Sports Picks & Predictions

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Milwaukee Bucks following 15 consecutive victories.  But now is the spot they let down playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a comeback win at Brooklyn from 10 points down at halftime last night.

The Orlando Magic have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA over the past couple months.  They have gone 25-13 ATS in their last 38 games overall.  The Magic are fully healthy right now and ultra competitive even against the best teams in the NBA.

Indeed, the Magic are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Orlando is 8-1 ATS vs. teams that make 14 or more 3-pointers per game this season.  Bet the Magic Wednesday.

20* Cavs/Celtics ESPN No-Brainer on Cleveland +5.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Cleveland Cavaliers.  They had lost three straight before crushing the Toronto Raptors 118-93 at home on Sunday.  Now they have had the last two days off and are rested and ready to go tonight.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics will be playing in their 4th different city in 7 days.  They have been shaky since returning from the break, needing OT to beat the Pacers, winning by 3 over the 76ers and losing by 15 to the Knicks.  I fully expect this game to go down to the wire tonight.

The Cavaliers have had the Celtics number in their two meetings this season, pulling the 132-123 upset on the road as well as beating the Celtics at home.  They clearly match up well with them and that won't change here tonight.

Boston is 1-13 ATS when revenging a loss as a favorite this season.  The Celtics are 0-10 ATS when revenging a same-season loss this season.  The Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a win by more than 10 points.  Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Charlotte Hornets +10.5

The public is all over the Phoenix Suns tonight in anticipation of Kevin Durant's debut with the team.  That's why they are double-digit road favorites here when they shouldn't be, and we'll take advantage.  Chemistry will be an issue for the Suns in the immediate future trying to incorporate Durant, and he'll also be on a minutes restriction.

Couple that with the fact that La'Melo Ball just suffered a season-ending injury for the Hornets and the public is really on the Suns.  But teams tend to rally in their first game without their superstar, and the Hornets will do just that tonight.

The Hornets have quietly gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with three outright upsets as underdogs of 5.5 points or more.  They still have plenty of talent without Ball to compete with the Suns with the likes of Oubre Jr., Rozier and Hayward all healthy right now.

The Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last six games when playing on two days' rest.  The Hornets are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a win.  Bet the Hornets Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers +9

The Indiana Pacers are 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with their lone loss coming in OT to the Celtics.  They went on the road and beat the Magic by 13 last time out, and I think they take the Dallas Mavericks to the wire tonight.  They are as healthy as they have been all season which is a big reason for their recent surge.

The Dallas Mavericks are over-hyped right now due to trading for Kyrie Irving.  They are 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone victory coming against the worst team in the NBA in the San Antonio Spurs.  Asking the Mavericks to beat the Pacers by double-digits to beat us is asking too much tonight.

The Pacers are 13-3 ATS when playing just their 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Mavericks are 13-27 ATS as favorites this season.  Dallas is 4-14 ATS in non-conference games this season.  The Mavericks are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Pacers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +3.5

I love the spot for the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a 115-124 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, and now they get their shot at revenge here just two days later.  And there's a chance the Kings won't have De'Aron Fox, who is questionable with a wrist injury and means everything to them.  Either way I think the Thunder pull off the upset.

The Thunder are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a loss.  Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS loss.  The Thunder are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games after losing four or five of their last six games.  The Kings will suffer a letdown tonight after just beating this team two days ago.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Brooklyn Nets +6.5

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Milwaukee Bucks following 14 consecutive victories, and a great time to 'buy low' on the Brooklyn Nets following two consecutive losses while also losing four of their last five games overall.

It was going to take the Nets a few games to form some chemistry following the trades.  They played well in Atlanta losing 127-129 as 6.5-point dogs last time out.  And now they are back home for the first time since the break and will be highly motivated to try and knock off the Bucks.  Don't be surprised to see Milwaukee take them lightly tonight.

Brooklyn is 46-29 ATS in its last 75 games as an underdog.  The Nets are 19-10 ATS after playing a road game this season.  The Nets are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games.  Brooklyn is 25-9-1 ATS in its last 35 games after allowing more than 25 points in its previous game.  Brooklyn has an elite defender in Mikal Bridges to sick on Giannis, which is a factor that is getting overlooked here.  Bet the Nets Tuesday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -3.5

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the New Orleans Pelicans following three consecutive road losses to the Lakers, Raptors and Knicks.  Now the Pelicans return home highly motivated for a victory where they are 20-10 SU & 17-13 ATS this season.

They host an Orlando Magic team that is quickly playing themselves out of playoff contention after going 3-4 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They barely beat the Pistons by 2 as 7.5-point home favorites in their first game back from the break, and were blown out by the Pacers by 13 as 2.5-point home favorites last time out.  This is a step up in class for them and now having to go on the road.

The Pelicans are 28-14 ATS in their last 42 games after losing four or five of their last six games.  New Orleans is 24-13 ATS in its last 37 games as a home favorite.  Plays against underdogs (Orlando) - off an upset losses as a favorite, in a game involving two teams that win 40-49% of their games are 26-9 (74.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Pelicans Monday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Cleveland Cavaliers.  They are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall and highly motivated for a victory as a result.  The three losses came to the 76ers, Nuggets and Hawks, where they were playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  So the spots haven't been great for them, but this is a great spot here.

The Cavaliers are 25-7 SU & 21-11 ATS at home this season.  They had yesterday off and host a Toronto Raptors team that will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 95-91 win over lowly Detroit last night.  

It will also be the 2nd road game in 2 days and the 3rd game in 4 days overall for the Raptors.  Anunoby played over 38 minutes, Barnes 37, Trent Jr. 36 and Siakam 35 yesterday for the Raptors.  They also may be without VanVleet again.

Toronto is 1-13 ATS in its last 14 road games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days.  The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.  The Cavaliers are 11-2-1 ATS in their last 14 Sunday games.  Cleveland is 7-1-2 ATS in its last 10 games following a loss by more than 10 points.  Bet the Cavaliers Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans +3

The New Orleans Pelicans are playing better going 4-3 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They lost by 5 on the road at Toronto in their first game back from the break, and I look for them to come back highly motivated for a victory tonight in New York as a result.

The Pelicans had yesterday off, while the Knicks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after coming back from double-digits down to beat the Washington Wizards 115-109 on the road last night.  Julius Randle played over 36 minutes and Jalen Brunson over 38 minutes for the Knicks last night.

New York is 10-22 ATS in its last 32 home games following a win.  Plays against any team (New York) - following two or more consecutive upset wins as road underdogs, when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 103-58 (64%) ATS since 1996.

Plays on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (New Orleans) - following two or more consecutive road losses, a well-rested team playing 6 or fewer games in 14 days are 84-41 (67.2%) ATS since 1996.  The road team is 4-1 SU in the last five meetings.  Bet the Pelicans Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Charlotte Hornets +6.5

The Charlotte Hornets won their final two games going into the All-Star Break upsetting Atlanta as 5.5-point dogs and crushing the Spurs by 10 as 5-point favorites.  There's a lot to like about this team moving forward because they are as healthy as they have been in a long time.

La'Melo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. have all missed significant time for the Hornets this season which has contributed to their struggles.  But they are all healthy coming out of the All-Star Break.  They are primed for a big effort here against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves traded away De'Angelo Russell and are still without Karl-Anthony Towns, two of their three best players.  They are probably going to be a fade team the rest of the way until Towns returns because Anthony Edwards can't do it all on his own.

Charlotte simply owns Minnesota.  The Hornets have gone 5-1 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Timberwolves with their lone loss coming in OT.  They beat the Timberwolves 110-108 as 6.5-point home underdogs in their first meeting this season.  Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games when playing in three or more days' rest.  Bet the Hornets Friday.

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Washington Wizards +2

The Washington Wizards have quietly gone 10-4 SU & 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They actually rank 3rd in the NBA in net rating over their past 15 games, and only the Cavaliers and Bucks have been better.  They should not be home underdogs to the New York Knicks tonight.

The Knicks have gone 8-8 SU & 8-8 ATS in their last 16 games overall.  They rank 17th in net rating over their past 15 games.  They have been below average during this stretch, and they have no business being road favorites here.

Washington is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 home games after covering three of its last four coming in.  Bet the Wizards Friday.

15* Warriors/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -5

The Los Angeles Lakers sit in 13th place in the West and two games out of the play-in round and 3.5 games out of 6th place.  It's safe to say they will be fully focused and locked in here for the stretch run to try and make the playoffs.  They made some key trades that will help them, and they are fully healthy coming out of the break with both LeBron and Davis probable tonight.

The same cannot be said for the Warriors, who will be without their two best players in Steph Curry (29.4 PPG, 6.4 APG) and Andrew Wiggins (17.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG).  The Warriors are one of the worst road teams in the NBA this season to boot, going 7-22 SU & 9-20 ATS away from home this season.  This one has blowout written all over it.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +2.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder come out of the All-Star Break as the 10th and final team to make the play-in round in the Western Conference.  They are just 1.5 games out of 6th place and a secured spot.  They have a lot to play for the rest of the way and are trending up, ranking 3rd in the NBA in net rating over their last 15 games.  Only the Cavaliers and Bucks have been better.

The Utah Jazz just made some big trades that indicate they are punting on this season.  They are in 11th in the West and faltering, going 2-5 SU In their last seven games while ranking 26th in net rating during this span.  They traded away Mike Conley hoping to get Collin Sexton (14.3 PPG) more minutes, but he's out tonight.  They also let Russell Westbrook walk to the Clippers.  What's left of this roster is an NBA bottom feeder.

The Thunder are 44-21-1 ATS in their last 66 road games.  Oklahoma City is 25-9-1 ATS in its last 35 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Thunder are 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in Salt Lake City.  Bet the Thunder Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans +6

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the New Orleans Pelicans.  They went 4-12 SU & 5-10-1 ATS in their final 16 games going into the All-Star Break as they were really banged up.  They are still without Zion Williamson, but they are healthy everywhere else and come out of the break playing with a chip on their shoulder.  They are just a half-game back of the 6th spot in the West to avoid the play-in round despite their recent struggles.

I like their chances of staying within 6 points of the Toronto Raptors, who we'll 'sell high' on after winning five of their final six games going into the break against an extremely soft schedule of Houston, San Antonio, Detroit, Orlando, Utah and Memphis.  Both OG Anunoby and Thaddeus Young are questionable for the Raptors tonight.

Toronto is 6-19 ATS in its last 25 home games following a win by 10 points or more.  The Pelicans are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.  New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to Toronto.  Bet the Pelicans Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Night BLOWOUT on Orlando Magic -6.5

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 24-11 ATS in their last 35 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

Now the Magic come out of the break with their sights set on revenge from two losses at Detroit in their first two meetings this season, both of which came in 2022.  They have been a completely different team in 2023 with a positive net rating over their last 15 games.  They are much better than the Detroit Pistons.

The Pistons look to be tanking and there's just not much to like about them right now.  They lost five of their final six games prior to the All-Star Break with their lone win coming at home over the lowly Spurs in OT.  They rank 27th in the net rating over their past 15 games and 28th on the season.  They sit at 15-44 on the season.

Orlando is 13-3 ATS after playing two consecutive road games this season.  The Magic are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.  Orlando is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games following a SU loss.  Bet the Magic Thursday.

25* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Cleveland Cavaliers -2

The Denver Nuggets are fat and happy coming out of the All-Star Break sitting in first place in the West with a five-game lead over Memphis.  I don't expect them to come out of the break playing with a sense of urgency.  They definitely aren't healthy coming out of the break with Jamal Murray (20.2 PPG, 5.8 APG) battling a knee injury and questionable, while Aaron Gordon (17.3 PPG, 6.9 APG) is out.

Cleveland went into the break playing some of the best basketball in the NBA going 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their final eight games with all seven victories coming by 8 points or more.  They did lost at Philadelphia in their final game, and that will help them come out of the break more motivated.  Not that they are lacking any motivation as they are in 4th place in the East and only five games back of first place.

The Cavaliers come out of the break fully healthy with the exception of Ricky Rubio, who they have been without for most of the season anyway.  They have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA going 25-6 SU & 20-10-1 ATS at home this season while outscoring opponents by 8.8 points per game.  Denver is a mediocre 14-4 SU & 12-16 ATS on the road this season.

Denver is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games following three consecutive games where they made 47% shots or better, including 0-7 ATS in their last seven road games following two consecutive games where they made 50% of their shots or better.  Cleveland has the big men defensively that will make life on Nikola Jokic much more difficult than he's used to on a nightly basis.  Bet the Cavaliers Thursday.

20* Bucks/Bulls TNT No-Brainer on Milwaukee -7.5

The Chicago Bulls are struggling going 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall.  They are banged up with DeRozan, Dragic and Jones Jr. all questionable to play tonight.  And now they are in an absolutely terrible spot.

Indeed, the Bulls will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 113-117 loss in Indiana last night.  It will also be the 7th game in 11 days for the Bulls.  They couldn't hold on to a 24-point lead at the end of the 1st quarter, which shows how bad they are right now.  It also meant that their starters would have to play big minutes.  LaVine played 42 minutes. Dosunmu 42, Vucevic 36 and White 33 for the Bulls last night.

They won't have much left in the tank for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now and will be motivated to extend their 11-game winning streak to 12 games in their final game prior to the All-Star Break.  Nine of their 11 wins have come by 8 points or more during this streak.  They are the much fresher team playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.  Look for them to put it on the Bulls tonight.

Milwaukee is 29-13 ATS in its last 42 games as a road favorite.  Chicago is 5-14 ATS in its last 19 games following a road loss.  The Bucks are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.  Milwaukee is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 trips to Chicago.  Bet the Bucks Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Brooklyn Nets PK

The Brooklyn Nets will be playing with a chip on their shoulders moving forward.  They have a bunch of players now that were traded in the Durant and Irving deals.  I really like the pieces they got back in Dinwiddie (17.9 PPG, 5.3 APG), Bridges (17.2 PPG), Johnson (13.8 PPG) and Finney-Smith (9.0 PPG).  I also like holdovers Claxton (13.0 PPG), Curry (10.6 PPG), Thomas (10.6 PPG), O'Neale (9.2 PPG) and Harris (8.6 PPG).  This is now one of the deepest teams in the NBA and won't be an easy out.

While the Nets are fully healthy heading into their final game prior to the All-Star Break and will have all hands on deck, the Miami Heat are limping into the break.  They are without Herro (20.6 PPG), Oladipo (11.2 PPG), Lowry (12.0 PPG, 5.3 APG) and Robinson (6.9 PPG) tonight.  The Heat are just 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall and struggling right now due to these injuries.

Miami is 3-11 ATS when revenging a home loss this season.  Plays on home favorites or PK (Brooklyn) - after having lost five or six of their last seven games, a winning team playing another winning team are 36-11 (76.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Nets Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Detroit Pistons +7.5

This is a terrible spot for the Boston Celtics tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 125-131 (OT) loss in Milwaukee last night.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Detroit Pistons tonight, and they won't be all that motivated to beat them for a 4th time.

Meanwhile, the Pistons will be playing with triple-revenge after losing by 16, 9 and 12 points to the Celtics in their first three meetings this season.  They will also be the much fresher team coming in on two days' rest after a 1-point loss at Toronto as 11-point dogs last time out.

Plays on any team (Detroit) - revenging a home loss vs. opponent that is coming off a road cover where they lost SU as an underdog are 52-24 (68.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Pistons are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Boston.  Bet the Pistons Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers -2.5

The Indiana Pacers will be highly motivated for a victory tonight after losing five consecutive games coming in.  This is their final game prior to the All-Star Break so they would love to go into the break without the sour taste of a six-game losing streak.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time and primed for a big effort here.

The Chicago Bulls are struggling worse, going 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 15 at Memphis, by 11 at Brooklyn, by 8 at Cleveland and by 9 at home to Orlando.  Making matters worse are six players on the injury report.  They will be without DeRozan and Jones Jr, while both Caruso and Dragic are questionable.

The Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  Indiana is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home meetings with Chicago.  The Pacers are 17-14 SU & 18-12 ATS at home this season.  The Bulls are 10-19 SU on the road this season.  Chicago is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games following three or more consecutive underdogs.  Indiana is 10-2 ATS in home games following a non-conference game this season.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 24-10 ATS in their last 34 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

I just cashed the Magic +5 last night in their 100-91 outright win at Chicago.  Now this line has been adjusted too much for them playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  This is one of the deepest teams in the NBA so they can handle these situations better than most.

The Toronto Raptors cannot be trusted to lay this kind of a number right now.  They only beat the Pistons by 1 as 11-point home favorites last time out, and they lost by 6 to Utah as 8.5-point favorites the game prior.  This is a step up in class for Toronto.

Orlando upset Toronto in each of their last two meetings this season winning 113-109 as 8-point dogs and 111-99 as 7-point dogs.  The Raptors are 16-46 ATS in their last 62 games when revenging two consecutive SU loss as a favorite.  Toronto is 5-13 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  The Magic are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Bet the Magic Tuesday.

20* Celtics/Bucks TNT No-Brainer on Milwaukee -8.5

The Boston Celtics stand little chance of keeping this game competitive tonight considering they are going to be without their three best players in Jayson Tatum (30.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.5 APG), Jaylen Brown (26.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG) and Marcus Smart (11.1 PPG, 7.2 APG).  It's simply too much for them to overcome tonight.  Not to mention, Robert Williams and Grant Williams are both questionable as well.

The Milwaukee Bucks won't be taking the Celtics lightly without these guys, either.  They trail the Celtics for 1st place in the East and this will be a National TV game, so they will be putting their best foot forward.  It's amazing how good this team is when healthy and it has shown over the past couple weeks during their current 10-game winning streak.  Nine of the 10 wins have come by 8 points or more.

The Bucks are 16-6 ATS as favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Milwaukee is 23-5 SU & 18-10 ATS at home this season.  The Bucks are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. good offensive teams that average 116 or more points per game.  Bet the Bucks Tuesday.

20* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Washington Wizards +4

The Washington Wizards have quietly gone 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last eight games overall with three outright upsets.  They are playing their best basketball of the season right now, and I fully expect them to upset the Golden State Warriors tonight.  The Wizards are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and are primed for another big effort.

I'm looking to fade the Warriors without Stephen Curry until he returns.  They are coming off consecutive losses to the Blazers and Lakers, who didn't even have LeBron James.  They could be without Andrew Wiggins, who is questionable with an ankle injury.  They just should not be favored over the Wizards given the state of these two teams currently.

The Wizards are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following a win.  The Wizards are 23-9-1 ATS in their last 33 games following a win by more than 10 points.  The Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games.  Golden State is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following a loss.  Bet the Wizards Monday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Minnesota Timberwolves +8

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a great spot tonight.  They coming in on two days' rest and have the next two days off after this game.  They will be 'all in' tonight in Dallas a result, and it should be enough to cover this 8-point spread and possibly win this game outright.

Dallas won both games with Kyrie Irving and without Luka Doncic, but then lost the game they both made their debut together against the Kings.  The Mavericks will now be playing their 3rd game in 4 days after two shootouts with the Kings in Sacramento.  I fully expect the Mavericks to be overvalued the rest the way with Irving and Doncic, who are both great on offense but terrible on defense.

Minnesota is 4-3 SU & 4-3 ATS in its last seven meetings with Dallas with two losses coming by 2 and 5 points.  So the Timberwolves have lost just one game in their last seven meetings with the Mavericks by more than this 8-point margin.

The Timberwolves are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a SU loss, and 6-0 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss as well.  Dallas is 6-16 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  Bet the Timberwolves Monday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Orlando Magic +5

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 23-10 ATS in their last 33 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

Now the Magic have their sights set on revenge from a 109-128 home loss to the Chicago Bulls on January 28th two weeks ago.  That was a terrible spot for the Magic playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a loss at Miami the night before.  It was also their 6th game in 9 days and they had nothing left in the tank for the Bulls.

Now they face a Chicago team not playing well at all going 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall with losses by 15 at Memphis, by 11 at Brooklyn and by 8 at Cleveland.  The Bulls will be playing their 5th game in 8 days here and are starting to run out of gas heading into the All-Star Break.

The Magic are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU loss, and 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.  Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Chicago.  Bet the Magic Monday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit Pistons +11.5

The Detroit Pistons aren't tanking contrary to popular belief.  They kept almost everyone at the trade deadline including Bojan Bogdanovic (21.5 PPG), who was one of the hottest trade pieces on the market.  They promptly won their first game since the deadline over the Spurs at home.

The Toronto Raptors promptly were upset as 8.5-point home favorites to the Utah Jazz in their first game since the deadline.  They cannot be trusted here as 11.5-point favorites over the Pistons, especially when you consider how Detroit has had their number in recent meetings.

Indeed, the Pistons are actually 6-1 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last seven meetings with the Raptors with six outright upsets as underdogs of 5 points or more in all six.  Their lone loss came by 4 points.  They just match up well with the Raptors clearly, and they won't go down without a fight today.  Bet the Pistons Sunday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +2.5

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 23-9 ATS in their last 32 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, Denver and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The spot favors the Magic tonight as they had Friday off, while Miami just had to go to the wire in a 97-95 home win over lowly Houston as 12-point favorites.  A big reason the Heat struggled is because they are short-handed right now playing without Lowry, Oladipo and Robinson.  Now they'll have to play the 2nd of a back-to-back after having four players play at least 34 minutes last night.  They won't have much left in the tank for Orlando.

The home team is 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings.  The Magic are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  The Heat are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Miami is 9-23-2 ATS in its last 34 games following a win.  The Heat are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games playing on zero rest.  The Magic are 17-4 ATS in their last 21 games playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Magic Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Brooklyn Nets +3.5

I have the Brooklyn Nets circled as a 'buy low' team moving forward.  They just traded away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving but got back some great pieces in those trades that will have them playing team basketball moving forward.  I like Dinwiddie, Finney-Smith, Bridge and Johnson a lot.  

Not to mention, Cam Thomas is on an absolute tear scoring 44, 47, 43 and 20 points in his last four games.  The Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with upset wins over Chicago and Washington as well as narrow losses to the Clippers and Suns.  I fully expect them to upset the 76ers tonight.

This is a terrible spot for the 76ers.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a comeback 119-108 home win over New York last night.  They will now be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.  Embiid played 37 minutes, Harden 37, Harris 34, Maxey 32 and Tucker 30 last night.  Don't be surprised if they rest Embiid or others here.

Brooklyn is 13-5 ATS as an underdog this season.  The Nets are 8-1 ATS in home games after covering four or five of their last six games this season.  The 76ers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Brooklyn is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games.  Bet the Nets Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Night BLOWOUT on Sacramento Kings -1.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Dallas Mavericks after winning four of their last five and covering four consecutive games coming in.  That includes an upset win on National TV as 8-point dogs at the Clippers in their first game with Kyrie Irving.  Now this is a letdown spot for them to say the least, and there are going to be chemistry issues for a few games after these trades.

The Kings have good chemistry and didn't make any moves over the deadline.  They like their team as it's easy to see why as they have gone 11-5 SU in their last 16 games overall and rank 2nd in the entire NBA in offensive efficiency.  They will test this weak Dallas defense that ranks 21st in defensive efficiency and got even worse when trading for Irving while losing Finney-Smith.

Dallas is 8-20-1 ATS in its last 29 games following a win.  The Mavericks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  The Kings are 22-10-1 ATS in their last 33 games playing on one days' rest.  Sacramento is 23-8-1 ATS in the last 32 meetings, including 4-1-1 ATS in the last six home meetings.  Bet the Kings Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +3.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 33-20-1 ATS in all games this season and have been the most profitable team to back over the past two seasons.  They have gone 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall with six outright upsets.  I fully expect them to upset the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.

The Blazers are dealing with a ton of injuries right now and are playing horrific defense.  They have allowed 112 or more points in 10 consecutive games and 14 o their last 15 games overall.  Now they face a potent Thunder offense that has scored 111 or more points in 16 of their last 18 games overall.

Oklahoma City is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games following three consecutive games where they committed 4-plus more turnovers than their opponents.  The Thunder are 17-6 ATS as road underdogs this season.  Oklahoma City is 10-1 ATS vs. poor pressure defensive teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  The Thunder are 43-21-1 ATS in their last 65 road games.  Oklahoma City is 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland.  Bet the Thunder Friday.

20* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on New Orleans Pelicans +3

The New Orleans Pelicans are still undervalued after a recent 10-game losing streak.  I have backed them in two of their last three games since where they've gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS as 1.5-point favorites over the Lakers, 2-point dogs to the Kings and 1-point favorites over the Hawks.  They won those three games by a combined 46 points.

Now the Pelicans are once again undervalued as 3-point home dogs to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Cleveland has one of the biggest home/road splits in the NBA this season.  The Cavaliers are just 12-16 SU & 11-15-2 ATS on the road this season and should not be favored over the Pelicans here.

Cleveland is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games after winning four of its last five games.  The Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS in their last six Friday games.  New Orleans is 7-1 ATS in its last eight home meetings with Cleveland.  The Pelicans are 20-9 SU & 16-12-1 ATS at home this season.  Bet the Pelicans Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +6.5

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 22-9 ATS in their last 31 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

Now the Magic are out for revenge from a narrow 116-119 loss at Denver as 10.5-point underdogs on January 15th in their first meeting this season.  I like their chances of staying within 6.5 points at home in the rematch and likely pulling off the upset tonight.  Denver is just 1-3 SU in its last four road games with its lone win coming by a single point.

Denver is 1-9 ATS in road games following three consecutive games where it made 47% of its shots or better this season.  The Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  The Magic are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.  Orlando is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following a SU loss.  The Magic are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  These five trends combine for a 32-2 system backing Orlando tonight.  Bet the Magic Thursday.

15* Thunder/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT Oklahoma City +6.5

The Los Angeles Lakers return home from a grueling five-game road trip at Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Indiana and New Orleans.  I always like fading teams in that first game back home following a long road trip because there are so many distractions back home.

Speaking of distractions, LeBron James needs 37 points tonight to break Kareem's All-Time scoring record.  I expect the Lakers to be playing a lot of 1 on 5 tonight because of it.  That's not going to work for them to beat the Thunder by 7-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Thunder after getting blown out at Golden State last night where Klay Thompson made 12 3-pointers and nothing went right for them.  The good news is that they are still fresh now as no player played more than 30 minutes for the Thunder last night.

Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following a loss.  The Thunder are 6-1 ATS in their last seven trips to Los Angeles.  Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 4 days this season.  The Thunder are 13-2 ATS after losing four or five of their last six games this season.  Oklahoma City is 7-0 ATS after three straight games committing four-plus more turnovers than their opponent this season.  The Thunder are 9-1 ATS vs. poor pressure defensive teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  Bet the Thunder Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder +4

The Golden State Warriors will be without Stephen Curry at least until after the All-Star Break.  They shouldn't be favored over the Oklahoma City Thunder without him tonight.  The Thunder are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA going 32-19-1 ATS in all games this season, including 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

The Thunder come in the more rested team playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, while the Warriors will be playing their 4th game in 6 days.  Oklahoma City wants revenge from a 120-128 home loss to the Warriors on January 30th just a week ago when Curry scored 38 points and made eight 3-pointers.

Oklahoma City is 42-20-1 ATS in its last 63 road games.  The Thunder are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.  Oklahoma City is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games vs. teams that are called for 2-plus more fouls per game than their opponents.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

15* 76ers/Knicks ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Philadelphia -4

The Philadelphia 76ers are fully healthy and playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now.  They have gone 9-1 SU in their last 10 games overall.  They are rested and ready to go tonight after having yesterday off and playing just their 5th game in 11 days.  The 76ers should be bigger favorites over the Knicks tonight given the horrible spot for the home team.

Indeed, the Knicks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 128-134 (OT) home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last night.  Their four best players all played at least 38 minutes with Barrett 43, Randle 40, Brunson 38 and Grimes 38 in that defeat.  They have played six consecutive games decided by single-digits, and after this rough stretch they won't have much left in the tank for the 76ers tonight.

Home-court advantage has not mattered in this series for the Knicks.  The 76ers are actually 10-1 SU in their last 11 trips to Madison Square Garden.  Philadelphia is 15-4 ATS when playing 6 or fewer games in 14 days this season.  New York is 11-26 ATS in its last 27 home games following a home game.  The Knicks are 0-8 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.  Bet the 76ers Sunday.

20* NBA Sunday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic +2

I keep riding the Orlando Magic and they keep delivering.  The Magic have quietly gone 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The Magic should not be underdogs to the lowly Charlotte Hornets, who have lost three consecutive games coming in.  The Hornets lost by 9 at Milwaukee, by 16 at Chicago and by 6 at Detroit.  Now they will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days with lots of travel involved.  They have almost zero home-court advantage as they are just 7-16 SU & 8-15 ATS at home this season.

Charlotte is 1-8 ATS in its last nine home games following three or more consecutive losses.  Orlando is 15-3 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on one days' rest.  The Hornets are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +5

Both the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back tonight.  But the spot is much worse for the Suns than it is for the Pistons, so getting 5 points with the Pistons at home tonight is simply too much.

The short-handed Suns are coming off a shocking 106-94 win at Boston last night.  That sets them up for a letdown spot here plus having to travel from Boston to Detroit.  It will be the 9th game in 15 days for the Suns, who are without Booker, Payne and Shamet and could be without Cameron Johnson due to injury management.

The Pistons are much healthier and much fresher following their 118-112 home win over the Hornets last night.  They get to stay at home here, had three days off prior to that game, and they will now be playing just their 7th game in 20 days.  This team really couldn't be more fresh than they are right now, and it has shown in their recent play in going 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with upset wins over the Nets and Hornets, plus close losses to Dallas by 6 and Houston by 3.

Plays against favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Phoenix) - a hot team winning six or seven of their last eight games, when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 75-35 (68.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  

The Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last six games when playing on zero rest.  Phoenix is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following a win by more than 10 points.  Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last five games when playing on zero rest.  The Pistons are 28-10 ATS in the last 38 meetings, including 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Detroit.  Bet the Pistons Saturday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington Wizards +3.5

The Washington Wizards are playing their best basketball of the season right now largely due to the fact that they are as healthy as they have been all year.  They are 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with three outright victories as underdogs.

Unfortunately, their six-game winning streak came to an end last night with a fluky 116-124 home loss to the Blazers last night in which they blew an 18-point halftime lead.  Now they come back highly motivated for a victory.  The only reason they are underdogs here is due to playing the second of a back-to-back, but they will still be fresh considering they had three days off prior to playing Portland.  Not all back-to-backs are created equal.

I'll gladly fade the Brooklyn Nets as home favorites here.  They remain without Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons and T.J. Warren are both questionable, and now Kyrie Irving is requesting to be traded.  This franchise is just filled with turmoil, especially right now.  They can't be trusted as home favorites given their current state and the way they have played at home of late.

Indeed, the Nets are 14-39 ATS in their last 53 games as home favorites.  The Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.  Washington is 41-17-2 ATS in its last 60 games when playing on zero rest.  Brooklyn is 16-40-2 ATS in its last 58 home games overall.  Bet the Wizards Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +5.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a sandwich spot here.  They are coming off a huge 119-114 (OT) win over the defending champion Warriors, and now they have the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets on deck.  They are in a letdown and lookahead spot here, and I don't think they put their best foot forward because of it.  That's going to make it tough for them to cover this 5.5-point spread against the pesky Magic tonight.

Orlando is 11-2 ATS following two consecutive road games this season.  The Magic are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last five games following an ATS loss.  The Magic are 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings, including 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Minnesota.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Detroit Pistons -1

The Detroit Pistons have a massive rest advantage over the Charlotte Hornets tonight that should lead them to victory in this battle between Eastern Conference bottom feeders.  Detroit was last seen losing 105-111 at Dallas as 8.5-point dogs on Monday, so they have had the last three days off.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd road game in 4 days after losses at Milwaukee on Tuesday and at Chicago on Thursday.  Washington played over 38 minutes last night against the Bulls, Ball 35, Rozier 36 and Plumlee 31.  The Hornets won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons tonight.

Detroit is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  The Hornets are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games when playing 8 or more games in 14 days.  Charlotte is 6-14 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record this season.  Bet the Pistons Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on New Orleans Pelicans +4.5

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans following nine consecutive losses.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight, and they are much better than they have shown while battling through injuries lately.  They are now fully healthy with the exception of Zion Williamson and I expect them to upset the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

The Mavericks have been the single-most overvalued team in the NBA. They are 27-25 SU but just 17-33-2 ATS this season.  Luka Doncic has to carry too much of the load for this team, and now he's without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG).  The Mavericks are 3-6 SU & 2-7 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Dallas is 2-12 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  The Mavericks are 3-13 ATS following a home win this season.  The Mavericks are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on two days' rest.  Dallas is 5-20-1 ATS in its last 26 games following a win.  Bet the Pelicans Thursday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Memphis Grizzlies -5

This is a rare opportunity to 'buy low' on the Memphis Grizzlies after going through their worst stretch of the season.  They finally ended a five-game losing streak with a 112-100 home win over the Pacers last time out.  All five losses came on the road, but the Grizzlies have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA at home.

Indeed, the Grizzlies are 21-3 SU & 16-8 ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.  This is a very short number for them to be laying against the Portland Trail Blazers, who are coming off a five-game home stand but are just 10-15 SU & 12-13 ATS on the road.

Memphis is 10-1 ATS after losing four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons.  Portland is 6-18 ATS in its last 24 games vs. a top teams that win between 60% and 70% of their games.  The Blazers are 0-8 ATS in their last eight road games.  The Grizzlies are 36-14-1 ATS in their last 51 home games.  Bet the Grizzlies Wednesday.

20* Pelicans/Nuggets TNT No-Brainer on New Orleans +7

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans.  They have lost seven consecutive games coming in.  They will want revenge from a 98-99 home loss to the Nuggets on January 24th just a week ago.  I love the value we are getting on the Pelicans tonight catching 7 points in the rematch.

It's not like the Nuggets are playing much better.  They are 1-3 SU in their last four games overall with their lone victory coming by a single point.  That includes an upset home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  They have only won one of their last five home games by double-digits.

The Pelicans are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Denver.  Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +8.5

The Dallas Mavericks have been getting respect all season that has been unwarranted.  They are 26-25 SU but just 17-32-2 ATS this season.  They are just 3-8 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood right now, plus Luka Doncic is questionable with an ankle injury.  I like the Pistons at this number whether or not Doncic plays.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They pulled off the 130-122 upset win at Brooklyn as identical 8.5-point dogs in their last road game.  They are rested and ready to go playing just their 4th game in 11 days tonight.  Detroit pulled the 131-125 upset as 8-point home dogs to the Mavericks in their first meeting this season.

Detroit is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Dallas is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games when revenging a loss as a favorite of 7 points or more.  Bet the Pistons Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the most undervalued team in the NBA for two seasons running now.  That has especially been the case of late as the Thunder are 8-3 SU & 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with all three losses coming by 5 points or fewer.  They are showing tremendous value catching 5.5 points at home to the Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Warriors have been dreadful on the road this season going 6-18 SU & 8-16 ATS away from home.  They play zero defense on the highway, allowing 122.9 points per game on 49% shooting.  The Thunder are 15-10 SU & 16-9 ATS at home this season and scoring 119.4 points per game on 48% shooting.

The Warriors are 2-10 ATS in road games following a win this season.  Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games vs. good offensive teams that average 116 or more points per game.  The Thunder are 8-0-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Sacramento Kings PK

I love the spot for the Sacramento Kings tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a 110-117 road loss at Minnesota on Saturday.  Now they get their shot at revenge here two days later and are the fresher team by far.

While the Kings will only be playing their 2nd game in 5 days, the Timberwolves will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and their 11th game in 18 days.  This is a clear letdown spot for the Timberwolves after just beating the Kings, plus it's a lookahead spot with the defending champion Warriors on deck Wednesday.  I expect the Kings to give an A-plus effort and the Timberwolves to be flat tonight.

Plays on road teams (Sacramento) - revenging a loss, while also off two or more consecutive upset losses as favorites are 42-21 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Kings are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 games when playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Kings Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -8.5

The Memphis Grizzlies will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost a season-high five consecutive games, but all five losses came on the road.  Now they are back home where they are 20-3 SU & 15-8 ATS this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.

The Grizzlies get a step down in class here against the Indiana Pacers, who have really been struggling without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), who is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  The Pacers are 1-9 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall and this run has coincided with the loss of Haliburton.  Five of their last seven losses have been by double-digits so they have rarely been competitive.

Memphis is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games after losing four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games vs. Central Division opponents.  The Grizzlies beat the Pacers 130-112 as 7.5-point road favorites on January 14th, and now are only 8.5-point home favorites in the rematch.  The Grizzlies are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with wins by 18, 30 and 33 points.  Bet the Grizzlies Sunday.

15* Lakers/Celtics ABC ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles +8

The Los Angeles Lakers want revenge from a 118-122 (OT) home loss to the Boston Celtics in which they blew a double-digit lead in the final minutes on December 13th in their first meeting this season.  They have Anthony Davis back healthy now and both James and Walker IV are questionable for this one.

The Celtics will be without their glue guy in Marcus Smart, who is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  That has shown as the Celtics are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games without him losing by 15 at Orlando as 7.5-point favorites, losing by 3 at Miami as 2.5-point dogs and lost by 3 at home to New York as 8.5-point favorites.

The Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall with their two wins during this stretch coming by 3 and 2 points.  They aren't blowing anyone out.  The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall with only one loss by more than 5 points in their last eight games.  Los Angeles is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games overall dating back further, including 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.  Bet the Lakers Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Sacramento Kings -2.5

This is a terrible spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 10th game in 16 days, which is about as tough of a situation as you will see in the NBA.  

Don't be surprised if they rest some starters after four starters played at least 30 minutes last night including 37 from Russell and 36 from Edwards.  It's also a letdown spot for the Timberwolves off an upset win over the Grizzlies, who knocked them out of the playoffs last year, so they definitely wanted some revenge last night and got it.

The Kings come in on two days' rest and will test Minnesota's tired legs by playing at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.  They will also be highly motivated for a win off an upset loss to the Raptors last time out.  The Kings have been a great road team this season at 11-9 SU & 13-7 ATS.  The Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Bet the Kings Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans -4

It's safe to say the New Orleans Pelicans will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost six consecutive games coming into this one.  But they just got Brandon Ingram back from injury last game, and they are at full strength with the exception of Zion Williamson.  This is a great spot to 'buy low' on the Pelicans, who also come in on two days' rest.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Washington Wizards, who are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall against a pretty soft schedule.  PF Kristaps Porzingis is out for the Wizards while PG Monte Morris is questionable.  The Pelicans beat the Wizards 132-112 on the road in their first meeting this season on January 9th.

The Wizards are 15-36-1 ATS in their last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Washington is 6-15-2 ATS in its last 23 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  New Orleans is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last four home meetings with the Wizards.  Bet the Pelicans Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Night Line Mistake on Los Angeles Clippers PK

The Los Angeles Clippers are a dangerous team when both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are healthy.  That has been the case in recent games and it has shown.  The Clippers are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with wins by 5, 14, 18 and 38 points.

Now they make it five in a row as a PK on the road at the Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks had lost to the Hornets by 4 at home and the Bulls by 11 on the road before getting a 5-point win at OKC.  They take a huge step up in class here after playing a very easy schedule of late.

Atlanta is 4-17 ATS in its last 21 games following a win by 6 points or less.  The Hawks are 6-18 ATS in their last 24 games following an ATS win.  Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last five games when playing on two days' rest.  Bet the Clippers Saturday.

15* Raptors/Warriors NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto +5.5

The Toronto Raptors are fully healthy right now and playing well.  They have gone 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 to Boston as 3.5-point dogs.  They beat the Knicks by 9 as 2.5-point home favorites and also upset the Warriors by 18 as 3-point road dogs.

Now the Raptors are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and will be highly motivated to try and beat the defending champion Warriors.  This is a Warriors team that is just 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall and could be without Andrew Wiggins tonight.  They have just one win by double-digits and two wins by more than 6 points in their last 14 games overall, so they aren't blowing anyone out.

Toronto is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games following two consecutive wins.  The Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games overall with 10 outright upsets as underdogs.  They are way better than they get credit for, and we'll continue to back them until the oddsmakers and betting public catch up to them.  The Magic are catching too many points tonight against the Miami Heat.

Miami is in a letdown spot following a 98-95 win over the Boston Celtics last time out.  The Heat haven't been blowing out anyone as they have only two wins in their last 11 games by more than 8 points.  They won't be blowing out the Magic tonight, either.

Orlando is 7-0 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  Miami is 11-21 ATS as a favorite this season.  Orlando is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on one day of rest.  The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Heat are 9-19-2 ATS in their last 30 games following a win, and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win.  Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings, and 6-2 ATS in the last eight trips to Miami.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -2.5

The Memphis Grizzlies have lost a season-high four consecutive games with three of those losses coming by a combined 5 points.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight so they don't get swept on this five-game road trip.  A motivated Grizzlies team as a short favorite is one that I definitely want to get behind.

We will 'buy low' on the Grizzlies tonight, while also 'selling high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have gone 9-4 SU & 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  The Timberwolves have taken advantage of a pretty easy schedule during this run, but this is a big step up in class for them tonight.

Memphis is a perfect 9-0 ATS in its last nine games after having lost four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 meetings with the Timberwolves.  Bet the Grizzlies Friday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +9

The Brooklyn Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 133-137 loss in Philadelphia last night.  They will be playing in their 6th different city in 10 days after playing their last five games on the road.  The Nets are just 2-5 SU in their last seven games without Kevin Durant with three losses by double-digits.  

Irving played 38 minutes, Claxton 38, Curry 34 and O-Neale 34 last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons, and that's going to make it very difficult to win by double-digits, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Pistons are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 11 days.  That makes it a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 1-7 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They are primed for one of their biggest efforts of the season tonight given the favorable spot.

Detroit is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Brooklyn is 0-8 ATS in its last eight home games after losing four or five of its last six games.  Brooklyn is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team that wins less than 25% of their games.  The Nets are 14-39-2 ATS in their last 55 home games.  Detroit is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

I'll gladly fade the Los Angeles Lakers in a terrible spot tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 7th game in 11 days after a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last night. They won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Spurs as they were the Clippers.

That's especially the case considering the Lakers have already beaten the Spurs three times this season alone. That means the Spurs will be playing with triple-revenge, and thus they will be the more motivated team.

The Spurs have quietly gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They will be the way fresher team playing just their 3rd game in 8 days. The Lakers are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games following a double-digit home loss. Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +1

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the single most underrated team in the NBA over the past couple seasons. They continue to get no respect as home underdogs to the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

The Thunder are 7-2 SU & 9-0 ATS in their last nine games overall. That includes six outright upsets as underdogs, which they just have a habit of doing. They should be favored over the Hawks at home tonight.

The Thunder come in rested and ready to go on two days' rest. The Hawks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days and their 8th game in 12 days tonight. They are starting to wear down after getting upset by the Hornets as 7.5-point home favorites two games ago, they lost by 11 at Chicago as 1-point road dogs last time out.

The Hawks are 7-23 ATS in their last 30 home games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Oklahoma City is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games playing on two days' rest. The Thunder are 25-11 ATS in the last 36 meetings. Bet the Thunder Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic -4.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall. This team is way better than they get credit for, and they are as healthy as they have been all season right now.

Now the Magic take on the struggling Indiana Pacers, who are 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS i n their last eight games overall. They are without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), and their recent struggles are due to missing one of the most underrated players in the NBA.

The Pacers ended a seven-game losing streak with a 116-110 comeback victory over Chicago last night. But that was a Bulls team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back. Now the Pacers are the team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back with travel. Four players played at least 32 minutes for the Pacers last night, and they won't have much left in the tank for the Magic.

The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games. The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games playing on one days' rest. Bet the Magic Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington Wizards +7.5

The Washington Wizards are playing much better of late since getting Bradley Beal back from injury. After upsetting the Knicks 116-105 as 5-point dogs two games ago, they came back and blasted the Magic 138-118 as 6.5-point home favorites.

Now the Wizards have had the last two days off and are as rested as they have been all season. They will also be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days as well as their 4th game in 11 days.

The Dallas Mavericks are just 2-6 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall and don't deserve to be 7.5-point favorites here. In fact, they have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season at just 16-30-2 ATS in their 48 games. They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG) right now, which puts too much on Luka Doncic's shoulders.

The Wizards are 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Mavericks with three outright upsets as 6, 6 and 7.5-point dogs as well as a 1-point loss as 4.5-point dogs. This line should be much closer to PK. Bet the Wizards Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +8.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall and have been very competitive even in losing efforts. Now they are catching too many points tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the Spurs are rested on two days' rest and playing just their 2nd game in 6 days, the Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 112-121 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night. It was their 3rd consecutive loss by 9 points or more.

The Blazers have no business being this heavily favored against anyone considering they are just 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Lillard played 39 minutes, Simons 38, Grant 34 and Hart 32 last night, so they won't have much left in the tank for the Spurs tonight.

Portland is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games following an upset loss as a favorite. San Antonio is 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland. Bet the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall. Now they are catching too many points at home to the Boston Celtics tonight.

The Celtics are without both Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon tonight, Robert Williams is questionable. and Jayson Tatum will be paying through a wrist injury. They are laying too many points on the road tonight given their injury situation.

Orlando is 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in three meetings with Boston this season. The Magic won outright as 13-point road dogs, outright as 11-point road dogs and only lost by 6 as 9-point home dogs in their first three meetings this season.

Orlando is 5-0 ATS In its last five games following a loss. The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on one day of rest. Boston is 1-9 ATS when revenging a loss this season. Bet the Magic Monday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season.

This line has been adjusted too much in Washington's favor due to Orlando playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But the Magic had four days off prior to beating the Pelicans 123-110 at home last night.  Only Franz Wagner played more than 26 minutes for the Magic in that win, so they will still be fresh and ready for another big effort tonight.

Washington has no business laying this big of a number to anyone.  The Wizards are 19-26 on the season and just 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall with four losses by 9 points or more, and one win coming by 3 points.  They are getting too much respect for their upset win at New York last time out, which was a revenge game for them after recently losing to the Knicks two games prior.

Orlando is 8-1 ATS after covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  Washington is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on two days' rest.  The Magic are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Washington is also 14-37-1 ATS in its last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its las six trips to Washington.  Bet the Magic Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz -6

The Brooklyn Nets have been a disaster without Kevin Durant.  They are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 11 at home to Boston as 1-point dogs, by 12 at home to OKC as 4.5-point favorites, by 8 at San Antonio as 2.5-point favorites and by 5 at Phoenix as 3.5-point favorites.

Now the Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days as well as their 3rd consecutive road game.  Kyrie Irving played 38 minutes, Nic Claxton 35 minutes, Seth Curry 36 minutes, Royce O'Neale 34 minutes and Joe Harris 31 minutes last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank tonight, and now they have to play in altitude in Salt Lake City to make matters worse.

The Jazz are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone loss coming by a single point to the 76ers as 7-point dogs.  They upset the Timberwolves, crushed the Clippers by 23 and beat the Cavaliers and Magic during this stretch.  Unlike the Nets, the Jazz are fully healthy right now and have been dangerous when that's the case.

The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Utah is 19-8 ATS in the last 27 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Salt Lake City.  The Jazz are 17-3 ATS in their last 20 home games following three or more consecutive ATS wins.  Bet the Jazz Friday.

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic +2

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season, and this is a great spot for them coming in on four days' rest after being off since January 15th.

The New Orleans have been playing without their two best players in Zion Williamson (26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG) and Brandon Ingram (20.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG) and it's no surprise they have struggled without them.  Both remain out, plus key role player Herbert Jones (10.0 PPG) is questionable after missing the past four games.  Another role player in Naji Marshall (10.5 PPG) is questionable as well.

The Pelicans are just 3-7 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Orlando is 10-2 ATS after playing two consecutive road games this season.  New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Magic are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Portland Trail Blazers +7

The Portland Trail Blazers are as healthy as they have been all season right now and it's starting to show. They are coming off back-to-back blowout wins over Dallas by 17 points each.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Denver Nuggets after winning six consecutive games coming in including five by double-digits. They barely survived in a 3-point win over the Magic as double-digit favorites last time out. And I expect they'll find it hard to beat Portland let alone by 8-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

This will be the 4th and final meeting between these teams this season. Portland has actually outscored Denver by 11 points combined in the first three meetings. 

The Blazers are 8-1 ATS following two consecutive home games this season. Denver is 1-9 ATS following three consecutive games where it made 50% of its shots or better. Portland is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games vs. good shooting teams that make 50% or better. Bet the Blazers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

The Brooklyn Nets have been lost in their last two games without Kevin Durant. They lost 109-98 at home to Boston and 112-102 at home to Oklahoma City as well. A team led by Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons is not a team I'd trust my money with.

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall, and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. They have been competitive despite continuing to lose outright, and I expect them to give the Nets a run for their money without Durant tonight.

The Nets are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record. San Antonio is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home meetings with Brooklyn. Roll with the Spurs Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +10.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall with only four losses by more than this spread.  I fully expect them to give the Denver Nuggets a run for their money tonight and stay within this inflated number.

The reason this number is inflated is because the Nuggets are 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games overall with five wins by double-digits.  But now it's time to 'sell high' on them, knowing this is a letdown spot after beating the Clippers on the road Friday on National TV.  They won't be nearly as motivated to face the Magic tonight.

Denver is 11-24 ATS in its last 35 games following a road win, including 8-19 ATS in its last 27 games following a road win by 10 points or more.  Plays against any team (Denver) - after beating the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a bad team (25% to 40%) are 35-13 (72.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Magic are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with all four wins coming by double-digits, and their lone loss coming by a single point at Miami.  They should not be catching 5.5 points to the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

The Nets just lost Kevin Durant and are coming off an 11-point home loss to a short-handed Boston team without him.  They cannot be trusted to lay points to many teams in the NBA without Durant on the floor because he is far and away their best player.  I don't trust Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving to lead the team without him.

Brooklyn is 1-15 ATS in its last 16 home games after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games.  The Nets are 13-37 ATS in their last 50 games as home favorites.  The Thunder are 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games vs. Atlantic Division opponents.  Oklahoma City is 40-19 ATS in its last 59 road games.  Take the Thunder Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia 76ers -4

This is a great spot for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  They are coming off an upset loss to the Thunder that came out of nowhere as they had won five of their previous six games with four by 9 points or more.  They will be pissed off from that loss and give a big effort in Utah tonight.  Plus, they are fully healthy right now with the exception of Tobias Harris, who is questionable.

This is a terrible spot for the Utah Jazz.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a hard-fought 112-108 win over the Magic last night.  Markkanen played 36 minutes and Clarkson 35 last night and neither will have much left in the tank after carrying the team with 51 combined points last night.

The 76ers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit home loss.  The Jazz are 18-38-3 ATS in their last 59 games following an ATS loss.  Philadelphia is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Philadelphia) - off an upset loss as a home favorite against an opponent that's off a home win scoring 110 points or more are 31-6 (83.8%) ATS since 1996.  Take the 76ers Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5

This is a great spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a terrible one for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Cavaliers had yesterday off and conclude their five-game road trip tonight.  They want to end the trip with a win, and I expect it to come in blowout fashion.

The Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a close 121-116 win over the Suns last night.  All five starters played at least 31 minutes for the Timberwolves, who are short-handed as it is.  Don't be surprise if they rest a player or two tonight.

The Timberwolves have played the Rockets, Pistons and depleted Suns in their last three games.  This is a big step up in class for them, and they weren't impressive in any of those three games, even losing to the Pistons outright by 17.  The Cavs are legitimately one of the best teams in the NBA and are fully healthy right now.

The road team is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings in this series.  Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight trips to Minnesota.  The Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Cleveland) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points, off a road win scoring 110 or more points are 85-43 (66.4%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +6

The Orlando Magic just got a bunch of players back from suspension and are as healthy as they have been all season.  They pulled off two big upsets in two of their last three road games winning 115-101 at Golden State as 6.5-point dogs and 109-106 at Portland as 8-point dogs even on the second of a back-to-back.

Now the Magic have had the last two days off and are rested and ready to go, which is key going into the altitude in Utah.  I expect them to pull off this upset as well, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

The Jazz cannot be trusted to lay this many points when they rank just 26th in defensive efficiency.  They allow 116.1 points per game at home this season, and the Magic will never be out of this game because of it.  

The Jazz are just 2-7 SU in their last nine games overall.  The Magic are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall, including 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.  Take the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +9.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered five straight while also going 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have only lost one of their last eight games by more than 8 points.  Now they are catching 9.5 points at home tonight against the Golden State Warriors, which is too much.

The Warriors are getting unwarranted respect from oddsmakers due to Steph Curry just returning to the lineup.  They promptly lost 125-113 as 12-point home favorites to the Phoenix Suns, who were without five key players in their first game with Curry.  Now they are laying 9.5 points on the road in their 2nd game with Curry to a Spurs team that would beat the Suns right now.

Four of the last five meetings between the Warriors and Spurs were decided by 6 points or fewer.  Golden State is 1-8 ATS as a road favorite this season.  The Warriors are 3-16 SU & 4-15 ATS on the road this season.  Roll with the Spurs Friday.

20* Mavs/Lakers TNT No-Brainer on Los Angeles +3

The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly gone 5-1 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They only game they lost during this stretch was without LeBron James on the road to the Denver Nuggets.

James returns to the lineup tonight as the Lakers come in on two days' rest.  They will be rested and ready to go and looking for revenge from a 115-124 road loss at Dallas on Christmas Day where they blew a 20-plus point lead.  Troy Brown is also expected back for the Lakers tonight.

The Mavericks have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 14-26-2 ATS this season.  They are without Kleber and Finney-Smith and could be without Powell, who is questionable with a hip injury suffered in a 101-113 road loss to the Clippers last time out.  The Mavericks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days tonight.

Dallas is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 road games.  Los Angeles is 4-0 ATS in its last four games when playing on two days' rest.  The Mavericks are 0-7 ATS in road games after scoring 105 points or fewer this season.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +13.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered four straight and have gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  That includes a 113-121 loss at Memphis as 12-point dogs on Monday.  Now the Spurs get their shot at revenge as 13.5-point road dogs in the rematch here two days later on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies won't be that motivated to beat the Spurs again after just beating them on Monday.  They certainly won't be motivated enough to put them away by 14-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Spurs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 road games when revenging a road loss.  Memphis is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 games vs. teams that allow 50% shooting or higher.  Each of the last seven meetings between Memphis and San Antonio were decided by 13 points or fewer, including five by 8 points or fewer.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers +5

The Indiana Pacers have quietly gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by 3 on the road at Philadelphia in overtime.  The Pacers come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest.

The New York Knicks are 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall with their four wins coming against the Rockets, the short-handed Suns, the Spurs (by 3) and the Raptors (by 4).  They have no business being 5-point favorite against a team playing as well as the Pacers right now.

Indiana is 8-1 ATS when playing only its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Pacers are 9-1 ATS after successfully covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  New York is 9-24 ATS in its last 33 home games after playing a home game.

Plays on road underdogs (Indiana) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-8 (80.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Pacers Wednesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

Donovan Mitchell makes his return to Utah tonight and I expect a big game from him and the Jazz.  The Cavaliers already beat the Jazz 122-99 at home earlier this season in a dominant effort.  It will be more of the same tonight.

The Cavaliers are fully healthy right now and a dangerous team when that's the case.  The key has been keeping Mitchell (28.8 PPG) and Darius Garland (21.4 PPG, 7.8 APG) on the floor at the same time.  Mobley and Allen have both missed games as well but all four are healthy right now.  This is about as good of a starting 5 as you will find in the NBA.

The Jazz are without Collin Sexton (14.1 PPG) and Kelly Olynyk (12.2 PPG) right now.  The Jazz are a good offensive team, but the difference between these teams is defense.  The Cavaliers rank 1st in defensive efficiency this season, while the Jazz rank 26th.  I'll gladly back the healthier, better defensive team tonight laying the short number.  Bet the Cavaliers Tuesday.

20* Magic/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Orlando +6

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall with eight outright upsets as underdogs.  Bettors just aren't giving this team the credit they deserve, and that continues to be the case tonight with the Magic catching 6 points against the Sacramento Kings.

The Magic just got everyone back from suspension and won outright 115-101 at Golden State as similar 6.5-point dogs.  Now they take on a Sacramento Kings team that has no business laying 6 points to them considering how they are playing of late.

The Kings are 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall with their three wins coming by 1, 1 and 2 points.  So they haven't won any of their last eight games by more than 2 points.  They have been dreadful defensively, which is why it's tough to trust them to lay any points.  They have allowed 112 or more points in 14 consecutive games, including 136 to the Lakers last time out in regulation.

Plays on road underdogs (Orlando) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-7 (82.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Kings beat the Magic 126-123 in their first meeting this season.  This one will go down to the wire as well with the Orlando having an excellent shot to get revenge and pull off the outright upset.  Roll with the Magic Monday.

20* Bulls/Celtics NBA TV No-Brainer on Chicago +8.5

The Chicago Bulls are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now and should not be catching this many points against the Boston Celtics.  The Bulls are 8-3 SU & 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with seven outright upset victories, including wins over the Nets, 76ers, Bucks, Heat and Knicks during this stretch.

The Boston Celtics are overvalued due to their record and it has played out that way here of late.  They are just 3-2 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  They only beat the Spurs by 5, the Clippers by 6 and lost outright to the Nuggets by 12 and the Thunder by 33 during this stretch.  They will be without Marcus Smart (11.1 PPG, 7.2 APG) tonight.

Chicago clearly matches up well with Boston.  The Bulls are 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS against the Celtics in their first three meetings this season.  They won by 18 as 5-point home dogs, only lost by 4 as 7.5-point road dogs and won by 14 as 5.5-point home dogs.  Now they are catching 8.5 points in the 4th and final meeting, which is too much.  

The Bulls are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings, including 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Boston. Chicago is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games following an upset win as a home underdogs.  Take the Bulls Monday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Utah Jazz +1.5

The Chicago Bulls will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after an upset win at Philadelphia last night. All five starters played at least 32 minutes for the Bulls, including 38 from LaVine, 37 from DeRozan and 36 from Vucevic. 

Not only will it be the 2nd of a back-top-back for the Bulls, but it will also be their 6th game in 9 days. They won't have much left in the tank for the Utah Jazz tonight, and this is now a letdown spot for them after upsetting both the 76ers and Nets in their last two games.

They Jazz are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 7 days. They are coming off a 17-point blowout win at Houston. They should not be underdogs in this game given the favorable situation for them tonight.

Utah is 16-6 ATS as underdogs this season. Chicago is 2-10 ATS in non-conference games this season. The Jazz are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a win by more than 10 points. Take the Jazz Saturday.

15* Heat/Suns ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Miami -1

The Miami Heat have gotten healthy and are playing their best basketball of the season as a result.  They have gone 7-4 SU in their last 11 games overall.  I like the fact that they are coming off an upset loss to the Lakers because they will come back motivated tonight and not take the Suns lightly.

The Suns are going through their worst stretch of the season due to injuries.  They are playing without Devin Booker (27.1 PPG, 5.6 APG), Cam Johnson (13.0 PPG) and Cameron Payne (12.1 PPG, 5.3 APG).  Chris Paul is too old to carry this team any longer, and they just aren't very good without those three.  They have been held to 83 and 88 points in their last two games.

The Suns are now 1-7 SU in their last eight games overall with losses by 25, 25 and 19 points during this stretch.  They are coming off a six-game road trip, and I love fading teams in their first game back home following a long trip.  They have a lot of distractions to deal with back at home and not much time to do it with only one day off in between games.  They haven't been home since December 23rd before Christmas.

The Suns are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.  The Heat are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 trips to Phoenix.  Miami is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games following four or more consecutive road games.  Phoenix is 0-9 ATS in its last nine games after allowing 90 points or fewer.  Take the Heat Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Los Angeles Clippers +3.5

The Los Angeles Clippers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but not all back-to-backs are created equal.  They were down by nearly 40 points in the 1st half against the Nuggets last night and as a result didn't play their starters in the 2nd half.  Plus, they had two days off prior to the Denver game.

All five starters played 18 minutes or fewer, meaning they should still be fresh for Minnesota and should still have all hands on deck.  It also means the Clippers will be playing with a big chip on their shoulder after getting embarrassed on National TV last night.  I fully expect them to come back tonight and win this game outright, but we'll take the 3.5 points for some insurance.

They take on a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is not playing well right now, going just 2-6 SU & 3-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  The Timberwolves have some injuries that are piling up and still don't have Karl-Anthony Towns back yet.

The Clippers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall, including 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  Los Angeles is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  The Clippers are 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 trips to Minnesota.  Roll with the Clippers Friday.

20* Celtics/Mavericks TNT No-Brainer on Boston -2

I love the spot for the Boston Celtics tonight.  They are coming off two consecutive road losses to Denver and Oklahoma City.  That includes their worst loss of the season at OKC by a final of 117-150 despite being 11.5-point favorites.  Now we get them at a great value as only 2-point favorites at Dallas, and they are rested and ready to go playing only their 3rd game in 7 days.

While it's a great time to 'buy low' on the Celtics off that blowout loss, it's time to 'sell high' on the Mavericks who have won seven consecutive games against a soft schedule.  Three of those wins came against Houston, while the other four came against Minnesota, LA Lakers, New York and San Antonio.  Their winning streak comes to an end tonight against the best team they have faced in a long time.

Plays on road favorites (Boston) - after being beaten by the spread by 30 or more points total in their last three games against an opponent that went over the total by 24 or more points total in their last three games are 29-5 (85.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Mavericks are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a win.  Dallas is 10-22-2 ATS in its last 34 games overall.  The Mavericks are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven games when playing on two days' rest.  Boston is 6-0 ATS in its last six games after allowing more than 125 points in its previous game.  Boston is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 trips to Dallas.  Take the Celtics Thursday.

20* Heat/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -2.5

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Los Angeles Clippers following two consecutive road losses to the Celtics and Pacers by a combined 7 points.  Now they are back home tonight and highly motivated for a victory.  Look for them to handle their business against the Miami Heat as they are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five home games with all four wins coming by 9 points or more.

The spot is terrible for the Miami Heat.  They will be playing their 3rd road game in 4 days and just played in altitude twice in Denver and Utah.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Clippers tonight.

Home-court advantage has been big in this series as the home team is 4-0 SU in the last four meetings.  The Clippers are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.  The Heat are 4-16-2 ATS in their last 22 games following a win.  Los Angeles is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games overall and as healthy as they have been all season, showing why they were the preseason title favorites.  I like backing a motivated Clippers team as a short home favorite tonight.  Bet the Clippers Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Detroit Pistons +9.5

The Portland Trail Blazers have no business being 9.5-point favorites against anyone right now.  They are 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with two losses to OKC and a loss to a short-handed Warriors team.  Asking them to win by double-digits to beat us tonight is asking too much.

The Pistons are playing well right now upsetting the Magic by 20 as home underdogs and upsetting the Timberwolves by 12 as road underdogs in two of their last three games.  They also played the Bulls to the wire in between, but the Bulls had a huge run late to pull away.  They took the Clippers to OT the game prior, too.

Portland is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games when playing 3 or less games in 10 days.  The Blazers are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games following an upset loss as a favorite.  The Pistons are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.  Take the Pistons Monday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Houston Rockets +7.5

The Houston Rockets will be playing with double-revenge tonight.  They lost by 6 to the Mavericks on December 23rd at home and by 15 to the Mavericks on December 29th on the road.  So they will be facing the Mavericks for a 3rd time in 11 days here, and it's clear they will want this win a lot more than the Mavericks will.

While it's a great time to 'buy low' on the Rockets after losing eight of their last nine games, it's also a great time to 'sell high' on the Mavericks after winning six consecutive games.  Five of those six wins came by single-digits, so they have simply been fortunate in close games, including a 1-point win over the Spurs last time out as 7.5-point favorites.

Dallas is 4-13 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  The Mavericks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games.  Dallas is 10-21-2 ATS in its last 33 games overall.  Roll with the Rockets Monday.

15* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5

This is a terrible spot for the Denver Nuggets.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days.  They just upset the Boston Celtics at home last night, making this the perfect letdown spot for them.  Don't be surprised to see them rest some starters given the terrible rest spot.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Timberwolves, who have lost six consecutive games coming in.  They will be rested and motivated after having yesterday off.  The Timberwolves have owned the Nuggets, going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with wins by 17, 15 and 6 points.

Denver is 1-8 ATS in its last nine road games following two or more consecutive wins.  It is losing by 7.3 points per game on average in this spot.  Take the Timberwolves Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +12.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Brooklyn Nets.  They have won 11 consecutive games and are now getting way too much respect from oddsmakers.  They won't be excited at all to face the San Antonio Spurs tonight, and it's exactly the type of team that could end their streak.

The Spurs are as healthy as they have been all season and it's starting to show in their play.  They have quietly gone 6-6 SU & 7-5 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  All six wins came outright as underdogs and they also only lost by 1 to Dallas last time out.

Brooklyn is 12-36 ATS in its last 48 games as a home favorite.  The Nets are 4-19 ATS in their last 23 home games vs. a team with a losing record.  San Antonio is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 trips to Brooklyn.  Bet the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -1.5

The Boston Celtics are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with wins by 12 over the Timberwolves, by 21 over the Bucks, by 26 over the Rockets and by 6 over the Clippers.  They are as healthy as they have been all season with Robert Williams back in the lineup, and they are now not only the best offensive team in the NBA, but also one of the best defensive teams with Williams.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Denver Nuggets, who have won six of their last seven games against a soft schedule.  They have also been very fortunate in close games during this run with four wins by 7 points or fewer.  Their luck runs out tonight against a better, more complete Celtics team that is rested after having the last two days off.

The Celtics simply own the Nuggets, going 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  They have won six consecutive meetings straight up by 19, 20, 6, 18, 13 and 13 points.  Boston is 24-11-2 ATS in its last 37 road games.  Bet the Celtics Sunday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Memphis Grizzlies -6

The Memphis Grizzlies have been dynamite at home this season.  They are 13-3 SU & 12-4 ATS at home while outscoring opponents by 11.5 points per game.  They are fully healthy right now and rested and ready to go after having yesterday off.

The same cannot be said for the Pelicans, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 10 days after a home win over the Philadelphia 76ers last night.  They will be without Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. again tonight, and don't be surprised if they rest others after Williamson played 31 minutes and McCollum 35 minutes last night.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last five meetings with all four wins by double-digits.  Memphis is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with New Orleans with wins by 21, 27, 21 and 12 points.

The Pelicans are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games.  The Grizzlies are 36-15-1 ATS in their last 52 home games.  Memphis is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games after losing four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games after failing to cover four or five of their last six games.  The Pelicans are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games after covering four of their last five ATS coming in.  Roll with the Grizzlies Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Night BLOWOUT on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

This is a terrible spot for the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after needing a big 4th quarter finish to pull away to beat the lowly Detroit Pistons last night.  They will also be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and won't have much left in the tank for the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.  Four starters played at least 31 minutes last night including over 38 for LaVine and nearly 35 for DeRozan.

The Cavaliers come in rested and ready to go after having yesterday off, and they will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  Cleveland will also be highly motivated for a victory after losing three consecutive games coming in.  They had won five straight prior to this stretch.

Plays on road favorites (Cleveland) - after beating the spread by 30 or more points total in their last three games against an opponent that went over the total by 24 or more points total in their last three games are 29-5 (85.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +7.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 6-5 SU in their last 11 games overall despite being underdogs in all 11 games.  That means they have six outright upset wins as underdogs.  They have gotten healthy which is a big reason for their improved play.

While the Spurs are getting zero respect for their recent solid play, the Mavericks are getting massive respect for their 5-0 SU run.  Now they are 7.5-point road favorites here against the Spurs when this line should be much closer to PK.  The Mavericks cannot be trusted as this big of a favorite.  They have played 36 games this season and have just six wins by double-digits, so they aren't blowing teams out.

Dallas is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games following a divisional home win.  The Mavericks are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games after winning four or five of their last six games.  Dallas is 4-12 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.  The Mavericks are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 road games.  Dallas is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Spurs Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento Kings -3

The Sacramento Kings are 10-7 SU & 10-7 ATS at home this season and I like the value we are getting on them as short home favorites against the Utah Jazz.  They are fully healthy right now and have been a dangerous team when that's the case.

The Jazz haven't been very good on the road going just 1-8 SU in their last nine road games.  They are coming off a pair of bad road losses to the Spurs and Warriors despite being favored in both games.  I give them little chance of being competitive in this road game tonight.

Utah is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games following an upset loss as a road favorite.  The Jazz are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Sacramento is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on one days' rest.  Take the Kings Friday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH on Houston Rockets +11.5

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Dallas Mavericks.  They are 4-0 in their last four games overall and needed a 60-point effort and a big comeback in the final minutes to beat the Knicks 126-121 (OT) at home last time out.

This is now a clear letdown spot for the Mavericks, who beat the Rockets 112-106 on the road during this four-game winning streak.  They won't be excited to play them again, while the Rockets will be out for revenge and will be the more motivated team.  Getting 11.5 points with the Rockets given the situation is too much tonight.

After all, Dallas has won by double-digits only five times in 35 games this season.  They aren't blowing teams out because they don't play great defense.  They will let Houston hang around in this one as they just have a way of playing to their level of competition.

Dallas is 0-9 ATS after winning four or five of its last six games this season.  The Mavericks are 1-8 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  Dallas is 8-17 ATS as a favorite this season.  The Mavericks are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Rockets Thursday.

25* NBA DOG OF THE YEAR on Sacramento Kings +2.5

I had a tough beat on the Sacramento Kings +3.5 last night as they blew a 20-point lead and lost by 7 to the Denver Nuggets.  I will get my revenge tonight, and so will the Kings as they win this game outright in the rematch.  They will be the more motivated team after blowing that big lead, and the Nuggets won't show up at all after just beating the Kings last night.

The Kings are a young, deep team that can handle this 2nd of a back-to-back much better than the Nuggets can.  Jokic played 37 minutes and Murray 38 minutes for the Nuggets last night.  Four of five starters for the Kings played less than 33 minutes with the only exception being Kevin Huerter and his 37 minutes.  

This will only be the 2nd game in 5 days for the Kings while it will be the 3rd game in 4 days for the Nuggets.  Denver used a lot of energy coming back from that 20-point deficit last night, too.  The Kings are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, proving they handle this spot very well.  Bet the Kings Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Milwaukee Bucks -4

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Milwaukee Bucks following their first three-game losing streak of the season.  It has come against a brutal schedule with road losses to Cleveland, Brooklyn and Boston, which are arguably the three best teams in the East outside of Milwaukee, so it's totally understandable.

But now the Bucks come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest, and they will obviously be highly motivated for a victory here.  The Bulls have gone just 9-15 SU in their last 24 games overall and are coming off a 15-point upset home loss to the lowly Houston Rockets.  They just cannot be trusted on a nightly basis.

Plays against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Chicago) - after a game where they failed to cover the spread against an opponent that is coming off three or more consecutive ATS losses are 42-17 (71.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Milwaukee) - after being beating by the spread by 30 or more points total in their last three games against an opponent that went over the total by 54 or more points in their last 10 games are 32-9 (78%) ATS since 1996.

Home-court advantage has meant little in this series as the road team is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  The road team is also 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Milwaukee is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 trips to Chicago.  The Bulls are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a loss.  Chicago is 18-37 ATS in its last 55 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take the Bucks Wednesday.

20* NBA Tuesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Sacramento Kings +3.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Sacramento Kings after upset losses to the Hornets and Wizards in two of their last three games.  The Kings come back highly motivated for a victory tonight and rested and ready to go coming in on three days' rest.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Denver Nuggets after going 7-1 SU in their last eight games overall including an OT win over a depleted Suns team on Christmad Day.  In fact, the Nuggets have won six of those seven games at home with their lone road victory coming by a single point at Portland.  They also lost by 18 at the Lakers in their other road game and are just 9-8 SU & 6-10-1 ATS on the road this season.

Denver is 0-7 ATS in road games following two or more consecutive wins this season, losing by an average of 10.3 points per game in this spot.  Sacramento is 11-3 ATS after playing a home game this season.  The Kings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games following three consecutive games where they allowed a shooting percentage of 47% or higher.  The Nuggets are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games playing on one days' rest.  The Kings are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last five home meetings.  Bet the Kings Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on Memphis Grizzlies -7.5

The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA.  They are 13-2 SU & 12-3 ATS at home this season.  They are as healthy as they have been all season right now with Desmond Bane recently returning to the lineup, and they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA.

The Phoenix Suns are far from healthy.  They will be without four of their top seven scorers tonight in Devin Booker (27.1 PPG), Cam Johnson (13.0 PPG), Cameron Payne (12.7 PPG) and Landry Shamet (9.4 PPG).  The loss of Shamet is big because he was coming on strong in the absence of Booker, scoring 25.7 PPG in his last three games with 19 made 3-pointers.

The Grizzlies just beat the short-handed Suns 125-100 on the road as 2.5-point favorites two games back.  They were then upset by the Warriors on Christmas Day, so they won't be feeling fat and happy here.  They will take the Suns seriously and put them away as they return home highly motivated to bounce back from that loss to Golden State.

Memphis is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games following a road loss by 10 points or more.  The Grizzlies are 8-0 ATS in their last eight home games after going under the total.  Memphis is 36-14-1 ATS in its last 51 home games.  Roll with the Grizzlies Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic -3

The Orlando Magic are flying under the radar right now.  They are a perfect 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games overall and have won eight of their last nine games SU with their lone loss coming by a single point at Atlanta.  But they don't get the respect other teams get due to their 13-21 record overall.

Now they take on the struggling Los Angeles Lakers who are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall and just not a very good team without Anthony Davis, who remains out.  The Lakers don't play any defense allowing 124 or more points in all four losses while allowing 118.0 points per game on the season.  Now they have to take on a Magic team that is clicking offensively scoring 111 or more points in eight of their last nine games overall.

The Lakers are 2-12 ATS as road underdogs this season.  The Magic are 16-4 ATS in their last 20 games after scoring 130 points or more.  Orlando is 10-1 ATS following a win this season.  Los Angeles is 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games.  Orlando has a big rest advantage playing on three days' rest while the Lakers had to play in Dallas on Christmas Day and will be playing their 6th game in 10 days.  Take the Magic Tuesday.

20* Nets/Cavs NBA TV No-Brainer on Cleveland -2

The Cleveland Cavaliers had won five straight games prior to getting upset by the Raptors at home last time out.  Now I think it's a great 'buy low' spot on the Cavaliers off that rare upset home loss.  

After all, the Cavaliers are 16-3 SU & 14-5 ATS at home this season with one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA.  I think that was a letdown and sandwich spot for the Cavaliers as they were coming off the 114-106 win over the Bucks and had the Nets on deck.  The Nets will now get their full attention off that upset loss to the Raptors.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Nets, who are 8-0 SU in their last eight games overall against a very soft schedule.  They will meet their match tonight in the Cavaliers and this winning streak will come to an end.  They are getting way too much respect from oddsmakers due to this streak.

Brooklyn is 0-4 ATS in its last four trips to Cleveland.  The Nets are 15-35-1 ATS in their last 51 games following an ATS win.  The Cavaliers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Cleveland is 5-0-2 ATS in its last seven games following a loss by more than 10 points.  Take the Cavaliers Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -6

The Golden State Warriors are just atrocious without Stephen Curry (30.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 6.6 RPG) and Andrew Wiggins (19.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG), their top two scorers.  They lost their last two games without them by 36 at New York and by 30 at Brooklyn.  It will be more of the same today against the Memphis Grizzlies.

While the Warriors are banged up right now, the Grizzlies are back to full strength with Desmond Bane recently returning to the lineup.  We saw what they were capable of fully healthy as they blasted the Suns by 25 on the road last time out to improve to 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall with all eight wins coming by 8 points or more.  

They are phenomenal defensively, holding seven of their last eight opponents to 105 points or fewer.  The Warriors have allowed 118 or more points in five of their last six including 143 to Brooklyn and 132 to New York in their last two games.  They give up 117.9 points per game on the season.

Memphis will have no problem kicking Golden State while they are down after getting eliminated by them in the playoffs last season.  Plays on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Memphis) - after leading their previous game by 15 points or more at halftime against an opponent after a game with a combined score of 255 points or more are 23-6 (79.3%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Grizzlies Sunday.