7* Warriors/Raptors Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 214.5 

The Key: The longer a series goes on, the harder it is to score points.  Familiarity makes it easy for the defenses to have the advantage as a series goes on.  We saw that in Game 4 in a 105-92 Raptors win for 197 combined points with a total of 215.  Now we have a near identical total of 214.5 for Game 5 and I think the price is right to pull the trigger on the UNDER.  The UNDER is 33-16-2 in Warriors last 51 games off a loss.  The UNDER is 6-2 in Raptors last 8 games on 2 days’ rest.  Take the UNDER. 

6* Raptors/Warriors Game 4 *CA$H COW* on Golden State -4.5 

The Key: The series is on the line for the Warriors tonight.  They will come through with a big effort, especially with the return of Klay Thompson to the lineup.  The Raptors are just happy to have won Game 3 and to have reigned home-court advantage no matter what happens in Game 4.  They won’t play with a sense of urgency, and they certainly won’t shoot as well as they did in Game 3, while the Warriors should shoot better.  Take Golden State. 

7* NBA Finals Game of the Year on Toronto Raptors +4.5 

The Key: The Warriors are a mash unit right now.  Both Kevin Durant and Kevon Looney are out for Game 3, Klay Thompson is questionable, and Andre Iguodala is likely to play through his calf injury.  In their current state, the Warriors aren’t as good as the Raptors.  Toronto will be hungry to bounce back after letting the Warriors off the hook in Game 2 and blowing a double-digit lead.  The Raptors are 30-19 on the road this year and have been one of the top road teams in the NBA.  The Warriors are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games off an ATS win.  Take Toronto. 

7* Warriors/Raptors Game 2 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213.5 

The Key: I think we see a much lower scoring contest in Game 2 than we saw in Game 1.  The Warriors and Raptors combined for 227 points in Game 1 led by a great shooting game by Toronto, hitting over 50% of their field goal attempts.  I think after both teams had a couple days to prepare for each other having last played on Thursday it will favor the defenses.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Raptors last 6 games playing on 2 days’ rest.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Warriors last 4 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 33-16-2 in Warriors last 51 games off a loss.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Raptors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -1 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors won both regular season meetings with the Golden State Warriors by a combined 22 points.  They are feeling good about themselves right now after taking 4 straight from the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in the Milwaukee Bucks.  Kawhi Leonard got the perfect amount of rest in between games with 4 days off.  He should be fresh and ready to go now after showing signs of wearing down a bit against the Bucks.  The length the Raptors possess will pose problems for the Warriors.  They held a potent Bucks offense to just 94, 99 and 102 points in their last 3 games, respectively.  The Warriors aren’t nearly as good without Kevin Durant contrary to popular belief after the Warriors swept the Blazers last series.  But the Blazers aren’t nearly as good as the Raptors, especially defensively.  Take Toronto. 

7* Raptors/Bucks Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -7 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks are 22-2 off a loss this season.  They have covered in 19 of those 24 games in this situation as well.  Milwaukee is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS at home in the playoffs with all 5 wins coming by 8 points or more.  This is a big bounce-back spot for the Bucks at home tonight.  Kawhi Leonard is hobbled and it will be asking a lot for him to lead his team to even a competitive showing here tonight.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Bucks/Raptors Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 217.5 

The Key: Milwaukee and Toronto were tied 96-96 at the end of regulation in Game 3 for 192 combined points. That’s 25.5 less than tonight’s posted total of 217.5.  I believe we are getting a great price with the under in what should be another low-scoring affair.  The UNDER is 13-5 in Bucks last 18 games off a loss.  The UNDER is 11-5 in Raptors last 16 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Raptors Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -2

The Key: No Analysis Sunday

7* Warriors/Blazers Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland -2 

The Key:  Must win game for the Blazers.  They’ll get the job done at home in Game 3 and get back in this series.  Take Portland. 

7* Raptors/Bucks Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -6.5 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks are 9-1 SU & 9-1 ATS in the playoffs this season.  The Raptors had a chance to slow this buzz saw, but let them off the hook in Game 1, losing by 8 after leading most the way.  The Bucks were clearly rusty on a one-week layoff, but they played like themselves in the second half and never looked back.  I think they will be much sharper now, and the Raptors are still feeling a little fatigued from their seven-game series with the 76ers.  The Bucks should roll in Game 2.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Blazers/Warriors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland +7.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers are a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games when revenging a double-digit road loss.  Look for them to show some resiliency here just as they did all season and to give the Warriors a run for their money tonight.  They didn’t play well at all in Game 1 as they committed 21 turnovers and shot 36% as a team.  They were tired from their 7-game series with the Nuggets.  They should bring a much better effort in Game 2 tonight.  Take Portland. 

7* Raptors/Bucks Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 218 

The Key: This series certainly has the makings of a defensive battle.  Both the Bucks and Raptors rely so much on their superstars on the offensive end that they have to slow it down and run it through both Giannis and Kawhi, especially the Raptors.  I think nerves will be a factor big-time in Game 1 of this series tonight, which will affect the offenses.  Both teams will be laying it all on the line defensively.  The UNDER is 6-1-1 in Raptors last 8 road games.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Raptors last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Warriors Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 220.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors have come close to or gone over this total in all four meetings this season.  They have combined for 236, 220, 219 and 222 points in their 4 meetings this season.  And dating back further, they have combined for at least 219 points in 8 of their last 9 meetings.  The Warriors scored 118 points against the Rockets in their first game without Durant and moved the ball nicely, getting back to their old ways.  The OVER is 25-8-2 in Blazers last 35 games on one days’ rest.  The OVER is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

6* 76ers/Raptors Game 7 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 209.5 

The Key: After the last two games barely went over the total by 1.5 and 1 point, I think we see a really low scoring game in Game 7 tonight.  With so much at stake with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line, this game will be played close to the vest.  Both teams will be playing nervously, which will affect their offense more than their defense.  They will be laying it all on the line defensively.  Philadelphia is 21-5 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  Toronto is 12-4 UNDER In home games off a loss this season.  The UNDER is 5-0 in 76ers last 5 games off a win.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 games on 2 days rest.  The UNDER is 9-3 in Raptors last 12 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Nuggets Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver -5.5 

The Key: The Nuggets are 39-9 at home this season.  They won by 26 points in Game 5 at home over the Blazers.  While it may not come that easily in Game 7, I think the price is right to lay the short number on the Nuggets at home.  They shoot 48% at home this season and score 113 PPG.  They only two home games they lost in these playoffs they shot 42% against the Spurs and just 34.7% against the Blazers.  So it would take a shooting aberration like that for them to not win and cover this game.  The Nuggets are a deeper, younger team that will not be as fatigued as the Blazers in this long series.  And having their home fans behind them will help them bring the energy they need today to advance to the Western Conference Finals.  The Blazers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games off a win.  Take Denver. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -7 

The Key: The Houston Astros are 36-10 at home this season, including 5-0 in the playoffs where they have outscored their opponents by 68 points total.  The home team has won every game in this series.  The Rockets’ job got a whole lot easier with the injury to Kevin Durant.  Look for them to take advantage and make easy work of the depleted Warriors tonight.  Take Houston. 

7* Nuggets/Blazers Game 6 *BAILOUT* on OVER 215 

The Key: The OVER is 8-1 in the 9 meetings between the Nuggets and Blazers this season.  They have combined for 222 or more points in 8 of those 9 meetings.  This is the gift that keeps on giving, and we’ll continue to ride it until it bucks us.  Take the OVER. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +6 

The Key: Each of the 4 games in this series have gone down to the wire.  All 4 games were decided by 6 points or less.  The Rockets are now 6-2 ATS against the Warriors this season, proving that they are on their level.  And to get over the hump, they need to pull off the upset here in Game 5.  I think they can and I believe they have been playing the smarter basketball in this series, playing more as a team while the Warriors are struggling to find good shots consistently for their stars.  And the Warriors have no bench, which is what is really hurting them.  The Rockets are getting key contributions from Austin Rivers and company off their bench.  Take Houston. 

7* 76ers/Raptors Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia +6.5 

The Key: Kawhi Leonard is having to do way too much for the Raptors.  I just don’t know if he can keep shouldering this kind of load.  He’s not getting much help.  The 76ers are the more talented team, and I have to think that they are going to do everything in their power to make someone else beat them in this game.  Joel Embiid was sick in Game 4 and a non-factor, but he should be much healthier two days later.  The Raptors don’t have an answer for him when he’s healthy.  Philadelphia is 9-1 ATS off a loss to a division opponent this season.  The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -1 

The Key: The Houston Rockets are 35-10 at home this season.  They are 4-0 at home in the playoffs and have won by a combined 64 points in those 4 games.  And they are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.  I like the price here as only 1-point favorites after being 3.5-point home favorites in Game 3.  I think we are getting a confident Rockets team at a cheap price here in what is a must-win Game 4 for them.  Take Houston. 

7* Nuggets/Blazers Game 4 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 210.5 

The Key: I like the price we are getting with the OVER in this game considering the first three totals in this series were 215 or higher, and Game 4’s total is only 210.5.  Oddsmakers are over adjusting for these teams being tired off a 4 OT game.  Well, that could just as easily affect their defensive effort as their offense.  The OVER is now 6-1 in the 7 meetings between these teams this season with combined scores of 223 or more points in 6 of the 7 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

7* NBA Western Conference Playoffs Game of the Year on Houston Rockets -3 

The Key: The Rockets are in must-win mode tonight while the Golden State Warriors can afford a loss.  The Rockets played the Warriors well, losing by a combined 10 points in their two meetings at Golden State.  And they won 3 of 4 regular season meetings.  The Rockets are 34-10 at home this year and have a huge home-court advantage, which was on display against the Jazz last series as they won all 3 home meetings with the Jazz by an average of nearly 20 PPG.  Take Houston. 

6* Nuggets/Blazers Game 3 *BAILOUT* on Denver +4

The Key: No analysis Friday.

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee +2

The Key: No analysis Friday.

7* Raptors/76ers Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 217 

The Key: After combining for 203 points in Game 1, the Raptors and 76ers combined for just 183 points in Game 2.  And now we’re seeing yet another total set that is too high here at 217 points.  The Raptors are 19-3 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Nuggets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver -4 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have won 4 of 5 meetings against the Blazers this season.  The only one they didn’t win was when they rested their starters in their final meeting this season.  The Blazers can’t stop Nikola Jokic, and now the injury to Jusuf Nurkic is finally starting to rear its ugly head.  Enes Kanter can score, but he is one of the worst defenders in the NBA.  The Nuggets pick the Blazers apart in the pick and roll with Jokic and Jamal Murray.  Denver is 38-8 at home this season.  The Nuggets are 18-4 ATS in home games off an ATS win this season.  The Nuggets are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings with the Blazers.  Take Denver. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +5.5 

The Key: Houston is 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their 5 meetings with the Warriors this season.  The Rockets also took the Warriors to 7 games last year despite not having Chris Paul for the final 2 games.  And Houston only lost by 4 in Game 1 at Golden State despite shooting 8% worse and having the refs against them.  Houston is 8-0 ATS after losing 2 straight games to an opponent this season.  Take Houston. 

7* 76ers/Raptors Game 2 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 220.5 

The Key: These teams combined for just 203 total points in Game 1 despite 45 points from Kawhi Leonard.  The Raptors’ suffocating defense continued as they held the 76ers to 95 points and 39.3% shooting.  Toronto is holding its opponents to just 92.5 PPG and 38.9% from the field through their first 6 postseason games.  The 76ers are 18-3 UNDER when playing 4 or less games in 10 days this season.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +5.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets had the Warriors down 3-2 last year in the conference finals.  Then Chris Paul went down with injury, and they lost the final two games.  Now the Rockets are healthy and they’ve been looking forward to this rematch for a year.  The Rockets took out their frustration on the Warriors during the regular season, too.  They won three out of four meetings, and their only loss came by two points.  This is a game they’ll likely win outright, but we’ll take the +5.5 for some insurance.  Take Houston. 

7* Spurs/Nuggets Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +6

The Key: No analysis Saturday

7* Nuggets/Spurs Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio -3 

The Key: The Spurs have won 14 of their last 15 home meetings with the Nuggets.  They are 33-10 at home this season as well.  This team has too big of a home-court edge to only be laying 3 points at home tonight with their season on the line.  I don’t trust the Nuggets to show up because they aren’t used to close out games and know that they have a home game if needed in Game 7.  Popovich will have his guys ready tonight.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213 

The Key: The Rockets and Jazz have combined for 212 or fewer points in eight of their last 11 meetings, including three of four meetings in this series.  The longer the series goes on, the more familiar they become with one another, making points harder to come by.  These are two of the best defensive teams in the playoffs and it’s showing in this series.  The UNDER is 6-0-1 in Rockets’ last 7 games off a loss.  The UNDER is 7-2-1 in Rockets last 10 home games.  The UNDER is 20-8-1 in Rockets last 29 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Magic/Raptors UNDER 206 

The Key: The UNDER is 4-0 in the first 4 games in this series.  The Raptors and Magic haven’t once topped 205 combined points, and we have a 206-point total for Game 5 here.  They’ve combined for 205, 193, 191 and 192 points in the first 4 games, respectively.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Pistons Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Detroit +13 

The Key: I like the price we are getting with the Pistons tonight.  They go from being 9-point home dogs in Game 3 to 13-point dogs in Game 4, a 4-point adjustment.  This despite the fact that Blake Griffin is expected to play tonight.  The Pistons won’t go down without a fight here.  They have been tough at home all season with a 26-16 record.  The Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games against a team with a winning road record.  Take Detroit. 

7* Raptors/Magic Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Orlando +5.5 

The Key: The Magic showed a lot of heart in Game 3.  They managed to only lose by 5 despite shooting just 36.2% as a team.  In fact, they’ve kept this series close despite not once shooting better than 40% from the field in a single game.  I have to think they are primed for their best shooting performance of the series yet here in Game 4, which should allow them to stay within this 5.5-point spread and possibly win outright.  Orlando is 12-4 ATS in home games when revenging a loss this season.  The Magic are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.  Take Orlando. 

7* Nuggets/Spurs Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio -3.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs have basically dominated this series.  They have led for basically 11 of the 12 quarters played, with the only exception when Jamal Murray went off for 21 points in the 4th quarter of Game 2 to lead the Nuggets to a comeback victory.  The experience and coaching of the Spurs is winning out over the youth, talent and inexperience of the Nuggets thus far.  Expect more of the same tonight.  After all, the Nuggets are now 0-14 SU in their last 14 trips to San Antonio.  This is a short number for the Spurs to have to cover at home given that trend.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Raptors/Magic Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors dominated the Magic like they should in Game 2 with a 111-82 victory.  They made their statement, especially Kyle Lowry, who got much more aggressive after failing to score in Game 1.  Look for them to build on that performance and regain control of this series with a win and cover in Game 3 in Orlando Friday.  Bets on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points in a game between two teams that score 102 or more PPG after 42 or more games, after allowing 90 points or less are 71-31 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Toronto. 

7* Warriors/Clippers Game 3 *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +9 

The Key: The Clippers showed they weren’t going to back down in Game 2.  They erased a 31-point deficit and won outright.  The Warriors were deflated like they’ve never been before in the locker room after the game.  And a big reason for that is the season-ending injury to DeMarcus Cousins.  I think they suffer a hangover effect here from that stunning loss and injury.  I love the price we are getting on the rejuvenated Clippers at home tonight as the Warriors would have to beat them by double-digits to cover this spread.  Golden State is 10-23 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Los Angeles is 27-10 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in 5 straight games this season.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* Pistons/Bucks Game 2 *CA$H COW* on Detroit +15 

The Key: Rarely will you see a 15-point spread in the playoffs.  I have to take the points here because of the price.  The public doesn’t want to bet the Pistons without Blake Griffin, but keep in mind they made the playoffs without Griffin down the stretch by winning some must-win games.  And whatever they have to give they will be putting on the court tonight to try and get a win in Game 2.  Look for the Bucks to just go through he motions after everything came easy for them in Game 1.  Bets on dogs of 10 or more points revenging 2 straight loss of 10 points or more, off a loss by 10 points or more to a division opponent are 55-23 ATS since 1996.  Take Detroit. 

7* Pacers/Celtics Game 2 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 207 

The Key: After combining for just 158 points in an 84-74 victory by the Celtics in Game 1, it’s going to take a lot for these teams to make up 49 points, which is what they’ll have to do to reach this 207-point total.  I think there’s value with the UNDER in Game 2 as well.  Indiana is 34-13 UNDER when playing against a team with a winning record in the 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 26-8-1 in Pacers last 35 road games against at team that wins more than 60% of its home games.  The UNDER is 21-10 in the last 31 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Thunder/Blazers Game 2 *BAILOUT* on OVER 223 

The Key: The Blazers have to go smaller without Jusuf Nurkic.  This has been an OVER series during the regular season.  The Thunder and Blazers combined for 250, 231, 237 and 220 pints in their 4 meetings.  That’s an average of 234.5 PPG.  After a low-scoring affair in Game 1, I look for both offenses to get unleashed tonight.  The Thunder shot just 39.8% overall and 15.2% from 3-point range in Game 1.  The Blazers weren’t much better at 41.9% overall.  I can’t foresee both teams being shut down like that again.  I think it was just playoff nerves in Game 1, and both teams will relax and there will be a lot more offensive flow in Game 2 tonight.  Portland is 12-1 OVER in home games against teams that allow 106 or more PPG in the 2nd half of the season this season.  Take the OVER. 

7* Clippers/Warriors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Los Angeles +13.5 

The Key: The Clippers shot 40.4% in Game 1 compared to 49.5% for the Warriors.  That includes 36.7% from 3 compared to 46.7% for the Warriors.  Yet they still only lost by 17.  A slight adjustment in shooting percentage in their favor would certainly allow them to stay within 13.5 points tonight, and I think that is very likely.  The Warriors are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games off a win by more than 10 points.  The road team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* Thunder/Blazers *Total* Annihilator on OVER 225 

The Key: The Blazers have to go small ball now without Jusuf Nurkic.  That will lend itself to more higher-scoring games in this series with the Thunder, who already like small ball and playing at a fast pace.  And this has been an OVER series this season.  The Thunder and Blazers have combined for 250, 231, 237 and 220 points in their last 4 meetings this season, respectively.  That’s an average of 234.5 PPG.  And we have a 225-point total for Game 1, so I like the price we are getting with the OVER.  Portland is 9-0 OVER in its last 9 home games against teams that average 88 or more shots per game.  The Blazers are 12-1 OVER in their last 13 home games against good offensive teams that score 106 or more PPG.  Take the OVER. 

7* Pacers/Celtics Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -7 

The Key: The Boston Celtics didn’t have the regular season they expected.  But they’re now in the playoffs, and it’s time to turn on the after burners.  They won 4 of their final 5 games during the regular season to clinch home-court advantage over the Pacers, including their 117-97 win in Indiana on April 5th that sealed the deal.  The Celtics are 3-1 against the Pacers this season with their only loss coming by a single point at Indiana.  Their 3 wins have come by a combined 49 points, or by an average of 16.3 PPG.  This is a tired Pacers team that doesn’t have much left in the tank without Victor Oladipo.  The Pacers are just 2-10 SU in their last 12 road games.  Indiana is 1-8 ATS in road games revenging a home loss this season.  Boston is 10-1 ATS in home playoff games over the last 2 years.  The Celtics are 11-1 ATS off an upset win as a road dog over the last 2 seasons.  Take Boston. 

7* Magic/Raptors Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -8.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors closed the season by going 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their final 8 games overall.  They are playoff-ready now, used to having Marc Gasol in the lineup and playing to his strengths.  Look for them to take care of the Magic by double-digits in Game 1 of this series, similar to what they just did on April 1st when they beat the Magic 121-109 at home as 6.5-point favorites.  But now the Raptors are a full strength basically, and this is a real title contender now.  The Raptors are 8-0 ATS in April home games over the last 2 seasons.  The home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take Toronto. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference Game of the Month on Atlanta Hawks -1 

The Key: No analysis Wednesday. 

6* NBA Western Conference *CA$H COW* on San Antonio Spurs -14 

The Key: No analysis Wednesday. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Detroit Pistons -10.5 

The Key: The Pistons have dropped 4 straight and now are just one game ahead of both the Heat and Hornets for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.  They own the tiebreaker over the Heat, so they’re good there, but they don’t over the Hornets.  And the Hornets close with the Cavs and Magic, so they are likely to go 2-0.  That makes these must-win games for the Pistons.  Tonight they host the Grizzlies, who are sitting basically every important player on their team.  They have 8 guys on the injury report missing this game.  You have to think with the importance of this game, Blake Griffin will be making his return tonight for the Pistons, and they’ll be at full strength.  The Pistons are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 home games.  The Grizzlies are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 against the Eastern Conference.  Take Detroit.

6* Clippers/Warriors NBA *CA$H COW* on Los Angeles +11.5

The Key: No Analysis Sunday.

6* Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Minnesota Timberwolves +6.5

The Key: No Analysis Sunday.

7* NBA Game of the Week on Cleveland Cavaliers +9.5 

The Key: The Kings won’t be too interested tonight in beating the Cavaliers, let alone beating them by 10-plus points to cover this spread.  This number is too high.  Especially when you consider the Cavs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 when playing on 2 days’ rest.  The road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Rockets/Clippers NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +1 

The Key: The Clippers come in on 2 days’ rest and playing their best basketball of the season.  They have won 13 of their last 15 games overall.  The Rockets will be playing the second of a back-to-back.  The Rockets are coming off 3 straight wins and covers, but they are just 1-11 ATS in their last 12 off 3 straight covers as a favorite.  The Clippers have won both meetings with the Rockets this season and are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* Celtics/Heat NBA TV *CA$H COW* on Miami +1 

The Key: Miami wants to avenge Monday’s 105-110 loss in Boston in this home and home situation.  The Heat get the Celtics at home tonight and will have their revenge.  The Heat are 25-12 ATS as underdogs this season.  Miami is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games off a loss.  The Heat are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 against Atlantic division teams.  The Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games off a win.  The Heat are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  Take Miami. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +5.5 

The Key: The situation is a great one for the Kings tonight.  They want to avenge their 108-119 road loss at Houston on March 30th just a few days ago.  They actually led that game entering the 4th quarter before folding in the closing minutes.  They get the Rockets at home this time around, and the Kings are 23-15 SU & 24-13-1 ATS at home this year.  The Kings are 27-13-1 ATS in their last 41 games playing on one day of rest.  The Rockets are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games off an ATS win.  The Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against a team that wins more than 60% of their games.  The home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +7 

The Key: The Magic are life and death right now with each game.  They only trail the Heat by 0.5 games for the 8th seed in the East.  And they are coming on real strong by winning 7 of their last 8 games coming in.  The Raptors don’t have much to play for the rest of the way.  They are basically locked into the No. 2 seed in the East, unable to catch the Bucks and way ahead of the 76ers.  The situation really favors the Magic.  The Raptors are 0-7 ATS after scoring at least 110 points in 4 straight games this season.  Take Orlando. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Indiana Pacers -5.5 

The Key: The Pacers are tied with the Celtics for the 4th seed in the East.  They will play each other in the first round, so home-court advantage is important.  Especially when the Pacers are 28-10 at home this season.  They will get back on track at home tonight against the Pistons, who are expected to be without their best player in Blake Griffin.  The Pacers are 14-4 ATS in home games after having lost 3 of their last 4 games over the last 3 seasons.  The Pacers are 14-6 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Pistons are 10-23 ATS in road games off a home win over the last 3 seasons.  The Pacers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games against a team that wins less than 40% of their road games.  The home team is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  The Pistons are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road meetings with the Pacers.  Take Indiana. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Toronto Raptors -10 

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are playing their D-League team tonight.  They will be without LaVine, Dunn, Porter Jr and Markkanen tonight, four players who have been starting for them here down the stretch.  The Raptors should be able to basically just show up and win by double-digits.  The road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take Toronto. 

7* Hornets/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on Charlotte -2.5 

The Key: The Hornets have won 4 straight now and are feeling good about themselves, especially after knocking off two of the best teams in the NBA in the Raptors and Spurs in the process.  They are now just 1.5 games behind the Heat for 8th in the East.  They need to keep winning if they want to make the playoffs.  The Lakers won’t offer much resistance tonight considering they have lost 13 of their last 17 games overall and are missing several players due to injury.  Take Charlotte. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Oklahoma City Thunder -3.5 

The Key: The Nuggets are in a brutal situation tonight.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 9 days after losing in Houston last night.  The Thunder will be playing just their 3rd game in 7 days and should handle their business tonight.  They want to avoid the season sweep after losing their first 3 meetings with the Nuggets this season, so they will be extra hungry here.  The Nuggets are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 road games.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Los Angeles Clippers +9 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks are primed for a letdown off their win over the Rockets on Tuesday.  They basically have the East and the top overall seed already wrapped up.  They can afford several more losses before they have to worry.  The Clippers are motivated to get the 5th seed or higher and hopefully set up a matchup with the Blazers in the first round.  The Clippers are 11-1 in their last 12 games overall and cannot be tamed right now.  They have won 3 straight meetings with the Bucks, including their 128-126 win in their first meeting this season at home.  The Bucks have a ton of injuries right now that have them well short of full strength.  They aren’t winning by double-digits tonight.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Pacers/Thunder ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -6 

The Key: The Thunder have lost 5 of their last 6 and are now just 0.5 games ahead of the Spurs for 8th place in the West.  This is a team that was looked at as a contender just a few weeks ago.  And they know it’s important to have a big finish now to get the 5th seed, which would mean a date with the banged-up Blazers in the first round.  Look for them to turn it on tonight at home against the Pacers.  They want revenge from blowing nearly a 20-point lead to the Pacers two weeks ago to lost 106-108 at Indiana.  It’s a Pacers team that has been atrocious on the road, going 0-8 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games while losing by 11 PPG on average.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference Game of the Week on Cleveland Cavaliers +6 

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers are about as healthy as they have been all season.  The Boston Celtics will be without Kyrie Irving, and they could also be without both Al Horford and Jayson Tatum, who are both questionable tonight.  It’s no wonder they are struggling with all these injuries.  The Celtics have lost 4 straight coming in and are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.  The Cavs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.  Cleveland is 7-0 ATS in its last 7 Tuesday games.  The Cavs are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games off an ATS loss.  The home team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  Take Cleveland. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +2 

The Key: The Orlando Magic are one game behind the Heat for 8th place and only 2.5 games out of 6th place in the East.  They only have nine games remaining, so they need a big finish to make the playoffs.  They’ve certainly given themselves a chance by winning four straight coming in.  The 76ers are beatable on the road as they are just 18-17 SU & 15-20 ATS on the highway.  And they’ve played the 76ers tough, losing by 1 and 8 on the road, and beating them by 5 at home in their 3 meetings this season.  Orlando is 8-1 ATS after scoring 120 points or more this season.  The Magic are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 against Atlantic division teams.  Take Orlando. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +8 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a huge comeback win over the Boston Celtics.  They beat the Hornets and Bucks in their previous 2 games as well and are in a prime letdown spot now against the Atlanta Hawks.  The 76ers are getting too much respect from oddsmakers now because they are on a 6-game winning streak.  But the Hawks won’t go down without swinging, and they’ve shown that here down the stretch.  The Hawks are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  They just upset the Jazz as nearly identical 7.5-point home dogs.  The 76ers are 7-19 ATS off 2 or more consecutive wins this season.  The Hawks are 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home meetings.  Take Atlanta. 

7* Heat/Spurs Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Miami +6.5 

The Key: You’re definitely having to pay a tax to back the Spurs tonight after they have gone 9-0 SU & 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  And this is a huge letdown spot for the Spurs, who are coming off an upset home win over the Warriors.  I look for them to come out flat tonight.  The Miami Heat are playing just as well as the Spurs right now.  The Heat are 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall with their only losses coming to the Rockets, Raptors and Bucks.  The Heat are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 against southwest division teams, including 8-0 ATS against them this season.  Miami is 42-15-2 ATS in its last 59 road games against a team with a winning home record.  Take Miami. 

6* Pacers/Clippers NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -4.5 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers are in a tough spot tonight.  They’ll be playing for a second consecutive day after a tough loss in Portland last night, 98-106.  Now they have to face a freight train in the Clippers, who are 8-2 SU & 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall and trying to hang on to the final playoff spot in the West.  Los Angeles is 24-11 ATS as a favorite this season.  The Pacers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.  Indiana is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Pacers/Blazers ESPN *BAILOUT* on Indiana +4.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers will be without CJ McCollum for the next week with a knee injury that he suffered last time out against the Spurs.  The Blazers are a much more pedestrian team when they are missing either McCollum or Lillard.  They go together like peanut butter and jelly.  The Pacers should be able to pull off the upset tonight.  The Pacers beat the Thunder two games back and only lost by 2 at Denver last time out, so they’ve shown they can play with the best the West has to offer.  Take Indiana. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings -6.5 

The Key: No analysis due to being on vacation Wednesday through Sunday. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +9 

The Key: No analysis due to being on vacation Wednesday through Sunday. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat -1.5 

The Key: No analysis due to being on vacation Wednesday through Sunday. 

7* Blazers/Clippers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -2 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers come in on 2 days’ rest and will be ready to go against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.  The Clippers will be playing the second of a back-to-back after their big win over Boston last night.  I’ll back the fresher team here in the Blazers to win and cover this late-night game Tuesday.  The Blazers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.  The Blazers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings, and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 trips to Los Angeles.  Take Portland. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on San Antonio Spurs -1.5 

The Key: The Spurs come in on 3 days’ rest and off 4 straight wins and covers.  The Bucks come in on the second of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 10 days.  The situation really favors the Spurs, who are 25-7 at home this season.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Nuggets/Warriors ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver +6.5 

The Key: The Nuggets are only one game behind the Warriors for first place in the Western Conference.  They face a Warriors team that is really struggling right now having lost 5 of their last 8.  The Warriors have killed bettors even worse, going 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  DeMarcus Cousins is proving to be a bad fit because teams take advantage of his terrible defense, and the Nuggets will do the same tonight.  The Nuggets are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 trips to Golden State.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 against a team with a winning record.  Take Denver. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Jazz/Pelicans UNDER 230 

The Key: The Jazz and Pelicans just squared off two nights ago in Utah with the Pelicans pulling the 115-112 upset.  That game saw 227 combined points.  Now we have a total of 230 in the rematch, and I think it’s too high.  The 2nd meeting in these home-and-home situations is almost always lower scoring than the 1st because of the familiarity of the teams.  The same thing happens in the NBA playoffs, and it applies in the regular season as well.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 200 or more revenging a loss as a home favorite of 7 points or more against an opponent that’s off an upset win as an underdog are 34-9 over the last 5 seasons.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Detroit Pistons -5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons are rolling right now having won 9 of their last 11 with their only two losses coming on the road at San Antonio and Boston.  The Minnesota Timberwolves are just 9-24 on the road this season and 1-8 in their last 9 road games.  While the Pistons come in on 2 days’ rest, the Timberwolves will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  The Pistons are 7-0 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Timberwolves.  Take Detroit. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +6 

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies have been a really tough out.  They beat the Mavs by 30 on the road and followed that up with only a 4-point road loss at OKC in which they blew a late lead.  And in their last 9 games, they have only been beaten by more than 6 points once.  That’s important considering this 6-point spread.  The first 2 lines in the first 2 meetings this season were Portland -5 at home and Memphis -3 at home.  Now Portland is a 6-point favorite at Memphis.  I like the price we are getting with the Grizzlies at home tonight.  Take Memphis. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Brooklyn Nets -4.5 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets are in a critical stretch right now if they want to make the playoffs.  They have home games against the Mavs, Cavs, and Pistons as well as a road game at Atlanta in their next four games.  Then they’ll be going on a brutal 7-game road trip.  They need to win all 4 of these games, especially after losing 3 straight coming in.  It starts tonight against the Mavs, who are just 6-24 on the road this season.  The Mavs are also 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games coming in.  They’ve rarely even been competitive as all 6 losses came by 9 points or more.  Take Brooklyn. 

6* Pelicans/Nuggets NBA *BAILOUT* on New Orleans +13.5 

The Key: The Pelicans are now 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall after winning 130-116 in Phoenix last night.  That blowout allowed them to not play their starters too heavy of minutes, and they should still be fresh in Denver tonight.  Fresh enough to cover this huge 13.5-point spread as the Pelicans continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers.  New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games against a team with a winning record.  Denver is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 against NBA Southwest teams.  The Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings with the Nuggets, not once losing by more than 6 points.  Take New Orleans. 

7* Clippers/Kings NBA *BAILOUT* on Sacramento -3.5 

The Key: The Kings are now 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games overall.  They have recently losses by 1 to Milwaukee, by 2 at Golden State and by 2 at Denver, as well as an upset win at Oklahoma City.  They have been through the gauntlet.  Now they face a lesser team in the Clippers who they are actually trailing in the playoff hunt, making this a must-win game for them at home tonight.  Expect them to give a big effort that should be good enough to cover this 3.5-point spread.  The Kings are 8-1 ATS as home favorites this season. Sacramento is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games following a loss.  The Kings are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 home games.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat +9.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat will be hungry for their first victory coming out of the All-Star Break tonight.  And they’ll be hungry to avenge a tough 118-120 road loss at Golden State on February 10th earlier this month as 13.5-point dogs.  Now they are 9.5-point home dogs in the rematch, and I love the price on them tonight.  The Warriors are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall and were fortunate to cover at Charlotte last time out getting a late 3-pointer by Steph Curry which proved to be the difference between covering and not covering.  The Warriors continue to get too much respect from the books tonight.  Golden State is 6-18 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Take Miami. 

6* Celtics/Raptors Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Toronto -3.5 

The Key: This one is as easy as it gets tonight.  The home team is 10–0 SU & 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the Celtics and Raptors.  The Raptors are 7-0 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home meetings with Boston.  Take Toronto. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +12.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets are in a big letdown spot tonight.  They are coming off an upset win over the Golden State Warriors even without James Harden.  Now they have to host the Atlanta Hawks and won’t be nearly as hungry to face them as they were the Warriors.  And Harden is still questionable to return.  It’s a Hawks team that has covered 3 of their last 4 and is trying to win games.  Atlanta is 9-1 ATS in road games off a home game this season.  Houston is 6-17 ATS after scoring 115 points or more this season.  The Rockets are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a win.  Houston is 0-8 ATS in its last 8 games off an ATS win.  Take Atlanta. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat -3.5 

The Key: The situation favors the Miami Heat tonight.  They had yesterday off following a tough 4-point loss at Philadelphia on Thursday.  Detroit is playing the second of a back-to-back after winning a 125-122 shootout at Atlanta last night.  The Pistons are 2-11 ATS against teams that average 3 or more rebounds per game than their opponents this season.  The home team is 5-1 SU & 4-2 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  The Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with the Pistons.  Take Miami. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Chicago Bulls +8 

The Key: After going 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their final 5 games before the break, the betting public is quick to jump on the Orlando Magic coming out of the break.  But we see this all the time.  A team with momentum has a long break and then comes out flat.  They don’t want the break when they are playing well.  I think that will be the case for the Magic tonight.  They are now laying 8 points when they haven’t been favored by more than 6 points in any other game this season.  Simply put, it’s getting pricey to back the Magic now.  The Bulls have shown some fight in winning 3 of their last 8 games straight up.  They beat the Grizzlies by 12 at home, upset the Nets by 19 on the road and upset the Heat by 16 on the road.  They have actually been playing better on the road than at home.  The underdog is 22-10 ATS in the last 32 meetings.  Take Chicago. 

6* Kings/Warriors NBA *BAILOUT* on Sacramento +12.5 

The Key: The Sacramento Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall and have been one of the best covering teams in the NBA this season.  And now they’re catching 12.5 points against a Warriors team that they have played tough in recent meetings.  The Kings are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings with an outright win and losses by 4, 5 and 1 point against the Warriors.  Sacramento is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest.  Golden State is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 Thursday games.  The Warriors are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 home games.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks -8 

The Key: It’s a great situation to fade the New York Knicks tonight.  They have lost 18 straight games and now they are running on fumes.  They’ll be playing for a 2nd consecutive day and their 5th game in 7 days.  They are just ready to get to the All-Star Break.  The Hawks have pulled off outright upsets in 3 of their last 6 games coming in and continue to play hard.  I like the fact that they play at the fasted pace in the NBA, which should help them tire the Knicks out early and allow them to pull away in the 2nd half.  The Knicks are just 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games against a team with a losing record.  Take Atlanta. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Dallas Mavericks -2.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat are a tired, beaten up team right now.  They will be playing their 5th straight road game and their 4th road game in 6 days tonight.  Now they have to go up against a Dallas Mavericks team that has been tremendous at home this season.  The Mavericks are 20-8 SU & 19-8-1 ATS at home this season.  The Heat are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games off a loss by more than 10 points.  The Mavericks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss.  Dallas is 46-22-1 ATS in its last 69 games off a loss by more than 10 points.  Take Dallas. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Spurs/Grizzlies UNDER 210 

The Key: The Spurs and Grizzlies are notorious for playing in low-scoring games.  In fact, each of their last 8 meetings have seen 207 or fewer combined points and an average of just 193.5 PPG.  That’s about 17 points less than this 210-point total.  The Grizzlies play at the slowest pace in the entire NBA and will control the tempo at home today, just as they did in their 96-86 home win over the Spurs in their last meeting.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets -10 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are back home in their comfort zone hungry for a win after dropping 3 straight road games.  They are also on 2 days’ rest, so they will be fresh unlike the Miami Heat.  The Heat now have to play in elevation a night after laying it all on the line in a 118-120 road loss at Golden State.  They don’t stand much of a chance given this terrible spot for them.  The Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games after a road trip of 7 days or more.  The Nuggets are 23-4 SU & 19-8 ATS at home this season.  Take Denver. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference Game of the Week on Orlando Magic -1.5 

The Key: The Orlando Magic are coming on strong as they try and move closer to the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.  They are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall with wins over the Pacers, Nets, Timberwolves and Bucks, three playoff teams.  Their only loss came to the Oklahoma City Thunder after blowing a fourth quarter lead.  And now they face an Atlanta Hawks team that is coming off back-to-back home losses to Toronto by 18 and Charlotte by 9.  The Hawks are just 8-15 SU & 7-16 ATS at home this year and giving up 118.1 PPG on their home floor.  The Magic beat the Hawks 122-103 on the road in their lone meeting this season on January 21st.  The Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 0 days rest.  Take Orlando. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Utah Jazz -6.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  They failed to cover in narrow home wins over Phoenix by 2, Brooklyn by 3 and New Orleans by 5.  And the start of their 8-game rodeo road trip has been a disaster.  They lost by 15 at Sacramento to start the trip, and followed that up with a 39-point loss at Golden State and a 9-point loss at Portland.  I think this is a good price to back the Jazz as only 6.5-point home favorites tonight.  The Jazz will be playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.  The home team is 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  The Jazz beat the Spurs by 34 in their lone home meeting this season.  Take Utah. 

7* Heat/Kings NBA *BAILOUT* on Sacramento -3 

The Key: I think we are getting the Kings cheap because they lost by 26 at home to the Rockets the other night, while the Heat upset the Blazers as 7.5-point road underdogs in their last game.  But the Kings found out they traded away Iman Shumpert and Justin Jackson for Harrison Barnes before the game, and they weren’t mentally into that Rockets game.  They’ll be locked back in tonight and get back to playing great at home.  They are 7-2 SU & 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.  The Kings are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last 3 meetings with the Heat, including their 123-113 road win in their first meeting this season.  Sacramento is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 against at team with a losing record.  The Kings are 26-9 ATS in their last 35 against Eastern Conference teams.  Take Sacramento. 

7* Spurs/Blazers TNT *BAILOUT* on Portland -6 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs will be playing for a second consecutive day.  They will also be playing their 3rd road game in 4 days and their 7th game in 12 days overall.  They were worked by 15 at Sacramento and by 39 at Golden State their last two road games, and I expect them to get blown out of the building by the Blazers tonight.  The Blazers come in hungry off a rare upset home loss to Miami.  The Blazers are 22-8 SU & 19-11 ATS at home this season, while the Spurs are 10-17 SU on the road.  The home team has won both meetings this season by 13 points apiece.  Portland is 10-1 ATS revenging a road loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.  The Spurs are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  The Blazers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games playing on one days’ rest.  The Blazers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss.  Take Portland. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Chicago Bulls -1.5 

The Key: The situation is a good one for the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They come in on 3 days’ rest and face a short-handed Pelicans team that is without 5 of its 6 best players.  The Pelicans will be playing their 8th game in 15 days which is even more difficult when they are missing so many players.  The Bulls have been very competitive of late as each of their last 4 losses have come by 7 points or fewer, and they even went into Miami and won by 16 as 10.5-point dogs.  The Pelicans are just 8-21 SU on the road this season.  The Bulls are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games when playing on 3 or more days’ rest.  The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  Take Chicago. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +10 

The Key: The Orlando Magic will be hungry to avenge their 117-126 home loss to the Thunder on January 29th a week ago.  They blew a 4th quarter lead in that game.  The Magic have picked up two impressive wins since with a 7-point home win over the Pacers and a 13-point home win over the Nets.  They will be playing only their 2nd game in 5 days and come in on 2 days’ rest.  Orlando is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games against a team with a winning record.  The Magic are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 meetings with the Thunder, including a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last 6 visits to Oklahoma City.  Take Orlando. 

7* Spurs/Kings NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Sacramento +2 

The Key: The Spurs are on pins and needles right now.  They have won 4 straight, but all 4 were at home, and they barely beat the Suns by 2 as 13.5-point favorites, the Nets by 3 as 8-point favorites and the Pelicans by 5 as 10.5-point favorites.  Now they have to hit the road, where they are 10-15 SU this season.  And they’re facing a Sacramento Kings team that is 6-1 SU & 7-0 ATS in its last 7 home games with its only loss coming to the Warriors by 4 points as 8-point dogs.  The Kings beat the Spurs 104-99 at home in their lone meeting this season.  The Kings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games on one days’ rest.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Toronto Raptors -10.5 

The Key: The Raptors have a very favorable situation today over the Clippers.  Toronto comes in on 2 days’ rest and will be playing just its 2nd game in 7 days.  Los Angeles will be playing for a second consecutive day and its 8th game in 13 days.  The Clippers won’t be able to match the energy level of the Raptors today.  Toronto is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 meetings with Los Angeles and 7-2 ATS in its last 9 home meetings.  Take Toronto. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns -2.5 

The Key: The Phoenix Suns have a big situational advantage over the Atlanta Hawks today.  The Suns come in on 3 days’ rest, while the Hawks will be playing or the 2nd consecutive day and their 3rd game in 4 days after losing in Utah last night.  And that means they played in altitude, and this will now be their 6th straight road game.  That’s a lot of travel, and there’s no doubt the Hawks are worn out.  The Suns should be getting DeAndre Ayton back from injury which is a huge boost.  The home team is 7-0 SU in the last 7 meetings, and the Suns basically just have to win this game to cover.  The Hawks are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games playing on no rest.  The Suns are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games against at team with a losing record.  The Hawks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 visits to Phoenix.  Take Phoenix.