This is a 10* play on POR@LAC to go OVER the total. 

The last time I watched the Clippers play without Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, they won at Utah by a score of 102-99. That was a road win against one of the best defensive teams in the league, in a game that Utah needed to win in order to make the playoffs. Jamal Crawford led the way with 30 points on 9-of-20 shooting. It appeared that the Clippers strategy without their stars was to play a fast paced, high energy game, shooting a ton of threes. They were quite successful going 13-of-29 (44%) from beyond the arc.

Paul Pierce scored 18 points in 33 minutes in that game, and he was 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. The veteran has seen limited action so far this post-season, but expect to see more of "The Truth" tonight. These teams have failed to reach the total in five straight meetings, and seven of the last eight overall. The number in all of those games was well over 200, and tonight's total is roughly 10 points lower than it would be in normal circumstances. That may prove to be a case of the bookmakers over-compensating. 

Take OVER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on BOS@ATL to go UNDER the total. 

The Hawks took a 2-0 series lead to Boston, and after failing to reach the total in each of the first two games, the number in Game 3 was still over 200. The under is trending huge in these playoffs, and while the bookmakers have made some slight adjustments, I still think this number is way too high, especially when you consider that they only combined to score 161 points in the last game. 

The Hawks had by far the best defense in the NBA since the All Star break, and the Celtics have proven to be more than capable of playing defense as well. These teams have failed to score 200 points in three of the four games so far, and those were all regular season games. With an increased emphasis on defense in the post-season, they are even less likely to reach that number. 

Boston is missing second leading scorer Avery Bradley, and leading scorer Isaiah Thomas was held to just 16 points on 4-of-15 shooting in Game 2. The Under is 9-3 in Hawks last 12 Conference Quarterfinals games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Charlotte Hornets. 

So far in this series between Miami and Charlotte, it looks like it's going to be very difficult for either team to win on the opponent's home floor. The first three games have all been blowouts, with Miami winning both home games by double-digits, only to lose by 16 in Game 3 at Charlotte. The Hornets were one of the hottest teams in the NBA in the second half of the season, and they were 31-11 at home. The Heat have really played poorly on the road all year long, but they know that as long as they can protect their home court advantage, they will win this series. That puts Charlotte in a must win situation here, and the Hornets should prove to be the more motivated team in Game 4. The home team has won eight of the last 10 in this series, and the Heat have failed to cover in seven of their last eight road games. After playing a limited role in the first two games of the series, rookie Frank Kaminsky stepped up in Game 3 scoring 15 points and pulling in half a dozen rebounds. 

Take CHA.

GL,

Jesse Schule.

This is a 10* play on the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Celtics got back into this series with a home win over the Hawks in Game 3, behind a 42 point effort from Isaiah Thomas. While Boston got off to a quick start in that game, it was still quite close in the end. If Boston is going to need 40+ points from Thomas, I don't like the Celtics chances here in Game 4, or for the remainder of the series. 

The Celtics won the first meeting between these teams this season at home by a score of 106-93. The Hawks though won the next three, including a 109-101 win in Boston in December. Both games in Atlanta were blowouts, with the Hawks winning by a combined 35 points. Atlanta finished the season strong winning 15 of it's last 21, and 10 of it's last 12 at home. The Hawks final home game was a 118-107 win over the Celtics, and Paul Millsap scored 31 points and pulled in 16 rebounds in that game. The Celtics had no answer for Millsap in the regular season series, as he's averaged 22.5 points and 10.3 rebounds in the four games. The loss of second leading scorer Avery Bradley has put even more pressure on Thomas, and he could have a tough time carrying the load here tonight. Atlanta led the league in defense in the second half of the season, and they have had some success slowing him down. He scored just 16 points on 4-of-15 shooting in Game 2. 

Take ATL. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on GS@HOU to go UNDER the total. 

The Warriors looked unstoppable of Game 1 of this series, beating Houston 104-78. They followed that up with another double-digit win at home in Game 2, despite the absence of MVP Steph Curry. It was a different story back in Houston for for Game 3, and the Rockets pulled off the upset winning 97-96. With Curry set to return for Game 4, the bookmakers have Golden State heavily favored this afternoon. 

I think it's important to remember that Curry played every game when these two teams met in last year's playoffs, and that series was a lot closer than most expected. Those games were for the most part quite close, and the scores were much lower than anticipated as well. The Warriors were held to 43 percent shooting in Game 3 without Curry, but they shot an even lower 42.9 percent in Game 1, and Curry scored 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting in that game. Coming off an injury, he may not be at 100 percent, and it could be a tough ask for him do any better than that here in Houston in Game 4. 

The Warriors have failed to reach the total in six straight road games, and they've gone under in 11 of their last 16 in Houston. They've also gone under in six of their last eight when coming off a loss. This is a huge game for both teams, and we should expect a solid defensive effort all the way around.

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Houston Rockets. 

The Warriors looked unstoppable of Game 1 of this series, beating Houston 104-78. They followed that up with another double-digit win at home in Game 2, despite the absence of MVP Steph Curry. It was a different story back in Houston for for Game 3, and the Rockets pulled off the upset winning 97-96. With Curry set to return for Game 4, the bookmakers have Golden State heavily favored this afternoon. 

I think it's important to remember that Curry played every game when these two teams met in last year's playoffs, and that series was a lot closer than most expected. Those games were for the most part quite close, and the scores were much lower than anticipated as well. The Warriors were held to 43 percent shooting in Game 3 without Curry, but they shot an even lower 42.9 percent in Game 1, and Curry scored 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting in that game. Coming off an injury, he may not be at 100 percent, and it could be a tough ask for him do any better than that here in Houston in Game 4. 

The Rockets are 20-6 in their last 26 games when playing on two days rest, and they are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Conference Quarterfinals games.

Take Houston. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on TOR@IND to go UNDER the total. 

After two low scoring games in Toronto, we saw these teams combine to score just 186 points in Game 3 in Indiana. The bookmakers adjusted with a lower opening total for Game 4, but public money has caused some late line movement, pushing the number right back up to where it was in Games 1 & 2. The trend throughout the playoffs so far has been low scoring games, and I see no reason for either of these two teams to open things up here tonight. With the Raptors up 2-1 and the series heading to Toronto for Game 5, a loss here would likely be the end for the Pacers. We should expect this to be another gritty defensive battle. The way DeMarre Carroll has played defense against Paul George, the Pacers might struggle on offense. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan continue to struggle with their shooting, and I just don't see anybody picking up any easy buckets here in a pivotal Game 4. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule 

This is a 10* play on SA@MEM to go OVER the total. 

The Spurs are in complete control of this series heading into Game 3 in Memphis, and I am not convinced that will change simply because Memphis is at home. That being said, they scored an average of just 71 points in the two games in San Antonio, and I expect them to show at the very least a modest improvement on offense. The under has been really trending in these playoffs, as 14 of 19 games so far have failed to reach the number. This has prompted the bookmakers to adjust, and we see a total in Game 3 that is 10 points lower than it was in Game 1. 

The over has been a good bet after the Grizzlies have suffered a double-digit loss, trending at a rate of 7-1-2. They've also played higher scoring games in Memphis, going over at a rate of 20-8-2 in their last 30 home games. The Spurs are still scoring their fair share of points, averaging 100 per game in the post-season. They are smoking hot from beyond the arc, hitting 19-of-39 three-pointers in Games 1-2. 

Take OVER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on ATL@BOS to go UNDER the total. 

The Hawks take a 2-0 series lead to Boston, and after failing to reach the total in each of the first two games, the number in Game 3 is still over 200. The under is trending huge in these playoffs, with 14 of the first 19 games failing to hit the total. While the bookmakers have made some slight adjustments, I still think this number is way too high, especially when you consider that they only combined to score 161 points in the last game. 

The Hawks had by far the best defense in the NBA since the All Star break, and the Celtics have proven to be more than capable of playing defense as well. These teams have failed to score 200 points in three of the last four meetings in Boston, and those were all regular season games. With an increased emphasis on defense in the post-season, they are even less likely to reach that number. 

Boston is missing second leading scorer Avery Bradley, and leading scorer Isaiah Thomas was held to just 16 points on 4-of-15 shooting in Game 2. The Under is 8-2 in Hawks last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on CLE@DET to go UNDER the total. Here is what I said prior to Game 2: "The Pistons made 15 three-pointers in Game 1, shooting a staggering 51.7 percent from beyond the arc. They shot better than 50% from the field, hanging around in a close game decided by just five points. I don't like their chances of scoring 100 here in Game 2, or for the rest of the series for that matter. The Cavs were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, holding opponents to well below 100 points per game. The trend so far in these playoffs has been that points have been hard to come by. The under is 9-4 through the first 13 post-season games, and only one of five Game 2s has gone over. In fact, we've seen fewer points scored in Game 2 than in Game 1 in all five series that have played twice so far. The Pistons led by seven points early in the fourth quarter of Game 1, and that should be enough to convince the Cavs that they need to be a lot better defensively here in Game 2. The Pistons still think they can win this series: "We don't care who you put in front of us," Reggie Jackson said. "We fear nobody and experience is going to be our best teacher. We're going to learn on the fly. We think we have a chance." I expect a battle here in Game 2, with both teams grinding it out for every possession." The Pistons three-point shooting cooled off significantly in Game 2, hitting just 4-of-17 from beyond the arc. They were held to just 37 points in the second half, and I expect another defensive battle in the Motor City tonight. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on DET@CLE to go UNDER the total. 

The Pistons made 15 three-pointers in Game 1, shooting a staggering 51.7 percent from beyond the arc. They shot better than 50% from the field, hanging around in a close game decided by just five points. I don't like their chances of scoring 100 here in Game 2, or for the rest of the series for that matter. The Cavs were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, holding opponents to well below 100 points per game. The trend so far in these playoffs has been that points have been hard to come by. The under is 9-4 through the first 13 post-season games, and only one of five Game 2s has gone over. In fact, we've seen fewer points scored in Game 2 than in Game 1 in all five series that have played twice so far. The Pistons led by seven points early in the fourth quarter of Game 1, and that should be enough to convince the Cavs that they need to be a lot better defensively here in Game 2. The Pistons still think they can win this series: "We don't care who you put in front of us," Reggie Jackson said. "We fear nobody and experience is going to be our best teacher. We're going to learn on the fly. We think we have a chance." I expect a battle here in Game 2, with both teams grinding it out for every possession.

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on BOS@ATL to go UNDER the total. 

The Hawks did everything I expected them to do in Game 1, until they nearly collapsed in the fourth quarter allowing Boston to get back into the game. Boston only managed to score 34 points in the first half, and the Celtics might struggle again in Game 2 without Avery Bradley, who is second in the team in scoring behind Isaiah Thomas. Bradley scored 18 points before getting injured in Game 1. 

So far in these playoffs seven of 11 games have failed to reach the total, including Atlanta's win in Game 1 of this series. These are two of the best defensive teams in the playoffs, and I expect to see an even lower score than what we saw in Game 1 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

There are those who follow the Zig Zag theory, that might think after the Mavericks got crushed in Game 1, they'll come out and compete that much harder, keeping it close in Game 2. I don't see any reason to follow the Zig Zag here, as I really don't think Dallas believes it has a chance in this series. They did well just getting into the playoffs, but this team is decimated by injury, and completely exhausted. J.J Barea had stepped up and played quite well in place of DWill, but now he's not going to be available for Game 2. I also don't see the likes of Durant and Westbrook taking their foot off the gas, and allowing Dallas to gain any momentum. Oklahoma City has won five straight in this series, and three of their last four wins have come by double digits. I expect another blowout of 20+ points. 

Take OKC. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on DET@CLE to go UNDER the total. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a big favorite in their first round series versus Detroit, and they will be asked to cover a double-digit spread in Game 1. The Pistons aren't going to lay down though, and I expect this to be a battle, with both teams playing tough defense from the opening tip off. 

The Pistons beat the Cavs in overtime in a meaningless game in the season finale, with both teams resting their starters. Prior to that, the Pistons won in Cleveland by a score of 96-88 in February. The Cavs were the 4th best defensive team in the league this season, and they've been particularly strong defensively when coming off a few days of rest. The under is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

It wasn't that surprising that all four playoff games on Saturday failed to reach the total, as history tells us that scoring does down in the post-season. The defenses tighten up, and you just don't see that many easy buckets. I don't think the bookmakers have properly adjusted here with a number higher than 200 for Game 1. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Celtics won the first meeting between these teams this season at home by a score of 106-93. The Hawks though won the next three, including a 109-101 win in Boston in December. Both games in Atlanta were blowouts, with the Hawks winning by a combined 35 points. Atlanta finished the season strong winning 15 of it's last 21, and 10 of it's last 12 at home. The Hawks final home game was a 118-107 win over the Celtics, and Paul Millsap scored 31 points and pulled in 16 rebounds in that game. The Celtics have had no answer for Millsap in the season series, as he's averaged 22.5 points and 10.3 rebounds in the four games. 

Boston had a losing record overall on the road this season (20-21), and down the stretch the Celtics lost six of their last 10 away from the Garden. They've only covered the spread twice in their last 14 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of .600 or better. Famously one of those two occasions was a shocking upset win at Golden State. I think this may be a contributing factor to Boston being one of the more overrated teams heading into these playoffs. 

The Celtics rely heavily on PG Isaiah Thomas for offense, and if Atlanta can shut him down, it will spell trouble for Boston. Atlanta led the league in defense in the second half of the season, and Thomas struggled in Atlanta in the last meeting scoring 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting. The Hawks have superior depth and talent, and I expect them to take care of business in Game 1. 

Take ATL. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Milwaukee Bucks ML. 

The Indiana Pacers have nothing to prove in their final game of the season, as they already know where they will play in the first round of the playoffs. We should expect the Pacers to rest their starters here in Milwaukee, but don't expect the Bucks to treat this like a meaningless game. After a frustrating season, finishing at home on a positive note would be big for the Bucks. They have a solid 23-17 home record, and should be more than capable of beating the Indiana bench players. Even at full strength, the Pacers aren't a great road team with a record of 18-22 outside Indiana. They've failed to cover the spread in four of their last five road games, and they have gone under in six straight when playing on back to back nights. The Bucks have gone under in seven of their last nine in Milwaukee. 

Take MIL. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MIA@BOS to go UNDER the total. 

The playoffs haven't started yet, but the atmosphere at the Garden should resemble a playoff game tonight when the Celtics host the Heat in the final game of the season. Home court advantage is up for grabs, and we should see both teams play with an added intensity tonight.  These teams have a history of playing defensive games, with five of the last six meetings going under. Only once in the last 10 meetings have we seen a total over 200, and they came up well short in that game with Boston winning 101-89 at home. Miami comes in as winners of four of it's last five, holding opponents well below 100 points in all four of those wins. The Celtics have failed to reach the total in nine of their last 12 when playing on one day's rest, and the Heat have gone under in four of their last five when playing on back to back nights. Miami has gone under in seven of it's last 10 overall. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on IND@MIL to go UNDER the totaL.

The Indiana Pacers have nothing to prove in their final game of the season, as they already know where they will play in the first round of the playoffs. We should expect the Pacers to rest their starters here in Milwaukee, but don't expect the Bucks to treat this like a meaningless game. After a frustrating season, finishing at home on a positive note would be big for the Bucks. They have a solid 23-17 home record, and should be more than capable of beating the Indiana bench players. Even at full strength, the Pacers aren't a great road team with a record of 18-22 outside Indiana. They've failed to cover the spread in four of their last five road games, and they have gone under in six straight when playing on back to back nights. The Bucks have gone under in seven of their last nine in Milwaukee. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on OKC@SA to go UNDER the total. 

Coming off three straight losses, you have to think Spurs coach Greg Popovich wants to give his team something to be positive about heading into the playoffs. They host Oklahoma City tonight, and the Thunder are expected to rest their starts. The last time Oklahoma City played at San Antonio, the Spurs won by a score of 92-85. 

The Thunder shot just 38.3 percent from the field in that game, and were just 2-of-18 from beyond the arc. I don't expect their backups to have any more success at the AT&T Center tonight. The Spurs have won three of their last four home meetings with Oklahoma City, and they held the Thunder to an average of just 88 points in those wins. 

The Spurs #1 ranked defense held Golden State to just 92 points on Sunday, but they couldn't stop the Warriors from winning their 72nd game of the season. I expect a similar effort on defense tonight, which should result in a convincing win over a short-handed opponent. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on BOS@ATL to go UNDER the total. 

The Celtics will play in Atlanta in the second game of a back to back, after beating up on Milwaukee at home last night. This is a huge game for both teams, with home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs up for grabs. The Celtics will have their work cut out for them, as Atlanta has really been on a roll. The Hawks have won 14 of their last 18 overall, and they held opponents under 100 points in 11 of those 14 wins. They rank 6th in the NBA with an opponent's scoring average of just 98.9 points per game, and they've held Boston below 100 points in three of their last four home meetings with the Celtics. These two teams have failed to reach the total in nine of the last 13 meetings in Atlanta. The Celtics have failed to reach the total in seven of their last nine overall, while the Hawks have gone under in nine of their last 12 home games. With such high stakes in tonight's game, we should expect to see both teams fighting hard on defense.

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MEM@DAL to go UNDER the total. 

The Mavs winning streak is now at five games heading into tonight's home game against Memphis. They have been dominant on defense during that span, holding opponents to just 86 points per game. The bookmakers have been slow to adjust to the fact that teams playing for playoff spots tend to tighten up the defense, and the total was over 200 in each game during the Mavs run. It appears that they've spotted the under trend, and have adjusted by shaving a few points off the number. I don't think they've adjusted enough though, as not one of the Mavs last five games has reached tonight's number. 

Their opponent tonight is down three key starters, including their PG Mike Conley. Memphis is not a great offensive team at the best of times, as one of just half a dozen NBA teams that fail to average 100 points per game. The Mavs are also down a starting PG, although J.J. Barea has been brilliant filling in for D-Will. Dirk Nowitzki is really struggling offensively, shooting just 23-of-84 over his last five games. Backup center Salah Mejri has been a defensive dynamo, with seven blocks in his last three games, despite averaging less than 20 minutes. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* (GOW) play on CHI@MIA to go UNDER the total. 

Last week's big bet in the NBA was on the under in a game between the Bulls and the Pistons, and that Bulls lost that game at home by a score of 94-90. They now sit 2.5 games back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, and whatever slim hopes they have will end tonight if they lose in Miami. The Heat are in a battle for one of the top four spots, trailing Boston by just half a game. Miami is coming off a 107-89 home win over the Pistons, putting on another defensive clinic. The Heat rank 4th in the NBA in opponent's scoring average, surrendering just 98.3 points per game. These teams have a history of playing low scoring games, failing to reach the total in six of the last eight. Nine of those 10 games saw a total below 200, and tonight's total is far higher than it was in any of those previous games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Houston Rockets. 

The Rockets are down, but they aren't dead yet! They put up a hell of a fight last night in Dallas, but came up just short losing 88-85. That score fell well short of the inflated total, and here is what I said prior to tip off: "Houston is one of the league's highest scoring teams, but as they've been battling for a playoff spot, they've trended toward lower scoring games, failing to reach the total in six of their last eight." They played pretty well defensively last night, holding the Mavs to 88 points on 41.3 percent shooting. They should continue to play strong defense against Phoenix, a team that has scored an average of 96 points per game while losing six straight. PG Brandon Knight is done for the season, and that's not going to help the Suns offense any. The Mavs are two games clear of Houston after last night's win, and Utah is one game up on the Rockets. The two teams play each other before the end of the season, ensuring that one of the two will lose ground. The good news for the Rockets is that they have a much easier schedule than the two teams ahead of them, so we should still see a solid effort here at home tonight. 

Take HOU. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on HOU@DAL to go UNDER the total. 

The Rockets and the Mavericks will play a Titanic game in Dallas tonight, with the eighth and Final playoff spot in the West up for grabs. The Mavs have won four straight, putting them in seventh in the West, one game ahead of Houston. During that span they've put on a defensive clinic, holding opponents to an average of just 86 points. The Rockets are on the outside looking in, sitting in ninth. Houston is one of the league's highest scoring teams, but as they've been battling for a playoff spot, they've trended toward lower scoring games, failing to reach the total in six of their last eight. They don't score quite as much on the road, and they've gone under in four straight away from Houston. We should see a cautious approach from two teams fighting for their lives, and tonight's total appears to be a little inflated. As I have said several times this week: "I think the bookmakers have failed to take this into consideration when they come out with such a high total. Teams battling for survival tend to play a lot tougher defense, and both these teams have been playing low scoring games of late." 

Take UNDER. 

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on DET@ORL. 

After a lopsided loss at Miami last night, the Pistons have slid all the way to eighth in the Eastern Conference, clinging to the final playoff spot. They have a two game lead on the ninth place Bulls, but they can't afford to keep losing or they could miss the playoffs all together. A win in Orlando tonight would give them plenty of breathing room, and I expect to see a solid effort. Detroit has failed to score 100 points in five straight games, and it has only surrendered an average of 97.8 points during that span. These two teams have a history of playing high scoring games, going over the total in six of the last seven meetings. Tonight's total is significantly higher than it was in any of those games, and there's a lot more at stake for the Pistons here tonight. The Pistons have gone under in nine of their last 11 road games, and five straight overall. They have won three straight in this series, holding the Magic to an average of 96 points in those games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on DET@MIA to go UNDER the total. 

The Heat host the Piston tonight in a game with massive playoff implications. The Heat are fighting for home court advantage in the first round, while Detroit still needs to clinch one of the last spots in the East. The Pistons have won each of the previous two meetings this season, and both those games went under the total. I bet on the under in Detroit's last game, a 94-90 win over the Bulls in Chicago. 

Here is what I said prior to tip off: "I think the bookmakers have failed to take this into consideration when they come out with such a high total. Teams battling for survival tend to play a lot tougher defense, and both these teams have been playing low scoring games of late. The Pistons lost at home to Dallas last night, three days after beating the Thunder 88-82. Detroit has failed to reach the total in seven of it's last nine on the road, while the Bulls have gone under in five straight. The total for tonight's game is significantly higher than it was in any of the previous 10 meetings" 

It's a similar situation here tonight, and we see another inflated total in a game that appears to feature two teams trending toward low scoring games. The under is 18-7-1 in the last 26 meetings in Miami. The Heat have failed to reach the total in four of their last five, while Detroit has gone under in eight of it's last 10 road games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on BOS@LAL to go UNDER the total. 

The Celtics come into LA as winners of five of their last seven, but given the magnitude of their upset win at Golden State, we could see Boston suffer a let down here. The Lakers won their last game 102-100 in overtime versus Miami, but it would be a mistake to think that this team is anything other than a steaming hot mess. They lost four straight prior to the win over the Heat, and they've scored an average of just 95.4 points per game over their last five. Both teams could suffer a let down here tonight, and the Celtics have failed to reach the total in seven straight coming off an ATS win. They've also gone under in eight of their last nine when playing on one day's rest, and five of their last six overall. The Lakers have also been trending toward the under, failing to reach the total in 10 of their last 13 home games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on DAL@MIN to go UNDER the total. 

The Mavs have won three straight, putting them back in the hunt for one of the final playoff spots in the West. The recipe for their success has been strong defensive play, as they've allowed opponents to average just 88.7 points per game during this winning streak. I think the bookmakers have failed to take this into consideration when they come out with such a high total. Teams battling for survival tend to play a lot tougher defense, and both these teams have been playing low scoring games of late.

Minnesota has lost three of four, and they were held to an average of just 82.6 points in those losses. These teams have failed to reach the total in four of the last five head to head meetings, and four of the last five at Minnesota have gone under. With so much at stake for the Mavs, expect to see a battle for each possesion, with no easy buckets conceded. Dallas has been great on the road against inferior opposition, and the under is 9-3 in their last 12 road games versus teams with a losing record. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* (GOY) play on DET@CHI to go UNDER the total.

Down but not out, the Chicago Bulls have shown a lot of character winning back-to-back road games to keep their playoff hopes alive. They host the Detroit Pistons tonight, and the Pistons are one of the teams they are trying to catch. They trail eighth place Indiana by one game, and they are 1.5 games back of Detroit. That means that tonight's game might as well be a playoff game, because the stakes don't get any higher.

I think the bookmakers have failed to take this into consideration when they come out with such a high total. Teams battling for survival tend to play a lot tougher defense, and both these teams have been playing low scoring games of late. The Pistons lost at home to Dallas last night, three days after beating the Thunder 88-82. Detroit has failed to reach the total in seven of it's last nine on the road, while the Bulls have gone under in five straight. The total for tonight's game is significantly higher than it was in any of the previous 10 meetings.

Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MIN@UTAH to go UNDER the total. 

This is an absolute do or die game for the Jazz, and I expect them to put on a defensive clinic against a Minnesota team that is just going through the motions. The Timberwolves are coming off a 99-79 home loss to the Clippers, and they lost at home to Utah by a score of 93-84 last Saturday. These teams have gone over the total in three of the last seven meetings, but only one of those games saw enough points to reach tonight's total. That game was a 106-104 overtime win for Minnesota last March. The Jazz have failed to reach the total in eight of their last 10 overall, and six of their last eight at home. They held the defending champions Golden State to 89 points in regulation in their last game, and they've held five of their last seven opponents to fewer than 90 points. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule 

This is a 10* play on the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Celtics are coming off a blowout loss at the Staples Center, losing to the Clippers by a whopping 24 points. They will face the Blazers in Portland tonight, in their first game of a back to back. This is a terrible spot for Boston, as they will undoubtedly be looking ahead to tomorrow's game against the NBA's #1 team at Golden State. As difficult as it is for opposing teams at Oracle Arena, playing in Portland is no picnic. Boston hasn't had much success on the road lately, going 1-6 ATS in it's last seven road games. The Celtics are also a woeful 2-12 ATS in their last 14 road games versus teams with a winning home record. The Blazers are 24-12 in Portland this season, and that comes after a slow start. Boston has struggled offensively without Jay Crowder, averaging just 100.7 points per game while going 4-5 since his injury. The Blazers have won five straight at home, scoring an average of 112 points in those victories.

Take POR.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on CHI@HOU to go UNDER the total. 

The Houston Rockets have a reputation for playing high scoring games, but we normally see teams tighten up come playoff time, and that's certainly been the case for Houston. The Rockets are currently in a three way tie with Utah and Dallas, with all three teams battling for the final two spots in the Western Conference. The Rockets have struggled, winning just twice in their last six games. They failed to reach the total in all but one of those games. 

They host the Chicago Bulls, who are also fighting for their lives. Chicago is still two games back of Indiana for the last spot in the East, but they kept their hopes alive with a 98-86 win at Indiana on Tuesday. The Bulls have gone under in six of their last seven overall. Chicago has won three of the last four in this series, and Houston has scored an average of just 98 points in those games. 

This is essentially a do or die game for both teams, which should mean no easy points. Expect both teams to play intense defense on every possession, and with a sky high total, I expect them to come up well short of the number. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MIA@LAL to go UNDER the total. 

After a string of uncharacteristically high scoring games, the Miami Heat got back to business on Friday, defeating the Orlando Magic by a score of 108-97. They followed that up with another under in a home win over Brooklyn three days later. I cashed in with the winning total in both those games, and I still think bookmakers are offering an inflated total in tonight's game at LA. These teams have a history of playing low scoring games, failing to reach the total in four of the last five meetings, and nine of the last 11. Most of those games saw a total below 200, and only once did we see a number as high as we see tonight. They've failed to reach the total in four straight meetings at the Staples Center, and the Lakers failed to score 100 points in all of those games. The Heat only broke the century mark once during that span, and that was a 101-95 win on Christmas Day 2013. Miami's defense is ranked 4th in the NBA, allowing opponents to average just over 98 points per game. The Lakers offense is ranked 29th, and they scored just 70 points on 30.6 percent shooting in a home loss to the Wizards on Monday. Rumors of a divided locker room have surfaced, and a rookie PG DeAngelo Russell is at the center of the controversy. The 19 year old appears to be responsible for secretly recording a private conversation with a teammate, and the embarrassing contents of that conversation have since become public. This is a complete disaster for the Lakers, and a situation that isn't going to go away any time soon. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on HOU@CLE to go UNDER the total. 

The Rockets head to Cleveland in a desperate situation, currently in an eighth place tie with the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The good news is, they've actually owned the Cavs in recent years, winning six of the last seven meetings. More good news is that the Cavs have decided to rest LeBron James tonight. They recently rested James in a home game against Dallas, and just barely beat the Mavs by a score of 99-98. Cleveland hasn't done well at all when James doesn't play, failing to cover in 14 of 15 games since 2014. They failed to reach the total in 12 of those 15 games. Despite that, tonight's total is sky high, in fact higher than any of the previous 10 meetings between the two teams. Houston has been playing low scoring games lately, failing to reach the total in four of it's last five overall, and four of it's last five on the road. The Cavs have gone under in five of their last six when playing one two day's rest. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a Free #NBA play on CHI@IND to go UNDER the total.

The Bulls are coming off a heartbreaking 102-100 home loss to Atlanta last night, which puts them 2.5 games back of the Pistons, who currently hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. They have nine games left two play, but six of those will be played on the road.  Tonight's game at Indiana looks like a let down spot for the banged up Bulls, and the Pacers are one of the teams they are trying to catch. The Pacers have won three straight home games, limiting opponents to an average of just 86 points in those victories. 

These two teams have a history of playing low scoring games, as five of the last six meetings have failed to reach the total. The one exception was a home win for the Bulls, winning by a score of 102-100 in overtime. They've failed to cover in five straight at Indianapolis, and all five of those games went under the total. The Bulls are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games, and they've failed to cover in four of their last five when playing in a back to back situation. The Pacers have failed to reach the total in six of their last seven home games, while the Bulls have gone under in seven of their last 10 road games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on LAL@UTAH to go UNDER the total. 

The Jazz are coming off a commanding 93-84 win at Minnesota, and they'll need to keep the ball rolling tonight as they are just one game ahead of the 9th place Dallas Mavericks, and half a game up on Houston. They will host the struggling LA Lakers, who have lost seven of their last eight. The Lakers are playing on back to back nights, coming off a 101-88 home loss to the Wizards last night. Both Kobe Bryant and DeAngelo Russell are playing through injuries, and playing on no rest isn't going to be easy, especially against one of the top defenses in the league. Utah is the second lowest scoring team in the NBA, but it makes up for it with stellar defense. The Jazz have held opponents to an average of just 89.7 points and 7.0 makes from 3-point range over it's last nine games. The Jazz have failed to reach the total in six of their last seven overall, and five of their last six at home. Utah has trended under at a rate of 28-13-1 in it's last 42 home games versus teams with a losing road record.

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the Atlanta Hawks M/L. 

The Hawks are on a roll, coming into Chi-Town as winners of eight of their last nine. They can clinch a playoff spot tonight at the expense of the struggling Bulls, and at this point you have to think that Chicago has accepted it's fate. The Bulls playoffs chances have dropped significantly after losing back to back games to the Knicks, followed by a loss at Orlando. The Bulls have lost five of their last six versus Atlanta, and two of their last three home games against the Hawks. "Obviously, we're really struggling right now," forward Mike Dunleavy said. "We look like a team that's lost in terms of doing the things you need to do. It's a lot of stuff. We have to find our way. We've had success in the past, but it's going to be tough right now." The Hawks are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games, while Chicago is 5-24 ATS in their last 29 versus the NBA Southeast.

Take ATL. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Grizz are all banged up, missing starters Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Even with their thin lineup, they gave the Spurs a run for their money in a 110 -104 loss at San Antonio on Friday. LaMarus Aldridge proved to be the difference in that game, as the Grizzlies simply couldn't stop him. He scored 32 points on 12-of-16 shooting, and pulled in a dozen rebounds. Greg Popovich rested his starters in a 111-92 loss at Oklahoma City on Saturday, and we don't expect to see the starters log a lot of minutes here in Memphis. The visitors are asked to cover an awful big spread here in a meaningless game, and I think Memphis is very likely to win this game outright. The Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games versus teams with a winning home record. The Grizz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.

Take MEM. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on BKN@MIA to go UNDER the total. 

After a string of uncharacteristically high scoring games, the Miami Heat got back to business on Friday, defeating the Orlando Magic by a score of 108-97. I bet on the under in that game, and here is what I had to say prior to tip off: "The Heat rank 4th in the NBA with an opponent's scoring average of just 98.2 points per game. They are particularly strong at home, boasting a record of 23-13. These two teams have gone over the total in six of the last 10 meetings, but the total for tonight's game is about 10 points higher than it was in any of those previous contests."

We see a similar situation tonight, as the Heat will host bottom feeders Brooklyn. Seven of the last 10 meetings have gone over, but the total in those games was at least 10 points lower than tonight's number. Only one of those 10 games saw enough points to reach tonight's total, and that game was a home win for Brooklyn. The Nets are coming off back to back home wins, setting them up for a let down here in Miami. The Under is 7-3 in Heat last 10 home games versus teams with a losing road record. Sitting just half a game behind Boston, and a half game ahead of the surging Hornets, this is a key game for Miami in the playoff race. We should expect the Heat to put on a defensive clinic here tonight. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a Free #NBA play on CHA@MIL to go UNDER the total.

Ladies and gentlemen.. it's DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN this March. If anyone thinks for even a second that The Iceman's recent success is the product of "luck", "chance" or "coincidence"... THINK AGAIN!

- March 2013: 89-60 +$10,549
- March 2014: 72-48 +$6,058
- March 2015: 97-58 +$13,219
- March 2016: 56-32 +$12,939

The Milwaukee Bucks will return home after three straight losses on the road, and they host the red hot Charlotte Hornets. While the Hornets came up just short in Detroit last night, they've won 17 of their last 22 overall. One reason for Charlotte's success in it's top 10 ranked defense, that allows opponents to average just 101 points per game. The Bucks don't often reach the century mark, and they come in averaging just 92.5 points per game while losing five of their last six overall. 

These teams have failed to reach the total in each of the last four meetings, and despite that the number in tonight's game is actually higher than it was in any of those previous contests. The Hornets have gone under in five of their last seven overall, and Milwaukee has failed to reach the total in six of it's last seven. The under is 6-0 in Bucks last 6 versus teams with a winning straight up record. One contributing factor to Milwaukee's trend of low scoring games is that it ranks dead last in the NBA in made three-pointers. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on ORL@MIA to go UNDER the total. 

The Magic come into Miami as losers of five in a row, and they'll have a tough time here against one of the top defensive teams in the league. The Heat rank 4th in the NBA with an opponent's scoring average of just 98.2 points per game. They are particularly strong at home, boasting a record of 23-13. These two teams have gone over the total in six of the last 10 meetings, but the total for tonight's game is about 10 points higher than it was in any of those previous contests. They've scored fewer points in Miami, as the under is 7-3 in Orlando's last 10 trips to American Airlines Arena. The Magic have also been riding an under trend on the road, failing to reach the total in six of their last seven away from Orlando. The Heat managed just 88 points in a loss at San Antonio in their last game, their lowest points total in 27 games. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on UTAH@HOU to go OVER the total. 

Because the Jazz are one of the top defensive teams in the NBA, we often see the bookmakers adjust with a lower number, even in games against teams like Houston that tend to play a lot of high scoring games. I don't think they have paid enough attention to Utah's home/away splits though, as clearly their road record of 12-23 would indicate that their defense isn't that strong away from Salt Lake City.

The Rockets are coming off back to back losses on the road, but they've won four of their last five home games. Houston ranks 4th in the league in scoring, but they are one of the league's worst defensive teams in the NBA, allowing opponents to average 107 points per game. Four of the last five meetings in this series have gone over the total, and the Rockets have gone over the total in 13 of their last 16 when playing on back to back nights. 

Take OVER. 

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on ATL@WAS to go UNDER the total. 

The Wizards are hot, coming into tonight's home game versus the Hawks as winners of four straight. They've surrendered an average of just 95 points per game during that span, and their last win came on the road at Atlanta. The Hawks are looking to avenge that loss in the second game of this home and home set tonight, and Atlanta is one of the league's best defensive teams. Atlanta ranks 6th in the NBA limiting opponents to an average of just 99.1 points per game. Prior to being upset by the Wizards, they had won five straight, and allowed less than 100 points in four of those five wins. These teams have actually gone over in seven of the last 10 meetings, but that stat is a little misleading. Seven of those 10 games saw a total below 200, and not one of those 10 games saw a number as high as tonight's total. Only twice in the last 10 meetings did they score enough points to reach this inflated total. The Hawks have failed to reach the total in eight of their last 10 when playing on one day's rest, and four straight when coming off a loss. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on MEM@LAL to go UNDER the total. 

The Grizzlies are coming off back to back wins over the Clippers and Suns, and they play their second game in as many nights here at the Staples Center tonight. Much like last night's game, they face a struggling team that actually benefits more with every loss, as it improves their draft position. The Lakers have lost four straight home games, scoring an average of just 96 points during that span. They've been trending toward the under, failing to reach the total in eight of their last 10 overall. Memphis is still one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, and they need to be in order to compensate for their offense that ranks 24th in the league averaging just 99.2 points per game. These two teams have a history of playing low scoring games, with five of the last six meetings in LA. The is under 19-7 in Lakers last 26 home games, and 12-3-1 in the Lakers last 16 games following an ATS loss.

 Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a a Free #NBA play on the Memphis #Grizzlies.

The Memphis Grizzlies are just 3.5 games back of the Clippers who are in fourth in the Western Conference. They are coming off a 113-102 home win over the Clippers on Saturday, ending a four game losing streak. While they've been ravaged by injuries, they got a big boost with the return of Zach Randolph. The veteran made his mark in his first game back after missing the previous seven games with a knee injury. He scored 28 points, 11 boards and 10 assists, picking up his first career triple-double. 

The Grizz are in Phoenix tonight, and they have plenty to play for as they jockey for playoff position. The Suns on the other hand don't have anything to play for, in fact their draft position improves with each loss. The Suns are just 12-22 at home, and they've lost four of their last five home meetings versus Memphis. The Grizzlies have won eight of the last 10 in this series, and they are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games versus teams with a losing record. 

Take MEM. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MIL@DET to go UNDER the total. 

The Bucks lost 94-85 at home to Utah last night, and they'll be hard pressed to earn a better result on the road in the second leg of a back to back. They struggle to score at the best of times, as one of just a handful of teams that average less than 100 points per game. The total for tonight's game looks a little inflated, as the two teams haven't scored a combined 200 points in any of the last seven head to head meetings. The Pistons are on a roll, coming into tonight's game off back to back home wins. They rank among the top defensive teams in the Eastern Conference, allowing opponents to average just over 100 points per game. The Bucks have failed to reach the total in eight of their last 11 road games against teams with a winning record. The Bucks average just 5.4 made three-pointers per game, only Minnesota is worse with 5.2 per game. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on UTAH@MIL to go UNDER the total.

The Jazz are back on track, coming into tonight's game versus the Bucks in Milwaukee as winners of four of their last five. They've played stellar defense, allowing an average of 87.6 points per game during that span. The Jazz own the league's 2nd ranked defense, allowing an average of 96.7 points per game. They face a Milwaukee team that averages under 100 points per game, ranking 23rd in the NBA in scoring. The Bucks are much better defensively than they are on offense, and they have failed to reach the total in four of their last five home games. Utah's leading scorer Gordon Hayward has missed two of the last three games with plantar fasciitis. He played 37 minutes against the Bulls last night, scoring just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting. These teams have failed to reach the total in six of the last nine head to head meetings, and the Bucks lost 84-81 at Salt Lake City in the most recent meeting.

Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

his is a 10* play on GS@SA to go UNDER the total.

The Spurs are the NBA's best defensive team, holding opponents to an average of just 92.5 points per game. They are still undefeated at home, and they host the League's top team in a marquee matchup on Saturday night. This is a revenge spot for the Spurs, who lost 120-90 at Golden State earlier this year. Note that even that high scoreline wasn't enough to reach the total for tonight's game. In fact, not one of the last 10 meetings between the two teams has seen enough points to reach this inflated number

The Warriors are gunning for a record, but this might be one game that they are willing to concede. If things get out of hand early, I think it would be wise for Steve Kerr to rest his starters here in the second game of a back-to-back. If the roles were reversed, you can bet that's would Greg Popovich would do.

The under is s 9-3 in Spurs last 12 overall, and four of the Warriors last five visits to San Antonio have failed to reach the total. The Warriors have failed to reach the total in five straight versus teams with a winning record.

Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on PHX@UTAH to go UNDER the total.

The Jazz are back on track, coming into tonight's home game versus Phoenix off three consecutive wins. They've played stellar defense, allowing an average of 92 points per game during that span. The Jazz own the league's 2nd ranked defense, allowing an average of 97 points per game.

The Suns aren't exactly a prolific scoring team, ranking 22nd in the NBA in scoring. Three of the last four meetings between these two teams have failed to reach the total, and the under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings. The Jazz may need to be even better defensively tonight, missing their leading scorer Gordon Hayward. The under is 27-13-1 in Jazz last 41 home games versus teams with a losing road record.

Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schue

This is an 8* play on the Indiana Pacers. 

The Pacers had won three straight before getting blown out in Atlanta on Sunday. One of those three wins was a 99-91 home win over the San Antonio Spurs. They are back home tonight hosting the Boston Celtics, and I like Indiana as a short favorite. The Pacers have won four of their last five home meetings with Boston, and they have been a good bet coming off a loss, covering the spread in seven of their last nine such situations. 

Boston has failed to cover in four of it's last five road games, and nine of 11 road games versus teams with a winning record. They will be without forward Jay Crowder for at least the next two weeks, as he is dealing with a sprained ankle. 

Paul George is coming off a brutal game in Atlanta, but he could be in for another big night with Boston's best defender out. George has averaged 25 points in three games against the Celtics this year, but I expect him to better that number here at home tonight. 

Take IND. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on CLE@UTAH to go OVER the total.

I bet on last night's Jazz game to go over in Sacramento, and here is what I had to say prior to tip off:

"Because the Jazz are one of the top defensive teams in the NBA, we often see the bookmakers adjust with a lower number, even in games against teams like Sacramento that tend to play a lot of high scoring games. I don't think they have paid enough attention to Utah's home/away splits though, as clearly their road record of 10-22 would indicate that their defense isn't that strong away from Salt Lake City."

The Jazz return home to play their second game of a back to back against the surging Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs have won six of their last seven overall, scoring an average of 114 points in those victories. They've won five of their last six versus the Jazz, and they've scored an average of 108 points in those five wins.

These two teams have gone over the total in eight of the last 10 overall meetings, and eight of the last 10 at Salt Lake City.

Take OVER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on UTAH@SAC to go OVER the total.

Because the Jazz are one of the top defensive teams in the NBA, we often see the bookmakers adjust with a lower number, even in games against teams like Sacramento that tend to play a lot of high scoring games. I don't think they have paid enough attention to Utah's home/away splits though, as clearly their road record of 10-22 would indicate that their defense isn't that strong away from Salt Lake City.

They catch the Kings in a slump, coming in as losers of eight of their last nine overall. During that span they played a tough schedule though, facing the Spurs twice, the Thunder, Grizzlies, Cavs, Clippers and Pelicans in New Orleans. Even in those losses they still averaged well over 100 points per game. Defense is the problem for Sacramento, ranking dead last in the NBA allowing opponents to average almost 110 points per game.

The Jazz have lost seven of their last eight road games, and they allowed opponents to average well over 100 points in those games. The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings between the two teams, and 5-1 in the last six meetings in Sacramento.

Take OVER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on UTAH@GS to go OVER the total. 

 The Warriors are by far the highest scoring team in the NBA, averaging over 115 points per game. They've scored significantly more points at home, while remaining undefeated at 27-0. They scored 119 points in a win over Orlando in their last game, and have averaged 117.6 points in their last five at Oracle Arena. They host the Jazz tonight, and Utah has lost six of it's last seven on the road. The Jazz will be playing a quick turnaround in a back to back after a home loss to the Hawks last night, a tough spot to face Steph Curry and The Warriors. Curry dropped 41 points (seven three-pointers) in the win over Orlando. These two teams have gone over in four of the last five meetings, and the Jazz have gone over in nine of their last 11 road games against teams with a winning record. The Warriors have gone over in six of their last eight when playing on one day's rest.  Take OVER.  GL,  Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz battled injuries early in the season, but after the return of Rudy Gobert they went on a seven game home winning streak. That game to an end when they lost to the Spurs a couple weeks ago. That started a tough stretch of five straight losses, but the losing skid came to an end in New Orleans on Saturday. They return home tonight to host the Hawks, and they've really played strong defense at home in Salt Lake City. Only once in their last 10 home games have they allowed an opponent to score over 100 points. The Hawks come in hot as winners of four of five, but this final game out West looks like a potential let down spot. It's going to be difficult for Atlanta to match the intensity of a gritty Jazz team in a heated battle for one of the last playoff spots in the West.

Take UTAH.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Jazz suffered another loss on the road at Memphis last night, making it six in a row away from Salt Lake City. I bet on the Grizzlies in that game, and here is what I had to say prior to tipoff: "The Jazz have lost four straight overall, and five straight on the road. They may be one of the best defensive teams in the league, but the bulk of their success has come in Salt Lake City. Utah's road record of 9-20 inspires little confidence that they can upend the Grizzlies here in Memphis. Bettors have been getting buried backing the Jazz, who have failed to cover in six straight, and eight in a row when playing on one day's rest." The Pelicans have won three of their last four home games, and one of those wins came by a score of 100-96 versus Utah. They've won four of their last five home meetings with the Jazz.

Take N.O.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Memphis Grizzlies.

The bookmakers have reacted to the fact that Memphis has lost Marc Gasol for the remainder of the season, but the Grizzlies have won six of eight since he went down. Both losses during that span came on the road, and they boast a stellar home record of 22-9. The Grizzlies will host the struggling Utah Jazz tonight, and they are just a slight favorite.

The Jazz have lost four straight overall, and five straight on the road. They may be one of the best defensive teams in the league, but the bulk of their success has come in Salt Lake City. Utah's road record of 9-20 inspires little confidence that they can upend the Grizzlies here in Memphis.

Bettors have been getting buried backing the Jazz, who have failed to cover in six straight, and eight in a row when playing on one day's rest. I still find it a little mind boggling that I can take the Grizzlies as the short favorite here even though they are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 home games.

Take MEM.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on DET@SA to go UNDER the total.

The Spurs are by far the best defensive team in the NBA, and they host a Detroit Pistons team tonight that is quite content to play a defensive style. The Pistons have held their last five opponents to an average of just 95 points. They've failed to reach the total in six of their last eight overall, and four of their last five road games.

The Spurs are 28-0 at home, and they've been dominant defensively in the majority of those games. They tend to step up the defensive intensity against better teams, failing to reach the total in eight of their last 10 against teams with a winning record. They have just come back from a long road trip, and the under is 16-7-1 in their last 24 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.

Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Toronto Raptors.

The Utah Jazz are a prime example of a Jekyll and Hyde team, playing great defense at home, but really struggling on the road. They've lost six of their last eight overall, and four straight on the road. They have not been a good bet in previous meetings with the Raptors, failing to cover in five straight versus Toronto.

The Raptors scored an average of 106.4 points in those games, and they averaged 113 points in their home games during that span. The Jazz have surrendered 100 points or more in each of their last five road games. The Raptors have won 11 straight at home, covering the spread in eight of those games.

Take TOR.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on UTAH@JAZZ to go OVER the total.

The Utah Jazz are a prime example of a Jekyll and Hyde team, playing great defense at home, but really struggling on the road. They've lost six of their last eight overall, and four straight on the road. They have not been a good bet in previous meetings with the Raptors, failing to cover in five straight versus Toronto.

The Raptors scored an average of 106.4 points in those games, and they averaged 113 points in their home games during that span. The Jazz have surrendered 100 points or more in each of their last five road games. The Raptors have won 11 straight at home, covering the spread in eight of those games. Six of the last eight in this series have gone over the number.

Take OVER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Atlanta Hawks.

The Warriors are inching closer to their goal of breaking the all time regular season win record currently held by Jordan's Bulls. They have won five straight, but four of those games were close, decided by just a few points. They could be pushed to the brink at home tonight, hosting the Atlanta Hawks, who have given them good games in the past. Steph Curry is battling an ankle injury, and his status for tonight's game is still in question. "We'll err on the side of caution. But if he's healthy enough to go, we'll play him." said Steve Kerr. The Warriors are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall, and I think they are asked to cover an inflated number tonight

Take ATL.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on PHI@WAS to go UNDER the total. 

The Washington Wizards have won five of seven since the All Star break, much because of an improved defense. They've held their opponents to fewer than 100 points in each of the wins in that span, and odds are we'll see a low-scoring contest when they host the woeful Philadelphia 76ers Monday night. 

Philly has lost eight straight since a 103-98 win against the Nets on Feb. 6. It lost 130-116 at Orlando yesterday when it scored a season high while shooting 53.2% from the field. We're unlikely to see as many points tonight though as the the under is 4-1 in its last five games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and meetings with the Wizards generally have been low-scoring affairs.

The Wizards defeated the 76ers 106-94 on Feb. 5 and 103-94 last Friday. Six of the last eight meetings in this series have stayed under the total with both teams playing on a back-to-back we're unlikely to see either team looking to drive up the tempo.

The Wizards defeated a Cleveland team without the rested Lebron James 113-99 last night, allowing the talented Cavaliers to shoot just 40.0% from the field. The 76ers are the league's lowest-scoring team at 96.2 points per game and should pose little offensive threat. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MIA@NYK to go UNDER the total. 

Only the San Antonio Spurs have allowed fewer points than Miami. The Heat's 2nd ranked defense has allowed just 96.9 points per game, and they come into New York without their leading scorer. These two teams have failed to reach the total in seven of the last 10 meetings, and tonight's total is far higher than it was in any of those contests. The Knicks are hardly an offensive powerhouse, ranking 23rd in the NBA in scoring averaging just 99.4 points per game. The Knicks have gone under in 11 of their last 12 home meetings with Miami, and six of their last eight home games overall. The Heat have gone under in eight of their last 11 against teams with a losing record, and nine of their last 13 versus Eastern Conference teams. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Charlotte Hornets have been rolling, winning eight of their last 10 overall. They already beat the Hawks in Charlotte earlier this season in a rout, but I think the Hornets are going to have a tough time here in Atlanta. The Hawks are coming off a big home win over Chicago, and they are 18-12 overall at home. This will be Charlotte's sixth consecutive road game, and even after winning four of their last five, they are just 11-18 on the road this season. 

Jeff Teague scored 19 points with nine assists in the win over Chicago on Friday, and the Hawks looked healthier than they have in a while in that game. Paul Millsap pulled in 13 rebounds, and Al Horford scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting. The Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games versus teams with a losing road record. The home team is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in this series. 

Take ATL. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on BKN@UTAH to go UNDER the total. 

After averaging 113 points while winning two of three games, the Jazz managed just 78 points in a home loss to the Spurs Thursday. They host the lowly Brooklyn Nets tonight, and I expect a low scoring affair against a Nets team that averages just 97 points per game. Brooklyn has lost three straight versus the Jazz, scoring an average of just 82 points in those games. Two of those games went under the total, and the other was a 108-86 Utah win, which still didn't see enough points to reach tonight's total. 

Utah is far better defensively at home, and they are particularly tough when coming off a double digit home loss. They've gone under in eight straight when coming off such a one-sided defeat. The Jazz have gone under the total in 22 of their last 32 versus the Eastern Conference, and nine of their last 12 versus teams with a winning percentage less than .400. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizz have won three of their last four, most recently beating the Lakers 128-119 at home on Wednesday. They play at the Staples Center here tonight, and I don't think home court is going to be enough for the Lakers to avoid another defeat. LA has lost seven straight, and they are just 6-19 at home.

Kobe Bryant's farewell tour has been a rough go for Lakers fans, with the team losing 21 of it's last 24 overall. Kobe had averaged 24.5 points over an eight game span before dislocating his finger the other night in Chicago. In two games since he's scored just 28 points on 8-of-26 shooting. He scored 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting in the loss at Memphis.

Memphis has won eight straight in this series, three of those coming in LA. They aren't likely to let this one slip away when they are in the middle of a playoff race.

Take MEM.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on WAS@PHI to go UNDER the total.

The Wizards have been playing a little better defensively lately, holding four of five opponents under 100 points before their loss at Chicago on Wednesday. They've had little trouble shutting down the Sixers, holding Philly to an average of just 88 points in the last five meetings in this series. The most recent meeting was a 106-94 home win just a few weeks ago.

The Under is 13-5 in Wizards last 18 games playing on 1 days rest, and the total for tonight's game looks particularly high when you consider how poor the Sixers are offensively. Philly ranks dead last in the league averaging just over 95 points per game. They scored just 91 points on 39.8 percent shooting in a loss to Detroit in their last game.

Take UNDER.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers have won three of their last four, but all those wins were close games decided by just a few points. They host the Charlotte Hornets tonight, just two weeks after suffering an embarrassing 22 point loss at Charlotte. This sets up a nice revenge spot for the Pacers, who are a totally different team at home.

Indiana is 18-9 at home, and home court has been key in this series with the home team going 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings. The Pacers have won seven of the last 10, and four of their last five home meetings versus the Hornets. Charlotte has won 28 games this season, and only 10 of those have come on the road.

Paul George is lighting up the opposition, with 58 points in his last two games. The Pacers shot 50.5 percent from the field in the win over the Knicks.

Take IND.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Utah Jazz. 

I've been keeping a close eye on the Jazz lately. I cashed in my Game of the Month when they knocked off the Celtics 111-93 on Friday, and then I bet against them in their next game when they lost to the Blazers in Rip City on Sunday. The Jazz played very well in that game, and they were a little unfortunate to catch a hot Blazers team on the road. They have been a far better team at home, and I think they'll get right back on track tonight against Houston. 

The Rockets are coming off a 116-100 win over Phoenix, but they lost three straight prior to that. The Jazz have won six straight at home, and they are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 home games.The Rockets are a hot mess, after unsuccessfully attempting to trade Dwight Howard at the trade deadline. They are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Take UTAH. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 5* play on the Portland Trailblazers.  So after blowing out the Warriors, everyone is thinking the Blazers are due for a let down. Not this cowboy! The way I see it, this young Portland team is got it's groove on, winning nine of it's last 10 overall. They are still in a playoff race, and hosting one of the teams that they are trying to hold off for one of the final spots in the West. The Jazz are also coming off a big home win, and they really don't play very well on the road.  Utah is a woeful 9-17 on the road, and they've lost three of their last four visits to Portland. They've failed to cover in 10 of their last 14 road games, and seven of their last eight versus teams with a winning record. While they rank second in the NBA allowing just 96.5 points per game, they've given up 100 or more in five of their last six on the road. The Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games, and only the Warriors are averaging more made three-pointers than Portland (10.2).  Take POR. GL,  Jesse Schule

This is a 5* play on the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Two of the NBA's elite will meet in Oklahoma City this afternoon, with the Thunder hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Thunder were upset by Indiana at home on Friday, but they haven't lost back-to-back games since November. They still have one of the best home records in the league, going 25-6 at the Chesapeake Energy Center. The Cavs are coming off four straight wins, but all of those came at home against struggling teams. They haven't had a lot of success in previous trips to Oklahoma City, going 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games in this series.  The Cavs have failed the test in big games against top opposition this season, losing big at home to the Warriors and coming up short on the road at San Antonio. The same can not be said of the Thunder, who are 27-8-1 in their last 36 home games versus teams with a winning percentage over .600. The Cavs might also have a tough time shaking off the rust, as they are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 when playing on two days of rest.  Take OKC.  GL,  Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors ran into a hot Portland team in their first game back from the All Star break, while the Clippers are coming off a huge upset over the Spurs. You can't give the Clippers too much credit for beating the Spurs though, as San Antonio was without Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard. Blake Griffin is still out with a broken hand, and I don't think this Clippers team should be expected to hand the Warriors a second straight loss.

Golden State has won four straight in this series, and two of those wins came in LA. They haven't lost back to back games since last season, and they are 20-6-2 ATS in their last 28 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

Take GS.

GL,

Jesse Schue

This is a 10* play on the Utah Jazz. 

 Utah went into the All Star break hot, winning seven of eight. They struggled in a loss at Washington in their first game back, but I expect them to shake off the rust at home tonight hosting the Celtics. The Jazz have been very good at home, boasting a 17-10 record, which is even more impressive when you consider that they were without Rudy Gobert for an extended stretch.  Gobert is back, and making his presence felt. He's recorded four straight double-doubles, and has totaled 49 rebounds in those games. The Jazz have covered the spread in seven straight at home versus teams with a winning record, while the Celtics are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine road games against teams with a winning record.  The home team is 7-3-2 in the last 12 meetings in this series, and still the Jazz aren't asked to cover any points at home tonight. I think the bookmakers aren't giving Utah enough credit on their home floor.  Take UTAH.  GL,  Jesse Schule 

This is a 10* play on the Washington Wizards.  The Wizards have under achieved all season long, but they may be showing signs of turning things around. They won two of four before the All Star break, and then beat a very good Utah team at home in their first game back last night. They host the Detroit Pistons tonight, and Detroit has really struggled on the road. The Pistons are 11-17 overall on the road, and they've lost three of their last four at Washington. They went into the All Star break in poor form, failing to cover in five of their last six. The Wizards have covered in four of their last five, and are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 versus the NBA Central Division. Playing on back-to-back night's is normally considered to be a disadvantage, but in this case at home without any travel, I think it's far better than coming off a long layoff, as is the case for the visitors tonight.  Take WAS.  GL,  Jesse Schule 

This is a 7* play on the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Spurs went into the All Star break as winners of six straight, and this is a team that isn't taking any nights off. Some teams might be coming off a long layoff a little out of focus, but if there is a coach in this league that you can say has his team's complete respect, it's Greg Popovich. The Spurs come to play every night, and if either of these two teams is going to come out sloppy after the layoff, I don't think it's going to be 45-8 San Antonio. 

The Spurs are e 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in Los Angeles, and the road team has covered in four of the last five in this series. The Clippers have failed to cover in four straight home games versus teams with a winning record, and they are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 versus the NBA Southwest.

Kawhi Leonard leads the NBA with a three point shooting percentage of .482, and he's scored 20+ points in four of his last five games. 

Take SA. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on UTAH@WAS to go UNDER the total. 

The Jazz won seven of eight heading into the All Star break, and they allowed opponents to average just 91 points per game during that span. The Jazz are one of the league's top defensive teams, while the Wizards are one of the worst. That being said, they haven't had much trouble playing defense in recent meetings with Utah. Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have failed to reach the total, and six of Utah's last seven trips to Washington have gone under the total. 

The Jazz have played most of the season shorthanded, without center Rudy Gobert and the 23 year old has 37 rebounds and seven blocks in his last three games. Derrick Favors has also missed time, but he's scored 29 points in a 100-96 loss to New Orleans in the final game before the break. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a Free #NBA play on the New Orleans #Pelicans

I took a bit of a bad beat least night when the Jazz tied the game with a buzzer beater and went on to win in overtime in Dallas. Here is what I said prior to the game: "The Utah Jazz come into Dallas riding a six game win streak, but five of those six wins came at home. The exception was a 98-89 win at Phoenix on Saturday. The Jazz are dominant on defense, ranking second in the NBA allowing just 95.9 points per game. They aren’t nearly as successful on the road though, where they have an 8-15 record. Even Saturday’s win over the Suns saw a total of 187 points, enough to go over the number here tonight. The Jazz are a woeful 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games, and they’ve allowed 99.7 points per game in their last seven on the road."

The Pelicans on the other hand have played quite well at home lately, and this is a huge let down spot for the Jazz on back to back nights coming off an overtime win over the Mavs

Take N.O,

GL, 

Jesse Schule.

This is a 10* play on UTAH@NO to go OVER the total. 

I took a bit of a bad beat least night when the Jazz tied the game with a buzzer beater and went on to win in overtime in Dallas. Here is what I said prior to the game: "The Utah Jazz come into Dallas riding a six game win streak, but five of those six wins came at home. The exception was a 98-89 win at Phoenix on Saturday. The Jazz are dominant on defense, ranking second in the NBA allowing just 95.9 points per game. They aren’t nearly as successful on the road though, where they have an 8-15 record. Even Saturday’s win over the Suns saw a total of 187 points, enough to go over the number here tonight. The Jazz are a woeful 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games, and they’ve allowed 99.7 points per game in their last seven on the road."

The Pelicans on the other hand have played quite well at home lately, and the total has gone over in each of their last four home games against the Jazz. Seven of the last nine meetings between these teams have gone over, and the Pelicans have gone over in 20 of their last 28 home games. 

Take OVER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule.

This is a 7* play on the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers will host Charlotte tonight, and the Hornets are playing well of late. They've won four of their last five, but their only road win during that span came against the cellar dwelling Lakers. The Pacers have won eight of 10 in this series, and all six home games during that span. The Hornets road record is woeful, with just seven wins in 24 games. They come in off back to back home wins over LA and Detroit, and Paul George has been lighting up the scoreboard lately. Indiana's leading scorer has averaged over 27 points over his last three games, and he's having a fantastic season coming off that gruesome leg injury. The Hornets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and I just don't see than streak ending here in Indiana.

Take IND.

GL,

Jesse Schule

This is a Free #NBA play on UTAH@DAL to go OVER the total.

The Utah Jazz come into Dallas riding a six game win streak, but five of those six wins came at home. The exception was a 98-89 win at Phoenix on Saturday. The Jazz are dominant on defense, ranking second in the NBA allowing just 95.9 points per game. They aren't nearly as successful on the road though, where they have an 8-15 record. Even Saturday's win over the Suns saw a total of 187 points, enough to go over the number here tonight. 

The bookmakers may have over adjusted here, as this line has dropped from 190 all the way down to 183. The Mavericks have won six straight home games against Utah, scoring 100+ points in five of those games. The Jazz are a woeful 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games, and they've allowed 99.7 points per game in their last seven on the road. 

Take OVER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Utah Jazz come into Dallas riding a six game win streak, but five of those six wins came at home. The exception was a 98-89 win at Phoenix on Saturday. The Jazz are dominant on defense, ranking second in the NBA allowing just 95.9 points per game. They aren't nearly as successful on the road though, where they have an 8-15 record. Even Saturday's win over the Suns saw a total of 187 points, enough to go over the number here tonight. 

The bookmakers may have over adjusted here, as this line has dropped from 190 all the way down to 183. The Mavericks have won six straight home games against Utah, scoring 100+ points in five of those games. The Jazz are a woeful 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games, and they've allowed 99.7 points per game in their last seven on the road.  The Mavericks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games versus a team with a losing road record.

Take Dallas. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Grizzlies are one of the hottest teams in the league, and they are just a small favorite at home to Portland tonight. The Blazers have also played well, but they are much more competitive at home, and will likely be in over their heads here in Memphis. History certainly favors the Grizzlies, as they have won 15 of the last 18 in this series, and they've covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games against Portland. 

Memphis is 19-8 overall at home, and it ranks 6th in the NBA in points allowing, with an opponent's scoring average of just 99 points. The Blazers have struggled when facing the top teams in the Western Conference, going 2-5 ATS in their last seven games versus a team with a winning straight up record. The Grizz lost a close game to Dallas in overtime on Saturday, but they've covered the spread in five straight when coming off a loss. 

Take MEM. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on NO@CLE to go over the total. 

The Cavs have lost back to back games to Boston and Charlotte, and they host New Orleans on Saturday night. The Pelicans are coming off three straight losses, and they are are a significant underdog tonight. New Orleans failed to reach the total in their last game, but each of their previous nine games had gone over. Cleveland’s first game in the Tyronn Lue era was nothing short of a disaster, losing by double digits at home to the Bulls. After the game Lue questioned his team’s conditioning: “I think we have to play faster,” Lue told the team’s official website. “I think we have to utilize Kyrie and LeBron’s one-on-one ability in transition to open the floor more and run in more drags. We just haven’t been accustomed to playing that way …” They went on to score 110+ points in five straight games, and I think they'll have no problem scoring on an inferior opponent tonight. 

Take OVER.

GL 

Jesse Schule

This is a Free #NBA play on SA@DAL to go UNDER the total.

The Spurs are still the top defensive team in the NBA, allowing opponents to average just over 90 points per game. They've been involved in plenty of high scoring games lately, but I am expecting a more defensive battle in Texas tonight. These state rivals have failed to reach the total in each of the last six meetings, and the Mavs have failed to reach the total in four of their last five home games. 

Dallas has really struggled offensively, failing to score 100 points in four straight. Their last game was a 93-90 home loss to Miami, and they shot just 39.1 percent in that defeat. With their top two point guards battling injury, they are likely to struggle tonight against the Spurs. The under is 20-7-1 in Mavericks last 28 games playing on 1 days rest. 

Dirk Nowitzki scored just four points on 2-of-10 shooting in his last game against San Antonio. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is an 8* play on the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Knicks are coming off a loss at Detroit last night, and they really got off to a horrible start, scoring just 36 first half points. They've now lost seven of their last eight overall, and they failed to score 100 points in five of those games. They will play their second game in as many nights at home against Memphis, and the Grizzlies are coming in as winners of eight of their last nine overall. 

Memphis is scoring just 97.7 points per game this season, ranking 25th in the NBA. They are ranked 6th defensively though, surrendering just 99 points per game. The Grizzlies have won four straight against the Knicks, and seven of the last eight. Five of those eight games went over the total, but the number for tonight's game is far higher than it was in any of those previous eight. The Grizzlies have covered the spread in six straight against Eastern Conference teams, and they've failed to reach the total in nine straight when coming off three or more days of rest. Take MEM. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MEM@NYK to go UNDER the total. 

The Knicks are coming off a loss at Detroit last night, and they really got off to a horrible start, scoring just 36 first half points. They've now lost seven of their last eight overall, and they failed to score 100 points in five of those games. They will play their second game in as many nights at home against Memphis, and the Grizzlies are coming in as winners of eight of their last nine overall. 

Memphis is scoring just 97.7 points per game this season, ranking 25th in the NBA. They are ranked 6th defensively though, surrendering just 99 points per game. The Grizzlies have won four straight against the Knicks, and seven of the last eight. Five of those eight games went over the total, but the number for tonight's game is far higher than it was in any of those previous eight. The Grizzlies have covered the spread in six straight against Eastern Conference teams, and they've failed to reach the total in nine straight when coming off three or more days of rest. Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on PHI@WAS to go UNDER the total.

The Philadelphia 76ers have dropped four of their last five and the Washington Wizards have managed only one win over their last six. Odds are we'll see a low-scoring encounter when the two struggling teams match up at Verizon Center Friday night. 

Five of the last seven meetings in Washington have gone under the total and the 76ers were held to 87.0 points through four meetings overall last season. They've struggled on the ball all season and managed just 86 points in a home loss to the Hawks Wednesday. 

The Wizards are off a real high-scoring affair as they fell 134-121 to the Warriors two days ago. The under is interestingly enough 8-1-1 in their last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game though and 10-4 in their last 14 at home.

John Wall scored a season-high 41 points against Golden State, but Philly managed to contain him pretty well last season holding the point guard to only 15.0 points per game. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on NYK@DET to go UNDER the total. 

The Knicks head into Detroit coming off back to back losses, and they've won just one of their last seven overall. During that span they've failed to score 100 points in five of the seven games. Both these teams rank better on the defensive side of the ball than they do on offense, and I think tonight's total looks a little inflated. Four of the last five meetings between these two teams has gone over, but the total in each of those games was significantly lower than tonight's number. The total has gone under in six of New York's last eight trips to Detroit. The Knicks have failed to reach the total in each of their last four games, and they shot just 37.8 percent from the field in a 97-89 loss to Boston their last time out. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a Free #NBA play on the Denver #Nuggets.

The Nuggets have been quite competitive recently, winning six of their last 12 overall. During that span they've only suffered one double digit loss, and they've covered the spread in five of their last six road games. They haven't had a lot of success against the Jazz in recent seasons, losing four of the last five in this series, with the total going under in four of five as well. Denver is getting a bigger cushion in tonight's game than in any of those previous five, and they could be catching Utah at a good time. 

The Jazz have won three straight, and could be due for a let down after knocking off Chicago by a score of 105-96. Utah owns the league's 4th best defense, holding opponents to just 96.7 points per game. They rank among the worst in the NBA in scoring though, averaging just 97.9 points per game. Six of the last seven meetings between these two teams have failed to reach the total, and I expect a tight, low scoring affair here tonight. 

Take DEN. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on DEN@UTAH to go UNDER the total. 

The Nuggets have been quite competitive recently, winning six of their last 12 overall. During that span they've only suffered one double digit loss, and they've covered the spread in five of their last six road games. They haven't had a lot of success against the Jazz in recent seasons, losing four of the last five in this series, with the total going under in four of five as well. Denver is getting a bigger cushion in tonight's game than in any of those previous five, and they could be catching Utah at a good time. 

The Jazz have won three straight, and could be due for a let down after knocking off Chicago by a score of 105-96. Utah owns the league's 4th best defense, holding opponents to just 96.7 points per game. They rank among the worst in the NBA in scoring though, averaging just 97.9 points per game. Six of the last seven meetings between these two teams have failed to reach the total, and I expect a tight, low scoring affair here tonight. 

Take UNDER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 7* play on the Houston Rockets. 

The Heat have won four straight, and they've averaged over 100 points per game during that span. They will have their work cut out for them when they visit Houston tonight, facing a hungry Rockets team that has lost three straight. The Rockets score plenty of points, but they are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, allowing opponents to score an average of 106.6 points per game. They have a history of of playing well against Miami, especially at home. Houston is 5-2 ATS in it's last seven versus the Heat, and it's covered the spread in six of it's last eight at home versus Miami. Dwight Howard won't have to contend with Hassan Whiteside, as Miami's leading rebounder is sidelined by a back injury. Miami has a losing record on the road, and is 7-17 ATS in it's last 24 road games versus a team with a winning home record. 

Take HOU. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule

This is a 10* play on MIA@HOU to go OVER the total. 

The Heat have won four straight, and they've averaged over 100 points per game during that span. They will have their work cut out for them when they visit Houston tonight, facing a hungry Rockets team that has lost three straight. The Rockets score plenty of points, but they are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, allowing opponents to score an average of 106.6 points per game. They have a history of of playing well against Miami, especially at home. Houston is 5-2 ATS in it's last seven versus the Heat, and it's covered the spread in six of it's last eight at home versus Miami. Dwight Howard won't have to contend with Hassan Whiteside, as Miami's leading rebounder is sidelined by a back injury. Miami has a losing record on the road, and is 7-17 ATS in it's last 24 road games versus a team with a winning home record.  They've gone over the total in four of their last five visits to Houston

Take OVER. 

GL, 

Jesse Schule