7* Rockets/Warriors Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +9 

The Key: The Houston Rockets will put forth a much better effort in Game 4 than they did in Game 3.  It was mind-blowing how poorly they played, and the Warriors took advantage.  But the Warriors will likely not have Andre Iguodala tonight, a key piece in their Hampton’s 5 lineup.  Buckets will be easier to come by for Houston without having Iguodala’s presence on the defensive end tonight.  And the Rockets surely won’t shoot as poorly as they 39% they shot in Game 3 as they continued to miss layup after layup.  They made great adjustments in Game 2, and I expect the same for Game 4 tonight.  Take Houston. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7 

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers are 35-13 at home this season, including 6-1 in the playoffs.  The Boston Celtics have been vulnerable on the road in the playoffs.  They are just 1-5 in their 6 road playoff games.  The Cavs won Game 3 by 30 and should have no problem covering this generous 7-point spread at home tonight to square this series.  Tyronn Lue is 16-5 ATS off a blowout home win by 20 points or more as the coach of the Cavs.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 226 

The Key: Points will be harder to come by as this series goes along and the Rockets and Warriors learn offensive tendencies.  These teams are both better defensively than they get credit for.  Houston is 9-1 UNDER off a combined score of 215 points ormolu in two straight games this season.  The Rockets are 7-0 UNDER in road games off three consecutive home games this season.  The UNDER is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 vs. NBA Pacific division.  The UNDER is 21-10 in Rockets last 31 overall.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last five games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -6 

The Key: This is a great situation to back the Cavaliers.  They are down 0-2 and returning home for a must-win game.  They will be 100% locked in.  It also helped them having three days off after last playing on Tuesday, especially Lebron James who really needed the rest.  The Cavs should come out like gangbusters tonight.  The Celtics will likely relax knowing that they have a cushion now after keeping their home-court advantage.  And while the Celtics haven’t lost at home in these playoffs, they are just 1-4 on the road with their lone victory coming in overtime.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -1.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets will be hungry to even this series and get right back in it.  They did win two out of three against the Warriors during the regular season, so they know they are capable.  And it’s unlikely Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson shoot that well again.  The Warriors are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games off a win by 10 points or more.  Golden State is also just 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on one day of rest.  Take Houston. 

7* NBA Playoffs Game of the Year on Cleveland Cavaliers +1 

The Key: I’m shocked the Cavs aren’t big favorites over the Celtics in Game 2 tonight.  They got their asses kicked in Game 1 and are sure to come back with a big effort tonight.  They made only 4 3-pointers in the game and shot just 15% from distance.  The odds of them shooting anything close to that again from deep are slim to none.  The Cavs will come with a much better game plan after making some adjustments, and they are clearly the more talented team in this series.  That talent will shine through in Game 2 tonight.  The road team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the Cavs are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 trips to Boston.  Take Cleveland. 

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

The Key: The Houston Rockets are the only team in the NBA that has the goods to beat the Warriors.  They are very similar teams, but the Rockets have the deeper bench and will be able to hang with the Warriors in this series.  I think they take Game 1 tonight in Houston.  They won 2 of 3 meetings with the Warriors during the regular season.  They are hungry for a title and realize this is their best chance since Hakeem Olajuwon.  Houston is 22-8 ATS off a home ATS loss where they won straight up as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.  The Rockets are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games when playing on 3 or more days of rest.  Take Houston. 

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -1.5 

The Key: Lebron James and the Cavaliers will prove to be too much for the Celtics in this series, and it starts with Game 1 tonight.  They are extra rested after sweeping the Raptors and will look to continue their dominance of the Celtics in the playoffs.  The Cavs are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a blowout home win by 20 points or more.  That’s a 91% angle backing the Cavs here this afternoon.  Take Cleveland. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston +1 

The Key: The Boston Celtics simply do not lose at home.  They have not only gone 7-0 straight up, but also 7-0 against the spread in their last 7 home games.  Now they are home underdogs to the 76ers in Game 5, where they just have to win to cover.  Sign me up.  The Celtics are 10-0 ATS as home underdogs this season.  They are also 10-0 ATS when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss this season.  Couple these trends with the 7-0 home trend and we have a 27-0 angle backing the Celtics.  Take Boston. 

7* Pelicans/Warriors Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 228.5 

The Key: The Pelicans and Warriors have combined for 224, 237, 219 and 210 points in games 1-4, respectively.  They have been lower scoring games than oddsmakers have anticipated, and I think there’s a good chance Game 5 stays well UNDER 228.5 points as well.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 200 or more, an extremely well rested team playing 5 or less games in 14 days, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team are 67-34 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/76ers Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -6 

The Key: The 76ers have blown late leads in each of the last two games in this series.  They know they are better than Boston and still have hope that they can make this a series.  It starts with a victory in Game 4 tonight.  Philadelphia is 11-2 ATS in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.  The 76ers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Pelicans Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Golden State -6 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors had an uncharacteristic poor shooting night in Game 3 and were blown out by the Pelicans 119-100.  They shot just 38% as a team and 29% from 3-point range.  The chances of them shooting anything close to that poorly in Game 4 are slim to none.  The Pelicans are 2-14 ATS in their last 16 games off an upset win by 15 points or more as a home underdog.  Bets on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points when revenging a loss where the other team scored 100 points or more against an opponent that’s off a home win where they scored 110 or more points are 32-11 ATS since 1996.  Take Golden State. 

7* Celtics/76ers Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers blew a 22-point lead at Boston in Game 2.  I expect them to get up big in Game 3 as well and not relinquish the lead this time playing in front of their home fans.  They know this series is far from over if they handle their business at home these next two games.  I always like backing the team that’s down 0-2, especially when their at home because they usually give their best effort in Game 3 in this situation.  Philadelphia is 8-0 ATS in Saturday home games this season.  The 76ers are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 home games overall.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Pelicans Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on New Orleans +5 

The Key: If the Pelicans are going to win a game in this series, it’s likely to be Game 3 tonight at home.  They were impressive in Game 2 in giving the Warriors all they wanted in a 5-point loss as 11-point underdogs.  Now they are catching 5 points at home tonight, which is too much.  The Pelicans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  New Orleans is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 home games.  Golden State is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take New Orleans. 

7* Cavs/Raptors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -6.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are in a must-win situation already after giving away Game 1.  The Cavaliers’ role players like JR Smith and Kyle Korver got hot from 3-point range and helped stage a comeback from 14 points down.  The Cavs would win in overtime.  I look for the Cavs to relax and the Raptors to be going pedal to the metal in Game 2.  The Cavs are still just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Raptors are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Toronto is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 home games against a team with a winning road record.  Take Toronto. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Utah +11 

The Key: Bets against home favorites when leading in a playoff series, a team that wins 75% or more of their games against a team with a winning record are 45-21  ATS since 1996.  The Rockets are 1-10 ATS off 3 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 years.  The price is right to back the Jazz as double-digit underdogs in Game 2 tonight.  Take Utah. 

7* Cavs/Raptors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -6.5 

The Key: Toronto has a big rest advantage in Game 1 of this series.  They haven’t played since April 27th, while the Cavs played two days ago on April 29th.  The Cavs were pushed to the brink by the Pacers and needed a Game 7 at home to win that series.  Their 4 wins in that series came by a combined 14 points.  They are clearly more vulnerable than they have been in years’ past.  The Raptors have a huge home-court advantage.  They are 37-7 at home this year and winning by over 10 PPG on average.  They are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.  The Cavs are just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  Lebron and company are in over their heads here in Game 1.  Take Toronto. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 205 

The Key: The 76ers have become an offensive juggernaut.  They have scored 103 or more points in 21 consecutive games now.  They will look to blitz the Celtics in Game 1 of this series to try and take the upper-hand.  They haven’t played in 6 days and will be looking to push the tempo every possession possible.  The Celtics have still managed to be efficient offensively despite their injuries.  They have scored 101 or more points in eight of their last 11 games overall.  The OVER is 11-2 in Boston’s last 13 playoff home games.  The OVER is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 home games overall.  The OVER is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games when playing on 3 or more days rest.  Take the OVER. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 206 

The Key: The OVER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between the Jazz and Rockets.  They have averaged 216.7 combined points per game in those 7 meetings.  They have combined for at least 213 points in 6 of those 7 meetings.  I think the price is right to back the OVER in Game 1 of this series based on those recent head-to-head results.  Take the OVER. 

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -4.5 

The Key: Home-court advantage has meant everything in this series.  The home team is 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in the six games thus far.  I see no reason for that trend to change with everything on the line in this Game 7 tonight.  The Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.  The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.  Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games following an ATS loss.  The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings, including 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings.  Take Boston. 

7* Thunder/Jazz Game 6 *BAILOUT* on Oklahoma City +6.5 

The Key: The Utah Jazz must be shell-shocked after blowing a 25-point lead in Game 5 when they could have closed out the Thunder.  Now all the pressure is on them, and the Thunder are oozing with confidence after staving off elimination in dramatic fashion.  I think this number is a bit high here getting the Thunder as 6.5-point underdogs given the situation.  They still have the two best players in the series, and Russell Westbrook and Paul George refused to lose by the way they played in the 2nd half of Game 5.  I trust that duo to keep them competitive in Game 6.  The Jazz are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -4 

The Key: The home team has won every game in this series and has covered all but one.  The lone exception was when the Bucks nearly blew a 16-point halftime lead in Game 4 and won by 2 as 6-point favorites.  Now they are only 4-point favorites in Game 6 with their season on the line, and I think this is a generous price for them tonight.  The Bucks have shot better than 52% in 3 of their last 4 games against the Celtics and have clearly figured out how to score on them, especially at home.  Make it 6 straight wins for the home team in this series tonight with a win and cover by the Bucks.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Jazz/Thunder Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have gone 15-1 in their last 16 home meetings with the Utah Jazz.  They have outscored the Jazz by over 13 PPG in those 16 games.  Now they’re laying only 3.5 points in Game 5 in this do-or-die situation.  I think this is a generous price for the Thunder tonight.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -3.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics could get a nice boost with the possible return of Marcus Smart for Game 5.  He has missed the entire series, but he has been upgraded to questionable, which means there’s a good chance he plays.  The Celtics haven’t needed him to outplay the Bucks thus far in this series, but his energy and defense could be a big boost as this series returns to Boston for the all-important Game 5.  Boston is 11-2 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Celtics are 18-5 ATS revenging all losses this season.  The Bucks are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.  The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Bucks.  Take Boston. 

7* Thunder/Jazz Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City +4.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have their backs against the wall tonight down 2-1 in this series.  Look for them to respond in a big way with an upset victory in Salt Lake City.  Russell Westbrook guaranteed that Ricky Rubio would not have another great game like he did in Game 3 out of nowhere, and I look for a big game from Westbrook in this one.  The Thunder are 35-19 ATS in their last 54 road games revenging a loss of 10 points or more.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* NBA 1st Round Total of the Year on Raptors/Wizards UNDER 218.5 

The Key: The price is right to back the UNDER in this game between the Raptors and Wizards.  The over is 3-0 through the first 3 games, which has forced oddsmakers to set a total higher than it should be for Game 4 knowing that the public will be betting the over again.  The total was only 213.5 exactly for the first two games in this series, and now it’s 218.5 for Game 4, a 5-point adjustment.  As a series goes on teams get more familiar with one another and that favors defense.  Both teams have shot lights out thus far, but the points won’t be as easy to come by in Game 4.  Washington is 10-2 UNDER after scoring 105 points or more in 3 straight games this season.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 210 to 219.5 a good team that outscores their opponents by 3 or more points per game, after 4 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more are 40-13 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Pelicans Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland +7.5 

The Key: This line suggest that the Portland Trail Blazers will just pack it in after starting down 0-3 in this series.  But I highly doubt that will be the case.  The price is right to back them as 7.5-point dogs in Game 4.  They were only 4-point dogs in Game 3, so this is a 3.5-point adjustment.  It’s enough to warrant a wager on the Blazers here Saturday.  Bets against home favorites who have beaten the spread by 54 or more points in their last 10 games against an opponent that went under the total by 48 or more points in their last 10 games are 42-13 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Portland. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 205.5 

The Key: The Bucks shot 59.7% while the Celtics shot 53.3% in Game 2.  That’s not going to happen again.  It was a high scoring game and it made the oddsmakers go from setting totals of 199 in Games 1 and 2 to 205.5 in Game 3.  That’s a 6.5-point adjustment and the reason that the price is right now to back the UNDER in Game 3.  The UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Milwaukee.  Boston is 11-2 UNDER in Friday road games over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Spurs Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +4.5 

The Key: This will be a ‘win one for the gipper’ type situation tonight.  Greg Popovich just lost his wife yesterday.  His players will rally around him and put forth a big effort.  On the other side, the Warriors will feel bad for him and won’t be on their ‘A’ game.  It’s really the perfect storm here for the Spurs to get a win and cover.  Golden State is 3-11 ATS off 2 or more consecutive home wins this season.  San Antonio is 43-21 ATS in its last 64 home games off a blowout loss by 15 points or more.  The Spurs are 33-8 SU & 26-14-1 ATS at home this season.  The Warriors are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  The Spurs are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Pacers/Cavs Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7.5 

The Key: For the first time in his career, Lebron James is down 0-1 in an opening round playoff series.  In fact, it’s the first time ever that he has even trailed in an opening round series.  Look for James to rally the troops tonight and come forth with a big effort after an embarrassing Game 1 showing.  The Cavs trailed by 20 points before James even attempted a shot on Sunday.  He will be much more aggressive from the opening tip in this one, which is when the Cavs are at their best.  Bets on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points off 2 or more consecutive home losses, in April games are 37-11 ATS since 1996.  Indiana is 6-14 ATS off a win by 10 points or more this season.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Bucks/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee +2.5 

The Key: Bets on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 after 2 or more consecutive road losses, well rested team playing 6 or less games in 14 days are 72-26 ATS since 1996.  The Bucks are 15-4 ATS off 2 or more straight road losses over the last 3 years.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Heat/76ers NBA *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: Both teams really shot lights out from the 3-point line in Game 1, which led to a shootout and 233 combined points.  But that is unlikely to happen again.  The 76ers made 18 3-pointers and shot 64.3% from beyond the arc, while the Heat made 12 and shot 46.2%.  It was a rare high scoring game in this series.  The previous 4 meetings between the Heat and 76ers saw 207 or fewer combined points.  Miami is 23-12 to the UNDER in road games when revenging a loss over the last 2 seasons.  Philadelphia is 32-12 UNDER in its last 44 home games off 2 consecutive covers as a favorite.  Take the UNDER.

7* Jazz/Thunder NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Key: It’s no secret that the Oklahoma City Thunder have had the Utah Jazz’ number.  The Thunder are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.  But that only tells half the story.  The Jazz simply cannot win in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are 14-0 in their last 14 home meetings with the Jazz and are winning by nearly 15 PPG on average.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Pelicans/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -5.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers have been absolutely unbeatable at home down the stretch of the season.  They have gone 21-3 SU & 19-4-1 ATS in their last 24 home games.  They have also upped their game against the better teams in the league.  The Blazers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on 2 days’ rest as well.  The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings, and the home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings as well. Take Portland. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Washington Wizards -5.5 

The Key: The only chance the Wizards have of moving up from their current 8th position is to win tonight.  And moving up is important because they want the 7th seed and to face the Celtics in the first round.  That is possibly considering the Heat face the Raptors tonight and they need the Heat to lose.  The Magic have mentally checked out and won’t offer much resistance tonight.  Take Washington. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +3 

The Key: There are so many good situations favoring the Hornets here tonight.  For starters, this is a home-and-home situation as they want revenge from a 117-123 home loss to the Pacers on Sunday.  Now they get to face them just two days later and in their season finale to boot.  The Pacers are locked in to the 5th seed in the East and will be resting starters, which is the key handicap here.  They won’t care about winning this game at all.  Take Charlotte. 

7* Pelicans/Clippers ESPN *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +8.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Clippers are stuck in the 10th spot in the West.  They will be drafting in the same spot no matter what as they cannot improve their chances of ping pong balls.  What they can do is try and run the Pelicans’ season, which is precisely what they’ll be motivated to do tonight.  This line has gotten out of hand and has been adjusted way too far in New Orleans’ favor due to the fact that they need the win more.  They are now 8.5-point road favorites tonight.  The Pelicans are 5-14 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4 games this season.  The Clippers are 24-12 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 106-plus points per game this season.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Detroit Pistons -6.5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons have really turned it on down the stretch.  They are 8-2 SU & 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They now sit at 38-41 with a chance to get to .500 if they win out, which would be considered a success.  The Grizzlies clearly don’t care about winning games as they are just trying to improve their chances of getting the top draft pick.  They are just 21-58 on the season with the second-worst record in the league.  They have a ton of injuries right now and are basically resting all of their guys, which indicates they are trying to lose.  The Pistons are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Grizzlies are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Take Detroit. 

7* Blazers/Spurs Western Conference *BAILOUT* on San Antonio -4.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are fighting for their playoff lives right now. They are in jeopardy of missing the postseason if they were to lose these last few games.  So they’ll be locked in, just as they have been for the last several weeks, especially at home.  The same cannot be said for the Blazers, who are more worried about staying healthy heading into the playoffs since they’ll be the 3rd seed for sure.  The Spurs have handled their business at home, going 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Los Angeles Clippers +7 

The Key: The Clippers are holding on to slim playoff hopes.  They probably need to win out to have a chance considering they are 2 games behind both the Pelicans and Timberwolves with 4 games remaining.  But they continue to fight, as evidenced by their comeback victory over the Spurs last game.  And now they are showing good value as 7-point road underdogs to the Utah Jazz tonight.  The Clippers are 11-3 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season.  Los Angeles is 20-8-1 ATS in its last 29 road games.  Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 home games.  The Jazz are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Celtics/Raptors ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -7 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are now in a position where they need to win.  They have been coasting for weeks, going 0-9 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  That’s because they have had such a big lead in the East.  But now that lead is back to only 2 games, and they play the team that trails them tonight in the Boston Celtics.  The Raptors will also be out for revenge from a 99-110 loss in Boston on March 31st just a few days ago.  This game simply sets up for the Raptors to come out with one of their best performances of the season given what’s at stake now.  And the Celtics are short-handed and playing the second of a back-to-back after a loss in Milwaukee last night.  Boston is still without Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart, and now backup PG Terry Rozier is battling an ankle injury and his questionable.  Rozier has been the reason the Celtics have stayed competitive down the stretch, but without him at 100% they don’t have much of a shot tonight, especially with the Raptors 100% healthy.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.  The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with Boston.  Take Toronto. 

7* Spurs/Clippers TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 207.5 

The Key: With both the Spurs and Clippers having so much to play for tonight, the defensive intensity will be high.  The Spurs are trying to hold off several teams for the 4th seed in the West and a home court in the first round.  The Clippers are 2 games out of the 8th spot and just fighting to get into the playoffs.  The UNDER is 27-10 in Spurs games when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 games overall.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Spurs last 14 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Spurs ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +2.5 

The Key: The Spurs have gone 7-2 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.  After looking like they might not make the playoffs a few weeks ago, the Spurs now sit in 4th place in the Western Conference just a half-game up on 5th place.  They want to snag the No. 4 seed to assure home-court advantage in the first round.  The Houston Rockets have nothing to play for as they have already locked up the No. 1 seed.  They played like it last time out when they needed to come back from 20-plus points down to beat Phoenix 104-103 on a buzzer-beater from Gerald Green as 17.5-point home favorites.  They are starting to rest their players and won’t show up at all these final two weeks.  Motivationally, this is a money spot to back the Spurs.  The Spurs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Bucks/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on UNDER 220.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their top two point guards for this game against Milwaukee.  Both Isaiah Thomas and Lonzo Ball are out.  That leaves the underwhelming Alex Caruso to run the point.  They won’t be looking to push the tempo, and neither will the Bucks, who will still be tired in this back-to-back situation after winning in Golden State last night.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Bucks last 8 games when playing on 0 days’ rest.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Warriors TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 215.5 

The Key: The injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have forced the Warriors to play a different brand of basketball, one that relies more on defense.  The Warriors have been held to 93 or fewer points in 4 of their last 6 games overall.  But their defense has been solid as they have held 3 of their last 4 opponents to 94 points or fewer.  The Bucks and Warriors played back in January with the Warriors winning 108-94 for just 202 combined points with a total set of 221.5.  And that was back when the Warriors were healthy. This game will be more of a defensive battle than the oddsmakers are anticipating.  The Warriors are 22-5 UNDER In March games over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 home games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA *Blowout* Game of the Month on Minnesota Timberwolves -11.5 

The Key: Minnesota is only 1.5 games ahead of the Clippers for the 8th spot in the West.  They will be hyper-focused the rest of the way, and they will be in sour moods coming off their upset home loss to Memphis last time out.  I expect a big effort from the Timberwolves at home tonight against the Hawks, who are just 1-9 SU in their last 10 games, and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.  The Hawks are clearly tanking and aren’t hiding it.  They are without 3 of their best players tonight in Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Delaney and Kent Bazemore.  They stand little chance of even being competitive.  Atlanta is 3-11 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more this season.  The Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.  The Timberwolves are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 home games.  The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with Atlanta.  Take Minnesota. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets +8.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets right now.  They are 1.5 games behind the 8th place Minnesota Timberwolves with just 8 games remaining.  They are in must-win mode from here on out.  After a poor second half last night against the 76ers, look for the Nuggets to come back determined tonight.  They had two days off prior to that game so they won’t be as fatigued as a team usually is on a back-to-back.  Plus, their starters got to rest down the stretch.  The Raptors clearly haven’t been on top of their games of late and are just ready for the playoffs to get here as they basically have the No. 1 seed locked up.  The Raptors are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  The Nuggets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 meetings with the Raptors, including a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Toronto.  Take Denver. 

7* Nuggets/76ers NBA TV *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver Nuggets +5.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets right now.  They are 1.5 games back of the 8th place Utah Jazz with nine games remaining.  They are in must-win mode from here on out.  The Philadelphia 76ers just completed Step 1 of The Process by clinching a playoff spot.  I can’t help but think they will be flat tonight after accomplishing that goal last time out.  The Nuggets come in rested with two days off having last played on Friday.  Denver is 15-6 ATS revenging a same season loss this season.  The Nuggets are 53-35 ATS int heir last 88 games as a road underdog.  The underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Denver. 

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

The Key: The Celtics are playing without 3 starters right now in Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  That’s why they cannot be 6.5-point favorites at Sacramento tonight.  This is a Kings team that is very young and is not just playing out the string.  That’s evident by the fact that the Kings are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have had 2 days off since beating the Hawks 105-90 on Thursday, so they’ll be rested coming into this game with the Celtics.  Sacramento is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.  The Kings are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of better than 60%.  The Kings are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  Take Sacramento. 

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

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies will show some pride tonight.  They were just beaten by 61 points by the Hornets and blasted in the media for tanking.  At least for one night, they will show up, so we’ll take all these points and run with them.  The Grizzlies are almost fully healthy right now outside Mike Conley, and they are good enough to beat the Lakers.  The Lakers aren’t exactly lighting it up, either.  They have lost 4 straight and are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.  The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  The Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings with Los Angeles.  Take Memphis. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat +6.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat have played their best basketball on the road this season.  They are 37-17-1 ATS in their last 55 road games dating back to last year.  Miami is also 12-3-2 ATS in its last 17 games overall.  The Heat are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  The Thunder are 5-20 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games this season.  Take Miami. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +10 

The Key: The Hornets used a lot of energy coming back from a 20-plus point deficit against the Nets last night.  They closed the game on an 18-2 run to win 111-105.  I know because I had the Nets, and it was one of my most painful losses of the season.  So now they are a tired team playing the second of a back-to-back and being asked to lay double-digits against Memphis tonight.  Memphis is also on a back-to-back, but they were blown out in Philadelphia last night and were able to spread their minutes around more to bench players.  I think the Grizzlies come back tonight and play a great game to stay within this number.  Memphis is 30-14 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 4 days over the last 2 seasons.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference teams.  The road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  Take Memphis. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Brooklyn Nets +2 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets have won back-to-back games over the Mavs and Grizzlies.  They also played the 76ers very tough in a 4-point road loss as 8.5-point dogs the game prior.  They recently beat these same Hornets 125-111 on the road on March 8th.  I don’t like the mindset of the Hornets right now as they have recently been eliminated from the playoffs thanks to their 2-8 stretch over their last 10 games.  They lost by 14 to the 76ers and by 23 to the Knicks in their last two games, so they aren’t showing any fight.  And they’re without one of their best players in Nic Batum right now, while the Nets are almost fully healthy.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in four straight games this season.  Charlotte is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games following a loss.  The Nets are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* Thunder/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -4.5 

The Key: With the playoffs approaching, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hitting their stride.  They have gone 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall with all six wins coming by 5 points or more.  They have moved into the No. 4 spot in the West and are in line to get a first-round home series if they finish strong.  They will be able to take advantage of a Boston Celtics team that has been hit hard by injuries lately.  The Celtics are now playing without 3 starters in Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  They have gone just 1-3 in their last 4 games with their only win coming over the Magic.  They are coming off a 19-point road loss at New Orleans.  Bets against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points after scoring 90 points or less against opponent that has scored 105-plus points in 4 or more consecutive games are 39-14 ATS since 1996.  The Thunder have topped 100 points in 11 consecutive games during a 9-2 run coming in.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Philadelphia 76ers -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers have owned the Charlotte Hornets.  They are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.  The two meetings this season have resulted in blowout victories by 11 at home and by 14 on the road.  Now that trend should continue considering the Hornets will be without Nic Batum, Cody Zeller and Michael Carter-Williams, while the 76ers are healthy.  The Hornets are just 2-7 SU & 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games and have nothing to play for but pride at this point.  They just lost by 23 on the road to the New York Knicks last time out, a sign they have quit.   Philadelphia is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 home games.  The 76ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on 2 days rest.  The Hornets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss.  Take Philadelphia. 

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Nuggets/Grizzlies UNDER 215 

The Key: The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the Grizzlies and Nuggets.  They have combined for 210, 165, 196 and 203 points in their last 4 meetings.  That’s an average of just 193.5 points per game.  As you can see, we are getting a ton of value on the UNDER 215 tonight.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Dallas Mavericks +10.5 

The Key: The situation clearly favors the Dallas Mavericks tonight.  The Mavericks are working on 2 days’ rest while the Raptors will be playing the second of a back-to-back after a come-from-behind win in Indiana last night.  The Raptors will also be playing their 7th game in 11 days.  Take Dallas. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets -7.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are fighting to make the playoffs.  They have taken care of business at home this year, going 26-10 at the Pepsi Center while scoring 112.0 points per game and shooting 48.4% from the field.  They Pistons, who are just 3-11 SU in their last 14 and 3-12 ATS in their last 15, will be no match for them.  Detroit just played in altitude last time out in Utah and got blasted 79-110.  Detroit is 2-11 ATS in March road games over the last 2 seasons.  The Pistons are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 road games overall.  The Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 trips to the Pepsi Center.  Take Denver. 

7* Wizards/Celtics ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Washington -3.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics will be without 4 starters tonight.  Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown will all be watching from the bench due to injuries.  Jayson Tatum is also dealing with a back injury that will slow him down.  I just don’t see how the Celtics can even be competitive with the Wizards tonight with all they are missing.  Washington is 7-0 ATS in road games off 2 or more consecutive losses this season.  The Wizards are winning by 14.0 PPG in this situation.  Take Washington. 

7* Nuggets/Lakers Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +2 

The Key: The Lakers have won 15 of their last 22 games and are making a run at the playoffs.  Now they face a team they recently lost to in the Nuggets on March 9th on the road.  Well, that shouldn’t be a surprise as the home team is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  I like the Lakers to avenge that loss at home tonight.  The Lakers are 10-1 ATS when coming off a home win by 10 points or more this year.  Los Angeles is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 home games overall.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Heat/Blazers ESPN *Total* Annihilator on OVER 209 

The Key: The Heat will be playing without Hassan Whiteside tonight.  He is their best defender and one of the top defenders in the league.  They’ll now have to go to a smaller lineup to deal with the Blazers tonight.  I think that will lead to a shootout similar to the last time the Heat played in a 129-102 victory over the Wizards.  The Heat have scored 102-plus points in 11 consecutive games.  The Blazers have scored 106 or or points in 7 consecutive games.  The OVER is 5-0 in Heat last 5 road games.  Take the OVER. 

7* Pacers/Celtics Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Indiana +6.5 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers are 100% healthy now with the recent return of Darren Collison to the lineup. They are playing great basketball too in going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  Now they are ready to match up with the Boston Celtics, who are not healthy.  They just lost one of their best players in Jaylen Brown to a concussion, and he’ll miss tonight’s game.  The Pacers went into Boston and won 97-91 as 4-point underdogs in their last meeting, and they only lost 111-112 at home as 2-point dogs in their previous meeting.  They’ve proven they can play with the Celtics, and I like the price were are getting with them Sunday as 6.5-point dogs.  Take Indiana. 

7* Spurs/Thunder ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +5 

The Key: The Spurs are desperate for a win after going just 3-9 in their last 12 games overall.  A lot of that was injury related, but they have gotten healthy and just gave Golden State all they wanted on the road.  They only lost 107-110 and were actually outscored by 12 points in the 4th quarter as 11-point underdogs.  If they can play with Golden State, they can certainly beat Oklahoma City, let alone stay within 5 points to cover this spread.  The Thunder are 1-8 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more this season.  The Spurs are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The Thunder are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a win.  Take San Antonio. 

6* Rockets/Raptors Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Toronto +2.5 

The Key: The Rockets are 17-0 in their last 17 games while the Raptors are 15-2 in their last 17.  But the Rockets are getting all the hype because of their streak.  That’s why they are road favorites here because the betting public continues to back them hard.  The wrong team is favored in this matchup.  Toronto actually has a better point differential in its last 17 games than Houston does.  It will be a raucous atmosphere in Toronto tonight, where the Raptors have gone 27-5 at home this season.  Houston is 1-8 ATS vs. Atlantic Division opponents this season.  The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home meetings with Houston.  Take Toronto. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Heat UNDER 209.5 

The Key: This will be the 4th and final meeting of the season between Philadelphia and Miami.  These teams are obviously familiar with one another, which favors defense.  And they have a knack for playing in low scoring games in their first 3 meetings, which have seen 203, 206 and 200 combined points.  Now we’re getting a total of 209.5 tonight and I think the price is right to bet the UNDER.  The UNDER is 10-3 in 76ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 20-8 in Heat last 28 Thursday games.  Take the UNDER. 

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

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are in a difficult situation tonight.  They played a grueling 121-116 barn burner in Los Angeles last night against the Clippers.  They trailed by 4 with two minutes left but Anthony Davis scored 6 unanswered points to pull out the win.  After putting so much into that game, the Pelicans won’t have much left in the tank for the Kings tonight.  And the Kings have been playing very well coming in going 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three with their only loss coming to Utah by 7 as 7.5-point underdogs.  Sacramento is 21-11 SU & 21-9-2 ATS in its last 32 home meetings with New Orleans.  Bets against road favorites who have covered 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread, when playing on back-to-back days are 56-28 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on New York Knicks +9.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after two straight hard-fought victories over the Thunder (108-100) and Lakers (108-103).  They needed a big comeback in the 4th quarter to beat the Lakers last night, which will have taken more out of them.  I think the Knicks will take advantage and hang tough in this one.  They are the fresher team after having yesterday off.  They will be playing just their 3rd game in 8 days here.  Take New York. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Orlando Magic +9.5 

The Key: The Magic have been a nice money maker over the last couple months.  They have gone 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall.  They aren’t going to lose by double-digits to the Utah Jazz, who are getting way too much respect from oddsmakers recently.  That has show with the Jazz going 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.  The Magic are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The road team is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  The Magic are 5-0 ATS in their last five trips to Utah.  Take Orlando. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto Raptors -8.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors have the Charlotte Hornets’ number to say the least.  The top team in the East has gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in 3 meetings with the Hornets this season, winning by 13, 18 and 20 points.  Expect more of the same today and another double-digit blowout victory in the Raptors’ favor.  They are 25-5 at home this season.  The Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Sunday games.  The Hornets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.  Take Toronto. 

6* Thunder/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -4.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a difficult situation tonight as they’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Now they face a Portland team that has won 5 straight and 7 of its last 8 overall coming in.  The Blazers are 12-1 SU in their last 13 home games and 7-0 SU in their last 7 home meetings with the Thunder.  Take Portland. 

7* NBA Western Conference Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets -7.5 

The Key: It’s blatantly obvious that the Memphis Grizzlies are tanking.  They are now 0-11 in their last 11 games overall and have lost four straight games in blowout fashion by 8 points or more since the All-Star Break.  The Denver Nuggets should be able to win by 8 or more tonight.  The Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  Take Denver. 

6* Warriors/Wizards ESPN *CA$H COW* on Washington +9 

The Key: The Washington Wizards are playing well right now.  They are 10-3 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  They are doing all of this without John Wall and playing much more team basketball.  I like their chances of being able to stay within double-digits over the Golden State Warriors at home tonight with how well they’re playing.  It’s a tough rest situation for them, but that is clearly factored into the line.  And they should be able to muster up enough energy to put forth a good performance considering it’s the defending champs coming to town.  The Warriors are just 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Wizards are 16-7 ATS as underdogs this season.  Take Washington. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Cleveland Cavaliers -10.5 

The Key: The Cavaliers have lost two of three games since the All-Star Break and will be hungry for a victory tonight because of it.  They should be able to win in blowout fashion against the Brooklyn Nets, who will be playing the second of a back-to-back after beating the Bulls at home last night.  It was a rare win for the Nets, who are 2-12 SU & 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  The Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.  Take Cleveland. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns +7.5 

The Key: This is a very difficult situation for the New Orleans Pelicans.  They’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Not only that, but they needed overtime to win 123-121 in Milwaukee yesterday.  That will have them extra fatigued for this one.  The Suns have gotten a lot healthier since the break and will be a tough opponent for them tonight, just as they have been over the past few seasons.  In their last 9 meetings, the Suns have only lost to the Pelicans by more than 6 points once.  The Pelicans are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.  New Orleans is 0-8 ATS in home games vs. teams who are outscored by their opponents by 6+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.  Take Phoenix. 

6* Rockets/Nuggets Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Denver +4.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are playing too well right now to be home underdogs to the Houston Rockets.  They are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.  They have beaten OKC, Golden State and San Antonio twice during this run.  Their only loss came at Houston on February 9th, and now they’ll be looking to avenge that defeat at home tonight.  The Nuggets are 24-7 at home this season with a huge advantage on their home floor obviously.  The Rockets will be without the services of sharpshooter Eric Gordon for this one.  Denver is 13-4 ATS revenging a same season loss this season.  The Rockets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games off a win by more than 10 points.  Take Denver. 

6* Lakers/Kings Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Sacramento +1 

The Key: This is a tough situation for the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back off a home win over the Mavericks last night.  The Kings had yesterday off and will be the fresher team.  The Kings are playing very well right now as they’ve gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  This young team is only getting better as the season progresses.  The Lakers are 15-30 ATS in road games after playing a home game over the last 3 seasons.  Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games playing on zero days rest.  Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when working on one days rest.  The Kings are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss.  Take Sacramento. 

7* NBA Total of the Month on Heat/Pelicans UNDER 216 

The Key: The Miami Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  They should be able to contain the New Orleans Pelicans, who won’t be nearly as efficient the rest of the way offensively without DeMarcus Cousins.  The Pelicans and Heat have combined for 212 or fewer points in 65 of their last 66 meetings dating back to 1998.  That’s a 65-1 angle backing the under when factoring in this 216-point total.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic -3.5 

The Key: The Orlando Magic come out of the All-Star Break as healthy as they have been all season.  After missing a ton of games previously, both Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic are both expected to play tonight.  Now the Magic are only without Terrence Ross, who has been out for basically the entire season. The Knicks struggled mightily heading into the break when they lost Kristaps Porzingis to a season-ending injury.  Michael Beasley is questionable to play tonight as well.  The Knicks are 0-8 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  New York is 7-24 SU & 12-19 ATS on the road this season.  The Magic are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a loss.  Orlando is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games overall.  Take Orlando. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Detroit Pistons -10.5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons will be hungry for a victory in this final game before the All-Star Break.  They have lost three in a row coming in and want to get some positive momentum going.  They face a very tired Atlanta Hawks team that will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days.  It’s no wonder the Hawks are deciding to rest their best players tonight.  They are sitting Dennis Schroeder, Kent Bazemore and Ersan Ilyasova for this one.  Detroit is 11-2 ATS in home games off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.  Take Detroit. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets -5.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs have been hit hard by injuries this season.  They are currently playing without Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay.  It’s no wonder they are just 1-4 SU in their last 5 games overall.  Now they have to play the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days in altitude in Denver after losing on the road to Golden State on Saturday and in Utah on Monday.  The Nuggets come in rested with two days off having last played on Saturday in Phoenix.  The Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall and playing great basketball right now.  Denver is 12-4 ATS when revenging a loss this season.  The Nuggets lost 104-106 in San Antonio as 6.5-point dogs on January 30th and will get their revenge tonight.  The Spurs are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  San Antonio is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on 0 days rest.  The favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Denver. 

7* Suns/Warriors NBA TV *BAILOUT* on Golden State -15.5 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors got their wake up call by losing three out of five games recently.  But they have responded well since, going 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS in their last two games while beating the Mavericks by 18 and the Spurs by 17.  They should have no problem winning by at least 16 to cover this 15.5-point spread against the struggling Phoenix Suns at home tonight.  The Suns are 1-10 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall, losing eight times by double-digits.  The Suns have a ton of injuries right now to Brandon Knight, Isaiah Canaan, Tyler Ulis, Devin Booker and Tyson Chandler.  The first four are either out or questionable, while Chandler is probable.  The Warriors have won their last 11 meetings with the Suns.  They are also 11-0 in their last 11 home meetings with Phoenix.  Take Golden State. 

7* Cavs/Celtics ABC *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 213.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics are the best defensive team in the NBA.  They should shut down what will be a Cleveland team that is lost out on the floor today.  The Cavs are going to implement their new players from the trade deadline.  I think they will slow down the offense to try and get everyone touches.  This game will be played at a snail’s pace.  It will also be played with a high intensity defensively as these teams do not like each other.  The UNDER is 2-0 in their two meetings this season with Cleveland winning 102-99 for 201 combined points and Boston winning 102-88 for 190 combined points.  Cleveland is 21-8 UNDER as a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 Sunday games.  The UNDER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Orlando Magic +5 

The Key: The Milwaukee Bucks will be playing the second of a back-to-back tonight and their 8th game in 14 days tonight.  This team is running on fumes right now, especially playing without starting PG Malcolm Brogdon and backup PG Matthew Dellavedova.  That puts a lot more strain on Giannis to handle the ball and run the show.  Orlando has been a covering machine here over the past month and continues to lack the respect it deserves from oddsmakers.  The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall, which includes outright upsets in their last three games over the Heat, Cavs and Hawks.  Another upset is likely here tonight, but we’ll grab the points for some insurance.  Take Orlando. 

7* Nuggets/Rockets Western Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver +8.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have won three straight over Oklahoma City, Golden State and Charlotte.  They’ve since had three days off and are now ready to give the Houston Rockets a run for their money tonight.  The Rockets have some key injuries right now that are getting overlooked.  Three of their best shooters in Trevor Ariza, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson are either questionable or out tonight.  Denver is 50-33 ATS as a road underdog over the last 3 seasons.  The Nuggets are 11-3 ATS when revenging a same-season loss this season.  Denver is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 Friday games.  The Nuggets are 36-15-2 ATS in their last 53 games when playing on 3 or more days rest.  The Rockets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Toronto Raptors -13.5 

The Key: The New York Knicks just lost their best player in Kristaps Porzingis to a season-ending ACL injury last time out.  Now they are without their second-best player in Enes Kanter due to a mouth injury.  They were already struggling, losing 4 straight coming in, and now it’s not going to get any better with their two best players out.  The Raptors should mop the floor with the Knicks at home tonight.  Toronto is 22-4 at home this season and winning by 11.8 points per game on average.  Toronto is 4-0 in its last 4 home meetings with New York while winning all 4 by double-digits.  The Raptors are 7-0 ATS in home games after having won 4 of their last 5 games this season.  The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  Take Toronto. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Philadelphia 76ers -6.5 

The Key: The 76ers come in hungry for a victory after losing 4 of their last 5.  They also coming in fresh having 2 days’ rest to get ready for the Wizards after last playing on Saturday.  The same cannot be said for the Wizards, who will be playing the second of a back-to-back after their 111-102 win in Indiana last night against the injury-ravaged Pacers who were playing without both Victor Oladipo and Darren Collison.  The Wizards have been able to get by without John Wall of late, but his injury will hurt them sooner rather than later.  And I think that happens tonight in this tough rest situation for the Wizards.  Philadelphia is 30-13 ATS off a road loss over the last 2 seasons.  The 76ers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.  The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Sacramento Kings -2.5 

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are in a world of hurt right now.  They traded away Nikola Mirotic, and now both Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn are out.  That’s three of their top four scorers.  It’s no wonder the Bulls have gone 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall, getting outscoring by 11.8 points per game.  This is a rare winnable game for the Kings and I expect them to take full advantage.  Chicago is 5-14-1 ATS in its last 20 vs. Western Conference teams.  The Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  The Kings are 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.  Take Sacramento. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 

The Key: The Thunder will be hungry for a victory following 3 consecutive losses coming in.  That streak came after an 8-0 run, and the Thunder will be looking to start a new streak in blowout fashion tonight.  They have owned the Lakers and that should continue to be the case, especially with Los Angeles likely without both Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.  The Thunder are 12-1 SU & 10-3 ATS in their last 13 meetings with the Lakers.  They have won the last 3 meetings by 24, 37 and 17 points, respectively.  Take Oklahoma City. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Dallas Mavericks -4.5 

The Key: This is an awful spot for the Sacramento Kings.  They’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back after losing to the Warriors 104-119 last night.  They won’t be nearly as excited to play the Mavericks as they were to play the Warriors.  The Mavs come in on 2 days’ rest and are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when working on 2 days’ rest.  Dallas is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 home games.  The Mavericks are also 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following an ATS loss.  The Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.  Sacramento is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Dallas. 

7* NBA Total of the Week on Pacers/Hornets UNDER 211 

The Key: The Pacers and Hornets just played a few days ago on January 29th.  The Pacers won 105-96 at home for 201 combined points, and the Pacers shot 54.2% in the win.  There’s little chance they top this 211-point total in the rematch, especially considering the Pacers aren’t going to shoot any better than they did.  That game was played as a slow pace as both teams attempted 83 shots in the game.  I think we see more of the same here.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings with combined scores of 201, 175, 188 and 204 points.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Thunder/Nuggets TNT *BAILOUT* on Denver +1.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are coming off two straight heartbreaking losses by a combined 3 points to two of the best teams in the NBA in San Antonio (104-106) and Boston (110-111).  They’ll be hungry for a victory when they return home tonight for this National TV game against Oklahoma City.  The Nuggets have a great home-court advantage in the altitude as they are 19-7 at home this year.  And the Nuggets have had the Thunder’s number in recent meetings, going 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last 3 meetings with their only loss coming 94-95 as 5-point road underdogs.  Oklahoma City just had its 8-game winning streak come to an end with a 96-102 loss in Washington.  Now it’s a hangover spot for the Thunder as they will be deflated after having their winning streak come to a close.  The Thunder are 16-28 ATS as favorites this season.  Oklahoma City is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 road games after covering the spread in 5 or 6 of its last 7 games coming in.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Atlanta Hawks +3 

The Key: The Charlotte Hornets are just 6-15 SU & 7-11-1 ATS in their 19 road games this season. T hey cannot be favorites here against the Atlanta Hawks, who have been an underrated team this season.  The Hawks have recent upset home wins over the likes of Minnesota, Utah, New Orleans and San Antonio.  They have proven they can play with some great teams at home, and Charlotte is not a great team.  Atlanta is 21-10 ATS after having lost 4 or 5 of its last 6 games this season.  The Hornets are 9-19-1 ATS int heir last 29 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below 40%.  The home team is 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.  The Hawks want revenge from a 110-121 road loss in Charlotte on January 26th just a few days ago, adding to their motivation.  Take Atlanta. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on San Antonio Spurs -7.5 

The Key: Few teams have dominated the Denver Nuggets like the San Antonio Spurs.  The Spurs are 14-1 SU in their last 15 meetings with the Nuggets.  Their last 4 wins have all come by 14 points or more.  Their last 12 wins have all come by at least 8 points.  Now they are only laying 7.5 points here and it’s too good to pass up.  Denver is playing the second of a back-to-back after losing at home to the Celtics last night as well.  Take San Antonio. 

6* Monday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Celtics/Nuggets OVER 205 

The Key: The Boston Celtics have been playing without their best defender in March Smart the last few games.  It’s no wonder they have struggled defensively, which is a big reason they are just 1-5 in their last 6 games overall.  The Celtics have allowed 102-plus points in 6 of their last 7 games overall after being the best defensive team in the NBA up to that point.  They are still being treated like the best defensive team with a total of only 205 points here against the Denver Nuggets.  I expect this to be a shootout against a Nuggets team that is averaging 109.0 points per game at home this year.  These teams played in a shootout in their first meeting, a 124-118 win by Boston at home on December 13th that saw 242 combined points.  We don’t need anywhere near 242 to get the OVER tonight.  The OVER is 8-1 in Celtics last 9 Monday games.  The OVER is 14-3-1 in Nuggets last 18 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take the OVER. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Brooklyn Nets +10.5 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets have gone 30-18 ATS in all games, including 17-9 ATS in road games this season.  They have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.  They have a deep bench that will help them overcome this back-to-back situation after losing in Milwaukee last night.  Plus, it’s a short trip to Minnesota and they had two days off prior to the Milwaukee game.  This is a tough situation mentally for Minnesota, which lost 113-126 at Golden State on Thursday.  The Timberwolves have played five of their last six games on the road and are tired, plus they have the distraction of their first game back home here following a long trip.  And they certainly won’t be as hungry to face the Nets as they were to face the Warriors.  The Nets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Chicago Bulls -4 

The Key: The Bulls are now 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games overall and have been the most profitable team in the NBA to back during this stretch.  But they continue to lack the respect they deserve from the books.  I think they’ll be hungry to bounce back from two straight losses tonight.  And the Lakers come in getting too much respect after going 7-2 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  But 6 of those 7 wins came at home.  They went 1-2 on the road during this span with losses by 24 at Oklahoma City and by 9 at Memphis.  The Lakers are just 6-15 on the road this season.  The Bulls are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Chicago is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 home games.  The Lakers are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  Take Chicago. 

7* T’Wolves/Warriors TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 228 

The Key: The Timberwolves and Warriors have combined for 228 or fewer points in 7 straight meetings when you don’t include overtime.  They have combined for 228 or less at the end of regulation in 11 of the last 12 meetings as well.  This total has been set too high tonight.  Golden State is 32-15 UNDER in its last 47 home games after a game where it made 55% or better.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 games when playing on 0 days rest.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 21-7 in the last 28 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA Western Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers have regained their home-court advantage in recent weeks, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that they have gotten healthy.  The Blazers are 6-0 SU & 4-1-1 ATS in their last six home games.  Now they face a Minnesota Timberwolves team that will likely be without both Jimmy Butler and Jamal Crawford tonight.  They should get the win and cover as only 3.5-point home favorites.  The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.  The Blazers are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home meetings with Minnesota.  Take Portland. 

6* Celtics/Lakers TNT *BAILOUT* on Boston -5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics come in hungry for a victory following a season-high 3-game losing streak.  I expect them to get back on track against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.  The Celtics have won 4 straight meetings with the Lakers all by 6 points or more.  They won their last two trips to Los Angeles by 20 and 7 points.  The Celtics are 11-2 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4 games over the past 2 seasons.  The Celtics are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 road games.  Take Boston. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Philadelphia 76ers -3 

The Key: The 76ers are rolling right now having gone 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  They should make easy work of the Memphis Grizzlies tonight now.  The Grizzlies have a laundry list of injuries that the 76ers can take advantage of.  They are without key players Mike Conley, Chandler Parsons, James Ennis and JaMychal Green.  They also have both Dillon Brooks and Jarell Martin listed as questionable tonight, as well as Andrew Harrison and Brandan Wright both probable.  They are running out of bodies and won’t be able to compete with the recent buzz saw that is the 76ers.  Take Philadelphia.