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10* Knicks (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on the "under" in Game 3 in the Pacers win, and the Knicks cover. Now here in Game 4 we think that New York will, at the very least, keep it close enough once again to earn a comfortable cover. We do in fact think New York has a legit shot at winning this one outright. The Knicks lost Game 3 at Philadelphia in their first round series after winning the first two in New York, and then made adjustments and won Game 4 by a score of 97-92. We're expecting New York to make the same adjusments here and we look for Jalen Brunson and the visitors to find a way to get the job done with the points; the play is indeed on the Knicks!

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10* Nuggets (BLOCKBUSTER)

The Nuggets have their collective backs agaisnt the wall. Clearly, not many expected Minnesota to be up 2-0 in this series, but here we are. The cast of characters is well known for each side, as are the strengths and weaknesses of each team. Denver though is still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent though. And we think this stat becomes even stronger with the double revenge-scenario. Either way, we're not counting out the champs quite yet and while we do in fact thing an outright win is a possibility, our official call will be to grab as many points as you can with Denver!

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10* Knicks (2ND RND EAST-CONF GOY)

We're going to say that the Knicks not only win Game 2, but they'll also go on to cover the spread this time after winning 121-117 in the first one. Jalen Bruson continues to be a major bright spot for New York, he had 43 points and it was his fourth straight game with at least 40 points scored. The Pacers got big games from Myles Turner who had 23 points and from Pascal Siakam, who added 19. But Brunson has truly been special of late, as he actually became the fourth player in NBA Playoff history to score 40 or more points in four consecutive games. We really do think that the Pacers threw their best possible shot they had in Game 1, and they just don't have an answer. In fact Indiana led 87-82 after three quarters. This series already has the feeling of the Cavaliers and the Magic in the first round where the home floor advantage can't be overlooked. We're not saying that the Pacers are going to roll over, but we just think their opportunity to earn a split in these first two games has dwindled away. And we don't see the Knicks allowing the Pacers to hold such a big lead right out of the gates in Game 2. That's how we see this series playing out here in the short term anyways, with home floor advantage once again the difference-maker for Brunson on Wednesday night; the play is indeed on New York!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

The Cavaliers lost every game on the road in their Round 1 series vs. the Magic, and won every game at home. We can expect this pattern to continue here for sure facing the well-rested Celtics, who have had nearly an entire week off after beating Miami in five. That included a 118-84 win in Game 5 here last week. No need to overanalyze this one, as we're predicting a similar final outcome here as well as everything points to the Cavs coming in "gassed" after their emotional seven-game series win over the Magic; so lay the points with confidence, the play is indeed on Boston!

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10* Knicks (EAST-CONF GOW)

We like the Knicks to not only win this game, but to do so in blowout fashion. The Pacers got by the wounded Bucks in six games, but we expect them to struggle here in this difficult road venue vs. New York, which got by Philly to advance to this point. So far Indiana is averaging 113 PPG in the playoffs, and allowing 110.2. New York averaged 108.3 PPG in the first round, while allowing 108.2. The Pacers went 2-1 SU in the regular season vs. New York, but with Jalen Brunson now playing at such an elite level, we think the visiting side will have trouble containing the home side's super star. In the end, lay the points and expect a convincing win and cover for New York!

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10* Cavaliers (ASSASSIN)

No need to overthink this one. Betting the Cavs on the spread is quite the public pick, but with the home team having won every game so far in this series, we're expecting this trend to continue and for Cleveland to not only win this game, but to do so by a sizeable margin. Orlando is very talented, but young. Cleveland has the more experienced core and the home floor advantage at this point of the series simply can't be overlooked. We say that the Cavaliers at home are the correct call here in Game 7; lay the short points, the play is indeed on Cleveland!

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10* Nuggets (WEST-CONF RND 2 GOY)

Both teams looked great in their Round 1 series. No one expected the Wolves to sweep the Suns. Everyone expected the Nuggets to take out the Lakers in 4 to 6 games. Either way, these two Western Conference powerhouses collide here, but now we feel that the home floor advantage will prove to be a difference-maker. Denver beat Minnesota 116-107 here at home Back on April 10th, and we're expecting a similar final combined score here as well. Denver will be acutely aware to not give up this first game, and while the Wolves looked decent against the dysfunctional Suns, now they have to contend with the best player on the planet; grab the points, the play is Denver!

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10* Clippers (WEST-CONF GOM)

Outright win?! As Kevin Garnett once said, anything is possible, but in a contest that we see being decided by whichever side has its hands on the ball last, we're going to grab the points. LA is 6-2 ATS in its last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss in which it was held to 95 or fewer points in as well. James Harden had a difficult night last time out, but we don't see that happening again. We're stopping short in calling for the outright upset, but we're grabbing the points with LA and, at the very least, expecting a battle until the final horn!

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10* Magic (EAST-CONF GOM)

So far, as far as winning and losing SU, home floor advantage has meant everything. Game 5 was the first game in this series in which the home team didn't cover the spread. But we see Orlando not only covering here at home, but doing do in blowout fashion once again, setting up a decisive Game 7 in Cleveland and making this a spread that we have no issues at all in laying. Cleveland is still just 22-21 on the road, while Orlando is 31-12 at home. the Magic held the Cavs to under 90 points in Game's 3 and 4 and we're expecting a similar dominant performance here as well; lay the points, the play is Orlando!

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10* 76ers (BLOCKBUSTER)

We think that New York wasted its opportunity to put away Philadelphia and that the momentum has now firmly swung back in favor of the 76ers. Yes, Joel Embiid isn't at 100%, but he's quickly adapting and his teammates have picked up the slack. The Knicks have a ton of talent, but they lack size and depth. And now they're fatigued, on the road and the pressure is squarely on them to get the job done here and now; we say they stumble and the home side not only wins this game, but does so in blowout fashion!

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10* Clippers (BEST OF BEST)

The Clippers won Game 4 as seven point dogs and now here at home getting points, and with the majority of the public money on the visitors as well, we're going the other way here. The Mavericks defense looked like it might take over this series, but Paul George and company solved the puzzle last time out in Game 4 and we're expecting a similar game-plan here at home now. It's Luke Doncic and the Mavericks who are now fatigued here on the road. While we definitely feel that the outright victory is a possibility, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* Pelicans (WEST-CONF GOW)

Much like the Lakers rallied in their fourth game when down 3-0 to Denver to push the series to a fifth, we're expecting the same result here from New Orleans. That said, in a contest that we see being very competitive, we're going to recommend to grab as many points as you can. The Thunder struggled a bit in Game 1, but have dominated the last two games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company are in unchartered territory and we think they'll have a hard time putting away the Pelicans on the road here in this fourth game. A letdown at some point is going to happen for OKC, and we say it's here on Monday night. As stated above, we do feel the outright is possible, but the official call is to grab as many points as you can with New Orleans!

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10* Suns (BLOCKBUSTER)

Minnesota has surprisingly dominated this series. The Wolves were favored to win, but still no one expected the Suns to get swept. And we still don't think that'll be the case. They say that winning the fourth game of any series is the most difficult. Note that Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Minnesota is on the cusp of wrapping up this series, but a letdown appears imminent in our eyes. Too much talent and heart still left here on this Phoenix team, much like the Lakers last night, who just delayed the inevitable now heading back to Denver. Either way, the play for us here in Game 4 is indeed on Phoenix!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

Philadelphia took Game 3, but we're expecting a battle until the final horn here in Game 4 after the 125-114 setback on Thursday. note that the Knicks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent. Both teams have had to deal with injuries and are still dealing with injuries. Home court has so far proven to be an advantage in this series, but we say that trend gets bucked today. In what we suspect will be an all out war, we're grabbing the points!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

We feel that home floor advantage will prove to be just that for the 0-2 Pelicans finally here on Saturday afternoon. An 0-3 hole would be too big to climb out of obviously, so this is the biggest game of the year for New Orleans. OKC was 24-17 on the road this year, while New Orleans was 22-20 at home. Regardless, it's significant to note that the Pelicans are in fact 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. Yes, Zion Williamson is out for this series, but CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram are going to respond in our opinion. There's no way the Pels are getting swept, as really the Thunder have been anything but impressive to us over these first two games. We just expected more. The Pels shoot over 37 percent from range at home, and we expect that to come into play here as well; grab as many points as you can here in Game 3, the play is on New Orleans!

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10* Suns (BLOCKBUSTER)

We think that a little "home cooking" will turn the tide in this series, as we're expecting the Suns to not only win this essentially must-win Game 3, but to do so by a sizeable margin. Phoenix has in fact responded well in this spot for bettors by going 8-4 ATS in its last 12 in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. The Suns were a lot better at home this year as well, finishing with a 24-16 record. Minnesota has looked solid so far, but we're cautious here with its first game in the playoffs away from friendly confines. A 3-0 hole will be just too big for Phoenix to climb out of; with the home side risking life and limb, the play is indeed on the Suns!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

Whether Zion plays or not, we like the Pels to give the Thunder a run for their money. New Orleans has experience in its core, while the Thunder come in with plenty of talent and a great regular seaosn record. New Orleans went 1-2 against the Thunder thi syear. OKC closed with five straight wins to close out, but will "rest" lead to "rust?!" In our opinion, "yes!" Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum look unbelievable right now and they won't be going down without a fight. We're not calling for an outright upset or anything, but everything points to a much tighter battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe in our opinion; grab the points, the play is indeed on New Orleans!

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10* Pacers (ASSASSIN)

The Bucks stumbled down the stretch and we believe that regression continues here in the first round of the playoffs, despite finishing third in the East and with home floor advantage over No. 6 Indiana. Giannis Antetokounmpo is injured, hence the Pacers being favored here. Milwaukee lost eight of 11 to close the year, while Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers won six of eight to stay out of the Play-In Tournament. Indiana won four of the five regular season games and we see this dominance continuing; the play is indeed on Indiana!

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10* Magic (EAST-CONF FIRST RND GOY)

The Cavs did go on that massive run in the middle of the season, but they looked very pedestrian down the stretch. Orlando was 29-12 at home, but it also features the No. 3 defense in the NBA. Cavs' star Donovan Mitchell missed time down the stretch and Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff's team just looked out of sync over the last month. The Magic went 16-10 down the stretch, while the Cavs went 12-16. Look for Orlando to, at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments and grab as many points as you can!

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10* Pels (ASSASSIN)

Despite Zion sitting, with nearly 75% of the public money on the Kings, we're going full on contrarian here and taking the still dangerous home side, which we expect will find a way to deliver the goods and move on further into the Playoffs. The Kings got by their nemesis the Warriors and are now primed for a classic "letdown" in our opinion. New Orleans fought tooth and nail and fell 110-106 to the the Lakers. We think LA would have smashed Sacramento if they had to play the first game. Despite that though, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are going to step up and fill the void here left by Zion's injury. The Pels were 7-5 in games without Zion this year and New Orleans has dominated this series all year long, going 5-0 SU in the regular season. HOME COURT ADVANTAGE DOES MATTER HERE! Grab the points, the play is NEW ORLEANS.

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10* Lakers (PLAY-IN GOY)

The Lakers won't be looking to leave anything for chance for here to avoid a possible matchup with the Nuggets, instead we're expecting the experienced visiting side to rally late and play tougher defense and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Anthony Davis had a huge year, and he'll be risking life and limb here to get the better of his old team. The Lakers beat New Orleans 124-108 in the final game of the regular season here and LA also won the In-Season Tournament over the Pacers. While we think the future is bright for the Pels, all signs point to LA coming out on top on Tuesday!

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10* Thunder (BLOOD-BATH)

Two teams pushing towards the playoffs with just a handful of games to go, but the overall situation favors the home side in our opinion. Both teams played just last night. Sacramento snapped a two-game slide with a 107-77 win at Brooklyn, but with a night off before three straight at home to close out the year, can anyone say "letdown" spot here? The Thunder snapped a three-game slide with a 121-118 win at Charlotte, but it's now dropped five straight ATS. Note though that OKC is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after five or more ATS losses in a row. This is the start of four straight at home to close out the year and we're expecting the Thunder to set the tone early here and to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points, the play is OKC!

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10* Cavaliers (ASSASSIN)

We had a play on Cleveland yesterday. Did the Cavs get caught looking ahead to this one in their 116-97 loss here to the Lakers, or did they just run into a red-hot team? We now think a little of both. Note though that the Cavs have in fact responded well in this spot for bettors though by going 7-2 ATS in their last nine off a SU/ATS road loss in which they were held to 99 or fewer points in. The Clippers are coming off back-to-back victories, but with two straight vs. Phoenix after this, we believe the home side gets caught "looking ahead." In a contest that we see being decided by whichever of these hungry and talented sides has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is Cleveland!

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10* Cavaliers (REVENGE ASSASSIN)

A great overall situational wager here, as after going 4-1 on their five-game Eastern swing, and now sitting in ninth spot in the West, we're expecting the Lakers to have a letdown here in their first game back, especially with the Wolves coming to town tomorrow. So not only is it a natural "letdown" spot, but it's also a "look ahead." Add those two factors together and you invariably get "trap game!" Cleveland will look to take advantage. It has a tough game here tomorrow night vs. the Clippers as well. The Cavs play with revenge after a 121-115 home loss to LA back in November, and note that Cleveland is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points, the play is Cleveland!

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10* Kings (NON-CONF UNDERDOG OF MONTH)

These teams are fighting for playoff positioning, but the Kings play with the immediate "revenge factor" and we believe that'll be the difference in this one. The outright is possible obviously with a small spread like this, but our official call is to grab as many points as you can. Sacramento lost 98-91 at home to the Knicks in mid March and note that the Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. New York is playing poorly right right now, off three straight losses and with four straight Eastern conference road games after this, starting in Chicago tomorrow night. This has "trap" written all over it for New York. A great "spot" bet here on revenge-minded Sacramento!

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10* Lakers (NON-CONF GAME OF MONTH)

The season is winding down, but that means that there are going to be plenty of great "situations" to take advantage of. And this is one of them. Both teams played yesterday. Both teams won. The Lakers beat Toronto 128-111 and easily covered the 13.5-point spread, while Washington snapped a three-game slide with a 117-113 outright victory over the Bucks as 12.5-point dogs last night. The Lakers are in ninth spot, 1.5 games behind the Suns for the eighth, and because of that we're expecting the visitors to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish; lay the price, the play is LA.

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10* Pelicans (REVENGE ATS BLOOD-BATH)

We're coming down the home stretch here. We like the Pels to avenge a 123-109 home loss to Phoenix as 2.5-point favorites back in January, as note that they're 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. The Suns are off the 128-103 loss at OKC and after this they return home for three straight. We say this not only sets up as a letdown spot for the visitors, but also a "look ahead." Look for New Orleans to step up and take advantage!

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10* Spurs (UNDERDOG OF WEEK)

We just feel this is a great spot for the Spurs to keep their recent momentum rolling here and to, at the very least, keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door with all the points that they've been afforded in this one. Golden State is off three straight road victories, but with a night off followed by a home game vs. the Mavericks, would anyone fault the Warriors for "looking past" the Spurs here?! San Antonio though has won three straight as well and is arguably playing its best basketball of the season. It plays with revenge as well. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is indeed on San Antonio!

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10* Jazz (ASSASSIN)

While we're stopping short in calling for the outright upset, we love how this one sets up for Utah, as we're defintely expecting an all-out battle until the final horn. Houston has been red hot of late, but a letdown is inevitable. We say it happens here. The Rockets have won ten in a row. They're coming off a 132-126 OT win at OKC as 4.5-point dogs. After this "cream puff" matchup vs. the lowly Jazz, they then face Dallas, Minneosta, Golden State and Miami. Can anyone say "letdown" spot + "look-ahead" spot which = TRAP GAME! Utah plays with revenge as well after a humbling 147-119 loss to the Rockets just last week. Give us the revenge-minded home side to keep this one close enough to comfortably earn the ATS cover; grab the points, the play is indeed on Utah!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

We think this is a great spot for the Pels to exact a little revenge vs. the Bucks. We're coming down the home stretch and teams are still jockeying for position. Milwuakee had its two-game win streak snapped in a 128-124 OT loss at home to the Lakers, and we think they'll have difficulty regrouping on the road here vs. this Western Conference opponent. Milwaukee returns home to face the Hawks after this, so we think the visitors get caught looking ahead. The Pels do indeed play with revenge after falling 141-117 at Milwaukee in January and note that New Orleans is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent; the play is New Orleans!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

I like betting against teams that are playing the second game of a back-to-back when the situation makes sense, but this isn't one of those times. It's crunch time in the NBA right now and the Lakers are surging towards the finish line, as their big stars continue to light up the score board of late. LA is off a big 128-124 OT win at the Bucks last night. Previous to that they won 150-145 at home over the Pacers. AD had a big night last night, but expect The King to carry the load this evening. LA plays with revenge as well after an inexplicable 127-113 loss to the Grizz at home as four-point favs back in January, and note that the Lakers are in fact 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent; lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Spurs (DOG OF WEEK)

This is a great "spot" bet on the Spurs. San Antonio will get a better chance at a better draft pick the more games it loses at this point, but there are still going to be some "spots" that it makes sense to wager on them, and this is one of those situations in our opinion. The Spurs just lost here 131-106 to the Suns, and note that SA is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent in which it was held to 109 or fewer points in. The Suns have won three in a row, but with a game at Denver up next, not only does this set up as a natural "letdown" spot for the visitors, but also a "look ahead," and add those two factors together and you invariably get "trap game!" This is a trap for the road favorite. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is San Antonio!

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10* Pelicans (SIDE $HOCKER)

Here's a great spot for New Orleans to bounce back in in our opinion. The Pels are 22-14 on the road still despite last night's 121-106 loss at Orlando. New Orleans was never really in it. Perhaps it got caught looking ahead to this one?! Previous to that the Pelicans had won three straight. They play with the added incentive of revenge here though after falling 106-95 at home to the Heat, a result that's significant to note as New Orleans is in fact 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in. Miami is 17-15 at home, and it returns to South Beach after a 3-1 road trip, ending with 107-104 upset win at Cleveland. With the Cavaliers coming to town on Sunday, not only does this set up as a potential "letdown" spot for the home side, but also a potential "look-ahead" position as well. Add those two factors together and you have a potential "trap" game here for Miami. While we clearly feel an outright victory is in the realm of possibility, our official call will be to grab as many points as you can with New Orleans!

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10* Heat (EAST-CONF NON-DIV GOY)

In a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points. That said, we do like Miami to win this one outright and to avenge an earlier 111-99 home loss to the Cavaliers back in early December (note that Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in as well.) Off a 98-91 loss at Philadelphia, look for the Heat to regroup here in Cleveland. The Cavs have been trading wins/losses over their last four games and off a 108-103 road win at Indiana, we're expecting this pattern to continue. These teams will play in Miami this weekend again, but we're expecting the revenge-minded Heat to be the ones to send the early message; grab the points, the play is indeed on Miami!

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10* Suns (NON-CONF GOM)

Phoenix is 37-27, including 17-13 on the road, while Boston is 51-14, including 29-3 at home. The Suns have been playing better of late as they've won three of their last four. They'll have had three whole nights off after beating Cleveland on the road 117-111 last time out. Phoenix has lost three straight ATS though, but that's significant for us to note, as the Suns are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row. Phoenix also plays with revenge after falling 117-107 at home to Boston just last week. The Celtics have won three straight SU/ATS, but on this first game back home after their successful Western swing, everything finally points to a bit of a letdown here in this non-conference matchup in our opinion; no outright, but closer than expected so grab the points, teh play is indeed on Phoenix!

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10* Kings (REVENGE ASSASSIN)

It's the end of a long road trip for the Bucks, who broke a two-game slide with a 124-117 road win ver the Clippers last time out. With a night off before a home game vs. the Bucks, not only is this a letdown spot, but also a look-ahead. The Kings play with revenge after a 143-142 OT loss at Milwaukee in January, and note that Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last five in trying to avenge a SU road loss vs. an opponent. Clearly we feel the outright is possible, but in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can with Sacramento!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

Milwaukee is just 16-15 on the road, while the Lakers are 23-11 at home. The Bucks kicked off their road trip with an uninspiring 125-90 loss at Golden State, which snapped their win streak since the All Star game. With tougher games on the horizon as well here vs. the Clippers in two nights, this is for sure a letdown + look-ahead spot. Add those two factors together and you get "trap game!" LA is off a 130-120 home loss to the Kings as three-point favs, but note that the Lakers are 3-1 ATS in their last four off a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite. Grab the points, the play is LA!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

Payback. Boston's big home win streak came to an end in mid January when the defending World Champs came to town and won 102-100. The Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. Both teams are coming off losses, but Denver's 117-107 OT home loss to the Suns will still be fresh on the front of their minds. The Celtics fell 105-104 at Cleveland, but had won 11 straight previous to that. Look for the "revenge factor" to be the difference-maker tonight; the play is indeed on Boston!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

This one comes down to REVENGE Lenny. These team are pretty evenly matched on any given night, but the Lakers are at home an dthey're playing with revenge. We think those two factors added together will result in a solid win and cover for the Lake Show on Wednesday night. Sacramento is 34-26 overall, including 18-15 on the road, while LA is 35-29 overall, including 23-10 at home. The Kings come into this one off an awkward 113-109 home loss to Chicago, and with a MUCH EASIER game at home tomorrow night vs. the Spurs, we think the visitors will get caught "LOOKING AHEAD" here (especially with a couple days off after that followed by four more home games.) But for the Lakers, they've now won three of their last four and they didn't look past Oklahoma City last time out, winning 116-104. And they do play with revenge after the 125-110 loss here at home to the Kings at the start of the season, and note that LA is in fact 7-3 against the spread in its last ten in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss against an opponent. After this the Lakers have two tough games vs. the Bucks and Wolves, before a rematch on the road in Sacarmento, so this game here vs. the Kings on Wednesday night does indeed take on added importance for the home side. Look for LA to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish and lay the short points with confidence!

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10* Suns (WESTERN-CONFERENCE NON-DIVISION GOM)

We base our picks on many different things, and this particular one is a great "situational" release. Phoenix will be desperate to snap a two-game slide following a humbling 118-110 loss to OKC as a 4.5-point favorite. That was the Suns third straight ATS loss. Note though that Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last ten off an upset loss as a home favorite, and it's also 4-1 ATS in its last five after three or more ATS losses in a row. Additionally the Suns play with the added incentive of "revenge" here after a 119-111 home loss to the Nuggets back in early December, and note that they're 8-4 ATS in their last 12 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Denver has yet to lose since the All Star break, and it's covered in every game but one of those. But with Boston coming to town on Thursday night, not only does this set up as a potential letdown spot, but also a potential look-ahead spot. Look for Phoenix to take advantage!

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10* Utah (DOG OF MONTH)

We simply feel this is a great "spot" wager on Utah. Outright win?! Probably not. But we love betting on these types of situations. Yes, Miami is hot, but this is a natural "letdown" spot. The Heat went 5-6 on their road trip. They dropped the final game in Denver, but still covered the spread. They've covered in nine straight now. I think the home side is now overvalued though. Teams that return home after a long and successful road trip, often have a letdown in the first game back in front of the home town crowd. The Jazz will look to take advantage. They beat the Heat 117-109 at home back in late December, but off B2B losses to open this road trip, we're looking for the hungry visitors to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch; grab the points, the play is indeed on the Jazz!

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10* Clippers (NON-CONF GOW)

Just a good old situational play here. No need to overthink this one. The Wizards are off a 134-131 OT loss here to the Lakers just last night, and clearly fatigue will be a major issue. With a couple nights off after this, we say the visitors just "go through the motions" in this one. As we said, a great "situational" play. The Clippers won't be lacking motivation either after B2B losses here at home. Lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Nuggets (WEST-CONF NON-DIV GOM)

Gentlemen, on one side of the court we have the Sacramento Kings, who are 33-24 overall, but who are off a 121-110 loss at home to Miami just last night.

And on the other end of the court we have the defending champs, who have won three straight and who have had two whole days off to prepare for this one.

We're giving this one the good ol "eye test" here on Wednesday night, and rolling with the revenge-minded home side. 

The Nuggets have come out of the all-star break and playing at a really high level. 

Three straight wins, three straight covers. Tomorrow they have Miami coming to town, so it's not really a "look ahead" spot whatsoever. 

Revenging their 102-98 loss to the Kings here at home in the middle of the month is the much more important thing to take care off. 

That result though is important for two different reasons, as Denver is 7-3 against the spread in its last ten in trying to avenge a straight-up and against-the-spread home loss vs. an opponent, and it's also 3-1 against-the-spread in its last four in trying to avenge a home loss an opponent in which it was held to 99 or fewer points in.

Damantas Sabonis looked good with a triple-double for the Kings last night, but difficult to see him repeat that performance here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario, facing the Joker in the thin air of Denver. Jokic had a triple-double in the Nuggets latest victory, finishing with 32 points, 16 boards and 16 assists.

The Kings defense looked really bad last night against a Miami Heat squad that averages only 110.6 points per game, which ranks 27th in the league currently.

Guys, another great "situational" play here that's backed by several strong trends, so lay the points with confidence, the play is indeed on the Nuggets!

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10* Blazers (NON-CONFERENCE GOM)

On one side we have the Miami Heat, who are 32-25 overall, including 17-12 on the road, and who are arguably playing their best basketball of the season, off four straight road wins, all as an underdog, including just last night with a 121-110 win over the Kings in Sacramento just last night.

On the other end of the court we have the Portland Trailblazers, who are just 15-41 overall. They've struggled at home and on the road, but after eight straight SU losses and seven straight ATS setbacks, we feel this is a great spot for Portland to, at the very least, sneak away with a comfortable cover finally.

We're primarily situational handicappers, and this one falls right into our wheelhouse. 

These teams haven't played since 2022 and the Blazers beat the Heat on the road in that game. 

But after the four straight road victories, including the impressive one just last night, and with a game at the defending champs up next, going to Denver to end this six-game road swing, we say that not only is this a natural "letdown" spot, but also clearly a "look-ahead" spot. Would anyone fault the Heat for looking ahead to that one after this stretch of great play.

Clearly Miami will be resting players in anticipation of that one. 

When you add those two factors together, letdown + look-ahead, you get "TRAP GAME." 

Doesn't set up any better as being a "TRAP" game here in our opinion as situational cappers.

We're also contrarians, and with 60% of the early public money on the visitors, that also appeals to our contrarian side.

The Blazers are just 9-19 at home. They're off the 93-80 loss at home to lowly Charlotte as 3.5-point favorites. Pretty much the lowest of the low right now for Portland. 

But Portland has in fact responded well in this spot for bettors by going 4-1 against the spread in its last five after a SU and ATS home loss as a favorite in which its been held to 85 or fewer points in.

We base our picks on many different things. Some times it involves injuries. Other times we base our picks on really strong trends. Other times its based on situations.

This particular pick is a fantastic "SITUATIONAL" play and while we'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to a much tighter battle than what the oddsmakers are suggesting here, so the official call will be indeed to grab as many points as you can with the Blazers!

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10* Kings (PACIFIC DIV. GOM)

With nearly 70% of the early public money on the home side favorite, we're for sure going full on contrarian with this one. Sacramento is 32-23 overall, including 16-14 on the road, while LA is 37-18 overall, including 20-6 at home. The Kings have won two straight. They couldn't cover the large 10-point spread at home to the Spurs, as they took the foot off the gas and got caught looking ahead to this one. The Kings now kick off four straight vs. incredibly tough competition, as they face Miami, Denver and Minnesota after this. They play with revenge as well after a 119-99 loss here in December, and note that the Kings are in fact 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS divisional road loss vs. an opponent. The Clippers haven't been at their best of late, as they've been alternating wins/losses over their last seven games. They're off a 101-95 victory at Memphis, but with a high-profile game vs. the Lakers up next, they could be caught "looking ahead" here as well. While the outright is possible, our official call is to grab as many points as you can here with Sacramento!

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10* Pistons (EAST-CONF GOW)

This one just sets up really for Detroit in a lot of ways. Outright win? Possibly, but in a contest that we do see being extremely competitive until the final horn sounds, are recommendation for this contest will be to grab as many points as you can. Orlando is 31-25, but just 13-17 on the road. Detroit is 8-47 overall, and only 4-23 SU at home. But the Pistons are 13-14 ATS. Regardless, after B2B victories, including a 116-109 win at Cleveland as a 5.5-point dog last time out, we're expecting Orlando to have a letdown here, while also getting caught "looking ahead" to its much more high-profile game at Atlanta tomorrow night. The Pistons play with the added incentive of "revenge" as well after falling 111-99 to Orlando earlier. The Pistons have lost four straight SU, and three straight ATS, but note that Detroit is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row. Grab the points, the play is indeed on Detroit!

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10* Bucks (ASSASSIN)

The Bucks are 35-21, including 12-14 on the road, while Minnesota is 39-16, including 19-5 at home. The Bucks come into the second half ready to get back on track after a tumultuous first. Regardless, they play with revenge here after a 129-105 loss at home to Minnesota back in early February, and note that the Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The Wolves went into the break on the heels of four straight wins, but we say the break came at the wrong time for the home side. Rest = rust in its case. But it's going to be beneficial for the beleaguered Bucks, who we feel have a legit shot at winning this one outright; that said, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with Milwaukee!

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10* Nuggets (NON-CONF GOW)

With the second half now underway, we're expecting the rested defending champs to send a message to the rest of the league that they're still the "big dog" in town. Washington is just 9-45 overall, including 6-22 on the road. Amazingly the Wizards though are 18-8-2 ATS away from friendly confines, as they've consistently been undervalued over the first half. But we're not buying it here. Denver is 21-5 SU at home. The Nuggets went into the break on the heels of three straight SU/ATS losses, but note that Denver is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Look for the home side to make an example out of the Wizards, who we expect will throw in the white towel early as they prepare for their game at Oklahoma City tomorrow night; lay the points, the play is DENVER.

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10* Spurs (REVENGE ASSASSIN)

We think the Spurs will hang around late and make this one interesting. San Antonio just snapped a lengthy slide with a 122-99 win at Toronto and we think it'll keep that confidence and momentum rolling here. They play with revenge after a 144-119 loss here on December 23rd, and note that the Spurs are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent. Dallas has won five straight, but with the All-Star break right after this, we say the home side takes the foot off the gas in the second half and gets caught "looking ahead," grab the points, the play is San Antonio!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

Milwaukee is 35-19, including 23-6 at home, while Miami is 28-25 overall, including 13-12 on the road. With nearly 75% of the early public money on the home side, we're going full on contrarian here for sure and going the other way. The Bucks are off B2B quality victories, including a 112-95 win here just last night vs. the defending champs, and all signs point to a predictable letdown here in the second game of the B2B scenario in our opinion. Note as well that Milwaukee is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten off a SU/ATS home victory in which it held its opponent to 95 or fewer points in as well. The Heat play with revenge as well after a 131-124 SU/ATS home loss back in November, and note that Miami is a solid 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as an underdog vs. an opponent. 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 Miami!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

The Heat are on fire right now and we think they have a legit shot at winning this game outright afte rwinning four of their last five. They play with revenge as well after a humbling 143-110 loss here at home to Boston a couple weeks ago as 8.5-point dogs, and note that the Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a dog vs. an opponent. Boston has won three straight, but with a home and home set with the Nets upcoming, we think they also get caught looking ahead here; grab the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Spurs (TOP CONTRARIAN)

Outright win?! Anything is possible, but in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as possible. The Spurs are terrible obviously. They're off a 127-111 loss at Orlando. That's three straight ATS setbacks, but note that San Antonio is in fact 7-3 ATS in its last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row. Brooklyn is off three straight SU/ATS losses as well, most recently falling 118-95 to the Cavaliers. This is a game that the Spurs can legit win outright, but in a contest that we see being decided by whichever of these hungry sides has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is San Antonio!

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10* 76ers (SHOCKER)

The 76ers continue to try and adjust to life without star center Joel Embiid, but this particular matchup now definitely favors Philly in our opinion. The Hawks are just 10-15 on the road, while the 76ers are 17-9 at home. Atlatna is off two straight losses and with a home game vs. lowly Houston tomorrow, we believe the visitors get caught "looking ahead." Philly plays with revenge after a 139-132 OT loss as a favorite on the road back in January to the Hawks, and note that the 76ers are in fact a wallet-expanding 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. While we think the outright victory is possible, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can with Philadelphia!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

With nearly 75% of the early public money on the visitors, we'll go full on contrarian here and go the other way with the hungry home side. Denver is 35-16, but a much more pedestrian 14-12 on the road. The Lakers are 28-25 overall, but 18-8 at home. LA returns home from a 4-2 road trip, including winning three straight to close out. With two days rest and playing with revenge after a 119-107 road loss in Denver at the start of the year, we love the way this one sets up for the revenge-minded home side. Denver is off two straight home wins over lowly Portland, but its last road excursion resulted in a 105-100 loss at OKC. 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 indeed on LA!

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10* Wizards (REVENGE TOP)

Outright win?! We're not calling for that, but all signs do indeed point to contest being much more competitive than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe in our opinion. The Cavaliers are 32-16, including 14-8 on the road, while Washington is 9-40, including just 3-21 at home. the Cavaliers have won six straight, but with a game at Brooklyn tomorrow night, we expect the visitors to take the foot off the gas in the second half. And the revenge-minded Wiz, who fell 114-90 at Cleveland in January, will look to take advantage. Note that Washington is 7-3 (70%) ATS in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent in which it was held to 95 or fewer points in. A great situational play here on Washington!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

The Clippers are a lot better this year than we thought they'd be at this point of the season. They're 32-15 overall, but just 13-11 on the road. They're 4-1 SU/ATS on their current road trip, but with a final road contest tomorrow in Atlanta, we're expecting the visitors to finally get caught "looking ahead." Miami comes in with momentum, off back-to-back wins and it plays with revenge as well after a 121-104 loss at LA on New Years day, and note that the Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent; grab the points, the play is indeed on Miami!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

While we do feel an outright win is possible, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can with the visiting side. LA is 26-25 now after its upset 114-105 road win as a 15-point dog last time out. LBJ and AD both sat that one out, but are expected to play here. LA plays with revenge as well after a 114-105 home loss to the Knicks back in December, and note that the Lakers are 3-1 ATS in their last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. After nine straight SU wins, the Knicks now have a big target on their backs. While we do feel an outright upset is a possibility, in the end we'll recommend to grab the points here with LA!

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10* Pacers (EAST-CONF GOM)

Here's a great situational play on Indiana. The Pacers are 27-22 overall. They're off a 129-124 road loss at Boston, covering with the eight-point spread. We're expecting another spirited effort on the road here as well in the Big Apple. Indiana beat New York 140-126 at home back on December 30th. But it's the Knicks that come in overvalued here by the oddsmakers in our estimation after eight straight SU wins and six straight ATS victories. With the Lakers coming to town next, we believe the home side also gets caught "looking ahead." Grab the points, the play is indeed on Indiana!

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10* Bucks (ASSASSIN)

The Bucks are 30-13 overall and have a 19-4 record at home, but they still decided to make a coaching change. Look for this to have an immediate effect on the players here on Wednesday night as they keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. Cleveland is 26-15, including 11-7 on the road, but after eight straight SU/ATS victories in a row, everything points to a letdown here finally in our opinion, which is the opener of two straight here between the clubs. Milwaukee plays with revenge after a humbling 135-95 loss at Cleveland on January 17th, and note that the Bucks are in fact 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss in which they were held to 95 or fewer points in vs. an opponent. Lay the points with confidence, the play is Milwaukee!

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10* Dallas (NON-CONF GOM)

Here's a great situational play. After suffering their first home defeat to the Nuggets, Boston bounced back with a seven point win in Houston just last night, unable to cover the 11-point spread. Now they're being asked to cover another tough spread and we believe that fatigue will definitely be an issue here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. The Mavericks look to regroup after a 127-110 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday. In a contest that we see Dallas having a legitimate shot at winning outright, our official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the home side!

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10* Wizards (ATS BLOOD-BATH)

Outright win? We're not calling for that. However, as primarily "situational" cappers, this one falls right into our "wheelhouse," as we think this is a "trap" game for Denver. The Nuggets just beat the Celtics 102-100 in Boston, snapping their 20-game home win streak. With upcoming road games at Indiana and New York, the visitors get caught "looking ahead" here. Washington has suffered three straight SU losses after last night's 131-127 setback to the Spurs, but note that the Wizards have in fact responded well in this spot for bettors by going 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more SU losses in a row; grab the points, the play is indeed on Washington!

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10* Bucks (ASSASSIN)

We expect Milwaukee to not only win this game, but to do so in blowout fashion. The Bucks are 28-13, but just 9-9 on the road. Detroit is 4-37, including only 2-18 at home. Milwaukee had its three-game win streak come to an end last time out in a 135-95 loss at Cleveland, but note that the Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten off a SU/ATS road loss in which they were held to 95 or fewer points in. They're also 3-1 ATS in their last four after three or more straight ATS losses in a row. This is in fact the opener of two straight here between the clubs. Look for Milwaukee to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish and lay the points with confidence!

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10* Nuggets (ASSASSIN)

The defending champs would love nothing more than to give the Celtics, who are 20-0 at home this year, their first loss of the season in this building. Is that possible?! With Nikola Jokic on the court, of course anything is possible. That said, in a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're definitely advising everyone to grab as many points as you can in this one. The Nuggets are off a loss to Philly, but we expect their defense to be "on point" tonight and to keep them in this one late. And with nearly 65% of the early public money on the home side, the clincher for us is going the other way and being contrarian with this release; grab the points, the play is indeed on Denver!

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10* Thunder (ASSASSIN)

OKC is 27-13 overall, including 11-8 on the road, while Utah is 22-20 overall, and 15-5 at home. Utah is 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS in its last ten, but after three straight upsets at home, we're expecting Utah to finally come out a bit flat here. After this they hit the road for six straight, so it's a look-ahead spot as well. The Thunder though are off back-to-back SU/ATS losses and won't be taking anything for granted here. This is a great 'situational' play on Oklahoma City!

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10* Kings (ASSASSIN)

While we do feel the outright in is a very real possibility, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can in what we expect to be a very competitive affair. Milwaukee is 18-4 at home, but after B2B high-profile home victories over Boston and Golden State, and with a few days off after this before an extended road trip, everything points to this being a classic "trap" for the home side as it gets caught "looking ahead." This is a great situational play. Sacramento started off its road trip with two wins, but stumbled 112-93 last time out at Philadelphia a 1-point favorite. Note though that the Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last ten off a SU/ATS road loss in which they were held to 95 or fewer points in. Everything points to this one "coming down to wire," so let's grab the points with Sacramento!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

Both teams are 20-20, but we love the way this one sets up for the visitors. LA's two-game win streak came to an end last time out in a 127-109 loss at home to Phoenix. Utah has won four straight, but after last night's big 145-113 home win over Toronto, we're expecting fatigue to be a major factor here. That's four straight upset wins for the Jazz, and alls signs point to a predictable letdown. Lay the short points, the play is the LA!

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10* 76ers (ASSASSIN)

As primarily "situational" handicappers, this one falls right  into our "wheelhouse." Sacramento is 10-7 on the road, while Philly is 13-6 at home. The Kings are off B2B road victories over Detroit and Charlotte, but note they face a determined 76ers side that's dropped three in a row SU/ATS. Note though that the 76ers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. It's an important three game stretch now for the 76ers, with Houston and Denver coming to town next. But with a game at Milwaukee upcoming, we also believe the visitors get caught "looking ahead." Lay the short points, the play is indeed on Philadelphia!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

While we're stopping short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to a much tighter battle than what this spread is suggesting in our opinion. Indiana is 12-8 at home and it's won seven of its last eight. That includes an upset 133-131 win here at home over Boston last time out. With an upcoming six-game road trip after this starting at ATL, everything points to the home side getting caught "looking ahead" here as well. Letdown + lookahead = "trap game!" This is a trap for the Pacers. No such luxury for the Wizards though who have lost five straight (but that's signficicant for us as bettors to take note of, as Washington has in fact gone 7-3 ATS in its last ten after five or more straight SU losses in a row.) No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is indeed on Washington!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

While we're not calling for the outright victory, all signs point to a much tighter battle than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe in our opinion. New York is 3-0 SU/ATS in its last three after last night's 128-92 road win at Philadelphia as a 5.5-point dog, but note that the Knicks are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten off an upset road win as an underdog in which they held their opponent to 95 or fewer points in. They're also just 1-4 ATS in their last five after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. We think a small mental letdown is inevitable here in the second game of the back-to-back and off the big upset victory; grab the points, the play is Washington!

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10* Warriors (ASSASSIN)

Denver has won four of its last five. It beat Golden State 120-114 at home on X-Mas Day, unable to cover the 7.5-point spread. The Warriors are 3-1 ATS in their last four in trying to avenge a SU road loss vs. an opponent. We think the Nuggets will get caught "looking ahead" here to their home game vs. the Magic tomorrow. Golden State snapped a three-game slide with a quality 121-115 victory over Orlando and with a winnable game at home vs. Detroit tomorrow, we're expecting Golden State to step up here and take advantage of the scheduling; grab the points, the play is indeed on Golden State!

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10* Hawks (UNDERDOG OF MONTH)

This one sets up unbelievably well for Atlanta. OKC is 23-9 and 9-4 on the road, but after five straight SU/ATS wins in a row, including an upset 127-123 home win over Boston just last night, can anyone say "letdown spot?!" Also note that the Thunder are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten after five or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. Atlanta just snapped a four-game slide with a 130-126 win over Washington to move to 13-19. That was three nights ago though. The Hawks are well rested and the play with revenge after falling 126-117 as one-point favorites in OKC back on November 6th, and note that ATL is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. A great situational play on Atlanta!

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10* Charlotte (NON-CONF GOW)

Of course we're not calling for the outright victory or anything, but all signs point to a much tighter affair than what this spread is suggesting in our opinion. The Hornets have won three of their last five, but they're off a 111-93 loss at Denver. But we say they fly in "under the radar" here vs. the Kings, who will get caught "looking ahead" to their much more high-profile game the following night here vs. the Magic. After back-to-back SU road wins, all signs point to the Kings having a small mental letdown here at home tonight; no outright, but closer than expected, so grab the points!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

We base our picks on many different things. This particular one is based on the "revenge" factor, which we'll admit, is completely overhyped at times. But not at all times, and definitely not in this case in our opinion. Utah is just 5-13 on the road, but after three straight SU/ATS victories in a row, we're expecting a predictable letdown here, as note that the Jazz are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. They beat the Pels 114-112 at home as a 6.5-point dog on November 27th, but note that New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. After back-to-back SU/ATS losses in a row, we're expecting the home side to come out fired up and completely focussed on the task at hand; lay the points with confidence, the play is New Orleans!

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10* Portland (ASSASSIN)

Outright win?! We're not calling for that, but we defintely expect this to be competitive until the final moments. The Kings are 17-11, but they're just 6-6 on the road. Off a 110-98 home loss to the Wolves, note that the Kings are in fact just 1-3 ATS in their last four off a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite in which they were held to 99 or fewer points in. Portland comes in under the radar here. It's off B2B losses, falling 126-106 at Golden State, but with a few days off to prepare, we're expecting the Blazers to be competitive here, just as they were in a 121-118 OT loss at Sacramento in early November; grab the points, the play is indeed on the Blazers!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

The Celtics opened up their West-coast swing with a 132-126 OT loss at Golden State, but they've since won B2B away games, handling Sacramento 144-119 and the Clippers here two nights ago 145-108. But with three nights off after this, we feel that the temptation to get caught "looking ahead" will be there for the visiting side now. No such luxury for LA though, which just snapped a four-game slide with a convincing 129-120 win at OKC. Look for the Lakers to carry that momentum over here and while the outright is obviously very possible, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with LA!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

We base our picks on many different things, this particular one sets up fantastically from a "situational" stand point. We say that Denver FOR SURE gets caught "looking ahead" to its X-Mas home game vs. Golden State. Charlotte has lost six straight SU and three straight ATS, but that's important for us to take note of us as the Hornets are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row. We're just expecting Denver to take the foot off the gas in the second half, as it prepares for its Nationally televised affair; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

We like Toronto to comfortably cover and sneak in through the backdoor down the stretch. Toronto plays with revenge after falling 114-109 here back on November 2nd, and note that the Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS divisional loss vs. an opponent. Philly's been playing great, but off a big win over the red hot Wolves, and with their X-Mas Day game at Miami up next, all signs point to this being a classic "trap game" for the home side. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is indeed on Toronto!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

I lost with the Lakers last night in Chicago, but I think LA will risk life and limb here to try and snap out of its recent cold spell which has seen it lost three in a row. LA has now also lost five straight ATS, which is important here for this pick for us, as the Lakers have responded well in this position for bettors by going 7-3 ATS in their last ten after five or more straight ATS losses in a row. Minnesota's three-game win streak came to an end last night in Philly and we believe the Wolves will come out flat here now returning home (especially with two road games sandwiched around X-Mas right after this!) Both teams will have to deal with fatigue, but the overall situation and the above listed trends do indeed make LA the correc call in this contest!

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10* Lakers (NON-CONF GOY)

Here's a great spot for the 16-12 Lakers to bounce back in for bettors. LA has lost three of its last four. It's also now lost four straight ATS after a 114-109 home loss to New York (note though that the Lakers are still 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more straight ATS losses in a row.) And with a game at Minnesota tomorrow, the Lakers won't want to leave anything to chance here. Chicago has been trading wins/losses over its last ofur games and off a 108-104 upset win at Philadelphia as a 10.5-point dog last time out, we're expecting this pattern to continue; lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

This is a great "situational" play in our opinion. Clearly, we're not calling for the outright upset or anything crazy like that, but we do think the hungry Pistons will be able to keep it close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Detroit is just 2-23 and 1-11 on the road after last night's 124-92 loss at Philadelphia. That's now five straight ATS losses in a row for Detroit, which is in fact important for us to take note of here, as the Pistons are in fact 7-3 ATS in their last ten after five or more ATS losses in a row. Not surprisingly, the Pistons play with revenge after a competitive 120-118 loss here at the start of the year. Milwaukee just posted the 140-126 win here over the Pacers, but with high-flying Houston coming to town tomorrow, we expect the home side to get caught "looking ahead;" grab the points, the play is Detroit!

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10* Suns (PACIFIC DIVISION GOY)

After going just 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last five, we like the Suns to dig deep here and not only win this game, but also to do it in blowout fashion. They beat Golden State here 123-115 back in November and we're predicting a similar final outcome here as well. Both teams have had a few days off, but the Suns have hit a favorable part of their schedule, with three more very winnable home games after this. We're expecting Phoenix to shake off its recent slump. The Warriors were last in action four days ago as well, but they fell 138-136 in OT to the Thunder. KD is supposed to play here, but whether he does or not, this one sets up great situationally for Phoenix in our opinion; lay the short points, the play is indeed on the Suns!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

We love the way this one sets up for the Blazers from a situational stand-point. Portland is 6-15 overall, including only 4-9 on the road, but they're 8-5 ATS away from friendly confines. The Clippers are 11-10 overall, including 7-3 SU at home, but they're just 5-5 ATS in LA. Portland is coming off three straight SU losses, but that's significant to note as the Blazers are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 after three or more straight losses in a row. They play with revenge after a 123-111 loss as a 9.5 point dog here back in October as well, and note that Portland is in fact 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss vs. an opponent. The Clippers have won three in a row, but with the Kings coming to town tomorrow night, this one sets up as a potential "trap" game with the "letdown/look-ahead" factors both in full effect; grab the points, the play is Portland!

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10* Hawks (EAST-CONF GOM)

Atlanta is 9-11, including 6-5 on the road, while Philadelphia is 13-7 overall, including 7-3 at home. ATL has lost two straight, and five straight ATS, but that's significant to note as the Hawks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after five or more straight ATS losses in a row. The Hawks play with revenge here as well after a 126-116 loss at home back in mid-November, and that's also important to note here as Atlanta is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Hard to say anything negative about Philly, but this is just a bad spot for the home side; grab the points the play is Atlanta!

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10* Dallas (WEST-CONF NON-DIV GOM)

Dallas is 11-8, including 5-4 at home, while Utah is 7-13, including 1-9 on the road. Dallas has lost three of its last four, so it won't be taking anything for granted here. It hits the road for two straight after this as well, putting added importance onto this contest for Luka and company to get things turned around here at home tonight. Utah broke a two-game slide with a 118-113 OT win over Portland, but everything points to another letdown here in our opinion vs. this well-rested and focused home side; lay the points, the play is on the Mavericks!

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10* Knicks (ATLANTIC DIVISION GOM)

This is the first game of the season between these Atlantic Division foes, and we think the hungry visiting side is the correct call in this matchup tonight. New York is 11-7, including 5-4 on the road, while Toronto is 9-10, including 6-4 at home. The Raptors just snapped a three-game slide with a win over Phoenix and after this game it has five nights off before a home game vs. the Heat. New York is off back-to-back wins, including a 118-112 victory at home over Detroit last night. The Knicks have a few days off after this before a home game vs. the Bucks. New York is a bad matchup for the Raptors and we expect it to draw "first blood" in the season series; grab the points, the play is New York!

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10* BULLS (CENTRAL DIV GOW)

Clearly, the Bulls have issues this year. They're just 5-14. The Bucks haven't been perfect either, but they've looked great overall at 13-5. Chicago is clearly the more desperate team in this fight, as they've lost five straight SU/ATS. Chicago though is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after five or more SU/ATS losses in a row. The Bulls catch Milwaukee off three straight victories, and all signs finally point to a bit of a letdown here on the road in our estimation. Situationally this one definitely sets up well for the home side and that's primarily what we're basing this pick off. No outright, but much closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* WEST-CONF NON-DIV GOY on New Orleans.

Here's a great "spot" wager, one so strong that it's qualified as our No. 1 WESTERN-CONFERENCE NON-DIVISIONAL GAME OF THE YEAR. New Orleans is 9-8 after a 105-100 loss here two nights ago. Note though that the Pels have responded well in this spot for bettors by going 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. Utah is just 5-11. That victory snapped a four-game slide. But with an upcoming road trip starting at Memphis, not only is this a letdown spot for the home side, but also a look-ahead. And when you add up those two factors together, you get TRAP GAME. This is now a trap for the contented home side, well all signs point to New Orleans keeping the foot on the gas from start to finish in this revenge-scenario; lay the points, the play is indeed on New Orleans!

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10* Wolves (NON-CONF GOW)

New York is 8-5, including 5-3 on the road. But after three straight SU/ATS road victories, and with four days off after this before game vs. rival Miami, we say this absolutely sets up as a "trap" for the visitors. Minnesota has won eight in a row, but it's lost three straight ATS. Note that the Wolves are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more straight ATS losses in a row. We expect the visitors to "go through the motions" here; the play is Minnesota!

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10* Blazers (NORTHWEST DIV. GOM)

Here's a great situational wager on Portland. OKC is 9-4 and it's won four in a row, including two straight at Golden State, including last night's 130-123 OT victory. Can anyone say "letdown" spot?! Portland has lost six straight. It's lost three straight ATS, but note that the Blazers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more straight ATS setbacks in a row. With a couple days off after this, followed by a home game vs. the Bulls, this one has "trap" written all over it for the visitors; grab the points, the play is the Blazers!

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10* Bulls (UNDERDOG OF MONTH)

Despite having just played and lost 103-97 to Orlando last night, we like the Bulls to bounce back and take the first game of this two-game series here vs. the Heat. Chicago lost both games to orlando and it's now lost three in a row. Note though that the Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more SU losses in a row. Miami has won seven straight, but we expect it to have its hands full here today vs. this underachieving home side. And while the outright win is obviously poossible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with Chicago!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

The Pelicans come in desperate to snap a five-game slide, both SU and ATS. Note that New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in its last ten though after five or more SU losses in a row. The Pels also play with the immediate "revenge" factor after falling 136-124 to Dallas here two nights agao, and note that New Orleans is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as an underdog vs. an opponent. Dallas is firing on all cylinders right now, but with a game in the Nation's capital tomorrow night, followed by a contest in Milwaukee, not only is this a "letdown" spot for the Mavs, but also a "look-ahead." And when you add those two factors together you get TRAP GAME. While the outright is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can; the play is New Orleans!

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10* Bucks (CENTRAL DIV. GOW)

After B2B SU road losses, and six straight ATS setbacks, we're liking the Bucks to not only win this game here on Monday night vs. their division rival, but to do so in blowout fashion. Chicago has been trading wins and losses over its last four games, and off a 119-108 home win and cover over the Pistons just last night, we're expecting the Bulls to predictably suffer here in the second game ofthe B2B scenario. Overall this play is a super solid "situational" selection; lay the points, the play is Milwaukee!

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10* Pelicans (SOUTHWEST GOY)

We love the way this one sets up for New Orleans. We really respect the Mavericks and think they are a very dangerous team. This is just a great spot for the hungry home side. The Mavs are 7-2, while the Pels are 4-5. This is the opener of two straight here between the teams. If the Pels lose this one, we'll almost assuredly be on them in the next game, but we just don't see that happening. Dallas is off the big 144-126 home win over the Clippers, but two days previous it fell 127-116 at home to the Raptors. New Orleans and Toronto have similar line-ups that can keep Luka Doncic busy. The Pels won't be messing around here after four straight losses. This is a great situational play and while clearly we believe the outright upset is a very real possibility, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is New Orleans!

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10* Spurs (ASSASSIN)

The Wolves are 5-2 and the Spurs are 3-5. Minnesota though is 0-2 on the road. It's won four straight SU/ATS, but note that it's still just 3-7 ATS in its last ten after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. With B2B games at Golden State up next, will Minnesota get caught "looking ahead?!" The possibility is there for sure obviously. The Spurs enter off three straight SU/ATS losses in a row, but note that they're 3-1 ATS in their last four after three straight SU/ATS setbacks in a row. The Wolves have looked solid overall in the early going. The Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance. We think this is a great spot for San Antonio to finally bounce back in though. This is a few too many points; we're stopping short in calling for the outright upset, so the official call is to grab as many points as you can with San Antonio!

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10* Bucks (CENTRAL DIVISION GOY)

We think this is a great situational spot for Milwaukee. Both teams come in off games just last night. Milwaukee is now 5-2 after a 120-118 win over Detroit, while Indiana is 5-3 after a 134-118 win here last night over Utah. Look for Milwaukee's experience to play a roll here. If this were the end of the season, we'd probably even lean towards Indiana here, but this is an important early season divisional matchup which we absolutely expect Milwaukee to take very seriously; lay the points, the play is indeed on the Bucks!

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10* Mavericks (NON-CONF GOW)

Both teams are playing great, but we feel this is a great spot for the Mavericks. Dallas is 5-1, including 2-1 on the road, while Orlando is 4-2, including 2-0 at home. After losing at Denver, the Mavericks bounced back with a 124-118 home win over Charlotte. Orlando has won two straight, most recently pulling away for a 120-101 victory over the Lakers here at home. But with a neutral court game vs. red hot Atlanta up next, followed by Milwaukee, we say the overachieving home side finally gets caught "looking past" its opponent here; grab the points, the play is the Mavericks!

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10* Grizzlies (ASSASSIN)

The Grizz had a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter here two night ago, but they still lost 115-113 in OT. Memphis is now 0-6, its worst start since losing 13 straight in 2002. The Grizz are without several key players right now, but the Blazers are also injured and after three straight victories, all signs finally point to a letdown here (note that Portland is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more SU victories in a row.) Look for the more "hungry" team here to dig deep and finally deliver on the road, while at the same time all signs do definitely finally point to major letdown for the overachieving home side; lay the points, the play is Memphis!

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10* Heat (ATS BLOOD-BATH)

Neither team has gotten out to a very good start this year. Brooklyn is 1-2, while the Heat are 1-3. We think that basing your picks on "situations" early on in the season is a great approach, and it's one that we're using here. The Heat are also just 1-3 ATS, while the Nets are 3-0 ATS. Now we're xpecting a bit of a letdown here from Brooklyn after its big 133-121 road win at Charlotte last time out. The Heat are also 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more SU losses in a row. This is the start of three straight winnable home games for Miami, and we believe it'll be out to "set the tone" for the rest of the home stand with a monster beatdown effort here for the home town crowd; lay the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Bulls (EAST-CONF GOW)

While we feel the outright win is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can. The Bulls are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS. Note though that Chicago is 7-2 ATS in it last nine after three or more ATS losses in a row. Indiana is 2-0, but is now overvalued here. And with a game at Boston up next, not only does this set up as letdown spot, but also a look-ahead. As mentioned off the top, we feel the outright is a possibility, but in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is Chicago!

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10* Lakers (SIDE ROUT)

Both teams are 1-1. LA stumbled in Denver on Opening Night, but no team would have stood in the way of Jokic and company getting that victory on the ring ceremony. LA looked a lot better in its 100-95 victory at home over the Suns two nights later though (granted it was without D-Book, but it was still a good bounce back victory.) Sacramento opened with a big 130-114 road win at Utah, but then it stumbled at home two nights later in a 122-114 setback to the Warriors, failing to get revenge for the playoff exit last year. Now with a game at Golden State up after this, we believe that the home side gets caught "looking ahead." The outright is possible, but grab the points; the play is LA!

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