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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

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the LA Clippers.

As note that Golden State is just 2-7 ATS when playing on back-to-back days this year, while LA is 10-7 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Orlando Magic.

As note that Indiana is just 1-6 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog, while Orlando is 4-2 ATS this season after playing three consecutive road games. I expect these strong trends to continue, play on the Magic.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Washington Wizards.

As note that New York is just 2-3 ATS this year as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range, while Washington is 4-2 ATS this season after three or more consecutive wins and 20-9 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. All sings point to a blowout, play on Washington.

- The BookieKiller Creew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Brooklyn Nets.

Miami looks poised for a letdown here after seven straight wins. Conversely, the Nets have lost four straight and are out to avenge a SU/ATS loss to the Heat just last week. Note that Brooklyn is already 9-4 ATS this year in revenging a home loss against an opponent, while Miami is only 6-8 ATS in its last 14 as a home fav in the 6.5 to ten points range. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As note that OKC is just 8-9 ATS against teams with winning records this year and just 10-11 ATS in its last 21 as a road dog of 6.5 to nine points, while Cleveland is already 4-2 ATS this year as a home fav in the 6.5 to nine points range. The Cavs got off the schneid with a win over the Nets and looks like a good spot to build and take advantage of a Thunder team which has struggled with consistency on the road. Play on the Cavs.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Charlotte Hornets.

As note that Sacramento is just 5-10 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more and only 4-5 ATS when playing on back-to-back days, while Charlotte is 10-7 ATS in its last 17 none conference games. Both teams played last night, but the Hornets are the more desperate off the loss against the Knicks last night. Sacramento came up short last night too, but has already over achieved on this road trip after beating the Cavs. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

No need to overthink this one. Cleveland has lost three straight and needs a big time win here to stop the bleeding and get some confidence back. The Nets are decent offensively in averaging almost 107 PPG, but they’re last on the defensive end in conceding nearly 115 PPG. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 on both ends of the court. Brooklyn is horrible on the road and note that the Cavs are already 4-1 ATS this year as a favorite of 12.5 points or more. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Indiana Pacers.

As note that Indiana is 18-12 ATS in its last 30 after three or more consecutive SU losses, while Minnesota is just 7-9 ATS in non-conference action. Indiana has dropped three straight, while Minnesota has won three straight. I expect the much hungrier Pacers to at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Brooklyn Nets.

Looks like the Heat are poised for a letdown here after their epic win over the Warriors at home last night. The Nets play with revenge, and note that they’re 9-7 ATS against teams with winning records this year, while Miami is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off an upset win as an underdog. Play on Brooklyn.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Spurs.

San Antonio played just last night and would easily blowout the Nets. Toronto is rested, but will be without the services of offensive leader DeMar DeRozan. The Spurs got to rest its starters down the stretch last night and will be looking to take advantate of this wounded Raptors side. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Miami Heat.

As note that the Warriors are just 2-5 ATS this year when playing on back-to-back days, while Miami is 3-1 ATS in its last four non-conference games. The Heat have been playing more competitively of late and while I won’t predict an outright upset, i do think they keep this one close. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Milwaukee Bucks.

As note that Milwaukee is 14-9 ATS in its last 23 after three or more consecutive SU losses, while Miami is just 9-11 ATS at home and only 1-2 ATS as a home fav of three points or less. I think the deeper Bucks find a way to get the job done against the inconsistent Heat. Play on Milwaukee.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the 76ers.

As note that Portland is just 9-15 ATS on the road this year and only 8-13 ATS against teams with losing records, while Philadelphia is 2-1 ATS this season as a home dog of three points or less and 8-4 ATS off an upset win as an underdog. These two teams are moving in different directions, play on Philadelphia.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Phoenix Suns.

As note that Phoenix is 10-3 ATS in non-conference games this year, while Cleveland is just 5-9 ATS in the same position and a poor 5-12 ATS against teams with losing records. Expect the young Suns to get out and push the pace of this one and keep it close until the final moments.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Philadelphia 76ers.

As note that Toronto is just 7-8 ATS in its last 15 as a road favorite of 3.5 to six points and just 24-30 ATS in its last 54 after three or more consecutive wins, while Philadelphia is 14-5 ATS this season in revenging a home loss against an opponent. Toronto played a game just last night and I think will be extra tired here. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Toronto Raptors.

Hard to imagine the red hot Raptors taking the foot off the gas tonight. Brooklyn has lost ten straight and is just 4-12 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU losses, while Toronto is 5-1 ATS this year after playing three consecutive home games. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors have lost six straight in this series, so expect a major response from the home side tonight. If the Cavs have had one weakness this year, it’s been their play on the road. They needed OT to beat the Kings last time out, a victory which snapped a two-game slide. This one means the world to the Warriors and I think the Cavs will fold up their tents early. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on Philadelphia.

These teams are movingin opposite directions right now. I think Philadelphia continues its surge. Also note that Charlotte is just 9-10 ATS on the road this year, while Philadelphia is already 6-3 ATS this year off an upset loss as an underdog and 12-8 ATS in front of the home town crowd. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Brooklyn Nets.

As note that Brooklyn is 8-6 ATS this year against clubs with losing records, while New Orleans is just 6-8 ATS in the same position. It’s all hands on deck for the Nets today, grab as many points as you can.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Knicks.

As note that New York is 12-4 ATS this year after a non-conference game and 3-0 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite, while Philadelphia is just 1-4 ATS after a divisional contest and only 5-6 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. With Rose back in the line-up, I think New York gets back on track and brings Philadelphia back down to earth after winning three of its last four. Play on the Knicks.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Wizards.

As note that The Bulls are expected to rest both Jimmy Butler and Dwayne Wade. Also note that the Wizards are 13-7 ATS at home this eyar and 12-8 ATS after scoring 105 points or more. Look for the home side to take advantage of the situation with a big blowout win and lay the points with confidence.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Philadelphia 76ers.

As note that Philadelphia is 11-5 ATS this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Boston is just 6-9 ATS at home and only 1-3 ATS when playing with two days rest. I think the home side comes in a bit complacent and the visitors come away with a comfortable cover once it’s all said and done.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Brooklyn Nets.

As note that Brooklyn is already 3-1 ATS this year as a road dog in the 9.5 to 12 points range, while Indiana is 0-5 ATS this season off an upset win as an underdog. Looks like a classic “trap” game for the Pacers, look for the revenge minded Nets to keep this one closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the New York Knicks.

This is the first game of a home and home set and I think the struggling home side will finally snap its five game losing streak. Note that Milwaukee is just 6-9 ATS on the road, while New York is 11-6 ATS at home. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Toronto Raptors.

As note that Toronto is already 4-0 ATS this year after playing three consecutive road games and 16-7 ATS in its last 23 after scoring 105 points or more, while San Antonio is just 7-8 ATS this season against teams with winning records. I think the high-scoring Raptors have a legitimate shot at taking this one outright, as the Spurs will have a hard time matching up against the smaller/faster lineup. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER Toronto.

As note that ATL is just 2-4 ATS after a loss of ten points or more this season, while Toronto is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 after scoring 105 points or more. The Raptors are rolling, while ATL comes off a disturbing loss at home to the Magic. Play on TORONTO.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on Memphis Grizzlies 

As note that Memphis is 10-6 ATS as an underdog this year and 5-3 ATS against clubs with winning records, while Cleveland is just 1-7 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories. Grab the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Milwaukee Bucks.

Note that Atlanta is just 4-8 ATS on the road this year, while Milwaukee is 7-5 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. The Hawks have been wildly inconsistent, while the Bucks are arguably playing their best ball of the entire year. I’m banking on all of these trends continuing tonight. Play on the Hawks.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER on Charlotte.

As note that Detroit is just 4-8 ATS in its last 12 on the road and only 7-9 ATS vs. good offensive teams which score 99-plus points per contest, while Charlotte is 6-4 ATS this season after scoring 105 points or more and 2-1 ATS against the Central. I expect these strong trends to continue, play on Charlotte.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* BOOKIEKILLER the New York Knicks.

As note that the Knicks are 7-1 ATS this year after a non-conference games, while Miami is already 0-3 ATS this year when playing with two days rest. Miami is struggling in all facets and with a game tomorrow night agains the Cavs, I look for the deeper visitors to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on New York.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* PUNISHER the Charlotte Hornets.

Note that Dallas is already just 1-5 ATS this year in non-conference games, while Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in the same position. Dallas is injured, I think the home side takes advantage. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* PUNISHER on the Toronto Raptors.

As note that Memphis is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine against good offensive teams which average 99-plus points per contest, while Toronto is 5-1 ATS against teams with winning records this year and 4-1 ATS after a win by ten points or more. Tough spot for the visitors, I’m expecting the home side to pull away down the stretch. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

This is a 10* PUNISHER on Orlando.

Analysis posted shortly …

10* BOOKIEKILLER on the Houston Rockets.

Note that Toronto is just 7-16 ATS in its last 23 after playing three consecutive road games and just 2-4 ATS in non-conference contests, while Houston is 5-1 ATS in non-conference games and 5-0 ATS vs. poor defensive teams which allow 99 plus points per contest. Lay the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

10* BOOKIEKILLER Golden State Warriors.

No need to overanalyze this one. Cleveland has put together a couple of awesome games, but no team in NBA finals history has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit and suffice it to say, we definitely don’t expect that extremely strong trend to get broken today. The Warriors earned home court advantage throughout the playoffs for this exact reason and now they’ll look to cash in. There’s no way that Golden State loses three straight games to end the year. And note that the Cavs are just 8-11 ATS this year when playing with two days rest, while Golden State is 15-10 ATS in the same position.

10* BOOKIEKILLER Golden State Warriors.

This selection is based entirely on strong and relevant ATS statistics, as note that Golden State is an amazing 2-0 ATS this year in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent and 9-3 ATS this season off an upset loss as a favorite, while Cleveland is just 18-24 ATS this season after a victory by ten points or more. Draymond Green is back and the Warriors now look to close, I’m grabbing the points.

- The BookieKiller Crew

10* BOOKIEKILLER Golden State Warriors.

With or without Draymond Green in the line-up, we like the Warriors to close out this series and get the job done in front of the home town crowd. Clearly Green is a big part of the team, but just like in Football, it’s “next man up” for the home side. We can expect the “Splash Brothers” to reign 3’s (GS had a league Finals record 17 in Game 4) and I simply can’t see LeBron James winning this one on his own. The Warriors incredible depth has shut down the rest of Cleveland’s role players and things aren’t going to get any easier for them in Oakland. Note that Cleveland is just 1-2 ATS this year when trailing in a playoff series and only 2-5 ATS this season in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent. Play on the Warriors.

- The BookieKiller Crew

10* BOOKIEKILLER on Golden State.

I have riden the Warriors in all three games so far and I’m back on the defending champs again. At this point of the season, there’s not too much I can tell you about these two team’s that you don’t know already. It’s a “repeat” from last year, only this time LeBron James has a healthy Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in the line-up. Love though has been a shell of his former self and for the most part (other than in Game 3), Irving has been a relative “no show” in the playoffs. The Warriors are the best in the league in making “game-to-game” adjustments and I look for Steve Kerr to throw a new look at the Cavs tonight. Note that Golden State is 11-3 ATS this year in revenging a loss vs. an opponent, while Cleveland is 18-23 ATS this season in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent.

10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH on the Golden State Warriors.

Are the Cavs just going to “flip a switch” and suddenly start dominating after struggling in Game’s 1 and 2? It’s do or die essentially for the Cavs, but I can’t see how the team will be able to slow down Golden State’s relentless defensive attack and ability to hit the 3-pointer. And from an ATS stand point, they simply do not get much stronger than this, as Golden State is 22-7 ATS this year when playing with two days rest, while Cleveland is just 5-11 ATS in the same position. I look for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to finally make an apperance and for the Warriors to take a firm strangle hold on this series. Play on Golden State.

10* APEX PREDATOR on Golden State Warriors.

I played the Warriors in Game 1 and I think they’ll have another big night this evening as the Cavaliers are simply unable to protect the perimeter against the plethora of Golden State sharp shooters. Home floor advantage is going to once again be big. Note that Cleveland is a poor 5-10 ATS this year when playing with two days rest this season, while Golden State is 12-7 ATS in the same position. Play on the WARRIORS.

10* GAME OF THE YEAR on Golden State Warriors.

No one said that defending the NBA championship would be easy, but the Golden State Warriors are now back in the Finals after surviving the tough Western Conference. Golden State made it look pretty easy in the regular season though, amassing a league record 73 wins. Every single night Golden State always had to face each team’s “best,” as their opponents would routinely try to bring their “A” game in an attempt to knock off the champs. Granted the Cavaliers have had an “easier” time in the playoffs, but that is just testament to the fact the Eastern Conference is so much weaker than the West. Even with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving back in the line-up, the Cavs have no answer for Thompson and Curry from the outside, who I think will have a big game here. Home floor advantage will play a big role in the outcome of tonight’s game, lay the points.

10* BOOKIEKILLER on Oklahoma City Thunder.

It’s all come down to this. OKC seemingly blew a golden chance to take care of the Warriors after dropping Game 6 at home, but I believe the visitors will at the very least, keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Note that from an ATS stand point, they simply don’t get much stronger than this as the Thunder are a great 3-1 ATS this year when tied in a playoff series, while the Warriors are a poor 0-2 ATS in the same position. Look for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to put pressure on the home side and while we wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, let’s grab the points.

The Los Angeles Clippers stole home court advantage by winning game one despite playing without their leader Chris Paul. Blake Griffin stepped up big for the Clips and leads the team with 24.4 points and 13.3 rebound a game.  J.J. Redick adds 14.1 points and has hit key shots for the Clippers.  Jamal Crawford had a big game starting for the injured Paul in game one. DeAndre Jordan is pulling down 13.3 rebounds. The Los Angeles Clippers had an all-around great performance in their victory, as Austin Rivers and Redick combined for 34 points. If they can continue to get consistent play from their bench, they will be tough to beat.  The Clippers have won 11 of their last 12 road games. Chris Paul is questionable with a hamstring injury.

The Houston Rockets have not as bad a game as they did in game one, and it was not the time to do it. This is pretty much a must win game for them if they have any hope of winning the series. James Harden leads the Rockets averaging 27 points and 8.5 assists a game and Dwight Howard contributes 17.5 points and 13.2 rebounds. Josh Smith is grabbing 6.2 rebounds per contest.  The Houston Rockets turned the ball over 24 times in game one and looked to not take the Clippers seriously. Look for Harden to be more aggressive in game two. The Rockets have won seven of their last nine home games.

I look for the Rockets to come out more focused and to play with a little more urgency in game 2. I think Harden tries to establish himself early, taking it to the hoop and drawing fouls. LA stole the game they needed and I could see a bit of a letdown.

Play on Houston. This is a (10*) play.

10* MVP CLUB San Antonio Spurs.

With a chance to dispatch the two-time defending champions on their home floor and to avenge last year’s Finals loss at the same time, I look for the Spurs to come out razor focused and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

I played San Antonio in Game 4, going against the Heat bounce back trend and was rewarded with a big time SU/ATS victory.

I think the momentum that the Spurs have created is very real, the Heat simply don’t have an answer for their incredible overall depth and talent.

Besides Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James, it’s hard to even think of another player on Miami that has been contributing.

San Antonio has been getting production across the board, its “Big 3” have done their job, but it’s been the role players which have been the difference and I think will once again be a major factor this evening.

Note that Miami is just 3-4 ATS this year in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent, while San Antonio is 5-3 ATS this season off an upset loss as an underdog.

Expect the onslaught to continue, play on the SPURS.

Good luck, Nick Parsons

10* ELITE LEVEL MVP CLUB San Antonio Spurs.

It’s true that Miami has not lost back to back playoff games since 2012, but I think the Spurs can keep the pressure on the home side once again in Game 4 and look for them to at the very least sneak in through the back door with what I believe to be a healthy amount of points.

When the Heat won Game 2, all eyes turned to Gregg Popovich and what adjustments he’d make when the series shifted to South Beach. After a historic first half, the Spurs would hold on for dear life in the second half and manage to gut out the victory.

San Antonio exposed many Miami weaknesses, most specfically is that its role players are simply not getting the job done. 

The Spurs are too deep, and their players are too skilled for the Heat to contend with.

"We finally put a game together for not the full 48, but for as long as we could, where we did exactly what we planned to do and executed in that respect," the Spurs’ veteran center Tim Duncan said last night, "and that's what we're going to need again."

Note that San Antonio is 25-19 ATS this year after a win by 10 points or more.

And note that Miami is just 6-7 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more this season.

With a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead, I think San Antonio dials up the pressure once again this evening.

Grab as many points as you can

Good luck, Nick Parsons

10* BOOKIEKILER Miami Heat.

This is a great situational play, we’re getting fantastic line value here for a number of different reasons and while I do believe the outright win is definitely not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points.

Miami had a shot to win Game 1, it had a 7-point lead with 5 minutes to play, and was within 2-points of the Spurs with 3 minutes left; LeBron James was so effected by the messed up air-conditioning though, that Miami simply ran out of gas in the closing moments, allowing its opponent to pull away down the stretch for the SU and ATS cover.

But the fact of the matter is, Miami has not lost back-to-back games in the Playoffs since 2012 and I’m fully expecting James and the two-time defending Champions to come out fired up tonight and at the very least keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door with what I believe to be a healthy amount of points they’ve been afforded. 

In my opinion, Miami’s late collapse can be entirely blamed on the air-conditioning and that’s something we know we won’t have to worry about tonight.

Note that the Heat are 5-0 in series with James when they’ve dropped the opener, rebounding to win the second game SU each and every time.

San Antonio looked far from being a World beater, it committed 23 turnovers that would lead to 28 Heat points.

I look for history to repeat itself here and expect Miami to get its split; play on the HEAT.

Good luck, Nick Parsons

10* MVP CLUB Oklahoma City Thunder.

The momentum has swung and I look for the “new look” Thunder to keep the pedal to the metal and while I do think the outright win is definitely not out of the question, I will in the end have to recommend grabbing the points in a game which will come down to the wire.

They say history repeats itself, and that would certainly be an apt statement in pertaining to this series.

In 2012 the Spurs took a 2-0 lead over the Thunder but would then go on to lose four straight. 

OKC would lose the first two games of this series by a combined 52 points, but coach Scott Brooks tweaked the line-ups and the Thunder are once again rolling.

Of course, the return of big man Serge Ibaka (12 points, 7.5 boards and 3.5 blocks average in the two games) could not have come at a more opportune time. Russell Westbrook has also turned things around, he’s been pretty much unstoppable, making the elder Spurs look even older than they really are. Note that Westbrook had 40 points, 10 assists and five steals in Game 4.

San Antonio shot at least 50 percent in the first two games, but has been held to under 40 percent over the last two. 

The Thunder are getting little respect from the oddsmakers in my opinion, Westbrook and Kevin Durant look as sharp and as confident as I’ve ever seen them play in their careers (remember, Durant is league MVP).

With Ibaka back in the line-up, Westbrook and Durant are dominating, the pressure if off the supporting cast to play a bigger role; all cylinders are firing for the Thunder!

Good luck, Nick Parsons