They play even slower when Kawhi Leonard has been in the lineup and are an even better defensive team with him in there.  He has only played in 28 of their 54 games this season.

This total has been inflated largely due to the Bucks playing in three straight high scoring games against the Hornets, Pacers and Pelicans, which are three dead nuts over teams.  They take a big step up in class here at least offensively, where the Clippers match up with them very well.

Plays on the UNDER on home teams where the total is 230 or higher (Milwaukee) - after having won four or five of their last six games, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a team with a winning record are 70-33 (68%) since 1996.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on New Orleans Pelicans +4.5

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans following nine consecutive losses.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight, and they are much better than they have shown while battling through injuries lately.  They are now fully healthy with the exception of Zion Williamson and I expect them to upset the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

The Mavericks have been the single-most overvalued team in the NBA. They are 27-25 SU but just 17-33-2 ATS this season.  Luka Doncic has to carry too much of the load for this team, and now he's without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG).  The Mavericks are 3-6 SU & 2-7 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Dallas is 2-12 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  The Mavericks are 3-13 ATS following a home win this season.  The Mavericks are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on two days' rest.  Dallas is 5-20-1 ATS in its last 26 games following a win.  Bet the Pelicans Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Magic/76ers UNDER 230.5

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 2nd meeting in 3 days between the 76ers and Magic.  I love betting UNDERS in these situations.  They combined for 228 points in that first meeting on Monday and I expect an even lower scoring game in the rematch.

The 76ers rank 22nd in pace and 5th in defensive efficiency, making them a dead nuts UNDER team.  They will come back with an inspired effort defensively tonight after getting upset by the Magic in that first meeting.

13 of the last 16 meetings in this series have seen 230 or fewer combined points, making for a 13-3 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 230.5-point total.  Plays on the UNDER where the total is 230 or higher (Philadelphia) - a good team outscoring opponents by 3-plus points per game after allowing 115 points or more in two consecutive games are 74-34 (68.5%) since 1996.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Memphis Grizzlies -5

This is a rare opportunity to 'buy low' on the Memphis Grizzlies after going through their worst stretch of the season.  They finally ended a five-game losing streak with a 112-100 home win over the Pacers last time out.  All five losses came on the road, but the Grizzlies have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA at home.

Indeed, the Grizzlies are 21-3 SU & 16-8 ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.  This is a very short number for them to be laying against the Portland Trail Blazers, who are coming off a five-game home stand but are just 10-15 SU & 12-13 ATS on the road.

Memphis is 10-1 ATS after losing four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons.  Portland is 6-18 ATS in its last 24 games vs. a top teams that win between 60% and 70% of their games.  The Blazers are 0-8 ATS in their last eight road games.  The Grizzlies are 36-14-1 ATS in their last 51 home games.  Bet the Grizzlies Wednesday.

20* Pelicans/Nuggets TNT No-Brainer on New Orleans +7

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans.  They have lost seven consecutive games coming in.  They will want revenge from a 98-99 home loss to the Nuggets on January 24th just a week ago.  I love the value we are getting on the Pelicans tonight catching 7 points in the rematch.

It's not like the Nuggets are playing much better.  They are 1-3 SU in their last four games overall with their lone victory coming by a single point.  That includes an upset home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  They have only won one of their last five home games by double-digits.

The Pelicans are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Denver.  Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +8.5

The Dallas Mavericks have been getting respect all season that has been unwarranted.  They are 26-25 SU but just 17-32-2 ATS this season.  They are just 3-8 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood right now, plus Luka Doncic is questionable with an ankle injury.  I like the Pistons at this number whether or not Doncic plays.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They pulled off the 130-122 upset win at Brooklyn as identical 8.5-point dogs in their last road game.  They are rested and ready to go playing just their 4th game in 11 days tonight.  Detroit pulled the 131-125 upset as 8-point home dogs to the Mavericks in their first meeting this season.

Detroit is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Dallas is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games when revenging a loss as a favorite of 7 points or more.  Bet the Pistons Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the most undervalued team in the NBA for two seasons running now.  That has especially been the case of late as the Thunder are 8-3 SU & 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with all three losses coming by 5 points or fewer.  They are showing tremendous value catching 5.5 points at home to the Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Warriors have been dreadful on the road this season going 6-18 SU & 8-16 ATS away from home.  They play zero defense on the highway, allowing 122.9 points per game on 49% shooting.  The Thunder are 15-10 SU & 16-9 ATS at home this season and scoring 119.4 points per game on 48% shooting.

The Warriors are 2-10 ATS in road games following a win this season.  Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games vs. good offensive teams that average 116 or more points per game.  The Thunder are 8-0-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Sacramento Kings PK

I love the spot for the Sacramento Kings tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a 110-117 road loss at Minnesota on Saturday.  Now they get their shot at revenge here two days later and are the fresher team by far.

While the Kings will only be playing their 2nd game in 5 days, the Timberwolves will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and their 11th game in 18 days.  This is a clear letdown spot for the Timberwolves after just beating the Kings, plus it's a lookahead spot with the defending champion Warriors on deck Wednesday.  I expect the Kings to give an A-plus effort and the Timberwolves to be flat tonight.

Plays on road teams (Sacramento) - revenging a loss, while also off two or more consecutive upset losses as favorites are 42-21 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Kings are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 games when playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Kings Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -8.5

The Memphis Grizzlies will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost a season-high five consecutive games, but all five losses came on the road.  Now they are back home where they are 20-3 SU & 15-8 ATS this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.

The Grizzlies get a step down in class here against the Indiana Pacers, who have really been struggling without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), who is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  The Pacers are 1-9 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall and this run has coincided with the loss of Haliburton.  Five of their last seven losses have been by double-digits so they have rarely been competitive.

Memphis is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games after losing four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games vs. Central Division opponents.  The Grizzlies beat the Pacers 130-112 as 7.5-point road favorites on January 14th, and now are only 8.5-point home favorites in the rematch.  The Grizzlies are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with wins by 18, 30 and 33 points.  Bet the Grizzlies Sunday.

15* Lakers/Celtics ABC ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles +8

The Los Angeles Lakers want revenge from a 118-122 (OT) home loss to the Boston Celtics in which they blew a double-digit lead in the final minutes on December 13th in their first meeting this season.  They have Anthony Davis back healthy now and both James and Walker IV are questionable for this one.

The Celtics will be without their glue guy in Marcus Smart, who is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  That has shown as the Celtics are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games without him losing by 15 at Orlando as 7.5-point favorites, losing by 3 at Miami as 2.5-point dogs and lost by 3 at home to New York as 8.5-point favorites.

The Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall with their two wins during this stretch coming by 3 and 2 points.  They aren't blowing anyone out.  The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall with only one loss by more than 5 points in their last eight games.  Los Angeles is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games overall dating back further, including 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.  Bet the Lakers Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Lakers/Celtics UNDER 237.5

Recent overtime games by the Celtics have inflated this total.  They are much more of a defensive-minded team since Robert Williams came back, and they are lacking on offense of late as teams have figured them out, plus they played bigger instead of small ball with Williams.

The UNDER would be 5-0 in Celtics last five games overall if not for OT.  They have combined for 220, 193, 211, 210 and 212 points at the end of regulation in their last five games overall.  This total has been inflated way up to 237.5 points, and there's clear value with the UNDER.

Speaking of OT games, Boston beat Los Angeles 122-118 in OT in their first meeting this season.  But that game was tied 110-110 at the end of regulation for just 220 combined points.  And I think this game should be much closer to 220 than 240 tonight given the rivalry and how both teams have been playing of late.

Boston is 14-5 UNDER with a total of 230 or higher this season.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Lakers last five games when playing on two days' rest.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Sacramento Kings -2.5

This is a terrible spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 10th game in 16 days, which is about as tough of a situation as you will see in the NBA.  

Don't be surprised if they rest some starters after four starters played at least 30 minutes last night including 37 from Russell and 36 from Edwards.  It's also a letdown spot for the Timberwolves off an upset win over the Grizzlies, who knocked them out of the playoffs last year, so they definitely wanted some revenge last night and got it.

The Kings come in on two days' rest and will test Minnesota's tired legs by playing at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.  They will also be highly motivated for a win off an upset loss to the Raptors last time out.  The Kings have been a great road team this season at 11-9 SU & 13-7 ATS.  The Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Bet the Kings Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans -4

It's safe to say the New Orleans Pelicans will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost six consecutive games coming into this one.  But they just got Brandon Ingram back from injury last game, and they are at full strength with the exception of Zion Williamson.  This is a great spot to 'buy low' on the Pelicans, who also come in on two days' rest.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Washington Wizards, who are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall against a pretty soft schedule.  PF Kristaps Porzingis is out for the Wizards while PG Monte Morris is questionable.  The Pelicans beat the Wizards 132-112 on the road in their first meeting this season on January 9th.

The Wizards are 15-36-1 ATS in their last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Washington is 6-15-2 ATS in its last 23 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  New Orleans is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last four home meetings with the Wizards.  Bet the Pelicans Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Night Line Mistake on Los Angeles Clippers PK

The Los Angeles Clippers are a dangerous team when both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are healthy.  That has been the case in recent games and it has shown.  The Clippers are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with wins by 5, 14, 18 and 38 points.

Now they make it five in a row as a PK on the road at the Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks had lost to the Hornets by 4 at home and the Bulls by 11 on the road before getting a 5-point win at OKC.  They take a huge step up in class here after playing a very easy schedule of late.

Atlanta is 4-17 ATS in its last 21 games following a win by 6 points or less.  The Hawks are 6-18 ATS in their last 24 games following an ATS win.  Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last five games when playing on two days' rest.  Bet the Clippers Saturday.

15* Raptors/Warriors NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto +5.5

The Toronto Raptors are fully healthy right now and playing well.  They have gone 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 to Boston as 3.5-point dogs.  They beat the Knicks by 9 as 2.5-point home favorites and also upset the Warriors by 18 as 3-point road dogs.

Now the Raptors are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and will be highly motivated to try and beat the defending champion Warriors.  This is a Warriors team that is just 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall and could be without Andrew Wiggins tonight.  They have just one win by double-digits and two wins by more than 6 points in their last 14 games overall, so they aren't blowing anyone out.

Toronto is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games following two consecutive wins.  The Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games overall with 10 outright upsets as underdogs.  They are way better than they get credit for, and we'll continue to back them until the oddsmakers and betting public catch up to them.  The Magic are catching too many points tonight against the Miami Heat.

Miami is in a letdown spot following a 98-95 win over the Boston Celtics last time out.  The Heat haven't been blowing out anyone as they have only two wins in their last 11 games by more than 8 points.  They won't be blowing out the Magic tonight, either.

Orlando is 7-0 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  Miami is 11-21 ATS as a favorite this season.  Orlando is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on one day of rest.  The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Heat are 9-19-2 ATS in their last 30 games following a win, and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win.  Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings, and 6-2 ATS in the last eight trips to Miami.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -2.5

The Memphis Grizzlies have lost a season-high four consecutive games with three of those losses coming by a combined 5 points.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight so they don't get swept on this five-game road trip.  A motivated Grizzlies team as a short favorite is one that I definitely want to get behind.

We will 'buy low' on the Grizzlies tonight, while also 'selling high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have gone 9-4 SU & 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  The Timberwolves have taken advantage of a pretty easy schedule during this run, but this is a big step up in class for them tonight.

Memphis is a perfect 9-0 ATS in its last nine games after having lost four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 meetings with the Timberwolves.  Bet the Grizzlies Friday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +9

The Brooklyn Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 133-137 loss in Philadelphia last night.  They will be playing in their 6th different city in 10 days after playing their last five games on the road.  The Nets are just 2-5 SU in their last seven games without Kevin Durant with three losses by double-digits.  

Irving played 38 minutes, Claxton 38, Curry 34 and O-Neale 34 last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons, and that's going to make it very difficult to win by double-digits, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Pistons are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 11 days.  That makes it a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 1-7 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They are primed for one of their biggest efforts of the season tonight given the favorable spot.

Detroit is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Brooklyn is 0-8 ATS in its last eight home games after losing four or five of its last six games.  Brooklyn is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team that wins less than 25% of their games.  The Nets are 14-39-2 ATS in their last 55 home games.  Detroit is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

I'll gladly fade the Los Angeles Lakers in a terrible spot tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 7th game in 11 days after a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last night. They won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Spurs as they were the Clippers.

That's especially the case considering the Lakers have already beaten the Spurs three times this season alone. That means the Spurs will be playing with triple-revenge, and thus they will be the more motivated team.

The Spurs have quietly gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They will be the way fresher team playing just their 3rd game in 8 days. The Lakers are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games following a double-digit home loss. Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

20* Grizzlies/Warriors ESPN No-Brainer on OVER 235

The books missed their mark badly with this opening total in this showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. These are two dead nuts OVER teams, especially with how they have been playing of late.

The Grizzlies have really slipped defensively of late allowing 112 or more points in nine of their last 10 games overall. But they have scored 115 or more points in 12 of their last 14 games overall. They are without Steven Adams, which makes them even more of an OVER team.

The Golden State Warriors have been terrible defensively all season allowing 118.0 points per game. But they have gotten healthy recently and are scoring at will. The Warriors have scored 116 or more points in six consecutive games coming in.

The OVER is 8-3 in Grizzlies last 11 games overall. The OVER is 5-1-1 in Warriors last seven games overall. The OVER is 4-0 in Warriors last four games following a loss. Be the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +1

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the single most underrated team in the NBA over the past couple seasons. They continue to get no respect as home underdogs to the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

The Thunder are 7-2 SU & 9-0 ATS in their last nine games overall. That includes six outright upsets as underdogs, which they just have a habit of doing. They should be favored over the Hawks at home tonight.

The Thunder come in rested and ready to go on two days' rest. The Hawks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days and their 8th game in 12 days tonight. They are starting to wear down after getting upset by the Hornets as 7.5-point home favorites two games ago, they lost by 11 at Chicago as 1-point road dogs last time out.

The Hawks are 7-23 ATS in their last 30 home games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Oklahoma City is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games playing on two days' rest. The Thunder are 25-11 ATS in the last 36 meetings. Bet the Thunder Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic -4.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall. This team is way better than they get credit for, and they are as healthy as they have been all season right now.

Now the Magic take on the struggling Indiana Pacers, who are 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS i n their last eight games overall. They are without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), and their recent struggles are due to missing one of the most underrated players in the NBA.

The Pacers ended a seven-game losing streak with a 116-110 comeback victory over Chicago last night. But that was a Bulls team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back. Now the Pacers are the team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back with travel. Four players played at least 32 minutes for the Pacers last night, and they won't have much left in the tank for the Magic.

The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games. The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games playing on one days' rest. Bet the Magic Wednesday.

20* Clippers/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 232.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are a dead nuts UNDER team. They rank 26th in the NBA in pace, 22nd in offensive efficiency and 11th in defensive efficiency. They have been even more of an UNDER team when Kawhi Leonard has been healthy, which he is right now.

The Lakers are more of an over team, but they have combined for 234 or fewer points in five of their last seven game overall with the UNDER going 6-1. They are missing Davis, Reaves and Walker while the Clippers are missing Wall and Kennard, and those losses hurt both teams more offensively than defensively.

Each of the first two meetings between the Clippers and Lakers this season have been very low scoring. They combined for 200 points in the first meeting on October 20th with a 226.5-point total. They combined for 215 points with a 219.5-point total in the 2nd meeting on November 9th. And now the books have jacked this total up to 232.5, so there's clearly big value on the UNDER.

The Lakers and Clippers have combined for 225 or fewer points in 11 of their last 13 meetings, which makes for an 11-2 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 232.5-point total. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington Wizards +7.5

The Washington Wizards are playing much better of late since getting Bradley Beal back from injury. After upsetting the Knicks 116-105 as 5-point dogs two games ago, they came back and blasted the Magic 138-118 as 6.5-point home favorites.

Now the Wizards have had the last two days off and are as rested as they have been all season. They will also be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days as well as their 4th game in 11 days.

The Dallas Mavericks are just 2-6 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall and don't deserve to be 7.5-point favorites here. In fact, they have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season at just 16-30-2 ATS in their 48 games. They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG) right now, which puts too much on Luka Doncic's shoulders.

The Wizards are 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Mavericks with three outright upsets as 6, 6 and 7.5-point dogs as well as a 1-point loss as 4.5-point dogs. This line should be much closer to PK. Bet the Wizards Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +8.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall and have been very competitive even in losing efforts. Now they are catching too many points tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the Spurs are rested on two days' rest and playing just their 2nd game in 6 days, the Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 112-121 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night. It was their 3rd consecutive loss by 9 points or more.

The Blazers have no business being this heavily favored against anyone considering they are just 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Lillard played 39 minutes, Simons 38, Grant 34 and Hart 32 last night, so they won't have much left in the tank for the Spurs tonight.

Portland is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games following an upset loss as a favorite. San Antonio is 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland. Bet the Spurs Monday.

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

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall. Now they are catching too many points at home to the Boston Celtics tonight.

The Celtics are without both Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon tonight, Robert Williams is questionable. and Jayson Tatum will be paying through a wrist injury. They are laying too many points on the road tonight given their injury situation.

Orlando is 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in three meetings with Boston this season. The Magic won outright as 13-point road dogs, outright as 11-point road dogs and only lost by 6 as 9-point home dogs in their first three meetings this season.

Orlando is 5-0 ATS In its last five games following a loss. The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on one day of rest. Boston is 1-9 ATS when revenging a loss this season. Bet the Magic Monday.

20* Nets/Warriors NBA TV No-Brainer on OVER 235

The Golden State Warriors are a dead nuts OVER team especially now that they have all their scorers back and healthy.  The Warriors rank 1st in the NBA in pace and have taken a big step back on defense this season.  They have scored 118 or more points in five consecutive games, and the OVER has gone 5-1 in their last six games with combined scores of 234 or more points in all six games.

Kyrie Irving and company will have no problem getting up and down with the Warriors.  They beat a short-handed Warriors team 143-113 in their first meeting this season at home for 256 combined points.  The Warriors are expected to have all hands on deck for this game other than Wiseman and Iguodala, which hurts them more defensively than anything.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Clippers/Mavericks UNDER 224.5

The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks just met less than two weeks ago on January 10th.  The Clippers won that game 113-101 at home for just 214 combined points.  Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and I expect more of the same in the rematch here Sunday.

This has been a very low scoring series as it is.  The Clippers and Mavericks have combined for 217 or fewer points in six consecutive meetings.  They have combined for 217 or fewer points in nine of their last 10 meetings, making for a 9-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 224.5-point total.

Injuries to both teams will take away from the offense of both teams and help us cash this UNDER ticket.  The Clippers will be without both John Wall (11.4 PPG, 5.2 APG) and Luke Kennard (8.7 PPG, 46.2% 3-pointers), while the Mavericks will be without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG).  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season.

This line has been adjusted too much in Washington's favor due to Orlando playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But the Magic had four days off prior to beating the Pelicans 123-110 at home last night.  Only Franz Wagner played more than 26 minutes for the Magic in that win, so they will still be fresh and ready for another big effort tonight.

Washington has no business laying this big of a number to anyone.  The Wizards are 19-26 on the season and just 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall with four losses by 9 points or more, and one win coming by 3 points.  They are getting too much respect for their upset win at New York last time out, which was a revenge game for them after recently losing to the Knicks two games prior.

Orlando is 8-1 ATS after covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  Washington is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on two days' rest.  The Magic are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Washington is also 14-37-1 ATS in its last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its las six trips to Washington.  Bet the Magic Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Toronto Raptors ML +100

The Boston Celtics will be without leading scorer Jayson Tatum (31.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.3 APG) tonight against the Toronto Raptors.  Not only that, but this is a massive letdown spot for the Celtics after finally getting revenge on the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night in OT at home.  They will fall flat tonight at Toronto following that victory.

Toronto will be highly motivated for a victory following two consecutive road losses coming in.  Unlike the Celtics, the Raptors are fully healthy right now.  And them at full strength and at home is better than Boston without Tatum.  Bet the Raptors on the Money Line Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz -6

The Brooklyn Nets have been a disaster without Kevin Durant.  They are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 11 at home to Boston as 1-point dogs, by 12 at home to OKC as 4.5-point favorites, by 8 at San Antonio as 2.5-point favorites and by 5 at Phoenix as 3.5-point favorites.

Now the Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days as well as their 3rd consecutive road game.  Kyrie Irving played 38 minutes, Nic Claxton 35 minutes, Seth Curry 36 minutes, Royce O'Neale 34 minutes and Joe Harris 31 minutes last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank tonight, and now they have to play in altitude in Salt Lake City to make matters worse.

The Jazz are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone loss coming by a single point to the 76ers as 7-point dogs.  They upset the Timberwolves, crushed the Clippers by 23 and beat the Cavaliers and Magic during this stretch.  Unlike the Nets, the Jazz are fully healthy right now and have been dangerous when that's the case.

The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Utah is 19-8 ATS in the last 27 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Salt Lake City.  The Jazz are 17-3 ATS in their last 20 home games following three or more consecutive ATS wins.  Bet the Jazz Friday.

20* Heat/Mavericks ESPN No-Brainer on Miami ML -115

The Miami Heat are almost fully healthy and playing some of their best basketball of the season right now as a result.  They have gone 4-1 SU in their last five games overall with two wins over Milwaukee and a 26-point win at New Orleans last time out.

The Heat should continue their momentum tonight against one of the most overrated teams in the NBA in the Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavericks are just 15-29-2 ATS on the season.  They are missing Maxi Kleber and now will be without Christian Wood after suffering a fractured thumb last game.  That's a huge loss as Wood has scored 19-plus points in 10 of his last 12 games overall and was starting to form a great chemistry with Luka Doncic.

Plays against home teams with a line of +3 to -3 (Dallas) - after being beaten by the spread by 42 or more points total in their last five games are 71-37 (65.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Mavericks are 1-5 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall and needed two heroic 3's by Doncic to force OT and double-OT in a win over the Lakers for their lone victory during this stretch.  Their five losses came by 17, 17, 12, 11 and 8 points.

Miami is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 trips to Dallas, and 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings overall.  The Mavericks are 16-33-2 ATS in their last 51 games overall.  The Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Heat on the Money Line Friday.

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic +2

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season, and this is a great spot for them coming in on four days' rest after being off since January 15th.

The New Orleans have been playing without their two best players in Zion Williamson (26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG) and Brandon Ingram (20.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG) and it's no surprise they have struggled without them.  Both remain out, plus key role player Herbert Jones (10.0 PPG) is questionable after missing the past four games.  Another role player in Naji Marshall (10.5 PPG) is questionable as well.

The Pelicans are just 3-7 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Orlando is 10-2 ATS after playing two consecutive road games this season.  New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Magic are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* Warriors/Celtics TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 241

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  It's safe to say the Celtics and Warriors are very familiar with one another after meeting in the NBA Finals last season.  They also played once this season, and all recent meeting went well UNDER this 241-point total.

Indeed, the Warriors and Celtics combined for 230 points in their first meeting this season.  They combined for 228 or fewer points in all six NBA Finals games.  In fact, they have combined for 233 or fewer points in 20 consecutive meetings, making for a 20-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 241-point total.  The UNDER is 21-6 in the last 27 meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* Kings/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 244.5

Both the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are dead nuts OVER teams right now. They are two of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA, and they both play little defense.

The OVER is 5-0 in Kings last five games overall with combined scores of 270, 247, 250, 253 and 251 points. The 270-point effort came against the Lakers. They also combined for 254 points in their previous meeting this season. The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

The Lakers are coming off 272 combined points against the Houston Rockets. The OVER is 20-7-1 in Lakers last 28 games vs. a team with a winning record. The OVER is 12-4 in Lakers last 16 games playing on one days' rest. The OVER is 6-1 in Lakers last seven games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Take the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hornets/Rockets OVER 236.5

The Charlotte Hornets are a dead nuts OVER team. They have combined for 236 or more points with their opponents in six of their last eight games overall. They play fast and play no defense.

The Houston Rockets have combined for 272, 255 and 250 points in three of their last four games coming in with the only exception being the Clippers, who are a dead nuts under team when playing at home. The Rockets also play fast and play no defense.

The OVER is 20-8 in Hornets last 28 road games. The OVER is 15-4 in Hornets last 19 road games following a home loss by 10 points or more. Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* 76ers/Clippers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 227

The Los Angeles Clippers are missing Paul George (23.7 PPG), Luke Kennard (8.7 PPG) and John Wall (11.4 PPG) tonight. That's a lot of offensive production missing, and they have to rely on defense to be competitive without them.

Amazingly, the UNDER is 23-4 in Clippers last 27 home games, which is one of the best kept secrets in the NBA right now. They are 20-3 UNDER at home this season, averaging 106.1 PPG at home and allowing just 105.3 PPG.

The 76ers rank 3rd in defensive efficiency and 26th in pace, making them a dead nuts UNDER team. The Clippers rank 23rd in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency, making them an UNDER team as well. Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Portland Trail Blazers +7

The Portland Trail Blazers are as healthy as they have been all season right now and it's starting to show. They are coming off back-to-back blowout wins over Dallas by 17 points each.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Denver Nuggets after winning six consecutive games coming in including five by double-digits. They barely survived in a 3-point win over the Magic as double-digit favorites last time out. And I expect they'll find it hard to beat Portland let alone by 8-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

This will be the 4th and final meeting between these teams this season. Portland has actually outscored Denver by 11 points combined in the first three meetings. 

The Blazers are 8-1 ATS following two consecutive home games this season. Denver is 1-9 ATS following three consecutive games where it made 50% of its shots or better. Portland is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games vs. good shooting teams that make 50% or better. Bet the Blazers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

The Brooklyn Nets have been lost in their last two games without Kevin Durant. They lost 109-98 at home to Boston and 112-102 at home to Oklahoma City as well. A team led by Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons is not a team I'd trust my money with.

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall, and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. They have been competitive despite continuing to lose outright, and I expect them to give the Nets a run for their money without Durant tonight.

The Nets are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record. San Antonio is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home meetings with Brooklyn. Roll with the Spurs Tuesday.

20* Raptors/Bucks TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 224

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between Toronto and Milwaukee with combined scores of 197, 199, 228, 190 and 206 points at the end of regulation, respectively.

Given this head-to-head history, this total of 224 has been set too high tonight. The UNDER is also 10-2 in the last 12 meetings. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pelicans/Cavs UNDER 222.5

Points will be hard to come by in this showdown between two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency, while the Pelicans rank 7th in the same category.

The Pelicans have to rely more on defense right now without their two best players and scorers in Zion Williamson and Brandin Ingram. I expect the Cavaliers to lock them down today.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with combined scores of 220 or fewer points in four of the five, including 212 or fewer in three of them. The UNDER is 5-1 in Pelicans last six games playing on two days' rest. The UNDER is 9-2 in Cavaliers last 11 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Roll with the UNDER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +10.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall with only four losses by more than this spread.  I fully expect them to give the Denver Nuggets a run for their money tonight and stay within this inflated number.

The reason this number is inflated is because the Nuggets are 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games overall with five wins by double-digits.  But now it's time to 'sell high' on them, knowing this is a letdown spot after beating the Clippers on the road Friday on National TV.  They won't be nearly as motivated to face the Magic tonight.

Denver is 11-24 ATS in its last 35 games following a road win, including 8-19 ATS in its last 27 games following a road win by 10 points or more.  Plays against any team (Denver) - after beating the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a bad team (25% to 40%) are 35-13 (72.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Magic are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with all four wins coming by double-digits, and their lone loss coming by a single point at Miami.  They should not be catching 5.5 points to the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

The Nets just lost Kevin Durant and are coming off an 11-point home loss to a short-handed Boston team without him.  They cannot be trusted to lay points to many teams in the NBA without Durant on the floor because he is far and away their best player.  I don't trust Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving to lead the team without him.

Brooklyn is 1-15 ATS in its last 16 home games after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games.  The Nets are 13-37 ATS in their last 50 games as home favorites.  The Thunder are 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games vs. Atlantic Division opponents.  Oklahoma City is 40-19 ATS in its last 59 road games.  Take the Thunder Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Rockets/Clippers UNDER 221.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to be without George (23.7 PPG), Morris (13.3 PPG), Wall (11.4 PPG) and Kennard (8.7 PPG) tonight.  The Houston Rockets are expected to be without Kevin Porter Jr. (19.2 PPG) as well.  That is a lot of offensive production missing today.

Amazingly, the UNDER is 19-3 in Clippers 22 home games this season.  They are a dead nuts UNDER team at home, scoring 105.5 PPG and allowing 105.5 PPG for an average of 211 combined PPG at home.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with combined scores of 228, 210, 188, 213 and 197 points between the Rockets and Clippers.  The UNDER is 22-4 in Clippers last 26 home games.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* Mavericks/Blazers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Portland ML -115

I love the spot for the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.  We'll 'buy low' on them following five consecutive SU & ATS losses coming in.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight, and they are much healthier than their opponent.

The Dallas Mavericks are without Kleber, Finney-Smith and could be without Wood, who suffered an ankle injury.  This is a clear letdown spot after beating the Lakers in double OT on TNT Thursday.  Luka Doncic hit two game-tying 3's at the end of regulation and at the end of the first OT to keep them alive.  It's only human nature for them to suffer a letdown following that huge road victory on National TV.

Dallas is 2-10 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  The Mavericks are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a SU win.  Dallas is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 road games.  Portland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games.  Roll with the Blazers on the Money Line Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia 76ers -4

This is a great spot for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  They are coming off an upset loss to the Thunder that came out of nowhere as they had won five of their previous six games with four by 9 points or more.  They will be pissed off from that loss and give a big effort in Utah tonight.  Plus, they are fully healthy right now with the exception of Tobias Harris, who is questionable.

This is a terrible spot for the Utah Jazz.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a hard-fought 112-108 win over the Magic last night.  Markkanen played 36 minutes and Clarkson 35 last night and neither will have much left in the tank after carrying the team with 51 combined points last night.

The 76ers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit home loss.  The Jazz are 18-38-3 ATS in their last 59 games following an ATS loss.  Philadelphia is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Philadelphia) - off an upset loss as a home favorite against an opponent that's off a home win scoring 110 points or more are 31-6 (83.8%) ATS since 1996.  Take the 76ers Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5

This is a great spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a terrible one for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Cavaliers had yesterday off and conclude their five-game road trip tonight.  They want to end the trip with a win, and I expect it to come in blowout fashion.

The Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a close 121-116 win over the Suns last night.  All five starters played at least 31 minutes for the Timberwolves, who are short-handed as it is.  Don't be surprise if they rest a player or two tonight.

The Timberwolves have played the Rockets, Pistons and depleted Suns in their last three games.  This is a big step up in class for them, and they weren't impressive in any of those three games, even losing to the Pistons outright by 17.  The Cavs are legitimately one of the best teams in the NBA and are fully healthy right now.

The road team is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings in this series.  Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight trips to Minnesota.  The Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Cleveland) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points, off a road win scoring 110 or more points are 85-43 (66.4%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Hornets OVER 231

The OVER is 4-1 in Hornets last five games overall.  They have combined for at least 227 points with their opponents in eight consecutive games, including 234 or more in six of those.  This 231-point total has been set too low for a game involving the Hornets.

Now they are up against an elite offensive team in the Boston Celtics tonight.  The Celtics rank 1st in the NBA in offensive efficiency.  They are scoring 118.4 points per game on the season.  The Celtics and Hornets combined for 245 points in their first and only meeting this season.

The OVER is 11-1-2 in Celtics last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The OVER is 4-0 in Hornets last four games following a loss.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Rockets/Kings OVER 235

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team right now.  They have combined for 237, 270, 247 and 250 points in their last four games overall.  The Kings rank 5th in pace, 3rd in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency this season.

The Houston Rockets will have no problem getting up and down with the Kings and playing little defense tonight.  The Rockets rank 28th in defensive efficiency.  Only the Spurs and Pistons have been worse.

The Kings and Rockets have combined for 230 or more points in each of their last six meetings, including 239 or more points in four of those.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

The OVER is 5-1 in Kings last six home games.  Sacramento is 9-1 OVER in its last 10 games as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points.  The OVER is 9-1 in Kings last 10 games vs. a terrible team that wins less than 25% of their games.  Take the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Nuggets/Clippers ESPN No-Brainer on Los Angeles PK

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Los Angeles Clippers.  They lost six consecutive games before a 113-101 home win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.  I backed the Clippers in that win and cover against the Mavericks, and I'm back on them again tonight.

The Clippers come in on two days' rest so they are ready to go.  They will be without Paul George and Luke Kennard again, but the key for them is having Kawhi Leonard healthy and in the lineup.  They are one of the deepest teams in the NBA so they can make up for the losses of George and Kennard as long as Kawhi is healthy.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Nuggets, who have gone 14-3 SU in their last 17 games overall.  But they could be without Nikola Jokic, who is questionable tonight with a wrist injury.  I like the Clippers either way because they will be pissed off and out for revenge for one of their worst losses of the season at Denver on January 5th just eight days ago.

Denver is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games following two or more consecutive wins.  The Nuggets are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following two consecutive wins by 10 points or more.  Roll with the Clippers Friday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +6

The Orlando Magic just got a bunch of players back from suspension and are as healthy as they have been all season.  They pulled off two big upsets in two of their last three road games winning 115-101 at Golden State as 6.5-point dogs and 109-106 at Portland as 8-point dogs even on the second of a back-to-back.

Now the Magic have had the last two days off and are rested and ready to go, which is key going into the altitude in Utah.  I expect them to pull off this upset as well, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

The Jazz cannot be trusted to lay this many points when they rank just 26th in defensive efficiency.  They allow 116.1 points per game at home this season, and the Magic will never be out of this game because of it.  

The Jazz are just 2-7 SU in their last nine games overall.  The Magic are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall, including 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.  Take the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Magic/Jazz OVER 232.5

The Orlando Magic are 7-4 OVER in their last 11 games overall.  They have combined for 232 or more points in seven of those 11 games.  They have gotten healthy and gotten everyone back from suspension, making them a very good offensive team but they still rank just 23rd in defensive efficiency.

Utah is a dead nuts OVER team because they play fast, rank 5th in offensive efficiency and 26th in defensive efficiency.  The OVER is 10-2 in Jazz last 12 games overall with combined scores of 230 or more points in 10 of their last 11 games.  The Jazz are scoring 120.9 points per game and allowing 116.1 points per game at home this season.

The OVER is 8-0 in Magic last eight games following a close win by 3 points or less.  The OVER is 49-24-3 in Magic last 76 games following a win.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

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

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered five straight while also going 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have only lost one of their last eight games by more than 8 points.  Now they are catching 9.5 points at home tonight against the Golden State Warriors, which is too much.

The Warriors are getting unwarranted respect from oddsmakers due to Steph Curry just returning to the lineup.  They promptly lost 125-113 as 12-point home favorites to the Phoenix Suns, who were without five key players in their first game with Curry.  Now they are laying 9.5 points on the road in their 2nd game with Curry to a Spurs team that would beat the Suns right now.

Four of the last five meetings between the Warriors and Spurs were decided by 6 points or fewer.  Golden State is 1-8 ATS as a road favorite this season.  The Warriors are 3-16 SU & 4-15 ATS on the road this season.  Roll with the Spurs Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Pelicans/Pistons OVER 233.5

The Detroit Pistons are a dead nuts OVER team, especially at home.  The Pistons are 27-17-1 OVER in all games this season, including 14-5-1 at home.  They rank 29th in the NBA in defensive efficiency and rank in the top half of the league in pace.  The Pistons and their opponents have combined for 230 or more points in six consecutive games, including 234 or more in five of them.

The New Orleans Pelicans are also 25-17 OVER in their 42 games this season to make them a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 12th in pace and 6th in offensive efficiency.  They continue to get their points even without Zion and Ingram.  They have gone for 244, 244 and 239 combined points in their last three games.

The OVER is 10-1 in Pelicans last 11 games following an ATS loss.  The OVER is 11-4 in Pelicans last 15 games overall.  The OVER is 16-5-1 in Pistons last 22 home games.  The OVER is 10-1 in Pistons last 11 games after failing to cover the spread in three of their last four games.  New Orleans is 15-5 OVER in road games this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Mavs/Lakers TNT No-Brainer on Los Angeles +3

The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly gone 5-1 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They only game they lost during this stretch was without LeBron James on the road to the Denver Nuggets.

James returns to the lineup tonight as the Lakers come in on two days' rest.  They will be rested and ready to go and looking for revenge from a 115-124 road loss at Dallas on Christmas Day where they blew a 20-plus point lead.  Troy Brown is also expected back for the Lakers tonight.

The Mavericks have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 14-26-2 ATS this season.  They are without Kleber and Finney-Smith and could be without Powell, who is questionable with a hip injury suffered in a 101-113 road loss to the Clippers last time out.  The Mavericks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days tonight.

Dallas is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 road games.  Los Angeles is 4-0 ATS in its last four games when playing on two days' rest.  The Mavericks are 0-7 ATS in road games after scoring 105 points or fewer this season.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Rockets/Kings OVER 237.5

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team right now.  They have combined for 237, 270 and 247 points in their last three games overall.  The Kings rank 7th in pace, 4th in offensive efficiency and 26th in defensive efficiency this season.

The Houston Rockets will have no problem getting up and down with the Kings and playing little defense tonight.  The Rockets rank 28th in defensive efficiency.  Only the Spurs and Pistons have been worse.

The Kings and Rockets have combined for 230 or more points in each of their last five meetings, including 239 or more points in three of those.  The OVER is 4-1 in Kings last five home games.  Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +13.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered four straight and have gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  That includes a 113-121 loss at Memphis as 12-point dogs on Monday.  Now the Spurs get their shot at revenge as 13.5-point road dogs in the rematch here two days later on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies won't be that motivated to beat the Spurs again after just beating them on Monday.  They certainly won't be motivated enough to put them away by 14-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Spurs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 road games when revenging a road loss.  Memphis is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 games vs. teams that allow 50% shooting or higher.  Each of the last seven meetings between Memphis and San Antonio were decided by 13 points or fewer, including five by 8 points or fewer.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Pacers/Knicks OVER 227

This is a very low total for any game involving the Indiana Pacers.  The OVER is 5-2 in Pacers last seven games overall with combined scores of 227 or more points in six of the seven games, including 236 or more in five of them.

The OVER is 8-3 in Knicks last 11 games overall.  The Knicks and their opponents have combined for at least 226 points in six of those 11 games.  There's a good chance the Knicks get RJ Barrett back from injury tonight and would be fully healthy.

Indiana is 32-13 OVER in its last 45 games when revenging a same-season loss.  The OVER is 7-2 in Knicks last nine games when playing on one day of rest.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers +5

The Indiana Pacers have quietly gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by 3 on the road at Philadelphia in overtime.  The Pacers come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest.

The New York Knicks are 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall with their four wins coming against the Rockets, the short-handed Suns, the Spurs (by 3) and the Raptors (by 4).  They have no business being 5-point favorite against a team playing as well as the Pacers right now.

Indiana is 8-1 ATS when playing only its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Pacers are 9-1 ATS after successfully covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  New York is 9-24 ATS in its last 33 home games after playing a home game.

Plays on road underdogs (Indiana) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-8 (80.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Pacers Wednesday.

20* Mavs/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles PK

This is the ultimate 'buy low' opportunity on the Los Angeles Clippers.  They have gone 0-6 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall and will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have played seven of their last nine games on the road but are back home here.

The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season.  They are just 14-25-2 ATS on the season and are once again getting too much respect here.  Luka Doncic sat out last game with an ankle injury and won't be 100% if he plays tonight.  The Mavericks are also without Finney-Smith and Kleber.

Yes, the Clippers are without Paul George and Luke Kennard, but they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA and can overcome it.  The key with them is having Kawhi Leonard healthy, which he is right now.  They have nine players averaging at least 8.2 points per game this season and that doesn't even include Batum and Covington, who do a little bet of everything for them.

The Mavericks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 road games.  Dallas is 2-11 ATS after winning four or five of its last six games this season.  Take the Clippers Tuesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

Donovan Mitchell makes his return to Utah tonight and I expect a big game from him and the Jazz.  The Cavaliers already beat the Jazz 122-99 at home earlier this season in a dominant effort.  It will be more of the same tonight.

The Cavaliers are fully healthy right now and a dangerous team when that's the case.  The key has been keeping Mitchell (28.8 PPG) and Darius Garland (21.4 PPG, 7.8 APG) on the floor at the same time.  Mobley and Allen have both missed games as well but all four are healthy right now.  This is about as good of a starting 5 as you will find in the NBA.

The Jazz are without Collin Sexton (14.1 PPG) and Kelly Olynyk (12.2 PPG) right now.  The Jazz are a good offensive team, but the difference between these teams is defense.  The Cavaliers rank 1st in defensive efficiency this season, while the Jazz rank 26th.  I'll gladly back the healthier, better defensive team tonight laying the short number.  Bet the Cavaliers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/Raptors OVER 228.5

The Charlotte Hornets are a dead nuts OVER team and shouldn't have a total below 230.  We'll take advantage and back the OVER 228.5 tonight in this game against the Toronto Raptors.  It's a fully healthy Raptors team that will hang a big number on the Hornets tonight.

The Hornets rank 5th in pace and 23rd in defensive efficiency this season.  They allow 118.1 points per game and 48% shooting to their opponents.  They have been a better offensive team since getting La'Melo Ball back from injury and also play with more pace with him in the lineup.

Charlotte is 12-1 OVER as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points this season.  Toronto is 15-5 OVER as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points over the last two seasons.  The OVER is 18-8 in Hornets last 26 road games.  The OVER is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings, including 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Toronto.  Roll with the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Magic/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Orlando +6

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall with eight outright upsets as underdogs.  Bettors just aren't giving this team the credit they deserve, and that continues to be the case tonight with the Magic catching 6 points against the Sacramento Kings.

The Magic just got everyone back from suspension and won outright 115-101 at Golden State as similar 6.5-point dogs.  Now they take on a Sacramento Kings team that has no business laying 6 points to them considering how they are playing of late.

The Kings are 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall with their three wins coming by 1, 1 and 2 points.  So they haven't won any of their last eight games by more than 2 points.  They have been dreadful defensively, which is why it's tough to trust them to lay any points.  They have allowed 112 or more points in 14 consecutive games, including 136 to the Lakers last time out in regulation.

Plays on road underdogs (Orlando) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-7 (82.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Kings beat the Magic 126-123 in their first meeting this season.  This one will go down to the wire as well with the Orlando having an excellent shot to get revenge and pull off the outright upset.  Roll with the Magic Monday.

20* Bulls/Celtics NBA TV No-Brainer on Chicago +8.5

The Chicago Bulls are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now and should not be catching this many points against the Boston Celtics.  The Bulls are 8-3 SU & 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with seven outright upset victories, including wins over the Nets, 76ers, Bucks, Heat and Knicks during this stretch.

The Boston Celtics are overvalued due to their record and it has played out that way here of late.  They are just 3-2 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  They only beat the Spurs by 5, the Clippers by 6 and lost outright to the Nuggets by 12 and the Thunder by 33 during this stretch.  They will be without Marcus Smart (11.1 PPG, 7.2 APG) tonight.

Chicago clearly matches up well with Boston.  The Bulls are 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS against the Celtics in their first three meetings this season.  They won by 18 as 5-point home dogs, only lost by 4 as 7.5-point road dogs and won by 14 as 5.5-point home dogs.  Now they are catching 8.5 points in the 4th and final meeting, which is too much.  

The Bulls are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings, including 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Boston. Chicago is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games following an upset win as a home underdogs.  Take the Bulls Monday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Hornets/Pacers OVER 239

The Hornets and Pacers are both dead nuts OVER teams. The Pacers rank 4th in pace while the Hornets rank 6th. The Hornets rank 24th in defensive efficiency while the Pacers rank 23rd.

That makes it no surprise that these teams play in shootouts when they get together. The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings with combined scores of 238, 284, 224, 239, 245 and 261 points.

The OVER is 20-8 in Hornets last 28 road games. The OVER is 11-2 in Hornets last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of great than .600. The OVER is 38-16-1 in Pacers last 55 home games. The OVER is 5-1 in Pacers last six games overall. Roll with the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on 76ers/Pistons OVER 229.5

The Philadelphia 76ers have to go small ball without Joel Embiid. They are also without their best defender in PJ Tucker right now, making them a dead nuts OVER team.

The 76ers and their opponents have combined for 227 or more points in seven of their last eight games overall, including 231 or more points in six of those. The Pistons have been a dead nuts OVER team themselves of late combining for 230 or more points in 11 of their last 14 games overall.

The OVER is 26-9 in 76ers last 35 games as road favorites. The OVER is 7-1 in 76ers last eight games overall. The OVER is 6-0 in 76ers last six games playing on one days' rest. The OVER is 7-2 in Pistons last nine home games. The OVER is 7-1 in Pistons last eight Sunday games. The OVER is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings. The OVER is 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings in Detroit. Take the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Magic/Warriors OVER 231.5

The Golden State Warriors are a dead nuts OVER team right now. They just combined for 241 points at the end of regulation with the Pistons last time out and 242 points with the Hawks the game prior. They have scored at least 110 points in seven consecutive games.

Now they take on an Orlando Magic team that is also a dead nuts OVER team and just got a lot of key guys back from suspension. The Magic just combined for 238 points with the Grizzlies after combining for 241 points with the Thunder the game prior. They have allowed 110 or more points in eight consecutive games, and scored 110 or more in six of those eight.

The Magic and Warriors squared off back on November with the Magic winning 130-129 for 259 combined points at the end of regulation. The OVER is 6-2 in Magic last eight games overall. The OVER is 5-0 in Magic last five Saturday games. Roll with the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Utah Jazz +1.5

The Chicago Bulls will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after an upset win at Philadelphia last night. All five starters played at least 32 minutes for the Bulls, including 38 from LaVine, 37 from DeRozan and 36 from Vucevic. 

Not only will it be the 2nd of a back-top-back for the Bulls, but it will also be their 6th game in 9 days. They won't have much left in the tank for the Utah Jazz tonight, and this is now a letdown spot for them after upsetting both the 76ers and Nets in their last two games.

They Jazz are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 7 days. They are coming off a 17-point blowout win at Houston. They should not be underdogs in this game given the favorable situation for them tonight.

Utah is 16-6 ATS as underdogs this season. Chicago is 2-10 ATS in non-conference games this season. The Jazz are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a win by more than 10 points. Take the Jazz Saturday.

15* Heat/Suns ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Miami -1

The Miami Heat have gotten healthy and are playing their best basketball of the season as a result.  They have gone 7-4 SU in their last 11 games overall.  I like the fact that they are coming off an upset loss to the Lakers because they will come back motivated tonight and not take the Suns lightly.

The Suns are going through their worst stretch of the season due to injuries.  They are playing without Devin Booker (27.1 PPG, 5.6 APG), Cam Johnson (13.0 PPG) and Cameron Payne (12.1 PPG, 5.3 APG).  Chris Paul is too old to carry this team any longer, and they just aren't very good without those three.  They have been held to 83 and 88 points in their last two games.

The Suns are now 1-7 SU in their last eight games overall with losses by 25, 25 and 19 points during this stretch.  They are coming off a six-game road trip, and I love fading teams in their first game back home following a long trip.  They have a lot of distractions to deal with back at home and not much time to do it with only one day off in between games.  They haven't been home since December 23rd before Christmas.

The Suns are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.  The Heat are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 trips to Phoenix.  Miami is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games following four or more consecutive road games.  Phoenix is 0-9 ATS in its last nine games after allowing 90 points or fewer.  Take the Heat Friday.