03-24-21 |
Celtics +6 v. Bucks | | 119-121 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 11 m | Show |
The Boston Celtics have been struggling lately and have managed just two wins in their last seven outings heading into this tie. The C's are now eighth in their Conference rankings with a sub-par 21-22 season record. The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, has been dominant lately, winning 12 of their last 13 games. They are currently ranked third in the East with a 28-14 season record. Somehow this number is only 4.5. The public is going to fall for it, we're not. |
03-24-21 |
Nuggets v. Raptors +3 | Top | 111-135 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 15 m | Show |
The Toronto Raptors will try to stop a nine-game losing streak when they play the visiting Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night in Tampa. The Nuggets have won nine of their past 11 games after defeating the host Orlando Magic 110-99 on Tuesday night to open a three-game road trip. Yet, this number is just -2? I've seen this before, Take the points and the Raptors. |
03-23-21 |
76ers v. Warriors +4 | Top | 108-98 |
Loss | -110 | 10 h 43 m | Show |
The Golen State Warriors are back home after a successful, but weird homestand. They’re hoping to welcome both Steph Curry and Kevon Looney back as they take on the top seed in the East, the Philadelphia 76ers. But while Philly is exceptional, they’re without their best player, as Joel Embiid remains sidelined. |
03-23-21 |
Nets +3.5 v. Blazers | | 116-112 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Much has been made of the injury issues the Nets are dealing with but if Damian Lillard isn't 100% that completely changes the Blazers on the offensive end. The public is all over Portland, they will be proved wrong in this one. |
03-23-21 |
Suns v. Heat +2 | | 110-100 |
Loss | -107 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
The Heat are in desperate need of a win again a quality team, especially won that is scorching hot on the road. I think we're going to find the Suns sleeping a but with games against the Heat and magic on deck. The number tells you something in this one. |
03-23-21 |
Nuggets v. Magic +7.5 | Top | 110-99 |
Loss | -106 | 7 h 46 m | Show |
With games against Orlando and Toronto on deck, I find it hard to believe that the Nugget aren't more concerned with getting to New Orleans and then going home. The Magic are a mess but with a few days before the trade deadline, I would expect everyone to be giving it their all in hopes of getting out. |
03-22-21 |
Pacers v. Bucks -5 | | 113-140 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Bucks: 9-1 L10, averaging 120.3 points, 48.7 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 7.7 steals, and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points on 45.5% shooting. |
03-22-21 |
Celtics +2.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 126-132 |
Loss | -109 | 10 h 25 m | Show |
Memphis actually shot worse (38.9 percent) than it did the previous night (46.4 percent) during its 116-103 loss to the Warriors. |
03-22-21 |
Raptors v. Rockets +8.5 | Top | 99-117 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 17 m | Show |
It's been almost a month since the Toronto Raptors won their last game. Entering Monday, they've dropped eight straight games and have looked like one of the NBA's worst teams. Fortunately for Toronto, while it's been bad, it hasn't been as ugly as the Houston Rockets' 20-game losing streak. Even with both teams on a horrific run, I can't lay this many points. |
03-22-21 |
Hornets +5 v. Spurs | | 100-97 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
Charlotte will be shorthanded due to the loss of rookie guard LaMelo Ball, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a fractured wrist. Ball is getting a second opinion, per reports. The Hornets announced Sunday that an MRI exam discovered the fracture in Ball's right wrist, and the team will list the 19-year-old Ball as out indefinitely until further updates were available. The first game after an impactful injury is a good chance to get a generous number. |
03-22-21 |
Thunder +3 v. Wolves | Top | 112-103 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
The Timberwolves begin a four-game homestand with their season finale against the Thunder. The Wolves previously split a back-to-back with the Thunder in February in Oklahoma City. Typically I like to go against teams starting a homestand, especially when they're not usually a goof bet to begin with. |
03-21-21 |
Mavs v. Blazers +2 | | 132-92 |
Loss | -107 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
During this stretch of largely positive games, the Mavericks have strung together in March, it feels like we’ve seen a pattern. Start slow in the first, draw even in the second, try not to fart to death in the 3rd, then snatch victory in the fourth. That’s simply not going to cut it against a Dame Lillard-led team. Winning close games late is literally his whole thing. Dallas, knock on wood, has come a long way from its days of league-leading clutch time losses, but they haven’t exactly been coasting to wins much either. They entered the fourth on Friday with a 5 point lead. It wasn’t enough. |
03-21-21 |
Lakers +10 v. Suns | Top | 94-111 |
Loss | -110 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
The public will be all over the Suns in this one but I think the Lakers will have just enough to cover this number. The game after a major injury usually sees teams come together and play well the game after. |
03-21-21 |
76ers -1 v. Knicks | | 101-100 |
Push | 0 | 7 h 8 m | Show |
The 76ers have covered 8 straight games after allowing 100 points in their previous game, and 7-1 in their last 8 overall. |
03-21-21 |
Thunder +4.5 v. Rockets | Top | 114-112 |
Win | 101 | 1 h 16 m | Show |
The Rockets have been pretty poor this season and have struggled to generate efficient, reliable offense. Christian Wood’s ankle injury meant that the Rockets’ season entered free-fall. |
03-20-21 |
Spurs +11.5 v. Bucks | Top | 113-120 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 6 m | Show |
The Spurs are riding the wave of a season-high three-game win streak as they prepare to square off against the third-place Milwaukee Bcks in the final game of their week-long Eastern Conference road trip. Although San Antonio finally saw star swingman DeMar DeRozan return to the lineup on Friday night, they draw the difficult task of holding two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in check on the second night of a back-to-back. |
03-20-21 |
Kings +6 v. 76ers | | 105-129 |
Loss | -103 | 6 h 44 m | Show |
The Sixers will be without Seth Curry, who joins Joel Embiid on the injury report as he is dealing with a sprained left ankle. That puts even more pressure on Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris to come up large and lead the offense the way they have to in order to pick up the win in this one. |
03-20-21 |
Warriors v. Grizzlies -5.5 | Top | 103-111 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 35 m | Show |
The Warriors gained the upper hand in the series despite the absence of Stephen Curry, who sustained a bruised tailbone Wednesday at Houston. According to Golden State coach Steve Kerr, Curry is "very doubtful" to return for the rematch. "It would be irresponsible of us to play him at this point. He's still in pain," Kerr said after the Friday win. "It's not even a question of temptation to put him out there. It's just we're going to do what's right medically. When he's ready, he's ready." |
03-20-21 |
Hawks +3.5 v. Lakers | Top | 99-94 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 23 m | Show |
Atlanta fired head coach Lloyd Pierce and have gone 7-0 since handing the reigns to Nate McMillan. The team has also gotten healthier and started to find their stride, and have risen all the way to fifth in the Eastern Conference after the Lakers dropped the Hornets down a slot by beating them on Thursday night |
03-18-21 |
Pelicans v. Blazers -1 | | 93-101 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
Just a suggestion, but the Blazers might like to see how not letting their opponent get out to gargantuan early lead helps their chances. It might even remove the need for luck and a 18-point turnaround in the last quarter to secure a win. While the win was exhilarating, playing four full quarters might make it easier on the nerves and heart rate of all those associated with the Blazers. |
03-18-21 |
Wolves +10.5 v. Suns | Top | 123-119 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 0 m | Show |
The Wolves' recent performances are certainly a step in the right direction. The blowout victory over the Pelicans was certainly a surprise, with the Minnesota Timberwolves bench racking up 72 points. If they can have Russell, Towns, and Edwards on the court together, they will certainly see an improvement in their win column. |
03-18-21 |
Magic v. Knicks -5 | | 93-94 |
Loss | -110 | 6 h 35 m | Show |
After losing 8 in a row, times don't get a lot easier for the Orlando Magic who travels to Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening to face the New York Knicks having not made the playoffs since 2013, Knicks fans are reveling in the hype around their young stars, who are proving they have what it takes to make the postseason. Thibodeau's side comes into this matchup on the back of two tough losses against the East's best two sides, which have dropped them to 8th in the conference standings. However, they will be looking to make their record .500 again with a win over an Orlando Magic side who are on the association's second-worst losing run. |
03-18-21 |
Jazz v. Wizards +11 | Top | 122-131 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 10 m | Show |
This is a typical spot where the public will be all over the Jazz, but it's hard for me to believe that the focus will be on the Wizards with a few winnable games on deck. You'll learn a lot about the Wizards tonight. |
03-17-21 |
Heat +1 v. Grizzlies | | 85-89 |
Loss | -109 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
During their most recent skid, the Grizzlies have gone without the elite defense that got them where they need to be to compete and have missed consistent contributions from key players offensively. Memphis, despite being as healthy as they been at any point this season, seems out of sorts on switches and in drop coverage while not fitting in nicely enough in half-court sets to score. |
03-17-21 |
Celtics -8.5 v. Cavs | Top | 110-117 |
Loss | -104 | 7 h 11 m | Show |
Boston will be looking to take their anger out on the Cavaliers tonight after a dismal fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz last night. Boston wins this by 10-15 points. |
03-17-21 |
Kings v. Wizards -2 | Top | 121-119 |
Loss | -107 | 6 h 54 m | Show |
This game is simple. The Wizards need to win this game and win it in impressive fashion or their season will be done. Expect their best effort. |
03-16-21 |
Wolves v. Lakers -7.5 | Top | 121-137 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
The Timberwolves will still be incomplete when they play the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time this season on Tuesday because Russell is still recovering from knee surgery, but the Lakers will be dealing with a few injuries of their own. In addition to Anthony Davis, who’s expected to miss at least another two weeks with Achilles tendinosis, and Jared Dudley, who is out indefinitely with a right MCL tear, the Lakers won’t have Alex Caruso (concussion) or Marc Gasol (health and safety protocols), both of whom were ruled out of Tuesday’s game by Frank Vogel on Monday. |
03-16-21 |
Pelicans +2 v. Blazers | Top | 124-125 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
The Portland Trailblazers will likely start guard CJ McCollum Tuesday against New Orleans for the first time since he broke his left foot Jan. 16 against Atlanta, but that usually signals a go against. The public will overreact not remembering that it takes a few games for a returner player to find some cohesiveness. |
03-16-21 |
Thunder +6 v. Bulls | | 102-123 |
Loss | -101 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
This is the start of a 4-game road trip for the Thunder. This is a spot I like to hit the road team because this is when you'll get their best effort in an attempt make it a successful trip. |
03-16-21 |
Cavs +10.5 v. Heat | | 98-113 |
Loss | -106 | 8 h 35 m | Show |
two teams going in opposite directions. Expect the Heat to overlook the Cavs. Take the double digit offering. |
03-16-21 |
Hawks v. Rockets +9.5 | Top | 119-107 |
Loss | -115 | 8 h 38 m | Show |
I've always wondered if John Wall would have left DC if he was able to see what the Rockets would become. This number is begging you to take the hawks but I think the Thunder will be more interested in getting back home than they are blowing out the Rockets. |
03-16-21 |
Knicks v. 76ers -6.5 | Top | 96-99 |
Loss | -115 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
This is a classic go against spot for the Knicks, after dropping a tough measuring stick game against the Nets last night. To turn around and travel to Philly for tonight's match-up is not the spot I want the Knicks in. |
03-16-21 |
Jazz -4 v. Celtics | Top | 117-109 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
The Jazz loss against the Warriors was nothing more than not being ready in a look ahead spot. Don't get fooled in this match-up. jazz win and win big. |
03-15-21 |
Grizzlies v. Suns -7 | | 99-122 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
The Phoenix Suns are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games while the Grizzlies have dropped 9 of 12 ATS on the road against teams over .500. |
03-15-21 |
Pacers v. Nuggets -4.5 | Top | 106-121 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
The Nuggets bench killed the Pacers in their first game, with PJ Dozier having his best game of the season. The second unit will thrive if Jamal Murray is able to add his scoring to them to start the second quarter. |
03-15-21 |
Clippers -1.5 v. Mavs | | 109-99 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
The only Clipper good news from last night was that nobody played more than 29 minutes. They surely will be in a foul mood when they take the court against the Mavericks . . . They are fighting for a home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a normally solid combination of tough defense and ridiculously good 3-point shooting. Their 42-percent success rate is easily the best in the NBA and they have the second-best offensive rating in the league, averaging 118 points per 100 possessions |
03-15-21 |
Knicks +8 v. Nets | | 112-117 |
Win | 103 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
The Knicks are 20-19 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Their previous loss to Brooklyn was the fourth of five straight; since then they are 15-11 and during that stretch dating back to Jan. 17, they are third in the league in defensive rating (107.9), eighth in net rating (2.9), and 19th in offensive rating (110.8) over 26 games. Defense has been a constant all season. For the full year, the Knicks are fourth in defensive rating (108.6), first in opponent field goal percentage (44.0), first in opponent 3-point percentage (33.2), and first in opponent effective field goal percentage (51.2). |
03-15-21 |
Spurs -2 v. Pistons | Top | 109-99 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
After a brief hiatus these last couple of years, the Spurs’ defense has clearly rebounded this season. The team has a defensive rating of 109.8, per NBA.com, which is good for 9th in the league. Better yet, excluding garbage time, the Spurs’ defense sits at 7th in the NBA, per Cleaning the Glass, giving the team a top 10 defense for the first time since DeMar DeRozan’s arrival in 2018. |
03-15-21 |
Bucks -8.5 v. Wizards | | 133-122 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
Beal, who sat most of the second half in a 127-101 loss to Philadelphia on Friday, is listed as day-to-day due to a knee injury. Washington was also without Davis Bertans on Saturday due to a calf injury. At 11.3, Bertans is one of Washington's four available double-figure point-per-game scorers along with Beal (32.1), Westbrook (21.1) and Hachimura (12.9). Bertans is listed as day-to-day. |
03-15-21 |
Kings +3.5 v. Hornets | Top | 116-122 |
Loss | -108 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
If Sacramento wants to remain in the hunt for a play-in spot, it begins and ends with the defensive end. As Walton alluded to, the Kings can score with any team in the league but remain abysmal at protecting their own end. That can’t happen against a Hornets squad that has won four of their last five outings. Led by Ball, Hayward and Rozier, Charlotte has climbed back over the .500 mark and will be a handful for the Kings backcourt. |
03-14-21 |
Raptors v. Bulls -3 | Top | 95-118 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 52 m | Show |
The Toronto Raptors were sailing at one point and were even placed within the top six playoff positions. However, due to COVID-19 protocols, their season was derailed as they got pushed down to the tenth spot. The Raptors will be without several players yet again due to the same reason. As reported by Aaron Rose from Sports Illustrated, the likes of starters Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet, along with role players Patrick McCaw and Malachi Flynn, will all be out due to Covid protocols. |
03-14-21 |
Clippers v. Pelicans +6 | Top | 115-135 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 46 m | Show |
Zion Williamson won't make things any easier for the Clippers on that end of the floor, either. The first-time All-Star is averaging 25.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season and is converting almost all of his looks at the rim. LA's frontcourt will seriously be tested. |
03-14-21 |
Celtics v. Rockets +11 | | 134-107 |
Loss | -107 | 6 h 4 m | Show |
The Boston Celtics were expected to compete for the Eastern Conference crown this year. At 19-18, they have struggled to meet expectations. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were well-deserving All-Stars, but the team success just hasn’t materialized. I wonder if a poor season will put Brad Stevens on the hot seat. |
03-14-21 |
Cavs v. Hawks -5.5 | Top | 82-100 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 38 m | Show |
While Cleveland has struggled on the whole this season, the Cavaliers are actually 2-0 against the Hawks, and they have won four straight matchups against Atlanta dating back to the 2019-20 season. The Hawks made a mess of the last matchup, losing in maddening fashion back in February, and revenge will be on Atlanta’s mind as a result. The Cavs have the rest advantage after resting (and traveling) on Saturday, which is worth noting. However, Cleveland ranks dead-last in the NBA in offense, scoring only 104.3 points per 100 possessions, and that provides an edge for Atlanta on the defensive end. |
03-14-21 |
Heat v. Magic +7.5 | | 102-97 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
Two teams going in the opposite direction and this is the number. The books are begging you to take the Heat. |
03-14-21 |
Spurs +5 v. 76ers | Top | 99-134 |
Loss | -110 | 5 h 53 m | Show |
The Silver and Black enter this matchup hoping to put together their first winning streak since returning from the All-Star Break, but the Sixers have won four in a row and won’t make for an easy opponent on the first night of a back-to-back. With that in mind, Philly is a paltry 2-5 when Embiid doesn’t play |
03-14-21 |
Jazz v. Warriors +7.5 | | 119-131 |
Win | 100 | 2 h 29 m | Show |
This number is a little suspect to me. The Warriors are coming off a crushing defeat while the Jazz got by the Rockets by 15. I think we'll see a case where the Jazz are looking ahead. |
03-14-21 |
Grizzlies v. Thunder +8.5 | Top | 122-128 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 38 m | Show |
There's nothing about this match-up that to take the Thunder but the best thing a team can do after getting drilled is get right back to it, and that's exactly what the Thunder will be doing. They must do a better job on the boards than they did against the Knicks. This is a revenge spot so let's take the points. |
03-13-21 |
Mavs +1.5 v. Nuggets | | 116-103 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
The Mavericks are going to try to spread out the Nuggets defense and let Doncic work his magic one-on-one against his defender. When he’s able to set up teammates for easy shots, they can get in a rhythm and put games away. Let’s see if they can funnel the ball to Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and not let Tim Hardaway or Porzingis catch fire and beat Denver. |
03-13-21 |
Pacers +7.5 v. Suns | Top | 122-111 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
Caris LeVert appears set to make his long-awaited Pacers debut on Saturday night in Phoenix, when Indiana (16-20) faces the Suns (25-11) on the second stop of a three-game Western Conference road trip. The Pacers acquired LeVert from Brooklyn in a four-team trade that sent Victor Oladipo to Houston and James Harden to Brooklyn in mid-January, but a post-trade physical revealed a mass on LeVert's left kidney. Subsequent tests determined the mass was renal cell carcinoma and LeVert underwent surgery on Jan. 26 to remove it. No further treatment is necessary, but the surgery sidelined him for the ensuing month. With the addition, I'm guessing that most will be on the over but experience says it will take a game or so for the offense to come around. |
03-13-21 |
Blazers v. Wolves +5 | Top | 125-121 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
In the first matchup of a back-to-back set, the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-29) face the Portland Trail Blazers (21-15) on Saturday evening at Target Center. Minnesota defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 135-105, on Thursday. The victory marked the first for Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch, and the first time since the 1997-98 season that a team won by 30-plus points after trailing by at least 15 at one point. The Blazers, winners of three of their last four, lost to the Phoenix Suns 127-121 on Thursday. Blazers guard Damian Lillard led Portland with 30 points. The Timberwolves trail the Blazers 86-35 in the teams' all-time head-to-head meetings, falling to Portland 135-117 at Moda Center on January 7. Take the Wolves in the revenge spot. |
03-13-21 |
Kings v. Hawks -4 | | 106-121 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show |
It was an energizing win for the Hawks, against the Raptors, who now sit as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and just a couple of games out of the No. 4 spot. Atlanta now sits with a slightly positive net rating (+0.2), ranking 11th in offense (112.7) and 22nd in defense (112.5). Sacramento blew out the Houston Rockets 125-105 in their first game out of the break, but the Kings still sit 12th in the Western Conference standings. The Kings have the worst defensive rating (118.6) in the NBA, and it’s not particularly close as they are nearly two points worse than the New Orleans Pelicans. |
03-13-21 |
Bucks v. Wizards +11 | | 125-119 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
The Washington Wizards, looking to shake off a slump of four losses in five games, face a tough challenge the next two games. The improving Milwaukee Bucks arrive in Washington for consecutive matchups against the Wizards on Saturday and Monday. The Bucks are coming off a 134-101 blowout of the New York Knicks on Thursday, the Bucks' first outing since the NBA All-Star break. The victory was Milwaukee's seventh in the past eight games. The Wizards must play their best over the next two days or it could be the beginning of the end to their postseason hopes. |
03-13-21 |
Raptors +2.5 v. Hornets | Top | 104-114 |
Loss | -103 | 7 h 49 m | Show |
The Raptors lost on a buzzer-beater in their first game back following the All-Star break while the Hornets closed out their first game back with a game-sealing floater from Terry Rozier. As two teams jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, this game could have heavy implications at a later date. I think we'll see a Raptors bounce back tonight. |
03-13-21 |
Knicks v. Thunder +4.5 | Top | 119-97 |
Loss | -103 | 2 h 56 m | Show |
After a refreshing six-day All-Star break, the Thunder transferred that rejuvenated energy into a strong performance to start the second half of the season. Solid ball movement, pace in transition and a stout defensive performance allowed the Thunder to build up a 21-point lead over Dallas in the first half on Thursday. |
03-12-21 |
Nuggets -3 v. Grizzlies | | 103-102 |
Loss | -104 | 7 h 38 m | Show |
40 games in 68 nights will feature a lot of these games for the Memphis Grizzlies. Playing a team like the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, then following that up with a Denver Nuggets team tonight at FedEx Forum. From the bottom of the East to one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies' second-half schedule isn’t forgiving at all, but capitalizing on what they can control throughout this sprint to the finish will separate the Grizzlies. |
03-11-21 |
Mavs v. Thunder +5.5 | | 108-116 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 26 m | Show |
The Dallas Mavericks are just 1-3 on the second night of back-to-backs this year. That lone victory came against Houston in early January, the night after the Chicago Bulls beat the Luka-less Mavericks in Chicago. Dallas has a lot of these back-to-backs: of their 38 games to finish the 2020-21 season, 10 contests will be the second night of a back-to-back. So they need to find a means of gutting through these games where they’re tired and notch at least the occasional victory if they’re serious about making the playoffs. |
03-11-21 |
Magic v. Heat -8.5 | Top | 103-111 |
Loss | -105 | 5 h 41 m | Show |
The Orlando Magic play a basketball game tonight. It is one of 36 remaining in what is a second-half schedule more challenging than that of any other team in the league — beginning with a back-to-back at Miami on Thursday and at San Antonio on Friday. It’s going to be a grueling stretch of games for a shorthanded team that currently sits four games out of the eighth spot, 3.5 games out of the final play-in spot, and 3 games ahead of the Detroit Pistons for the Eastern Conference’s worst record. |
03-11-21 |
Pistons +4.5 v. Hornets | Top | 102-105 |
Win | 100 | 4 h 9 m | Show |
The Hornets will begin their second-half push for a division title and playoff berth with a home game against Detroit on Thursday. Charlotte has fallen into a win-one, lose-one rut for the past few weeks. The Hornets haven’t won two straight since Feb. 7-8. They defeated Minnesota 135-102 on March 3 in their last outing before the break. |
03-04-21 |
Kings +4.5 v. Blazers | Top | 119-123 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 12 m | Show |
The Kings have a strong offense that ranks 12th in offensive rating (114.4). Guard De’Aaron Fox is averaging 22.8 points and 7.4 assists. He scored 29 in the loss to Portland. |
03-04-21 |
Bucks -5.5 v. Grizzlies | | 112-111 |
Loss | -106 | 7 h 37 m | Show |
Antetokounmpo is averaging 29.1 points per game and shooting 63 percent from inside the 3-point line. With a yield of 53.8 percent on two-point field-goal attempts, Memphis ranks in the bottom third of the NBA. |
03-04-21 |
Clippers v. Wizards +5.5 | | 117-119 |
Win | 101 | 6 h 59 m | Show |
The Wiz might be getting a break if Kawhi and Morris Sr. are ruled unavailable come Thursday. They are both currently listed as Day-to-Day. If they do end up sitting this one the Wiz might be able to pull it off. |
03-03-21 |
Thunder +5 v. Mavs | | 78-87 |
Loss | -103 | 9 h 31 m | Show |
In the last Thunder game, the Denver Nuggets handed a beating to Oklahoma City. The Nuggets went up early in the game and the Thunder were never able to recover. The Thunder looked pretty tired in that game but fatigue should not be an issue against the Mavericks. Oklahoma City have had a few days rest for the first time in a long while. Dallas’ form has picked up in the last few weeks despite the rumours swirling around Kristaps Porzingis. Luka Doncic’s level of play has improved and the same can be said for the Mavericks’ offensive efficiency. Dallas were fifth in the league in offensive rating for the month of February. |
03-03-21 |
Pistons +6.5 v. Raptors | Top | 129-105 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 8 m | Show |
Because of health and safety protocols, the Raptors will be down several players including three starters |
03-02-21 |
Nuggets v. Bucks -7.5 | Top | 128-97 |
Loss | -109 | 6 h 52 m | Show |
Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the midst of one of the best scoring stretches of his career. However, making the defensive stops in clutch moments is something the two-time league MVP relishes. He will look to make his mark on both ends again when his Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. |
03-02-21 |
Hawks +4 v. Heat | | 94-80 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 47 m | Show |
Nothing like turnover to get the attention of a team. Take the Hawks after the firing of Lloyd Pierce. |
03-02-21 |
Grizzlies -1 v. Wizards | | 125-111 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 52 m | Show |
The Grizzlies handed the reeling Rockets their 11th straight loss on Sunday, courtesy of a 133-84 shellacking in Houston. Memphis' 49-point margin of victory and 85 points off the bench served as franchise records. The Grizzlies also tied a season-high point total, initially set in a lopsided victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 1. |
03-01-21 |
Nuggets -4.5 v. Bulls | | 118-112 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
We're going to fade heavy public money in this one. Sometimes the number tells you a story and that's certainly the case here. Not only would it be huge for the teams moral going into the break, but it could definitely give them more confidence going into the second half of the season. Denver already took care of business in their first road game on Saturday night, now it’s time to do the same in Chicago. |
02-28-21 |
Hornets v. Kings +0.5 | | 127-126 |
Loss | -112 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
Friday night saw the Sacramento Kings earn an ugly, but much-needed win after late heroics by De-Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes earned the team a 110-107 victory in Detroit. While beating the Eastern Conference's worst team isn't much to get excited about, the Sacramento Kings ended their debilitating nine-game losing run to return to winning ways for the first time in three weeks. |
02-28-21 |
Suns v. Wolves +10.5 | | 118-99 |
Loss | -108 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
After beating the Bulls in dramatic fashion last night, you can bet that this will be a massive letdown spot for the Suns especially the Lakers on deck. |
02-28-21 |
Grizzlies v. Rockets +4 | Top | 133-84 |
Loss | -107 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
The last time the Rockets won a game was against the Memphis Grizzlies. Christian Wood will not be back for tonight's game so that won't be a game-changer, but this was supposed to be a team that was not going to suffer defensively and they're getting called out on it. I'm going to take a chance with them one more time. |
02-27-21 |
Mavs +4 v. Nets | | 115-98 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 57 m | Show |
The Mavericks are on a 7-3 run and looking to improve after a horrible shooting night against Philadelphia, Thursday. |
02-26-21 |
Jazz v. Heat +6.5 | | 116-124 |
Win | 102 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
The public is all over the Utah Jazz tonight, that was anticipated so we're going against the Jazz who are off of a big win against the Lakers. The Heat are as healthy as they've been all season and are getting stronger with the return of Jimmy Butler. |
02-26-21 |
Kings v. Pistons +2 | Top | 110-107 |
Loss | -107 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
We're fading the public in this one. For some reason, the "joes' love the Kings but we're not on board with that thinking. The Kings have lost nine straight games, nothing about that gives me the confidence that they'll cover even a small number. |
02-26-21 |
Pacers +3.5 v. Celtics | Top | 112-118 |
Loss | -114 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
The public seems to be all over the Celtics which is good news because we're not buying into the Celtics. The Celtics — losers of four straight and eight of 11 overall — are coming off a wire-to-wire, 127-112 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. Boston allowed two 30-point scorers, Danilo Gallinari (38) and Trae Young (33). Gallinari made 10-of-12 3-point attempts, two more than the entire Celtics team. The recent slide has caused dissent among some of Boston's executives. Recently, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge stated, "our roster obviously is not good." |
02-26-21 |
Rockets +8.5 v. Raptors | Top | 111-122 |
Loss | -110 | 5 h 56 m | Show |
We waited for this number to climb and that's exactly what's happened. This game is exactly why you pay professionals to monitor line movement. |
02-25-21 |
Pelicans +9 v. Bucks | | 125-129 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Heavy money is coming in on the Bucks and I;m going to fade that. I try to get quality teams when the public is betting the other way. I think the "joes" are giving a little too much value to the Bucks at this time. |
02-25-21 |
Clippers v. Grizzlies +8 | Top | 94-122 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 55 m | Show |
I love to fade heavy money when I feel comfortable with the team I'm getting. Such is the case here. Tons of Clippers money is coming in which has pushed this number to -8. The Clippers are coming off a successful homestand, capped off by crushing the red hot Washington Wizards. This is the first game of two against the Grizzlies on the road. I think the number is too high in a game that the grizzlies can win. |
02-24-21 |
Lakers +9 v. Jazz | Top | 89-114 |
Loss | -110 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
The public is all over the Utah Jazz, mostly because the Lakers have been horrible without Anthony Davis. The facts are this, Lebron will lead the Lakers tonight against one of the bets in the West. The Lakers took an outright loss against the Wizards but will bounce back to cover tonight. |
02-24-21 |
Celtics -1.5 v. Hawks | Top | 112-127 |
Loss | -115 | 7 h 22 m | Show |
The Celtics have won five straight games in Atlanta, but that hasn't seemed to scare the public off. We're going to fade the squares in this one. |
02-23-21 |
Celtics v. Mavs +2.5 | Top | 107-110 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 9 m | Show |
The Mavs are coming off Monday’s 102-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies and have won five of their last six games. The 92 points are the third-fewest the Mavs have allowed this season, topped only by the 73 points they gave up to the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 27 and the 83 points Miami scored on Jan. 1. |
02-22-21 |
Blazers v. Suns -6 | | 100-132 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
They didn't let the Brooklyn loss spill over into their two-game road trip. The Phoenix Suns instead topped New Orleans in comeback fashion and destroyed short-handed Memphis in a 48-hour span to improve to 8-1 in their last nine games and avenge road losses to the Pelicans and Grizzlies. The Suns tied a franchise record Friday by hitting 22 shots from 3s in their 132-114 win at New Orleans. They also limited the Pelicans to 28.6% shooting (1-of-7 from 3) in the fourth quarter in outscoring them, 41-12, after trailing by 11 points through three quarters. The next night, Phoenix broke the single-game record for 3s with 24, but also stymied Memphis into 38.7% shooting (5-of-33 from 3) in a 128-97 blasting. It was the Suns' largest margin of victory this season. |
02-22-21 |
Heat v. Thunder +6.5 | Top | 108-94 |
Loss | -102 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
This is the last of a 7-game western road swing, I'm betting the Heat are more worried about getting home than covering a six-point spread. |
02-22-21 |
Bulls v. Rockets +1 | Top | 120-100 |
Loss | -103 | 8 h 40 m | Show |
Everyone expects the Rockets to be rusty after a few days off but I think they'll take advantage of a disinterested Bulls team. This number is begging you to take the Bulls. |
02-20-21 |
Warriors v. Hornets +2 | | 100-102 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
The Sacramento Kings have fallen out of rhythm recently, dropping five straight games and falling to 12-16 on the season. Their average margin of defeat has been 10.4 points during the losing skid. Despite the contributions of De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, the Kings have been unable to keep pace with opposing offenses. As they travel to the windy city for a meeting with the Chicago Bulls, the Sacramento Kings have a chance to make some adjustments against an equally struggling squad. |
02-19-21 |
Nuggets v. Cavs +8.5 | Top | 120-103 |
Loss | -104 | 7 h 49 m | Show |
Denver is fresh off a barnburner against the Washington Wizards where they surrendered 130 points. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 68 points, but it was not enough. The Nuggets are playing uneven basketball after making the Western Conference Finals last season but are still potent offensively and have some defensive deficiencies. That mixes in well for the Cavaliers, who could use a soft defense to try and get things going on offense. |
02-17-21 |
Hawks +3 v. Celtics | Top | 122-114 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 32 m | Show |
This is where experience is your friend. The Hawks have lost three straight while the Celtics are off an impressive bounce back win against the Denver Nuggets. Hawks defense is atrocious, but yet, the number is just thee. |
02-14-21 |
Celtics v. Wizards +6.5 | Top | 91-104 |
Win | 100 | 2 h 34 m | Show |
The Celtics were a season-best five games over .500 at 8-3 one month ago, but have since lost nine of 14, including six of nine on the road. They fell to 12-11 after their most recent road loss, 122-108 at Utah on Tuesday, before avoiding falling to .500 with a 120-106 home win over Toronto on Thursday. However, they were beaten 108-102 at home by the Detroit Pistons on Friday and now stand at 13-12 as they embark on the only road outing in a stretch of five of six at home. The Celtics started Payton Pritchard and Semi Ojeleye in the backcourt against Detroit with Marcus Smart (strained calf) injured and Kemba Walker resting. |
02-11-21 |
Magic +8 v. Warriors | | 105-111 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
I still don't trust the Warriors offensively, not that the Magic tear it up, but its enough to stay within the eight points. |
02-11-21 |
Heat v. Rockets +2.5 | Top | 101-94 |
Loss | -110 | 7 h 58 m | Show |
With all the problems the Rockets have, it's strange to see this number where it's at. I've been doing this long enough to know that the absence of Christian Wood will not be an issue tonight. |
02-08-21 |
Wizards +3 v. Bulls | Top | 105-101 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 38 m | Show |
This line smells to me. I've followed this Wizard franchise closer than any other through the years and this looks like the books are begging you to take the Bulls, which everyone seems to be doing. This is why you pay me, experience says take the Wizards as Bradley Beal single handily cashes this ticket. |
02-07-21 |
Celtics v. Suns -2.5 | Top | 91-100 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 4 m | Show |
The game will be the Celtics' sixth in a row against a Western playoff hopeful, including fourth straight on a five-game trip. The Utah Jazz, who entered Saturday with the league's best record at 18-5, await the Celtics on Tuesday. Boston has gone 2-3 in the run, winning by four points against Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers, interspersed with losses to San Antonio by four, the Los Angeles Lakers by one and the Sacramento Kings by five. The Celtics made their Western swing without defensive whiz Marcus Smart (calf), and coach Brad Stevens has tried different starting lineups in an effort to fill the void. |
02-05-21 |
Wolves +1 v. Thunder | Top | 106-103 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 30 m | Show |
Over the course of the last week, the Thunder have lost three players to injury. At the start of the week, George Hill was ruled out for four weeks due to thumb surgery. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander picked up a knock in the first game against Houston and he has yet to return from his knee sprain. In Wednesday’s game, Luguentz Dort played only 10 minutes before sitting for the rest of the game. Dort has soreness in his left knee and he will not play against the Timberwolves tonight. These injuries have left the Thunder rotation looking thin. Coach Mark will need to go deep into his bench to make up the minutes that are usually played by Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It would not be surprising to see Justin Jackson and Darius Miller play extended minutes in tonight's game. |
02-03-21 |
Rockets v. Thunder +7.5 | Top | 87-104 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 41 m | Show |
Houston will be missing John Wall due to load management as tonight is the first night of a back-to-back. Houston will also be without David Nwaba, who is still recovering from an ankle sprain. |
01-31-21 |
76ers v. Pacers +2 | | 119-110 |
Loss | -110 | 7 h 26 m | Show |
There's very little that suggests that the Indiana Pacers are the side here, but I've been doing this long enough to know when a point spread is trying to tell me something. Pacers get the outright win. |
01-30-21 |
Grizzlies +3.5 v. Spurs | Top | 129-112 |
Win | 101 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
The Grizzlies were the “it” team in the league before they were forced to step off the court, having won a season-high five straight games, their longest winning streak since a seven-game run last January. With a win Saturday, Memphis would start a season 5-1 on the road for the first time in franchise history. In its most recent game, Memphis defeated the Phoenix Suns 108-104, and for the second consecutive game, seven Grizzlies scored in double figures. Ja Morant (17 points, 10 assists) recorded his first double-double of the season |
01-30-21 |
Bucks v. Hornets +7.5 | Top | 114-126 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
The Bucks got blasted last night by the New Orleans Pelicans. who set a franchise record for threes made in a game (21, including seven apiece from notoriously-meh shooters Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe). This is not new; it was the third game this season that the opponent made more than 20 threes against Milwaukee and the thirteenth game that the opponent has made more than the league average (12.8 makes). On the season, the Bucks are allowing the third-most makes per game from downtown (14.8) on the third-highest conversion rate (38.9% shooting). |
01-29-21 |
Kings +5.5 v. Raptors | Top | 126-124 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 57 m | Show |
Don't expect the kind of 144-point showing the Raptors put up against the Kings last time that included 51% 3-point shooting. |
01-28-21 |
Warriors +2.5 v. Suns | Top | 93-114 |
Loss | -110 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
Phoenix has lost three straight, and has gone 3-7 since starting the season 5-1. Among the teams who have beat them: the Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons. |
01-27-21 |
Thunder +7.5 v. Suns | Top | 102-97 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
OKC Thunder are the worst team in the league from downtown but dropped 18 treys in their last outing against the Portland Trail Blazers to notch up an upset win. The fact that they're playing competitive basketball despite veterans George Hill and Al Horford sitting out shows the quality of youngsters on this OKC Thunder roster. |