Sports Picks & Predictions

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Pelicans minus the points over the San Antonio Spurs.  We played against both New Orleans and San Antonio in their previous games.  We cashed the Heat vs. the Pelicans, in a 111-98 Christmas Day win, but lost last night with the Raptors, who were outscored 9-0 down the stretch to fall to the Spurs, 119-114.  We will play against Gregg Popovich's crew again tonight, as they're 7-37 SU and 16-27-1 ATS as underdogs of +4 or more points vs. Western Conference rivals.  And they have also covered just 25.8% over the last 31 years on the road vs. .500 (or better) foes off a loss by more than 8 points.  Take the Pelicans.

At 3:35 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks + the points over the LA Clippers.  The Mavericks lost to the Clippers in last year's playoffs, 4 games to 2.  And that series defeat has triggered several of my best NBA Playoff revenge systems, with records of 76-45, 96-51 and 31-19 ATS since 1990.  It's true that Dallas has gotten off to an 0-2 start, while LA is undefeated after its first two games -- both on the road.  But the Mavs are 109-63-5 ATS off a SU loss when playing an opponent off a SU win, including 15-5 ATS when the Mavs lost by more than 20 in their previous game.  And undefeated NBA teams, that won 57+ percent of their games the previous season, have covered their home openers just 33.9% since 1991.  Take the Mavericks.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors over the San Antonio Spurs.  The Raptors blew a 57-50 halftime lead against the New Orleans Pelicans in their season opener, and fell by 14, 113-99, at home.  Meanwhile, the Spurs upset Memphis on Beale Street, 131-119.  But off that win, we will fade Gregg Popovich's crew tonight, as the once-reliable Spurs are now a wallet-breaking 1-16 ATS at home off a win since March 20, 2019!   In contrast, over the last two years, the Raptors have been exceptionally reliable with Nick Nurse at the helm.  The Raptors were 53-19 (.736) last season, including a 27-9 record on the road.  Moreover, the Raptors are an awesome 12-1 ATS their last 13 off a loss by more than 11 points.  And their 26-11 ATS off an ATS defeat.  Take Toronto.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Bulls + the points over Indiana.  The Pacers won by 14, 114-107, vs. the New York Knicks on Wednesday, while Chicago was blown out by 20, 124-104, by the Atlanta Hawks.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to fade Chicago off that dismal performance.  But consider that NBA teams off a loss by 20+ points in their season opener have covered 70% since 1990 when not getting more than 7 points in Game 2.  Even better:  mid-priced NBA road favorites of -4 to -8.5 points have covered just 10 of 35 off a win in their season opener at home, including 1-11 ATS vs. division rivals.  Take Chicago + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards minus the points over Orlando.  The Magic upset Miami, at home, 113-107, on Wednesday, while Washington lost by an identical score to the 76ers, but covered the spread as a 7-point road underdog.  The silver lining for the Wizards is that NBA teams that lost, but covered the spread in their season opener, have proceeded to cover 67.5% in Game 2 since 2008, including 75% when not favored by 3+ points.  Meanwhile, the Magic have covered just 7 of 23 off an upset home win. and they're also 13-21-1 ATS their last 35 vs. Washington.  Lay the points.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Pistons minus the points over the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Pistons lost by 10, 111-101, at Minnesota, on Wednesday, while the Cavaliers won their home opener, 121-114, against Charlotte.  But the Cavs were the Eastern Conference's worst team last season, with a 19-46 record.  And NBA teams playing their home opener, like Detroit, have cashed 67% since 1991 if they were off a double-digit loss, and were playing an opponent off a win in its home opener, if that opponent had a worse record the previous season.  Take Detroit minus the points.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Memphis Grizzlies minus the points over the Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks were a losing team last season, but opened their 2020-21 campaign with a road win at Chicago.  They will now play the Grizzlies who lost their season opener at home, 131-119, on Wednesday to the Spurs.  We'll take Memphis at home, as NBA teams have cashed 77% at home since 1991 off a loss in their home opener, if their opponent was off a SU win, and our home team owned a better record the previous season.  Additionally, the Hawks are a poor 11-24 ATS after winning on the road, if the Hawks weren't getting 9+ points in their current game.  Take Memphis on Saturday.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Denver Nuggets over the LA Clippers.  The Clips opened their season with a "road" win against the Lakers, while Denver lost at home to the Sacramento Kings.  But over the last 31 years, NBA home teams have covered 67% in Game 2, if they lost at home in their season opener, and their opponent was off an upset road win.  Moreover, the Clippers are a poor 7-20 ATS on the non-division road when priced from -2.5 to +9 points, if they were off a SU win.  Take Denver to bounce back on Christmas, and blow out the Clippers.  Good luck, a always...Al McMordie.

At 2:35 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over Golden State.  Both of these teams lost their season openers.  Golden State was blown out by Brooklyn on Tuesday, while the Bucks fell at the buzzer to Boston by a single point.  Since his arrival in Milwaukee, coach Mike Budenholzer's men have been exceptional in the regular season when coming off a straight-up loss.  They're 32-5 SU and 27-10 ATS, including 8-1 ATS at home when not laying more than 11 points.  Take Milwaukee minus the points.

At 12:05 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat minus the points over the New Orleans Pelicans.  On Wednesday, Stan Van Gundy's Pelicans upset Toronto to kick off their 2020-21 campaign, while Miami lost as a road favorite against the Orlando Magic.  We'll play on the Heat on Thursday, as they've gone 43-23 ATS off an upset loss when matched up against an opponent off an upset win.  Lay the points.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over Miami.  After covering the point spread in Game 1, the Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of the four next games.  On Sunday, the Lakers will attempt (for the 2nd time) to win their 17th NBA championship.  In Game 5, Anthony Davis re-aggravated a heel injury, but he swears he will be fine for Game 6.  One of the things I love to do when betting on the NBA is play on .710 (or better) teams off an upset playoff loss as a 3-point (or greater) favorite, provided they don't trail in a 7-game series.  Since 1990, these teams have rebounded to cash 61% ATS.  Even better:  the Lakers are a solid 16-7-1 ATS in the Playoffs off a loss in which they failed to cover the spread by 10+ points.  Meanwhile, LeBron James' teams are 22-11 ATS in the Playoffs as a favorite following a 2-game (or worse) ATS losing streak.  And Miami's 4-9 ATS in the Playoffs when playing on a 4-game (or better) ATS win streak.  Lay the points in Game 6 with the Lakers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, our selection is on the Miami Heat + the points over the Los Angeles Lakers.  We stayed away from Game 4, and it went right down to the wire, with Tyler Herro draining a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cover the 7.5-point spread for Miami.  We'll step in and take the points in this "do-or-die" game for Miami, as it falls into a 59-33 ATS NBA system of mine.  What we want to do is play on any .576 (or better) team in the Playoffs if they were off a loss, and an underdog of +7 (or more) points.  Since 1990, these teams have gone 77-49-2, 61.1% ATS, including 10-4 ATS in the NBA Finals.  Even better:  Erik Spoelstra's men are 32-11-1 ATS off a loss, including 5-0 ATS when getting 6 or more points.  Take Miami.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is the Miami Heat + the points over the Los Angeles Lakers.  The Lakers have won the first two games by double-digits to take a commanding 2-games-to-none series lead.  Since no NBA team has ever successfully come back from a 3-0 series deficit, tonight's game is a "virtual must-win" for Miami.  We'll grab the points with the Heat, as .605 (or better) NBA teams have cashed 60% in the Playoffs over the last 31 years off back to back double-digit defeats.  Even better:  the Heat are an awesome 48-24-2 ATS off back to back losses, including 34-8 ATS vs. a foe off a SU win.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat + the points over the Los Angeles Lakers.  This NBA Finals match-up had the potential to be a fascinating series.  Unfortunately, the Heat sustained injuries in Game 1, and now will be hard-pressed to upset the Lakers.  But I love Miami + the points in this Game 2, as the adjusted point spread has more-than-compensated for the concomitant loss of talent.  And one of the things I love to do when betting NBA playoffs is to take a team in Game 2 when it's getting significantly more (or laying significantly less) points in Game 2 than it did in Game 1.  Sometimes this happens due to injuries (like in this game), while other times, the line gets adjusted off an unexpected result in Game 1.  But what I've found is that it generally pays (87% since 1990) to play on the team getting a better number in Game 2 than in Game 1.  Likewise, teams off a loss in Game 1 have gone 48-31 ATS in Game 2 when they were an underdog of more than nine points.  This will be a competitive game tonight.  Take Miami + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over Denver.  The Nuggets got back into the series with a blowout win over Los Angeles on Tuesday. We stayed away from that Game, but will jump back into the fray tonight, and play on the Los Angeles Lakers.  Since 1990, #3-seeded NBA teams are a poor 37-57-3 ATS after upsetting their opponent in the previous playoff game.  Even better:  LeBron James teams are a jaw-dropping 21-0 straight-up, and 17-4 ATS as a favorite in the Playoffs vs. foes off back to back ATS wins.  Lay the points with the Lakers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Denver Nuggets + the points over Los Angeles.  We played on the Lakers in Game 1, and were rewarded with a 126-114 victory, as a 7-point favorite.  We'll switch gears tonight, and grab the points, as .600 (or better) underdogs, at the quarterfinal round forward, have cashed 60% in Game 2 of an NBA series off a SU loss in Game 1.  Additionally, the Nuggets are a terrific 36-13-1 ATS when not favored by 3+ points, if they lost by more than five points in their previous game, including 12-1 ATS vs. foes off back to back wins.  Take the Nuggets + the points in Game 2.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over Denver.   The Nuggets come into this game off back to back upset wins to defeat the Clippers in seven games.  Unfortunately for Denver, NBA teams off back to back upset wins have only cashed the opening game of a series eight of 29 games since 1991.  That doesn't bode well for Denver.  Nor does the fact that LeBron James' teams have gone 50-27 ATS in his career when they were favored by 2+ points, provided they were not leading in the series.  Finally, teams off back to back playoff wins have only covered 24 of 63 games if they were an underdog away from home, and they were off back to back covers by 10+ points.  Take Los Angeles minus the points in Game 1.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Boston Celtics minus the points over Miami.  The Celtics lost Game 1 in overtime, 117-114, and now trail the Miami Heat 1-0 in the series.  We'll lay the points with Boston as it's 23-13 ATS when it trails by exactly one game in a Playoff series, including 16-5 ATS away from home.  Even better:  Boston is 50-30 ATS its last 80 vs. the Heat, including 26-9 ATS when the line was between +4.5 and -4.5 points.  And, finally, teams off a SU/ATS win to open a series have cashed just 36% over the last 31 years if they scored more than 115 points in their Game 1 victory.  Take Boston minus the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over Denver.  The Clippers surely did not expect this quarterfinals series to last this long.  But here we are, and the Clippers now have their backs against the wall.  I expect them to react well to the pressure, and to take care of business tonight.  It's true that Denver showed its mettle by coming back from large deficits twice in the last two games.  Still, NBA teams are a dreadful 26-46 ATS off back to back upset wins, if they were an underdog of 8+ points in those two victories.  Meanwhile, the Clippers are 12-0 SU and 11-1 ATS off a straight-up loss, if priced between -4 and -8 points.  Take Los Angeles.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Denver Nuggets/Los Angeles Clippers game.  This will be the Nuggets' fourth straight "Game 7" dating back to last year's playoffs.  In 2019, the Nuggets played Game 7s vs. the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers.  This season, Denver downed Utah in a Game 7 earlier this month, and now it will play another decisive game tonight.  Each of Denver's other Game 7s easily went 'under' the total -- and by very large margins.  Its game vs. San Antonio sailed under by 31.5 points; the Portland game went under by 15; and the Game 7 win over Utah went under by 59.5 points.  These two teams have gone under 4-0-2 in the last six meetings, and 21-9-3 under in the last 33 meetings.  Finally, the 'under' falls into 87-47 and 63-33 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1:05 pm, in EARLY action on this Sunday, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over Denver.  The #3-seeded Nuggets upset Los Angeles in Game 5 to force this sixth game.  But it's still an uphill climb for Denver, as it trails 3-games-to-2 in the series.  We'll go against Denver this afternoon, as #3-seeded Playoff teams are a dismal 35-57-3 ATS off an upset playoff win.  And the Clippers are 11-0 SU and 10-1 ATS their last 11 away from home, if they lost their previous game, and are favored by 4 (or more) points.  Lay it!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Toronto Raptors/Boston Celtics Game 6.  The first five games of this series have each gone 'under' the total, which has driven down the number from 217.5 in Game 1 to 210 for this Game 6.  Some may take the 'over' today because of the relative "value,", but consider that each of the five games have also gone 'under' 210, as well.  Indeed, the average score of the five games in this series has been just 201.4 points.  The Celtics have now played seven straight 'unders' and 10 of their past 11, while the Raptors have gone 'under' in seven of eight.  And, dating back to the 2018 post-season, the Celtics have gone 'under' in 21 of 28 Playoff games, including 15-1 'under' when priced from 205 to 219.  This will be another low-scoring game.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors + the points over the Boston Celtics.  The Raptors were blown out by 22 points on Monday night, so they are in a MUST-WIN situation tonight.  I love the Raptors to bounce back, as they've gone 11-1 SU/ATS off a loss by more than 11 points.  Additionally, .600 (or better) teams have cashed 79% in Game 6 of the quarterfinals, if down 3-games-to-2, and off a double-digit loss.  Grab the points with the Raptors.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over the Denver Nuggets.  The Clippers were upset by the #3-seeded Nuggets, 110-101, on Saturday.  But off that upset win, we will fade Denver in this Game 3.  Since 1990, #3-seeded NBA teams have been awful off an upset playoff win, and especially when installed as an underdog of more than 5 points.  In that role, they've gone 2-25 straight-up, and 7-19-1 ATS.  Even better, Kawhi Leonard's teams have gone 24-1 straight-up, and 19-6 ATS their last 25 off a loss by more than eight points, including 7-0 ATS their last seven.  Lay the points with Doc Rivers' men.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:30 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over Houston.  In LeBron James' storied career, his teams (Cleveland, Miami, Los Angeles) have been terrific in the NBA Playoffs when they were favored by at least 2 points, and were not winning the series.  Dating back to his first season in the Playoffs (2006), LeBron's teams have gone 61-14 straight-up, and 48-27 ATS, including 7-0 straight-up and 5-2 ATS when down 1 game to none.  That's one reason I love LeBron & Co. to bounce back off their dismal effort on Friday.  Another is that teams seeded #3 (or worse) and installed as underdogs of more than 5 points away from home, have covered just 71 of 183 games off an upset playoff win. Take the Lakers in Game #2.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks + the points over Miami.  The Heat will aim to go 8-0 SU/ATS in the playoffs with a win and cover this afternoon.  But their long SU/ATS win streak has led to a big movement in this point spread.  If Miami was an underdog once again (they were a 5-point underdog in the series' first three games), I would consider grabbing the points.  But they're a small favorite now.  Consider that underdogs up 3-games-to-none have gone 14-4-1 ATS.  However, small favorites of less than 3 points (or PK) have only covered 4 of 13 when up 3-games-to-none.  We'll grab the value with Milwaukee, and fade the Heat.  For technical support, also consider that, over the last 29 years, sub-.666 teams off an upset win that had covered their previous seven games have cashed just 47 of 139 games.  Take Milwaukee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over the Houston Rockets.  The Rockets needed 7 games to put away a game Oklahoma City squad.  And their reward for that victory is a date against the #1-seeded Lakers.  In contrast to Houston, Los Angeles had a relatively easy time against the #8-seeded Trail Blazers (though the Lakers were aided, somewhat, by key injuries to Portland).  We'll fade Mike D'Antoni's men, as underdogs of +6 to +11.5 points have cashed just 32% in Game 1 of a series, if their previous Playoff series went the distance.  And #1-seeds are an awesome 67% in Game 1 of a quarterfinals series, if priced from -4.5 to -11.5 points.  It's true that the Rockets have won the last two meetings vs. the Lakers.  But L.A. is a staggering 38-3 straight-up when favored, and playing with double-revenge, including 5-0 ATS their last five; 11-2 ATS their last 13; and 70.9% ATS since Feb. 18, 2003.  Take the Lakers minus the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over the Miami Heat.  The Heat have stormed out to a 2-games-to-none series lead, so this Game 3 becomes a virtual 'must-win' for the Bucks, given that no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-games-to-none deficit.  We'll lay the points with the Bucks, as favorites of more than 4 points have cashed 70.3 since 1990 in the quarterfinals, if they were down 2 games in the series.  And, since Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the league, the Bucks are 39-28 ATS off exactly two losses.  Lay the points with Milwaukee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors over Boston.  The #2-seeded Raptors are down 2-games-to-none, and are in a "virtual" must-win situation tonight, given that no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a 7-game series.  We'll take Toronto, as NBA favorites off back-to-back SU/ATS losses, and down 2-games-to-none in a series, have covered 60.8% over the last 30 years.  Even better:  the Raptors are an awesome 44-19 ATS off exactly two SU/ATS losses.  Take the Raptors in Game 3.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over the Miami Heat.  The Heat have taken three of four vs. Milwaukee this season.  But I love the Bucks to bounce back off their Game 1 upset loss on Monday.  Since Mike Budenholzer assumed the head coaching duties, Milwaukee is 35-9 straight-up, and 30-14 ATS off a loss, including 19-5 ATS off a loss by 7+ points.  Even better:  in the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs, underdogs of more than 4 points, off back to back wins by more than 10 points, are a horrid 1-19 SU and 3-17 ATS.  Finally, the Heat have covered just 1 of their last 16 when facing a revenge-minded foe off an upset loss.  Take Milwaukee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

At 8:30 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz + the points over the Denver Nuggets.  The Nuggets pulled even with Utah in this series with a 119-107 win in Game 6.  Now, after being an underdog in Games 3 through 6, Denver's been installed as a small favorite for Game 7 (though not as big as a favorite as it was in Games 1 + 2).  The Nuggets are a horrid 0-17 ATS away from home as a favorite (or PK) off a win by more than eight points, including a blowout, 19-point loss in Game 2 of this series.  Meanwhile, the Jazz are a super 43-25 ATS on a 3-game ATS losing streak, including 18-6 ATS when playing with revenge.  Take the Jazz + the points in this decisive Game 7.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 5:30 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over the Boston Celtics.  The Celtics snapped Toronto's 8-game winning streak on Sunday, when they upset Toronto, 112-94, as a 2-point underdog.  That extended Boston's current win streak to 5 games.  But turnabout is fair play, and we'll look for the Raptors to level this series at 1-game apiece this evening.  Toronto is a super 32-15-1 ATS off an ATS loss, including 12-5 ATS when playing with revenge.  And it's 11-0 SU/ATS off a loss by more than 11 points, and covered those 11 games by an average of 9.36 points.  Number 3 seeds, like Boston, are an awful 32-57 ATS off an upset playoff win vs. their opponent.  Lay the points with the Raptors.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Denver Nuggets + the points over the Utah Jazz.  The Nuggets have been demolished over the last two ball games, as they've given up 124 points in back-to-back games to the Jazz.  On the other hand, they also gave up more than 124 points in Game 1, but they won that game (135-125) in overtime.  Down 2-games-to-1, we'll grab the points with the underdog Nuggets, as teams down 2-1 in a series have cashed 80.9% of the time off a loss by more than 22 points.  Even better:  Denver's an awesome 30-16 ATS when playing with double-revenge, including a perfect 5-0 ATS off a loss by 15 points or more.  Take the Nuggets to level this series at 2 games apiece.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 6 pm, our selection is on the Oklahoma City Thunder + the points over Houston.  The Thunder were actually favored by a point in Game 1.  But after falling behind 2-games-to-none to James Harden & Co., the Thunder now find themselves installed as a small underdog in Game 3.  I believe it's an overreaction, so we'll step in and take the points with OKC.  Admittedly, the Thunder have lost their last three games SU/ATS.  But Oklahoma City is a tremendous 29-9 ATS away from home when they were on a 3-game SU/ATS losing streak.  And prior to dropping these two Playoff games to Houston, Oklahoma City had covered the last five meetings (and nine of the last 11).  Since 1990, NBA teams off back to back Playoff losses by 13+ points have covered 59%, so we'll grab the points with the Thunder on Saturday.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over Dallas.  The Clippers lost Game 2, 127-114, as a 5-point favorite.  But they had won (and covered) the previous five games in this series.  I love Los Angeles to bounce back tonight in Game 3, as NBA teams that failed to cover Game 2 by 18+ points, have rebounded to cover Game 3 58% of the time since 1990.  Doc Rivers' men are 27-13 their last 40 when playing with revenge from a defeat earlier in the season.  And they're an awesome 30-10 ATS their last 40 off a straight-up loss, including a perfect 8-0 ATS when priced from -4 to -7 points.  Take the Clippers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets 'under' the total.  The first two games of this series were extremely high scoring.  Game 1 saw the Nuggets win, in overtime, 135-125, while Game 2 went to the Jazz, 124-105.  I actually look for a much lower-scoring game this afternoon, as NBA playoff games have sailed 'under' the total 60% of the time  since 1992 following two games in the series that each produced 225+ points.  Even better:  this series has gone 'under' the total in 21 of the last 29 meetings. Take the Under.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over the Portland Trail Blazers.  Damian Lillard & Co. upset the Lakers in Game 1, 100-93.  But Portland's never performed well off a Playoff victory, as it's 25-45-3 ATS, including 5-17 ATS when getting more than four points.  Meanwhile, LeBron James' teams have gone 47-26 ATS in the Playoffs if they weren't winning the series, and were favored by two or more points.  And his teams have also gone 97-66 ATS in his career when favored, and playing with revenge vs. an opponent off a straight-up win.  It's true that the Lakers have dropped their last six to the spread.  But NBA teams have gone 13-2 ATS in the Playoffs when priced from -4 to -9.5 points, if they were on a 6-game (or worse) ATS losing streak.  Take the L.A. Lakers.  Good luck, always....Al McMordie.

At 6 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over Orlando.  The Magic stunned Milwaukee, 122-110, as a 13.5-point underdog on Tuesday.  But off that defeat, we'll lay the points with the Bucks in Game 2.  Since Mike Budenholzer took over as head coach, the Bucks are an awesome 34-9 SU and 29-14 ATS off a straight-up loss, including 18-5 ATS when priced from -7 to -13 points!  Moreover, teams that owned a win percentage at least .05 better than their opponent, have cashed over 69% since 1990 off a loss to start the opening round of the Playoffs.  Meanwhile, the Magic are a dreadful 3-12 ATS away from home as an underdog of 3+ points following a Playoff win vs. their opponent.  Take the Bucks to blow out Orlando.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz + the points over Denver.  The Jazz handed their backers a really bad beat on Monday, as they fell in overtime by 10 points, as a 4.5-point underdog.  Still, Donovan Mitchell was brilliant in defeat, as he led the way with 57 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.  Remarkably, the Nuggets, who have won greater than 65% of their games the past two seasons, are a jaw-dropping 0-16 ATS their last 16 away from home as a favorite off a win by more than eight points!  Take Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1:30 pm, our selection is on the Brooklyn Nets + the points over Toronto.  In Game 1, the Raptors smacked the Nets, 134-110.  But I love taking double-digit underdogs off a SU/ATS double-digit loss vs. foes off a SU/ATS double-digit win, as they're 474-374 ATS.  Even better:  The Nets are a solid 42-25 ATS as an underdog when playing with revenge from a loss earlier in the season, including a perfect 12-0 ATS when getting more than 9 points.  Take Brooklyn + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat minus the points over Indiana.  These two teams met at the conclusion of the regular season, and we played on the Pacers in their blowout victory.  That was also Indiana's second straight upset win heading into these playoffs.  Unfortunately, over the last 30 seasons, NBA teams off back to back upset wins to end the regular season generally do poorly in Game 1 of the Playoffs, as they've covered just 33% of the time.  Also, Erik Spoelstra's teams are 11-3 SU and 9-5 ATS when favored in Game 1 of a Playoff series, including a perfect 5-0 ATS when playing with revenge.  Lay the points with Miami.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the Indiana Pacers over the Miami Heat.  These two teams met four days ago, and Miami got the better of Indy, 114-92, as a 4-point favorite.  These two teams will also play each other in the first round of the Playoffs, so this is a "tune-up" for both squads.  I expect Indiana will want to gain a measure of confidence, and play better this afternoon than it did on Monday.  Indiana also falls into a 228-148 ATS revenge system of mine, based on the fact it has lost all three meetings to the Heat this season.  Take the Pacers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs minus the points over Utah.  Although the Spurs can still reach the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season, their chances to do so are small, as they need at least two of three other teams (Memphis, Phoenix, Portland) to lose today, while they win their own game vs. the Jazz.  By the time this game tips off, the Spurs will know whether they've been knocked out, or if they're still alive.  But even if they're knocked out, I still expect them to put forth a solid effort to end the season on a high note, because that's what a Gregg Popovich team would do.  The Spurs fall into 115-55 and 98-45 ATS 'momentum' systems of mine.  Lay the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat minus the points over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The Heat come into this game off a 114-92 win over Indiana, while the Thunder were blown out, 128-101 by the Phoenix Suns.  We played on Phoenix in that game, as the Suns have been "playing to win."  And the fact that OKC was annihilated gives an indication as to what its mindset is at this late stage of the NBA season.  I expect a similar result tonight.  We'll lay the points with the much more interested club (Miami), which also falls into 81-37 and 115-54 ATS 'momentum' systems of mine.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 6:35 pm, our selection is on the Portland Trail Blazers minus the points over Dallas.  If the Blazers can win their final two games, they will make the Playoffs "play-in" series, so there's great incentive tonight -- much more so than the Mavericks possess, since Dallas is guaranteed to be either the #6 or #7 seed.  Portland plays with revenge from a 133-125 defeat in January, but McCollum and Nurkic were out for that game.  Both will be on the floor tonight.  We'll lay the points with the Trail Blazers, as they fall into a 128-63 ATS revenge system of mine, as well as a "late season" system which is 79-36 ATS.  Take Portland.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2:35 pm, our selection is on the Phoenix Suns minus the points over Oklahoma City.  This 8-game re-start schedule in Orlando was, of course, necessary for several reasons.  The most important were that the players needed to shake off the rust to prepare for the playoffs, and teams on the outside-looking-in needed a final opportunity to make a run at the post-season.  And that last reason has impelled the Phoenix Suns to play their best basketball of the year.  Phoenix is the lone unbeaten team at Disney World, with a 5-0 SU/ATS record.  And it retains a shot to make the play-in round, if it wins its final three games.  The first of those is this afternoon against a Thunder squad which blew out Washington yesterday.  Phoenix will thus have an advantage in terms of rest.  And NBA teams playing with extra rest have gone 14-9 ATS at Disney.  We'll lay the points with the Suns, as we look for them to win (and cover) their 6th straight game.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the Portland Trail Blazers + the points over the Los Angeles Clippers.  In the preseason, I released two NBA futures plays:  the Clippers to win the Western Conference, and the Bucks to win the Eastern Conference.  And I still believe that will be the Finals match-up in October.  The Clippers, for the most part, have nothing to play for in their remaining four games.  They're 2 games ahead of Denver for the #2 seed, and have a game vs. the Nuggets on Wednesday.  Los Angeles could go 1-3 in its final four games, but would still get the #2 seed if it defeated Denver next week.  So, that's pretty much the highest priority game on L.A.'s schedule.  Portland, on the other hand, needs to win each of its last four games because, if it slips up just once, it could miss the Playoffs.  Portland, thus, has a big edge in the "motivation' department this afternoon.  And it also falls into a 212-132 ATS revenge system of mine, as it lost by 20 points at Los Angeles when the two teams last met.  The Trail Blazers are 9-0-2 ATS their last 11 (and 22-7-2 ATS their last 31) when playing with revenge from a loss by 12+ points, if they weren't getting more than 4 points.  Take the Trail Blazers + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over Miami.  The Bucks pulled a rare clunker in their last game, as they lost outright as an 18.5-point favorite to Brooklyn.  It was the 3rd biggest NBA upset in the past 30 seasons!  But off that defeat, I love Mike Budenholzer's men to bounce back this afternoon, as his Milwaukee teams are 32-7 straight-up and 27-12 ATS off a loss, including 9-1 ATS when priced from -9 to -11 points.  It also will help Milwaukee that Budenholzer has promised to play his starters more than on Tuesday, when none played more than 20 minutes.  The Heat are a poor 15-26 ATS off a win this season.  Take the Bucks.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Portland.  The Rockets are 2-0 in Walt Disney World, and have defeated two very good teams (Milwaukee, Dallas).  Tonight, they'll get a relative breather when they take on Portland.  The Blazers have struggled to a 28-37 ATS mark this season, and are 24-38 ATS their last 62 when priced between +3.5 and +9.5 points.  Meanwhile, Houston plays with double-revenge, and is 20-7 ATS its last 27 when playing with double-revenge.  Take the Rockets.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:35 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat + the points over Boston.  We played against the Heat yesterday, and got the $$$ with Toronto.  But we will switch gears and grab the points with Erik Spoelstra's men this evening, as Miami is 17-6 ATS off a loss this season.  And the Heat fall into a great 109-46 ATS system of mine which plays on certain unrested teams off a loss vs. foes off a win.  Grab the points.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Orlando Magic minus the points over Indiana.  The Magic are playing great ball, with 5 straight wins (and six straight covers), and fall into a 123-87 ATS system of mine which plays are certain revenge-minded squads.  With Orlando, indeed, playing with revenge from a 111-106 defeat, we'll lay the points with the Magic.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia 76ers minus the points over San Antonio.  The Spurs moved to 2-0 since the restart yesterday when they upset the Grizzlies, 108-106, as a 3-point underdog.  San Antonio is trying to make the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive year, but it still has an uphill battle to qualify for the post-season in 2020.  After opening its Walt Disney schedule against two teams below .500 (Kings, Grizzlies), the Spurs' schedule will be difficult from this point forward, with games against the Sixers, Jazz (twice), Rockets, Nuggets and Pelicans.  The Spurs are an awful 11-24-1 ATS off a win vs. foes off an upset loss, including 2-10 ATS as an underdog of less than nine points.  And this is a horrible match-up for San Antone, as LaMarcus Aldridge and Trey Lyles are out, and it will have no one on the inside to guard Joel Embiid.  Take the 76ers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1:35 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over Miami.  The Raptors come into this game off a big win over the Lakers -- their fifth straight, overall.  But I don't foresee a letdown tonight, as Toronto will be seeking major revenge from a beatdown administered by Miami back in January.  In that previous meeting between these two teams, the Raptors had their worst offensive game since 2015, as they shot just 31% from the floor, and scored just 76 points, in an 8-point defeat.  But the Raptors are a spectacular 14-1 ATS away from home (including 10-0 ATS their last 10) when they are matched up against a team that held them to 82 or less points in the previous meeting.  And Toronto also falls into a 106-47 ATS revenge system of mine.  Lay the points with Nick Nurse's men.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks minus the points over the Phoenix Suns.  The Mavs absolutely collapsed in the final minute of Friday night's game vs. Houston.  They led by seven points with 45 seconds left, but lost in overtime, 153-149.  To put that defeat in perspective, consider that NBA teams were 711-2 in the previous 713 games when leading by 7+ points with a minute or less to go in regulation!  So, Dallas will seek to redeem itself tonight vs. a Phoenix team which blew out the Mavs, 133-104, in the last meeting.  The Mavericks are an awesome 47-28-1 ATS off a loss when playing with revenge vs. a foe off a straight-up win.  And Phoenix is 2-9 ATS its last 11 when playing a revenge-minded foe.  Lay the points with Dallas.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over Golden State.  We played against Kawhi Leonard & Co. this past Sunday, and were rewarded with an upset win by the Lakers.  But off that upset defeat, we'll lay the points with the Clippers tonight, as Los Angeles is a spectacular 29-7 SU and 26-10 ATS off a loss.  Additionally, the Warriors won a rare game this past Saturday when they upset the 76ers, 118-114.  Unfortunately for Steve Kerr's men, they're a poor 55-82-2 ATS off a straight-up win, including 1-9 SU and 3-7 ATS as an underdog of 8+ points.  Take the Clippers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs minus the points over Cleveland.  The Spurs will have a scheduling advantage tonight, as they had Saturday off, while Cleveland played here, at home, vs. the Nuggets.  And the Spurs are a super 96-65 ATS vs. unrested foes.  But that's not the best part.  If the Spurs lost failed to cover the spread by more than 11 points in their previous game, then our unrested opponents have gone 0-29 straight-up, and 3-26 ATS vs. San Antonio!  With the Spurs, indeed, off a blowout loss to the Nets where they failed to cover by 16.5 points, we will lay the wood with San Antonio tonight.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat minus the points over Washington.  The Wizards and Heat have traded home victories over the first three meetings this season.  But I love Miami to break through and win tonight on Washington's home court, notwithstanding Miami's current 4-game road losing streak.  The Wizards come into this game off a 118-112 victory over Atlanta, as a 5.5-point favorite, while Miami lost by 6 at New Orleans, as a 1.5-point underdog (Miami's second straight ATS loss).  Unfortunately for the Wizards, they're an awful 16-29 ATS off a SU/ATS win when facing an opponent off a SU/ATS loss, including 2-11 ATS when priced from +2.5 to +7 points.  And the Wizards have also covered just one of their last 11 (and 22 of their last 62) vs. foes off back to back ATS defeats.  Meanwhile, Miami's a superb 41-16-3 ATS off back to back point spread losses, including 26-6 ATS on the road!  Take the Heat.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

At 4:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers + the points over the Los Angeles Clippers.  The NBA couldn't be happier that the two best Western Conference teams both reside in Los Angeles, as this budding rivalry should provide great entertainment in late May.  The Lakers have been installed as an underdog in this game, notwithstanding the fact they have won 10 of 11 games, own the conference's best record, and just beat Milwaukee, the league's #1 team.  The only thing not on the Lakers' regular season resume is a win over the rival Clippers, as the Lakers lost the first two meetings of the season.  We'll grab the points, as LeBron James' teams have gone 52-36 ATS when playing with double-revenge vs. a division foe.  Meanwhile, the Clippers are an awful 59-109-4 ATS vs. .589 (or better) foes playing with double-revenge, including 11-31 ATS as a favorite!  Finally, the Lakers are 11-5 straight-up, and 13-3 ATS their last 16 as underdogs.  Take the Lakers + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Charlotte.  The Rockets come into this evening's game off back to back SU/ATS losses to the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.  But Houston was 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS immediately preceding this losing streak.  I love Houston to rebound today on the road, as it's a super 84-51 ATS on the road off back to back SU/ATS defeats.  Admittedly, the Hornets are playing well, as they've covered five straight.  But Charlotte's a very poor 10-30 ATS at home off 3 straight ATS wins, including 4-19 ATS vs. a foe off a straight-up loss.  Finally, the Rockets have dominated the Hornets, as they're 17-1 SU and 11-4-3 ATS since 2011.  Take Houston.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Denver Nuggets minus the points over Charlotte.  The Hornets come into this game on a 4-game point spread win streak, but tonight's game is an example of facing the wrong opponent at the wrong time.  The Nuggets were favored by 16 points over Golden State on Tuesday, but actually lost by 16, 116-100.  After the game, Denver's All-Star center, Nikola Jokic said, "it happens."  Well, it hasn't happened very often.  Since 1990, it was just the fourth time that an NBA team lost by more than 15 points after being favored by more than 15.  We'll take the Nuggets to bounce back off that embarrassing defeat, as they're 12-7 ATS on the road off an upset home loss.  Even better:  Charlotte's a wallet-busting 1-14 ATS at home off 4 point spread wins.  Take the Nuggets to rebound on Thursday, and blow out Charlotte.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points over Indiana.  We had our biggest NBA play of the season-to-date when these two teams last met.  That game was in Indiana, and the Pacers blew out Milwaukee to snap a long, 6-game losing streak.  For this game, however, it's a Bucks team which is off a loss, while Indiana's won four straight.  Since Mike Budenholzer took over as head coach, the Bucks are an awesome 23-6 ATS in the regular season off a loss, including a perfect 8-0 SU/ATS vs. winning teams.  Lay the points with Milwaukee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Oklahoma City Thunder minus the points over Detroit.  The Thunder come into tonight's game off back to back losses.  Of course, those were to possibly the two best teams in basketball -- the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers -- so there's no great shame in losing them.  Tonight, the Thunder will step down in class to play the Detroit Pistons, who have lost eight of their last nine games, including a 108-101 setback to the Thunder on February 7.  Overall, the Thunder have won 13 of the last 17 meetings vs. Detroit.  And they've also covered nine of 11 off back to back losses.  The Pistons have covered their last two games -- both on the road -- but are an awful 6-18-1 ATS their last 25 off a point spread win, including 0-7 ATS at home.  Take the Thunder to blow out Detroit.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over Phoenix.  After winning 17 of 18 games, the Raptors have hit a mini-speed bump.  Toronto's lost its last three games, but two of those three games were vs. the 52-9 Milwaukee Bucks, and on the road to the 41-19 Nuggets.  So, it's best not to view the Raptors' glass as half-empty.  Tonight, the Raptors should snap their losing streak, as they'll be facing a Suns team which has gone 10-16 SU and 7-19 ATS its last 26.  Even better:  Phoenix is 3-14 SU and 6-10-1 ATS its last 17 as a home underdog, while the Raptors are an awesome 39-12-2 ATS off back to back losses when priced from -2.5 to -11 points.  Finally, .700 (or better) road favorites, off 3+ losses, have cashed 64% over the last 30 years vs. losing teams.  Lay the points with the Raptors.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over the New York Knicks.  New York defeated Chicago here on Saturday night, 125-115.  But it had lost its six previous games (1-4-1 ATS).  I love going against bad teams off victories, and we'll do that here, as we note that double-digit home underdogs, with a win percentage of .300 (or less), have covered just 24.0% over the last 30 years if they won at home in their previous game.  That doesn't bode well for New York this evening.  Even worse:  the Knicks are a wallet-busting 0-20 SU and 6-13-1 ATS its last 20 games as a double-digit home underdog, and they're 4-15 ATS their last 19 at home vs. Houston.  Lay the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards minus the points over the Golden State Warriors.  Last night, Golden State pulled off a big upset when it went into Phoenix, and upset the Suns, 115-99, as an 11-point road underdog.  That was just Golden State's 13th win of the season (against 47 losses), and faithful followers know I love playing against bad teams off wins.  We won't make an exception here, and will play against the Warriors as a home underdog tonight.  For technical support, consider that the Warriors are an awful 1-11-1 ATS when playing without rest off a straight-up win.  Additionally, .375 (or worse) NBA home teams have covered just 37% over the last 30 years, if they were off exactly one win (on the road), and were playing without rest vs. a foe off a straight-up loss.  Take the Wizards minus the points.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Boston.  The Jazz were ripped, 131-111, by the Phoenix Suns, on Monday.  And that 20-point home loss, as an 8.5-point favorite, was Utah's 2nd biggest home defeat as a favorite of more than 7 points, over the last 30 years.  We'll take the Jazz to rebound tonight, as they've gone 31-12 ATS at home off a double-digit home upset loss.  Take Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Pelicans + the points over Los Angeles.  New Orleans has won 8 of 11, with its only three defeats to the Rockets, Bucks and Thunder -- all Playoff teams.  And the Pelicans will look for their 3rd straight win tonight -- all on the road -- against a Lakers team also playing well, with five straight wins.  We'll grab the points, as New Orleans is 14-3 ATS off back to back road ATS wins.  And it also falls into a 207-130 ATS system which plays on certain revenge-minded teams off back to back SU/ATS wins.  Take New Orleans.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors + the points over Milwaukee.  The Raptors have been installed as a home underdog tonight, notwithstanding the fact that they've won 17 of their last 18 games (12-6 ATS), including a most-impressive 127-81 win over Indiana on Sunday.  Even better:  the Raptors are 34-22 ATS vs. the league's better teams (with win percentages greater than .625), while the Bucks have fared poorly as a favorite of 4 points or less (9-20 ATS).  And, finally, the Raptors are an incredible 13-0 ATS their last 13 at home after not giving up more than 90 points in their previous game.  Take Toronto.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Phoenix.  The Jazz come into this game off a double-digit, upset loss to Houston, on Saturday.  But off that defeat, we'll look for Quin Snyder's men to rebound here, at home, on Monday.  Indeed, Utah's 35-12 ATS if it was favored off a double-digit home loss, and its foe was not off a double-digit loss.  Even better:  the Jazz have won eight straight in this series (6-2 ATS), and 15 of 16 (10-5-1 ATS) over the last five seasons.  Lay the points with Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over Boston.  The Celtics embarrassed the Lakers, 139-107, at Boston, on January 20.  But we'll lay the points with the revenge-minded Lakers this afternoon, as NBA favorites of 4+ points, with a win percentage greater than .706, have covered 72% in the Regular season since 1990, when playing with revenge from a loss by more than 24 points.  Take the Lakers.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Houston.  The Rockets had last night off following their 135-105 blowout of Golden State to kick off their post-All-Star Break campaign.  The Jazz, on the other hand, were stunned last night by the Spurs, here in Salt Lake City.  San Antonio won outright as a 9-point road underdog, 113-104.  We'll take the Jazz to bounce back tonight, as Utah is 27-10 ATS as a home favorite off an upset loss by 9+ points, while Houston is 1-12 ATS on the road off a 30-point win, if their opponent is off an ATS defeat.  Take Utah minus the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Indiana Pacers + the points over Milwaukee.  The Bucks have won five straight, and own the league's best record, at 46-7, while Indiana has lost its last six in a row.  But there are several reasons why I love the Pacers to get back into the win column tonight.  The most obvious, of course, is that Milwaukee will play tonight's game without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will be at home with his family following the birth of his son, Liam, on Monday.  There's no doubt the Bucks are still a dangerous team without Antetokounmpo, but the fact remains that Indiana has outscored Milwaukee in their two games this season when he wasn't on the court, but was outscored by 47 points when he was on the court.  And that leads us to our second reason:  the Pacers are 139-76 ATS when rested, and playing with revenge, if they were off a loss, and their opponent was off a win.  Finally, Milwaukee has covered just 11 of 38 off 3+ wins, if their opponent was rested, and off back to back SU/ATS losses.  Take Indiana + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat over the Golden State Warriors.  The Heat lost for the 3rd straight time (both SU and ATS) last night when they fell, 115-109, at Portland.  They'll play the 4th game on their 6-game road trip tonight, in Oakland.  And they'll no doubt be happy to face a Warriors squad they blew out by 17 in Miami earlier this season.  And the Warriors have been awful this season vs. winning teams, as they're 1-21 straight-up vs. foes with a winning record (and 2-8 ATS vs. winning foes when not getting more than 11 points).  Meanwhile, Erik Spoelstra's men are 42-17-2 ATS when they were on a 3-game ATS losing streak, including 11-0 ATS in this situation since Nov. 3, 2017.  Lay the points with Miami.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers minus the points over Cleveland.  Doc Rivers certainly wasn't happy with his team's effort last night.  L.A. was favored by as many as 10 points, but lost outright by 27 points to a Timberwolves team which hadn't won in almost a month.  Tonight, the Clippers will have a great opportunity to redeem themselves, as they'll face a Cavaliers team which they beat by 25 points less than four weeks ago.  I expect another blowout, as .682 (or better) NBA clubs have bounced back to cover the spread 75% of the time in the regular season since 1990 off horrible losses, in which they failed to cover by 35+ points.  Take Los Angeles.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Denver.  These Northwest division rivals met last week, and the Nuggets upset Utah, 106-100, as a 2.5-point home underdog.  In that game, Utah was unrested, as it played at San Antonio the night before, while Denver was rested.  The tables are turned for this game, as Utah has not played since Saturday, while Denver hosted Portland last night.  We'll lay the lumber with Utah, as the Jazz are 104-71 ATS when rested, and matched-up against an unrested foe off a win.  Take Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Indiana Pacers + the points over Toronto.  The Raptors have won 11 straight games.  But 9 of the 11 wins were against teams that won't be going to the Playoffs.  Their only two impressive wins in this stretch were against the OKC Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers.  Tonight, the Raptors will play the first of back-to-back games against the Pacers, with the re-match on Friday in Indianapolis.  We'll grab the points with the Pacers, who come into this game off back to back home upset losses to New York and Dallas.  And Indiana is a super 69% on the road since 1990 off back to back upset losses when playing a foe off a SU/ATS win.  Take Indiana.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Phoenix Suns minus the points over the Detroit Pistons.  The Suns have dropped three straight games (both SU and ATS).  But those three games were all against foes with a better W/L record.  Tonight, the Suns will get a relative breather when they face the 18-34 Pistons.  Phoenix is a super 59-37-3 ATS when favored on the road vs. a foe with a worse W/L record, including 21-6-2 ATS if the Suns are off a SU/ATS loss, while Detroit is 5-14 ATS as a home dog vs. a foe with a better W/L record.  Phoenix also falls into 144-84 and 100-54 ATS systems of mine that play on certain teams off back to back losses.  Take the Suns.

At 12:35 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Pistons + the points over Denver.  The Nuggets earned an impressive, 127-115, win at Milwaukee on Friday to snap the Bucks' 9-game win streak.  That was Denver's 2nd straight upset win (it also upset Utah on Thursday).  But off those two big wins, we will fade the Nuggets in Detroit this afternoon.  The Nuggets are a horrible 29-55 ATS on the road off a point spread win, including 5-23 ATS as a favorite.  And NBA teams have covered just 35.5% since 1993 off a double-digit upset win over a .740 (or better) foe, if they were a double-digit underdog in that upset win.  Take Detroit + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Denver.  The Rockets collapsed two nights ago, as they were outscored by 21 points in the 4th quarter to lose to OKC by five, 112-107.  We'll take the Rockets to rebound off that loss, as they'll benefit by facing an injury-riddled Nuggets squad tonight.  Starters Paul Millsap, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray all are sidelined for Denver.  And it's not as if Denver's had much success vs. Houston even when fully healthy.  Indeed, Houston's now won seven straight home games vs. Denver (5-2 ATS), and is 11-2 SU and 9-4 ATS in the last 13 games, overall.  Lay the points with Houston.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At  7:35 pm, our selection is on the LA Lakers minus the points over New York.  The Lakers had their worst defeat of the season when they fell to Boston, 139-107, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  We'll lay the points tonight with L.A., as the Lakers are 107-78 ATS on the road in non-division games vs. losing teams off a point spread win.  And LeBron James' teams have gone 74% ATS in his career as a road favorite of -6+ points off an upset loss.  Take the Lakers.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Sacramento Kings over Detroit.  The Kings have lost five straight games after falling in overtime at Miami on Monday.  But they're an awesome 19-4 ATS on the road off a road loss, if they're off back to back losses, overall.  Take Sacramento.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Indiana.  We played on the Jazz two nights ago, and easily got the $$$ when they blew out Sacramento, 123-101.  Meanwhile, the Pacers won in Denver vs. the Nuggets last night for their fifth straight win.  We'll come right back with Utah on Monday, as it seeks revenge from a 19-point loss in Indianapolis earlier this season.   And the Jazz fall my best revenge system, which is 78-19 ATS since 1990.  Even better:  Utah's 16-2 SU its last 18, and 11-2 ATS its last 13.  Finally, Utah is an awesome 67-35 ATS when rested, and playing an unrested foe off back-to-back wins.  Take the Jazz.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Oklahoma City.  These two teams met 11 days ago in Oklahoma, and the Thunder came away with a 113-92 victory, as a 3-point home underdog.  We'll take the Rockets in this re-match, as they're 24-13 ATS when playing with revenge from a loss earlier in the season, including 11-1 ATS if they failed to cover the spread by more than 18 points in that defeat.  Houston also falls into a 197-128 ATS revenge system of mine.  Take the Rockets.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Orlando Magic minus the points over Charlotte.  The Magic stumbled badly in their last two games -- at the Clippers and at the Warriors -- as they lost by 27 and 14 points, respectively.  But Orlando had covered seven of eight prior to those two games.  The loss at Golden State was particularly embarrassing, as the Warriors were on a 10-game losing streak entering that game.  But teams off upset losses to foes on long losing streaks tend to bounce back in their next game, and the Magic fall into a 60.8% ATS system of mine which plays on such teams.  Orlando's 14-6 ATS as a road favorite of less than 6 points, while Charlotte's an awful 20-36-2 ATS off a loss by 7 or more points.  Take the Magic.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Sacramento.  The Jazz are one of the league's hottest teams, with 15 wins in their last 17 games (11-4-2 ATS), though they did lose their most recent game this past Thursday, at New Orleans.  In contrast, the Kings are mired in a 3-12 SU and 4-11 ATS stretch.  But Utah's an awesome 32-6 SU and 27-10-1 ATS at home when both it, and its foe were off losses (including 15-1-1 ATS when priced from -4.5 to -10 points).  And it also falls into a 73% ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams off SU/ATS losses.  Take Utah.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat minus the points over San Antonio.  The Spurs came back from an 18-point deficit to stun the Raptors on Sunday, 105-104.  San Antonio was a 5-point underdog in that game.  However, the Spurs are still a horrible 4-42 straight-up, and 19-26-1 ATS when installed as a road underdog of +4 or more points.  Meanwhile, the Heat are 44-17-2 ATS off back to back losses when playing an opponent off a SU win.  Take Miami.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Denver Nuggets minus the points over the LA Clippers.  The Clippers finished their 4-game home stand with back-to-back wins over the Knicks and Warriors, but they failed to cover the spread in each game.  Los Angeles will now travel to the Pepsi Center to play a Nuggets team which surely will be in an ornery mood following its upset loss yesterday.  And perhaps the Nuggets were looking ahead to this match-up vs. the Clippers when they played the Cavaliers last night.  Because, clearly, Denver didn't show up.  The Nuggets were favored by 12.5 points, but lost, 111-103, to the woeful Cavs.  And that's continued a trend this season where the Nuggets have lost to many of the league's worst clubs (e.g., Kings, Hawks, Pelicans (twice), Wizards).  Denver, typically, has bounced back from such embarrassing losses, as they've gone 6-0 the past two years after losing to a team with a win percentage below .300.  Also, some good news for Denver, tonight is that the Clippers' Paul George won't suit up due to a hamstring injury.  Even better:  the Nuggets have won and covered nine of the last 12 meetings here vs. the Clippers, including 21 and 27-point victories last season.  Finally, the Clippers are an awful 3-23 straight-up, and 4-22 ATS as a single-digit underdog (or PK) in non-division games, if the Clippers won their previous game, straight-up.  Take Denver minus the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Celtics + the points over Philadelphia.  We played on Boston last night vs. San Antonio, and were on the wrong side of that game, as the Spurs blew out the Celtics, 129-114.  But off that loss, I look for Brad Stevens' men to rebound tonight against their division rival.  And Boston will catch a break, as Sixers big man, Joel Embiid, will be sidelined for tonight's game (and the foreseeable future) with a dislocated finger.  In Embiid's stead, tonight, will be veteran power forward Al Horford, who played the last three seasons in Boston.  Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Horford's best days are now behind him, as he's shooting a career-worst 45% from the field.  And, yes, it's true that this will be Boston's 5th game in seven nights.  But since Stevens assumed the coaching duties in 2013, the Celtics are a jaw-dropping 14-0 ATS as a road underdog when playing their fifth game in seven nights.  Additionally, the Celtics are 16-6 ATS under Stevens in the regular season when playing with double-revenge.  Take Boston + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia 76ers + the points over Houston.  Brett Brown's Sixers were blown out by the Pacers on Tuesday, 115-97.  And that was Philly's 3rd straight loss, overall -- all on the road.  But I look for the 76ers to bounce back in the underdog role tonight, at Houston, as NBA road teams have gone 281-228 ATS in the regular season off a double-digit SU/ATS loss, if they weren't getting more than 6 points, and their opponent was off a straight-up win, including 42-14 ATS vs. .625 (or better) non-division foes.  Even better:  rested NBA road teams have gone 179-122 ATS in the regular season off 3 straight road losses, if now playing a winning opponent.  Take the 76ers + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks minus the points over Golden State.  Last night, the Mavs upset Phoenix here, at home, 105-96.  But off that win, we'll fade the Warriors, as unrested home underdogs off an upset win at home the previous day, have cashed just 21.7% vs. rested opponents since 1990.  Take the Mavericks to blow out Golden State.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Golden State.  The Warriors enter today on a rare 2-game win streak (their first win streak of the season).  But the Warriors have not performed well off a win, as they're 11-28-1 ATS their last 40, including 0-3 ATS as double-digit underdogs.  And, speaking of double-digit underdogs...they're a miserable 25.3% ATS at home off a home win since 1990, provided their win percentage was less than .400.  Take Houston minus the points.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Golden State Warriors over New Orleans.  The Pelicans come into this game off a win over Minnesota.  But the Timberwolves have now lost eight games in a row.  And the Pelicans had lost 13 in a row before Wednesday's win.  But it wasn't just that New Orleans had lost 13 straight -- it also was 0-9-1 ATS in its 10 previous games.  With that as a backdrop, it's tough to make an argument for laying points on the road with New Orleans -- even against a team like Golden State which has lost its last five games.  But the Warriors have been competitive this year, and have played hard, even if they haven't won games.  Indeed, the Warriors are 12-11 ATS off a loss this season.  And that compares favorably to New Orleans' 35.7% ATS record this season, which is the 2nd-worst of the 30 NBA teams.  Golden State is a terrific 38-18 ATS at home off a loss when matched-up against foes off a win, including a perfect 7-0 ATS when priced from -3 to +2 points.  Take the Warriors.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over San Antonio.  The Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets in double-overtime earlier this month, 135-133, behind 28 points from Lonnie Walker IV.  That game -- one in which Houston held a 22-point, 3rd quarter lead -- was made even more frustrating because the referees blew a call on a 4th quarter James Harden dunk, which was erroneously ruled as an invalid basket.  The Rockets protested the loss afterward, but did the league denied the Rockets' appeal.  Tonight, Houston will have an opportunity to avenge that loss.  And the Spurs likely will be without their star from that game, as Walker has been sidelined with a bruised knee.  San Antonio is a dreadful 4-38 straight-up, and 12-29-1 ATS as an underdog of +4 (or more) points vs. Western Conference rivals.  Even better:  it's 0-9 ATS this season off a straight-up win (and 3-16 ATS since March 20 off a win).  Meanwhile, the Rockets are 13-2 ATS when playing with revenge from an upset loss in which they were favored by 3+ points.  Lay the points with Houston.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Sacramento Kings minus the points over New York.  Sacramento's first road win of this season was against these Knicks back on November 3, when it blew them out, 113-92.  That was the 4th straight win by the Kings in this series.  And it continued a long-term run of success vs. the Eastern Conference, as Sacramento's 40-14-2 ATS its last 56 vs. the East.  So, we'll back them tonight at home vs. a Knicks team off a rare win.  New York upset Golden State on Wednesday, 124-122, as a 4.5-point road underdog.  That win snapped its 10-game losing streak, and earned interim coach Mike Miller his first win.  Still, New York's yet to win back-to-back games this season (0-4 SU; 1-3 ATS), and is 25-38-1 ATS off a win, including 8-20-1 ATS vs. a foe off a point spread loss.  Take the Kings.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over Chicago.  We played on Toronto yesterday, but lost when they fell to defeat for the 3rd straight game.  But we will get right back on the Raptors, as .562 (or better) NBA teams have cashed 66.3% ATS in the regular season since 1990 off 3 or more losses, if they were favored by more than 2 points on the road.  Additionally, the Raptors have won the last 10 games in this series, including a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS here in Chicago.  Lay the points.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks minus the points over New York.  This is a big revenge game for the Mavericks, who lost at home to New York last Friday, 106-102, as an 11-point favorite.  Since that game, the Mavs have gone 1-1, including a loss at Boston on Monday.  But I love Dallas to rebound tonight, as it's 20-8 ATS on the road off a loss, including 5-0 ATS as a favorite.  And it's 24-12 ATS its last 36 as a road favorite off a defeat.  Meanwhile, New York is an awful 17-39-2 ATS at home when not favored by more than 3 points.  Take Dallas.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs to go 'over' the total.  Trae Young (26.8 ppg) has been upgraded to 'probable,' and that's all I needed to pull the trigger on this game to go 'over' the total.  San Antonio is running a lot more this season, now that Dejounte Murray is healthy again (after missing last season).  Murray was one of the lone bright spots for the Spurs in their loss to the Lakers on Sunday, as he totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes.  And one can see what his presence in the line-up this year has done for the team's offensive strategy, as a whole.  This season, the Spurs rank #1 in fastbreak points per game (19.8), compared to ranking #30 last season (10.3 ppg).  And their pace of play has jumped from #22 to #11.  It's true that Murray is on a minutes restriction (24) and won't play on back-to-back nights for the first part of this season.  But that's not a problem in this game, since the Spurs are rested, and don't play again until Thursday.  So, he'll be on the floor.  I look for a relatively-high scoring game tonight.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz 'over' the total.  These two teams met just four days ago, and the Jazz held the Clippers to just 96 points, in a 110-96 win.  That was the only time this season that Los Angeles failed to score more than 100 points.  Of course, it also must be noted that Kawhi Leonard (and his 29.2 points per game) were in street clothes for that game.  In the five games that Leonard has been on the court, the Clippers have averaged 117.8 points per game.  The over/under for the first meeting was 216.5 points, and this number opened much lower, despite the fact that Leonard will play.  I believe it's an over-reaction to the result of the first meeting, as well as to the fact that both teams have gone 'under' the total by more than 10 points in each of their three previous games.  That's certainly not a common situation.  But it happened last season when Detroit and Philadelphia met on December 7.  The 76ers had gone 'under' the total by 14, 13.5 and 13 points in their three previous games, while the Pistons had gone 'under' by 19, 24.5 and 15.5 points in their three previous games.  But the two teams combined for 228 points, and sailed 'over' the total.  The Clippers have gone 'over' the total in 13 of their last 15 games when favored, and playing with revenge.  And the 15 games also averaged 232.4 ppg.  This game will be very high-scoring.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the 'OVER' in the Atlanta/Miami game.  These two teams played a few nights back, and the Heat won that game, 112-97.  The over/under line in that game was 224.5, so tonight's number is significantly less than what was offered for that game.  Admittedly, Atlanta guard Trae Young will be out tonight, but this over/under line is somewhat of an over-reaction.  The Hawks have gone 'over' the total in 39 of 59 home games off a loss, including 12-4 'over' vs. division rivals.  Also, the 'over' falls into a system of mine which has cashed 60.4% since 1990.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Indiana Pacers minus the points over Detroit.  Tonight, the Pistons will play the 3rd game of a 3-game home stand.  And they'll try to snap their 2-game SU/ATS losing streak, as they fell here, at home, vs. Atlanta and Philadelphia to start the home stand.  This is a revenge game for Indiana, which lost on Opening Night, at home, to these Pistons.  Overall, the Pacers are 0-2 on the young season, as they also lost to Cleveland, 110-99, on Saturday.  We'll lay the points with Indiana, as it's 123-83-4 ATS as a favorite off a loss, when playing with revenge, including 43-22-1 ATS vs. division rivals -- and, then, 6-1 ATS as a road favorite vs. division rivals.  Meanwhile, Detroit is a horrid 10-25 ATS at home off a point spread defeat, including 0-6 ATS its last six.  Finally, the Pacers fall into 70-28 and 127-56 ATS systems of mine that play on certain teams off losses.  Lay the points with Indy.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.