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After winning with the Thunder in Game 4, I’m back with them again in Game 5. Up until the 4th quarter, Oklahoma City shot awfully in that game on Monday. Luckily, they have perhaps the best player in this series in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s proven time and time again that he’s more than capable of performing under the bright lights. 

Looking at Game 4 more closely, free throws were definitely something that stood out. The Thunder shot a whopping 23-24 (96%) from the line. On the other hand, the Mavs shot just 12-23 (52%.) While I don’t expect them to be quite as bad as that in this one, I do believe that they are significantly worse in that category. 

In Game 5, we will back in Oklahoma City where the Thunder have completely dominated this season. Yes, the Mavs are great with their incredible backcourt. However, I don’t see the Thunder shooting like that again. Give me OKC at home to win big and go up 3-2 in this best of seven series. 

Score Prediction: 111-101 Thunder

While the Thunder have now lost back to back games in this series, I don’t believe that they are out of it quite yet. Yes, they are a young team with hardly any experience in these playoffs whatsoever. However, I think that they have got the talent to compete with and beat anyone in the NBA. 

In round 1, the Thunder swept the Pelicans. For Dallas, they took care of LAC in six, after losing the first game. In Game 4 in that series, the Mavs were horrible out of the gates and lost. I expect a weaker Mavs side than we’ve seen so far in this Game 4 as well. 

During the regular season, OKC won three out of the four meetings. I believe that they are the stronger side overall and that they will get the job done and even this series back up at two games a piece. Getting the extra point and a half won’t be necessary, but OKC is the play here today. 

Score Prediction: 116-103 Thunder

While I won with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2, I’m playing on this series once again in Game 3. This time however, I’m on the side of the Boston Celtics. Yes, they just got blown out. Yes, they are on the road. But, this is a team that has been dominant all season long and holds the best odds by far to win the entire postseason. 

Boston looked very strong in Game 1. In Game 2, they struggled to shoot the ball. That shouldn’t be a problem in today’s game as I just don’t see the 2nd best offensive team (by ppg) in the nation shooting 41% from the field & 23% from deep. 

Cleveland may be the bigger team, but Jarrett Allen is questionable again for today’s game. If he plays, he’ll be limited. Boston will need to get going early and I expect them to do just that and cruise to another easy win in Game 3. 

Score Prediction: 118-103 Celtics.

Game 1 and 2 most definitely did not go to plan for the Denver Nuggets. Outplayed on both sides of the ball, they’ll need to do things a lot better here in Minnesota if they want to have a chance. Well, I believe that they will do just that. 

Denver are the defending champs. Last year, they basically made it look easy, cruising right past every one. I don’t see them going down 3-0 in just the second round of these playoffs. 

Denver is extremely lucky that Jamal Murray wasn’t suspended, especially after his actions in Game 2. Having said that, I look for them to capitalize on having him still and win Game 3. Denver came into this series as the favorite and should still be considered a threat to win the entire thing. Play on Denver. 

Score Prediction: 109-104 Nuggets

As good as Boston is, it’s hard to believe that they’ll be able to just steamroll through the Eastern Conference. This already battle tested Cleveland team won’t go down without a fight. Yes, it’s hard to see them winning this series. However, I expect them to keep this one close.

In Game 1, the Cavs were still in striking distance early. No they didn’t cover the spread, but it’s something to build on. During the regular season when these two teams played, Cleveland either won or stayed within single digits in all three games. Look for a closer Game 2 and maybe even a possible upset. 

Score Prediction: 110-106 Celtics

Game 1 was a war like expected. Both teams had the chance to win it and it most definitely could’ve gone either way. Looking at the game, the Pacers just didn’t play well enough on the defensive side in that game. New York simply couldn’t miss, especially from downtown (11-23 - 48%.) NYK is a team that averages less than 37% of their 3pters normally. In Game 2, I do not believe that they will shoot as well. Indiana will make the proper adjustments needed and will continue to score like they have all year long. They are the highest scoring team for a reason. Indiana also enters this game w/ a 24-16 ATS record this season when playing as an underdog. Don’t expect Indiana to get out scored again. Pacers win Game 2 and head back home tied at one game a piece. 

Score Prediction: 123-107 Pacers

Denver lost in Game 1. Minnesota looked like the better overall team and it wasn't a really good performance from the defending champs. Having said that, I don't believe that Denver will look as bad tonight. In that game, Jamal Murray didn't really show up. Yes, he had 17 points. However, he needs to be more of a presence in today's game and I believe that he will be. Everyone knows that Nikola Jokic is the best player on the court. If he continues his magic, they should be just fine. Let's not forget that Denver is one of the toughest places to play in. That crowd with the elevation makes things very difficult for opposing teams. Denver is also coming in with a 6-2 record when they are revenging a loss at home against the same opponent. I've got Denver to bounce back in Game 2 with a massive performance. 

Score Prediction: 111-101 Nuggets.

After the Cavaliers won Game 5 (I sadly had them ATS instead of ML,) I felt that it was all over for the Magic. They spent too much energy in that pivotal Game 5 that will be something to have concern about in this win or go home Game 6. Cleveland has been the superior team for the better part of this season and have looked like it so far. Yes, Orlando looked much stronger in both of the games so far at home. However, they are still a very young team that I don't think will be able to handle the pressure of this must-win scenario. When revenging a loss against a team, the Magic are just 58-94 over the past three seasons (17-22 this year.) The Cavs have won 9 of the past 13 meetings between these teams. They've got the better overall squad and I'll gladly take the points with Cleveland here to finish off the series on Friday. 

Score Prediction: 104-96 Cavaliers.

Tyrese Maxey was absolutely brilliant in the late game of Game 5. Having said that, I don't believe that the 76ers are going to come back and win this series. New York has been the better team all year long, and they've been better than average on the road. Philly is still playing with an Embiid who's not 100% and a team that hasn't played together really all year long. NYK has the chemistry of Brunson, Hart and DiVincenzo from back at Villanova and they are using that to their advantage. In the last game back in Philly, the Knicks held Philly to just 92 points in a win. That makes the Knicks 3-1 in their last four games played on this court. I'll grab the points here in this one as I expect them to close it out. 

Score Prediction: 99-93 Knicks.

After getting absolutely hammered in back to back games on the road, this series is tied again at two games a piece. For many teams, losing consecutive games by as many points as they did would throw them off completely as they head back home. However, I believe that the Cavs have what it takes to rebound in front of their home fans. Cleveland was excellent at home this season (28-15 incl. playoffs,) while the Magic struggled on the road (18-25 incl. playoffs.) Home court should mean a lot more in the playoffs as well with the reactions of the crowds on the bigger plays. 

Entering this game, Orlando have lost it's last six games against the spread on the road. They've also had trouble against Cleveland, especially at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. I've got the Cavs winning this game by double digits. The are the better team and should prevail here tonight. Take the Cavaliers. 

Score Prediction: 108-93 Cavaliers.

It's been a difficult series for a Phoenix Suns team that everyone was expecting to do well. They've looked outmatched in every single game and I don't believe that they'll look any better tonight. It's been the size and physicality of the Timberwolves that have been the key factors. 

Led by Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an extreme advantage with their two dominant center's in Karl-Anthony Towns & Rudy Gobert. The Suns haven't been able to handle the two of them all series long. Yes, they have a few amazing players in KD, DBook and Beal. However, no matter what they've done, it's just been too much for Phoenix to handle. 

The Timberwolves also come into this game with a very good record after an upset win as an underdog of any number (10-3 this season.) On the other hand, the Suns are just 8-14 as underdogs this year. Yes, this line has moved drastically from Game 3. But, I don't think it's moved enough. This play is on Minnesota to complete the series sweep. 

Score Prediction: 119-102 TWolves.

In Game 2, Oklahoma City looked like they were on a completely different level than New Orleans. A 32 points win makes this series 2-0 as we head to the "Big Easy." Yes, this is a very young Thunder team. However, they've already proven that they can win under the bright lights. The Thunder are an excellent 11-3 SU after playing three home games in a row. 

Looking at the Pelicans, they've now lost four of their last five games overall. They've been very "average" at home this season, while their opponents have been dominant both home/away. New Orleans also isn't a team that's done very well in the playoffs in recent history. With OKC now having won four straight against NOP, this line is straight up disrespectful to the #1 seed. Take the Thunder to take a 3-0 series lead. 

Score Prediction: 115-103 Thunder.

It was a heartbreaking way to go down for the Lakers in Game 2. Jamal Murray's buzzer beater game winner sent Los Angeles home in the worst way possible. Down 2-0 against the defending champs. Even though the teams have had a couple days of rest now, I still believe that Murray's shot will still be in the heads of some of the Lakers. Los Angeles has been very strong at home this season, don't get me wrong. However, Denver simply dominates them every time they play it seems. As a matter of fact, they've now won 10 consecutive games against LAL (covering versus the spread in seven straight.) Having said that, I don't think that the Lakers will have enough juice in this critical Game 3 to out-duel Jokic and co. This play is on the Nuggets. 

Score Prediction: 111-102 Nuggets

It was a very disappointing Game 1 performance from these Phoenix Suns. Although KD had a great game shooting, Booker wasn't at his best by any means. Today, I'm expecting a big bounce back from a very good basketball team. Phoenix swept the regular season series, and have actually won 10 of the past 12 between these two teams. As a matter of fact, they've also covered the spread in nine of the past ten games as well. In the past, Minnesota have struggled when leading in a playoff series. While they haven't been in many of these games, they are just 3-6 SU/ATS in this situation over the past 28 years. The Suns, on the other hand, have eight of their last twelve games in the first round of the playoffs. Don't expect another poor performance from DBook. I'll take the points here with Phoenix. 

Score Prediction: 111-103 Suns

It was a very close game in Game 1 of this series with Josh Hart taking over in the 4th. This time around, I expect it to be the Joel Embiid show. New York still isn't at full strength with the likes of Julius Randle still on the sideline. Some might say that they've been better without him. But, I believe that his physical presence is something that would help every team even if he doesn't have his best game. Philadelphia came into these playoffs having won nine consecutive games. Having said that, despite the Game 1 loss, they are still hot. The line has gone up a point for this game and I believe it's giving tremendous value on the Sixers. Let's not forget that these teams were separated by just three wins, regardless of seeds. Give me Philly here plus the points. 

Score Prediction: 104-96 76ers

(#587) Dallas Mavericks @ (#588) Los Angeles Clippers - 10:00pm EST

Los Angeles Clippers +1.0 (-110)

Many people remember the fantastic playoffs series that these teams had in the NBA bubble a couple of years ago now. While the Mavericks took that series, we've got a new Clippers team ready for this challenge this year. As a matter of fact, LA is looking better than ever this season. Dallas is limping into these playoffs as Luka and Kyrie are both dealing with injuries coming into these playoffs. 

Now, I do expect both of those guys to play in this first game of the series. But that doesn't mean that they'll be at 100%. The Clippers are also coming in with a couple of injuries, but I expect them to play as well. Kawhi seems to be always dealing with something, but is a two-time champ/finals MVP. 

This should be a very good series, but I believe that we'll see the home team win this first game. The Clippers were a perfect 10-0 (100) ATS this season after playing three+ home games in a row. The Mavs, on the other hand, were just 11-18 SU as an underdog during the regular season. I'll take the Clips. 

Score Prediction: 116-105 Clippers 

(good until -2.5)

Many people thought that the Lakers would potentially lose the first "Play-In Tournament' game on purpose in order to face the Thunder. I have respect for them for not doing so. Having said that, I believe that this matchup will be too much for the Lakers to handle. Lebron and AD have gotten them this far, but let's not forget how dominant the Nuggets looked in the playoffs last season. Denver comes in with an awesome 33-8 record at home. The Nuggets have also won eight consecutive meetings between these two teams (won five straight ATS.) I don't see Denver losing the game. Lay the spread. 

Score Prediction: 123-106 Nuggets

(#551) Miami Heat @ (#552) Philadelphia 76ers - 7:00pm EST 

Miami Heat +5.0 (-110) 

Let's all remember that the Miami Heat ended up being the best team in the Eastern Conference last year. Yes, they lost a couple of guys. But, they've still got the main group of guys and the same head coach who happens to be one of, if not the best coach in the NBA in Eric Spoelstra. 

Looking at the 76ers, they actually have won eight consecutive games. That's surprising as they still ended up in the play-in tournament position. Don't get me wrong, they played a big portion of the season without their best player in Joel Embiid. However, they haven't been all that great in a couple of circumstances. Those include an 0-3 ATS record following a game where they allowed less than 90 points. Also, they are just 5-10 ATS this season after playing a divisional game.  

The Heat, on the other hand, seem to come to play when it switched to the playoffs. They've been a top team in the East for a while now. Miami is 7-1 ATS this season after playing three straight home games. Miami is also looking for revenge after losing to the 76ers earlier this month. I'll take the points here. 

Score Prediction: 114-107 Heat 

(good until +3.0) 

(#541) Los Angeles Lakers @ (#542) New Orleans Pelicans - 7:30pm EST 

Los Angeles Lakers +1.5 (-120) 

While they may not have had the better record during the regular season, I expect the experience and superstar power of the Lakers to overpower the Pelicans here on Tuesday evening. Los Angeles have been quietly heating up down the stretch and aren't really showing many weaknesses at the moment. A win against these very Pelicans to finish off the season ensured them the 8 seed, which is a big boost for this program. 

Looking at the Pelicans, they were hot until losing that game against LAL. Yes, Brandon Ingram is expected to be available. But, Sunday's game was his first game back from injury in a while (he may not be 100%.) Despite winning four of their last five, New Orleans is just 3-5 ATS in the month of April. 

This should be a very fascinating game with plenty of action left and right. However, I believe that the Lakers will get the best of the Pelicans just like they did on Sunday. Lebron and AD are on a mission and he doesn't want to go out just yet. Expect Los Angeles to cover the small spread and win outright. 

Score Prediction: 118-106 Lakers 

(good until -1.0) 

(#517) Utah Jazz @ (#518) Golden State Warriors - 3:40pm EST 

Golden State Warriors -8.0 (-110) 

With the Jazz already being eliminated, they don't have much to play for tonight. They've really fallen off since they officially being ruled a non-playoff team. Utah have been extremely bad on the road this season having won just 25% (10-30 record) of those games. 

Looking at the Warriors, this is a big game for them. They've lost consecutive games and don't want to end the season off with another defeat. They also have something to play for as they can still improve their seed. Having at least a home game in the play-in tournament could see them into the “actual postseason” for yet another crack at a playoff run. 

Golden State have also covered the spread against Utah in six of the past seven meetings between these two teams. The Jazz are off back to back upset wins - don't expect them to win a third in a row. The Warriors are simply the better team and have more to play for. Enough said. Play on Warriors until -10.0. 

Score Prediction: 119-103 Warriors

(good until -10.0) 

(#563) Indiana Pacers @ (#564) Cleveland Cavaliers - 7:40pm EST 

Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 (-110) 

As good as the Pacers have been in recent games, they'll pretty much already solidified themselves into a non play-in tournament spot. They currently own the tiebreaker against Philly, meaning they just need to win either this game, or the game against the Hawks on Sunday. Having said that, I believe that they'll be caught looking ahead to that easier game against Atlanta. 

Cleveland is still trying to hold onto a top four seed. In the playoffs, anything can happen. That's why they want home-court advantage for at least the first round. Yes, Indiana can even catch Cleveland still. But I simply think that the Cavs are just better, as their stars finally aren't injured anymore. 

This should be a good watch. Look for the Cavs to play great basketball on both sides of the ball, and for them to establish their presence inside of the pain early. 

Score Prediction: 119-107 Cavs 

(good until -3.5) 

(#553) Golden State Warriors @ (#554) Portland Trail Blazers - 10:10pm EST 

Portland Trail Blazers +14.0 (-110) 

With the Warriors having clinched a playoff spot already, they shouldn't be playing this game overly aggressive in order to get a high seed. Yes, it's definitely possible, but there's also the possibility of someone picking up a brutal knock for the postseason. Having said that, I believe that this number is too high. 

On their day, Portland can give anyone a run of their money. They are young and girtty and have covered the spread in four of their last five games (tied the other.) They've also covered versus the spread in two of the last three encounters with Golden State. I'm expecting them to keep this one close if not win this game outright. 

Score Prediction: 115-111 GSW 

(good until +13.0) 

(#541) Minnesota Timberwolves @ (#542) Denver Nuggets - 10:00pm EST 

Denver Nuggets -5.5 (-110) 

Coming off a hard fought home game against the Wizards yesterday, the TWolves are forced to travel to Denver overnight. Everyone knows that Denver is one of the toughest places to play in the NBA, as it's played at a high altitude against a team that is dominant. 

This game is extremely important with just three games remaining. Both of these teams currently own 55-24 records, with Minnesota owning the tiebreak at the moment. With a win here, the Nuggets would be the #1 seed barring anything miraculous (they've got SAS & MEM remaining.) Therefore, I expect them to treat this like a playoff game. 

You may think that Minnesota will try the same thing. Well, that's true. However, they'll still be gassed after yesterday's comeback win after being down 18 points after the 1st quarter. The Timberwolves will still be without Karl-Anthony Towns. Having said that, I believe that they'll have trouble keeping up with the fourth best fg % shooting team in the NBA. 

This is a top play on Denver. 

Score Prediction: 119-105 Nuggets 

(good until -7.5) 

(#507) Boston Celtics @ (#508) Milwaukee Bucks - 7:30pm EST 

Boston Celtics -1.5 (-115) 

It's just been that type of season for the Celtics this year. They are on yet another terrific run as they've won five consecutive games. That makes them 62-16 this year with just four games left. Yes, nobody can catch them. However, a statement win against the team that's in 2nd is something they'd like to make happen on Tuesday.

Talking about the Bucks, this is a very big game for them. Just 3.5 games separate them from a play-in spot right now. That's hard to believe since they currently sit in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, but it's true. Losing out could be costly for them. Having said that, I don't see them dropping that far. I do however, see them struggling against a team that's beaten them two out of three times already this season.

Boston's looking to knock the Bucks further down in the standings which could result in MIL being knocked out earlier in the playoffs. It's a tight race for 2nd in the East and Milwaukee isn't playing their best basketball right now having lost four straight. Boston is the play here.

Score Prediction: 125-114 Celtics

(good until -2.0) 

(#505) Indiana Pacers @ (#506) Toronto Raptors - 7:10pm EST 

Indiana Pacers -11.5 

After trading for Siakam from these very Raptors, the Pacers have become a real contender. Having said that, this game shouldn't really be close. Indiana is still fighting to improve their ranking. Currently, they are sitting in sixth. But, a few more wins would guarantee them into the playoffs as they wish to avoid the play-in tournament at the very least. 

Toronto have already been eliminated from playoff contention. They struggled this season and dealt with some brutal injury problems. Not having two of their starters down the stretch really hurt them. It's a completely different team as they are now in rebuild mode. 

In their last meeting, the Raptors came away victorious in an 8pt win. Indiana should most definitely try their best to even the season series at two games a piece. Toronto's won back to back games and only once have they won three consecutive games this season. Indiana's won four of their last five. This game shouldn't be close. 

Score Prediction: 131-105 Pacers 

(good until -12.5) 

(#569) Oklahoma City Thunder @ (#570) Charlotte Hornets - 6:10pm EST 

Charlotte Hornets +8.5 (-115) 

Oklahoma City is obviously the better side here. They own the better record and they've got the better players. Having said that, they'll be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as well as Jalen Williams for today's game. OKC has been much worse on the road this season than at home. Having said that, they are significantly worse without their best players. 

Although Charlotte is not a very strong team, they fight like any team in the association. Without Ball, this team is led by Miles Bridges and he's capable of taking over a game. Yes, their record looks horrible. However, they play much better at home, like most teams. The Hornets have actually won five of the past six games outright against the Thunder. 

Looking at this meeting, Oklahoma City come in having lost three consecutive games. The Hornets are directly off a gigantic outright win against the Magic. Even if the Hornets aren't able to win this game outright, they should be able to cover the spread without much trouble. 

Score Prediction: 111-109 Thunder 

(good until +8.0) 

(#521) Houston Rockets @ (#522) Utah Jazz - 9:40pm EST 

Utah Jazz +8.0 (-110) 

As good as the Rockets have been playing, this has been getting a bit out of hand. I don't believe that they are as strong as some of these other teams, especially without Sengun. The Jazz aren't a terrible basketball team by any means either. If Lauri plays, I believe that they can win this game outright easily. It's a home game for them and the Rockets are horrible on the road (11-24 road record.) The Jazz look to finally break through and steal a game from Houston as they have lost the first two meetings. Even if Markkanen doesn't play I'll take the points with the Jazz on Friday evening at home. 

Score Prediction: 114-109 Jazz 

(good until +7.0) 

(#531) Philadelphia 76ers @ (#532) Sacramento Kings - 10:10pm EST 

Philadelphia 76ers +9.5 (+100) 

The Kings have been the better team over the course of this season, don't get me wrong. However, Philadelphia is still a solid basketball team, even without Embiid. Currently sitting in eight in the East, the 76ers are coming in off a double digit win against the Clippers. Sacramento have looked alright, but they barely escaped in a game against the Magic in their last game and lost to the Wizards before that. In recent meetings between these teams it's been all Philadelphia. As a matter of fact, the last time Sacramento beat these guys was back in 2019. If you couldn't guess, that's ten consecutive wins for Philly. All in all, even if the 76ers fail to win this game, I expect them to cover the large spread. It's too much and don't be shocked if the 76ers come out on top. 

Score Prediction: 111-105 76ers 

(good until +8.0) 

(#569) Memphis Grizzlies @ (#570) Sacramento Kings - 10:10pm EST 

Memphis Grizzlies +9.5 (-110)

Memphis has really struggled this year, don't get me wrong. Injuries have been the name of the game though as they've dealt with plenty of those. Having said that, Demond Bane is back and has now had a game under hit belt. He looked sharp and ready to get back to his normal self once again. 

Like I've said all year long, Sacramento plays to their opponents level. Meaning that this team doesn't perform well against the “poor” teams in the association. I'm 5-2 in Kings games this season and I plan on making it 6-2 after tonight. Sac Town is also coming off a loss where they only scored 91 points against NYK. 

Bane's comeback is huge for Memphis. They'll be able to lift some of the pressure off of JJJ's shoulders and have a more fluid offensive game. Memphis should be able to keep this one within double digits, even if they aren't able to get the win. Therefore this play is on the Grizzlies. 

Score Prediction: 116-114 Kings 

(good until +9.0) 

(#513) Phoenix Suns @ (#514) Charlotte Hornets - 10:10pm EST 

Phoenix Suns -9.5 (+100) 

Simply said in this matchup, Phoenix should dominate. Charlotte may have looked good in their last game against the Grizzlies, but they just aren't at the level that the Suns are at. Also, if the Suns want to avoid the play-in tournament, winning these games against non-playoff teams are a must. It's been a struggle for Phoenix to cover the spread, don't get me wrong, but they've covered the spread in four of the last five meetings when playing against Charlotte. The Hornets have also been poor versus the spread this year. I've got Phoenix winning this one by double digits. 

Score Prediction: 129-103 Suns 

(good until -10.0) 

(#537) Los Angeles Clippers @ (#538) Houston Rockets - 7:40pm EST 

Los Angeles Clippers -6.5 (-110) 

Getting ready for the final stretch of the season, the Clippers need to start winning more games. They still have a shot at the top seed in the West and there's still plenty of time to get there. This is a great spot for them as Harden and Westbrook play their old team. Los Angeles have won eight consecutive meetings against the Rockets and look to make that nine straight here on Wednesday. 

Houston played yesterday and beat the Spurs by double digits. Although they've now won consecutive games, this team is still far from a play-in spot. Over the past three seasons, the Rockets have not done too well both straight up and against the spread (46-64 record ATS.) 

A dedicated, and finally healthy Clippers team should be able to knock off the tired Rockets without much trouble today. LAC is 48-30 ATS in their last 78 games played after a playing a non-conference opponent in their previous game. I'm expecting a double digit win for the Clippers and therefore this is a top play on them to cover the spread on Wednesday evening. 

Score Prediction: 119-104 Clippers 

(good until -7.5) 

(#567) San Antonio Spurs @ (#568) Utah Jazz - 8:10pm EST 

 Utah Jazz -6.5 (-110) 

Despite being the best rookie we've seen in a long time, Victor Wembanyama hasn't really turned this organization around quite yet. The team still sucks and they own the worst record by far in the Western Conference. They've also been poor against the spread, especially as of late. On the road, they have just six wins in 31 games. 

Looking at Utah, they've been struggling as of late. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a very good team either. However, they still have a chance at the postseason if they turn things around and do it soon. This is practically a must win game for them. The Jazz cannot lose anymore games against weaker teams. They beat the Spurs by 12 in their first meeting this year and I'm looking for them to do the same thing tonight. 

Both teams come in having lost at least three consecutive games. I believe that the Spurs aren't done their slump yet. Surprisingly, the Jazz are 17-11 at home this season (18-10 ATS.) They've got plenty of road games coming up. Look for them to finish their home stand with a win and for them to win this game convincingly. 

Score Prediction: 134-113 Jazz 

(good until -8.5) 

(#525) Toronto Raptors @ (#526) Atlanta Hawks - 7:40pm EST 

Atlanta Hawks -7.0 (-108) 

Flying all the way from Toronto to Atlanta the night before the game isn't going to do this Raptors team any favors. As poor as they've been this season, Toronto have been dreadful in the second half of a back to back this season. They've lost seven of those nine games this season, including five consecutive SU and ATS. 

Atlanta will have had plenty of rest during the All-Star break to re-focus themselves for this push for the playoffs. Their record probably isn't what they were hoping for, but there's still lots of time to make up ground for them. The Hawks have an excellent back-court, and Capela will be back for the first time in six games. That should provide a boost, even though he'll be on a minute restriction. 

Normally I'd back the team that already had a game under their belts after the All-Star break. However, this back to back situation does not work out too well for Toronto. Flying over 950 miles overnight will be too much for the Raptors and they'll be sluggish tonight. This is a top play on the Hawks to win by a significant amount. 

Score Prediction: 129-107 Hawks 

(good until -7.5) 

(#541) Denver Nuggets @ (#542) Sacramento Kings - 10:10pm EST 

Denver Nuggets +1.5 

The defending champs are on a roll. Winning two easy home games against Portland has definitely given the Nuggets a boost. They are now hunting down first place in the West and a win here may just put them on top. Yes, it's the second game on a back to back. However, Denver hadn't played since the 4th and still should be rested for this game. 

On the other hand, it's as simple as this right now for the Kings. They battling themselves and are most definitely in a slump. Losing to the Pistons like they did in their last game will haunt you badly. Now, I did say earlier this season that the Kings tend to struggle against the lesser teams that they play (play to their opponents standards.) Having said that, they've now lost consecutive games and I think they could be in for another couple of losses with tough road games against OKC, PHX and back against DEN. 

While Sacramento is currently fighting to regain momentum, the Nuggets smell blood in the water. While they've been solid, the Kings haven't been anything special at home. Sac took the earlier game this season. I'm looking for the Nuggets to bounce back and win this one. This is a top play on the Nuggets. 

Score Prediction: 118-108 Nuggets 

(good until -1.5 OR -150) 

(#555) Milwaukee Bucks @ (#556) Utah Jazz - 5:00pm EST 

Milwaukee Bucks +1.5 (-115) 

Many people like the shy away on a team when they played the night prior. However I believe that the Bucks are up for the challenge. As a matter of fact, the Bucks having won six of their seven games so far this season when playing on the second leg of a back to back. The Bucks have also won 15 of their 20 games against teams with losing records this season. 

Talking about Utah, they are currently struggling. Having lost three consecutive games, they've got to be losing some confidence. The Jazz have yet to win a single game against teams with winning records in the second half of this season. Over the past three years, they've won just 13 of 46 games in those circumstances. 

Like I said earlier, Milwaukee dominates on the second leg of a b2b. Utah doesn't seem to be playing their best and the Bucks are seeking revenge after losing to these guys on their home-court back in January. This is a top play on the Milwaukee Bucks to win this game. 

Score Prediction: 121-103 Bucks 

(good until -1.5) 

(#573) Portland Trail Blazers @ (#574) Los Angeles Lakers - 10:10pm EST 

Los Angeles Lakers -10.5 (-110)  

Despite winning consecutive games in a row, the Blazers simply are in a rebuild year right now. They got rid of Lillard and are playing plenty of young talent. In a few seasons, they'll be back in contention in the West. But, as of right now, they just aren't at the level of some of these teams. 

LAL hasn't had the best start to this season. However, there's still plenty of time for a team with the fire power that they possess to wake up. The Lakers are 15-8 at home while the Blazers are just 5-17 on the road. Los Angeles is also looking to bounce back after an embarrassing 18pt loss against Brooklyn on Friday. 

With Portland having been blown out a bunch already this season, I don't see why this one won't be a beatdown. The Lakers beat them by 12 back in November - @Portland. Now, at home, the play is on the Lakers to beat them by just as much, if not much more. 

Score Prediction: 118-99 Lakers 

(good until -11.5) 

(#533) Philadelphia 76ers @ (#534) Orlando Magic - 7:00pm EST 

Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 (-115)  

Getting Joel Embiid back from his knee injury was extremely good news for the 76ers. They are 23-6 on the season with Embiid in the lineup, and just 3-7 without him. Therefore, his presence is a necessity. Giving him two full days off to rest after the back to back is just what he needed. Now, Philly enters this mini two-game road trip ready to dominate. 

After covering the spread in consecutive games, I believe that the Magic will struggle against perhaps the most dominant team in the NBA. Orlando has not done well against the 76ers in the past and that won't change today. In the last 13 encounters between these two opponents, it's shocking to see how many games the Magic have won. They've only won one single game over that span. 

Not only have the 76ers just won games this season, but they are an outstanding 22-9 against the spread in all of their games played as the favorite. Orlando haven't been nearly as good as they were earlier this season as of late and I have the feeling that this game could get ugly. This is a max 5% play on the Philadelphia 76ers against the spread on Friday evening. 

Score Prediction: 129-102 76ers

(good until -6.5) 

(#525) Charlotte Hornets @ (#526) Sacramento Kings - 10:10pm EST 

Charlotte Hornets +16.0 (-110) 

Last night, the Hornets were unable to cover the massive spread in their 18pt defeat against the Nuggets. Having played yesterday, the oddsmakers are giving Charlotte more points than they should be to cover this spread. Despite not having Lamelo Ball back quite yet, the Hornets are still a decent basketball team with young talent. 

Sacramento seems to always play down to their opponents level. It's something a lot of teams struggle with and it's something that doesn't get fixed over night. The Kings have won consecutive games, but lost to Charlotte in their last meeting back on December 19th of 2022. 

Looking at this spread, I believe that the value points us towards the road side. Terry Rozier is questionable, but the Hornets should be able to cover this spread with or without him. I like them to keep it within double digits making this a 3% play on CHA. 

Score Prediction: 112-109 Sacramento 

(good until +15.0) 

(#527) Phoenix Suns @ (#528) Houston Rockets - 8:10pm EST 

Phoenix Suns -2.5 (-105)

It's definitely been a struggle for the Suns so far this season and it's going to take a lot for them to fully get out of this slump. However, if any team can do it, it's them. They've got two of the best players in the league right now in DBook and Kevin Durant. Both guys are capable of dropping 40+ every night and I expect both of them to have big games on Wednesday. 

Houston is coming off a very high scoring defeat last night against the Pacers. Even though they are still at home, that game probably took a bit out of them and we could see them start to slow down in the later stages of this game. When playing on back to back days, the Rockets are 9-21 against the spread over the past three seasons. 

This line has gone up slightly from the opener and I think that it'll keep moving up slowly over the course of the day. Houston has struggled drastically against teams in the Pacific division in the past and you can look for them to have similar issues in tonights game. 

Score Prediction: 117-103 Suns. 

(good until -3.0)