Sports Picks & Predictions

I am playing on CHICAGO (vs Charlotte) as my *10 Blue Marlin on Friday @ 8:05 ET - Nice situation for the Bulls as they come into this game well rested after having three days off following the pummeling they laid on the 76'ers on Monday. Look for Chicago to take advantage of a Charlotte team playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. The Hornets, as a road dog of 6.5 to 9 points this season, have already failed to cover both games that fell into that range. Teams are shooting 46.5% from the field against Charlotte as their defensive effort has not nearly been on par with that of Chicago. The Bulls are only allowing opponents to hit 41% from the field so far this season. Of course the big story here for the Bulls is revenge as the one 'hiccup' they have had this season came at Charlotte on on the 3rd of this month when the Bulls normally stout defense got lit up for 130 points. Now it's payback time Friday. Chicago is a stellar 52-34 ATS the last three seasons combined when they are playing with revenge against an opponent. That's why Chicago should absolutely roll huge against the Hornets as my *10 Blue Marlin on Friday.

I am playing on INDIANA (@ Boston) as my *10 NBA *BEST BET* Wednesday at 7:35 ET - Boston is in a tough back to back here as they were in Milwaukee last night. The Celtics also used up a lot of energy in holding the Bucks to just 83 points on the night. Though Boston has had a good ATS history when playing on back to back night in recent seasons, the Celtics have gone just 18-20 straight-up when playing the second night of back to back. That is a significant stat because Boston is the favorite in this match-up and the underdog value looks great with the Pacers. Unlike the Celtics, Indiana is not in a back to back spot. The Pacers got a much needed day of rest yesterday and this was after blowing out the Magic by double digits in their prior game. Indiana has now covered five straight games and should remain red hot here ATS as they have the scheduling edge over Boston. The Pacers have won 6 of their last 9 games with the Celtics. Indiana is also an incredible 25-8 ATS in November games the past three seasons combined. The Celtics are 11-17 ATS in home games with a total between 200 and 204.5 points.

I am playing on PHILADELPHIA (vs Toronto) as my *10 BIG DOG *SHOCKER* on Wednesday @ 7:05 ET - While the Sixers have struggled out of the gate with an 0-7 mark on the young season there is no denying that his is a tough spot for the Raptors. Toronto is playing the 2nd night of a back to back and they have now lost three straight games both straight-up and ATS. The fact that the Raptors started the season 5-0 straight-up and ATS truly seems like a distant memory now. The Sixers are 10-6 ATS in home games with a posted total between 190 and 194.5 points. The 76'ers are off of a home loss to Chicago where they simply shot very poorly from the field. Look for Philly to bounce back in the finale of this homestand just like they did when hosting LeBron James and Company a little over a week ago and gave the Cavaliers a tough game. They did it again against the Cavaliers when they faced them last Friday. The Sixers can, and will, surprise tough teams in the right situation and this is another one of those prime spots right here as they catch the Raptors in the 2nd night of a back to back. Grab the big points with the hungry home dog here. 

I am playing on NEW ORLEANS (vs Dallas) as my NBA *10 GAME OF THE MONTH Tuesday @ 8:05 ET - The Pelicans are winless on the season but this is a fantastic revenge opportunity which makes it the perfect spot for New Orleans to get that elusive first victory of the season. The Pelicans lost at Dallas on Saturday and now get a chance to turn the tables on the Mavericks at home on Tuesday. Comparing the Mavs and Pelicans, New Orleans certainly has played the tougher schedule so far this season. Also, despite the poor record, New Orleans has been shooting the ball better than Dallas this season. The Mavericks have gone 23-45 straight-up as an underdog the last 3 seasons. Tuesday they are a small dog at New Orleans so nearly any win for the Pelicans will also translate to an ATS victory. I certainly like these odds. Consider that a high scoring shootout is expected here and New Orleans is 4-1 (80%) straight-up the 5 times the last 3 seasons that they are at home in a game with a total of 210 points or more. The Pelicans are averaging 103 points per game this season while the Mavericks are averaging just 99 points per game on the young season. The last time these teams met in New Orleans the Pelicans came out on top in a high scoring match-up in January. I look for a similar result tonight as New Orleans gets their revenge. 

I am playing on INDIANA (vs Orlando) as my *10 Personal Favorite Monday @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers came up just short at Cleveland yesterday. It was an afternoon game so, although this is a back to back spot for Indiana, it certainly is not as bad as many back to backs. Additionally, the fact that the Pacers are back home now and that the travel was a short trip also certainly helps. The key in this match-up is the Pacers are likely to be the much hungrier team and this will translate to the play on the floor. Indiana is looking to bounce back off of a loss and the Pacers previously had won three straight. The Pacers are catching Orlando at the perfect time as the Magic are off of a road win at Philly. It is tough to go on the road and win back to back games but that is the challenge facing Orlando tonight. Though the Magic have a perfect ATS record so far this season, Orlando is still just 3-4 SU on the season. The Pacers have gone 24-8 ATS in the month of November the last 2+ seasons - including a perfect 4-0 ATS this season. The Magic have lost 68 of their last 86 road games and the Pacers are a very small favorite Monday. That should equate to a nice ATS victory in what I expect to be a solid home victory for Indiana. Laying the short number with the home team is my *10 Personal Favorite Monday.

I am playing on DALLAS (vs New Orleans) as my *10 Personal Favorite @ 8:35 ET Saturday - Davis and the Pelicans truly "left it all on the floor" in last night's loss to Atlanta. That said, this is not only a back to back spot for New Orleans, it's also one where a little less energy may be left in the tank. With the Mavericks 0-2 at home so far on the young season, that makes this home game the perfect spot for Dallas to erupt and get a huge home win. The Mavs were resting last night while the Pelicans were doing battle with the Hawks. New Orleans straight-up record when playing the 2nd night of a back to back is 15-25 and, with the small spread here on Dallas, any straight-up win is quite likely to be an ATS win as well. Dallas generally takes advantage of weaker foes as the Mavs are 40-29-3 ATS and 57-15 straight-up in their last 72 games against teams with a losing record. Look for a home rout in this one.

I am playing on BROOKLYN (@ Milwaukee) as my *10 Best Bet @ 8:35 ET Saturday - Both teams are in a back to back spot here. Though Brooklyn is the road team in this one there is a little extra value in this spot because both teams are essentially traveling from the same place anyway. Brooklyn was at home against the Lakers last night while the Bucks were on the road facing the Knicks in New York last night. While Milwaukee got a win yesterday, the Nets are off of a loss and are still seeking their first win of the season. Look for Brooklyn to have plenty of hunger in this game and the Nets are also grabbing about a half dozen points here which adds to the value for the road team. Brooklyn lost at home to the Bucks earlier this season and the Nets went 24-16 ATS the past two seasons when they're playing a game with home loss revenge. The Bucks , surprisingly, have won 3 straight games but they are 1-7 ATS the past two seasons and 47-84 ATS long-term when they enter a game on a winning streak of three games or more. From a situational perspective, this is the perfect value spot to grab the winless Nets. 

I am playing on BROOKLYN (vs Los Angeles Lakers) as my *10 Personal Favorite Friday @ 7:35 ET - The Nets will be hosting the Lakers who make a tough cross country trip to the East Coast that begins here. Though they've had some extra time for the travel it is often still an adjustment for teams making the long trip and the Lakers have bigger issues than just travel. The Lakers defense has been atrocious as they are allowing opponents to shoot 49% from the field and score 117 points per game. Even though Brooklyn is also allowing a high shooting percentage from the field they are at least somewhat limiting of possessions and are allowing 104 points per game so far this season. Just like the Lakers, the Nets are winless on the season. However, having the home court edge here is big and Brooklyn has taken 3 of the last 4 meetings between the teams both SU and ATS. The Nets are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games against Pacific Division opponents. The Lakers are 22-61 straight-up in road games the past three seasons combined. With the low number on this game, a straight-up win for the Nets is likely to result in an ATS cover. 

I am playing on CHICAGO (vs Oklahoma City) as my *10 TNT *MAIN EVENT* @ 8:05 ET Thursday - The Thunder are now reeling with two straight losses. This spot tonight is not only a back to back for Oklahoma City, it is also their 4th game in 5 nights. The Thunder are unlikely to have enough energy left in the tank to get the job done against a tough Bulls team. Chicago is not going to be a hospitable host as they are fired up after allowing 130 points in their most recent game, at Charlotte on Tuesday. The Bulls are 26-10 straight-up when they are off of a loss by a double digit margin. With this line being right around a pick'em a straight-up trend like that is absolutely in play and the Bulls are fired up to get back on track at home after such an embarrassing loss. Overall, in home games, the Bulls are 59-34 straight-up at home and they've won both their home games this season. The Thunder are 6-12 ATS when they are a road dog of 3 points or less and Oklahoma City is also 6-12 ATS when they enter a game on a streak of 3 or more consecutive unders. Play against a weary road team on Thursday.

I am playing on NEW ORLEANS (vs Orlando) as my *10 Personal Favorite Tuesday @ 8:05 ET - Two winless teams match-up here in early season action on Tuesday. Though each team is 0-3 straight-up, the Magic have covered all 3 games so far this season and the Pelicans are winless at the betting counter so far this season. This is helping to sway the markets and is offering some nice value on the home team Pelicans laying a very short number at home Tuesday. In terms of straight-up wins, New Orleans has won 18 of their last 27 games hosting the Magic. Also, the Pelicans have won and covered each of their last two home meetings with Orlando. The Magic are 0-3 SU and 0-3 ATS the past two seasons as a road dog of 3 points or less. The Pelicans are 12-7 SU and 12-7 ATS the past two seasons as a home fave of 3 points or less. New Orleans is also a solid 62-41 ATS longterm against southeast division opponents. This is all part of the longterm West over East dominance that has been prevalent in the NBA and I see great value with the Western Conference team laying a short number on their home floor Tuesday.

I am playing on HOUSTON (vs Oklahoma City) as my *10 NBA Best Bet - The whole world is jumping on the Thunder here at the time of this write-up. With Oklahoma City 3-0 on the season and the Rockets 0-3 so far this season, the betting markets seem to think tonight's result is already set in stone for an Oklahoma City victory. I beg to differ. The Rockets are expected to have Dwight Howard back after he rested up for this game by sitting out of the Miami game last night. Also, Houston is catching Oklahoma City in a back to back too and the Thunder just got a big home win over Denver last night. I look for a huge effort from a hungry Rockets team after the embarrassment of losing their first three games by a 20 point margin in each defeat. The last three seasons, when off of three consecutive losses, the Rockets have gone 4-0 straight up and 4-0 against the spread in their very next game following a 3 game losing streak. Howard and the Rockets are fired up and hungry here and they have knocked off the Thunder in each of their last three meetings. I expect that streak to reach 4 in a row tonight. *10 NBA Best Bet HOUSTON

I am playing on INDIANA (vs Utah) as my *10 Personal Favorite Saturday @ 7:05 ET - Nice edge here for the Pacers based on the situation and schedule. While Indiana was resting up last night thanks to an off day, the Jazz were in Philly where they got a blowout win over the Sixers. The fact the win was so easy could leave Utah a little lackadaisical coming into this game on Saturday night. It's hard to be entirely focused when a victory comes as easy as that one did last night for Utah. This will open up the door for a hungry Pacers team to dominate the intensity level. Indiana lost their first two games this season and that included losing their home opener on Thursday. There is no doubt the Pacers are looking for a little payback here and they also have dominated the Jazz the past two seasons with wins in all 4 match-ups. Indiana has been known for getting off to solid starts to a season. In fact, in games in the first half of the season schedule, the Pacers entered this season with a 41-20 ATS mark. Having not covered either of their first two games this season (and with both being outright losses) there is every reason to expect a huge effort from Indiana tonight. The Jazz have gone 35-89 SU in games where they are the underdog (and this is a small spread for the Pacers to cover here). Also, Utah has gone 26-57 SU in road games the past 2+ seasons. Indiana covers the small number here. *10 Personal Favorite INDIANA

I am playing on PHOENIX (vs Portland) as my *10 Personal Favorite on Friday @ 10:35 ET - This is the front end of a home and home set between these two teams and the Suns have revenge on their minds. Phoenix has lost three straight to Portland (including a rare home loss) and the three defeats came by a combined margin of 50 points. The Suns will undoubtedly bring some extra energy for this Friday night game which also is Portland's first road game of the season. The Trail Blazers are 21-37 straight-up in their last 58 games as an underdog. Considering how low the spread is here, a straight-up Blazers loss is likely to result in an ATS win for Phoenix. The Blazers also are a longterm 58-111 straight-up as a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points. The Suns are a sparkling 16-6 ATS in home games with a posted total between 205 and 209.5 points the last 3 seasons. Also, while Portland won big over New Orleans in their first game this season, the Suns were embarrassed by losing by double digits even though they were at home against Dallas. Phoenix is 16-8 ATS the last 3 seasons when off of a loss by 10 or more points in their prior game.

I am playing on HOUSTON (vs Golden State) as my *10 Main Event on Friday @ 9:35 ET - Playoff revenge for the Rockets after being eliminated in 5 games by the Warriors last spring. It looks like, based on the home opener results, Houston may have already been looking ahead to this game when they hosted Denver on Wednesday. That embarrassing 20 point home loss for the Rockets just fires them up even more for this big game with Golden State. The Rockets only scored 85 points against the Nuggets on Wednesday and they went 6-1 SU and ATS last two seasons when off of a game where they were held to 85 points or less. Also, Houston was 21-7 SU (and 19-9 ATS) the last two seasons when off of a loss by a margin of ten points or more. As home dog of 3 points or less the last two seasons, Rockets went 5-0 SU and ATS. With Dwight Howard back and listed as probable for Friday's game, look for Houston to be fully prepared to exact some revenge against the Warriors on Friday night. 

I am playing on ATLANTA (@ New York) as my *10 NBA Game of the Month on Thursday @ 8:05 PM ET - Losing by double digits on their home floor while hosting a losing team from last season is certainly not the way the Hawks envisioned starting their season. That said, this is the perfect spot for the Hawks to respond in a huge way and impose their will against a lesser foe off of a shocking result. The Knicks won huge at Milwaukee by 25 points last night even though they were a 4.5 point dog. The Hawks are off of a loss by 12 points Tuesday even though they were a 5.5 point favorite. As you can see from these disparate results, a return to normality tonight would mean a big road win with Atlanta and I see plenty of value with them at this low number. The Hawks are 11-3 SU the past two seasons and a longterm 50-23 SU when they are a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. Of course getting a straight-up win when playing on a favorite is half the battle. The other half is the all-important cover and with the low number and grabbing a solid Atlanta team knowing full well they will be motivated and ready to go here. getting such a low number on the favorite is certainly appealing. By the way, the Knicks have gone 2-10 SU and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. *10 NBA Game of the Month ATLANTA

I am playing on PORTLAND (vs New Orleans) as my *10 Personal Favorite on Wednesday @ 10:05 ET - The Pelicans were dominated on the glass in their loss at Golden State last night. New Orleans also did not shoot particularly well. Now the Pelicans face a tough back to back spot and their SU record in the second night of back to backs is 15-24 the past two seasons. With the low point spread on this game, any Pelicans SU loss is likely to result in an ATS win for the Trail Blazers. While New Orleans was battling hard with top team Golden State last night, the Blazers were able to prepare mentally and physically for this game. Portland is rested and ready and the Trail Blazers are 67-22 SU in home games the past two seasons. The Blazers have also done a great job in recent seasons of getting off to strong starts right out of the gate. Portland also has won 6 of their last 7 meetings with New Orleans and that includes 4 straight for the Blazers at home.

I am playing on BROOKLYN (vs Chicago) as my *10 Main Event on Wednesday @ 7:35 ET - Even though the Bulls failed to get the cash last night (Chicago blew a big late lead), this is still an ideal spot to fade them because they did get the straight-up victory and that was a huge revenge game for Chicago last night. The Bulls were seeking revenge for last season's playoff ouster at the hands of the Cavs and they got that sweet revenge last night. That makes this a particularly tough back to back spot for Chicago. While the Nets were resting up and going through preparation for this match-up, the Bulls are battling hard with LeBron James and company Tuesday. Brooklyn is a young team but they are hungry and they are also highly motivated about Derrick Rose and company paying a visit in their home opener. The Bulls have gone 18-25 ATS the last two seasons when off of a divisional game. Also, Chicago has gone just 20-17 SU when playing the second game of a back to back situation. Here they are not only being asked to win but to cover about a half dozen points. This is quite the challenge against the hungry and rested Nets in their season opener and on their home floor. New Jersey has gone a respectable 52-38 in home games the past two seasons and the Nets have won OUTRIGHT 6 of the last 10 times they've been a home dog of 3.5 to 6 points. 

I’m playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers as a 10*.

The Cavaliers have their backs to the ropes in Game 6 at home. Cleveland looks tired and lethargic in its Game 5 loss to the Warriors, but we expect the home crowd at Quiken Loans Arena to energize the home side and keep this game much closer than the oddsmakers expect. The Cavs were forced out of their game plan by the Warriors' smaller lineup and head coach David Blatt may have made a mistake trying to match that speed, which left his thinning team running on empty in Game 5. Blatt knows he can’t try to run with the Warriors, so we expect Cleveland to go back to what kept it in this series: size and strength. LeBron James will continue to put up monstrous numbers and the best player on the planet will do everything in his power to keep this series alive. It might not be pretty at times, but we do see Cleveland fighting tooth and nail in Game 5 and covering as a home dog. The host has been the hot bet when these teams collide going 5-2 ATS in their last seven clashes.

I’m playing on Cleveland as a 10* Tuesday.

CLEVELAND at GOLDEN STATE 
I am playing on CLEVELAND. The Cavs have been the better team against the spread these playoffs and I believe they are getting too many points for this first game at Golden State. 
The Cavs are 8-6 ATS in the postseason, compared to the Warriors' record of 7-8 and this marks the most points Cleveland has gotten so far. With points to work with, the Cavs are 3-1 against the number in these playoffs and they also happen to be on a 4-1 ATS stretch heading into Game 1 Thursday night. 
Obviously LeBron James plays a huge factor in taking the Cavs in here but he's been supported in a big way by J.R. Smith lately, among others. Smith is coming off a pair of big double-doubles that helped Cleveland close out the series against Atlanta. 
Cleveland matches up pretty well across the board when you look at shooting and rebounding stats but what I really like is the Cavs rank third in defensive efficiency in the playoffs. Though Golden State holds some slight analytical advantages, I just don't think they are worth six points. 10* MAIN EVENT

I’m playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers as my 10* Main Event.

Cleveland has an opportunity to close out the Atlanta Hawks in a series sweep of the Eastern Conference finals Tuesday night. The Cavs are coming off a thrilling 114-111 overtime victory in Game 3, which ripped the heart out of the Hawks and should have some resounding impact in this contest. Cleveland has withstood the best Atlanta has thrown at it and doesn’t want to chance taking this series back to Atlanta, with the Hawks holding home court in this series. Cleveland is waiting on the status of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving but in the meantime is getting solid production and playoff grittiness from backup Matthew Dellavedova, who is coming off a 17-point effort in Game 3. Tristian Thompson has also come up big for the Cleveland frontcourt, making up for some missing big bodies down low. He battled for 10 points and seven rebounds Sunday. Books have the Cavaliers set as lofty favorites for this matchup but we think it’s for a reason, especially after the way Atlanta lost in Game 3.

I’m playing on Cleveland as my 10* Main Event Tuesday.

CLEVELAND at ATLANTA 
I am playing on ATLANTA. I think the Hawks will bounce back to tie up the series with the Cavs in Game 2. 
Once again Atlanta is seeing a line so small that it pretty much comes down to which team will win the game. I believe that team is Atlanta after the Hawks had a substandard performance in Game 1 in my opinion. 
Atlanta went just 4-of-23 from 3-point range and was badly out-rebounded 49-37 on Wednesday. I don't think the Hawks can play any worse than that and they still managed to keep this game within eight points. I think we'll see more shots drop for Atlanta in Game 2 and good news on the injury front is that DeMarre Carroll's knee injury just looks like a sprain and isn't as serious as initially feared. 
Jeff Teague has really elevated his performance in recent games after a slow start to the postseason and I think he'll be a huge factor in this series. I also feel we'll see a much better game from Atlanta's front court on Friday and I'm expecting Paul Millsap and Al Horford to step up their efforts from what we saw in Game 1. 10*

HOUSTON at GOLDEN STATE 
I am playing on GOLDEN STATE. The Warriors appear to have their confidence back, pulling off four straight wins following a pair of losses to the Grizzlies last round. Golden State is 3-1 against the spread in those efforts and I see them earning the cover tonight at home against Houston in Game 2 of the Western finals. 
Stephen Curry was the MVP whenever he needed to be in Game 1 when he scored 34 points and drained six of 11 3-point attempts. When he's shooting hot, the Warriors become pretty close to being unstoppable as they spread the floor and share the ball too. 
Last game also marked the fifth win of the season for Golden State against Houston and I'm just not sure if this Rockets squad believes it can beat the top team in the NBA. I'm looking for a big win tonight for the Warriors and their sixth cover in the last seven meetings with the Rockets. 10*

I’m playing on the Atlanta Hawks as a 10*

The Hawks escaped a tough series with the Wizards, thanks to some last-second heroics as well as some luck, with Washington having a Paul Pierce buzzer beater called back in Game 6. And those close calls have oddsmakers showing the Eastern Conference’s top seed little respect in this conference finals opener against Cleveland. Atlanta matches up better with the Cavs, being able to throw some multiple athletic forwards at LeBron James as well as possessing a much deeper frontcourt. Cleveland lucked out against Chicago in Round 2 with the Bulls’ big men playing banged up. The Hawks have All-Stars Al Horford and Paul Milsap at forward along with budding star DeMarre Carroll. The Cavaliers don’t have much muscle or talent down low, since Kevin Love was lost for the postseason, and we expect the Hawks to flex its frontcourt prowess and pick up an impressive win in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference final Wednesday.

I’m playing on Atlanta as a 10* Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Golden State Warriors as a 10*.

 The Warriors had a tough series with the Memphis Grizzlies, overcoming their size and dominating defense. Now, Golden State switches gears against the high-powered Houston Rockets in the Western Conference finals. This Rockets play more at the Warriors’ pace than the Grizzlies did and that might not be a good thing for Houston in Game 1. The Rockets are ripe for the letdown spot after battling back from 3-1 down to Los Angeles, including an improbable Game 6 comeback and a huge victory in Game 7. The Warriors have covered in five straight meetings with the Rockets and showed plenty of character in the previous series versus Memphis. They will set the tone with a big win in Game 1 Tuesday night.

 I’m playing on Golden State as a 10* Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Los Angeles Clippers as a 10*.


The Clippers let Game 6 get away from them, collapsing in what would have been a home win that sent them to the Western Conference finals. However, now the series swings back to Houston and the Clippers are desperate to win this Game 7 showdown and not become the latest team to collapse under the pressure. Los Angeles held a 19-point lead in Game 6 then caved in for a 40-point fourth quarter to the Rockets. We expect head coach Doc Rivers to preach defensive intensity before Game 7 and the Clippers will extra cautious to let Houston build any momentum offensively. The Rockets were able to pick up plenty of scraps and outscored L.A. 26-5 in second-chance buckets. Those offensive putbacks will be much harder to come by Sunday. We expect both teams to battle but see the Clippers doing enough to cover this short spread and advance to the conference finals.


I’m playing on the L.A. Clippers as a 10* Sunday.

ATLANTA at WASHINGTON 

I am playing on ATLANTA. The Hawks played about as poorly as they can play on Wednesday night and they still managed to squeak out the win over the Wizards. I think we'll see a much better effort on Friday in Game 6 and I believe they'll not only cover the number, but could very likely end the series.  The Hawks coughed up the ball a sloppy 25 times in Game 5, which should have been enough to doom them. However, I just feel they are the better team, and tougher in the paint, and Al Horford managed to haul in a big rebound and put back the basket needed to take the game.  Nene continues to be sporadic for the Wizards down low (nine points and 40% shooting in Game 5) and as a result, Atlanta holds a big edge in the paint with Horford and Paul Milsap. The Hawks out-rebounded the Wizards 50-46 last game and I think we'll see that continue to give Atlanta a big edge down low in Game 6.  I'm expecting Atlanta to finish this series off on Friday and as a result, I love the points here. 10* Best Bet

CLEVELAND at CHICAGO 
I am playing on CLEVELAND. This one all comes down to LeBron, who has simply gone off in this series and I don't see him slowing down any time soon. 
James is coming off a 38-point triple-double and he's averaging 30.8 points over his last four games. The Cavs went 3-1 in those contests and it's like LeBron just decided Cleveland wasn't going to lose this series. All the Bulls have really been able to do is watch. 
Historically, James is incredible when it comes to putting teams away and I expect him to have another big night. In close-out playoff games (with three wins in the series), LeBron's teams are 22-8 and 20-9-1 against the spread. That's a rate of covering the spread at 69 percent and with a small spread tonight, I expect Cleveland to cash in again tonight. 10*

MEMPHIS at GOLDEN STATE 
I am playing on GOLDEN STATE. I like the Warriors to continue in their turnaround of this series after winning Game 3 and for two main reasons: a key defensive adjustment and shots are finally starting to fall for them. 
The Warriors made a surprising change on defense by making Andrew Bogut guard Tony Allen in Game 3. The goal was to try to force Allen to shoot jumpers and make the Grizz beat them in a shooting contest. The result was that Memphis beat Golden State 44-34 in the paint but the Grizzlies were badly out-shot from everywhere else. 
The Warriors shot 47% from the field and 42.4 percent from downtown compared to 37.5% and 22.2% for the Grizzlies.
I expect the momentum to carry into tonight's game back in California with a Golden State team that has its confidence back. 10*

I’m playing on the Atlanta Hawks as a 10*.

Atlanta is riding the momentum of a Game 4 victory and looks to score another blow to the Cinderella Wizards at home in Game 5 Wednesday. The Hawks were able to overwhelm a Washington offense that sorely missed John Wall down the stretch of Game 4. Wall is a question mark for Game 5 but even if he does play, the dynamic point guard will be forced to use his offhand which allows defenders to dictate which direction they want to force Wall, not to mention what that does to his shot. The Hawks finally saw some of the offensive balance that made them the top seed in the East, with forward Paul Milsap stepping up with 19 points and stuffed stat line. Atlanta will build on that last outing and get a solid boost from the home crowd, going 6-2-1 ATS in their previous nine games with the Wizards.

I’m playing on Atlanta as a 10* Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers as a 10* PLAYOFF SIDE OF THE YEAR.

The Cavaliers – LeBron James more specifically – tore the hearts out of the Chicago Bulls with his game-winning corner jumper at the buzzer in Game 4 to even this series at 2-2, swinging back to Cleveland Tuesday night. Chicago, which won Game 3 in similar fashion, thought it had the Cavs on the ropes but now they must rebound from a gut-wrenching loss on the road – not an easy task for even the savviest club. Cleveland didn’t shoot well in the two games inside the United Center and generally haven’t for the first four games of this series, but we expect the home-court advantage to really show up in Game 5. The Cavs pushed back against the Bulls frontcourt in Game 4, taking advantage of Pau Gasol’s hamstring injury, and won the battle on the boards. Gasol is still questionable for Game 5, putting weight on fellow forward Taj Gibson, who is nursing a knee injury, and Joakim Noah, who hasn’t been healthy all season. Cleveland will continue to exploit those ailments and knows it can’t afford to drop a game at Quicken Loans Arena and head back to Chicago facing elimination.

I’m playing on Cleveland as a 10* Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Golden State Warriors as my 10* Western Conference Main Event.

The Warriors were punched in the mouth in Games 2 and 3, with the Grizzlies enforcing their brand of physical basketball on the finesse-based Golden State squad. Memphis was able to bring the tempo to a standstill with its methodical offense and aggressive perimeter defenders. However, we see the Warriors making some major adjustments in Game 4. Golden State can’t rely on Stephen Curry to piggyback the offense, and we expect a much more deep attack coming from the Warriors. Klay Thompson showed signs of life with 20 points and eight rebounds in Game 3, and getting him back on track will open up the offense for everyone. A quick start for the Warriors offense is key here. They were second in the NBA in first quarter points and have averaged 24.7 points in the opening frame against one of the stingiest defenses in the league in this series. While many are writing the Warriors off, oddsmakers are still showing Golden State respect with this line and we feel as though we should too.

I’m playing on Golden State as my 10* Western Conference Main Event Monday.

I’m playing on the Atlanta Hawks as my 10* Eastern Conference Main Event.

The Hawks and Washington Wizards have gone tit-for-tat in the first three games of this Eastern Conference semifinal series and now it’s Atlanta’s opportunity to return serve. The Hawks were burned by last-second heroics from Wizards veteran Paul Pierce, who stepped up in the absence of star guard John Wall. Washington was able to survive one game without their MVP but we expect the Wizards’ weakness without Wall to be on full display in Game 4. The Hawks forced 15 turnovers and turned those into 25 fastbreak points and if not for a hot shooting night for Washington, which nearly blew a 21-point lead, the Hawks would have the Wizards on the ropes. We expect Atlanta to tighten up on defense and really put pressure on Washington to fill that scoring void left by Wall.

I’m playing on Atlanta as my 10* Eastern Conference Main Event Monday.

I’m playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers as my 10* Main Event.

The Cavaliers are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, with Bulls guard Derrick Rose banking in a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to avoid overtime. Cleveland has already shown the ability to respond in a big way with a win in Game 2 following a loss in the series opener, as we expect LeBron James & Co. to answer the call Sunday. The Cavs didn’t shoot especially well in Game 3 – hitting at just 39 percent from the field – but still were in the game until Rose launched that prayer. The return of JR Smith from suspension gave Cleveland some added scoring pop off the bench and allowed James to get some much-need rest. The Cavs did a solid job containing the Bulls big men in Game 3 and may not face a fully-healthy Pau Gasol in Game 4. Gasol is a question mark for Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury. Either way, that’s a huge break for Cleveland and it won’t pass up this opportunity to tie the series going back home for Game 5.

I’m playing on Cleveland as my 10* Main Event Sunday.

ATLANTA at WASHINGTON 
I am playing on WASHINGTON. The biggest story for the Wizards in Game 3 is obviously John Wall's injury, which has now been diagnosed as multiple fractures in his left hand and wrist. 
Wall will likely be on the sidelines again but I feel that just means oddsmakers are undervaluing the Wizards as they know the injury will attract Atlanta money. Wall's fill-in, Ramon Sessions, was more than a strong replacement with 21 points and four assists and Game 2's loss can't be blamed on the back court. Bradley Beal also had 20 points and seven assists. 
Washington actually got beaten in the paint 38-30 and that's where I see the Wizards improving in Game 3. I think home court will do wonders for the Wizards, who pulverized the Raptors at home last round and I love that they are getting points. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers as my 10* Super Play.

Cleveland was knocked down by the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinal series but we expect LeBron & Co. to come roaring back with a strong effort in Game 2, not risking the loss of homecourt advantage and heading to the Windy City down 0-2. Cleveland got off to a slow start and couldn’t claw its way back into the game, unable to match the Bulls inside-out attack. The Cavs will be much more mindful of the importance of a strong start and we expect James to see a more versatile role in Game 2, taking his strength to the blocks to battle the Bulls’ big men. Cleveland went with a much smaller starting lineup but we expect them to counter Chicago’s size with a bigger lineup Wednesday. Cleveland has been a strong bounce-back bet, going 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games after failing to cover the spread.

I’m playing on Cleveland as my 10* Super Play Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Atlanta Hawks as my 10* Main Event.

The Hawks were caught sleeping in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinal series, losing 104-98 after coming off a grueling opening-round set against the Brooklyn Nets on short rest. Atlanta has had time to refocus and prepare for the Wizards, who they had on a ropes after a strong first half. The Hawks won’t risk blowing home-court advantage and we expect that if Atlanta gets up again, it’ll keep its foot on the gas. As this series plays out, the Hawks' depth will eventually overwhelm Washington. Atlanta goes very deep with six players averaging double figures which is a contrast to the Wizards who really on their starting backcourt to tow the load offensively. We expect a better all-around effort from Atlanta in Game 2 now that it's rested and refocused, having gone 4-1-1 ATS in its previous six meetings with the Wizards.

I’m playing on Atlanta as my 10* Main Event Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Houston Rockets as my 10* Main Event.

The Houston Rockets are hoping to catch the Los Angeles Clippers in a disastrous letdown spot in Game 1 of their conference semifinal series Monday night. Los Angeles knocked off the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in dramatic fashion in Game 7 this past Saturday night, and a letdown seems only natural after one of the biggest wins in franchise history. The Rockets, on the other hand, have had plenty of time to catch their collective breath and plan for L.A. Houston will be looking to also take advantage of a possibly shorthanded Clippers squad, with Chris Paul nursing a hamstring injury. Even if Paul does play, he’s not 100 percent and is going against a very dangerous scorer in James Harden. These teams split the season series but Houston did win and cover in the two most recent meetings.

I’m playing on Houston as my 10* Main Event Monday.

I’m playing on the Washington Wizards as my 10* Best Bet.

Washington has been patiently waiting for their second-round opponent following a dominant series sweep of the Toronto Raptors to open the playoffs. While the Wizards have been out of action for some time now they do catch the Hawks in a dangerous letdown spot coming off a grueling series with the Brooklyn Net and a short turnaround into the conference semifinals. Washington can dictate the tempo against this tired Hawks side, with their guards coming off a sizzling series with Toronto. Atlanta did win three of the four meetings with Washington in the regular season – but Toronto did sweep the Wiz and we all saw how much that played into that series. We’re getting tremendous spread value on a well-prepared Wizards team in Game 1.

I’m playing on Washington as my 10* Best Bet Sunday.

I’m playing on the Los Angeles Clippers as a 10*.

The Clippers forced a Game 7 showdown with the San Antonio Spurs with a 102-96 victory in San Antonio to swing this Round 1 series back to the Staples Center. Home court hasn’t amounted to much in this series but we expect the Clippers to have a ton of momentum and a solid home edge Saturday night. The Spurs may finally be showing their age – or at least all those deep playoff runs. San Antonio’s stars had a horrible Game 6 performance and while we expect them to play much better in Game 7, this could be the beginning of the end for the Spurs' reign.

I’m playing on the Los Angeles Clippers as a 10* Saturday.

ATLANTA at BROOKLYN
I am playing on ATLANTA. I successfully took the Hawks in Game 5 and I'm taking them again here Friday night. 
Al Horford seems to have awoken in this series and is the biggest reason I like the Hawks to win and cover this small number tonight. After a substandard first three games, Horford has had two solid games and he picked up 20 points and 15 assists in Game 5. The Hawks outscored Brooklyn 42-32 in the paint and they held a 17-point lead at one point. 
I expect Atlanta to continue to hold that lead down low tonight, which is also opening up the rest of the floor. Kyle Korver has 33 points over his last two games and has been doing some damage from beyond the 3-point line. 
I like the series to end tonight and the Hawks to cover a number that wasn't set high enough by oddsmakers in my opinion. 10* Main Event

I am playing on the CLIPPERS. Oddly, there is something about playing on the road in this series that is giving teams the edge all of a sudden. The visiting team has won and covered in three of the last four matchups and I think that trend continues tonight. 
Even though the Spurs won and covered last game, it was one that just as easily could have gone the Clippers' way. A DeAndre Jordan feather-touch of the ball with 4.3 seconds left proved to be the difference that may have prevented the Clippers from being up 3-2 in this series instead of being down 3-2. Jordan was called for basket interference, which would have given L.A. the 109-108 lead with just a few seconds left. 
Now the Clippers are getting a handful of points, which I believe is too many for a game they could very well win outright and send this series to a seventh and deciding game. 
Los Angeles destroyed the Spurs in points in the paint in Game 5 (56-34) and in fast break points (25-11), both good signs of outplaying San Antonio. Where the Clippers fell down was on 3-pointers where the Spurs went 11-for-23 while L.A. went an ugly 1-for-14. 
Clippers sharp shooter J.J. Redick got into foul trouble and fouled out without having attempted a trey and I don't see that happening two games in a row. Clippers coach Doc Rivers was fined $25 grand after the game for crticizing the officials and I believe the veteran coach may have bought some calls back. 
I expect the Clippers to drain some treys and better defend the 3 in Game 6 and continue to outplay the Spurs in other key facets. I am more than happy to take the points here and it should be noted the underdog is 6-3 against the spread in the nine meetings between these teams this season. 10* Main Event  

I am playing on ATLANTA. It was a bit of a stunner than Brooklyn managed to win both games it has played at home in this series but I think the series turns back around in Game 5 back in Atlanta. 
Home court is clearly taking on huge importance in this matchup and I can't ignore the fact the Hawks are 36-7 straight up and 26-17 against the spread at home this year. 
Game 4 was a game where the stats told a slightly different story than the score when Brooklyn won 120-115 in overtime. The Hawks out-rebounded the Nets 55-40, they outscored them 60-44 in the paint and they knocked down 13 3-pointers. They also blew a 12-point lead at one point in what looked to be a sure win and cover for Atlanta. 
I think that will serve as a bit of a wake-up call for the Hawks that they need to be more consistent. I also don't think the Nets can rely on a blast-from-the-past magical performance from Deron Williams, who scored 35 in Game 4. That effort was the deciding factor last game and I just don't think Brooklyn can cross its fingers and hope for that to happen again. 
Atlanta plays tougher defense at home where it allows an impressive 94.8 points this season and I think we'll see the Hawks better contain the Nets tonight.  10* Main Event

I’m playing on the Portland Trail Blazers as my 10* Annihilator.

The Trail Blazers are backed up against a wall, facing a possible four-game sweep at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies Monday. We expect Portland to come out fighting in Game 4 and see solid line value with the Blazers.

Portland tried to change the tempo of the series in Game 3 at home. The Blazers pushed the pace and tried to overwhelm Memphis with a high-scoring attack, which backfired when the Grizzlies matched Portland’s offensive efficiency and scored 39 of their total 115 points from the foul line. That was the most amount of points scored by Memphis since a 122-point effort in overtime back in January.

The Blazers do catch a break with Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley out for Game 4 with an eye injury. Conley is the motor behind the Memphis offense and an underrated defender. Portland should try to up the tempo again and challenge the Grizzlies’ backcourt depth and ball handling with Conley out of action. Damian Lillard, especially, will be looking to test Memphis after being hounded by Conley all series.

The Blazers desperate and upping the tempo on a shorthanded Grizzlies backcourt are why I’m playing on Portland as my 10* Annihilator Monday.

I’m playing on the Dallas Mavericks as my 10* Western Conference Main Event.

Dallas is on the ropes down 0-3 to the Houston Rockets at home Sunday night. The Mavericks are coming off a heartbreaking 130-128 loss to their in-state rivals in Game 3, despite holding a 13-point lead over Houston in that matchup.

We see value in a desperate Dallas side Sunday. This is a veteran NBA team that has been in plenty of playoff wars. They won’t be shaken by the situation and will want to save face on their homecourt in Game 4, avoiding the sweep. The home team has been the wise bet when these Texas teams collide, with the host going 10-4 ATS in their last 14 head-to-head meetings.

Game 3 was the style Dallas would like to play against the more finesse-based Rockets. There were 56 personal fouls called and the Mavericks were vocal about the officiating, saying there should have been more on Houston. The Mavs' best chance of slowing down the Rockets’ up-tempo pace – which ranks second fastest in the NBA – is to get physical with the ball carrier. With emotions running high, we expect another tight physical game between these rivals in Game 4.

The Mavericks playing for pride and slowing the Rockets down with a physical style are why I’m playing on Dallas as my 10* Western Conference Main Event Sunday.

I’m playing on the Toronto Raptors as my 10* Eastern Conference Main Event. The Raptors are facing an embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Washington Wizards, despite standing as the higher seed and taking all three meetings against Washington in the regular season. Toronto fell down 0-3 with a 106-99 loss in DC Friday night, trailing at the half and battling an off-shooting night. There is desperation with the Dinos in Game 4 and we see that providing plenty of pointspread value. Washington is a very young team and has never held a 3-0 stranglehold on the playoff series. Teams must learn to put opponents away when they have them on the ropes, and this Wizards squad just isn’t there yet. We expect Toronto to live to see another day with a gritty effort Sunday. The Raptors defense wasn’t able to translate 17 Washington turnovers into offense, despite 12 steals. Toronto had just nine fastbreak points and needs to do a better job in transition, breaking out and capitalizing on those errors. The Wizards have averaged 14.7 turnovers per game in this season while Toronto has coughed the ball up only 10.7 times per contest, including just nine turnovers in Game 3. The Wizards' inexperience closing out games and the Raptors turning turnovers into points are why I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* Eastern Conference Main Event Sunday.

I am playing on PORTLAND. I expect the Blazers to be relieved to be heading back to home court, where they scored about two more points and allowed about three fewer points than they did compared to their overall averages this season. 
The better play was evident by the fact the Blazers were a much better bet on home court this year than they were on the road. They were a miserable 18-25 against the number as the visitor but a more bankroll pleasing 22-18-1 for their bettors as the host. 
Aron Afflalo is expected to be back in the lineup after missing the first two games of the series and I think he’ll give Portland a big lift. Damon Lillard could use all the help he can get after starting the series in a shooting funk but I fully expect him to break out of that how that the series has shifted out of Memphis. 
LaMarcus Aldridge has been a bright spot for Portland and a big reason I believe this team still feels it can win this series. He poured in 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Game 2 and I feel his stellar play will continue. 
I also think Memphis won’t be able to play quite the same physical style it likes to play in Portland. We often see the home team get the benefit of the doubt on calls in the NBA playoffs and I don’t think this game will be any different. I feel that will break Memphis out of the style of game it usually likes to play while giving a big edge to Portland. 

The Blazers are 14-8 against the spread versus winning teams at home this season and I think they’ll grab a big win at home in Game 3 and declare this series isn’t quite over yet.  10* Opening Round Game of the Year

CHICAGO at MILWAUKEE 
I am playing on MILWAUKEE. The Bucks had some pretty hard betting luck against the spread during their first two playoff games in Chicago and I think the luck will turn around tonight back home. 
Milwaukee failed to cover by a combined measly 3 1/2 points in those two games and I think they'll be more comfortable in their familiar surroundings with a few points in their back pocket to work with. 
What I like about the first two games is though the Bucks didn't play their best basketball, they forced the Bulls to get into some sloppy play too. Game 2 was especially ugly to watch with both teams shooting below 40 percent from the field while the Bucks picked up just 13 assists. 
I think we'll see the Bucks moving the ball much better in Game 3. Meanwhile, the Bulls may have a little more trouble doing the same with Nikola Mirotic out of the lineup with a leg injury. Mirotic scored 20.8 points per game in March and tends to add more than the average fan realizes to the Bulls' lineup. 
He adds a lot of versatility to our frontcourt," the Bulls' Pau Gasol said. "(It's) going to be more open when he's out there because of his shooting ability. We're going to miss some of his stuff."   I also like that the Bucks ended a nine-game home losing streak to the Bulls this month with a 95-91 victory on April 1. I think they’ll earn another win tonight and it’s a comfort knowing they don’t have that hanging over their heads. 10* Best Bet

I’m playing on the Portland Trail Blazers as my 10* Best Bet.

The Trail Blazers opened this series with a disappointing 100-86 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, falling short as 5.5-point underdogs. Portland let those postseason nerves get the best of them, stumbling out of the blocks for a very slow start to Game 1 – scoring only 39 points in the first half – and battling from behind for the rest of the game.

We expect those playoff jitters to have passed by the time the ball goes up in Memphis Wednesday night. The Blazers, who shot a dismal 33.7 percent from the field, will be much more comfortable with their surroundings and be hungry to bounce back with a solid effort in Game 2.

Portland, which is one of the better perimeter shooting teams in the NBA, has the ability to stretch this big Memphis lineup with those outside looks – when those shots are going down. The Blazers made only eight of their 26 attempts from deep in Game 1 but this is a much better shooting team than that, knocking down 36.2 percent from downtown during the season – eighth in the NBA.

The Trail Blazers getting over those postseason nerves and their ability to stretch the Grizzlies defense are why I’m playing on Portland as my 10* Best Bet Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Atlanta Hawks as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Hawks may have gotten a wake-up call from the Brooklyn Nets in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference opening round series. Atlanta edged Brooklyn 99-92 and failed to cover as 11-point favorites this past weekend, with the Nets fighting right until the final horn.

The No. 1 seed in the East knows it has a poor history of early postseason exits and would be one of the most memorable busts if they were to fall to Brooklyn this season. We fully expect the Hawks to take zero chances with that in Game 2 and gladly give the points, predicting a big night for Atlanta.

All eyes are on Hawks center Al Horford and his finger injury but Atlanta shouldn’t be worried. This team has some of the best scoring depth in the NBA, with six players averaging 10 or more points per game. Atlanta has shown an ability to absorb injuries to key players all season and won’t suffer as big a letdown as expected if Horford is unable to go.

The Hawks waking up after a close call in Game 1 and their uncanny scoring depth are why I’m playing on Atlanta as my 10* Personal Favorite Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Toronto Raptors as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Raptors stumbled in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series with the Washington Wizards, getting edged 96-86 in overtime at home Saturday. We expect a big bounce back from Toronto, with the pressure of another first-round exit against a lower seed hanging over its head.

The Raptors were obviously playing beyond themselves in Game 1. They scored just 56 points through three quarters and shot a dismal 38 percent from the field, including a 6-for-29 performance. Toronto’s offense looked rattled from the opening tip and star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan took terrible shot after terrible shot, finishing the night 6 of 20 from the field for 15 points and three turnovers.

Those postseason nerves will settle down with an extra day between Games 1 and 2, allowing the Raptors to regroup and focus on getting better looks from its offense. Toronto didn’t do too bad a job on the defensive end, as Washington was a bit anxious as well. The Raptors did win all three meetings with the Wizards in the regular season and checked them to 93 and 84 points in two of those games.

The Raptors getting back on track offensively and continuing their defensive dominance are why I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I am playing on the CLIPPERS. Los Angeles soars into the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak and though the Clippers went 0-3-1 against the spread in their last four games, I like the fact they barely have a point spread to worry about covering here. 
The Clippers own the second best offense in the league with 106 points per game this season and I believe they'll be able to keep the pace up and do enough to take the first game of this series on home court. 
Chris Paul was once again incredible this season with 19.1 points per game and a league leading 10.2 assists. He's had the benefit of having Blake Griffin back for the last month following a staph infection and he's going to be a nightmare matchup for the Spurs. Griffin scored 31 and grabbed 13 rebounds to go along with five assists in his last game against the Spurs - a 20-point win back in January in San Antonio. 
The reason why the Clippers are so tough though is they can score with just about any style a team wants to give them. J.J. Redick shot the lights out from 3-point range this season (43.2 percent), which opens the floor in the paint for Griffin and DeAndre Jordan so it's a little of pick your poison when you face L.A. 
The Clippers aren't quite as terrible on defense as they're made out to be this season either and I think they'll do just enough to keep the Spurs in check. Paul finished fifth in the league in steals per game Jordan finished fifth in the league in blocks per game while leading the league in field-goal shooting percentage at the other end. 
Los Angeles has won the last two meetings between these two squads and the most recent one came without Griffin in the lineup. Now that he's back I don't think the Clippers are going to be slowed on home court in Game 1, even against the Spurs, and I like the first game to go to L.A. 10* Sunday Main Event

I’m playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers as my 10* Personal Favorite.

Cleveland, despite the gap in seeding between the No. 2 and No. 7 teams in the East, won’t be taking the Boston Celtics lightly in Game 1 of this opening round playoff series Sunday. The Celtics have beat the Cavs twice in the past week and one of those wins came with Cleveland playing all of its starters, losing 99-90 in Boston as a 6-point road favorite on April 10.

While the big spread is a tempting proposition for underdog bettors, double-digit favorites haven’t fared well in the postseason and we expect Cleveland to set the tone for the series with an explosive Game 1 performance. The Cavaliers have had their eyes on the postseason since LeBron James returned home in the summer, and that run all starts Sunday.

Boston can’t afford to let this series turn into a shootout. The Celtics have an offensive spark in guard Isaiah Thomas, but can he guard Cleveland’s bigger backcourt of Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert – and even James if he steps in at two-guard? Fellow guard Avery Bradley isn’t 100 percent coming into the postseason, nursing an ankle injury, and towing the scoring and defense load is just too much for this pair.

The Cavaliers not taking Boston lightly and their big and talented guards are why I’m playing on Cleveland as my 10* Personal Favorite Saturday.

I am playing on HOUSTON. The Rockets finished with their third-best record in franchise history and they consistently proved to be a matchup problem for the Mavs this year.

The Rockets went 3-1 straight up and against the spread in the four meetings this season and Houston often used a lightning transition game to get the jump on the Mavericks. Dallas gave up 15.9 points on average in transition on the season but against Houston that number jumped to a sloppy 23.3 points.

The Rockets are also a much better defensive team than the Mavericks and they held Dirk Nowitzki to a disappointing 42 percent shooting in the four meetups and I'll think that's a great sign that points toward another Houston cover here. 

Center Dwight Howard finally appears healthy for Houston and I think that will be another big advantage for the Rockets – particularly when it comes to keeping Mavericks center Tyson Chandler in check, who has averaged almost 15 points over his last five games. Howard is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game and has at least two blocks in his last three games and I expect him to be a big presence in the paint.

Then there’s James Harden, of course, who finished second in NBA scoring this year. He’s going to be the best player on the court pretty much no matter who Houston plays and I expect him to own a big role in leading the Rockets to the money in Game 1. 

Houston enters this contest on a three-game winning streak and the Rockets were also an incredible 26-15 against the spread on home court this season. They've also covered four of the last five meetings against Dallas and everywhere you look, this game is pointing to a Houston win and cover. 10* Saturday Main Event

I am playing on NEW ORLEANS. It's "win and they're in" for the Pelicans tonight, who will be guaranteed a playoff spot if they can beat San Antonio. So we know we will see the Pelicans leave everything on the floor and I love the fact that they are also getting points on home court. 
San Antonio enters on an 11-game winning streak but the Spurs have also failed to cover in two straight games after being forced to give away too many points by oddsmakers. The Pelicans have won seven of their last 10 games, but all three of those losses came on the road. The Pelicans have won and covered their last four games on home court, which includes a win over Golden State where the Warriors were laying a very similar number to the one we're seeing tonight. 
Unlike most of the rest of the NBA, the Spurs have actually been a great matchup for New Orleans this year. The Pelicans have covered the spread in all three meetings and won two of them straight up. The Spurs needed overtime to win the one meeting they did capture but failed to cover as 4.5 point favorites. 
You have to also like that Anthony Davis is a matchup problem for just about any titeam right now and is coming off racking up 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and six blocks against Minnesota. It should also help that guard Jrue Holiday is expected back in the lineup after missing Monday's game and the Pelicans will need his 14.9 points and 6.9 assists per game. 
The Pelicans are 13-6 against the spread at home against winning teams this season while the Spurs are 7-13 against the number against winning teams on the road. So tonight's matchup shapes up as a great spot all around and I really like the Pelicans to at least cover if not win straight up. 10* Best Bet

I’m playing on the Indiana Pacers as my 10* NBA Personal Favorite.

Indiana is still battling for the playoffs, sitting behind the Brooklyn Nets for the eighth and final postseason ticket in the Eastern Conference. That motivation has pushed the Pacers to five straight victories heading into Tuesday’s action, going 4-1 ATS in that span.

Indiana could get some help from the Wizards, who are locked into the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference and could choose to limit their stars in the final two games of the season. Washington found out Monday night, following Chicago’s win over Brooklyn, that they would finish fifth in the conference, which rendered Tuesday’s tangle with the Pacers meaningless to the Wizards.

The Pacers' offense has been the motor for this team’s late surge, averaging almost 104 points per game in their last 10 outings – a major improvement from their season scoring rate of 97.5 points per game. The return of Paul George has also given Indiana some scoring depth off the bench, with George averaging 10.3 points in his first four games back from a broken leg.

The Pacers’ postseason push and the Wizards not having any stake in this game are why I’m playing on Indiana as my 10* NBA Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Sacramento Kings as my 10* NBA Personal Favorite Monday.

The Kings host the Los Angeles Lakers after three straight road games. Sacramento is coming off a 122-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets Sunday but despite having shut down its superstars, the Kings continue to produce offensively. Sacramento should be able to overtake an offensively challenged Lakers side that has just two wins in its last 10 games, going 3-6-1 ATS in that span.

Los Angeles is putting a lineup on the floor full of unknowns and is down one of their only name-brand players in Wesley Johnson, who sprained his ankle in the loss to Dallas. Johnson was one of the few offensive threats L.A. had left. The Lakers’ bench ran only three players deep in their last games, so expect an even shorter rotation for this game.

The Kings don’t have DeMarcus Cousins or Rudy Gay but are getting great production from their young role players as well as solid contributions off the bench. This is only Sacramento’s fourth home game in the past 11 outings and the home finale. We expect a spirited effort as the Kings youngsters try to up their stock for next season and give the home fans one last win to cheer for.

The Kings getting good production from their role players and the Lakers’ limited bodies are why I’m playing on Sacramento as my 10* NBA Personal Favorite Monday.

I’m playing on the Denver Nuggets as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

Denver isn’t going down without a fight, showing tremendous value in its last two games. The Nuggets stunned the Los Angeles Clippers 119-101 as 9.5-point underdogs then lost 144-143 to the Dallas Mavericks as 1.5-point favorites in their most recent contest.

Denver takes on a shell of the Sacramento Kings Sunday, with Sacramento entering full tank mode. The organization announced it was shutting down top players DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay for the remainder of the season, stripping Sacramento of most of its scoring punch. The Kings were only putting up 97.7 points per game over their last eight outings, so we could see a sharp decline in their output Sunday with these stars on the sideline.

The Nuggets can put up points in a hurry and will look to overwhelm this undermanned Kings teams with offense. Denver has averaged more than 110 points over its last five meetings with Sacramento, including a 118-108 victory over the Kings on January 9.

On top of that, a trip to Denver at this time in the season, especially with a short bench, is tough on any team. The thin air in Colorado can quickly drain the visitors’ reserves. Sacramento is just 8-19-1 ATS in its last 28 road games heading into Sunday.

The Nuggets fighting to the finish and the Kings packing it in on the road are why I’m playing on Denver as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I’m playing on the Milwaukee Bucks as my 10* Early Best Bet Sunday.

The Bucks are clutching to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference standings as the season winds down this week. Milwaukee is fighting off the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, who they happen to play Sunday afternoon. The Bucks are just two games up on the Nets hosting Brooklyn in a huge matinee matchup.

Milwaukee stopped the bleeding from a two-game hiccup with a 99-91 road win over the New York Knicks last time out and have three wins in its last five contests – going 3-2 ATS. The Bucks continue to be one of the stingiest teams on defense and face a Brooklyn offense that is picking up steam as the postseason draws closer.

The Nets have won eight of their last 10 games thanks in large part to a surge in scoring, getting tremendous efforts from their standout players. Brooklyn has also benefited from a home-friendly slate, with all but three of those 10 contests coming inside the Barclays Center.

In those seven home stands, the Nets are averaging 110.3 points per game. In the three road games, they’re putting up just 96.6 points an outing. We expect a desperate Bucks team to turn up the intensity and give Brooklyn even more road woes Sunday afternoon. The Nets are just 4-16-1 ATS in their last 21 meetings with Milwaukee, including covering in only three of their last 10 trips to the Bradley Center.

The Bucks desperate to hang on to the No. 6 spot and the Nets’ scoring dropoff on the road are why I’m playing on Milwaukee as my 10* Early Best Bet.

I am playing on MINNESOTA. In a game that is absolutely meaningless for both the Timberwolves and the Warriors, oddsmakers have simply gotten a little carried away with this point spread and are making Golden State lay way too many. 
This is the biggest spread of the season for either team and any time we see a number like that, you have to look hard at the underdog. The second biggest number of the season for these teams came when they met Dec. 27 when the Warriors laid 18.5. Minnesota covered the number in a 13-point loss and I believe tonight's spread is too generous also. 
The Warriors are still playing their starters but I think we'll see the bench see more time if Golden State jumps out to a big lead, clearing the path for a backdoor cover with a juicy number like this. 
Minnesota has a pile of injuries lately but Andrew Wiggins has stepped up with more weight falling on his shoulders. He's averaging 26.2 points over his last five games. Wiggins is coming off maybe his best game of the year against the Lakers last night where he poured in 29 points to go along with 10 rebounds and six assists. 
I think Wiggins and the Wolves will find a way to cover this heavy number Saturday night against a Golden State team that is just 6-7 against the spread this season when it has to give away 14 points or more. 10* Best Bet

I am playing on HOUSTON. Keeping Houston down isn't an easy thing to do, as I believe the Spurs will find out tonight after beating the Rockets 110-98 last night. 
The Rockets are 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 games following a double-digit loss. I think we'll see a much better game from James Harden tonight, who had an unusually cold shooting game last night when he went just 6-of-15 from the field. Harden seems to play his best when he's playing with a chip on his shoulder and I think the Rockets want to put out a better performance than what they showed last night. 
"Obviously it's going to be a great test for us because (the Rockets are) going to be a little bit mad and they're going to play with a lot of energy and we're gonna have to match that," said Spurs guard Tony Parker. 
I like that the Rockets are getting points at home and they are 7-2 against the spread in the last nine meetings with the Spurs. They were on a 3-game winning streak heading into last night during which they averaged 112.3 points and I think they came into last night's game a little mentally unprepared.

I don't expect them to make the same mistake tonight. The Rockets are 12-8 against the spread against winning teams at home this season while the Spurs are 7-12 ATS against winning teams on the road. 10* Main Event

I am playing on MEMPHIS. This game has the feeling of a classic letdown spot for New Orleans, who is coming off a big upset win last night over the best team in the NBA, Golden State. 
The Pelicans had a big second half to pull off the win over Golden State, which was their fifth win in six games. Now they must turn around on no rest and play Memphis, which is battling for the No. 2 spot in the West, just one game behind the Houston Rockets. 
As if Memphis wouldn't be tough enough, I expect the Grizzlies to be playing a little angry tonight after losing 92-83 at home to Washington on Saturday and I'm surprised this line wasn't set higher. 
Memphis wasn't happy with its play in that game and has been working in practice to correct things ever since. Head coach Dave Joerger told reporters this week that the Grizzlies are approaching the game against New Orleans as a "mini playoff prep" and I expect them to be very tough and well rested.
I also like that the home team has won and covered all three meetings in this series this season and I think Memphis will complete that trend tonight. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Sacramento Kings as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

Sacramento is showing solid value against the spread as the season dwindles down, covering in three of its last four contests including back-to-back paydays in games against the Rockets and Pelicans. We like the Kings again in this spot, taking on a Utah Jazz team coming off a game Saturday.

The Jazz lost a two-point squeaker to the Phoenix Sun Saturday, snapping a three-game winning streak for Utah. The Jazz played an extremely sloppy game with 18 turnovers and now take the court on short rest in a tough letdown spot. Utah has struggled to control the ball all season, averaging 15.2 turnovers per game on the year.

Those mistakes will turn into easy baskets for the Kings, who are looking to get out a run with head coach George Karl on the sidelines. Sacramento has finally rounded into form under their new coach and has seen an uptick in offense over the past month. DeMarcus Cousins has led that charge with back-to-back triple doubles in the last two games.

Sacramento has been a solid winner versus Utah, covering the spread in 15 of their last 21 meetings and going 5-2 ATS in their last seven home stands versus the Jazz.

The Jazz in a letdown spot on the second of back-to-backs and the Kings' value against the spread are why I’m playing on Sacramento as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I am playing on PHOENIX. I successfully offered a play on the Suns when they played Thursday night and they covered the spread by 11.5 points in a last-second loss to the best team in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors.    
I am taking them again here with what is a very small spread and I believe they'll get the win on home court. T.J. Warren is a big reason why and he is a bit of a secret weapon for the Suns right now. Warren is seeing more minutes lately and has scored 17, 13 and 18 points over his last three contests. He also picked up five assists against Golden State and his efforts went a long way toward covering the spread. 
He is a big lift for Phoenix with Brandon Knight sidelined with a heel injury and he's shooting an NBA rookie best 56.9 percent from the field for the season and 61.9 percent since the All-Star break. 
Phoenix also played some great team basketball against Golden State and I think that will continue tonight. Six players finished in double figures and the weakest part of the Suns' game might have been on free throws where they shot just 65.4 percent. 
I think we'll see another great team effort against a sub.500 team whom Phoenix beat the last time these two teams met, 100-93, back in February. 10* NBA Personal Favorite

I am playing on SACRAMENTO. Playoff hopes may be only a distant memory now for the Sacramento Kings but I feel this team is committed to continued improvement under George Karl and I like them tonight, getting points at home. 
The Kings proved they have no quit right now when they covered the spread in a tough matchup at Houston Wednesday night against the second best team in the West as far as the standings are concerned. They lost 115-111 but easily covered the 10.5 point spread and we saw some great signs that things could be on the up for this team in the future. 
Sacramento clobbered Houston in rebounds 57-42 and the Kings picked up 30 assists Wednesday night. The assists are a sign that the Kings are buying into Karl's system, which involves more ball sharing and a team-oriented offense. 
"George Karl’s system is great, and I’m not just saying that because I play for him," Omri Casspi told the Sacramento Bee recently, "but because I really do believe this is the right way to play basketball. Spacing the floor. Moving, making extra passes, sharing the ball. Getting our hands on balls, deflections, then getting out and running." 
Seven players scored in double figures against Houston Wednesday night and the Kings are scoring much more off assists this year - by about four more percent since Karl arrived - which takes them from second worst in the NBA in that category to middle of the pack. 
Center DeMarcus Cousins is playing off the charts rand is a triple double threat every night lately. He's had at least 24 points in each of his last three games and at least 17 rebounds in three of his last four games. 

Another reason I like the Kings here is they have won four of the last six meetings against the Pelicans. Throw in the points they're getting and I believe this makes for a fantastic Friday play where oddsmakers are being far too generous to the home team. 10* Best Bet

I am playing on PHOENIX. I think the Suns are getting too many points in a spot where I feel they will catch Golden State in a letdown spot. 
While it's true Phoenix has lost four in a row and the Warriors have won 10 in a row, I think that pads the pointspread coming into this game. Golden State officially has nothing left to play for after setting a franchise record for victories over the weekend and officially nailing down the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference.
Some may argue that you could have said the same thing on Monday when the Warriors won and covered against the Clippers. But that was against an in-state rival on home court and I think that's an easy one to get up for. 
Phoenix is still clinging to faint playoff hopes and playing with grit, even though the Suns have some key injuries. T.J. Warren is one player who has been stepping up as injuries hamper the lineup and he has 18 points and 13 points in his last two outings. I think he'll continue to get more comfortable and continue to contribute on a nightly basis, which could go a long way to helping Phoenix cover. 
I believe one of two things will happen tonight - either the Suns play the Warriors tough as they chase playoff hopes, or Golden State will pull away early and then put their bench on the floor, clearing the way for a back door cover with this large spread. 10* Best Bet

I’m playing on the Utah Jazz as my 10* Personal Favorite Wednesday.

The Jazz have been one of the most resurgent teams in the NBA since the All-Star break, fighting their way up the Western Conference standings to sit 11th in the standings. While Utah is very unlikely to make the playoffs, it has kept battling and presents great value against a Denver Nuggets team counting down the days until the season ends.

The Jazz have turned up the defensively intensity since the break, allowing just 94.9 points per game last month – lowest in the NBA. Utah finished March with a 10-6 SU record and takes a two-game winning run into this home stand against Denver, which it has covered against in five of their last six meetings.

The Nuggets also saw a bit of a turnaround in March but finished the month with a loss at Portland. Denver has dropped four of its last six road games and isn’t get the heaping handful of points from the oddsmakers it usually gets away from home. The Nuggets have some payback coming as well, after knocking off the Jazz in the Pepsi Center just last week.

The Jazz continuing to fight through the remainder of the season and get revenge for last week’s loss to the Nuggets are why I’m playing on Utah as my 10* Personal Favorite Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Orlando Magic as my 10* Best Bet Wednesday.

The Magic open the doors of the Amway Center to the streaking San Antonio Spurs, who are coming off their fourth straight victory after knocking off the Miami Heat in South Beach Tuesday. San Antonio has covered in seven of its last eight games and the market is beginning to pad the Spurs lines, opening up value on the home side Wednesday.

San Antonio faces the Magic on short rest, having flown overnight from Miami to Orlando for the second night of back-to-back games. The Magic have dropped three straight games but have enjoyed an extended break and should have had plenty of time to scout and prepare for San Antonio, having last taken the court on March 27.

Tobias Harris has been a spark since returning from an ankle injury. Not only has the versatile forward scored an average of 17.5 points in his two games back but he laid into his teammates for their sloppy play following the loss to Detroit. Orlando recorded 17 turnovers versus the Pistons and averages 14.9 giveaways on the season. With four days off to tighten up the offense, we are expecting a cleaner game from Orlando.

The Spurs playing the second half of a back-to-back against a well-rested and prepared Magic team are why I’m playing on Orlando as my 10* Best Bet Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Los Angeles Clippers as my 10* TNT Main Event Tuesday.

The Clippers can make a huge statement with a win over the Golden State Warriors Thursday, setting the tone for the Western Conference playoffs. I see tremendous value in a Los Angeles team that has no qualms about burying an opponent if they get up on the scoreboard.

The Clippers have won seven straight games heading into this massive matchup with Golden State. And while the level of competition wasn’t that high for this winning streak – featuring the likes of Philadelphia, New York, and Sacramento – the fact L.A. came out of those seven games with a 5-2 ATS record speaks volumes as to how this team is playing right now.

The Warriors are also rolling, with a nine-game winning streak heading into this showdown at the Staples Center. However, six of those wins came at home and Golden State is wrapping up a four-game road trip in Los Angeles, where it has covered in just two of its previous eight road games versus the Clippers.

Los Angeles has the size to give Golden State fits, especially on the boards where the Warriors have been pushed around all season. The Clippers out-rebounded the Celtics 53-40 in their most recent outing, including 13 offensive rebounds. Golden State is giving up 12 offensive boards a game and watched Milwaukee snatch up 15 in its last contest.

The Clippers motivated to make a statement and their ability to dominate the Warriors on the boards are why I’m playing on Los Angeles as my 10* TNT Main Event Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Toronto Raptors as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

Toronto is trying to push itself up the Eastern Conference standings, currently sitting in fourth place but just one and a half games back of the Chicago Bulls for the No. 3 seed. The Raptors got a much-needed win against the Lakers last time out and roll that momentum over into this home stand with Houston.

The Rockets take the court for the second night of back-to-back games after playing in Washington Sunday. Houston started hot but let up in the second half, nearly letting the Wizards back into the game. The Rockets have had that bad habit all year, scoring 53.5 points per first half – second most in the NBA - then suffering a power outage in the final two frames, averaging only 49.1 points in the second half – ranked 18th in the league.

That letdown fits Toronto perfectly. The Raptors have also been cursed with a similar issue, unable to close out games. The Raptors have allowed 25.3 points per fourth quarter this season, watching numerous games slip away in the final 12 minutes. However, Toronto turned in a solid 23-point fourth versus the Lakers, limiting L.A. to just 17 points. The Raptors average 25.9 fourth-quarter points at home - fifth most in the NBA.

The Rockets’ bad habit of letting up in the second half and the Raptors pushing through their fourth quarter issues are why I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

I am playing on MILWAUKEE. You may not have guessed it but the Bucks actually love playing Golden State when it comes to covering the spread. Milwaukee is 7-1-1 against the number in the last nine meetings including covering the last two times these teams met despite the fact the Warriors won. 
Now the Bucks are getting points on home court where they typically perform far better than on the road this season. Milwaukee enters this game after two solid wins against Miami (as an underdog) and the Pacers and I think the Bucks will at least keep it very close against the Warriors. 
Everyone knows Golden State is on fire these days but the Warriors enter this game after playing at Memphis just last night. I think we might see a bit of fatigue in their legs in this back-to-back spot in what is the third game of a four-game, cross-country road trip. 
The Bucks are playing great basketball right now and getting key contributions from players who are stepping up as they hold onto sixth place in the Eastern playoff standings. Ersan Ilyasova scored a career-high 34 points on Thursday and center Zaza Pachulia piled up 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a big night against Miami two games ago. 
Golden State has first place in the West pretty much wrapped up so I'm not sure how much the Warriors have left to play for as they cruise toward the start of the playoffs. I think a more desperate Milwaukee squad that's getting points at home will find a way to cover or win outright Saturday night. 10* Best Bet

I am playing on PHOENIX. The Suns are suddenly a bettor's best friend with four straight wins and covered spreads and I like them to continue that trend Wednesday night against Sacramento. 
The biggest reason why Phoenix has become such a great bet is the team has finally committed to defense as they make a run to sneak into the playoffs as it sits three games out of the picture. The Suns have gone from one of the worst defensive clubs in the NBA with over 103 points against per game to allowing just 90.2 points against over their past five. 
The Suns have actually held opponents to fewer than 100 points in seven of their last eight games and eight of their last nine games have fallen under the total. They are shockingly third in NBA defensive efficiency over the past 15 games, something I'm sure Phoenix fans thought they'd never see this season. 
I believe two things are happening - the Suns are finally buying into Jeff Hornacek's systems after the trades of Isaiah Thomas and Goran Dragic and they are going with a bigger lineup. 
Phoenix had to move to a bigger lineup after Brandon Knight suffered an ankle injury and P.J. Tucker was moved from small forward to shooting guard. Tucker is kicking butt on defense by shutting down the opposition's stars from that spot and Phoenix is also rebounding much better. 
They've outrebounded the competition by an average of 51-39 during the four-game winning streak. Tucker was also instrumental in holding James Harden to 16 points (Harden averages 27 per game) and the Mavs' Monta Ellis to 11 points (who leads the Mavs with 19 points per game). 
Sacramento beat the Suns in the last meeting in early February but I think the Kings are going to see a completely different and much improved Suns team and I don't believe they'll be able to adjust -- much like the rest of Phoenix's competition lately. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Sacramento Kings as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

It’s a toilet bowl game on Tuesday with the Philadelphia 76ers facing the Sacramento Kings in a battle of NBA basement dwellers. However, being at the bottom of the Western Conference is much different than being at the bottom of the East, and we like the situational spot the Kings find themselves in versus the Sixers.

Philadelphia is in the middle game of a three-stop West Coast road trip, playing far away from home in a late 10 p.m. ET tipoff. The 76ers are just 12-20-2 ATS on the road this season and have struggled with teams from the Pacific Division, going 2-10 ATS in their last 12 non-conference encounters with Pacific opponents.

The Kings snapped a four-game losing skid with back-to-back home wins over Eastern opponents, defeating the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards heading into Tuesday’s action. The Kings’ current form has a lot to with their hot hand from outside, draining 17 of their last 38 looks from 3-point range. They buried eight triples (8 for 17) in the win over Washington Sunday. Sacramento is also out for revenge against Philadelphia in this matchup, having lost 114-107 in Philly earlier this month.

The Sixers’ road woes and the Kings coming into this game with the hot hand are why I’m playing on Sacramento as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Brooklyn Nets as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Nets are quickly pulling toward the front of the Eastern Conference playoff race, having won two in a row and four of their last five to sit one game back of the Charlotte Hornets for the eighth and final postseason spot – and just half a game behind Monday’s opponent, the Boston Celtics.

Brooklyn has been pouring on the points during this run, with five players averaging double-digit scoring efforts over the previous five games. The Nets offense isn’t just a flash in the pan either, taking the fight to the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks – two of the stingiest teams in the conference – the past two games. Center Brook Lopez has been a monster inside, with a total of 58 points, 22 rebounds and nine blocks in those two contests.

Boston, on the other hand, looks to be running out of steam. The Celtics have dropped three in a row and are coming off an overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons Sunday night. If Boston was feeling the effects of a long season before that, it will be running on empty against an energized Brooklyn squad Monday night on the road.

The Nets’ offensive explosion and the Celtics running on fumes on back-to-back games are why I’m playing on Brooklyn as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

I am playing on PHOENIX. The Suns have quietly turned into a scorching hot bet and that has flown under the radar because of their straight up record. 
Phoenix has covered six of its last eight games, though the team has turned out a modest 5-3 straight up record during that stretch and the wins haven't been the prettiest. The Suns have run into some cold shooting lately and as a result they are winning with something we haven't seen much of from them this season - defense. 
It hasn't helped that Brandon Knight and Alex Len have been injured the last couple of games but the defense has stepped up to hold six straight teams to fewer than 100 points. That's not something we're used to seeing from a Suns squad that gives up a generous 103.8 points per game. 
Phoenix held the Pelicans to an embarrassing 72 points in a win Thursday night, which was also the seventh straight game to go 'under' for the Suns. I think they'll use that tough defensive effort to at least cover the spread against Houston Saturday night. 
The Rockets have won all three meetings this season but they were higher scoring affairs that saw an average of 221 points per game. I think they may struggle a little more against a different Suns team that can suddenly play some defense and is playing desperate basketball in hopes of making the playoffs. 
Eric Bledsoe has also been a nice bright spot for Phoenix lately since the Dragic and Thomas trades. He has averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds since then and only Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and James Harden average at least 15 points, six rebounds and six assists since the All-Star game and trade deadline. 10* Best Bet

I am playing on PHOENIX. The Suns haven't played since Sunday and enter this game fully rested and prepared. I think they'll earn a valuable win against the team one spot ahead of them in the chase for the final playoff spot.

Phoenix has the toughest closing stretch of schedule of any team in the NBA where only two of its opponents own sub-.500 records. So games at home with this kind of rest and preparation time are ones the Suns can't afford to lose.

Besides the prep time and home court, one big reason I like the Suns is the Pelicans enter this one shooting on the cold side from 3-point range. They went 8-of-25 against the Bucks last game and just 6-of-22 against the Nuggets two games ago.

Another reason I like Phoenix is the Suns have won four of the last five meetings straight up against the Pelicans for a 3-2 against the spread record. The Pelicans won the only meeting this year 110-106, but I think the Suns learned from that meeting.

With Brandon Knight's status in doubt, hobbled on an injured ankle, the Suns may go with a bigger lineup than usual. I believe that's a better way to go against a bigger Pelicans squad and with Phoenix shooting slightly better from 3-point range right now, I think the Suns manage to pull this one out. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on OKLAHOMA CITY. Boston may be on a hot run overall right now with five straight wins, but win it comes to playing the Thunder, the Celtics are nothing but ice cold. 
Boston has lost and failed to cover in the last four meetings with OKC and has lost and failed to cover in seven of the last eight meetings. It didn’t exactly bode well for the C’s that this game opened with a point spread of 7 either – the Thunder are 7-2 against the spread this season when favored by 7 or 7.5 points. 
I think OKC should be favored by more here but the absence of Kevin Durant is giving the Thunder more value. They have actually covered the spread in three straight games and we all know Russell Westbrook is a nightly triple-double threat without Durant in the lineup in a run that’s blowing everyone’s mind. 
His worst statistical performance over his last 10 games was a 24-point, 9 rebound, seven assist effort against the Clippers on March 11. So we can pretty much assume he’s going to go off on a nightly basis. Enes Kanter also has four double-doubles in his last five games and I just don’t think the Celtics will be able to match up on the road. 
OKC needs games like this if it wants to ensure making the playoffs. The Thunder only get two more cracks at losing Eastern Conference teams this season – this game and another against the Heat. 
I believe they’ll capitalize.  10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the CLIPPERS. The Clippers are simply a more talented team than the Hornets and I feel they’ll  cover here on home court. 
Blake Griffin returned to the lineup Sunday after missing 15 games to injury and the Clippers fell to Houston 100-98. The first game back from an injury for star player is often a tough one for both the player and his team and it’s not overly surprising to me the Clippers didn’t beat the Rockets. 
Griffin only had 11 points , about half his per-game average, and he forced it a little too much on 4-for-10 field goal shooting. But I think he’ll rebound with a big game against a weaker opponent after shaking some game rust off in his return. 
Charlotte doesn’t exactly love L.A. either. The Hornets have failed to cover in four straight road games against the Clippers and they are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 meetings overall. 
The Hornets are also playing on back-to-back nights and could be fresh meat for the Clippers. Charlotte was humiliated in Utah in a 94-66 defeat in which the team failed to cover by a sickening 23.5 points. 
So the Hornets aren’t exactly storming into L.A. with a ton of confidence after an ice-cold shooting display in Utah where they shot worse than 30 percent from the field and went just 5-for-19 on 3-pointers.  
That’s rough to bounce back from and I feel the Clippers will take advantage. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the HEAT. I think we have an inflated line here with what I perceive to be a public perception that leans to have LeBron’s Cavs having a big showing against his former team.  
“Wherever LeBron goes, the attention goes with him,” said Miami’s Dwyane Wade.
James scored 30 points in his first trip back to Miami on Christmas Day but it was all for not as the Heat beat Cleveland 101-91 on Christmas Day. He scored 18 in a more balanced attack for Cleveland in the second meeting this season, a 10-point win for the Cavs in Cleveland. 
We don’t know if LeBron will play tonight. He had a bad fall on his right leg in last night’s game in Orlando and is listed as questionable.  If he does play, he could be slowed by the injury. Kevin Love is also a little banged up with a back injury and though he is expected to play he may not be at 100 percent. 
Another reason I like Miami here is they’ve been bouncing back from tough games lately with great performances. They are 5-0-2 against the spread following a loss and they lost in their last game, 102-92., to the Raptors. 
I think the addition of Goran Dragic since the last time the Heat faced Cleveland should help also. Dragic is averaging 16.4 points and 4.9 assists in 10 games since joining the Heat.  The Heat did not match up well against Cleveland at guard in the last meeting when Wade missed the game and Mario Chalmers and Shabazz Napier started in the back court. The Heat will provide a much tougher matchup this time around. 10* Best Bet

I am playing on WASHINGTON. I feel the Wizards are getting a great line here, maybe in part because the Blazers blew out a couple of bad teams in their most recent games. 
The Blazers are playing well lately, winning eight of their last 10 but they’ve blown up struggling squads  (Detroit and Toronto)  their last two games for 113 and 118 points and I think that has this line a little inflated. All five starters scored in double figures on Sunday against the Raptors but Toronto can’t play any kind of defense right now and the Raps don’t have the talent to keep up with Portland. 
That’s not the case in Washington, where the Wizards have a solid starting five that starts of course with John Wall. Wall is tied for the league lead with 10 assists per game and leads guards in the league with 34 double doubles this season.  He’s coming off a season tying high of 31 points against Sacramento where he also dished out 12 assists. 
Portland is going to have a much tougher time defending the Wizards than some of their more recent opponents the Wiz can play some defense too.  They rank eighth in the league at points against per game and seventh in defending field goals. They’ve also held their opponents to a combined 37 points in the fourth quarter in their last three wins. 
I don’t think Portland is going get as many easy buckets tonight as they’ve been seeing lately and I think the Wizards pull off this win on home court.  It’s worth noting that Portland is also 1-6 against the spread in the last seven meetings in Washington. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Toronto Raptors as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

Toronto finally snapped a four-game losing skid with a victory over the Miami Heat Friday and build on that against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers Sunday. The Raptors have enjoyed some time off after the victory to study what worked for the team after such a nasty slide.

Toronto was having issues closing out games, allowing 25.5 points per fourth quarter this season, but held off the Heat for a much-need victory. The Raptors got a big boost from the bench down the stretch, with the reserves scoring a collective 40 points in the win. Portland doesn’t boast that same depth and ranks second last in the NBA in bench scoring, getting an average of only 25.9 points per game from its reserves.

Portland hasn’t shown much of a weakness since losing Wesley Matthews for the season due to injury. The Blazers have gone 7-1 in their last eight games, however, closer inspection of that record has five of those games coming in the Rose Garden – one of the NBA’s toughest venues – and the remaining three road games were against the Lakers, Timberwolves and Kings.

We expect Portland to face its first true test of depth Sunday night on the road against a hungry Toronto squad fighting to stay in the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors' deep bench and the Blazers’ overrated winning run are why I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I am playing on DALLAS. The Mavs have been in a funk recently, which means we're dealing with a small spread here, but I think they're about to break out of their losing ways with a big win on Friday. 
There's nothing a team can fix faster than a lack of effort and it's sounding like that's been the biggest problem for Dallas lately. Recent addition to the Dallas locker room, Amar'e Stoudemire, blasted his team after a 127-94 loss to the Cavaliers Tuesday night. 
"We can't screw around in shootarounds and practices and joke around all the time and figure we're going to win games," Stoudemire said. "This is the pros. It's the highest level of basketball. We've got to act that way." and head coach Rick Carlisle followed up." 
Head coach Rick Carlisle seemed to agree because Wednesday's practice ran an hour longer than scheduled and had a more serious tone than usual. 
I think the Mavs will get the message and I expect to see a completely different team against the Clippers Friday night. It's not really something that shows up in the box score and these are the kinds of spots where we can take advantage of oddsmakers. 
Clippers' starting point guard and star Chris Paul hurt his ankle in Wednesday's game against OKC. He's questionable and if he plays it plays into the Mavs' favor that he could be playing through some pain. 10* Main Event

I am playing on TORONTO. I think the Raptors are going to come out on fire against the Heat in hopes of shaking off what is one of the worst team-vs-team losing streaks in pro sports right now. 
The Raps have embarrassingly lost 16 straight to Miami and that has to be playing on their minds heading into this one. The Raps haven't had their most memorable stretch overall lately and aftetr a 117-107 loss over San Antonio Tuesday night, team leader Kyle Lowry cussed his team's effort to reporters saying Toronto needs a "kick in the ass". 
I expect the Raps to throw everything they have at the Heat and I like the fact that their offense is picking up, despite the fact it hasn't translated into wins yet. Toronto has averaged 106.2 points in its last five games after sagging to just 90.4 points per game in the five games before that. 
In fairness, just two of Toronto's last 10 games have come on the road and I think home court will do the Raps some good. The Raptors seem to play better defense on home court where they allow about three fewer points than on the road. The Heat are also just 2-7-1 against the spread this season  on the road against teams with a .600 or betting winning percentage. 
Gimme Toronto to end the losing streak in front of a nationally televised audience north of the border. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on BROOKLYN. There are two main factors I like here in taking the Nets and those are that the Nets catch the Pelicans in a back-to-back spot and Tyreke Evans is expected to miss tonight's game for New Orleans. 
The Pelicans beat up on Milwaukee 114-103 last night and then had to get on a plane and head for New York. The Nets should be the fresher team on Tuesday, especially considering Anthony Davis played over 40 minutes last night in racking up a career high 43 points. 
I think Brooklyn will have a bit of an easier time containing Davis tonight on tired legs but also because Evans likely won't be on the floor. The New Orleans guard scores 16.8 points and dishes 6.5 assists per game and I believe he's one of the most underrated back court players in the league. With him out of the lineup, I don't think things will be so easy for Davis as the Nets zero in on him and I don't believe oddsmakers have adjusted enough. 
Brooklyn currently sits 2 1/2 games outside of playoff contention in the East and these are the games they absolutely have to win if they hope to make the postseason. The Pelicans are a mid-level squad and the Nets have the benefit of home court. 
New Orleans is just 1-5-1 in its last five games at Brooklyn and I think the Pelicans will run into some more trouble tonight. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on MEMPHIS. In this battle of division leaders I’m going to take the team that’s better on defense and in my opinion is playing on fresher legs.  The Grizzlies own the best scoring defense in the league with just 95.6 points against per game and I love taking a strong defensive team against a team playing on jello legs. That’s how I expect the Bulls to come into this game in what will be their fourth game in five nights in one of their worst stretches of schedule of the season.  It’s not just the number of games in that short stretch, it’s the quality of opponents. Chicago will have faced the Wizards and Pacers on back to back nights followed by the Spurs and Grizzlies on back to back nights by the time it’s over with just one day of rest in between. And the Bulls aren’t exactly the greatest on short rest. They are just 7-10 against the spread this season on zero rest, their worst spot in terms of days rest this campaign.  While the Grizzlies are also playing their sixth game in eight days, I also like the fact the away team has won and covered the spread in the last four meetings between these squads. And I feel the Grizz have more depth and can handle tough stretches of schedule a little bit better.  The addition Jeff Green, who was acquired in a three-team trade in January, is a big reason why. They are 18-7 since he switched squads and 15-6 when he starts.  Green gives the Grizzlies a little more depth down low and in transition and I think it will give the Bulls a look they haven’t seen before or will be able to handle on Monday in this tough spot.  10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on DETROIT. If the Pistons have any hope of making the playoffs ,Charlotte is a team they can’t afford to lose to and I think they’ll come up with a big effort here at home on Sunday.  The Pistons trail the eighth and final playoffs spot by just four games and they trail the Hornets by 4.5 games. There are six teams fighting for the last couple of spots right now and beating those teams on home court should bring out some desperation in this Detroit squad that has had a roller coaster ride of a season.  I think oddsmakers are underestimating the Pistons here in setting a tiny spread. I feel they’ve been adjusting with a new look in the back court with the addition of Reggie Jackson back there and their transition woes showed up on their recent three-game road trip. The Pistons lost three in a row – albeit they covered in two of those despite getting only a small handful of points – and the thing I like is that it was cold shooting that cost them.  Detroit is still getting great looks at the hoop and plenty of solid chances to score and I think the cold shooting will turn around as soon as the team is back at home on Sunday.  Jackson is averaging 15.8 points and 7.0 assists and is helping to open up the floor through his first six games with his new club. The problem is that he’s shooting just 36.7 percent.  I believe we’ll see things heat up Sunday afternoon. The Pistons hammered Charlotte by 28 points last month in the only meeting of the season and I think the Hornets will struggle again here in a game where I feel oddsmakers are giving us a soft line.  10* NBA Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Philadelphia 76ers as my 10* Best Bet Saturday.

Philadelphia plays host to the Atlanta Hawks, who are coming off a massive win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. We see major letdown potential from the Hawks in this overnight trip to Philly. And with oddsmakers handing over a truck load of points, this should play out as an easy cover for a Sixers team that has covered in back-to-back games heading into the weekend.

The 76ers fell short against the Utah Jazz Friday, losing 89-83 at home, but did manage to cover the 7.5-point spread. Philadelphia played Atlanta tough in its last meeting, losing 91-85 as a 16-point road underdog and seems to rise to the occasion against the NBA’s elite. It’s coming off solid efforts versus Oklahoma City, Toronto, and even stood toe-to-toe with Golden State last month.

The Hawks have played three straight games against tough opposition and will be looking to catch their breath against the lowly Sixers Saturday. Before the win over Cleveland, Atlanta took down Houston and Miami. The Hawks haven’t been a good bet as big chalk, failing to cover in each of their last four games as double-digit favorites.

The Hawks ripe for a letdown and the Sixers rising to the occasion are why I’m playing on Philadelphia as my 10* Best Bet Saturday.

I’m playing on the New Orleans Pelicans as my 10* Personal Favorite Friday.

The Pelicans host the Boston Celtics, who are playing some of their better basketball of the season. The Celtics have won four of their last six games, losing to Golden State and Cleveland in that span, and that has altered the spread value for this matchup, opening up opportunity to play on the home side Friday.

New Orleans is also tearing through the schedule, losing just once in its last seven games with a 5-2 ATS record in that span. The Pelicans welcomed back star center Anthony Davis back in their last outing, getting 39 points and 13 rebounds and eight blocks from the former Kentucky standout in an 88-85 victory over Detroit.
 
The Celtics have slowed their pace in the second half of the schedule. Boston was pushing the tempo faster than most teams to start the year but has taken on a more methodical offense lately, which plays in New Orleans' halfcourt sets. The Pelicans defense will have time to set up and funnel the Celtics toward Davis.

Boston is terribly thin up front since losing forward Jared Sullinger to injury. The Celtics were unable to sure up the frontcourt before this matchup with the Pelicans, leaving them coming up short against Davis’ two-way talents. Boston has just Tyler Zeller, Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk in the middle – none of which can keep pace with New Orleans big man.

The Pelicans' hot play and Davis taking on a thin Celtics frontcourt are why I’m playing on New Orleans as my 10* Personal Favorite Friday.

I’m playing on the Chicago Bulls as my 10* TNT Main Event Thursday.

The Bulls welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder the United Center Thursday night. Oklahoma City is playing its second game of back-to-back nights, after traveling overnight from home following a matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday.

The Thunder could be a little worse for wear in this tough situational spot, getting more than they bargained for against the Sixers. Oklahoma City isn’t playing with a full roster, namely missing star forward Kevin Durant due to a foot injury. It’s depending a lot on Russell Westbrook to pace the offense, and may be running on fumes by the time the Thunder take the court Thursday.

Chicago is also dealing with multiple injuries, losing both Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler. However, the Bulls have been here before when it comes to absorbing key losses. They showed their resiliency in a 97-92 victory over the Washington Wizards Tuesday, getting a combined 33 points from the replacement backcourt of Aaron Brooks and Tony Snell.

The Bulls still present one of the best frontcourts in the NBA, headlined by veteran big man Pau Gasol. His finesse inside is complemented by hard-working center Joakim Noah, who is rounding into form after missing a lot of time due to injuries. That ability to grind out offensive sets inside should make a huge difference against an OKC team that has been pushed around in the paint this season.

The Thunder playing the second stop of back-to-backs and the Bulls’ ability to absorb injuries are why I’m playing on Chicago as my 10* TNT Main Event Thursday.

I’m playing on the Charlotte Hornets as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.


The Hornets are back home after going 2-2 on a four-game road trip, most recently thumping the Orlando Magic 98-83 Sunday. Outside of an off night versus Boston, Charlotte maintained its defensive prowess during that trip - ranked sixth in defense in the NBA - and will put the locks on a Los Angeles Lakers team opening a three-game road trip in Charlotte Tuesday night.


The Lakers have had some success scoring the basketball in recent games, averaging 105 points over their last five games. However, Los Angeles played four of those games inside the Staples Center and now cross the country for this road stop. The Lakers are scoring only 97.7 points per game on the road and have gone just 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 away from La-La Land.


Charlotte is fighting to crack the postseason picture and can’t afford to let opportunities like Tuesday’s game slip away. The Hornets have some revenge fueling them in this matchup after losing to Los Angeles 107-92 in L.A. back in November. However, Kobe Bryant was still on the court then and the Lakers were in much better health than they are now.


The Hornets’ dominating defense and the Lakers’ woes away from home are why I’m playing on Charlotte as my Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Toronto Raptors as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

Toronto is officially pushing the panic button after an embarrassing loss to the New York Knicks – the Raptors' fifth straight defeat. Toronto still holds a comfy lead in the Atlantic Division but is just hanging on to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, with Chicago and Cleveland breathing down its neck.

Things couldn’t get much worse for the Raptors right now – that is unless they lay another egg when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers Monday night. We’re banking on a big bounce back for Toronto in this game, feeling the urgency for a win.

Philadelphia will be playing the second night of back-to-back games, traveling back home from Indiana overnight Sunday. The 76ers have a hard enough time stopping teams on rest, let alone on double dips. The Sixers have allowed an average of almost 103 points per game in their last five outings.

Toronto has dominated Philadelphia when it comes to paying out at the window. The Raptors have covered the spread in 21 of their last 32 clashes with the 76ers, including two pushes in that span. Toronto is expected to have all-star point guard Kyle Lowry back in the lineup after he rested in the loss to the Knicks.

The Raptors’ desperation and the Sixers’ defense playing on the second night of back-to-back games are why I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

I’m playing on the Phoenix Suns as my 10* Personal Favorite Saturday.

Phoenix opens the doors of the US Airways Center to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs Saturday. The Spurs traveled overnight from Sacramento where they took on the Kings and their up-tempo attack Friday night. The Suns can catch a road weary – and aging - San Antonio side in a tough spot, especially with the way the Spurs have stumbled on their annual “Rodeo Road Trip”.

Heading into Friday night, San Antonio had dropped the first four games of the Western Conference side of this extended nine-game road swing. The Spurs defense, which has limited foes to just 97.5 points per game (ninth in the NBA), has gone soft. They’ve allowed 107.5 points per game in those four losses and face a well-rested Suns squad coming off a statement win in the conference pecking order.

Phoenix handed Oklahoma City a 117-113 loss in overtime Thursday, getting massive efforts from Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris, who scored 28 and 29 points respectively against the Thunder. The Suns are ranked third in the league is scoring, putting up 106.3 points per night, and will overwhelm a tired San Antonio side playing the second of back-to-back nights.

The Suns' offense picking up steam and the Spurs' road woes are why I’m playing on Phoenix as my 10* Personal Favorite Saturday.

I’m playing on the Toronto Raptors as my 10* Personal Favorite Friday.

Toronto welcomes the Golden State Warriors to the Air Canada Centre – a far cry from the sun and surf of the Bay Area. The Warriors travel overnight from Cleveland after a massive clash with the Cavaliers Thursday and are in a tough letdown spot against a very opportunistic Toronto club.

The Raptors went 1-3 on their latest road trip, losing the final three games of that trek to Dallas, Houston and New Orleans. Toronto is back home and can’t afford to extend this skid to four games. The Raptors are a tough matchup for the Warriors, running a similar guard-heavy offense that can put up points in a hurry. Toronto is averaging almost 105 points per game – fifth in the NBA.

The Raptors fell to Golden State when they visited the Bay Area in early January. The Warriors shot better than 53 percent from the field in that 126-105 beating, while Toronto coughed the ball up 17 times. Don’t expect a repeat with this non-conference series swinging north of the border. The Raptors boast the eight fewest turnovers at home (13.5) and limit opponents to just 96.9 points per home game – a drastic drop from the 104 points against per game on the road.

Toronto has been beaten up in the fourth quarter during this three-game skid and recognizes it must close out teams in order to snap this funk. The Raptors, who have allowed more than 29 points per fourth quarter in those three losses, will look to take advantage of a Golden State side feeling the effects of the road on the second half of back-to-back nights in the final frame.

The Warriors primed for a letdown and the Raptors hungry for a home win are why I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* Personal Favorite Friday.

I’m playing on the Indiana Pacers as my 10* Best Bet Friday.

The Pacers play host the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are coming off a massive showdown with the Golden State Warriors Thursday. Cleveland is having to hop a plane and take the court for the second night of back-to-back outings after facing the Warriors' fast and furious pace.

There is tremendous value go to against Cleveland, which is ripe for a letdown. On top of that, Indiana is playing its best basketball of the season, picking up victories in seven of its last 10 games and boasting a 7-3 mark against the spread. A big-name opponent like the Cavs come to town only pumps up the Pacers home line even more, which we’ll gladly take advantage of.

Indiana has seen a spike in scoring during this hot streak, averaging 103 points per game this month - a massive uptick from the Pacers’ season scoring average of just 96.1 points per game. They’ve already knocked off Cleveland this month, serving LeBron & Co. a 103-99 defeat in Ohio on February 3.

On top of that offensive surge, Indiana remains one of the better defensive clubs in the NBA, giving up just under 98 points per game during that 10-game span. The Pacers are even stingier at home, allowing only 96.4 points on 43.4 percent shooting – a big reason why Indiana has covered in four straight home stands and is 5-1 ATS in its last six games versus the Cavaliers inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The Cavaliers ripe for a letdown and the Pacers picking it up on both ends of the floor are why I’m playing on Indiana as my 10* Best Bet Friday.

I am playing on PHOENIX. The Suns could definitely use some wins to help their fans and bettors forget about having to trade away Goran Dragic. I think one of those wins will come against the Thunder Thursday night.  The Suns have been scoring lately, which hasn't slowed since Brandon Knight joined the team over the weekend from Milwaukee. Phoenix has scored 227 points in the two games since Knight came to town and the Suns are averaging 111 over their last four games.  Unfortunately, that hasn't resulted in wins in any of those games but I don't feel the Thunder will be able to keep up with that kind of pace - not without Kevin Durant, anyway. Durant has missed the last three games with a foot injury and is out indefinitely.  Although the Thunder won and covered all three of those games, they were against the Denvers, Charlottes and Indianas of the world. Phoenix isn't the No. 1 team in the NBA, but the Suns are better than those squads and they are the third-highest scoring team in the NBA.  Knight becomes the third former Kentucky player on the Suns roster to go along with Eric Bledsoe and Archie Goodwin. I think he'll be good for chemistry once this team finds some on the court and the Suns have a great starting backcourt with Bledsoe and Knight.  I feel this is too many points for the Durant-less Thunder to have to give away on the road, especially against a somewhat desperate Suns team that is going to get more comfortable every game with its new teammates. 10* TNT Main Event

I am playing on the BUCKS. I think Milwaukee finally covers its first spread as a new-look team since shipping out leading scorer Brandon Knight three games ago.

Nevermind the fact the Sixers have the most road losses in the NBA with 24 this season. Or the fact the Bucks have won and covered the last four meetings with them.

Those are nice-to-haves but the Bucks are starting to find a little more comfort with their new teammates and a big reason I like Milwaukee to win handily against the Sixers is turnovers. The Bucks have been shooting themselves in the foot lately with bad turnovers, including 24 against the Hawks two games ago.

Why that could be a positive here is that I don’t think Milwaukee will be as penalized by any turnovers it makes Wednesday night against the Sixers because the Sixers cough the ball up more than anyone in the NBA at an average of 18.5 times per game. 

The Bucks may even get a chance to show off new point guard Michael Carter-Williams, who is expected to play after missing his first three games with his new team with a toe injury. Carter-Williams is a big, do-everything kind of point guard and I think he can get this Bucks offense rolling again after they failed to reach 90 points in any of the three games since they traded Knight.

Milwaukee has only lost three games in a row once this season, which was in early December. I don’t anticipate that pattern repeating itself Wednesday against a Sixers team that has lost its last 10 road outings. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the ROCKETS. Houston has won its last two games by an average of 16.5 points, taking their backers to the ticket window to collect both times. I like them to continue their moneymaking efforts in a revenge situation at home against the Clippers tonight.  The Clippers have won and covered in six straight meetings against Houston which includes two meetings this season. League-leading scorer, James Harden, had a combined 25 points in those two games in what were two of his worst shooting performances of the season and I think we’ll see him a little extra motivated to correct that tonight.  Harden is a wrecking ball right now and has been a triple-double threat in just about every game he's played lately. He picked up his second triple double of the season against the Timberwolves last game with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. I think he’ll have an absolutely huge game against the Clippers tonight and lead Houston to the win and cover.  The Rockets are on fire at home where they've covered six of their last seven games and have covered their last four against the spread there against winning road teams.  Houston is one of the few teams in the NBA that can keep pace with the Clippers, with both teams ranking in the top five in the league in scoring. The Rockets love to rain 3-pointers with an NBA record 40 games with at least 30 3-point attempts this season. The Clippers don't exactly defend the three-ball well, allowing opponents to shoot 34.4 percent from downtown this season and 36.2 percent on the road. 10* ESPN Main Event

I am playing on the KNICKS. The Knicks may have lost seven games in a row but they are right where they want to be on Wednesday: anywhere but MSG.

When you look at the numbers, New York is actually a better team on the road than at home and it's not much wonder. It can wear on a team, taking the abuse from fans, media - and oh yeah, Phil Jackson - while they stink up the Big Apple.  

Jackson was taking rips on Twitter about his team after it got humiliated on home court by the Cavs. The Zen Master said the Knicks were giving the basketball gods heartburn after losing by 18.

Well, New York can thank the basketball gods for road games. The Knicks are just 3-23 straight up on the road this season but are 12-12-2 against the spread. Compare that to 9-19 against the number at home and you can see the difference in value here.

As odd as it is, the Knicks shoot better on the road from 2-point range, 3-point range and on free throws than they do overall this season. Boston, meanwhile, is just 13-14 ATS at home and 17-10 ATS on the road. The Celtics apparently don't like playing at home any more than the Knicks do.

I think we'll see a big response from New York Wednesday night if the team has any pride left at all. The road team has actually won both meetings this year between these two squads and the Celtics have sloppily allowed at least 109 points in each of their last three games. 10* Best Bet

I am playing on PHOENIX. The Suns love beating up on the Celtics at any time but I especially like them here where they catch the C's on back-to-back nights after Boston went to OT with the Lakers last night. 

Phoenix has covered the spread in eight of the last 10 meetings with the Celtics and I am thinking the Suns face the Celtics on some tired legs tonight. Boston's top six players played at least 30 minutes last night and four of those players played at least 35 minutes. Boston lost 118-111 and played some terrible defense, allowing the Lakers to shoot 51.2% from the field and 38.9% from long range. 

That's two straight games where Boston has lost and failed to cover in games where both teams scored more than 100 points, which is exactly where I expect Phoenix to try to push Boston Monday night. 

Phoenix has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in 18 games this season, which ranks second in the NBA. The Suns are also the third highest scoring team in the NBA with 106 points per game and I think we’ll see them push the pace tonight. Brandon Knight makes his second appearance at point guard for Phoenix and I feel he could be a fantastic addition in the desert. 

Knight is shooting 40.9 percent from 3-point range this season, which is an added threat that should help spread the floor for Phoenix and I believe will help them score even more. Knight doesn't mind leading the fast break either with 5.4 assists per game and is a steal machine who can score in transition. 

I expect Knight to see more minutes tonight against Boston than the 24 he saw in his debut for the Suns and I think he'll spark them to a much needed win and cover. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Milwaukee Bucks as my 10* Best Bet Sunday.

The wheels are coming off the Atlanta Hawks' red-hot run, with the NBA All-Star break disrupting the team’s momentum into the second half of the season. Atlanta fell 89-88 to the Boston Celtics before the break and was thumped by the Toronto Raptors, 105-80, in its first game back Friday night. The Hawks have come back to earth and there is value to be had fading the Eastern Conference’s top team.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the perfect team to kick Atlanta when it’s down. The Bucks have won four straight contests – picking up where they left off with a victory against Denver Friday – and are an impressive 9-1 in their last 10 overall. Milwaukee’s brand of smothering defense will attack the Hawks' offensive issues and avenge a 90-85 loss to Atlanta in their most recent tangle on Dec. 27. The Bucks beat the Hawks the day before that loss in the opening game of a home-and-home set.

The Bucks are giving up just under 97 points per game on the year – ranked third in the NBA – and have limited opponents to just 42.4 percent shooting at home, including a 33.3 percent clip from beyond the arc. That comes in handy against a 3-point-dependent Hawks offense that can’t seem to find its stroke from outside.

Atlanta is just 15 for 67 from outside in the last two games – 22.3 percent shooting for a team that sits second in the league from distance (38.5 percent) and knocks down 9.9 3-pointers a night.

The Hawks’ ice-cold shooting and the Bucks’ defense taking advantage of a reeling Eastern rival are why I’m playing on Milwaukee as my 10* Best Bet Sunday.

I’m playing on the Houston Rockets as my 10* Personal Favorite Saturday.

The Rockets are back home looking to rebound from a flat outing against the Dallas Mavericks in their first game back from the All-Star break. Houston opens the doors of the Toyota Center to the Toronto Raptors, who are ripe for a letdown spot after clashing with the Atlanta Hawks Friday night. Toronto blasted the NBA’s top team 105-80 and now travels overnight to Texas for this non-conference clash.

The Raptors rolled Atlanta, checking the Hawks for just 33 percent shooting including an 8-for-38 night beyond the arc. Toronto had the hot hand from outside in that win, knocking down 13 of its 30 shots from downtown. But the Raptors will be playing with fire if they want to get into a shootout with the Rockets' sharp shooters.

Heading into Friday’s game, Houston topped the NBA in 3-pointers made – 11.8 per game – and percentage of points from 3-pointers (34.3 percent). The Rockets have a much more perimeter orientated offense with Dwight Howard on the shelf until March, and aren’t afraid to get into a 3-point war with opponents.

On the defensive side, the Raptors are a favorable matchup for the Rockets at this point. Toronto doesn’t present a dominant big man like most Western Conference foes, and not having Howard down low isn’t as exposed as it would be against a conference rival. The Rockets have a bevy of solid on-the-ball defenders – Patrick Beverly, Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer – and will challenge the Raptors’ drive-and-dish offense.

The Rockets' ability to knock down the 3-pointer and defend the ball and the Raptors ripe for a letdown are why I’m playing on Houston as my 10* Personal Favorite.