Sports Picks & Predictions

15* Rockets/Jazz NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah -2.5

The Utah Jazz have certainly been struggling of late, but a lot of that has to do with playing one of the toughest schedule in the league in the month of February. I believe this team is undervalued heading into tonight's game with Houston because of their recent struggles. They are favored for good reason tonight.

Utah has lost nine of their last 11, but eight of those 11 games were played on the road, and two of their three home games came against the top two teams in the Western Conference in the Thunder and Spurs. Their road schedule has been a daunting one as well. It's safe to say the the Jazz are going to be extra hungry for a victory tonight to get back on track.

They should have no problem winning this game on their home floor, where they have been pretty impressive all season. This has been one of the best home teams in the league over the last decade as Salt Lake City provides a great atmosphere for basketball. The Jazz are 12-6 at home this season, while the Rockets are just 6-10 on the road.

Houston has won four straight, but all four of those wins came at home. This sets them up for a big letdown spot tonight as they are overrated due to their winning streak. This play falls into a system that is 26-6 (81.2%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against road teams (HOUSTON) - after 3 or more consecutive wins, extremely well rested team - playing only their 2nd game in 7 days. Roll with the Jazz Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Cleveland Cavaliers +10

The Cleveland Cavaliers are showing great value Wednesday as a double-digit underdog to the New York Knicks. Cleveland has been underrated all season, and that's certainly the case tonight. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are way overvalued right now due to their recent surge thanks to Jeremy Lin.

At 13-19 on the season, the Cavaliers are certainly improved from a year ago. Kyrie Irving is playing out of his mind and is the clear choice for Rookie of the Year honors through the All-Star Break. Cleveland is only getting outscored by an average of 3.6 points/game on the season, including 4.7 points/game on the road.

New York is just 17-18 on the year even with their recent 7-game winning streak. While Lin has improved this team, now is the time to fade them with all of the hype the Knicks have been getting in the media. Plus, New York is just 1-2 since Carmelo Anthony returned to the line-up, which has thrown of the chemistry the team had prior to him coming back.

This play falls into a system that is 25-5 (83.3%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against favorites (NEW YORK) - well rested team - playing 4 or less games in 10 days, in a game involving two marginal losing teams (40 to 49%). The Knicks are just 6-16 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons. Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

20* Knicks/Heat NBA on TNT No-Brainer on New York +10

The New York Knicks are showing solid value Thursday as a double-digit underdog to the Miami Heat. This team is hitting on all cylinders right now and they're ready to prove they are for real by giving the Eastern Conference-leading Heat a run for their money.

I see this game being decided by single-digits either way as the Knicks continue to play their best basketball of the season behind Jeremy Lin. They have won nine of their last 11 games and just recently got Carmelo Anthony back from injury.

New York played very well as a team in their 99-82 victory over Atlanta last night, and I look for them to carry that momentum into Miami tonight. The Heat are way overvalued right now due to their 7-game winning streak and this is clearly the perfect time to fade them.

The Knicks are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. New York is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog. The Knicks are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings with the Heat. These three trends make for a perfect 17-0 system backing New York. Bet the Knicks Thursday.

15* Nuggets/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Denver +9

The Denver Nuggets should not be catching nine points against the Los Angeles Clippers. While Denver is dealing with some injuries, this is one of the deepest teams in the league and they are still a dangerous opponent in the Western Conference short-handed.

Denver has played some of their best basketball on the road this season, going 9-8 SU and a very profitable 12-5 ATS. They are putting up a whopping 106.1 points/game away from home this year, and took Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City to overtime in their last road contest.

The Nuggets are 7-0 ATS in road games after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games this season. Denver is 23-6 ATS in their last 29 games as an underdog. The Nuggets are 23-7 ATS in their last 30 road games dating back to last year. Take the Nuggets Wednesday.

20* Lakers/Mavs ESPN GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles +5

The Los Angeles Lakers want revenge from getting swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs last year. While the Lakers already beat the Mavs earlier this season at home in their first meeting, there's no question that they will continue to want payback tonight.

Knowing the nature of Kobe Bryant, he's going to hold that against the Mavs until the end of his career. Every time he plays Dallas, he's going to remember getting swept in 2011. Behind a motivated effort, I look for the Lakers to win this game outright.

L.A. played arguably their best game of the season in a 103-92 victory over Portland last time out. They moved the ball great on offense, and held the Blazers to just 30 points in the first half before letting off the gas after intermission. The team held a players' only meeting after that win, which should only bring the Lakers closer together.

The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Mavericks are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing less than 75 points in their previous game. The road team is 13-6-1 ATS in the last 20 meetings. Bet the Lakers Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Rockets -4

The Houston Rockets are one of the more underrated teams in the league this season. Philadelphia is certainly overrated right now due to their fast start. I'll lay this small number with the Rockets at home in a game I see them winning by 7-plus tonight.

The 76ers are overvalued right now because they are 20-13, but they have played 19 home games compared to 14 road games this season. They have finally started to play more road games here of late, and are 0-3 in their last three road games.

Philly is 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall, including a 76-89 loss at Memphis last night. They will be playing their second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days while the Rockets come in on a days' rest. The Rockets are 13-4 at home this season, winning by 6.7 points/game.

The 76ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Philly is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. The 76ers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. These four trends make for a perfect 20-0 system backing Houston. Roll with the Rockets Wednesday.

15* Blazers/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -4

The Los Angeles Lakers are showing solid value tonight as a mere 4-point home favorite over the Portland Trail Blazers. They have been simply money at home all season, and this is a very generous line tonight.

The only reason I can see the Lakers being such a small favorite here is because they are playing the second of a back-to-back. But you could argue that Portland is the more tired team as they will be playing their 5th game in 7 days, while the Lakers are only playing their 4th game in 8 days. Off a poor performance last night in Phoenix, there's no doubt the L.A. will come back motivated tonight.

Los Angeles is 13-2 SU & 10-5 ATS at home this season, outscoring opponents by a whopping 9.8 points/game. They are only yielding 85.7 points on 39.9 percent shooting at home. That's bad news for the Blazers, who are just 5-10 on the road this season, scoring 91.3 points/game on 41.8 percent shooting.

This play falls into a system that is 35-12 (74.5%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (LA LAKERS) - revenging a road loss vs opponent against opponent off a home blowout win by 20 points or more. L.A. is 32-8 in their last 40 and 16-3 in their last 19 home meetings with Portland at Staples Center. Roll with the Lakers Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Milwaukee Bucks +2.5

The Milwaukee Bucks will be the more motivated team tonight as they look to beat Orlando for the first time this season. I like their chances of getting revenge in a very tough spot for the Magic.

I just don't see Orlando bringing the motivation it's going to take to come away with a road victory tonight. The Magic have won the first two meetings with the Bucks this season, and they are coming off a deflating 78-90 loss at Miami yesterday. After playing the Heat, the Magic will have a hard time getting up for the Bucks.

Milwaukee easily could have won both games against Orlando this season. They held the lead going into the 4th quarter in both contests, and blew a 7-point lead in Orlando with less than six minutes remaining just four nights ago on February 17th. This will be their 3rd meeting in the last 10 days, so there's no question the Bucks are going to be the more motivated team.

The home team is 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in this series. The Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with the Magic. Scott Skiles is 40-19 ATS in home games after having lost 4 of their last 5 games in all games he has coached. Take Milwaukee Monday.

15* Magic/Heat ABC ATS ANNIHILATOR on Miami -9

The Miami Heat are playing their best basketball of the season right now. I look for that to continue on National TV this afternoon as they get revenge on the Orlando Magic from an earlier loss this month. A motivated Heat team is certainly a dangerous one.

Miami lost 102-89 at Orlando on 2/8 for their worst loss of the season. There's no question this team has payback in mind, and I am banking on them getting it by double-digits at home this afternoon. Miami is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall, winning all five contests by 15 points or more. Roll with Miami Sunday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Golden State Warriors +10.5

The Golden State Warriors should not be catching double-digit points tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Golden State will be the more motivated team tonight, which means they will be giving the better effort which should result in a cover against this inflated spread.

Golden State has lost their first two meetings with Oklahoma City by 11 and 3 points, respectively. They'll want revenge tonight, while the Thunder could certainly be disinterested after opening 2-0 in this season series. The Warriors have been really tough in this series on the road, not losing any of their last three road meetings by more than 8 points.

The Warriors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5, including 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5. Golden State is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Oklahoma City. Add up these three trends and we have a 20-2 (91%) System backing the Warriors. Take Golden State Friday.

25* Mavs/76ers NBA on ESPN GAME OF THE YEAR on Philadelphia -2.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are showing their best value of the season tonight as just a small 2.5-point home favorite over the Dallas Mavericks. The 76ers will be amped up to take on the defending champs while also looking to bounce back from a loss at Orlando last time out.

Dallas is way overvalued with this line due to their five-game winning streak and their blowout home victory over the Denver Nuggets last time out. That was a Denver team playing without several of their key players. Their streak ends tonight.

Philly is 20-10 SU & 19-11 ATS on the season. That includes a 13-5 SU & 12-6 ATS mark at home where they are outscoring opponents by a whopping 10.8 points/game. The 76ers only give up 83.6 points on 41.1 percent shooting at home this year. The home team has won six of the last eight meetings in this series.

The 76ers have been incredible when trying to bounce back from a loss, going 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. loss. Philly is 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games as a favorite. The 76ers are 8-1 ATS versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=43% this season. Philly has suffered back-to-back losses just once all season. Bet the 76ers Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Milwaukee Bucks +7.5

The Orlando Magic are way overvalued right now due to winning seven of their last nine while entering this game on a three-game winning streak. The Milwaukee Bucks are undervalued thanks to a three-game losing streak heading in. I'll side with the value and back the live underdog tonight.

Milwaukee obviously wants to put an end to this losing streak in a hurry. They'll be the more motivated team in this one, while Orlando comes in relaxed and not as hungry. The Bucks have been tough on the road this season, only getting outscored by 4.0 points/game. Orlando is only outscoring opponents by 4.2 points/game at home.

The Bucks just played the Magic on 2/11 less than a week ago, falling 99-94. Each of the last three meetings in this series were decided by 6 points or less. Milwaukee will be out for revenge tonight as well, only adding more incentive for them to cover this large spread.

The Bucks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog. The Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. Orlando is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Milwaukee is 17-6 ATS in their last 23 after 3 or more consecutive losses. The Bucks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Roll with Milwaukee Friday.

15* Clippers/Blazers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -2

This is simply too low of a line to pass up on the Clippers tonight. Los Angeles is clearly the better team when you factor in who is playing in this game, and you have to believe they are out for some revenge after losing to Portland on the road earlier this season.

The Trail Blazers were able to go on the road and beat Golden State 93-91 last night without All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge. I can't see them having the same kind of success without Aldridge against the Clippers tonight. Los Angeles has a couple of pretty good players down low in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, who should dominate this game on both sides of the floor. Without Aldridge (22.6 ppg) in the lineup, Portland's leading scorer is reserve Jamal Crawford at 14.3 ppg. They simply don't have enough offense to keep this game close.

The Clippers are 8-1 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent this season. Los Angeles is also 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite. Portland is 0-7 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 this season. Bet the Clippers Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Charlotte Bobcats +10.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves should not be laying double-digits against any team in this league. I know the Charlotte Bobcats have the worst record, but there's no question that this line has been inflated. I'll take advantage tonight.

The biggest reason for Charlotte's early struggles has been injuries. But the Bobcats are finally starting to get healthy, and they could be a very solid value play not only tonight, but over the next few weeks. They just got back their best player in Corey Maggette, who scored 22 points last time out. Also, starting PG D.J. Augustin is expected to make his return tonight.

Minnesota comes into this game on a 4-game losing streak. The Timberwolves have been overmatched during this skid, and they have no business getting this much respect tonight. This is a flashy team with the addition of Ricky Rubio, which makes them a public team. While the Timberwolves are improved this year, they remain one of the worst teams in the Western Conference.

Charlotte has been a thorn in Minnesota's side for years. The Bobcats have won eight of their last nine meetings with the Timberwolves. That includes four road victories during this stretch, which dates back to 2007.

The Timberwolves are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite. Minnesota is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss. The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. These four trends make for a 21-1 (95%) system backing the Bobcats. Take Charlotte Wednesday.

25* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on New Orleans Hornets +9.5

The New Orleans Hornets are showing their best value of the season tonight as nearly a double-digit underdog to the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee has no business being this heavily favored tonight in a game I believe the Hornets can win outright.

New Orleans finally put an end to their losing streak with an impressive 86-80 victory over the Utah Jazz two nights ago. Chris Kaman led the way with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Greivis Vasquez dished out 10 assists filling in for the injured Jarrett Jack.

Milwaukee is just 12-16 on the season, yet they are getting treated like one of the elite teams in the NBA with this line tonight. The Bucks haven't won a game by double-digits since last month, and they could easily suffer a hangover from their blowout 96-114 home loss to the Miami Heat last time out.

The Bucks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games as a favorite. Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. The Bucks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Hornets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. New Orleans has won 10 of their last 11 meetings with Milwaukee, making for a 91% system backing them tonight. Bet the Hornets Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Orlando Magic -3

The Orlando Magic continue to be undervalued due to the trade talks surrounding Dwight Howard. The Philadelphia 76ers are overvalued due to their fast start. The clear value in this game is with the small home favorite.

Orlando is 6-2 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last 8 games overall, beating up on some good teams while also taking advantage of soft lines. They have a win over Miami and solid road victories over the Pacers and Bucks during this stretch. Their only losses came by 5 points to the Clippers and by 2 points in overtime to the Hawks.

The 76ers are an impressive 20-9 on the season, but they have been doing most of their damage at home. Philly has played 18 home games compared to 11 road games this season, which is the biggest reason for their early success. The value is gone from this team for now, though it could come back later in the season.

This play falls into a system that is 28-8 (77.8%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (ORLANDO) - revenging a loss where team scored less than 85 points, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%). After losing at Philly 69-74 in their first meeting this season, I like the Magic to have their revenge tonight. Roll with Orlando Wednesday.

15* Hawks/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -5.5

The Los Angeles Lakers have been virtually unstoppable at the Staples Center all season. They are 11-2 at home this year, outscoring opponents by 9.9 points/game. Their 85.2 points/game allowed at home is by far the best in the Western Conference.

Atlanta's nine losses to clubs with winning records this season have come by an average of 13.1 points, and it's fallen behind by at least 20 in its last five defeats overall. The Hawks have lost five straight road games to the Lakers by an average of 17.0 points, allowing 109.2 points per game while shooting 25.0 percent from long distance.

The Lakers' role players have been excellent at home, but terrible on the road. Steve Blake and Matt Barnes are averaging a combined 18.0 points and shooting 47.2 percent at Staples compared to 10.5 points and 34.9 percent on the road. This team simply plays with a lot more confidence as a whole at home, and this is a very generous line tonight.

The Hawks are 10-25 ATS in their last 35 vs. Western Conference. Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific opponents. The Lakers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games. The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Los Angeles. Roll with the Lakers Tuesday.

15* Suns/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Golden State -3

The Golden State Warriors should be a much heavier favorite tonight over the Phoenix Suns. Golden State continues to go under the radar. I believe this is one of the most underrated teams in the league, and it's simply taken some time to gel under new head coach Mark Jackson.

The Warriors are playing their best basketball of the season right now. They are riding a two-game winning streak with impressive wins over the Denver Nuggets (109-101) on the road and the Houston Rockets (106-97) at home. Under the defensive-minded Jackson, the Warriors are playing much better defense, giving up 100.7 points/game overall and less than 100 points/game at home.

Phoenix is one of the most overrated teams in the league this season. That's indicated by the fact that the Suns are 12-15 SU & 12-15 ATS. Phoenix is only scoring 92.2 points/game away from home this season. They simply haven't surrounded Steve Nash with the kind of talent it takes to make this team a playoff contender.

The Warriors are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5. The Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Phoenix is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 vs. Western Conference. The home team is 15-7-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings. The Suns are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 meetings in Golden State. Take the Warriors Monday.

15* Heat/Hawks ESPN ATS ANNIHILATOR on Miami -4

The Miami Heat are showing solid value Sunday as a mere 4-point favorite over the Atlanta Hawks. Rarely will you get the Heat at this kind of price. In my opinion, they are the second-best team in the Eastern Conference behind the Bulls, so you should definitely pull the trigger any time you get them as a small favorite.

This play falls into a system that is 35-11 (76.1%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet on road favorites (MIAMI) - off a road win against a division rival, tired team - playing their 3rd road game in 5 days.

Atlanta is 11-26 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. The Hawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. The Heat are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings, including 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Atlanta. The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Roll with the Heat Sunday.

20* Bulls/Celtics ABC Sunday No-Brainer on Chicago -3

The Chicago Bulls are the real deal. Any time you can get the Bulls at this kind of price, you better take advantage. That's precisely what I'm doing Sunday as the Bulls go into Boston and come away with a blowout victory.

In my opinion, the Bulls are the best team in the league. They are 23-6 this season despite playing several games without Derrick Rose due to injury. While I expect Rose to play today, I still envision the Bulls covering either way.

This play falls into a system that is 49-17 (74.2%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet against road favorites (CHICAGO) - after having covered 4 of their last 5 against the spread, a top-level team (>=75%) playing a team with a winning record.

The Bulls are 7-0 ATS after playing 3 consecutive games as a road favorite this season. Chicago is 8-0 ATS in road games after playing 4 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons. The Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. These three trends make for a perfect 19-0 system backing Chicago. Bet the Bulls Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Orlando Magic -2

The Orlando Magic are showing great value tonight as just a 2-point road favorite over the Milwaukee Bucks. Orlando remains one of the best teams in the league despite the trade talks for Dwight Howard.

Orlando owns Milwaukee, winning three straight in this series and six of their last seven meetings. The Magic come in the more motivated team tonight after losing in overtime last night to the Hawks, while the Bucks escaped with an overtime victory over the Cavaliers.

Another reason I like this play is because the head referee is Tony Brothers. He is known for favoring road teams. Road clubs are 14-9 ATS in all games he has officiated this season. In 2010-11 road teams were 43-27-1 ATS, in 2009-10 they were 49-21-2 ATS, in 2008-09 they were 38-34-2 ATS, and in 2007-08 they were 45-30 ATS. This is not by coincidence, folks.

The Magic are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Bucks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest. Orlando is 7-2 ATS in thier last 9 road games. The Magic are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a S.U. loss. Take Orlando Saturday.

20* Lakers/Knicks ESPN Friday No-Brainer on Los Angeles -3.5

The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly the superior team, and that will show on the court tonight. They come in with a ton of confidence after beating the Boston Celtics in overtime last night, picking up a signature road win that has been eluding them. I look for L.A. to build off that performance by destroying New York here.

The Knicks have actually won two straight games without Carmelo Anthony or Amare Stoudemire. As I've seen in year's past, teams can win right away without their superstar(s), but it eventually catches up to them withing a few games.

New York is getting way too much respect with this line due to all the hype that PG Jeremy Lin is receiving. While Lin has played well, he has led the Knicks to wins over the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, which is no big achievement. He and the Knicks' run comes to an end tonight against a legitimate opponent.

While the Lakers will be playing the second of a back-to-back, it won't affect them because they came into the Boston game on two days' rest. This team will give just as good of an effort as they did last night, which will be more than enough to beat the Knicks by 4-plus points.

The Lakers are 9-0 in their last nine meetings with New York dating back to 2007, winning eight times by 5 points or more. Kobe Bryant always gets up to play in Madison Square Garden, where he holds the single-game scoring record of 61 points. Bet the Lakers Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -13

The Chicago Bulls are simply storming through the NBA once again this season. This is a big number, but I'm willing to lay it as they'll be facing one of the worst NBA teams tonight. The best part about Chicago is that they rarely have letdowns, bringing their best effort night in and night out against all competition.

Chicago has won four straight games, including three in a row by 21 points or more all on the road against the Bucks, Nets and Hornets. The Bulls are 22-6 on the season, including 17-11 ATS. Chicago has won three straight over Charlotte, including a 101-84 victory in their last road meeting.

The Bobcats are 3-22 SU & 9-16 ATS in all games this season. Charlotte has lost 12 straight coming into this one, including seven of their last nine by double-digits. This team simply cannot be competitive because they are missing three of their best players in D.J. Augustine, Gerald Henderson and Corey Maggette.

The Bulls are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games. The Bobcats are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games. The road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in this series. Charlotte is 1-9 ATS in their last 10 home games after playing 2 consecutive road games. Roll with the Bulls Friday.

20* Thunder/Kings TNT Late-Night PARLAY on Sacramento +7/OVER 201.5

I like both of these plays quite a bit tonight. The Sacramento Kings have been playing their best basketball of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been an OVERS machine of late. I believe both selections get the cash tonight.

I am on Sacramento because they are a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall. While they have only won three of those six games, their three losses all came on the road by a combined 8 points, and they were never beaten by more than 3 points. The Kings also picks up impressive home wins over the Blazers and Warriors.

Oklahoma City is simply overvalued at this point in the season due to the fact that they own the best record in the Western Conference at 20-5. But this team has simply been winning most of their close games, which is the reason for their good record. The Thunder are only outscoring opponents by 4.8 points/game on average, including 2.1 points/game on the road.

Sacramento has played the Thunder very tough at home over the past few seasons. The Kings have not lost to Oklahoma City by more than 8 points in any of their last six home meetings. Five of those six games were decided by 6 points or less.

Oklahoma City is 7-1 to the UNDER in their last 8 games overall. Not surprisingly, they have played their last six games without top defender Thabo Sefolosha, who is expected to miss tonight's game as well. The Thunder have topped the 100-point mark in six of their last eight games, but they have given up 109 or more points in five of their last seven. This team is not playing any defense right now.

The last two meetings in this series have seen 232 and 222 combined points, respectively. I expect a similar shootout tonight between two teams that play little defense. The OVER is 10-1 in Thunder last 11 vs. NBA Pacific opponents. The OVER is 13-5-1 in the last 19 meetings in Sacramento. Bet the Kings and the OVER tonight.