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This is a 10* play on the MAVS.

I played Boston over the first two games and then had Dallas on the moneyline in Game 3.

While that play came up short, I say that Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the rest of the Mavs will dig deep here and find a way to avoid the sweep.

Note that Dallas is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent.

I think this strong trend continues here. Boston can wrap this up in front of the fans at home in Game 5 and that's what I see going down.

The play is DALLAS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Celtics.

The majority of the betting public is on Dallas still, which has dropped this line a bit and I think it's now way too low for sure. 

Being successful in the Playoffs is about making adjustments from game-to-game, but this is just a bad matchup for the Mavericks, who defied the odds to make it to the Finals.

I had the Celtics in Game 1, stating that their backcourt would be able to match anything that the Mavs' backcourt produces, while at the same time, I didn't think Dallas had/has an answer for Boston star Jason Tatum.

I expect an even more decisive outcome here, so lay the points, the play is in deed on BOSTON.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* GOW on the Celtics.

Dallas has been on quite the roll to get to this point, defying the odds as underdog to advance to the NBA Finals.

Boston was favored and was expected to be here.

There are plenty of storylines in this series, but I just think that the Cetlics backcourt will be able to match whatever Luka and Kyrie do, while at the same time, I don't think that the Mavs have an answer for Celtics' star Jason Tatum.

And with nearly 65% of the early public money on the visitors, this one also appeals to my contrarian side.

I'm laying the points, the play is BOSTON.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Mavericks.

The Mavericks looked good in Game 1, while the Wolves looked tired. This Dallas defense will wear a team down, and that's going to again be the case here in Game 2 in my opinion.

Kyrie Irving is playing at a really high level right now and is a major matchup issue for Minnesota. The Wolves matched up better against the Nuggets.

I just see this contest being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, so I'm grabbing the points.

The play is DALLAS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Mavericks.

Neither team was supposed to be here, but we're going to have some new faces in the NBA Finals from the Western Conference no doubt. 

The Wolves won three of four regular season matchups, but all occurred before Dallas added P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford before the trade deadline. In the one 121-87 rout,  Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively and Derrick Jones Jr. were all out.

This Dallas defense is legit. 

Minnesota "getting over the hump" though in its dramatic Game 7 win at Denver will be an issue for the home side though in my opinion, with a bit of a hangover here for that now legendary franchise playoff series victory.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are a deadly one-two punch and while I do think the outright win is possible, in the end I'm grabbing the points.

The play is DALLAS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Knicks.

Outright win?! I think its possible. So far home floor has been crucial in this series, and while Indiana may go on to win this game outright, I believe it'll be decided in the final moments.

The last two games have been blowouts for each side, but I'm anticipating a much tighter game here now in Indiana finally.

This series have been completely unpredictable, but I say that NY has now figured out this Indiana team and we'll see further adjustments now here on the road. I think the outright is very possible as well. 

Yes, the NBA would love a Game 7, and while that my occur, everything does indeed point to this one "coming down to the wire" in my opinion.

So grab the points, the play is NEW YORK.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Wolves.

So far home court advantage has meant nothing in this series. I say that pattern continues here and while I do definitely think that the Wolves have a legit shot at winning this one outright, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can.

And despite the loss in Game 2, note that Minnesota has is still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent.

For all the reasons listed above, the play is MINNESOTA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOB on the Mavericks.

The Mavericks looked competitive in the first half in Game 1, but then they fatigued in the second half and weren't able to keep pace with the Thunder.

But with Game 1 now out of the way, I'm expecting a much more competitive affair here in Game 2. 

Dallas has performed well in this spot for bettors though, going 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent.

OKC is so far perfect in the postseason, but that streak is going to end shortly. It may not end tonight, but in a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points.

The play is DALLAS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Mavs.

Dallas took care of the Clippers in six games, while OKC got past a wounded Pelicans teams in four. The Thunder weren't tested, but will now run into a man on a mission here in Luka Doncic.

OKC went 3-1 SU in the regular season sereis, but I'm not reading too much into those results now that the playoffs are here.

The Mavericks defense looked particularly awesome in the first round and I think the Thunder are going to be in for a big surprise here on the step-up in the competition level after the cake-walk in the first round.

While the outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can with the MAVERICKS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* WEST-CONF GOW on the Nuggets.

The Lakers didnt' get swept. But now they're about to lose here in the thin air of Denver in Game 5. 

I'm predicting not only a victory for the Nuggets, but a blowout win in fact.

The Lakers were just 20-23 on the road this year, while the Nuggets were 35-8. 

The cast of characters and strengths and weaknesses of each of these teams is well known, so I don't need to break down the individual player matchups or give you any background on what's going on.

Denver is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent though.

Look for the defending champs to make an example of the King tonight and to keep the pedal to the metal until the final horn.

Lay the points, the play is DENVER.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Pels.

The Pels had a chance to win Game 1 in their 94-92 setback. I'm anticipating another tight game until the end here. I even considered taking New Orleans on the moneyline, but in the end let's grab up all these points.

Zion Williamson is still out likely to next weekend, but CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas will be able to once again pick up the slack in my opinion.

The Thunder were a great regular season team, but they're in unchartered territory right now for most of these guys.

Playing as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs puts a target on your back.

Both teams shot poorly in Game 1. New Orleans has the depth and veteran experience to once again make Game 2 interesting.

While I do think an outright is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can with NEW ORLEANS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Lakers.

To say the "revenge" factor comes into play here would be an understatement, as Denver has won eight straight in this series.

But note that five of those games were decided in the final five minutes.

LA though enters playing its best basketball of the season after winning 12 of its last 15. 

The Lakers are healthier than they've been in years and it's now or never. Will that be good enough to pull off the straight up upset?! 

Maybe!

But in the end, I'm going to grab the points with the LAKERS here in Game 1.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Bucks.

It's a big game for both teams with playoff implications on the line. Both teams are really struggling as well, but despite not having Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court, I like the Bucks to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire in a competitive battle and to earn the comfortable cover with the handful of points that they've been afforded.

Even without the Greek Freak, the correct call is still the Bucks. We just saw Milwaukee beat the Magic by 18 points without Giannis earlier this week. Orlando has dropped three straight games and its inexperience at this time of year will be its undoing.

While I do think an outright is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

The play is MILWAUKEE. 

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Suns.

This is the opener of a home and home set between the teams, and I think the Suns will risk life and limb here to secure the home victory.

Phoenix had its three game win streak snapped last time out in a 113-105 home setback to New Orleans. But with its final three games on the road, this becomes a very important game for the SUNS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* WEST-CONF NON-DIV GOM on the Pelicans.

The Pelicans have lost four straight, but despite who gets the start here today, I definitely am expecting New Orleans to put up a fight and go down hard trying.

Most recently it was a 111-109 loss to San Antonio. Note that the Pels are 7-3 ATS in their last ten off a SU/ATS home loss in which they were a double-digit favorite though.

They play with revenge as well after a 124-111 home loss to the Suns at the start of the month.

That was the first win of three straight now for Phoenix, but note that the Suns are a sub-par 1-4 ATS in their last five after three or more SU victories in a row.

Grab the points, thep lay is NEW ORLEANS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL BLOWOUT on the Pelicans.

LA snapped a two-game slide with a 126-111 road win at Chicago just last night, but I believe it'll be fatigued here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario, with players being rested as well.

LA returns home to face Atlanta, followed by two straight vs. Portland, so the visitors also get caught "looking ahead" here.

New Orleans had its four-game win streak snapped last time out here with a 116-95 setback to Cleveland, but the Pels beat LA 117-106 on the road at the start of February and I'm expecting a similar result here as well.

The Pels have Portland coming to town tomorrow, so they don't have anything to "look past" here. 

This one has "BLOWOUT" written all over it in my opinion; lay the points, the play is New Orleans!

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Thunder.

Just a really great spot of OKC. Dallas has been on a role as it's won four straight, including a 109-99 home win over the Warriors just last night. 

But now the Thunder can take advantage of this fatigued visiting side, while also getting to avenge a 146-111 loss at Dallas in early February.

With a couple nights off, followed by a home game vs. the defending champs, not only is this a "letdown" spot for the visitors, but also a "look ahead."

Look for OKC to have no mercy and to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the 76ers.

The 76ers are going to have a tough time of it for the rest of the season most nights without star Joel Embiid in the line-up.

But there will be some nights and spots where it makes sense to back Philly, and tonight is one of those times.

New Orleans comes in off back-to-back wins, but note that after three straight ATS victories, it's relevant to note here that the visiting side is in fact just 3-7 ATS in its last ten after three or more ATS victories in a row.

Philly does indeed play with revenge here as well after a 124-114 road loss as a 2.5-point favorite back in late November, and note that the 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a fav vs. an opponent.

As I say, without Embiid it's the "next man up" mentality for the 76ers every single night, and most nights that won't work out too well for them, but here is a great spot for Philadelphia to finally be extremely competitive.

I'm stopping short in calling for the outright, but all signs point to a battle until the final horn.

Grab the points, the play is indeed on PHILADELPHIA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Memphis Grizzlies.

Outright win?! I'm not calling for that. But in a contest that I see being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe, I'm grabbing the points and expecting a battle until the final horn.

First off, with nearly 70% of the early public money on the home side here, my contrarian nature definitely makes me love this play even more.

Memphis is 20-41 overall, including 13-17 on the road, while Brooklyn is only 24-36 overall, including just 15-17 at home.

Memphis is off five straight SU losses after back-to-back home losses to Portland, including a disappointing 107-100 OT loss most recently. 

The Grizz though are 4-1 ATS in their last five after five or more SU losses in a row.

Brooklyn is coming off back-to-back home wins over Atlanta, but with Philadelphia coming to town tomorrow, I say the home side gets caught "looking ahead" here.

The Grizz play with the added incentive of revenge as well after a 111-86 home loss to the Nets in late February.

Clearly, Memphis is just going through the motions this season, getting ready for next year. But there are going to be moments and "spots" throughout the season where the Grizzlies will win and that putting money on them to cover the spread makes sense.

And this really large one against this really mediocre Nets team that's poised for a letdown is the right place to FIRE.

As stated off the top, no outright, but closer than expected.

The play is MEMPHIS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NORTHWEST GAME OF MONTH on the Blazers.

Here is a great spot for Portland to earn, at the very least, a solid cover. 

Denver comes in on the heels of a 130-110 home win over Washington just last night, and I believe it'll be fatigued here in the second game of the back-to-back.

With a much more high-profile game at Golden State up after this, this also sets up as a "look ahead" spot for the visitors. 

Letdown + lookahead = trap game.

Portland plays with revenge after its 112-103 loss at Denver at the start of the month. The Blazers did earn the ATS cover with the 15 points that they were afforded in that one. 

The Blazers went into the break off six straight losses, but they come into the second half here tonight rested and I believe they'll keep this one competitive throughout.

No outright, but closer than expected.

Grab the points, the play is PORTLAND.

Good luck, NP

This is 10* NON-CONF GOW on the Jazz.

I'm a situational capper and this one sets up really well for the home side.

Charlotte is 13-41 overall, including just 5-21 on the road, while Utah is only 26-30 overall, but 17-10 at home.

Both teams return to the second half well-rested, but I think that the home-court advantage will prove to be the differnce-maker here.

The Hornets are only 8-17 ATS on the road, while Utah is 18-9 ATS at home.

The Jazz went into the break on four straight losses but they beat Charlotte 134-122 on the road as ten-point favorites back in January and I'm expecting an even bigger destruction this time around.

Lay the points with confidence, the play is UTAH.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NORTHWEST DIV. GOY on the Blazers.

As primarily a "situational" capper, this one falls right into my wheelhouse. This is the last day of NBA games before the All-Star break, and with a few players heading to the big event, I say the visitors get caught "looking ahead" here.

Portland has lost five straight SU and three straight ATS after its 121-109 loss at Minnesota two nights ago, but note that the Blazers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row.

It's a PERFECT SPOT BET here on Portland, which catches the Wolves complacent and "looking ahead."

I'm not going to go out on a limb and call for an outright upset or anything, but all signs definitley point to a much tighter battle than what this spread is suggesting in my opinion.

Grab the points, the play is PORTLAND.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BK on the Knicks.

Dallas is 28-23, including 14-10 on the road, while New York is 33-18, including 19-6 in front of the home town crowd.

New York was a -4.5-point favorite in a 128-124 loss at Dallas back in January, and note that the Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite vs. an opponent.

And now the Knicks are back here at home as 4.5-point dogs in this revenge spot. 

Yes, Dallas is coming off back-to-back road wins, but over a weakened Philly and Brooklyn. With upcoming home games vs. the Thunder, Wizards and Spurs, I say the visitors get caught "looking ahead" here as well.

Despite who plays, this is just such a great situational play on the home side as there are many different factors working in its favor. 

The outright win is clearly possible, but my official call will be to grab as many points as you can.

The play is NEW YORK.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE GOW on the Hornets.

Clearly, the 27-25 Lakers are the "better" team. LA though is just 9-17 on the road.

The Hornets' issues are well-documented as well. They're 10-38, including 5-19 at home. Charlotte though comes in "under" the radar here after seven straight SU/ATS losses in a row. 

It plays with revenge as well after a 128-113 SU/ATS loss at LA in late December, and note that the Hornets are 3-1 ATS in their last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent.

LA is off B2B road upsets, beating Boston 114-105, before then taking down the Knicks 113-105. This is the final game of their six-game trip and they have the defending champs at home after this.

Not only is this a natural letdown spot for the visitors, but it's also a look-ahead position.

Add thoese two factors together and you get "TRAP GAME."

No outright, but MUCH closer than expected. Grab the points, the play is CHARLOTTE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Hornets.

While I'll stop short in calling for an outright upset, everything points to a much tighter, and ultimatley closer battle than what this line is suggesting in my opinion.

I just think New York will get caught looking past the hungry Hornets. The Knicks are 29-17, but just 13-12 on the road.

With a home game vs. Utah tomorrow night, I expect the visitors to take the foot off the gas in the second half.

The Hornets are just 10-34 this year, but after three straight SU/ATS losses, note that Charlotte is in fact 7-3 ATS in its last ten in such instances. 

Charlotte also plays with revenge after a 115-91 loss at New York earlier in the season, and note that the Hornets are 3-1 ATS in their last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent.

Grab the points, the play is indeed on CHARLOTTE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOTAL BK on the Raptors.

With nearly 75% of early public money on the Clippers, we're going contrarian with this one boys.

LA is just 9-10 on the road. It's off three straight SU/ATS home wins, but note that the Clippers are just 1-3 ATS in their last four after three or more straight SU/ATS wins in a row.

And with a much tougher and more high-profile game at Boston tomorrow night, not only does this set up as a "letdown" spot, but also  "lookahead." Add those two factors together and you get TRAP GAME!

The Raptors play with revenge here as well after a 126-120 loss at LA at the start of the month. 

The Raptors have now lost seven of their last eight, including three in a row both SU/ATS, but note that Toronto is still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after three or more straight SU/ATS setbacks in a row.

Toronto has had three nights off to prepare fo this one and I expect it to make the most of it. Despite who is on the court tonight, this is a great situational play for the home side.

Grab the points, the play is TORONTO.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* MONEY-BOMB on the Rockets.

Boston is just 12-9 on the road this year. It's also now just 20-1 at home after falling 102-100 to the Nuggets last time out.

With a much more high-profile and difficult game tomorrow in Dallas though, I think this sets up as a trap for the visitors here now in Houston, as they suffer the letdown from the first home defeat, while also getting caught looking ahead to tomorrow's contest.

Normally I wouldn't be playing on Houston after a 127-126 OT loss here to Utah just last night. But the Rockets were competitive in defeat. They're 20-21 overall, but 16-6 at home. 

It was a disappointment last night, but I still say that the home side comes to play here in this favorable spot.

I'm not calling for an outright upset or anything, but I do believe for sure that the stage is set for a much tighter battle than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

Grab the points, the play is HOUSTON.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Raptors.

I love the way this one sets up for the home side and while I clearly believe that the Raptors can win this one outright, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can.

Miami is 12-9 on the road, but after three straight SU/ATS victories in a row, and with a game at home vs. Atlanta after this, I say this sets up as minor letdown spot for the visitors.

No such luxury for the Raptors, who are 15-25 overall and off four straight SU losses and three straight ATS losses.

Toronto does indeed play with revenge here though after a 112-103 loss here to Miami as a 3.5-point favorite back in early December, and note that the Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent.

As mentioned above, I absolutely believe the outright win is possible, but the official call is to grab as many points as you can with TORONTO.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BK on the Lakers.

OKC is 27-11 and 11-6 on the road, while LA is 20-21 overall, but 14-7 at home.

The Thunder have won four straight SU and three straight ATS, but note that OKC is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after three or more straight ATS victories in a row.

And with another very difficult game tomorrow night here vs. the Clippers, this is also a "look ahead" spot for the visitors.

The Lakers are just 1-2 SU in their last three, and 0-3 ATS. Note though that LA is 7-4 ATS still in its last 11 after three or more straight ATS losses in a row.

Look for the desperate home side to risk life and limb to get back into the winner's circle here this evening.

Lay the short points, the play is LA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BAIL-OUT BLOOD-BATH on the Lakers.

The Lakers already beat the Clippers this year 130-125 in OT here on November 1st. The Lakers would go on shortly after to win the In-Season Tournament, but they've since come back down to Earth and enter having lost three straight SU and ATS. 

That's important to note though, as the Lakers are in fact 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row.

I don't usually play against teams that are playing with revenge, but after five straight SU/ATS victories in a row, I believe the Clippers are now getting a little TOO much respect here from the oddsmakers (and public, with nearly 70% of the early public money on the Clippers!), as the Clippers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five after five or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. 

The Clippers welcome Phoenix here tomorrow, so this is a "look ahead" position as well.

While the outright win is clearly not out of the question, my official call is to grab as many points as you can with the LAKERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BK on the Hawks.

The Hawks do indeed play with revenge here after a SU/ATS loss in OKC back in October, and note that ATL is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent.

Atlanta just broke a four-game slide with a win, but it's had a few nights off to rest. 

OKC is red hot, winner of five straight, but after an upset win over Boston at home just last night, and when taking into account the revenge factor, everything points to this being a trap/letdown for the visiting side.

And while I clearly believe the outright win is a possibility, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with ATLANTA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE GOW on the Warriors.

Typically I don't side with the public, but that's not always the case. I think the 15-16 Warriors (9-8 at home) are going to take advantage of this spot.

The Magic are 19-13, but just 7-9 on the road. Orlando is going to get caught "looking ahead" here to its game at Sacramento tomorrow, followed by a contest at Denver.

The Warriors come in desperate to snap a three game slide, but note that Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more straight SU losses in a row. 

With the Nuggets coming to town next, this becomes a very important "must win" game for the home side.

Lay the points, the play is GOLDEN STATE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BK on the Clippers.

Normally I stay away from "public" plays, but despite the majority of the money on the Clippers tonight, I do really love the way this one sets up for the home side, so much so in fact that I've stamped this one with top-rated BOOKIEKILLER status.

This is just a great situational play. LA does play with revenge here after a 105-101 loss here as an eight-point favorite in early November. Things have changed since then though.

LA is 12-4 at home, while Memphis is just 8-9 on the road.

Note as well the the Clippers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. LA broke a two-game slide with a win over Charlotte last time out, but it's lost three straight ATS, which is important to take note of as well as the Clippers are in fact 4-1 ATS in their last five after three or more ATS losses in a row.

Memphis comes in off a humbling 142-105 loss at Denver just last night, snapping a four-game win streak. With a couple nights off before a home date on New Year's Eve vs. the Kings, this definitely sets up as a "trap" for the visitors as well in my opinion.

All things considered, I believe this line could/should in fact be a lot larger. The play is indeed on LA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Lakers.

The Lakers have sucked since winning the Play In Tournament, but after four straight losses, I think LA will, at the very least, keep this one close enough to cover with the spread.

The Lakers play with the added incentive of "revenge" as well after a 133-110 loss to OKC on November 30th, and note that the Lakers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss vs. an opponent.

LA has a game vs. the Celtics on X-Mas Day, but it won't be looking past this bounce-back revenge opportunity.

The Thunder have won and covered in three straight against the best teams in the West, but with three nights off after this before another home game, I say the home side gets caught "looking ahead" here.

Grab the points, the play is LA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BK on the Suns.

Phoenix has struggled this year because of injury issues. It's main line-up has barely played together.

I base my picks on many things, and this particular one is a great situational play that's backed by a strong ATS trend and that's the reason why I'm taking the points here.

Phoenix 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent, and the Suns just fell 114-106to the Kings on December 8th.

With the Wolves coming to town tomorrow, I say the home side gets caught "looking ahead" as well.

Grab the points, the play is PHOENIX.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BK on the Thunder.

This one sets up really well for the Thunder in my opinion. 

OKC is 15-8, including 7-4 on the road. Its two game win streak came to an end last time out in Sacramento, falling 128-123.

The Thunder play with revenge after a 128-95 loss at home to the Nuggets back in October, but that's significant to note here as OKC is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent.

Denver is off three straight SU/ATS wins in a row, but I say it comes in a bit complacent here and gets caught looking ahead to the Mavericks coming to town next.

Grab the points, the play is OKC. 

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BK on Charlotte.

I think Charlotte catches the Nets at the right time here.

Brooklyn comes in off three straight victories, but note that it's just 2-7 ATS in its last nine off three SU wins in a row. And with red hot Orlando coming to town next, the chances of the home side "looking ahead" are high as well.

Charlotte does indeed play with revenge after the 133-121 setback as a two-point home dog on October 30th. Note though that the Hornets are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a dog vs. an opponent. Off three straight ATS losses in a row, I think the hungry visiting side will, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the large spread that it's been afforded.

Grab the points, the play is CHARLOTTE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE GOM on the Bulls.

As primarily a situational handicapper, this is one of the types of "situations" that I'm always keeping my eyes out for.

I love the way this one sets up for struggling and revenge-minded Chicago. With 80% of the public money on Brooklyn, of course, as a contrarian as well, I instantly gravitate towards Chicago in that situation.

But Brooklyn is also off a highly satisfying 112-97 win here just last night over Miami and I think it'll now come out flat-footed here in the second game of the B2B.

No such luxury for Chicago, which has lost three in a row SU/ATS after a 121-108 loss at Toronto last time out. Note though that the Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row.

They fell 109-107 at home to Brooklyn back at the start of the month as 4.5-point favorites, but note that Chicago is also 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent.

A great "situational" play makes the BULLS my 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE GOM.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Nuggets.

Houston is 7-6, while Denver is 10-5. The Rockets snapped a three-game slide with a 111-91 win at Memphis last time out. 

But after ten straight ATS covers in a row, I think the home side is getting too much respect here vs. the defending champs, who do indeed play with revenge here after falling 107-104 as five-point favorites in mid-November (but note that Denver is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite vs. an opponent.) 

Denver is just 1-3 on this road trip. It won't be taking anything for granted tonight.

I foresee a blowout of epic proportions. Lay the points, the play is DENVER.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BOOKIEKILLER on the Spurs.

The Clippers are 5-7 and 1-6 on the road, while the Spurs are 3-11, including 1-7 at home. Two bad teams collide here, but I think San Antonio will put up a good fight and cover easily with the large spread that it's been afforded.

San Antonio though does in fact play with double revenge here after losing 124-99 here to the Clippers two nights ago, as well as a 123-83 setback in LA back on October 29th.

The Clippers return home after this for three straight, and I think they get caught looking ahead.

Look for the revenge-minded home side to post, at the very least, the comfortable ATS cover. The play is SAN ANTONIO.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Pelicans.

Dallas has won four of its last five, including two in a row after a 136-124 win here two nights ago.

New Orleans comes in on the other end of the spectrum, eager to snap a five SU/ATS losing streak. Note though that NO is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after five or more SU/ATS losses in a row.

The Pels have also done well in a revenge role, going 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as an underdog vs. an opponent.

Dallas has a game in Washington tomorrow night, so I say it gets caught peaking ahead to that one as well.

While the outright is possible, grab as many points as you can. The play is NEW ORLEANS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Kings.

I like the Kings to find a way to get the job done here and win this game at home.

OKC has won two in a row and covered in three straight. This is the Thunder's first road game in two weeks though and I think it'll struggle here vs. this motivated and good home team.

The Kings do definitey play better at home. They're 3-4 overall, but 2-1 at home.

The Thunder are 2-0 on the road, but both victories came at the start of the year.

With a much more high-profile game at Phoenix up next, I say OKC gets caught "looking ahead" here as well.

Look for the hungrier home side to punch a "W" into the win column here and play SACRAMENTO.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Cavaliers.

The Warriors stumbled out of the gate last season, but not this year, as they come to town at 5-1 and playing great overall. 

The Cavaliers have had to deal with some minor injury issues to start the year, and they enter at 2-4.

Mission accomplished for the Warriors, but I say they finally get caught looking ahead here to their game at Detroit tomorrow night. That's followed by a game at Denver. 

Golden State is 2-0 SU in its last two, but 0-2 ATS. It's barely holding onto the edge that it had, and I think it finally collapses here vs. the hungry home side. 

Cleveland hits the road for four straight after this game, putting added importance onto this Sunday night contest.

Lay the points, the play is the CAVALIERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Hawks.

I think this is a great "situational" play. Atlanta is 3-2 and New Orleans is 4-1.

Each team has been playing great of late, but note that the Pels hit the road after this for a three-game trip, starting at Denver. I say the home side finally gets caught "looking ahead" here, and I believe the visitors catch New Orleans at a great time.

This is a "trap" for New Orleans, and ATL will be looking to get its trip started off with a slight upset.

In a contest that I see coming "down to the wire," I'm grabbing the points.

The play is ATLANTA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Lakers.

The Clippers are 3-1 and the Lakers are 2-2. Will the addition of James Harden make the Clippers a better team? Of course, but it doesn't mean that there will be unbelievable chemistry right off the bat. Clearly, it may never work out either.

Either way, I think this is a great spot for the Lakers to grab the first game of the year between the two clubs here in LA. The Lakers are 0-4 ATS so far, but I expect that streak to end. The Clippers are 3-1 ATS.

But the Clippers are coming off a 118-102 win here over Orlando just last night, and fatigue will for sure be an issue here. 

Both clubs have a few nights off after this before Eastern road swings, but I say that the Clippers come in a bit fatigued, and I expect the Lakers to smell the blood in the water and to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish.

Lay the points, the play is the LAKERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE GOM on the Cavaliers.

Both teams come in at 1-2. The Cavaliers played without Donovan Mitchell in their most recent 125-113 setback here at home to the Pacers are 3.5-point dogs, but I believe they'll finally bounce back here, whether their super-start suits up or not.

This is the opener of a home and home set, so that puts added importance onto this one for the Cavs.

The Knicks looked terrible in their most recent 96-87 loss at New Orleans. New York so far is living and dying with the three-ball, but I believe the Cavs will bounce back defensively here at home after their abnormally bad performance last time out. 

With a game at home tomorrow vs. this very same team, I believe the visitors do indeed also get caught "looking ahead" here. 

Cleveland has big bodies that limit second chance points. Overall they're a great defensive team, especially on the perimeter.

With New York having difficulties scoring down low early in the season, that leaves the door open for a possible outright win here.

But I say whether Mitchell plays or not, this highly-motivated home side will, at the very least, keep this one tight enough to cover with the handful of points it's been afforded in this matchup.

Grab the points, the play is indeed on the CAVALIERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Lakers.

The Lakers made it to the Western Conference Final last year, as they really "came together" over the second half. They then lost to the Nuggets, who would go on to win their first ever NBA Championship in franchise history.

The Nuggets are expected to be without forward Michael Porter Jr. in this one, as he also sat out the entire pre-season.

Denver is going to be distracted here raising the banner, and I think the Lakers have revenge on their minds here right out of the gate and will be bring their "A" game on Opening Night.

While I do think the outright win is a possibility, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with LA.

Good luck, NP

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Heat.

The Heat have surprised every team they've played in Game 1 of each series in the Playoffs, and we have every reason to believe that that trend will continue here in the Finals. No one in the World can slow down Nikola Jokic right now, but the rest of the Nuggets are going to have to step up if Denver is truly going to win this series. The Heat are great defenders, and they're efficient outside shooters. We expect Miami to throw its "best shot" at the Nuggets here in Game 1. Will "rest" lead to "rust" for the Nuggets?! The answer is: maybe! Either way, we expect this one to be a lot closer than what the bookmakers are trying to lead us to believe. Grab the points, the play is MIAMI.

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Celtics.

We had a play on the OVER in Game 6. That came up short obviously. With nearly 80% of the early money/bets on Miami in Game 7, we're going to go full-on contrarian mode here in Game 7 and go the other way. We've collectively felt that "momentum" in sports is a very real, almost tangible factor, and it's a factor that becomes even more important during the playoffs. It's also one in which we've come to learn that the oddsmakers have a hard time in properly quantifying into a line, and that's definitely the case here in Game 7 in our opinion. Jason Tatum and the Celtics are on the verge of history and the NBA itself would love nothing more than a Boston/Denver Final. Lay the points, the play is indeed on BOSTON.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Celtics.

A chance! A small sliver of hope! That's what Boston needed, and that's what the Celtics produced for themselves in Game 4's blowout 116-99 victory. "Momentum" in sports, especially in the playoffs, is a very real, almost "tangible" factor that we've felt that the oddsmakers have a hard time properly quantifying. Clearly, Jimmy Butler and the Heat have been the surprise team in the East this year in the Playoffs, but we expect Jayson Tatum and the home side to duplicate their Game 4 performance here at home, and even better it here in Game 5. And finally, with the majority of the public money/bets on the Heat, we're "going the other way" in true contrarian fashion. Lay the points, the play is BOSTON.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Lakers.

LA is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite at home against an opponent. LA won't be going to the Finals, but it's not going to get swept either. Lay the points, the play is LA.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Nuggets.

If Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are going to finally take the next step and get over the hump, they're going to have to find a way to win on the road in the Playoffs. Denver's achilles heel all year has been its play on the road, but we're finally expecting the Nuggets to deliver here. Phoenix is just too thin after their starters, and does not have the depth anymore at this point of the series to compete in our opinion. So far the home floor advantage has proved critical in this series, but we expect that trend to end here. Jokic has won the MVP in B2B years, but here is a moment for him to once again take center stage and show the World why he is in fact the best player on the planet. While we feel the outright win is possible, the official play will be to grab the points. The play is DENVER.

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Knicks.

It's do or die, time to put up or shut up. The Heat and Jimmy Butler are feeling confident and talking trash. Butler recently called himself the best player on Earth, who isn't bothered by either double OR triple teams. Miami is cocky now after going 9-2 ATS in the Playoffs (including the Play-In Tournament), including win seven straight ATS. Those facts though have only helped in driving this spread a little lower than it normally would be though in our opinion. New York has lost four straight ATS, and two straight SU (but note that the Knicks have responded well in this spot for bettors by going 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more SU/ATS losses in a row vs. an opponent.) We're expecting the home side to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire, so grab the points. The play is NEW YORK.

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Knicks.

Tied up 1-1, we're expecting a very tight battle here in Game 3. Yes, the Heat were 30-15 SU at home, but just 17-25-1 ATS. THe Knicks were 26-18 SU on the road and 28-15-1 ATS. New York won Game 2, perhaps because the Heat were without Jimmy Butler, who is now dealing with an ankle injury. He won't be at 100% health moving forward for the rest of the playoffs. In a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points. The play is NEW YORK.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Suns.

For all intents and purposes, it's do or die for Phoenix today, as clearly an 0-3 hole to open this second round series would be just too big of a hole to climb out of. Denver utilized home-court advantage for two solid wins and covers, but the Nuggets are just 20-23 SU/ATS on the road this season. The Suns are 30-14 SU at home and 24-20 ATS. Phoenix though is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge back-to-back losses vs. an opponent. We think that KD and Booker lead their team to a win and cover here in Game 3. Lay the points, the play is PHOENIX.

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Celtics.

Why is this line so large? The 76ers are expected to be without star center Joel Embiid in Game 1, and that's going to be the difference-maker in the end for us. He's so crucial to everything that Philadelphia does, and Boston will absolutely have no mercy here in trying to send an eary message. A blowout win here in Game 1 puts pressure on the 76ers to perhaps bring back Embiid earlier than they would have wanted. Who knows. But the 76ers would have the luxury to rest Embiid again in Game 2, if they can somehow find a way to win in Game 1. But that's not going to happen in our estimation. This is a golden opportunity that we expect the C's to take advantage of, so lay the points, the play is Boston!

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Knicks (10*)

We think the Heat are going to take a step back in the opener of this series aferr their big upset win over the Bucks. The Knicks upset of the Cavs was less of an upset. New York is the deeper team. Miami was just 19-25 on the road, while the Knicks were 25-18 at home. The Knicks won 3 of 4 in the regular season series. The Knicks are also 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight vs. teams with winning records. We're thinking that the "home floor" advantage really will be critical in this series. Lay the points, the play is NEW YORK.

Good luck, TIR

8 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Suns.

The majority of experts and the public are quick to back Denver here, but we here at The Insiders Room believe that KD and the Suns will throw their "best shot" at Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in Game 1 and while we do think an outright upset is possible, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. Phoenix has to try and "split" out here over the first two gams, and we say that the best opportunity to do that, will be here in Game 1. While the majority go one way, we're going the other. The play is PHOENIX.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Grizzlies.

Early on the Lakers were the value play in this series, but now that it's worn on, and off a victory at home to push this to a Game 6, we feel that that value has now swung around in favor of the hungry underdog visiting side. Memphis was favored to win this series and we're expecting it to, at the very least, take Game 6 right down to the wire. An excting Game 7 back in Memphis would be just what the NBA wants as well. Outright win?! Anything is possible of course, and this is just a couple of buckets worth of points. But the value comes down to grabbing the points. The play is the GRIZZLIES.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Hawks.

The Hawks got the walk-off winner from Trae Young in Game 5 and we're expecting that momentum to carry over here in what we anticipate will be a highly competitive Game 6. ATL outscored Boston by 12 in the fourth-quarter. Young has found his confidence and groove. And now the Hawks welcome back Deonte Murray. The Celtics continue to "play down" to the level of the Hawks and we believe they'll once again have their hands full here today. Grab the points, the play is ATLANTA.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Heat.

We had a play on the Heat in their Game 4 outright victory, and we say that Miami won't go down without a fight here either. The oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe that the Heat are just going to roll over here in Milwaukee and give the Bucks this game, and then try to wrap it up in Game 6 at home. But clearly, we're not buying that angle whatsoever. The bottom line is, Miami currently has the best player on the floor right now in Jimmy Butler. The Bucks have had issues containing the three-point shooting from the Miami guards, and that fact has been the difference-maker so far in this series. Miami is a deep, experienced and well-coached team. We say this is a few too many points for the Bucks to cover. Grab the points, the play is MIAMI.

Good luck, TIR

9 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Heat.

Yes the Bucks have Giannis, but Milwaukee definitely appears to missing some chemistry right now. Not the case for Miami, which is playing arguably its best basektball of the season right now. Despite how well you did in the regular season, the Playoffs are all about timing, chemistry and staying healthy. Miami has the advantage in all of those categories right now. The Heat earned the coveted split in Milwaukee, and then destoryed the Bucks 121-99 in Game 3. Game 4 will be tighter, but in a contest that we envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points. The play is MIAMI.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Hawks.

Boston looked great at home defending the Hawks' efficient shooting from the floor, but now back here in Atlanta, the home side looked great in Game 3. We say that momentum carries over here into Game 4. Outright win? Of course anything is possible, but in a contest that we see being decided late, we're going to recommend to grab as many points as you can. 

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Heat.

We're expecting the Heat to bounce back here and, at the very least, take Game 3 right down to the wire. Miami upset the Bucks in Game 1, but then fell in Game 2. The Bucks were good on the road, finishing 26-15, but the Heat were their best at home this season, going 28-15 SU. That's why the Game 1 upset was so important. There's on way Miami goes down in Game 3 without a bitter fight until the end. Grab the points, the play is MIAMI.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Hawks.

Boston was/is the cream of the crop in the East, but we aren't expecting the C's to sweep the Hawks. It's now or never for Trae Young and company, who uncharacteristically struggled to shoot the ball efficiently over the first two games. ATL was 24-17 at home though this year and while the Hawks may not win this game outright, we're absolutely expecting the most competitive battle so far. The Celtics have now won six straight ATS dating back to the regular season. In their final regualr season games, they played ATL and won and covered in that one as well. Note that Boston is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. The Hawks are also 7-3 in their last ten in trying to avenge three or more straight losses against an opponent. Grab the points, the play is Atlanta.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Warriors (10*)

TO be the champ, you gotta beat the champ. We really liked Sacramento at home over those first two games, but now that the series has shifted to Golden State, we're expecting Stephen Curry and company to bounce-back here, despite Draymond Green getting suspended. The Kings were good on the road, but the Warriors were once again exceptional at home this season, going 33-8. Golden State is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two more straight losses vs. an opponet. With their backs against the wall, we expect the Warriors to respond in a BIG way tonight. Lay the points, the play is GOLDEN STATE.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on the Grizzlies.

We really like the Bucks here in Game 2, but with the injury to Giannis, we're now steering clear of that contest and instead focussing in here on the Lakers and Grizzlies. The Lakers are healthier than they've been all year, and they were able to pull off the slight upset in Game 1, but we're full expecting the Grizzlies to bounce back here in their biggest game of the season. Clearly the home fav will be risking life and limb here to avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole and heading back to LA for Game 3. The Grizzlies were 35-7 SU at home this year. They are also 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. Look for MEMPHIS to dig deep and deliver here in Game 2.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS on Minnesota.

Outright win? Anything is possible, but in a contest that we see being decided late, we're going to recommend to grab the points. The Wolves have two competent big men to battle Nikola Jokic with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Nuggets went just 2-5 down the stretch and were just 7-10 since March 8th. These division foes faced each other four times and went 2-2 SU, but the Wolves were 3-1 ATS. No outright here, but closer than expected. Grab the points, the play is the WOLVES.

Good luck, TIR

10 OUT OF 10 CONSENSUS Cavaliers FIRST HALF.

The Knicks actually won the season series 3-1, but now that the playoffs are here, 10 out of 10 Insiders all align on the Cavs to take control of Game 1 here. Especially in the first half. Note, that if you don't have access to HALF TIME lines, we still like the CAVS for the full game as well.

Julius Randle is listed as questionable for this game, which, clearly, is not great for New York. If he does play, he'll be far from 100% healthy.

The advantage swings to Donovan Bailey and the hungry home side.

The play is CLEVELAND in the FIRST HALF (or FULL GAME.)

Good luck, TIR

This is a 9/10 CONSENSUS REPORT on the Wolves.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to square off against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Oklahoma City Thunder at the Target Center on Friday night, and this is one that favors the home side according to 9 out of 10 Insiders.

Minnesota fell to the Lakers, but with a chance for redemption on their own floor, we love the Wolves to take advantage. 

These teams played four times and the Wolves went 3-1 in the regular season. This is just a bad matchup for OKC.

The Thunder are super thin beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, and we believe this finally catches up to them here.

Lay the points, the play is the WOLVES.

Good luck, TIR

This is a 10/10 CONSENSUS REPORT on the Heat.

We watched the Bulls/Raptors Play In game on Wednesday night, and we're still scratching our heads on how the Bulls managed to pull off the come from behind upset. 

It was just a complete meltdown by the home side. Miami lost to Atlanta, which captured the seven seed, but Jimmy Butler and company now have a golden shot for redemption. 

Butler now gets to stick it to his old team, just like DeMar DeRozan did to the Raptors.

The Insiders Room crew has come to an ultra-rare 10 out of 10 full consensus for this play on the HEAT.

Good luck, TIR

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Pelicans.

The Pels were 3-1 SU in this season series, and 2-2 ATS. OKC went 45-34-3 ATS this year, but just 2-8 ATS over its final ten games.

The Thunder are 0-5 ATS in their last five as an underdog. 

The Pels were only 39-42-1 ATS this year, but they went 6-3-1 ATS in their final ten. 

New Orleans has come together over the last month, adjusting without Zion Williamson in the line-up, while OKC is just 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road as well.

I think the Pels tight defensive play, combined with their efficent home shooting will be too much for the Thunder on the road here.

Lay the points, the play is the PELICANS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* PLAY-IN TOURNEY GOY on the Heat.

The Heat are 3-1 in the season series, and I believe that the home floor advantage will ultimately prove to be the difference in this one.

Atlanta was just l7-24 on the road, while the Heat were 27-14 at home. 

These guys played to several tight battles during the regular-season, but I anticipate Miami comfortably pulling away for the win and cover.

Miami's defene was second in the NBA, allowing just 109.8 PPG, and in this crucial spot here at home, I think Trae Young and the Hawks will have a very difficult time moving the ball.

Look for MIAMI to cover in front of the home town crowd.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NORTHWEST GOY on the Thunder.

Both teams are still in the mix for the Playoff tournament, but I say that this is a contest that favors the desperate visting side.

This one will definitely have a playoff like atmosphere. Each team enters on a three-game losing streak. 

But despite having soiled the sheets down the stretch, the Thunder still have a Golden opportunity here, as they can clinch a spot in the playoffs with victories in their final two games at Utah here tonight, and then at Memphis on Sunday.

The Jazz have been covering games for bettors of late, as they've covered in four straight, but they've lost seven of their last eight straight-up. 

Utah has to catch up to Oklahoma City, but it also has Dallas just ahead of it, and the Mavericks own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Thunder are off the 136-125 road loss at Golden State, but they've been competitive even in defeat here down the stretch. 

The Jazz are off the dishearteing 135-133 overtime loss to the Lakers. That's a huge mental letdown for this young team, which battled back from ten points down in the final two minutes of regulation to force the extra period. 

Oklahoma City has won two of three in the season series. I think the Thunder are the correct call here again in this crucial playoff like contest.

So that's my read on this one, lay the points, the play is the THUNDER.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BLOOD-BATH on the Pelicans.

Memphis is the No. 2 spot after a 119-109 win over Portland last night. I think fatigue will be a major issue here in the second game of the back-to-back.

The Pelicans come in off a 121-103 loss to Sacramento last night. They were a four-point favorite. New Orleans is now in eight spot, only a .5 game up on the Wolves. This is a huge game for the Pels, who also play with revenge after a 116-101 loss to Memphis in late December.

In one of its most important games of the year, I look for NEW ORLEANS to put the foot on the gas and to avenge the earlier setback at ths same time.

Lay the points.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Thunder.

Despite losing 137-134 as a ten-point favorite here at home to Charlotte just last night, I think the Thunder will dig deep and here and deliver in the second game of the back-to-back.

OKC is now a 1/2 game back of the Lakers for ninth spot in the West. It's a log-jam at the bottom of the West standings, so it's going to be a fight until the finish with about six different teams.

The Thunder though also play with the added incentive of "revenge" here after falling 112-103 at Detroit as two-point favorites at the start of the season. That's significant to note as OKC is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. 

Detroit has lost six straight. It covered against the Bucks at home as an 11.5-point underdog in its most recent setback, but I say the Pistons just "go through the motions" here on the road vs. this revenge-minded and motivated home side.

The slide stops here for OKC. Look for the Thunder to go up early, and to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish.

Lay the points, the play is the THUNDER.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Warriors.

The defending champs will now look to run the table and gain some momentum with just over two weeks left in the regular season. Golden State returns home after back-to-back road win/covers.

The Warriors are 29-7 at home this season. They play with the added incentive of revenge here as well aftre falling 118-106 at Philly as a nine-point dog in mid-December.

Note though that Golden State is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent.

The 76ers won't be rolling over obviously. They're off a 116-91 win at Chicago. But with another tough one at Phoenix tomorrow night, Philly could very easily be caught and planning by looking ahead to that one.

This one has "blowout" written all over it in my opinion. Lay the points, the play is GOLDEN STATE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Nets.

The Nets have now lost four straight, both SU and ATS. The play with the immediate revenge factor here after falling 115-109 here to the Cavaliers just two nights ago.

Note that the Nets are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as an underdog against an opponent.

It's not all doom and gloom for the Nets though, as they still occupy the sixth spot, one game up on Miami and 4.5 games up on Atlanta right now.

There's only 2.5 weeks left in the regular season as well, so its the final push for everyone.

After this the Cavs enjoy two nights off before a home game vs. the lowly Rockets. I think they get caught looking ahead.

While I do think an outright is possible, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can.

The play is BROOKLYN.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Wizards.

I think this one sets up well for the Wizards. They play with revenge here after falling 141-128 at Denver as an 11-point underdog back in December. Washington has responded well in the revenge role, going 4-1 ATS in its last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent.

Washington has lost three straight, both SU and ATS, and that's also significant to note here, as the Wizards are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row.

Denver is coming off a 108-102 win and cover at Brooklyn, but it hasn't been playing well overall of late, going just 2-5 in its last seven. It's traded wins and losses over this four-game road trip, and another letdown is imminent here in my opinion.

And the combine the letdown with the "look-ahead," as the Nuggets will have two nights off before a home matchup vs. Milwaukee.

It's a TRAP for the visitors and a "do or die" of sorts for the home side.

I'm not calling for the outright victory, but I expect Washington to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

Grab the points, the play is the WIZARDS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* WEST-CONF GOY on the Blazers.

I like the Blazers to dig deep here and snap a five-game slide. Note that Portland is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after playing to five or more straight losses in a row.

Portland plays with the added incentive of revenge here as well after falling 118-112 to the Clippers here at home as four-point favorites back on November 29th.

And that's definitely significant for us to take note of here, as the Blazers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite.

The Clippers' four-game win streak came to end last night in a 113-108 home loss to the lowly Magic as 6.5-point favorites, and I'm expecting a small letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back, especially with an upcoming four-game favorable home schedule starting on Tuesday with two straight against the Thunder.

While the outright win is clearly not out of the question, I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

The play is PORTLAND.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOP SITUATIONAL PLAY on the Jazz.

Boston is now 3-1 on its current road trip after a 126-112 win at Portland last night. I do think that fatigue will be an issue here now in the second game of the back-to-back.

And with an upcoming game at the high-flying Kings up next, it's also a natural "look-ahead" spot. Letdown + look-ahead = trap game.

The Jazz have gone just 2-2 SU in their last four, but they're 4-0 ATS. They return home from a six game Eastern swing and have had four whole nights off to prepare for this one.

The road ahead isn't going to get any easier for Utah either, so I expect it to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Grab the points, the play is the JAZZ.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Magic.

Both teams come in on losing streaks and could really use a win here. I often talk about the revenge factor, as its often a great situational factor that can work in a team's and a bettors favor.

But at times, the whole revenge angle just doesn't work. And that's the case here in this one, as Orlando did manage a 114-97 win over the Suns, but that was all the way back on November 1st. 

Phoenix was rolling with KD in the line-up, and then the Super Star went down and now the Suns are struggling with consistency.

They have a tough three-game Western road trip upcoming, and I believe they get caught looking ahead and planning for that.

I expect Orlando to keep this one close enough to, at the very least, earn the comfortable cover.

The play is the MAGIC.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EXPRESS on the Bulls.

Chicago is coming off two straight road wins, beating Denver and Houston. I think the Bulls keep the momentum rolling here in this revenge-scenario.

Chicago lost 110-101 to Sacramento on December 4th, and note that the Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent.

The Kings just had their three-game win skein come to an end in a 133-124 setback at Milwaukee on Tuesday and with a game at Brooklyn tomorrow, I believe they're primed for another letdown here in Chicago.

Grab the points, the play is the BULLS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Nuggets.

Denver is coming off back-to-back losses, first falling 117-96 at home to the Bulls, and then l28-120 at San Antonio as a 12.5-point favorite. 

Now Denver is just a single-digit favorite and I expect it to take out its frustrations and run up the score here on the Nets.

Note that Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more ATS losses in a row.

Brooklyn is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last five. It's coming off a 124-123 OT win at Minnesota as a 4.5-point dog.

Note though that the Nets are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after five or more ATS victories in a row.

It's a letdown spot here finally for overachieving Brooklyn, as Denver keeps the foot on the gas from start to finsih.

Lay the points, the play is the NUGGETS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Warriors.

The Warriors are 34-33 this year. They've lost three straight, both SU and ATS, but I expect them to finally bounce back here at home (where they're still 27-7) in this revenge spot.

Note that Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. The Warriors are also 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent (fell 128-111 in Milwaukee in mid-December.) 

Milwaukee has won three straight. I think it'll have its hands full here today though with the determined Champs looking to shake out of a poor stretch. 

With upcoming games at the Kings and Suns, I say the Bucks also get caught looking ahead.

The play is GOLDEN STATE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* TOP TRAP GAME OF THE SEASON on the Hornets.

The Knicks have won and covered in nine straight. That includes victories over the best of the best in the East, including the Celtics twice.

That includes in their most recent action, a come-from-behind 131-129 OT win at Boston two nights ago. Can anyone say "letdown" spot?

Would anyone blame the Knicks for having a small mental letdown after their recent success and now facing the lowly Hornets at home before a lengthy West Coast trip?

Letdown + lookahead = TRAP GAME.

The lowly Hornets will look to take advantage. Charlotte plays with revenge here as well after a 121-102 home loss to the Knicks in December. Note that the Hornets are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. 

Charlotte has lost three straight, both SU and ATS, and that's also important to note here, as the Hornets are in fact 4-1 ATS in their last five after playing to three or more SU/ATS losses in a row.

No outright, but much closer than expected. Grab the points, the play is CHARLOTTE.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Wolves.

At 37-25, the Kings are amazingly the top team in the Pacific Division. They're coming in off five straight SU wins, going 4-1 ATS in that span.

The one ATS loss occurred just last night in their 128-127 home win over the Clippers.

The Wolves are 33-32 and second in the Northwest. They've broken a three-game slide with back-to-back victories, most recently a 110-102 win over the Lakers last night. 

Minnesota is the more motivated team here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario though, as it plays with revenge after falling 118-111 in OT at home to the Kings as one-point dogs back on January 30th. 

That however works in our favor here, as the Wolves are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent.

In a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points.

The play is MINNESOTA.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* NON-CONF GOY on the Bulls.

I love the way this one sets up for the Bulls. Phoenix is 34-29, but just 13-19 on the road. With a game at Dallas up next, which would see KD facing off against Kyrie, I say the visitors get caught "looking ahead."

The Bulls are just 29-34 overall, but they're 18-13 at home. They've gone 3-1 since the All-Star break, arguably playing their best basketball of the season right now.

Chicago plays with revenge as well after a 132-113 loss at Phoenix back on November 30th, and that's significant to note in this case, as the Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent.

In a game that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points.

The play is the BULLS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* EAST-CONF GOY on the Heat.

Maybe surprisingly, the Heat and 76ers play for the first time this year. I like the way this one sets up for the struggling Heat. This is the first game of a back-to-back and if Miami loses this one, I'll almost assuredly be on it again in the next one.

But I do think that the desperate Heat have much more than just a "punchers chance" in this one. Miami has lost four straight SU/ATS and it prompted Jimmy Butler to say after the 108-103 road loss at Charlotte to say: "I hate losing."

I think this sets up as a letdown spot for the 76ers, who had their five-game win streak snapped in a tight 110-107 loss to Boston. Philadelphia uses the Celtics as a measuring stick in the East. It was a big mental loss and I say their ripe for the picking here in fact.

Miami is also still 7-3 ATS in its last ten after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row.

In a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points.

The play is MIAMI.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Cavaliers.

Despite this being a very public side, I look for the Cavaliers to dig deep and deliver here at home.

This is the third game in four nights for the Raptors. They played and came from behind to knock off the Pistons 95-91 last night, but I say that fatigue is a major factor for the visitors this evening.

Cleveland has now lost three straight. It's lost four straight ATS. It plays with revenge here as well after falling 1l8-107 here at home to the Raptors in December. 

With a chance to bounce back here at home where they're still 25-7, while at the same time avenging the earlier loss, I look for the CAVALIERS to do just that in this favorable matchup.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BOOKIEKILLER on the Grizzlies.

Denver has now won four straight after a come from behind 115-109 win at Cleveland in its first game back from the break.

With a game on Sunday at home vs. the Clippers, I think the Nuggets get caught "looking ahead" here.

Memphis came out of the break with a 110-105 loss at Philadelphia. The Grizzlies have now lost three straight ATS, which is significant to note here as Memphis is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more ATS losses in a row.

Memphis also plays with revenge here after a 105-91 loss at Denver as a one-point favorite in December.

Give me the revenge-minded home side desperate for a win here. 

The play is MEMPHIS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* REVENGE BOOKIEKILLER on the Bulls.

Chicago comes in hungry here after starting its road trip 0-2 SU/ATS. I like betting on motivated teams obviously.

The Bulls do indeed play with the revenge factor here after a frustrating 145-134 OT loss at Cleveland as four-point dogs back on January 2nd. As note, Chicago is a near-perfect 6-1 ATS in its last seven in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. In fact, the Bulls fell 103-102 at home to Cleveland two nights previous to that stunning OT victory, meaning that this is in fact a "double revenge" scenario.

Cleveland comes in on the other end of the spectrum, off five straight SU/ATS victories in a row. 

I think the Cavs will have their hands full here tonight finally though and in a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has it hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points.

The play is CHICAGO.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Lakers.

The Lakers have lost two straight, and they've dropped three straight ATS. Note though that LA is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three more ATS losses in a row. 

LA actually beat the Bucks 133-129 in MIlwaukee back in December, but I'm not reading too much into the revenge factor here.

The Lakers have two tough road games after this one, so I expect LA to buckle down here in friendly confines tonight.

Conversely, the Bucks face the Clippers here tomorrow night, so I believe they get caught looking ahead.

The outright is possible again, but let's grab the points.

The play is the LAKERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Wizards.

Two struggling teams here, but ultimatley I think that the home floor advantage will turn out to be the difference in this one.

The Hornets are just 15-40 overall, including only 8-23 on the road.

The Wizards are 24-29 overall, including 12-12 at home.

The Hornets have lost four straight and have lost three straight against the spread.

Washington had won six straight, both straight up and against the spread, before now suffering three straight losses both straight up and ATS. 

The most recent was a 114-91 home loss to Cleveland, but that's significant to note as the Wizards are 7-3 against the spread in their last ten off a SU/ATS home loss in which they were held to 95 or fewer points in.

This is a REVENGE spot for Washington as well, which lost 117-116 as a four-point favorite at Charlotte back at the start of December.

I think there are enough positive reasons working in favor of the Wizards on Wednesday to pull the trigger on this one.

The play is WASHINGTON.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Blazers.

This is a great spot for the Blazers, who have now won four of their last five. Damian Lillard is on fire, and with a game at the Bulls the following night, I expect Portland to leave everything on the floor here.

Conversely, the Wizards will get caught "looking ahead" to their game at Brooklyn on Saturday in my opinion. 

Washington has won six straight SU/ATS including four straight on the road. Suffice it to say, after enjoying three whole nights off, I finally expect the Wiz to have a letdown here.

Letdown + look-ahead = TRAP GAME.

The play is the BLAZERS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Pelicans.

I'm not predicting an outright upset, but I do believe that the conditions are correct for a much tighter game than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

The Pels have fallen on hard times over the last month, but I expect them to dig deep here and keep it competitive throughout. One angle to note is, the Pels play with revenge here after a tight 99-98 home loss as 3-point dogs to the Nuggets just last week. While they covered the spread, still note that New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU home loss against an opponent in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in.

After an extended winning the run, Denver has cooled off a bit over the last week, going just 2-2 in its last four. It's off a l26-119 loss at Philly  most recently. With a couple nights off after this before a home game vs. the defending champs, I say the Nuggets get caught "looking ahead" here as well.

As I said, no outright or anything, but this one will come "down to the wire." Grab the points, the play is NEW ORLEANS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Cavaliers.

I think this is a great spot for the Cavaliers to bounce back. They've split their last four games. They return home off a 112-100 loss at OKC, but they play with revenge here after a 119-117 loss as a four-point favorite in LA back in November.

Note that the Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite against an opponent.

The Clippers have for sure been playing better of late, but off a 120-113 home win over the Hawks just last night, expect fatigue to be a major factor for the visiting side this evening.

As primarily a situational handicapper, this one does indeed set up perfectly for CLEVELAND in my opinion.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Pistons.

Detroit's coming in off four straight SU/ATS losses in a row. Most recently it was a 150-130 setback at home to Milwaukee. The Pistons though are 7-2 AT in their last nine after a SU/ATS home loss of 20 or more points. They play with revenge here after a 124-121 loss to Brooklyn in December.

The Nets are off a tiring 137-133 loss at Philly just last night and I believe they'll be fatigued here. And with upcoming games against the Knicks, Lakers and Celtics, this also sets up as a "look-ahead" spot for the home side.

No outright, but expect this to be a very competitive game. A great situational play on the PISTONS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Grizzlies.

I think the Grizzlies bounce back here and, at the very least, take this one right down to the final shot. 

Memphis comes in off three straight SU losses and four straight ATS losses. I say the bleeding finally stops here though in this revenge contest, after the Grizz fell 123-109 at home as 7.5-point favorites on Christmas Day (Grizz are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite against an opponent.) 

Golden State is 17-6 at home, but it's coming off the 120-116 home loss to Brooklyn. That broke a string of three straight ATS victories. 

I say the more motivated team is the one that's going to win that game, and I say because of their recent three-game losing streak, coupled with the revenge angle does indeed make the Grizzlies the correct call here.

Grab the points, the play is MEMPHIS.

Good luck, NP

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Rockets.

I had a play on Houston in its most recent 113-104 loss in Minnesota on Saturday as an 8.5-point underdog.

After that excruciating loss, I'm going back to the well here and will back the underdog home side, that's now lost nine straight against-the-spread.

The Wolves have now won two straight and covered in three straight. That's significant to note here though, as Minnesota is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after three or more ATS victories in a row. 

With a much more high-profile game at New Orleans up next, I say the Wolves not only have a letdown here, but they also get caught "looking ahead." 

Grab the points, the play is HOUSTON.

Good luck, NP