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The Miami Heat have faltered in consecutive games against Western Conference opponents in the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Friday, they’ll have a much easier matchup against the 14-42 Minnesota Timberwolves. Expect the Timberwolves to drop their third straight by a wide margin, as Miami gets back on track. 

Fielding an undermanned team has been the norm for the Toronto Raptors this season. Currently, they’re as depleted as they have been all year with the majority of their starters out, and keep in mind they traded away Norman Powell. Yet, they were able to defeat the Spurs in their last game, and will face a Magic team that has been in disarray since trading their away their core group of talent. Grab the Raptors.

The Boston Celtics have taken strides forward that you expect playoff contenders to do in April. They’ve won four straight games and should have a big edge against a depleted Lakers team coming off a lengthy road trip. Furthermore, this is a revenge spot in particular for guard Kemba Walker. Walker had one of his worst games of his career on January 30th, in which he shot 1 for 12 against the Lakers. Play the Celtics. 

Tonight a huge matchup will end the Tuesday NBA slate as the Miami Heat take on the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have won nine out of ten games, but the majority were against teams at or below .500. Expect the Heat to have answers defensively for the octane Suns, including former Heat team member Jae Crowder. Grab the Miami Heat.

Assessing a team’s mentality in a back to back scenario can be tough to gauge in the latter stage of the NBA regular season. For the LA Lakers tonight should be a prioritized refocused effort, after a sloppy loss to the Knicks that featured twenty-five turnovers. Look for a vindicating effort from the Lakers who will end their seven game road trip with a win. 

The Chicago Bulls continue an upward climb having won three games in a row. Tonight they’ll be in a back to back scenario on the road against the Atlanta Hawks. Injuries and concerns with availabilities of Danilo Galinari and Clint Capela will likely shift this line right before game time. This occurred in the Hawks last game against the Grizzlies, and should be advantageous for a Bulls team playing solid basketball. Play the Bulls. 

The Phoenix Suns have ascended to the top spot in the Pacific West division thanks to seven straight wins. Tonight will be an ultimate test against the LA Clippers in a back to back scenario. While the Suns have been winning they’ve had a string of close results. Expect the Clippers to be geared up and take advantage of a Suns team playing in consecutive nights. Grab the Clippers.

The Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies will meet Wednesday for a back to back scenario for both teams. Memphis comes in after a big win Tuesday over the Miami Heat, extending their win streak to three games. Torrid shooting of fifty five percent carried the Grizzlies. Look for Memphis shooting to downgrade as the undermanned Atlanta Hawks outplay the Grizzlies for another win. Play Atlanta.

It’s become apparent that the Oklahoma City Thunder are closing out their season thinking of the future. Key players continue to remain out limiting their roster’s talent. As a result over their last three games they’ve lost by an average of thirty six points. Still the Hornets have had trouble with consistency as of late, and are in their fifth straight road game. Grab the home underdog here.

The Miami Heat will aim to boost a four-game win streak as they host the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis is coming off two big wins including defeating the 76ers on the road by double figures. This is a scenario where the Heat’s defense should dictate early, and make things difficult for four quarters for the Grizzlies. Take the Heat to extend their win streak and cover ATS.

Several key players will be out for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Monday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings. This has increased the spread offering on a Timberwolves team that has won two of their last three home games. Look for Sacramento’s inconsistency on road trips to be a big factor here. Play the Timberwolves. 

The San Antonio Spurs have not been able to gain traction even amidst a lengthy home stand. Monday will be their ninth straight home game, in which they’ve produced just a 2-6 record. Even with the recent returns of Kevin Love, Matthew Dellavedova, and Taureen Prince the Cavaliers have continued to lose by double-figures. Take the Spurs tonight.

The Bucks ended a three-game losing streak on Wednesday by defeating the short-handed LA Lakers. For Friday, they’ll continue their west coast road trip by playing a Portland Trailblazers team they defeated 134-106 on February 1st. Yet, in that game the Blazers were minus CJ McCollum. Expect a tighter game and for the Trailblazers to carry over their efforts from a successful road trip that featured four straight wins. Play Portland. 

The Atlanta Hawks have fared well ATS-wise against teams in back to back scenarios this season. Another occurrence is available Friday evening as they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs. This is the seventh straight home game for the Spurs, and for the Hawks this is their seventh straight road game. Follow the suggestion from oddsmakers, and take the Hawks to perform well at the back end of their road trip.

The New York Knicks are coming off a season-low eighty eight points in Monday’s loss against the Miami Heat. It was an uncharacteristic performance from the Knicks who also surrendered thirty-nine points in the third quarter. Wednesday, expect Coach Thibodeau to have his team dialed back in against the NBA’s worst team in the Timberwolves. Play Minnesota.

After a four-game east coast road trip the Phoenix Suns return home to host the Atlanta Hawks. This is a bet friendly spot for the Suns as the Hawks are in the midst of a eight game road trip. Look for Phoenix’s depth and ability to close out teams late to thrive ATS against the Hawks. Play Phoenix

The Raptors free fall has featured ten of eleven losses. Dealing franchise player Kyle Lowry was expected but not did not happen. Retaining Kyle Lowry sends a message that the Raptors are going to work through their struggles. Look for a solid effort today against a Trailblazers team working in Norman Powell, and Jusuf Nurkic. Grab Toronto.

The Lakers finally showed some fight Wednesday night, in a competitive 109-101 loss to the 76ers. Yet, it had more to do with the 76ers letting off the gas in the fourth quarter than the Lakers veteran roster showing growth. Take the Cavaliers with the points to be the latest team to give the Lakers problems minus Anthony Davis and Lebron James.

Last night’s loss to the Portland Trailblazers extended the Miami Heat’s losing streak to five. Tonight’s matchup against the Hornets is advantageous due to the Hornets adjusting minus Lamelo Ball and adjustments to the minutes of Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller. Look for the Heat to also take advantage of the Hornets returning from a five game road trip. Take the Heat. 

A revenge spot exists tonight on the road against the Thunder for the Memphis Grizzlies. Ten days ago the Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 128-122, thanks to outscoring Memphis by sixteen points in the fourth quarter. Expect the Grizzlies to atone for that fourth quarter let down and take the season series 2-1. 

The return of key players for the Houston Rockets with John Wall, Christian Wood, and the insertion of Kevin Porter Jr. has made the Rockets more formidable on paper. On the court though they’re still struggling. The Toronto Raptors should be the latest to hand the Rockets a substantial loss. Grab the Raptors to hand the Rockets their 21st straight loss. 

The Wizards below average season had one monumental win. That came earlier this season against the Brooklyn Nets, with a miraculous late flurry that featured a Russ Westbrook three pointer on a steal in the final seconds. Brooklyn may have Blake Griffin, but expect the Wizards to have confidence with Kevin Durant off the floor. Play the Wizards.

The Philadelphia 76ers have become accustomed to being without key contributors. That is the case once again Saturday as they will be without Joel Embiid and Seth Curry. They’ll take on a Kings team that has won consecutive games, but is in a back to back spot. Expect a poor effort in what is their fifth straight road game. 

The Indiana Pacers will aim to get back on track Friday against the Miami Heat. A prolonged ten game slump for the Pacers has featured a 2-8 record. Settling in Miami for three days for a two-game series should benefit Indiana. Expect a concerted effort and the Pacers to finish within the spread. Grab Indiana. 

One of the best NBA comebacks of the season happened two nights ago as the Trailblazers stormed back from a seventeen point deficit to defeat the Pelicans. The deflating loss for the Pelicans should give the Trailblazers an edge Thursday. Expect the Trailblazers to take advantage of a quarter of down play from the Pelicans, and get another win. Play Portland.

The Sacramento Kings woeful February and March road trips on the east coast have resulted in a 1-6 overall record. In Monday’s loss against the Hornets the Kings had full control until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Minus Marvin Bagley who injured his hand expect the Wizards to end their four game losing streak. Play the Wizards.

Tuesday, the Bulls have a revenge spot against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On January 15th the Bulls surrendered an eighteen point halftime lead, and lost in overtime to the Thunder. With Oklahoma City limited depth-wise, expect the Bulls to take advantage and push past the number. Play Chicago.

By parting ways with Lamarcus Aldridge the San Antonio Spurs have suddenly shifted to their younger core talent. Yesterday, with Demar Derozan out the Spurs lost by a whopping thirty-five points to the Philadelphia 76ers. The outing will serve as a wake up call as the Spurs and Coach Popovich take it to a Pistons team that’s lost three straight games. Grab the Spurs. 

Two teams that have had prolonged losing streaks will face off tonight in Houston versus Sacramento. The Kings have lost eleven of their last thirteen games, while the Rockets have lost thirteen straight. Sacramento’s lack of consistency in their rotation should leave the Rockets opportunities to finally play a close game. They may not win outright but the points are worthy backing. Grab Houston.

Thursday, the Chicago Bulls will face an undermanned Philadelphia 76ers team minus Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. This should give the Bulls an advantage considering Joel Embiid scored fifty points against the Bulls on February 19th. Take the Bulls to cover and even the season series against the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers.

Thursday, the New York Knicks should be able to replicate Sunday’s 109-90 blowout win at Detroit. In the contest the Pistons shot just 39 percent from the field and received just forty-seven points from their starting lineup. A victory also would put the Knicks over .500 heading into the All-Star break. Grab the Knicks who should be motivated from start to finish. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Wednesday on an eight game losing streak. One of their closest losses occurred against the Charlotte Hornets, 120-114. With the Hornets on a current six game road trip this may seem like a fade worthy spot. Instead look for the Hornets to add to the Timberwolves woes. Grab Charlotte.

The Atlanta Hawks will now have Nate McMillan as their new interim coach. They’ll face a Miami Heat team Tuesday that may be without Jimmy Butler, but look for the Heat to continue to build off the success they had last outing against the Hawks. Their retooled lineup and boosted bench play will be the difference. 

Tonight the Charlotte Hornets will continue their west coast road trip as they take on the Golden State Warriors. On Wednesday, they toppled the Phoenix Suns 124-121. Contributions were made up and down the roster as seven players scored in double-figures, led by 29 points off the bench by Malik Monk. Take the Hornets to cover for the second time in a week against the Warriors.

Pre All Star break high caliber teams tend to lose their motivation. On the road tonight look for the Clippers to falter slightly against the Memphis Grizzlies. A poor stretch from the starters or second unit will spark a run from the Grizzlies to cover a large spread. Take Memphis. 

On Tuesday the Sacramento Kings lost their eighth straight contest as they fell to the Brooklyn Nets. Yet, they hung around the spread for the majority of the game until the waning minutes. Another positive was Harrison Barnes return as he scored eighteen points. Take the Kings in a buy low spot on a small number against the Knicks.

Typically one does not see a team that has lost five straight home games a favorite on the road. Yet that’s the case with the Sacramento Kings as they travel to face the Chicago Bulls. In their prior matchup the Kings had seven players score in double-figures. Expect their offense to overwhelm the Bulls as the Kings finally get back in the win column. 

Tuesday, the Boston Celtics handily defeated the Denver Nuggets. In a back to back scenario Wednesday they’ll face the Atlanta Hawks. Yet, the Celtics will be without Kemba Walker thinning their rotation even further. Expect Brad Stevens to elevate Payton Pritchard’s usage, and for the Celtics to finally end an elongated stretch without consecutive wins. Take the value here on the Celtics. 

Monday, the Miami Heat will continue their road trip as they take on the LA Clippers. With the Clippers in a back to back scenario look for the Heat to take advantage. They’ve won four of their last five, and are beginning to show the life of being the defending Eastern Conference champion. Grab the Heat.

The young Chicago Bulls have had ups and downs but have been one of the best ATS-wise. They’re coming off a surprising blowout win as home underdogs against the Pelicans. In the victory Zach Lavine scored 46 points. Yet, the Clippers are a different caliber and should excel against a Bulls team prone to lapses. Take the Clippers.

The Washington Wizards have been one of the Best Buy against teams each and every night in the NBA. Now for Friday they’ll be minus Bradley Beal. With the Knicks being a defensive minded team this sets up for another bad outing for the Wizards. Yet look for the Wizards to finally rally for a solid home game. Grab Washington. 

Thursday, the Boston Celtics return home after a five-game west coast road trip. Unable to gain traction the Celtics have went 2-5 over their last seven games. In fact, both wins were by four points against the Clippers and Warriors. That’s created ATS value tonight on the Celtics who should respond in a good way at home. Take Boston.

The Charlotte Hornets have been sparked by the insertion of Lamelo Ball into the starting lineup. They’re also getting upgraded play from forward Gordon Hayward. With the Grizzlies desperate for a win, look for a close competitive game. One that will likely be decided by the final possession, and keep the Hornets within the number. 

In a back to back scenario grab the value on the Spurs over the Warriors. This is the third matchup between both teams, with the Warriors controlling seven of the eight quarters. The Spurs strong fourth quarter Monday night, should carry over against a Warriors team that is now in last place in the Pacific division. Take the Spurs.

Playing in a back to back scenario is always tough in the NBA. For the Toronto Raptors it may be a good thing with how fluid they are suddenly playing. They’ve won three straight and are coming off a torrid shooting performance against the Nets Friday. Play the Raptors to extend the Hawks home losing streak to five games.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a true up and down week. Monday, they lost to the Houston Rockets 136-106, only to bounce back and end the Rockets winning streak Wednesday 104-87. Yet, the Thunder are too unpredictable and vulnerable defensively. That plays into the hands of the Timberwolves who have lost by three points or less in consecutive game. Grab Minnesota. 

Monday, one of the best endings on the NBA slate was the Chicago Bulls and Knicks. In the final minute, the Bulls used an 8-2 run to get the victory and ATS cover. The result was not indicative of a game that was tight for the majority of the game. With the Knicks not in a back to back scenario look for a cleaner performance. Grab the Knicks.

Tuesday, the Boston Celtics travel to face the Golden State Warriors. They’ll aim to turn around a stretch that has featured four of six losses. Down another key player in Marcus Smart, look for the Celtics to rally around their main scorers in Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown. Grab Boston.

The Washington Wizards return from a covid layoff has been advantageous to fade ATS-wise. They’ve lost four games all by double-digits as they struggle to develop a new-look roster. Yet, in their last game several additional players returned. Expect the next step forward to take place today against a Nets team that continues to have players out on a consistent basis. Take the Wizards. 

The Memphis Grizzlies will attempt to return from a twelve day layoff due to covid. They’ll take on a hot San Antonio Spurs team that has won three consecutive games and. Atop the southwest division the Spurs may show effects of playing in a back to back scenario. Back the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies.

The Sacramento Kings will aim to avenge allowing a season high 144 points to the Toronto Raptors on January 8th. They’re coming off their best win in terms of point-margin in a 121-107 victory over the Magic. Currently on a two-game winning streak they’ll have a chance to win three games in a row for the first time this season. Back the Kings as the Raptors slide continues. 

The LA Clippers continue to be without three main players in Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Patrick Beverly. A few nights ago their winning streak ended without their leaders with a nine point loss to the Hawks. It’ll be a tough feat against a Heat team aiming for a win, but look for the Clippers to play a competitive effort. Grab the points here. 

Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks will face the Brooklyn Nets in a back to back scenario. Tuesday they defeated the Clippers 108 to 99. The outing was the latest in a surge of hot shooting performances from guard Trae Young, as he scored 38 points. Expect Young to continue his hot shooting against the Nets, whom the Hawks have covered against in both matchups this season. Play Atlanta.

For the past several seasons a marquee matchup in the Eastern Conference has been the Milwaukee Bucks versus the Toronto Raptors. Thus far on a young season both teams have performed below expectations. The gap in performance is quite different on the Raptors side. In an unprecedented point spread between the Bucks and Raptors grab the Bucks to offset their road woes. Play Milwaukee.

The Washington Wizards as expected were rusty in their first game back against the Spurs. Yet they played a competitive first half trailing by just two points. Although they’ll remain short handed tonight against the Houston Rockets, they have motivation on their side. Take the Wizards as Westbrook plays well against his old team, and Bradley Beal against his ex-teammate John Wall. 

Sunday, two teams looking to reverse recent poor stretches will meet as Charlotte visits the Orlando Magic. The Hornets come in having lost four straight while the Magic have dropped seven of eight. Look for the Magic’s recent road trip of five games to affect their return home. Grab Charlotte to end their losing streak.

Saturday, both the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks meet after playing games Friday night. The now healthy Dallas Mavericks have won and covered consecutive games. Although the Rockets shot below forty percent Friday night, the win should boost the team’s confidence against a Mavericks team that is susceptible defensively. Play Houston.

Thursday, Zack offers a lone play in hoops which comes in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a back to back scenario, after partaking in the late game Wednesday. Expect their hot shooting to continue against a Knicks team thats depth may give them problems, but on a small number take the Warriors. Grab Golden State.

One of the biggest blowout games this season in the NBA was the Clippers defeating the Sacramento Kings, 138-100. In the embarrassing loss Kings role player Glenn Robinson III called out the team’s performance, as they rank last in the NBA in allowing 124 points a game. Lacking defense look for the Kings to play a spirited effort and match the Clippers offensively. Grab the high line which will likely move to ten by game time. 

Depleted NBA rosters have become the norm this season. For the Miami Heat their limited roster has shown on the court as they’ve lost three of four. Contrary to the Heat the Raptors are healthy and on a three-game win-streak. Still look for the Heat to benefit from a small road trip and play a competitive game. Take the points on Miami.

Tuesday, the Jazz and Pelicans meet for the first of consecutive games. Over their last three matchups, two have been decided by two points and another went to overtime. Expect another close matchup as the Pelicans build off ending their five-game losing streak. Take the Pelicans.

Starters in and out of the lineup have been a big reason for the Pelicans losing five straight. That has not deterred oddsmakers from making them a road favorite tonight against the Kings. Sacramento’s poor defense and the Pelicans need for a win makes this a solid ATS spot. Back the Pelicans to end their losing streak.

The Miami Heat have struggled to find consistency and are coming off two straight losses against the red-hot 76ers. Saturday they return home to face the worst team in the Eastern Conference in the Detroit Pistons. Instead of banking on the Heat regaining their form, take the value on the underdog as the Heat’s struggles continue. Grab Detroit.

Friday in the NBA value lies with the Utah Jazz against the Hawks. For one Atlanta is coming off extra rest. Not only have they been off for four nights but their prior game their starter’s played minor minutes. This was due to a big blowout over the 76ers. With Utah’s woes at home this line has dwindled from normal levels. Grab the Jazz to respond in a big way tonight. 

The Denver Nuggets nearly swept their east coast trip, but fell after blowing a double-digit lead to the Brooklyn Nets. Thursday, they return home to take on a Warriors team that has adjusted well with a new look lineup. Yet, they’ve declined in points output in each of their last three games. Expect Denver to pull through and get back to .500.

Wednesday, the Grizzlies will take on a Minnesota Timberwolves team that ended a seven game losing streak with Sunday’s win over the Spurs. The depleted Memphis Grizzlies are down several role player’s and starter’s, including Ja Morant. That has caused Tyus Jones to be inserted into the starting lineup. The former Minnesota guard should be sparked facing his old team. Take the Grizzlies. 

Similar to the Toronto Raptors, the Houston Rockets are in uncharted territories. At 3-5 they are tied for the least wins in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers fluid scoring and balance should position them for a 6-0 road start. Grab the Lakers tonight. 

The Denver Nuggets have switched gears on their current east coast road trip. Consecutive wins over the Knicks and 76ers has pushed them back to .500 at 5-5. Re-focused the Nuggets have the arsenal to hand the Nets their third straight loss. Grab Denver to push past the Nets late in the second half. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves played in a competitive game on Saturday, losing 125-122 to the San Antonio Spurs. That’s now seven straight losses as the Timberwolves continue to search for cohesion. Yet, with KAT back in the lineup they should be able to build off of last night’s game. Grab the Timbewolves. 

The Orlando Magic will aim to respond to a poor Friday loss of 132-90 against the Rockets. They are in a back to back scenario against a Dallas Mavericks team that will be under manned. Three key players are in covid protocol, but the biggest star will still be on the floor in Luka Doncic. Doncic has become accustomed to the Mavericks missing key players and will adjust accordingly. Grab the Mavericks.  

East coast road trips are typically not friendly for west coast teams. The Jazz have faltered in consecutive games against the Nets and Knicks, both double-digit losses. Tonight’s matchup against the Bucks marks their fourth straight road game. They have the size and a chip on their shoulder to contend in this one. Take the points. 

In recent nights the Chicago Bulls have stunned with outright big underdog wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trailblazers. The reformed Bulls are spreading the basketball around, as seven players scored in double-figures in last night’s win over Portland. Yet this is a sell high spot on the Bulls, and buy-low spot on the Kings. Sacramento should bounce back after losing three-straight road games by an average of fourteen points.  

The Toronto Raptors peculiar start to the season has them at 1-5. Yet they continue to draw small numbers, including for today’s road matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Expect the veteran Raptors to finally rise to the challenge, as they’ve defeated the Suns in six straight matchups. Take the points here on the Raptors.

After a 2-0 start the Minnesota Timberwolves have quickly faded. They’ve lost four straight including their last matchup against the Denver Nuggets, 124-109. In fact, all of their losses have been by double-digits.  Still, their woes are expected but Denver’s have not been. With the same record and the recent matchup result grab the value on the Timberwolves, as bettors continue to chase the Nuggets.

The Mavericks have been helter skelter to begin the year. After an 0-2 start they’ve settled down winning two of their last three. A big part has quietly been improved defense. In wins against the Clippers and Heat they held both teams beneath 83 points. With the Bulls having all types of issues look for the Mavericks to get a second straight win over an Eastern Conference team. 

One of the surprise teams to start the season have been the Orlando Magic. At 4-1,  one of their wins came against today’s opponent in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder  have lost three straight games all at home, are struggling to find their identity. Expect a change of scenery from their home environment and revenge to spark the Thunder. Grab the underdog. 

A strange conundrum has taken place with the Utah Jazz. They are 2-0 on the road and 0-2 at home. Oddsmakers have adjusted for tonight placing them as an underdog against the LA Clippers. In a back to back scenario for the Jazz expect the Clippers to take advantage. Grab the Clippers tonight as one of the final games on the Friday board. 

The Pelicans were a major dud for myself and a lot of bettors as road underdogs against the Suns a few nights ago. Letdowns are going to happen with a young team and a new Coach. Yet, Stan Van Gundy will get his team to respond. Oklahoma City loses its third straight as their NBA best ATS record in 2019 continues to free fall.

Over the years one of the top teams James Harden has been dominant against are the Sacramento Kings. With all the issues for the Rockets they have played just two games. There’s plenty of time to bounce back. Recent betting bias is in play here as both the Kings and Rockets played against the Nuggets. The Rockets lost in blowout fashion while the Kings won by ten. Play the right side here as the Rockets get their first win.

The Brooklyn Nets have shown two sides of the spectrum to begin the NBA season. With KD and Kyrie on the floor they have been electric with two blowout wins. Without they’re more of the team that took the floor last season. Tonight, expect the return of both to spark ATS value on the road underdog Hawks. Precedent point spreads of -3 against Boston and -7.5 against Golden State have cast value here. Grab the Hawks. 

 After going undefeated in the bubble the Phoenix Suns have carried momentum into the new season. They’re 2-1, and have caught the eyes of the betting public and sharps. The dynamic has created a value spot tonight with the Pelicans. Under new coach Stan Van Gundy look for the Pelicans mix of veterans and youth to give Phoenix problems. Grab the Pelicans. 

The Toronto Raptors were one of the few contending teams that came into the 2020 season with very few changes. Yet, they’re off to an 0-2 start. Tuesday, they’ll face a revamped Philadelphia 76ers team led by new Coach Doc Rivers. On a small number go against uncharted territories for an 0-3 start for Toronto. Grab Philadelphia.

The defending NBA champions in the Los Angeles Lakers lost their opening game against the Clippers. Now the pressure is on to avoid an 0-2 start against the Dallas Mavericks. Minus Porzingis the Mavericks were a bit sloppy in their loss against the Suns. Yet, they have pieces that can shine against the Mavericks especially with their second unit. Grab the value on the underdog as the NBA champions go 0-2 ATS to start the year. 

A team that has lost some pieces from a season ago are the Pelicans. Former coach Alvin Gentry was let go, and Jrue Holiday was sent to the Bucks. In return the Pelicans received Eric Bledsoe, and now will be led by Stan Van Gundy. I expect the changes to be beneficial out the gate. The Raptors strong hold as a home dominant team and Eastern Conference reign is value based here on the underdog. 

The Lakers and Heat meet after a mini break Friday. That’s allowed the Heat to get some extra rest for banged up personnel, but also gives the Lakers a chance to focus on completing their task. Expect the Heat’s offense to fizzle out as the Lakers quest to win a championship is finalized. Grab the Lakers. 

The Miami Heat showcased that they do belong in the finals with a spirited effort and win in game three. It’s surely to wake up the Lakers and odds have adjusted two full points. Look for minimal changes from both teams in terms of game plans but an increase in production from the young Heat players. Grab Miami. 

The Miami Heat experienced their worst loss in the bubble in game one in a 116-98 loss. Compounding matters were key injuries and the fact that the Heat didn’t show the skillset of talent to matchup with Anthony Davis. Yet this is a position the Heat have been in before as they experienced several stretches with players in and out of the lineup the last two seasons. Chances of an outright victory are slim but expect a more competitive game than the spread indicates. Grab Miami.

The Denver Nuggets find themselves in a familiar spot. They’ll face elimination with a series deficit of 3-1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Competitive games two, three, and four have featured covers and a push for the Nuggets. This has caused a dip in the line and thoughts of the Nuggets repeating another series comeback. Expect the Lakers to avoid giving the Nuggets series life with a strong second half to end the series. Grab LA

In game three it was obvious the Nuggets were the aggressor while the Lakers were relaxed with a 2-0 series lead. Denver now has the confidence knowing they have come back in consecutive series and nearly won game two over the Lakers. Expect the Lakers to have a more fluid game four on defense and especially from three point range. Grab LA. 

Wednesday, the Heat and Celtics will meet for game four after a mini-layoff of four days. Boston negated the Heat’s defense in game three with better ball movement that was sparked by the return and versatility of Gordon Hayward. With the layoff expect the Heat to regroup from a poor shooting performance in game three and maintain high energy. Grab the Heat plus the points.

The Nuggets nearly evened their series against the Lakers in game two. A game winning three-pointer by Anthony Davis sealed the victory for LA. Look for the Nuggets to exhaust their energy early in game three. LA has been a great closing team in second halves against Portland and Houston. They’ll do it again from mid third quarter on and cruise to a game three victory. Grab LA. 

The Heat’s dominant playoff run has correlated ATS. Yet, just like their series against the Raptors the number ATS continues to grow on the Celtics side. Boston could easily be the team up 2-0 in the series. Tonight look for the Celtics to not let off the gas in the final minutes. Grab Boston. 

The Miami Heat are 9-1 in the post-season thanks to stout defense in second halves. They’ve also had an uncanny team chemistry to rely on several different hot hands in key stretches. Expect the Heat to carry over the confidence of game one’s victory into another strong performance. Grab the Heat. 

The LA Lakers have negated the Rockets small ball approach for three straight wins and ATS covers. With a limited lineup the Rockets have had severe breakdowns and lapses. Yet, they’ve fought in each loss and have the veteran makeup to take it one game at a time. Grab Houston as the Lakers bench contributions take a small dip of above average play.

The Denver Nuggets once again find themselves down 3-1 in the playoffs. Similar to their series against the Utah Jazz, the Nuggets lack of defense has been an immense burden. Expect a big team effort offensively in a must-win situation to over ride their half court defense. Grab the Nuggets. 

The Raptors suffered an embarrassing game five loss to the Celtics 111-89. It’s clear the Celtics have several mismatches on the floor. Wednesday will mark the tenth matchup of the season against each other. Expect a do or die scenario and the knowledge of each other’s strengths to bode to the advantage of the Raptors. Grab the points here. 

A problem for the Houston Rockets throughout the playoffs has been their inability to play solid basketball quarter to quarter. This allowed Oklahoma City to erase deficits and for the Lakers to pull through in game two. Tuesday, expect the Rockets to finally play a well-rounded game and push the Lakers ATS. Play the Rockets. 

The Milwaukee Bucks were able to fight off elimination in game four. Post game Jimmy Butler stated the Heat lost their focus. In game five expect Coach Spoelstra to implement a hardened defensive strategy focusing on Khris Middleton. Grab the Heat to finish off the Bucks and become the first team to enter the conference finals.

The Toronto Raptors used defense to squeak by in game four against the Celtics. The third quarter has been a big key as the Raptors have outscored Boston each game in the series. Yet, Boston has the unexpected bench advantage. Look for the Celtics to go on a key run and continue to stifle the Raptors defensively.  

Playoff rust after a layoff is inevitable. This was apparent in the Lakers game one loss to the Rockets. One of the big keys to the Lakers success is adjustments. They did it against Portland and should have swift adjustments against the Rockets small ball play. Grab the Lakers Sunday evening.