This is an 8* play on the Philadelphia 76ers.

We are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, which means we look at things like motivation and scheduling to base a lot of our selections, but that said, we don't prescribe to any one single handicapping methodology and instead believe that being flexible with one's approach is the best way to secure profit over the long-term. One set of factors that we always take into consideration when making a selection are relevant and strong "Against The Spread" statistics, and it's what we're basing this entire 5-game report on: note that New York is just 3-4 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more and 0-2 ATS in its last two as a road favorite in the 6.5 to 9 points range, while Philadelphia is a perfect 4-0 ATS this season after playing three consecutive road games and 8-6 ATS vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99-plus points per contest (and with a game at home tomorrow night vs. the Bulls, its not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught "looking past" the lowly home side today). Play on the 76'ERs!

AA Sports

This is an 8* ASSASSIN on the LA Lakers.

While we wouldn't obviously be shocked by an outright upset, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as we look for the hungry home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and to sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points that it's been afforded. LA has lost six straight. Milwaukee has lost nine-straight on the road. But the Bucks come in off a monumental victory and suffice it to say, in our professional opinion this does indeed set up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors after they beat the previously unbeaten Golden State Warriors 108-95 on Saturday. But not only does this set up as a letdown spot, it's also a classic "look ahead" spot as well for Milwaukee, as it will be in Golden State on Friday for the rematch. Note that Milwaukee is just 1-2 ATS this year when playing with two days of rest and just 1-4 ATS after scoring 105 points or more, while LA is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 when playing with two or more days of rest and already 7-5 ATS this season in all non-conference contests. Play on the LAKERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Philadelphia 76ers.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single particular handicapping methodology and believe that being flexible with one's approach is the best way to secure profit over the long-term. We definitely take strong ATS trends into consideration whenever handicapping a game and that's the case with today's three NBA picks, these selections are all based entirely on ATS trends: note that Philadelphia is already 8-5 ATS on the road this season and 6-3 ATS in revenging a home loss vs an opponent, while Toronto is just 6-8 ATS as a favorite this season and only 4-8 ATS vs. teams with losing records. And with a game at Indianapolis tomorrow night, it's almost impossible not to imagine the home side coming in a bit complacent here as it gets caught looking ahead to that one. Play on the 76ers.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

When the smoke clears at the end of this one, we look for the visitors to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. LeBron James had 33 points and ten boards in a 105-100 win over the Blazers last time out, the Cavs fighting their way back from an 18-point deficit to snap a three-game slide. And if history is any precedence, then Cleveland has to be loving its chances to roll that momentum into this contest, as the Cavaliers have won 11 straight in the series by an average of 14.1 points. The Magic are now trending in the opposite direction, after winning five-straight, Orlando would drop two of its last three on a five-game road trip, most recently a disheartening 107-104 setback at Phoenix on Wednesday. We love how the situation sets up in this one, but it's also strong from a trend based stand point as well, as note that the Cavs are 5-3 ATS this season vs. teams with winning records, while Orlando is just 9-12 ATS in its last 11 as home underdogs of three points or less. Play on CLEVELAND.

AAA Sports 

This is an 10* ASSASSIN on the Chicago Bulls.

While we obviously wouldn't be shocked by an outright upset, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as we look for the visitors to at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the backdoor down the stretch with the handful of points that have been afforded to them. The C's return home after a successful 3-2 road trip and suffice it to say, we believe this does now indeed set up as a classic letdown spot for them. Conversely, the Bulls will be extra focused tonight to stop a two-game slide, but have to be feeling pretty confident in this matchup as they've won three straight and 13 of the last 17 in the series. The Bulls had been playing well up to their recent slide: "I don't know what it is," guard Jimmy Butler assessed last night. "Can't close teams out; have a lead, don't finish, lose games ... We keep talking about it, yadda, yadda, yadda, but eventually we're going to have to fix it or we're going to keep finding ourselves on the losing end of ball games." Note that Chicago is 3-2 ATS in its last five off an upset loss as a favorite, while Boston is just 17-18 ATS in its last 35 following a victory by ten points or more. Play on the BULLS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Clippers.

While we're mainly a situationally based handicapping service, we definitely don't prescribe to any one single handicapping methodology and instead believe that being flexible with one's approach is the best way to handicap a contest. For this particular five-game NBA report, we're basing all of the picks on strong ATS and O/U trends: note that Orlando is 1-3 ATS its last four as a road dog of three points or less and just 7-15 ATS in its last 22 vs. the Pacific division, while LA is 6-4 ATS in its last ten as a home fav of three points or less and 17-14 ATS in its last 31 when playing with two days of rest. Play on the CLIPPERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Toronto Raptors.

While we're mainly a situationally based handicapping service, we definitely don't prescribe to any one single handicapping methodology and instead believe that being flexible with one's approach is the best way to handicap a contest. For this particular five-game NBA report, we're basing all of the picks on strong ATS and O/U trends: note that Golden State is interestingly just 10-12 ATS in its last 22 vs. Atlantic division opponents, while Toronto is 6-1 ATS when playing the role of underdog this season and a perfect 6-0 ATS vs. teams with winning records. Play on the RAPTORS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Utah Jazz.

We're going to recommend a sprinkling a little on the money line today as well, this one has all the makings of a classic letdown spot for the visitors as we look for the home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and sneak in through the back door down the stretch. This is the opening game of a seven-game road trip for the Warriors. From a situational stand point, this one sets up perfectly. Golden State is clearly the cream of the crop in the NBA this year, but Utah has quietly been dominating as well, it will be gunning for its first three-game win streak of the season, falling short on three previous tries. Note that the Jazz are in fact one of the best defensive clubs in the league, allowing 93.2 PPG, while also allowing the fewest field-goal attempts at 75.6 per contest. Most recently Utah is coming off a 101-87 victory over New Orleans. Grab as many points as you can with the JAZZ.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Phoenix Suns.

When the smoke clears at the end of this one, we're expecting the home side to find a way to get the job done. Phoenix will be extra motivated to "right the ship" after losing three of its last four, most recently a 98-84 loss at San Antonio on Monday. It was a poor performance after averaging 106.5 points. This is also an immediate revenge game for the Suns after falling 122-116 at New Orleans on Sunday. After a brutal start to the season, New Orleans has now won three straight, including a 14-point win over San Antonio on Friday. Can anyone say "letdown spot?!" Note that the Pelicans are 0-7 on the road this year. This is the first of two straight at home for Phoenix, before embarking on a season-high six-game road trip and with a date vs. the first-place Warriors on Friday, tonight's contest has basically become a "do-or-die" scenario. And note that New Orleans is a poor 1-3 ATS in its last four when playing with two days of rest, while Phoenix is 18-8 ATS in its last 26 after a loss by ten points or more and 17-7 ATS in its last 24 after playing three consecutive road games. Play on the SUNS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Houston Rockets.

Patrick Beverley returns to the lineup for the Rockets and we believe he'll be a difference maker today vs. a tired and contented Grizzlies team which is coming off a victory just last night. This is also an immediate revenge scenario after Houston fell to Memphis last week. The Rockets are starting to look a lot better defensively as well, allowing 102 points and 41.5 percent shooting since firing head coach Kevin McHale. Big man Dwight Howard is also expected back in the lineup after sitting out in Saturday's setback to the Knicks. The Grizz have gone 5-1 their last six, including beating Dallas 110-96 last night; in our professional opinion, there's no question that this sets up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors. It's a great situational play, and note that Memphis is in fact a poor 13-21 ATS in its last 24 vs. division opponents, while Houston is 40-36 ATS last three years in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent and 21-18 ATS in its last 39 off an upset loss as a favorite. Play on the ROCKETS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* EAST-COAST EXPRESS on the Orlando Magic.

We like the Magic to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. After an extended win streak, New York is coming off its worst offensive performance of the season and we definitely feel that this now also sets up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors. The Knicks were flat in a 95-78 setback to Miami on Monday, setting season lows in points and field-goal percentage. Orlando looks to bounce back after a 117-103 road loss to Cleveland, the team gave up its most points in regulation this season. Two completely different mind sets for both teams, after an extended stretch of excellence, New York finally lost and comes in deflated. Orlando on the other hand is coming off a poor effort and will be extra motivated to get back on track. A great situational play in our opinion, but also note that the Knicks are a horrible 26-35 ATS in their last 61 following a loss by ten points or more and a poor 40-50 ATS their last 90 vs. teams with losing records. And note that Orlando has excelled in this spot for bettors, 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing against a team with a winning record and 29-25 ATS last three years following a loss by ten points or more. It's also not too hard to imagine the Knicks getting caught "looking ahead" to their rematch at home vs. the Heat on Friday. There's no question that there are a bunch of different factors that all point to NEW YORK as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports 

This is an 8* BLOCKBUSTER on the LA Lakers.

While we won't be so bold as to call for an outright victory here, we do think that the visitors can catch a complacent and contented Warriors team a little flat footed and expect them to sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample spread they've been afforded tonight. If you're wagering on this game, you are more than just a casual fan, you know what the Lakers are about and you know what the Warriors are about. With a win today, Golden State will open the season 16-0, setting the all time NBA record for best start ever. We won't try to convince you that Golden State is a mediocre team which has just gotten lucky to this point, or that the Lakers are a lot better than what their record indicates. That's obviously not the case for either team whatsoever. We do feel however that this a great spot to go against the red hot Warriors and that the value has clearly shifted to the visiting side. While there's incentive to gain the 16 wins, LA will be as equally as motivated to play the unlikely spoiler. And note that the Lakers are in fact 30-26 ATS in their last 56 after three or more consecutive losses, while Golden State is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven as a home favorite in the 12.8 to 18 points range. Grab as many points as you can with the LAKERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

We look for the hungry home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Whether Kevin Durant plays or not, we expect the Thunder to rally after losing 93-90 to New York on Friday. This sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Mavericks though, who can't help but come in complacent after winning six straight, including a 102-93 victory over Utah on Friday. But not only is it a letdown spot, but it's also a "look ahead" contest with road games at Western Conference foes Memphis and San Antonio after this, marking three road games in four nights. Note that Dallas is 14-19 ATS in its last 33 after three or more consecutive SU victories, while OKC is 20-17 ATS its last 37 off an upset loss as a favorite. Play on the THUNDER.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE DESTRUCTION on the LA Clippers.

LA has lost six of eight, making this contest almost a "must win" scenario and because of that, we fully expect the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the afternoon. The Clippers catch a huge break here as well in not having to face Raptor center Jonas Valanciunas, who broke his hand in Friday's 102-91 win over the Lakers. LA is coming off back-to-back losses and also plays with the double revenge factor after dropping both to Toronto last year. Note that the Raptors are in fact a poor 5-13 ATS in their last 18 after playing three consecutive road games and just 27-31 ATS the last three season's after a victory by ten points or more. And note that LA has dominated in this spot for bettors, 22-17 ATS in its last 39 off an upset loss as a favorite. The loss of Valanciunas will prove fatal for Toronto today, expect the hungry CLIPPERS to put the foot on the gas early and never let up.

AAA Sports

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

AAA Sports uses a variety of handicapping methodologies every single day, but this five game NBA report is based entirely on strong ATS and Over/Under trends. Note that New York is just 6-13 ATS in its last 19 when playing with two days of rest and just 26-36 ATS the last two seasons in all non-conference games. And note that OKC is 4-3 ATS at home this year and 55-43 ATS in front of the home town crowd the last two, while also going 55-46 ATS after scoring 105 points or more in the same time frame. Play on the THUNDER.

AAA Sports

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

AAA Sports uses a variety of handicapping methodologies every single day, but this five game NBA report is based entirely on strong ATS and Over/Under trends. Note that San Antonio is just 1-3 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories and a poor 16-23 ATS in its last 39 vs. division opponents. And note that New Orleans is 46-42 ATS the last two years vs. teams with winning records and 20-13 ATS its last 33 vs. division opponents. Play on the PELICANS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Philadelphia 76ers.

While we won't be so bold as to call for an outright upset, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as we look for the home side to at the very least, sneak in through the back door with what we believe to be a healthy amount of points afforded to it. In our professional opinion, this one sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Mavericks who have won three straight, over the Clippers, Lakers and at Houston respectively. Remember, it was the Rockets that ousted the Mavs from the Playoffs last year as well. Conversely, the 76ers have not even won a game yet this year, in fact the organization hasn't won in almost eight months dating back to last season. One player to keep your eyes on today is Philadelphia center Jahlil Okafor, who is averaging 19.2 points and who had 21 to go along with 12 boards in Saturday's 92-83 loss at San Antonio. Also note that the home side gets a boost offensively today with the expected return of Robert Covington, the third-year small forward averaged 13.5 points last season. Play on the 76'ERS!

AAA Sports

This is a 10* EAST-COAST EXPRESS on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers are rolling to open the season, sitting at 7-1 and most recently stormed from behind to take a 118-114 home win over Utah on Tuesday. LeBron James had 31 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. Cleveland now starts a three-game trip vs. New York, a team that it beat 96-86 at home back at the start of the season. The Knicks come in off a deflating 95-93 loss at Charlotte on Wednesday, getting outscored 26-14 in the fourth quarter in which they shot a dismal 27.3 percent. Cleveland is starting to get healthier, which is more bad news for the Knicks as guard JR Smith is back in the line-up after missing three games with a bruised right knee. Note that Cleveland is 17-10 ATS in its last 27 when playing with two days of rest, while New York is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 as a home dog in the 3.5 to 6 points range. Play on the CAVALIERS.

AAA Sports

 This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Orlando Magic.

Orlando is gunning for its fifth win its last seven games and to also break a four-game slide at home in this series. Most recently the Magic are coming off a 101-99 home win over the Lakers on Wednesday. Orlando now catches a tired Jazz team coming off a disheartening 92-91 loss at Miami just last night. After winning four of its previous six, Utah has now dropped the first two of its tough four-game East Coast road swing. The wheels have come off the bus for the Jazz defense, it allowed a season-high point total in Tuesday's 118-114 loss at Cleveland and surrendered 48.3 percent shooting over the past two. Both teams have significant injuries, so we'll call that department a "wash." This is simply a great situational play, Utah is tired and deflated while the Magic have plenty of positive momentum; play on ORLANDO.

AAA Sports 

This is an 8* play on the Memphis Grizzlies.

We jumped on this line the moment it came out and got 5.5 and it's since gone up closer to 7 as of writing this (6 AM EST), but regardless, we love this selection and while we wouldn't be completely shocked by an outright upset, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as well look for the home side to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. The Warriors are 8-0 after their 109-95 win over Detroit on Monday. After winning eight straight games, it's not too hard to imagine Golden State finally having a letdown here. The Grizzlies though won't be a tiny bit complacent whatsoever, in fact they'll be playing with utter desperation tonight as they look to break out of a sluggish patch. Memphis (3-5) will also be playing with the immediate revenge factor after getting thumped 119-69 in Oakland on November 2nd. The Grizz though looked pretty good in their last start, falling 94-92 to the Clippers on Monday: "If we play like that, keep playing like that, we'll get back to our old selves," forward Zach Randolph said yesterday. "A loss is a loss but we've got to take the positives, the energy, the defense, the things we did well." Note that Golden State is just 1-3 ATS already this year vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99-plus points per contest, while the Grizzlies are 57-45 ATS in their last 102 vs. teams with winning records. Play on MEMPHIS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Brooklyn Nets.

While we won't be so bold as to call for an outright upset here, we do definitely feel that the lowly Nets will come to play today and will be able to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Houston has won four straight, while Brooklyn has lost seven straight. Contentedness vs. desperation. This is also a revenge game of epic proportions, as the Rockets have won 16 of 17 in the series, including eight straight at the Toyota Center. Note that Brooklyn is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 when playing with three or more days rest, while Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last seven as a home favorite between 12.5 to 18 points and 0-2 ATS in its last two vs. poor offensive teams which score 91 points or less. Play on the NETS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT on the New Orleans Pelicans.

No need to overanalyze this one, desperation breeds motivation, we love the home side to finally get off the schneid tonight and get revenge for its 107-98 setback at Dallas on Saturday. The Pelicans are 0-6, but have gotten great play from big man Anthony Davis, who is averaging 25.2 points, 9.3 boards and 2.8 blocks per game thus far. Davis gets a boost with the expected return of Jrue Holiday to the line-up. The Mavericks are 3-3 and have struggled with consistency from night to night, note that Dallas is just 15-19 ATS in its last 34 when playing with two days of rest, while New Orleans is 12-7 ATS in its last 19 as a home favorite of three points or less. Play on the PELICANS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

When the smoke clears at the end of this one, we look for the home side to find a way to get the job done. If history is any precedence, then LeBron James and company have to be liking their chances as Cleveland has taken six straight in this series. After losing 97-95 to the Bulls on opening night, the Cavaliers have gone unbeaten, most recently a 101-97 victory over Indiana on Sunday. James had 29 points, six boards and four assists. Big man Kevin Love had 22 points and a season-high 19 boards. The Jazz come to town contented, having won three straight on the road, but now face a Cleveland team which is 15-1 in its last 16 vs. the Western Conference and which has won eight straight at home vs. the West. Note that Utah is just 7-13 ATS in its last 20 when playing with two days of rest, while Cleveland is 35-32 ATS in its last 67 non-conference games. In our professional opinion, this number should be a little higher, play on the CAVALIERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BLOCKBUSTER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James may have to sit this one out after injuring his leg in a 108-102 win over Philadelphia on Friday, but regardless, we like the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. After an opening day loss to the Bulls, the Cavs have won five straight and now face a Pacers team which has won three straight. Note though that Indiana has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going just 8-11 ATS in its last 19 off an upset win as an underdog and only 17-21 ATS in its last 38 after three or more consecutive SU victories. And note that the Cavs are 23-16 ATS in their last 39 vs. division opponents. Play on CLEVELAND.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* COAST-TO-COAST EXPRESS on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans will be looking to get off the schneid and end the team's worst start in 11 years and take advantage of what we believe will be a complacent Hawks side which has won five straight. Desperation vs. contentedness. Is Anthony Davis and company really as bad as their 0-4 record would indicate? We definitely think the answer is: no way! "I've just got to find the (open) guy, try to make the right play, which I'm trying to do," Davis assessed last night. "Then it's on the guys to knock down the shots. Once they do that, then (the defense) can't double and triple team as much, because we have guys who can shoot the ball. I just want to be the best I can be to help the team win. I feel I'm not doing it right now." A date vs. Atlanta is just what the doctor ordered to get untracked though, note that Davis is averaging 26.0 points and 11.3 boards while shooting 52.9 percent in the last four in the series. With a game at home vs. division rival Washington tomorrow night, it's definitely not too hard to envision the visitors getting caught "looking ahead" to that contest. Note that Atlanta is just 43-48 ATS the last two seasons vs. teams with losing records, while New Orleans is 15-11 ATS in its last 26 off an upset loss as a favorite, 15-13 ATS in its last 28 after three or more consecutive SU losses and 15-14 ATS in its last 29 when playing with two days of rest. We expect the home side to finally hit a couple shots and to at the very least, keep this one close enough to escape with the ATS victory; play on the PELICANS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* EAST-COAST EXPRESS on the Boston Celtics.

We look for the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. The Wizards are coming off a come from behind 118-113 win in Milwaukee last Friday, before a 102-99 win over San Antonio, a game in which Bradley Beal hit a 3-pointer with 0.3 seconds left on the clock. The C's though shut down Beal last year, holding him to just 11 points while shooting under 32 percent in three meetings. There's no question that the home side will be the hungrier of the two teams here, Washington is off back to back thrilling victories and now hits the road, whereas Boston has lost three straight, most recently a 100-98 setback to Indiana on Wednesday. The Wizards won two of three in the series last year, this sets up as a revenge game as well after Boston fell 101-88 in Washington in the most recent meeting back on December 27th. One other player to keep your eyes on today is Celtics leading scorer Isaiah Thomas, who is averaging 20.8 points in his last five in this series. Note that Washington is just 16-19 ATS in its last 35 following an upset win as an underdog, while Boston is 13-11 ATS in its last 24 off an upset loss as a favorite and 26-17 ATS in its last 43 after three or more consecutive SU losses. Play on BOSTON.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Chicago Bulls.

Both teams are coming in off losses, but the Thunder played just last night. No need to overanalyse this pick, we look for the hungry home side to finally step up and to take advantage of this matchup. Chicago is coming off a humiliating 130-105 loss at previously winless Charlotte on Tuesday, surrendering its highest point total in regulation since 2010. We had the Hornets in that one and it was just a bad spot for the Bulls, as Charlotte was going to be risking life and limb in that game to secure the victory. But now the situational tables have turned in favor of the now equally as desperate Bulls, who have lost two of their last three. The Thunder have averaged 114.2 points so far this season, but struggled down the stretch in Wednesday's 103-98 home loss to unbeaten Toronto. And to say this is a "revenge" spot for Chicago would be a bit of an understatement as well, as the Thunder have won six of the last seven meetings, including a 109-100 effort at home in the latest back on March 15th. Note that Oklahoma City is just 51-54 ATS vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99 plus points per contest, while Chicago is 20-15 ATS in its last 35 after allowing 105 points or more. Play on the BULLS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ASSASSIN on the LA Clippers.

Both teams come in without a loss and while the home side may ultimately gut out the victory in this one tonight, we feel that the visitors can at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Golden State most recently annihilated Memphis 119-69 on Monday. Note, all three teams that Golden State has beaten this year, New Orleans twice, Houston and Memphis are the same ones in which it eliminated en route to the NBA title. LA is off to a 4-0 start as well, most recently a 102-96 victory over the Suns on Monday. So far it's been a cake-walk for the Warriors, but the team now faces its stiffest test to date, and note that Golden State is in fact just 8-11 ATS in its last 19 after allowing 85 points or less, while LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a road dog in the 6.5 to 9 points range and 53-41 ATS in its last 94 on the road. Play on the CLIPPERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* UNDERDOG DESTRUCTION on the Brooklyn Nets.

No need to overanalyze this one, Brooklyn is winless and will be risking life and limb today, pushing the pace from the outset as it desperately looks to get off the schneid. Atlanta on the other hand has won four straight and comes in complacent after winning 98-92 in Miami just last night. This is also a revenge scenario after the Hawks eliminated the Nets from the first round of the playoffs in six games. Also note that it's widely been reported that Atlanta will be resting a lot of its starters in the second game of the back-to-back scenario this season. Desperation vs. contentedness. Note that Brooklyn is 11-7 ATS in its last 18 as a road dog of 6.5 to 9 points, while Atlanta is just 18-19 ATS in its last 37 following a divisional contest. We look for the visitors to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe, play on the NETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Indiana Pacers.

We jumped on this line early and only got +3.5. It's since moved closer to +5.5 in most places, but we still love this selection and while we obviously would not be shocked by the outright upset victory, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as we look for the desperate and hungry visitors to take this one down to the wire. Detroit has yet to lose a game, while Indiana has yet to win. Contentedness vs. desperation. Divisional contests are always the most important, this is doubly so for the winless Pacers in this spot obviously. Detroit has looked great to this point, but in our opinion this definitely sets up as a classic "letdown" spot for the home side, which is coming off an extremely satisfying 98-94 OT win over the Bulls on Friday. Also note that Indiana is 22-19 ATS in its last 41 after a loss by ten points or more and 17-13 ATS in its last 30 when playing with two days of rest, while Detroit is just 5-14 ATS in its last 19 as a home fav in the 3.5 to 6 points range and only 4-8 ATS in its last 12 when playing with three or more days rest. Play on the PACERS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets will be playing with desperation today as they look to avoid their worst start in 26 years and suffice it to say, we believe this determination will finally translate into production on the court and while we obviously wouldn't be shocked by the outright upset, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. This is also a revenge spot for Charlotte after it fell 98-89 in the team's most recent meeting back on March 23rd. We actually had the Hornets in their last game, a tough 94-92 defeat to Atlanta on Sunday; we had +1.5, failing to get the cover by a single free throw and after choking away an outright lead with under two minutes to play. Note though that this is a spot in which Chicago has struggled in for bettors, just 43-51 ATS the last two seasons vs. teams with losing records, while Charlotte is 43-32 ATS vs. teams with winning records in that same span. Desperation breeds motivation, play on the HORNETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* EAST-COAST EXPRESS on the Philadelphia 76ers.

We think the home side comes out firing tonight and keeps this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. This is a perfect situational play as the Cavaliers are injured and enter a stretch in which they play six games against non-playoff teams from a year ago; it's a classic "letdown" spot. Cleveland has already opened 2-1 with three tough games vs. Chicago, Memphis and Miami; LeBron James' back is ailing and Kyrie Irving is still out due to injury. Kevin Love is also feeling sore after surgery to his shoulder in the offseason. Philadelphia is 0-2, most recently coming off a listless 99-71 loss to Utah on Friday. The 76ers are a young team, but need no more motivation today than taking on the Eastern Conference defending champions and with some of the Cavs' stars seeing reduced time, this is indeed a fantastic situational play for us to take advantage of. Note that Cleveland is just 10-11 ATS in its last 21 after a victory by ten points or more, while Philadelphia is 16-11 ATS in its last 27 after scoring 85 points or less and 8-2 ATS in its last ten as a home dog of 12 points or more; play on the 76ER's.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Charlotte Hornets.

While we obviously wouldn't be shocked by the outright upset today, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as we look for the home side to exact a little revenge from an early season loss to the Hawks. Atlanta won 112-101 in New York on Thursday and then hung on for a 97-94 home victory over Charlotte on Friday. There's no question that Charlotte will be "hungry" here after opening the season 0-2, having not dropped three in a row to open a campaign since 2010. The Hornets roared back and nearly overcame a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter vs. ATL, but were ultimately unable to overcome 20 turnovers which led to 26 Atlanta points. One player to keep your eyes on today is Charlotte's Kemba Walker, the guard is averaging 18.7 points in his last three at home vs. the Hawks. Note that Atlanta is just 17-19 ATS in its last 36 following a divisional contest, while Charlotte is 48-41 ATS the last two seasons in revenging a loss vs. an opponent and 8-5 ATS in its last 13 as a home dog of three points or less. Play on the HORNETS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the New Orleans Pelicans.

While we obviously wouldn't be completely surprised by an outright upset, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as we look for the hungry and revenge minded home side to at the very least, take the defending champions down to the final shot. Golden State beat New Orleans 111-95 at home to open the season and then would pull away for a 112-92 win in Houston just last night. Note that the Warriors will almost assuredly be without the services of sharp-shooter Klay Thompson though, who played just 24 minutes in last night's win due to an ailing back and who will likely be sitting in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. And note that center Andrew Bogut did not play in last night's game and won't be in this one either because of a concussion suffered in the opener. To say this is a "revenge" game is a bit of an understatement as well as the Warriors have won 15 of the last 16 in the series, including the first round playoff sweep last year. After the loss to the Warriors, New Orleans would then fall 112-94 to Portland on Wednesday. But with a few extra days off to prepare for this game, we like the desperate home side to come out focused on the task at hand. And note, Golden State is just 12-15 ATS in its last 27 as a road fav in the 3.5 to 6 points range, while New Orleans is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 as a home dog in the same points range and 15-12 ATS in its last 27 when playing with two days of rest. Play on the PELICANS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT on the Phoenix Suns.

Damian Lillard is the only player remaining from the Blazers lineup from last season, but the team would get a career night from CJ McCollum in its 112-94 win over New Orleans on Wednesday. McCollum had 37 points, topping his previous regular-season high by ten. Suffice it to say, we're not expecting a repeat performance tonight, in fact there's no question that this now sets up as a classic "letdown" spot, both for McCollum and for his team. Phoenix is coming off a 111-95 setback to visiting Dallas, a game in which all of its top scorers struggled with consistency: "I think everybody from top to bottom can take a piece of this loss," said center Tyson Chandler. For us it's simple, we don't think that Portland is as good as what its opening performance would indicate and we certainly don't think that Phoenix is really as horrible as it played in its opener. And note that the Blazers are in fact a poor 26-29 ATS in their last 55 after a victory by ten points or more, while the Suns are 16-8 ATS in their last 24 after a loss by ten points or more. Play on PHOENIX.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Houston Rockets.

We bet against the Warriors in their home opener vs. New Orleans and came up short, but believe the Rockets can catch the defending champs "looking ahead" to their rematch with the Pelicans tomorrow night. Houston is coming off a horrible 105-85 loss in its home opener to Denver, a team not expected to do much this year and it also plays with revenge after Golden State ousted it from last season's playoffs. Also note that Golden State will be without the services of big man Andrew Bogut, who left the opener with a concussion. This is obviously a significant loss, as Bogut played a key part in slowing down Houston center Dwight Howard last year: "We can't worry about what wasn't brought in Game 1," Howard said. "That's over with. There's no need to focus on that anymore." Note that Golden State is just 8-9 ATS in its last 17 as a road favorite of three points or less, while Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last five as a home dog of three points or less and 6-1 ATS after scoring 85 points or less. Play on the ROCKETS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While we wouldn't be completely shocked by an outright victory, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. There is literally only one way the Wolves can move this season and that's up as they'd finish dead last in the league a year ago. Minnesota will be extra motivated today as well as it looks to win one for Flip Saunders after the coach finally succumbed to cancer last week. The Wolves have a nice mix of veteran experience and explosive young talent. Kevin Garnett is back in Minnesota for another year and he's joined by Andre Miller, and Tayshaun Prince, the trio have a combined 29 years of experience. These three will be tasked to influence Andrew Wiggins, No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns and slam dunk champion Zach LaVine. The Lakers were 21-61 last season and will once again be led by Kobe Bryant, who will be looking to mentor nine players who have three seasons or fewer of NBA experience. Bryant has been a shell of his former self the last two years because of injury and already comes into the regular season banged up after suffering a lower-leg contusion in the final preseason contest. To say this is a "revenge" game would be a bit of an understatement, the Lakers have had the Wolves number for a few years now, having won 29 of the last 34 in the series and 15 of the last 17 at the Staples Center, a situational factor that we can also take advantage of. We think the WOLVES depth will prove to be the difference in the end.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Indiana Pacers.

Indiana won 56 games in 2013/15, but only 38 last year, due in part to several injuries over the courts of the season, most notably to leading scorer and heart of the team Paul George, who returns to 2015 at full health: "With the talent we have, this should be the most prolific offense we've had here," said coach Frank Vogel. Complimenting George will be Monta Ellis and center Myles Turner. Toronto won't be surprising anyone this season, after back-to-back trips to the playoffs, the team will obviously be looking to make a deeper run after getting bounced in the first round on both occasions. The Raptors look pretty good, DeMarre Carroll is a defensive specialist who has a nice touch from the outside, he's been tasked to fill the void left by Louis Williams (the 2015 Sixth Man of the Year) and Greivis Vasquez. Toronto finished among the league leaders in scoring average, but lacked considerably on the defensive end of the court, which would ultimately prove to be their downfall in the playoff series loss to Washington. Note that Indiana is 7-6 ATS in its last 13 as a road dog in the 3.5 to 6 points range, while Toronto is just 6-13 ATS in its last 19 as a home fav in the 3.5 to 6 points range. While we wouldn't be shocked by the outright SU victory, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, play on the PACERS.

AAA Sports

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

Will the Warriors suffer a letdown after their epic run to NBA greatness last year? Maybe, but there is little chance that the team will completely implode and miss the postseason. Suffering a bit of a mental lapse on opening night after receiving their championship rings right before tip-off against a revenge minded Pelicans team which has lost 14 of 15 in the series, including seven straight at the Oracle Arena is not too hard to imagine though. Alvin Gentry was an assistant coach for the Warriors last year, but is now the head man in New Orleans. The Warriors core group of players are back, so to is Pelicans' big man Anthony Davis, who was fourth in the NBA with 24.4 PPG last year, first with 2.9 blocks per game and the top eight in field goal percentage, rebounds per game and double-doubles. Davis and company will be out for some serious revenge after getting swept by the Warriors in four straight in last years playoffs; the team looks poised for another strong run though with the additions of Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson, who will pull duty with guard Eric Gordon, who finished second in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 44.8 percent. We expect the visitors to keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe, play on NEW ORLEANS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Chicago Bulls.

We aren't overthinking this one, Chicago was eliminated by the Cavaliers in last season's conference semifinals and we are expecting the home side to exact a little revenge this evening as it looks to take advantage of a less than 100% LeBron James. James had been sitting for the last two weeks because of a back issue. While big man Kevin Love is back in the lineup for Cleveland, point guard Kyrie Irving is still weeks away from returning after getting surgery on his knee. Chicago has a new coach (Fred Hoiberg), but a lineup which has consistently competed for Eastern Conference supremacy over the last half decade, and that group is 100% healthy. A great situational play, we're laying the short points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sometimes I feel it's necessary to completely dissect a contest, looking at individual player match-ups and at situational and motivational factors and in other instances, I believe a more "common sense" approach is the best way to handicap a game. That's definitely the case with this selection. With their backs against the wall, I look for the Cavaliers to play their best game of the series and would obviously not be surprised whatsoever to see the home side win this one outright. And from a trend based stand point, this selection is about as strong as you could possibly ask for, as Golden State is 13-14 ATS this year after a win by 10 points or more, while Cleveland is 7-3 ATS following a loss by 10 points or more. Consider sprinkling a little on the money line as well as "The King" holds serve on his court, play on the CAVALIERS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I grabbed an early +7 and it's since gone up, but regardless, while I wouldn't be shocked with an outright Cavs victory, I do definitely feel that despite losing Kyrie Irving to injury, that the visitors won't be going down without a fight today and look for them to at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I feel to be a healthy spread afforded to them. Irving had an awesome game, but I think the combination of Matthew Dellavedova and Iman Shumpert can fill the void. It was in fact just the second time that Cleveland has failed to cover the spread in the team's last six playoff games. And remember, the Cavaliers were 2-0 SU against the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals without Irving and went 1-1ATS with Dellavedova averaging 14 points in his place (also note that LeBron James picked up the scoring slack vs. the Hawks by averaging 33.5 points in the two games that Irving missed). I had the Warriors as my NBA Finals GAME OF THE YEAR in Game 1 and obviously feel pretty fortunate to get the victory. This is do or die for the Cavaliers though, if they can somehow manage to steal this one outright, they'd absolutely be in the "drivers seat" heading back home. Golden State has struggled in this spot as well already in the postseason, just 4-5 ATS so far when leading in a playoff series (and note that the Cavs are 10-4 ATS this year when playing with two days of rest). While the rest of the World goes one way, we'll go the other, grab as many points as you can with CLEVELAND.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* Finals GAME OF THE YEAR on the Golden State Warriors.

An interesting match-up indeed, but I think that the Warriors' depth, health and clear home court advantage will ultimately prove to be too much for the Cavaliers. In Game 1 anyways. LeBron James is playing the best basketball of his career, but his supporting cast is not only injured (guard Kyrie Irving is hobbled with a knee issue), but it's arguably the worst one he's had surrounding him in his career. Golden State is loaded with talent up and down the line-up and I simply can't see the Cavs' bench keeping pace. Cleveland's turn around started in January when the team transformed itself into a defensive juggernaut, but now the Cavaliers face their stiffest test yet. Irving has been the most trustworthy defender, but his injury is obviously a major concern for the team. The Cavs have given up just 98.5 points per 100 possessions during the postseason; but note, Golden State's defense has been one of the league's best all year long. The Warriors have played 49 games at Oracle Arena this season and they've won 46 of those outings. Golden State just faced one of the league's most potent offensive weapons in the entire league in James Harden and would go on to dispatch his team in five games. Granted, James is the better and more experienced all around player, but "The King" definitely doesn't have the same supporting cast around him which Harden enjoys. Note that Cleveland is just 6-13 ATS this year when playing the role of underdog, while Golden State is 48-34 ATS when dubbed the favorite. Look for the WARRIORS to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BLOCKBUSTER on the Golden State Warriors.

I think the Warriors are going to bounce back and finish off the Rockets in Game 5. I took the Rockets at +1500 to win the NBA Championship last summer but have been hedging my wager throughout this series, but that said, I obviously didn't expect the Warriors to sweep. After its extremely satisfying win in Game 4, I think the table is set for an equally as epic letdown for Houston this evening and look for Golden State to play with a chip on its shoulder and to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the ATS cover: "We just don't want to come back to Houston," Warriors guard Klay Thompson confirmed last night. "It's not going to be easy. They are here for a reason. We have to come and play with more intensity and play together and we'll win the game." Good news for us, Warriors guard Stephan Curry is fine after suffering a nasty fall in Game 4. More good news for us, Rockets' center Dwight Howard, who received a flagrant 1 foul in Game 4 could be suspended a game because of his reckless actions. No need to break down individual player match-ups at this point, the strengths and weaknesses of each team is well known to even the most casual NBA fan, I simply feel the situation benefits the WARRIORS and look for the team to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE FINALS GAME OF THE YEAR on the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State has a 2-0 series lead, but has yet to cover the spread. The Rockets have fought valiantly to this point, I had Houston and the UNDER in Game 1 and then the UNDER again in Game 2. However, while Houston continues to deal with injuries, the Warriors continue to gain confidence. One player to keep your eyes on today is the Warriors Stephen Curry, who had 34 points in Game 1 and 33 in Game 2. Obviously it's not going to be a cake walk though: "It hurts, but they did what they had to do," said the Rockets James Harden last night. "They won two games at home. We're going back home to get two games." Golden State though is hardly getting cocky, especially after it let a 17-point lead slip away in Game 2: "They feel like they lost two games they should have won," Golden State's Draymond Green assessed afterwards. "We feel like we almost gave this one away ... we have a ways to go, there's a lot we can get better at. But we're sitting here 2-0 and that's the most important thing." Expect to see a lot of shots from the outside, these teams obviously love shooting the 3-ball, as Golden State leads the league with 29.3 average per game, while Houston clocks in at 27.6. In my professional opinion, we haven't even seen the best of the Warriors yet, this is a difficult match-up for the Rockets and with the injury issues continuing to surround Howard and in a near pick-em game, I think that GOLDEN STATE takes full advantage and finally gets the job done ATS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Houston Rockets.

I think that the visitors will keep this one competitive enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. The only thing that people are talking about from the Clippers/Rockets series is the epic collapse from LA, but I think we need to give credit where credit is due, mainly to Kevin McHale and the coaching staff of Houston, which made huge adjustments defensively to come back from the 3-1 series deficit. Now the Rockets come into this series with a ton of confidence and momentum; also note that they play with the revenge factor today after losing all four regular season contests (also note that Dwight Howard sat out two of those meetings and is once again playing at 100% now). These teams are very similar in that they like to play tough defense and then get out on the break and spread out the opposing team with a lot of three-balls; look for each side to be putting an added emphasis on perimeter defense today, making this area a “wash.” From a trend based stand point though, this selection is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as Houston is 20-15 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent this season, while Golden State is interestingly just 10-12 ATS vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99-plus points per contest. While I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright victory, I do think that the ROCKETS have all of the tools in place to take this one down to the wire.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Golden State Warriors.

Momentum is something that the books often have time properly quantifying into a line and while it's a factor which can clearly be over-rated in some instances, that's not the case in this one in my opinion as I expect Golden State to continue to play well on both ends of the floor. Tony Allen is once again injured, if he does play tonight he'll basically be a non-factor. Allen was the only thing slowing down Golden State's Curry and Klay Thompson; Thompson had a series-high 21 points and Curry netted 18 to go with a career playoff-high six steals, seven boards and five assists in Wednesday's 98-78 dismantling. But as mentioned off the top, the Warriors are getting the job done at both ends of the floor, limiting Memphis to an average of 81 points and 38.6 percent shooting in the back-to-back victories (note that Golden State is 6-2 ATS this season after allowing 85 points or less). Warriors coach Steve Kerr knows that the team can ill afford to give the Grizzlies any hope, look for him to press the pace of this one from the outset, I expect the WARRIORS to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Atlanta Hawks.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for Atlanta to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and sneak in through the back door down the stretch. The Wizards' John Wall would play through five fractures in his left wrist and hand and looked gassed in Game 5, he'd struggle to get 15, along with seven assists and six turnovers. Walls injury isn't getting better and it's going to be a huge factor once again tonight. The Wizards have been getting some timely shots throughout this series, but I think that luck runs out tonight, while conversely, Atlanta has clearly gotten better with each passing game and is once again starting to resemble the dominant regular season team that it was. The tools are in place for an outright victory, and note that Atlanta is in fact 5-2 ATS this year after scoring 85 points or less, while Washington is just 3-4 ATS this season after scoring 85 points or less. Play on the HAWKS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* play on the Houston Rockets.

I picked the Houston Rockets at +1500 to win the NBA championship before the season started and have to say that I am pretty surprised at the lack of passion this team has showed in this series. The Rockets are a better defensive team that what they've shown to this point and with their backs against the wall today, I believe we'll see a much more complete effort overall on that end tonight. It's also hard to imagine Houston playing any worse on the offensive end, it would go on to miss 12 of its final 15 3-point attempts in Game 3. Note, it was in fact the first time since April 8th in San Antonio that the Rockets were held under the century mark in points. And from an ATS trend based stand point, this play is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as Houston is 13-3 ATS this year after a loss by 10 points or more, while LA is just 26-28 ATS this season after scoring 105 points or more. While I do indeed feel that the outright win is not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, play on the ROCKETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* play on the Chicago Bulls.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as all signs once again point to another nail biter in Game 4. I played the UNDER in Game 3 and Derrick Rose's dagger at the buzzer sealed the 99-96 victory for me. The Cavs were able to bounce back in Game 2 behind massive games from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, but once again they'd falter in Game 3, the Bulls depth is just too much for the Cavs to handle. This is the biggest game of the entire year for both teams, Chicago can take a commanding grip of this series and I think will take advantage of the friendly confines and find a way to get the job done. For me it's as simple as that: while I feel that James is still the best player in the league and Irving is one of the best, the Bulls' bench will prove to be the difference again today, play on CHICAGO.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* play on the Houston Rockets.

I got down on this line the second it came out and am saddled with just +3, most of you would have been able to get 4 or at least 4.5 as of Friday morning. However, I still love this selection and while I obviously feel that the outright win is certainly not out of the question whatsoever, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the visitors to at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points they've been afforded. LA is almost certainly going to be without the services of all star point guard Chris Paul once again tonight and if he does play, he's not going to be at 100%; suffice it to say, I think this is going to be a major factor. LA has played excellent without its floor general and has gotten Herculean efforts from Blake Griffin, but I simply can't see the team continuing to play so well with his continued absence. In fact, Houston was finally able to make some appropriate adjustments to defend Griffin in the second half of Game 2, it limited him to just 8 points over the final two quarters and overcame a 13-point deficit to win by six, failing to cover the spread for a second straight game by a single point. And the Rockets must also be extremely confident with the return of James Harden's stellar play, after struggling through the first seven quarters of this series, the MVP runner-up would score 16 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter: "We let Game 1 slip away and we didn't want that feeling for Game 2," Harden assessed afterwards.. "It's going to be a tough two games in a row, but we've got our mojo now." Note that Houston is 8-3 ATS this year after playing three consecutive home games, while LA is just 1-6 ATS this season as a home favorite in the 3.5 to 6 points range and already 0-3 ATS when tied in a playoff series. Play on the ROCKETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Houston Rockets.

No need to overanalyze this play in my opinion, this is basically a do-or-die game for the Rockets, an 0-2 hole and heading to LA would likely be their downfall and as such, I'm fully expecting all hands on deck tonight and for the home side to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the ATS cover. To tell you the truth, I'm shocked in Houston's effort in Game 1, it was a gift facing the Chris Paul-less Clippers who were coming off an extremely tough seven-game opening round series win over the defending champions. I simply can't see the home side not coming in much more focused tonight, it was uncharacteristically poor play which ultimately would doom the Rockets, the Clippers were able to score 34 points off 24 turnovers. Also note that from a ATS trend based stand point, this play is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as LA is a poor 0-7 ATS the last two years when leading in a playoff series and just 12-14 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU wins. And note that Houston is 12-1 ATS this season off an upset loss as a favorite and 13-2 ATS after a loss by ten points or more. Play on the ROCKETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Chicago Bulls.

I played the Bulls in Game 1 and if you did not get a chance to read that analysis, it's worth a second look here, as for the most part, the reasoning behind it also directly pertains to tonight's selection:

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question in this one, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the visitors to at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points that they've been afforded. Yesterday I had a play on the Golden State Warriors and stated that the absence of guard Mike Conley in the Memphis Grizzlies line-up was a major situational factor that was working in our favor and suffice it to say, with two starters sitting out for the Cavaliers, the same line of reasoning also applies in this one. Not only will Cleveland be without the services of big man Kevin Love, but it's also not played in eight days; I think rest turns to rust here. The Bulls in contrast are healthier than they've been in the last three years and have played twice in the last eight days. The stars have truly aligned for Chicago, I think its depth will be just too much for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Game 1; play on CHICAGO.

Both Love and JR Smith will once again be sitting this one out, meaning that James and Irving will once again have to carry the majority of the load. And once again, I think this is simply too much to be asking of them, Chicago's depth at this point of the season is something that the Cavaliers are going to have an extremely hard time over-coming, the only way this team wins is if both James and Irving have monstrous nights. I'll gladly grab the points here. And note that Chicago is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 vs. good offensive teams that score 99-plus points per contest, while Cleveland is a poor 7-12 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss vs. an opponent this season. Play on the BULLS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BLOCKBUSTER on the Golden State Warriors.

I played the Warriors in Game 1 and if you didn't get a chance to read the analysis from that selection, it's definitely worth a second look as the reasoning behind that play also directly applies to tonight's pick:

The Warriors are exuding confidence right now, while the Grizzlies come to town battered and bruised. In my opinion, this one has all the makings of a beatdown of epic proportions, I look for the hot-shooting home side to bombard the under-manned visitors and to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the ATS cover. Memphis is unsure if point guard Mike Conley will start because of surgery he had on his face; if he does play, he'll be far from 100% in my opinion, a crucial factor here that we're going to take advantage of in Game 1. Also note that Golden State has another clear advantage of being able to play in front of the home town crowd where it's 41-2, including winning its past 20 in a row. And note again, the Warriors would go 2-1 against the Grizzlies in the regular season, their only loss came when Andrew Bogut was out with injury, the big man though is back and healthier than ever: "Whether it's a flashy up-tempo game or whether it's an 87-83 game, we feel like we have enough pieces and versatility to win all sorts of ways now," the Warriors Stephen Curry assessed on Friday. "Our defense is going to show up. That's what we're going to bank on for the whole series." Golden State is fresh, it's healthy, it's confident, I'm backing the WARRIORS in this one.

As if the Warriors weren't confident enough already, but after his 22 point performance in Game 1's 101-86 victory, star Stephen Curry was officially named the NBA's MVP. Conley is once again questionable tonight, and even if he does play, he's not going to be 100%; suffice it to say, whether he plays or not isn't going to matter, Golden State has won 21 in a row at Oracle Arena, including playoffs. The Warriors are just too deep for the Grizzlies, note that in all, thirteen players saw action for Golden State in Game 1. Also note that Memphis is interestingly just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a road dog in the 9.5 to 12 points range, while the Warriors are 29-16 ATS this season after a victory by 10 points or more. Look for GOLDEN STATE to continue to stretch the Grizzlies under-manned defense and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR on the Houston Rockets.

I chose the Houston Rockets at 15 to 1 to win the NBA Championship last September and while the team has a long way to go before that comes true, it has to be liking its chances today I think as it catches a Clippers club coming off a monumental Game 7 win over the defending NBA Champions; suffice it to say, this sets up as a classic "letdown" spot for the visitors. All of the emotion and energy that it took to finally get over the hill and vanquish their bitter rival has been expended and the Clippers reward is a quick turn-around for a road game against a focused and well rested Rockets squad. From a situational stand point, they simply don't get much stronger than this. I am primarily a situational handicapper at heart and these are obviously the exact types of scenarios that I am constantly looking out for. And as a situational capper, for the most part individual player match-ups rarely factor into my handicapping process and that's the case here. These are two very evenly matched teams (they'd split the regular season 2-2), so finding influencing external factors will be crucial in handicapping this series in my opinion and that's the case here. All signs point to a blowout, play on the ROCKETS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Chicago Bulls.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question in this one, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the visitors to at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points that they've been afforded. Yesterday I had a play on the Golden State Warriors and stated that the absence of guard Mike Conley in the Memphis Grizzlies line-up was a major situational factor that was working in our favor and suffice it to say, with two starters sitting out for the Cavaliers, the same line of reasoning also applies in this one. Not only will Cleveland be without the services of big man Kevin Love, but it's also not played in eight days; I think rest turns to rust here. The Bulls in contrast are healthier than they've been in the last three years and have played twice in the last eight days. The stars have truly aligned for Chicago, I think its depth will be just too much for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Game 1; play on CHICAGO.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors are exuding confidence right now, while the Grizzlies come to town battered and bruised. In my opinion, this one has all the makings of a beatdown of epic proportions, I look for the hot-shooting home side to bombard the under-manned visitors and to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the ATS cover. Memphis is unsure if point guard Mike Conley will start because of surgery he had on his face; if he does play, he'll be far from 100% in my opinion, a crucial factor here that we're going to take advantage of in Game 1. Also note that Golden State has another clear advantage of being able to play in front of the home town crowd where it's 41-2, including winning its past 20 in a row. And note again, the Warriors would go 2-1 against the Grizzlies in the regular season, their only loss came when Andrew Bogut was out with injury, the big man though is back and healthier than ever: "Whether it's a flashy up-tempo game or whether it's an 87-83 game, we feel like we have enough pieces and versatility to win all sorts of ways now," the Warriors Stephen Curry assessed on Friday. "Our defense is going to show up. That's what we're going to bank on for the whole series." Golden State is fresh, it's healthy, it's confident, I'm backing the WARRIORS in this one.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Brooklyn Nets.

I played Atlanta last time out, but for the most part this series has been pretty damn competitive. In fact, the teams are separated by a mere nine points so far in the playoffs. It was the first time the Hawks had covered in this series and to say home-court advantage is a major factor would be a big understatement I think as each team has won every game on its home court so far. I firmly believe the Nets have a very legitimate shot at continuing that trend tonight, at the very least, keeping it close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points they've been afforded. Brooklyn is actually 5-0 in Game 6 best-of-seven, first round series, fighting off elimination the last two years, losing to Chicago in Game 7 in 2013, but beating the Raptors last year. Also note, that from a trend based stand point, this play is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as Atlanta is 0-6 ATS the last two years when leading in a playoff series, while Brooklyn is 8-3 ATS in the same position and time frame, while also going 3-1 ATS this season as a home dog in the 3.5 to 6 points range. While I would obviously not be shocked at all to see the home side take this one outright, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can with BROOKLYN.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Atlanta Hawks.

So far I'm 3-1 in this series, I had the OVER in Game 4, but for a number of different reasons I believe the value in this contest lies with the home side, which I think surprisingly, has yet to cover in this series. Atlanta has struggled with the Nets so far, after winning the first two games of this series by a combined 12 points, Brooklyn would take Game's 3 and 4, including Monday's 120-115 OT effort to even it. But with the shift in venue, I think this highly motivated and clearly under-achieving Hawks team comes to play today. It's not all doom and gloom for Atlanta obviously, the Hawks have to be feeling very confident today, they've won 24 of their last 27 in front of the home town crowd. And note, Brooklyn has lost 12 of its last 14 in Atlanta. The No. 1 seed has struggled so far, but I think the conditions are now finally right for a lop-sided rout; also note that this is a spot in which the Nets have struggled in for bettors all year, a poor 6-11 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and only 10-13 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. Conversely, this is a position in which the Hawks have dominated in, a great 8-3 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite and 12-9 ATS after allowing 105 points or more. This is it, the game that ATLANTA fans have been waiting for, lay the points.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I've targeted the total over the first three games of this series, but finally shift my attention to the side and with a chance to wrap up this series with a big effort tonight, I am fully expecting the Cavs to clamp down defensively and to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the ATS cover. The Celtics have put up a valiant fight, but with the knowledge of the fact that no team in NBA playoff history has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series, I believe the home side will throw in the white towel against this hungry and determined Cavs team. It was a complete team effort for Cleveland in Game 3 and the team is simply exuding confidence at the moment. The C's stars are starting to show signs of stress, Isaiah Thomas led Boston with 44 points over the first two games, but was limited to five on 2 of 9 shooting on Thursday. I think the stage is set for a beatdown performance in Game 4. Note that Cleveland is 9-4 ATS this year when playing with two days of rest, while Boston is just 3-4 ATS in the same position. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the CAVALIERS as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BLOCKBUSTER on the Atlanta Hawks.

Slow starts in Games 1 and 2 have seen the Hawks hold on for a SU victory in both, but unable to cover the spread in either. I think that changes tonight though and look for the under-performing visitors to comfortably pull away down the stretch for the ATS cover. Atlanta would lead by as many 16 in Game 1 before gutting out the 99-92 win after allowing the Nets to close to within four in the final two minutes. The Hawks also had a 12 point lead in Game 2 and would have to hold on for the 96-91 victory. Atlanta came into this series with some bumps and bruises, but players like Paul Millsap and Al Horford have clearly started to make some adjustments and I think the Hawks are just getting stronger at this point. I also think the Nets have to be feeling pretty lucky to have even put up as much as a fight as they've done to this point, as note that they've shot 45.2 percent, including hitting just 13 of 46 from long range so far in this series. Also note that Atlanta is 23-15 ATS on the road this year, while Brooklyn is just 17-23 ATS in front of the home town crowd. I'm not buying what the bookmakers are trying to sell here and am expecting a lop-sided rout, lay the short points on the HAWKS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Toronto Raptors.

For a number of different reasons I expect the desperate Raptors to at the very least, keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the hand full of points they've been afforded. It's a do-or-die game for the underachieving visiting side, no team in NBA playoff history has ever rallied from an 0-3 hole to win a series: "If being down 0-2 (doesn't) stimulate urgency, then I don't know what would," Raptors guad DeMar DeRozan confirmed last night. "Nobody's ready to go home, nobody's ready to pack it up. We understand how bad we played these last two games and we want to do a lot better." As a primarily a situational handicapper, individual player match-ups rarely factor into my decision process and that's the case here. Washington is just 2-6 ATS this season as a home favorite in the 3.5 to 6 points range and just 4-5 ATS off an upset win as an underdog. Conversely, note that Toronto is 6-4 ATS this year as a road dog in the 3.5 to 6 points range and 8-7 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can with the RAPTORS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Atlanta Hawks.

For the most part the No. 1 seeds have struggled to cover the spread in both the East and the West, but I finally feel that the conditions are right for a lop-sided blowout and expect the home side to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cash. I had the Nets in Game 1 and feel fortunate to have come away with the 99-92 victory as the Hawks were clearly struggling in stretches. But with that awkward first contest out of the way, I think it’s going to be business as usual for high-flying Atlanta. Remember, Brooklyn went 0-4 against Atlanta in the regular season by an average of 17.2 points. Both teams are banged up, I’m not reading too much into that angle at all, but take note that the Nets are a poor 4-5 ATS this season as a road underdog in the 9.5 to 12 points range, while Atlanta is a great 27-22 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 99 plus points per contest. I expect the home side to play a lot “looser” this evening and believe this factor to translate into production on both ends of the court for ATLANTA.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Toronto Raptors.

I played the Wizards in Game 1, but with their backs against the wall, I look for the Raptors to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night and head to the nation's capital all knotted up. Game 1 saw Washington gut out the 93-86 OT victory, but note that it was actually a rarity for the team who would struggle mightily on the road, losing 15 of their last 19 away from friendly confines. Toronto's big men got caught out of position in Game 1, the defense was stretched and was ultimately outrebounded 61-48 once the smoke cleared; also note that the Raptors had to deal with all-star Kyle Lowry fouling out with 2:36 remaining in the fourth quarter. Toronto actually did a very good job in shutting down the Wizards dynamic backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal, the duo combining for just 26 points. Note that Washington is just 3-5 ATS off an upset win as underdog this year, while Toronto is 8-6 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the RAPTORS as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Golden State Warriors.

When the smoke clears at the end of this one, I am expecting the home side to have pulled away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. I grabbed this line the second it came out and got -10.5, it's since gone up, but regardless, I love this selection and fully expect the Warriors to push the pace of this one from the outset and to run the visitors off the court before the end of the third quarter. Note that the Warriors have won 19 straight and 40 of 42 in Oakland. Anthony Davis rallied his team from a 25 point deficit but would ultimately come up short in Game 1, the big man finished with 35 points and seven boards, but suffice it to say, I believe this now sets up as a natural letdown spot for the Pelicans; they gave it their absolute best shot and still were unable to get the SU victory. Knowing that they did survive New Orleans' best effort is a huge mental boost for Golden State, I am fully expecting the Warriors to come out extremely confident this evening. Look for Golden State to stretch the now deflated Pelicans defense today, in my professional opinion, the writing is on the wall and a blowout is in the cards, play on the WARRIORS.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Portland Trailblazers.

I jumped on this line the second it came out and only got +4.5, most of you would have been able to get in at +5.5, but regardless, I love this selection and while I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the visitors to at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Both teams backed their way into the postseason, but Portland plays with the "revenge" incentive after Memphis swept the regular season series, they last met on March 21st with the Grizz pulling off the 97-86 victory (note that two of those games were decided by six points or fewer). Portland's Damian Lillard summed it up best here: "Last year, Houston beat up on us during the regular season, 3-1," Lillard explained. "We got the best of them in the playoffs. We locked in and got it done. We got the best of San Antonio in the regular season. In the playoffs, we know what happened. Like I said, it's a completely different level of intensity and focus. Everything changes." Portland needs to try its best to turn this into a track meet, it's 102 PPG average is one of the tops in the league and will need to get the stingy Grizzlies on their heels. Memphis struggled down the stretch and I think is ripe for the picking today, play on PORTLAND.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Brooklyn Nets.

While I won't be so bold as to call for an outright victory, I do feel that this is a few too many points to be giving up here and am expecting the visitors to comfortably sneak in through the back door with what I deem to be a healthy amount of points afforded to them in this Game 1 Eastern Conference Opening Round. To say this is a "revenge" game for the Nets would be a bit of an understatement I think as the Hawks would take all four regular season meetings. Brooklyn obviously has nothing to lose today, the pressure is clearly on the Hawks who for the most part had a target on their backs all season long; I definitely feel that this benefits Brooklyn. It's also interesting to note that the Hawks elected to "coast" down the stretch of the regular season so as to give their starters plenty of rest in the playoffs, finishing just 7-8 their last 15 which included a pair of three-game losing streaks. Atlanta fans need to ask themselves seriously, can the Hawks "flip a switch" and instantly re-gain the chemistry and swagger that they had at the start of the year? I think the Hawks will ultimately beat the Nets in this series, but believe it's going to take some time for Atlanta to "get up to speed," a perfect situational factor we're going to take advantage of today. Note the Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS this year when playing with three or more days rest, while Atlanta is just 7-9 ATS in its last 16 in the same position. In my opinion, all signs do indeed point to BROOKLYN as the sharp move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Washington Wizards.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question here, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the visitors to at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Ultimately I think that the Raptors' lack of a true big man will be a major detriment to them in this series. A lot of the focus of this series is of course in the back-court, each team sports strong units, the Raptors have Lowry and DeRozan while the Wizards have Wall and Beal; clearly this area is a "wash." To say this is a "revenge" game for the visitors though would be a massive understatement as Toronto took all three in the regular season series this year and three of four last season; note though that three of the past four meetings have been decided by five points or fewer, with two going into the extra frame. The Wizards remain confident: "With the playoffs here, (regular season results) don't matter," Beal said. "It's a totally different style of basketball. Totally different mentalities, totally different intensity level, totally different atmosphere." With part of the Raptors attention turned to veteran Paul Pierce, I think that WASHINGTON can take advantage this afternoon.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While I do feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the Wolves to take this one down to the wire. LA has gone 0-5 this month, but Minnesota has lost eight straight. The last time that LA won was a 101-99 OT effort over Minnesota back on March 25th. The "revenge factor" definitely comes into play here. Note that LA had six players out in its listless 119-101 setback to Denver on Wednesday and all will also be sitting today. The Wolves can empathize, they also have several key injuries to deal with, but one player to keep your eyes on today is rookie Andrew Wiggins who has averaged 24.3 points in his last nine games and who had 27 in the loss vs. the Lakers last month. From an ATS trend based stand point, this play is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as note that the Wolves are 15-10 ATS this year in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent, while LA is a poor 9-13 ATS after a loss by ten points or more. Consider sprinkling a little on the money line as well, play on MINNESOTA.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Houston Rockets.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the hungry and revenge minded home side to find a way to at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door with the hand full of points that it's been afforded tonight. The Spurs beatdown of the Rockets on Wednesday pulled them to within a half-game of Houston in the Southwest Division. San Antonio has been on quite the roll, it's won nine straight overall and two straight in this series, but I think will finally have a letdown here as it will be playing its third game in four days. There's no question the Rockets will be looking to avenge the most recent 110-98 loss on Wednesday and they should definitely feel confident in this position, they have in fact won four straight and seven of the last eight in this series in front of the home town crowd. Note that the Spurs are 0-6 ATS this year as a road favorite of 3 points or less and just 6-8 TS vs. division opponents, while the Rockets are 8-1 ATS in their last nine as a home dog of 3 points or less and 11-2 ATS after a loss by ten points or more. This sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Spurs, the motivational situational and strong trend based factors working in favor of HOUSTON are overwhelming and will in the end prove to be the difference in the outcome of this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Houston Rockets.

I played against the Spurs last night and while that was obviously a bad call, I think we're getting pretty good line value in this spot and while I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the Rockets to at the very least, keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door with the hand full of points they've been afforded tonight. The Rockets catch the Spurs amid an awesome run, San Antonio has won 18 of its last 21 games, getting the job done with suffocating defensive pressure. However, now the home side must face the revenge minded Rockets and NBA leading scorer James Harden. Houston has won ten of 12 while averaging 107.1 points - that PPG average rises to 112.7 during the Rockets recent three-game win skein. Note that Harden has been particularly dominant of late, averaging 38.7 PPG on 54.8 percent shooting and 61.5 from beyond the arc; also note that Harden has torched the Spurs whenever given the opportunity in averaging 26.8 over the past eight meetings (his 28 was not enough in his team's 110-106 road defeat on December 28th). Note that Houston is 16-12 ATS this season in revenging a loss vs. an opponent, also 14-7 ATS in its last 21 vs. teams with winning records and 27-22 ATS this year vs. good offensive teams which score 99-plus points per contest. And note that San Antonio is in fact a poor 5-8 ATS vs. division opponents this season and just 3-4 ATS this year as a home favorite in the 3.5 to 6 points range. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to HOUSTON as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* BAIL-OUT on the LA Lakers.

I think that the Lakers will keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the large spread they've been afforded in the Battle of LA. The Lakers have lost ten of the last 11 in the series, including a 106-78 beatdown on Sunday, the teams franchise-record 56th defeat. But I think this sets up as a bit of a mental letdown spot for the Clippers, who enjoy a critical three entire days off between their next game vs. Memphis on Saturday: "I don't fully understand the context or the history of everything between the two organizations, but it doesn't matter to me that much, to be honest," assessed first-year Lakers guard Jeremy Lin after the crushing defeat on Sunday. "What happened tonight is definitely not a good feeling, so we want to try to make sure that doesn't happen again on Tuesday." Note that the Lakers are 19-17 ATS this season after allowing 105 points or more, while the Clippers are just 16-22 ATS in all home games and only 5-8 ATS after a divisional contest. In my opinion, all signs do indeed point to the LAKERS as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite still playing for home court advantage throughout the playoffs, I think this sets up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors and look for the "hungry" home side to at the very least, keep this this one close enough to escape with the comfortable ATS cover with the hand full of points that it's been afforded tonight. The Spurs come into this game having won seven straight and are a lights out 17-3 since February 27th. It's really hard not to imagine the Spurs coming in a tiny bit complacent tonight though, especially after ending Golden State's 12-game run with a 107-92 victory at home on Sunday. The Thunder on the other hand are fighting for their playoff lives and have had to overcome injury issues all season. OKC still leads ninth-placed New Orleans by one half-game though and will clearly be looking to get back into the winners circle after losing five of six and three in a row for the first since mid November. Not only does this set up as a letdown spot for the Spurs in my opinion, but it also sets up as a "look-ahead" spot as well with a game against division rival Houston at home tomorrow night. The Thunder on the other hand don't play again until Friday, the home side has no excuses this evening, in reality, this is almost a do or die game for for the club. Also note that San Antonio is just 9-10 ATS this season after three or more consecutive SU wins, while OKC is 2-0 ATS this year as a home dog in the 3.5 to 6 points range, 18-14 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent and 3-1 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses. While I do feel the that outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can with OKLAHOMA CITY.

AAA Sports

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

For a number of different reasons I expect the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the afternoon. This is a revenge game for Russell Westrbrook and the home side who have lost the first two meetings. OKC though has done a pretty good job against Rockets big man Dwight Howard this year, holding him to 9.7 PPG on 9 for 25 shooting. Howard had eight points and seven boards in 18 minutes in his team's 108-101 win at Dallas on Thursday. The Thunder are in a dog fight for the West's eighth seed and will surely be the "hungrier" team today after dropping four of their last five, most recently a lacklustre 100-92 setback at Memphis on Friday. Westbrook has carried the load for the most part this year, he'll need his supporting cast to step up and help today, but note that this is in fact a spot in which the Thunder have excelled in for bettors this season, a great 18-13 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent, 22-15 ATS in front of the home town crowd overall and 13-11 ATS in its last 24 vs. good offensive teams which score 99 plus points per contest. And note that this is a position in which the Rockets have been terrible, just 4-7 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and only 3-9 ATS after a divisional contest. In my opinion, the motivational and trend based factors working in favor of OKLAHOMA CITY are just to big to turn down today.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Dallas Mavericks.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the home side to keep this one competitive and at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points that it's been afforded. I jumped on this line the second it came out and only got 3.5, the line has since climbed, so you should hopefully be able to get a better number than I did, but regardless, I still love this selection. The Mavericks are going to be hungry today as they look to avoid the season sweep at the hands of the Warriors. It's hard not to imagine Golden State coming in complacent today as it's won 16 of 17 and 11 in a row. Golden State has been winning, but note that its last two games have not been easy, a 110-106 victory over the Clippers on Tuesday and a 107-106 effort over Phoenix on Thursday. I think the visitors come into this contest in a classic letdown spot. While Dallas is assured a place in the postseason, it's been scuffling of late in dropping five of seven, most recently a 108-101 setback by Houston on Thursday. There's no question in my mind that the Mavs come in focused tonight. This is a great situational play in my opinion, but it's also strong from a trend based stand point as note that Golden State is in fact a poor 9-10 ATS in its last 19 vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99 plus points per game. In my opinion, all signs do indeed point to DALLAS as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Indiana Pacers.

For a number of different reasons I expect the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Both teams are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but each still has a mathematical shot at reaching the promised land. If history is any precedence though, then the Pacers have to be loving their chances as they've won 11 straight in Indiana in this series. Charlotte actually sits just above the Pacers in the playoff race and can secure the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Hornets as they've taken two of three meetings, most recently a hard-fought 103-102 decision on the road on February 8th. Indiana is actually 16-3 in the last 19 in the series, holding Charlotte to an average of just 88.6 points during an 11-game home winning streak and will be extra anxious to return to form after dropping nine of its last 11 overall. While the Hornets have won two of three, note that this is a spot in which the team has struggled in all season for bettors, just 5-7 ATS after a victory by ten points or more, also just 1-5 ATS after playing three consecutive home games. And note that this is in fact a position in which Indiana has excelled in, 10-8 ATS after a loss by ten points or more and 6-4 ATS as a home favorite in the 3.5 to 6 points range. In my opinion, this game favors the home side on a number of different levels, play on the PACERS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR on the Milwaukee Bucks.

I jumped on this line the second it came out and got +3.5 and while it's since gone the other way (is +5 as of writing this analysis), I still love this selection and while I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the Bucks to at the very least, sneak in through the back door with the handful of points they've been afforded tonight. This is a triple revenge spot for Milwaukee as well as Chicago has taken the first three. I also think this sets up as a bit of a mental letdown spot for the visitors who come into this game having won three straight. While the Bulls are rolling, the Bucks are stumbling, dropping eight of their last ten and holding onto sixth spot in the East. In my opinion, desperation breeds motivation and I think the home side is set to keep this one competitive; one player to keep your eyes on is Milwaukee's Michael Carter-Williams who has averaged 12.8 points in 17 games since coming over to the Bucks. And from a trend based stand point, this play is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as note that the Bucks are 9-5 ATS this year after a loss by ten points or more, 8-5 ATS vs. division opponents and 26-19 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent, while Chicago is just 1-2 ATS this season when playing with three or more days of rest, just 2-5 ATS after allowing 85 points or less, only 10-16 ATS after scoring 105 points or more and just 3-8 ATS after three or more consecutive SU victories. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to MILWAUKEE as the sharp move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ASSASSIN on the Dallas Mavericks.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the under-rated visiting side to at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the backdoor down the stretch. Both teams will be playing in the postseason, but each comes into this game in different situations. The Mavs have been scuffling, while OKC has still managed to win despite a slew of injuries. As I always like to say: "desperation breeds motivation!" I think this is a great motivational spot bet, the Mavs will be the "hungrier" team today in my opinion and have to be loving the chance to take advantage of this wounded and clearly over-performing home side. Most recently Dallas would take a 61-55 lead into the break vs. Indiana on Sunday, only to come out flat in the second half and ultimately fall 104-99. The Thunder not only have to deal with the loss of all star Kevin Durant for the season, but now also big man Serge Ibaka and while Russell Westbrook continues to pull off the miraculous, I think he'll have a much more difficult time tonight vs. this focused Mavs team. Note that Dallas is 15-12 ATS this year following a non-conference game, while OKC is just 2-8 ATS this season when playing with two days of rest. Play on the MAVERICKS.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ART OF WAR on the Boston Celtics.

I think the Clippers come in a bit complacent tonight and while I do obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question for the playoff hopeful home side, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for Boston to at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I deem to be a healthy amount of points afforded to it today. This is the final game of a three game road trip for the Clippers, who have won the first two, most recently clinching a playoff spot after thumping the 76ers 119-98 on Friday night. In my opinion, this is sets up as the very definition of a letdown spot, the final game of an Eastern road swing, coming off back-to-back victories and already punching your ticket to the post-season? Conversely, the C's are in a dog fight right now for the final two spots in the East and currently occupy the eighth slot by one-half game over Brooklyn (note that the Nets are at home to the Lakers today). Note that LA loves to get out and push the pace of the game, but Boston is ranked third in the NBA in fast-break points allowed. Also note that the Clippers are just 17-27 ATS this year vs. good offensive teams which score 99-plus points per contest and just 13-16 ATS in all non-conference games, while the Celtics are 23-15 ATS this season vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99-plus points per contest and 16-12 ATS in all non-conference games. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the CELTICS as the savvy move in this contest.

AAA Sports

This is a 10* ASSASSIN on the LA Lakers.

I think this sets up as a classic let down spot for the Nets and look for the Lakers to keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I feel to be a healthy amount of points afforded to them tonight. Brooklyn is coming off a big and extremely satisfying 106-98 win over Cleveland on Friday and now sits one-half game back of eighth-place Boston in the East. Not only does this set up as a let down spot, it's also a look-ahead spot with a game against the playoff hopeful Pacers on Tuesday. I think LA keeps this one competitive, note that it's 25-21 ATS this year in revenging a loss vs. an opponent and 16-11 ATS in all non-conference games. And note that Brooklyn has struggled in this position all season, a horrible 11-21 ATS in all home games, 4-10 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and just 7-9 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. While I won't be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I do definitely feel that this is a few too many points to be giving up here after considering all of the above factors, play on the NETS.

AAA Sports

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

For a number of different reasons I expect the home side to find a way to get the job done and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. New Orleans is still in the playoff hunt but has struggled of late and will no doubt have its hands full today with the Kings who have been trending in the opposite direction. The Pelicans have lost four straight and sit 3.5 games back of eighth seed Oklahoma City with 11 to play, most recently coming off a 107-100 setback to the Clippers on Sunday, before a frustrating 95-93 loss to the Rockets after blowing an early 17-point lead. I am not going to read too much into the Kings recent play of late though, they've bee playing much better defensively, most recently a 108-99 victory over the Suns on Wednesday, but note that this is a spot in which Sacramento has struggled in mightily for bettors all season, just 4-9 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and only 4-12 ATS in its last 16 vs. good offensive teams which score 99 plus points per contest. And note that this is a position in which the Pelicans have dominated in for bettors, 7-3 ATS in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent and 23-19 ATS vs. good offensive teams that score 99 plus points per contest. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to NEW ORLEANS as the sharp move in this one.

AAA Sports

This is an 8* play on the Orlando Magic.

There is just 11 games left for Detroit and it will basically have to run the table as well as get some outside help to make the postseason. With that almost insurmountable task on the front of their collective brains, I think the Pistons are set up for a classic letdown here, the home side (and us!), can definitely take advantage. The Pistons have won three straight, but Charlotte, Brooklyn, Indiana and Boston all are in better shape than Detroit. Orlando has already been looking ahead to next season for quite some time now but would obviously love nothing more than to play spoiler today, despite losing eight of nine including Wednesday's 95-83 setback to Atlanta. Note that the Magic are also getting much closer to full strength after Tobias Harris returned last time out, he had 14 points in his return after a three-game absence; also Channing Frye and Dewayne Dedmon returned. Orlando took the first game of the season series, but the Pistons have taken the last two, this definitely sets up as revenge contest as well for the home side. Also note that Detroit is just 1-2 ATS this year as a road favorite of 3 points or less or pick, while Orlando is 27-24 ATS this season in revenging a loss vs. an opponent. The situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the MAGIC as the savvy move in this contest in my opinion.

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This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit has lost ten straight games SU and would also fall 95-88 to the Grizzlies in Memphis back on November 15th. Memphis is contending for the best record in the West and is coming off a 92-81 victory at home over Denver just last night. Which team do you think will be the "hungrier" today? In my opinion, this is a do or die game for Detroit and because of that, I expect the home side to at the very least keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door with the hand full of points that it's been afforded. Detroit has actually lost ten straight in this series. The Pistons though get a big boost today with the expected return of Andre Drummond, who suffered a mild concussion in the team's loss to the Jazz on Monday, as well as welcoming back Tayshaun Prince, who has been dealing with a hip issue. Memphis has started to show some cracks in the armor as well, it committed 20 turnovers in last night's sloppy victory and is averaging 19.8 such miscues over its last four, 6.8 more than its average entering that stretch. Also note that the Grizzlies have dropped three of four on the road and are just 7-8 ATS this year when playing on back-to-back days, just 16-18 ATS overall away from friendly confines, only 3-5 ATS after allowing 85 points or less and a brutal 9-20 ATS this season vs. teams with losing records. And note that Detroit is 4-3 ATS when playing with two days of rest, 15-14 ATS in all non-conference games and 17-13 ATS vs. teams with winning records. While I do believe the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can with the PISTONS.

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This is a 10* REVENGE-DESTRUCTION on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Spurs are coming off a heart-breaking 128-125 OT home loss to Cleveland on Thursday, snapping a six-game win streak and I believe will have a letdown here vs. the lowly and undermanned Timberwolves. These teams have played three times this season and the Spurs have taken all three games, both SU and ATS. The triple revenge factor comes into play for sure. The Wolves are coming off a 113-99 setback at Oklahoma City on Friday and despite being down a couple of key players, this is in fact a spot in which Minnesota has performed extremely well in for bettors this year, a fantastic 12-7 ATS in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent and 14-13 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses. And note that San Antonio is just 2-8 ATS this season when playing two days of rest and 11-14 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. While I won't be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I do think the conditions are finally right for MINNESOTA to keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe as I expect the visitors to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the healthy amount of points they've been afforded today.

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This is a 10* ASSASSIN on the Orlando Magic.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a pretty good team and they're coming off one of their most satisfying victories of the entire year (a 128-125 OT victory over the defending champion Spurs in which Kyrie Irving scored 57 points). That fact alone would make this a pretty good spot bet on the Magic as there's no doubt that this sets up as a classic "letdown" spot for the visitors, but there are a couple of other extremely strong situational factors which also come into play here and are the reason behind the 10* top play ranking. Not surprisingly, this is also a double revenge game for the Magic which have lost both games this season, both SU and ATS. In fact, to call this a revenge game is a pretty big understatement as Orlando has lost nine straight SU in this series, while going 0-10 ATS. Clearly the Magic players will be "hungry" to break this slide. And note, not only does this set up as a letdown position for the visitors after the massive win over San Antonio, but it also sets up as a "look ahead" spot, as LeBron James and company will be at Miami on Monday night. Suffice it to say, it's not too hard to imagine the Cavs looking past the lowly Wolves tonight. Three big time situational factors collide in this one, grab as many points as you can with the MAGIC.

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This is a 10* BLOCKBUSTER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Both teams come in hot but I think a focused and motivated LeBron James and company will find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. The Cavs certainly come in with plenty of momentum after winning four of their last five, Cleveland is averaging 102.9 points on 45.6 percent shooting, while allowing 98.4 points on 45.1 percent shooting. James is averaging 26 points and 7.3 assists; Kyrie Irving is averaging 21.4 points and 5.2 assists, while big man Kevin Love is grabbing 10.2 boards. If Cleveland has had one weakness this season it's clearly been its play on the road, but the Cavs come into this game playing their best ball of the year, they've won 19 of their last 20 games SU when topping 100 points. After a slow start, the defending champs have won six straight and are averaging 101.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting while giving up 97.4 points on 44.4 percent shooting. The usual suspects continue to lead the way, Kawhi Leonard is averaging 15.7 points and 7.5 boards, while guard Tony Paker is averaging 14.7 points and 4.9 assists. Note that Manu Ginobili is questionable with an illness in this one. This play however is based mainly on strong ATS trends as note that the Cavs are 15-13 ATS this season in all non-conference games and 11-4 ATS in their last 15 vs. good offensive teams that average 99-plus points per contest. Conversely, note that San Antonio is just 11-12 ATS in non-conference contests this season and just 5-7 ATS in its last 12 vs. good offensive teams that score 99 plus points per game. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to CLEVELAND as the savvy move in this contest.

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This is an 8* COAST-TO-COAST BEATDOWN on the Detroit Pistons.

AAA Sports will have their full analysis for this selection posted shortly. No later than 6 hours before game time.

This is an 8* REVENGE DESTRUCTION on the Brooklyn Nets.

For a number of different reasons I expect this total to eclipse the posted number as the game comes down the stretch. Brooklyn is still in playoff contention and will be looking to establish itself against a Jazz team which has been much better defensively of late; in my opinion, this is a great situational play as I expect the home side to push the pace of this game from the outset and note that the Nets will be especially motivated here after consecutive home defeats, a 115-91 setback to Charlotte on Wednesday and a 108-100 OT loss to Phoenix on Friday. The Jazz have been surprisingly good on the defensive end of the floor since the All Star break, but I think will have their hands full today vs. the highly focused Nets which play with revenge after falling 108-73 in Utah on January 24th. And from a trend based stand point, this play is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as note that Utah is a poor 13-14 ATS in its last 27 after allowing 85 points or less, while Brooklyn is 16-11 ATS vs. teams with losing records this season, 11-8 ATS after allowing 105 points or more, 14-11 ATS in non-conference games and 17-12 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the NETS as the savvy move in this one.

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This is a 10* RED DRAGON on the Toronto Raptors.

In my opinion, this is a great situational play. Toronto has been scuffling of late and embarks on a tough three-game road trip most likely without the services of leading scorer Kyle Lowry. If Lowry doesn't play, it's not anything this incredibly deep team can't compensate for though. In fact, if Lowry does sit, I think it'll be a rallying point for the rest, a definite motivational/psychological factor that we can take advantage of. Lowry has sat the last three contests but is travelling with the team on this trip, with games in OKC and San Antonio upcoming. With consecutive games vs. playoff hopefuls on the horizon, starting this trip off on the "right foot" against the 26-33 Hornets (just 14-16 at home), will be paramount for the visitors today. And it may come as a surprise, but this is a revenge game for Toronto as the Hornet have in fact won five straight over the Raptors overall and seven straight in the series in front of the home town crowd. Charlotte is clinging to the eighth spot in the East and has won three straight, but I think will have a letdown here, as note this is a spot in which the Hornets have already struggled in for bettors this season, coming into tonight's game having gone a poor 3-6 ATS after scoring 105 points or more in their previous contest, just 3-4 ATS after three or more consecutive victories and only 3-7 ATS in their last ten vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99 plus points per contest. The Raptors need to rally here, they've lost six of their last seven, most recently a 120-112 setback to Cleveland on Wednesday, Toronto coming up just short after rallying from a 19-point second half deficit to take the lead at one point. With or without Lowry, I think the RAPTORS come to play today and find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

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This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Memphis Grizzlies.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn't out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the visiting side to at the very least sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points that it's been afforded in this one. Houston is coming off a 104-96 loss in Atlanta on Tuesday, blowing a 14 point half time lead. Granted, James Harden wasn't in the line-up because of a one-game suspension, but it still makes today's contest set up as a bit of a letdown spot nonetheless. Harden will be back in the line-up for the home side tonight, and Tony Allen will be back for Memphis after he was suspended for one game. The Grizz will undoubtedly be eager to atone for last night's 93-82 home loss to Utah in which they were outrebounded 55-37 and will need to be focused tonight as they sit just 1.5 games ahead of the Rockets. I think this is going to be an extremely competitive game with a playoff like atmosphere, but from a trend based stand point, this selection is about as strong as you could possibly ask for as note that Memphis is a great 9-5 ATS this year in revenging a loss vs. an opponent and 18-11 ATS vs. teams with winning records. And conversely, note that this is a spot in which the Rockets have struggled in all season, a poor 5-6 ATS vs. division opponents. I think the slumping, but clearly "hungry" GRIZZLIES take this one down to the wire.

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This is a 10* COAST-TO-COAST DESTRUCTION on the Philadelphia 76ers.

While I won't be so bold as to call for an outright win, I do definitely feel that this is a few too many points to be giving up as I expect the home side to get caught "looking ahead" to its next game, leaving the back door open just enough for the lowly 76ers to sneak in through down the stretch. The Thunder's up and down season continues, Kevin Durant is still out but the home side is expected to have Russell Westbrook back in the line-up tonight. To say this is a "revenge" game would be a bit of an understatement though I think as OKC has won 11 straight in the series. The Thunder are most recently coming off a 108-101 win over the Lakers on Sunday and also beat the 76ers 103-91 back on December 5th. Philadelphia will surely be eager to break out of its road slump as well, having lost 12 straight away from friendly confines, most recently falling 114-103 in Toronto on Monday. But as mentioned off the top, I think this is a great "spot" for us to take advantage as it's not to hard to imagine the home side looking ahead to its game in Chicago tomorrow night. A great situational selection, grab as many points as you can with PHILADELPHIA.

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This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Memphis Grizzlies.

For a number of different reasons I look for the home side to find a way to get the job done and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Memphis shot a season-best 59.4 percent in a 101-97 victory at Minnesota on Tuesday and I expect this team to build off that performance. In all the Grizzlies would tally 52 points in the paint while the bench would go 14 of 22. The Grizzlies still hold a 1.5 game edge over Houston for the division lead and will be tested today as the Jazz have done a lot better defensively of late, holding opponents to 39.1 percent shooting in winning six of their last eight. But note that Utah has failed to win three consecutive games this year despite winning two in a row five times previously and I don't see that trend changing today. Also note that the visitors are in fact a poor 11-13 ATS in their last 24 after allowing 85 points or less, while Memphis is 23-16 ATS in its last 39 when playing with two days of rest. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the GRIZZLIES as the sharp move in this contest.

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This is an 8* EAST-COAST EXPRESS on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I like the Cavs to bounce back with a big effort after coming up short in Friday's 105-103 OT setback in Houston on Friday. Cleveland would actually win the rebound battle decisively, 53-36. The home side gets a big boost today as well with the expected return of Kyrie Irving who will be looking to help his team win a 12th straight in front of the home town crowd. Note that the Cavs have been outscoring opponents by an average of 14.8 points during their 11-game win skein in Cleveland. The Celtics would take the Cavs down to the wire in the team's first meeting of the season, a 122-121 setback in Boston back on November 14th; note that LeBron James is averaging 30.4 points vs. the C's for his highest mark against any team. Boston had won three straight and had a 26 point lead over the Warriors on Sunday but fell apart down the stretch to lose 106-101 and I think today's contest definitely sets up as a classic letdown spot for it after that disheartening setback. Note that Boston is just 11-12 ATS this season after allowing 105 points or more, while Cleveland is 8-4 ATS vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99 plus points per contest. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the CAVALIERS as the savvy move in this contest.

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This is a 10* REVENGE DESTRUCTION on the New York Knicks.

For a number of different situational and trend based reasons, I think the visitors will keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I feel to be a healthy amount of points afforded to them in this one. This is a double revenge game for New York which has lost both ATS vs. Detroit this year. It's not hard to imagine the Pistons coming in a bit complacent vs. the lowly Knicks, they've won seven of their last 11 games. Conversely, New York will surely be hungry here after losing eight straight. From a motivational stand point, this one sets up perfectly. Detroit is pushing for a playoff spot and for the most part has been pretty good the last eight weeks, but I simply feel this is a bad spot for it. Whatever could go wrong for the Knicks this year has, and in no way will I try to convince you this is a good team, but note that they are in fact a fantastic 5-2 ATS this year as a road dog of 12.5 points or more, also 6-3 ATS following a divisional contest and 9-8 ATS in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent. And note that this is a position in which the Pistons have struggled in for bettors, just 13-18 ATS this season in front of the home town crowd and just 1-5 ATS after playing three consecutive home games. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to the KNICKS as the sharp move in this one.

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This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the LA Lakers.

A couple of bottom feeders go head to head here and as we can tell by the spread, the oddsmakers think these two inept teams are pretty evenly matched. I agree of course, but think that the home court advantage can’t be overlooked in this one and with a strong revenge factor working in its favor, in my opinion the savvy move in this contest is indeed on LA. The C’s won 113-96 in LA back on December 5th. The Lakers will also be especially motivated after falling 114-105 at home to Brooklyn on Friday. This is a great situational play though as Boston comes to town without top scorer and leading rebounder Jared Sullinger, who will be out for the foreseeable future with a stress fracture in his left foot. Boston comes in with zero momentum as well after falling 109-101 to Sacramento on Friday. Note that the Celtics are interestingly just 9-11 ATS after allowing 105 points or more, while the Lakers are 19-18 ATS this season in revenging a loss vs. an opponent and 10-7 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. In my opinion, all signs do indeed point to the LAKERS as the correct move in this one.

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This is an 8* WEST-COAST DESTRUCTION on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For a number of different reasons I expect the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. The Thunder rolled into the All-Star break with five wins in six games and sitting just a half-game behind eighth-place Phoenix, I expect the home side to make the most of this game. Dallas is in fifth in the West and is expected to have Rajon Rondo back in the line-up after missing six games due to fractures in his nasal passage. Note though that the Mavericks once prolific offense sputtered over the final month of the first half and I think that the newly acquired Amare Stoudemire will not have an immediate impact for the team. As mentioned off the top, OKC dominated its way into the break, PG Russell Westbrook had 41 points in the All Star game to earn MVP honors and he’ll be eager to help his team earn a rare win here, the Thunder actually play with triple revenge, most recently losing 112-107 on December 28th. Note that Dallas is just 8-16 ATS this year vs. teams with winning records, while OKC is 14-10 ATS in front of the home town crowd. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to OKLAHOMA CITY as the savvy move in this contest.

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This is a 10* COAST-TO-COAST DESTRUCTION on the Memphis Grizzlies.

For a number of different reasons I expect the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. What more can be said about Atlanta right now that hasn’t literally been said a million times by every NBA analyst in America, after a 19-game win streak ended in New Orleans, the team has bounced back with two straight victories, including a 124-116 home win over Golden State on Friday. But now the team travels across the country to face the West’s second best team and in my opinion, this definitely sets up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors (note that the Hawks were outrebounded 51-38 in the win over the Warriors). This is also a revenge game for the Grizzlies after they fell 96-86 in Atlanta back on January 7th; note though that the Grizzlies were playing the tail end of a 4-7 stretch and did not have the services of Zach Randolph at the time. Memphis has won 12 of its 14 games since that setback. The home side will also be particuarly motivated after falling 90-89 at West-worst Minnesota on Friday. And a little home cooking is just what the doctor ordered as the Grizzlies are 8-1 vs. the East at home this year. A great situational play in my opinion, play on MEMPHIS.

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This is an 8* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the LA Clippers.

While I obviously feel that the outright win isn’t out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the visitors to at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch. I think the Clippers will be the “hungrier” side today, they’ve lost three straight and one more setback would represent the teams longest slide this season. LA returns to OKC for the first time since the Playoffs in which the team lost Game and 5 on some controversional calls, and then eventually the series in front of the home town crowd in Game 6: “That game is still on my mind," Clippers’ forward Blake Griffin said last night. "It's the one game I've probably watched the most in the year's time. I couldn't tell you how many times I watched that over the summer." While LA did beat the Thunder 93-90 on October 30th, it would fail to cover the spread in that one, and the “revenge” could not have felt all that great with Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant sitting out due to injury. Durant returned in his team’s 116-113 loss to New Orleans on Friday, but note that home side will be without the services of backup center Kendrick Perkins, who was suspended for one game by the NBA on Saturday for head butting the Pelicans’ Tyreke Evans. "Guys need to step up, we need to find a way and we need to be better," Griffin continued. "You can't get too low, but our sense of urgency needs to go sky high right now." Note that LA is 5-4 ATS this year after playing three consecutive road games, while OKC is just 12-17 ATS vs. good offensive teams which average 99 plus points per contest. This one is coming right down to the wire in my opinion, grab the points with the CLIPPERS.

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This is an 8* ASSASSIN on the Orlando Magic.

For a number of different reasons I think that the home side will find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. This is a great situational play, Orlando will be playing its first game after firing coach Jacque Vaughn and will be despertately trying to avoid losing 11 straight for the second time in three seasons. The Magic will be clearly motivated tonight and a date vs. the inept Lakers who have lost eight straight on the road is just what the doctor ordered in my opinion to turn things around. This is a great spot bet as Orlando has looked pretty decent of late for the most part, most recently coming off a competitive 110-103 setback to the Spurs on Wednesday. This is also a revenge game for the Magic after falling 101-84 to the Lakers back on January 9th; note that since that win LA has dropped 11 of 12, most recetly a disheartening 113-105 OT loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday. And note that LA is just 7-9 ATS vs. teams with losing records this season, while Orlando is 22-17 ATS in revenging a loss vs. an opponent. In my opinion, the situation, the numbers and the trends do all indeed point to ORLANDO as the savvy move in this one.

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This is a 10* WEST-COAST EXPRESS on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Whether Thunder star Kevin Durant plays or not, I think that there are enough motivational and situational factors working in favor of the visitors today and expect them to at the very least sneak in through the back door down the stretch. This sets up as a natuarl let down spot for Anthony Davis and the Pelicans after they beat the Hawks 115-110 on Monday, breaking Atlanta’s winning streak at 19 straight. If you watched that game, you may have thought that New Orleans had won Game 7 of the NBA Finals after the win. While it was a solid victory, it was a bit dramatic in my opinion and suffice it to say, after that emotional and clearly satisfying REGULAR SEASON win, in my opinion all signs do indeed point to a letdown here for the home side. Not only does this set up as a letdown spot, but it’s also a double revenge scenario for OKC, most recently a 101-99 setback at home on December 21st to the Pelicans, a game in which Durant sat out due to injury as well. The Thunder can still win and play without Durant, Russell Westbrook and company will also be highly motivated to end a four-game road losing streak; however, take note that the visitors do come in with some momentum after beating Orlando 104-97 on Monday, Westbrook posted his second triple-double of the year with 25 points, 14 assists and 11 boards. A great spot bet, two classic “spots” are working against the home side, I think the THUNDER can take advantage and take this one down to the wire.

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