20* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Pacers/Jazz OVER 238

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team going 4-0 OVER in their last four games overall with 234 or more combined points in all four games, including 250 or more in three of them.  The Pacers are fully healthy right now and a potent offensive team when that's the case.

The Utah Jazz are also fully healthy right now and a dead nuts OVER team when that's the case.  Makkanen (19.4 PPG), Sexton (18.7 PPG), Collins (18.0 PPG) and Clarkson (15.9 PPG) have all missed significant time this season, but all four are healthy right now.  The Jazz rank 29th in defensive rating this season.

The Pacers and Jazz have combined for at least 237 points in each of their last five meetings with the OVER going 4-1 in those five meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder -9

The Oklahoma City Thunder want revenge from a 97-81 loss to the Bucks in the NBA Cup Championship Game on December 17th.  They have had this game circled since.  They had their worst shooting game of the season hitting 34% as a team and 5-of-32 (16%) from 3-point range.

Now the Thunder get to take on a completely different Bucks team that has been extremely soft on defense of late.  The Bucks are 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall losing by 13 at home to Memphis, by 26 at San Antonio, by 13 at Portland and by 10 at the Clippers.  They have allowed 132, 144, 125 and 127 points in those four losses with their lone victory during this stretch coming against the Jazz.

This is a terrible spot for the Bucks.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 132-119 home loss to Memphis last night.  Both Giannis and Lillard played 37 minutes last night.  They are without Bobby Portis, and his absence has been a big reason for their struggles.  They won't have much left in the tank tonight for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City had yesterday off and will be playing just its 4th game in 11 days.  The Thunder couldn't possibly be more fresh than they are right now.  I fully expect them to run the tired Bucks out of the gym and to win by double-digits tonight.  The Thunder are 20-3 SU & 15-7-1 ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by 14.0 points per game.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Celtics/76ers OVER 223

The Philadelphia 76ers have had to go more small ball without their two best big men.  That has opened things up for their offense especially with the new big man in Yabusele showing he belongs in the NBA.  He is coming off 28 points against the Nuggets, and his ability to stretch the floor has been on display going 11-of-27 from 3-point range in his last six games.

The Celtics are fully healthy right now and a potent offensive team when that's the case.  They have scored at least 112 points in eight of their last nine games overall.  The 76ers have scored at least 117 points in four of their last five games, and 109 points or more in seven straight coming in.

The OVER is 3-1 in the last four meetings with 224 or more combined points in three of those four.  The 76ers and their opponents have combined for at least 221 points in six of their last seven games overall while going 5-2 OVER during this stretch.  The Celtics and their opponents have gone for at least 222 combined points in four straight games with the OVER going 3-1.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* Celtics/76ers ESPN No-Brainer on Philadelphia +11

The Philadelphia 76ers are grossly undervalued right now.  They have gone 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with their only loss coming by 3 as 9.5-point dogs to the Denver Nuggets.  They upset the Kings by 13 as 8-point dogs, the Lakers by 14 as 4.5-point dogs, the Bulls by 12 as 3.5-point dogs and the Cavaliers by 3 as 9-point dogs.

The Boston Celtics have been grossly overvalued all season.  They are just 19-29-1 ATS in their 49 games.  They needed a buzzer beater to beat the Pelicans as 12-point road favorites last time out.  I think this is now a letdown spot for them.

The Celtics haven't fared well following a win.  In fact, the Celtics are 5-24-1 ATS in their last 30 games following a win this season.  They have a way of playing to the level of their competition, and they just aren't that motivated this season after winning the title last year.  Bet the 76ers Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Kings/Thunder OVER 233.5

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team going 9-3 OVER in their last 12 games overall with 223 or more combined points in nine of those 12 games.  The Kings are fully healthy right now and rank 4th in pace in their last 12 games.  They have scored 120 or more points in five of their last seven games coming in.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 9-1-1 OVER in their last 11 games with 225 or more combined points in nine of those 11 games.  The Thunder have scored at least 115 points in nine of their 11 games during this stretch. OKC will be without one of its best defenders in Alex Caruso who doesn't provide a lot offensively.

The Kings and Thunder have combined for at least 231 points in seven of their last nine meetings, and 239 or more in six of those.  This has been a high-scoring series and will continue to be tonight given the very good health of both teams.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Night BLOWOUT on Indiana Pacers -7.5

The Indiana Pacers are rolling right now going 10-2 SU & 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They are getting back to playing the way they did that led them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.  They beat San Antonio by 38 in Paris followed by a 14-point home win over Detroit in their last two games.

Now the Pacers are rested and ready to go after having the last two days off and playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.  The Hawks are 0-7 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall with six of those seven losses coming by 8 points or more.

The biggest proven for the Hawks right now are injuries.  They are without Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic.  Trae Young pops up on the injury report on a nightly basis and clearly isn't 100% either, and he can't do it all on his own.

The Pacers own the Hawks going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  The last three have been absolute blowouts winning by 42 at home, 18 on the road and 34 at home.  Bet the Pacers Saturday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Magic/Jazz OVER 215.5

The Utah Jazz have battled injuries all season.  But tonight they are expected to have each of their top eight scorers healthy and on the court.  All eight average at least 10 points per game.

The Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when they are healthy because they play fast, they rank 29th in defensive rating, and they are a pretty dangerous offensive team.  They will do enough to get us the OVER tonight.  Utah and its opponents have combined for at least 217 points in each of their last 10 games despite not being healthy during this stretch.  That makes for a 10-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 215.5-point total.

Orlando recently got Wagner and Banchero back and will start to gel more offensively with these two back healthy.  There's a chance they get Suggs back tonight as well.  Either way, I think the Magic are in line for one of their best offensive outputs of this season against this putrid Utah defense.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Pelicans OVER 231.5

The New Orleans Pelicans are a dead nuts OVER team.  The Pelicans are 13-6 OVER in their last 19 games overall with 232 or more combined points in 12 of those 19 games.  They have basically had to go a lot of small ball without a center, and now Daniel Theis is out tonight as well.  They are playing a lot faster during this stretch and they also rank 28th in defensive rating this season.

The Boston Celtics are 3rd in offensive rating and shoot a ton of 3-pointers this season.  They do play pretty good defense, but they haven't been nearly as lock down on that end as they were last season as they are going through a championship hangover.

This will be a rematch from a 120-119 win by the Celtics on January 12th earlier this month that saw 239 combined points.  It's not like either team shot the lights out in that game either with the Celtics shooting 44% as a team and the Pelicans 47%.  This rematch should sail OVER this 231.5-point total as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on New Orleans Pelicans +11

Amazingly, the Boston Celtics are 0-16-1 ATS in their last 17 games following an ATS win.  They haven't covered in consecutive games since the first two games of the season!  They are clearly going through a championship hangover this season.

I don't see the Celtics being all that motivated to beat the Pelicans tonight, either.  They just beat them 120-119 as 14.5-point home favorites on January 12th earlier this month in their first meeting this season.

It will be the Pelicans who will be the more motivated team with revenge in mind.  The Pelicans are just 12-36 this season, but they have to be the most talented team in the history of the NBA with a 25% winning percentage or worse at this point in the season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time right now, and I expect them to give the Celtics a run for their money tonight.

The Pelicans haven't lost any of their last 10 meetings with the Celtics by more than 12 points as all of these games tend to go down to the wire.  It will be more of the same tonight.  Bet the Pelicans Friday.

15* Nuggets/76ers ESPN ANNIHILATOR on OVER 231.5

The Philadelphia 76ers have had to go more small ball without their top two big men in Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond.  The result of small ball has been going 4-2 OVER in their last six games overall with 232 or more combined points in three of their last six.  They have scored at least 109 points in all six games.  They rank 10th in offensive rating and 26th in defensive rating during this stretch.

The Denver Nuggets are fully healthy right now and a dead nuts OVER team when that's the case.  The OVER is 7-2 in Nuggets last nine games overall with 234 or more combined points in eight of those nine games.  They have allowed at least 122 points in four consecutive games.  They rank 6th in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating in their last nine games.

The OVER is 4-2 in the last six meetings.  Denver beat Philadelphia 144-109 on January 21st for 253 combined points earlier this month.  I think this rematch sails OVER 231.5 combined points in the rematch tonight as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Night Line Mistake on Toronto Raptors -2.5

The Toronto Raptors have quietly gone 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall and are clearly playing their best basketball of the season.  A big reason for their success is the fact that they have remained healthy.  They have six outright wins as underdogs during this stretch.

Now the Raptors are 2.5-point home favorites over the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They are favored for good reason.  The Bulls are watching their season slip away going 2-8 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Each of their last four losses came by double-digits, including at home to the short-handed 76ers and on the road to the Blazers.  The Bulls are without Zach LaVine due to personal reasons right now which is a big reason for their struggles.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Clippers -13.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are pretty much fully healthy right now and showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  Kawhi Leonard is showing he still has a lot to give after scoring 27 points against the Spurs last time out for his 6th consecutive game scoring 15-plus points since returning from injury.

The Clippers are 29-17-1 ATS this season as one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.  And they did the majority of that without Kawhi.  Now that he's back in the lineup, the Clippers are legitimately one of the best teams in the NBA.  They are 7-3 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall with a 2-point loss at Phoenix and a OT loss to the Celtics despite not having all their top guys for that game.

But this is as much of a fade of the Charlotte Hornets as anything.  The Hornets just cannot catch a break in the injury department.  They are now without six of their top seven scorers in Ball (28.2 PPG), Miller (21.0 PPG, Williams (15.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG), Mann (14.1 PPG), Williams (10.4 PPG) and Martin (7.8 PPG).

We saw just how poor the Hornets were in their first game without all these guys last time out losing 104-83 as 1.5-point home favorites to the short-handed, terrible Brooklyn Nets.  It won't go any better for them tonight against the Clippers, who have won 10 consecutive meetings with the Nets.  Bet the Clippers Friday.

15* Rockets/Grizzlies TNT ANNIHILATOR on Memphis -4

The Memphis Grizzlies will be max motivated tonight.  They will be paying with triple revenge after losing the first three meetings of the season to the Houston Rockets.  They lost the last two meetings by a combined 6 points.

The Grizzlies will also be motivated coming off one of their worst losses of the season in a 143-106 road loss to the Knicks.  They have had the last two days off to rest up and get healthy, and now they will be more healthy than they have been in any of their first three meetings with the Rockets this season.

Memphis is 19-5 at home this season with one of the better home-court advantages in the NBA.  Expect one of their biggest efforts of the season tonight against a Rockets team playing their 4th consecutive road game and their 3rd road game in 4 days.  Bet the Grizzlies Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Rockets/Grizzlies OVER 236

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating this season.  The OVER is 9-3-1 in Grizzlies last 13 games overall with 234 or more combined points in 10 of those 13 games.  That includes 238 or more combined points in seven of their last nine coming in.

The OVER is 8-3-1 in Rockets last 12 games overall.  The OVER is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings between the Grizzlies and Rockets with 234 or more combined points in all four meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Timberwolves/Jazz OVER 224

The Utah Jazz have battled injuries all season.  But tonight they are expected to have each of their top eight scorers healthy and on the court.  All eight average at least 10 points per game.

The Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when they are healthy because they play fast, they rank 29th in defensive rating, and they are a pretty dangerous offensive team.  They will do enough to get us the OVER tonight.

The OVER is 12-6 in Timberwolves last 18 games overall with 226 or more combined points in seven of their last 10 games overall.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* Thunder/Warriors ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 227

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 8-1-1 OVER in their last 10 games with 226 or more combined points in eight of those 10 games.  The Thunder have scored at least 115 points in nine of their 10 games during this stretch.

Steph Curry sat the front end of a back-to-back last night in a 114-103 win over the Utah Jazz.  The Warriors were confident they could beat the Jazz without him, and I'm anticipating he plays tonight.  If he does this total will only go up, but I still wouldn't hate it even if he doesn't play.  The Warriors are without Draymond Green, who is their most important defender.

The OVER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between the Warriors and Thunder with 237 or more combined points in nine of those 10 games.  The only game that went under the total Curry did not play in.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Nuggets/Knicks ESPN ANNIHILATOR on OVER 239

The Denver Nuggets are 6-1 OVER in their last seven games overall.  They have gone for 236 or more combined points in six of those seven games.  They are fully healthy right now and playing a lot more small ball which has them taking off offensively, but also being one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.  The Nuggets rank 3rd in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating in their last seven games.

The Knicks are 6-3 OVER in their last nine games overall with 243 or more combined points in six of those nine games.  They have scored 143 points in consecutive wins over Memphis and Sacramento.  The Knicks rank 2nd in the NBA in offensive rating this season.

Both teams are fully healthy right now and I expect them both to top 120 points in this one.  The Knicks beat the Nuggets 145-118 for 263 combined points in their first meeting this season in Denver.  It will be more of the same in the rematch in New York tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Miami Heat +8.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are overvalued after a blistering start to the season that has them sitting in 1st place in the East.  They have gone 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall.

The Cavaliers shouldn't be 8.5-point road favorites over the Miami Heat tonight considering they will be without three key role players in Wade, LeVert and Okoro.  It has since been announced that Darius Garland (21.7 PPG, 6.8 APG) will rest on the front end of a back-to-back here.  This line should have crashed more than it has since that announcement.

The Heat are getting no respect right now because of the Jimmy Butler drama.  But players are over it, and the Heat have won and covered their last two games coming in.  They are playing with a chip on their shoulder right now.  The Heat are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Cavs, so this has been a good matchup for them.  Bet the Heat Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Kings/76ers OVER 225

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team going 9-2 OVER in their last 11 games overall with 223 or more combined points in nine of those 11 games.  The Kings are fully healthy right now and rank 4th in pace in their last 12 games.  They have scored 120 or more points in five of their last six games coming in.

The Philadelphia 76ers have had to go more small ball without their top two big men in Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond.  The result of small ball has been going 4-1 OVER in their last five games overall with 232 or more combined points in three of their last five.  Paul George may return tonight after sitting out the front end of a back-to-back in a win over the Lakers last night.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Toronto Raptors -6.5

The Toronto Raptors have quietly gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall and are clearly playing their best basketball of the season.  A big reason for their success is the fact that they have remained healthy.

The Washington Wizards are the worst team in the NBA at 6-39 SU & 17-27-1 ATS this season.  This is a terrible spot for the Wizards returning home from a 6-game road trip out West.  They lost all six games by 8 points or more and have now lost 14 straight overall with all 14 coming by 6 points or more, and 13 by 7 points or more.

Now the Wizards will be playing in their 7th different city in 12 days and I question how much they have left in the tank. They will also be dealing with distractions from returning home as they were last at home on January 16th.  Bet the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Warriors OVER 228.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 13th in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  They are reasonably healthy right now which is the key to them being an OVER team.  But they are without Walker Kessle (11.3 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.4 BPG), who is their most important defender.

The OVER is 5-2 in Jazz last seven games overall with 228 or more combined points in six consecutive games coming in.  Golden State is 5-1 OVER in its last six games overall with 226 or more combined points in five of those six contests.

The Warriors are without their most important defender in Draymond Green right now.  Jonathan Kuminga is also a great, lengthy, athletic defender that they are missing right now.  They are going more small ball with Brandon Podziemski back and healthy.  Small ball favors OVERS.

Utah and Golden State have combined for at least 228 points in four of their last five meetings and six of their last eight meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Lakers/76ers TNT No-Brainer on Philadelphia +4

This is a terrible spot for the Los Angeles Lakers.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a narrow 112-107 win at Charlotte last night.  It's worth noting the Hornets lost their best player in La'Melo Ball early in that game and the Lakers still struggled to put away the short-handed Hornets.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Lakers, who have won four straight coming in including wins over the rival Celtics and Warriors.  They weren't that motivated to beat the Hornets last night, and they won't be that motivated tonight either.  This will be the 9th game in 16 days for the Lakers and I question how much they have left in the tank.

The 76ers are missing some guys, but it hasn't stopped them from pulling off consecutive impressive upset wins over the Cavs as 9-point home dogs and the Bulls the very next night as 3.5-point road dogs.  Now the 76ers have had the last two days off so they will be fresh and ready to go, plus they will be motivated to beat the Lakers on National TV tonight.  Bet the 76ers Tuesday.

20* Clippers/Suns NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 224

Both the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are as healthy as they have been all season.  The only players they are both missing are known more for defense than offense.  That's Kris Dunn (6.0 PPG, 42.3% FG's) for the Clippers and Ryan Dunn (7.3 PPG, 45.2% FG's) for the Suns.

The Clippers just hung 127 points on the Bucks in a 127-117 victory for 244 combined points.  The Suns have hung 117 or more points in five of their last seven games overall and 114 or more in eight of seven of their last nine.

The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings with 229 or more combined points in six of those seven meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Grizzlies/Knicks OVER 240.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating this season.  The OVER is 8-3-1 in Grizzlies last 12 games overall with 234 or more combined points in nine of those 12 games.  That includes 238 or more combined points in six of their last eight coming in.

The New York Knicks rank 2nd in offensive rating which has turned them into an OVER team this season.  They just combined for 263 points in a 143-120 home win over the Sacramento Kings last time out, a Kings team that profiles similarly to Memphis.

The OVER is 8-1 in the last nine meetings between the Grizzlies and Knicks.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Charlotte Hornets +6

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the ultimate letdown spot tonight.  After upsetting the rival Boston Celtics at home on Thursday, the Lakers backed it up with a 118-108 win at Golden State on Saturday.  Those are arguably their two biggest rivals.

Now the Lakers have to travel clear out east to take on the Charlotte Hornets.  They won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Hornets as they were to beat those two previous teams.  They are 'fat and happy' right now and ripe for the picking.

The Hornets have quietly gone 5-5 SU & 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall and are playing their best basketball of the season.  La'Melo Ball and Mark Williams are healthy and playing tremendous to lead the way.  THey are coming off a 31-point home win over the Pelicans as 1.5-point dogs.

The Lakers are 16-6 at home but just 9-12 on the road this season.  The Hornets have played much better at home than on the road this season.  They have outright upset home victories in three of their last four including wins over Phoenix and Dallas in the West.  Bet the Hornets Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Lakers/Hornets OVER 222

The Charlotte Hornets rank in the Top 10 in pace in their last 10 games.  The key has been having PG La'Melo Ball healthy.  He pushed the tempo for them and makes everything go for them offensively.  The Hornets have scored at least 110 points in seven of their last eight games overall, including 120 or more in three of their last five.

The Lakers just hung 118 on Golden State and 117 on Boston in consecutive victories.  Those are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  Now the Lakers get a step down in class here against the Hornets.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the Lakers and Hornets with 231 or more combined points in all six games.  We have a lot of room to spare here with this low total of 222 points.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Thunder/Blazers OVER 225.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have had to go more small ball here of late with injuries to their big men.  They are also going to be without their best perimeter defender in Lu Dort today against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The OVER is 8-1 in Thunder last nine games overall with 227 or more combined points in seven of those nine games.  They have gone for 251 and 248 combined points in their last two trips to Portland.

The Blazers are fully healthy at the guard positions with Simons running the show.  They are playing well with four straight victories.  But they have played seven of their last eight games against teams that profile as under teams due to poor offense and good defense, plus slow tempo.  

The Blazers will open things up today against the Thunder because they are going to have to with the Thunder guaranteed to get their points.  This game should sail OVER this 225.5-point total. Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Wizards/Suns OVER 231

The Phoenix Suns are fully healthy right now which has been rare for them.  They are an elite offensive team when that's the case, and I fully expect them to hang a big number on the Washington Wizards tonight to lead the way in us cashing this OVER ticket.

The Wizards are an OVER team as long as Kuzma and Poole are healthy, and that's the case for them right now.  The Wizards rank 4th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating this season.  They have allowed at least 120 points in six of their last eight games overall.

The OVER is 2-0 in the last two meetings and 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.  The Suns beat the Wizards 130-123 for 253 combined points in their first meeting this season on January 16th just over a week ago.  It will be more of the same in the rematch tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Jazz/Grizzlies OVER 241.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating this season.  They will control the tempo playing at home tonight.

The OVER is 8-2-1 in Grizzlies last 11 games overall with 234 or more combined points in nine of those 11 games.  That includes 238 or more combined points in six of their last seven coming in.

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team as long as Markannen and Sexton are in the lineup.  They are both expected to play tonight.  The Jazz are 13th in pace and 29th in defensive rating.

The OVER is 5-0 in Jazz last five games overall with 237 or more combined points in each of their last three games.  The Grizzlies and Jazz combined for 250 points in their lone meeting earlier this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Kings/Knicks OVER 232.5

The Sacramento Kings are getting back to their roots under interim head coach Doug Christie.  They are playing faster and their offense has thrived since upping the tempo.  The OVER is 8-2 in Kings last 10 games overall with 240 or more combined points in seven of those 10 games.  They have scored at least 123 points in eight of those 10 games.

The New York Knicks profile as an OVER team this season thanks to ranking 2nd in offensive rating.  They are fully healthy right now with Josh Hart questionable the only concern.  But as long as Towns is healthy and on the court, the Knicks are one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.

The Knicks will be looking to run more with the last three days off, so they are fresh and ready to go.  The Kings are always looking to run ranking 1st in pace in their last 10 games.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Pelicans/Grizzlies NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on New Orleans +12

The New Orleans Pelicans are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall with their lone loss coming 120-119 at Boston as 14.5-point underdogs.  They have upset road wins over Philadelphia and Chicago as well during this stretch.

CJ McCollum is playing the best basketball of his career to lead the way.  The Pelicans have scored at least 119 points in each of their last six games.  McCollum has scored 50, 45 and 38 points here recently.

This feels like a letdown spot for the Grizzlies.  They are getting a lot of respect after going 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They haven't beaten the Pelicans by more than 11 points in any of their last seven meetings.  That makes for a 7-0 system backing New Orleans pertaining to this 12-point spread.  Bet the Pelicans Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Pelicans/Grizzlies OVER 240.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating this season.  They will control the tempo playing at home tonight.

The OVER is 7-2-1 in Grizzlies last 10 games overall with 234 or more combined points in eight of those 10 games.  That includes 238 or more combined points in five of their last six coming in.

The Pelicans are 5-1 OVER in their last six games overall with 232 or more combined points in all six games.  They have scored at least 119 points in all six games as well as CJ McCollum is playing the best basketball of his career to lead the way.

The Grizzlies and Pelicans combined for 256 points in their last meeting in a 132-124 win by Memphis on December 27th earlier this season.  It should be more of the same tonight with the way these teams are trending.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on Chicago Bulls +1.5

This is a terrible spot for the Golden State Warriors tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 123-117 loss in Sacramento last night.  They couldn't have shot it any better hitting 22-of-48 (46%) from 3-point range and still lost.

The Warriors are a tired, banged up, struggling team right now.  They are without Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, and the loss of Kuminga has coincided with their recent struggles.  Podziemski, Anderson and Looney are all questionable. 

The Warriors are 3-6 SU & 3-6 ATS in their last nine games with their two of their three wins coming by a combined 4 points, and the other being an 8-point home win over the lowly Wizards as 14-point favorites.  They have a 40-point home loss to Boston, an upset road loss at Toronto, a 12-point road loss at Indiana, a 16-point home loss to Miami and a 30-point home loss to Sacramento during this stretch.

Te Bulls are fresh and ready to go after having the last two days off.  There's a chance they get back to full strength tonight with both White and Dosunmu questionable.  They won 112-99 as 6.5-point road dogs to the Clippers last time out and get to stay out West for this one.

Home-court advantage has meant nothing in this series as the road team is 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  The Bulls won outright as 8.5-point dogs and outright as 4.5-point dogs in their last two trips to Golden State.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Bulls Thursday.

20* Celtics/Lakers TNT No-Brainer on Los Angeles +5.5

This is a terrible spot for the Boston Celtics.  They needed OT to beat a short-handed Clippers team last night that was without Kawhi, Harden and Powell.  They managed to win 117-113 as 12.5-point favorites.

But now they are on tired legs after Tatum played over 42 minutes, White over 42 and Brown over 38 last night.  They were without Porzingis, Horford and Holiday and there's a chance they return tonight listed as questionable.  But either way, those three are tired, and the team as a whole is tired playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days tonight.

The Lakers have won three of their last four and are coming off a 23-point rout of the Wizards at home.  They had yesterday off and will be playing just their 6th game in 16 days.  They are as healthy as they have been all season and ready to take their swing at the defending champs tonight.

The Lakers are 2-3 SU but 3-2 ATS in the last five meetings with two of the losses coing in OT.  The Celtics rarely get margin on them as two of the three losses came by 4 points or less.  Their two wins came by 9 at Boston and by 15 at home.  The spot really favors the Lakers tonight.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Toronto Raptors +4.5

This is a terrible spot for the Atlanta Hawks tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 114-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons last night.  Trae Young played 40 minutes, Jalen Johnson over 37, Dyson Daniels 33 and De'Andre Hunter 30.  Those four will all be on tired legs if they play again tonight.

Clint Capela, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds against the Pistons last night, has already been ruled out.  They are also without Risacher and Nance Jr.  This is a Hawks team that just have a knack for playing to the level of its competition.  That outright loss to the Pistons last night was normal, and it wouldn't surprise me if they lose outright again tonight.

The spot really favors the Toronto Raptors.  They will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days so they couldn't be more fresh.  They are coming off a 109-93 home win over the Magic, and they beat the Celtics outright as 14-point dogs and the Warriors outright as 5-point dogs in going 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall.  They are pretty much as healthy as they have been all season only missing Immanuel Quickley right now.

Home-court advantage has meant very little in this series as the road team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  I fully expect the Raptors to win this game outright tonight, but we'll take the points for some insurance.  Bet the Raptors Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Charlotte Hornets +12

The Charlotte Hornets are 5-1-1 ATS in their last six games overall with three SU losses during this stretch coming by 4 at Detroit, by 10 at Cleveland and by 7 at Phoenix.  They upset Dallas at home, upset Chicago on the road and upset Phoenix at home.

The key to the Hornets playing their best basketball of the season right now is having La'Melo Ball (29.3 PPG, 7.6 APG) healthy and running the show.  C Mark Williams (14.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG) is one of the more underrated players in the league and is getting to showcase his talents now.  Miles Bridges (18.6 PPG) is also playing well, and Nick Smith Jr. is getting more playing time and showcasing his talents with Brandon Miller out.

This looks like a letdown spot for Memphis.  They had a huge comeback win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on MLK Day with a 108-106 victory.  That was their first home game back from a four-game road trip.  I don't think they'll be fully motivated against the Hornets tonight.

The Hornets have won each of their last two meetings with the Grizzlies 115-106 at home and 110-98 on the road.  They haven't lost any of their last 10 games by more than 12 points, making for a 10-0 system backing them pertaining to this 12-point spread.  They haven't lost any of their last 17 games by more than 14 points, so they have a long history of being competitive.  Bet the Hornets Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Hornets/Grizzlies OVER 238

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating this season.  They will control the tempo playing at home today, and the key to their offense in JA Morant is back and healthy.

The OVER is 6-2-1 in Grizzlies last nine games overall with 234 or more combined points in seven of those nine games.  That includes 238 or more combined points in four of their last five coming in.

The Charlotte Hornets profile as an OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball (29.3 PPG, 7.6 APG) is healthy and running the show.  They play a lot faster with him at the point and they are much more efficient offensively.  They remain a poor defensive team.

The OVER is 3-1 in Hornets last four games overall.  The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings between Charlotte and Memphis.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Jazz/Thunder OVER 221.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder profile as an OVER team ranking 8th in pace and 6th in offensive rating.  They have gone for at least 220 combined points with their opponents in six of their last seven games overall.  They have had to go more small ball now without their two big men in Holmgren and Harteinstein.

The Utah Jazz profile as an OVER team as well ranking 13th in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  The OVER is 4-0 in Jazz last four games overall with 223 or more combined points in all four games, and 220 or more in five consecutive games coming in.  They have upgraded Makkanen and Collins to questionable today so there's a decent chance they return.

The Jazz and Thunder have combined for at least 226 points in nine of their last 10 meetings.  That makes for a 9-1 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 221.5-point total.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +13.5

The Washington Wizards are 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall and have been pretty competitive.  In their one non-cover, the Wizards shot 32-of-89 (36%) from the field and 10-of-42 (24%) from 3-point range in their 123-100 loss at Sacramento.  I expect some positive shooting regression from them tonight.

Now they're up against a Lakers team that is overvalued and ranks just 24th in defensive rating this season.  The Lakers have just one win by more than 13 points in their last 22 games, making for a 21-1 system backing the Wizards pertaining to this 13.5-point spread.

The Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings with the Lakers not once losing by more than 13 points.  Bet the Wizards Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Wizards/Lakers OVER 228.5

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 4th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They are 4-1 OVER in their last five games overall with 253 combined points with Phoenix, 226 with Minnesota, 231 with Oklahoma City, 236 with Golden State and 223 with Sacramento.

The Wizards shot 32-of-89 (36%) from the field and 10-of-42 (24%) from 3-point range in that 123-100 loss at Sacramento.  I expect some positive shooting regression from them tonight which will be the key to us cashing this OVER 228.5 ticket.

The Lakers are as healthy as they have been in a long time and should hang a big number on the Wizards.  That's especially the case after playing some very good defensive teams here recently in the Clippers, Heat and Spurs.  But the Lakers rank 24th in defensive rating so the Wizards should hang a big number as well.

The OVER is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings with 231 or more combined points in all six meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Jazz/Pelicans NBA ANNIHILATOR on New Orleans -11

I'm willing to lay the big number with the New Orleans Pelicans tonight for several reasons.  For starters, the Pelicans are as healthy as they have been in a long time and are playing their best basketball of the season.

Indeed, the Pelicans are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with their only loss coming by a single point 120-119 as 14.5-point underdogs at Boston.  They upset the Bulls and 76ers on the road, and covered at home against Dallas and Utah.

The Jazz are a mess right now.  They are 1-5 SU in their last six games overall with their only victory coming at home by a single point over the hapless Brooklyn Nets 112-111.  Injuries and tanking are the biggest problem for the Jazz right now.

The Jazz are without four of their top five scorers in Makkanen (20.1 PPG), Sexton (18.3 PPG), Collins (17.9 PPG and Clarkson (16.0 PPG).  Sexton is only sitting out because is is almost 100% going to get traded before the deadline.

Sexton had 24 points in their 136-123 loss at New Orleans in their last game on January 17th.  So they won't have his production tonight, and the Pelicans actually are shorter favorites in the rematch after being 12-point favorites in that game.  There's value here on New Orleans even as a double-digit favorite.  Bet the Pelicans Monday.

15* Suns/Cavs Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Phoenix +8

The Phoenix Suns are playing their best basketball of the season right now going 5-1 SU in their last six games overall with their only loss coming by 5 at Atlanta.  The Suns made a trade for Nick Richards and he had 21 points and 11 rebounds in his Phoenix debut last time out in a 125-121 road win at Detroit.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have actually lost two of their last four and are kind of hitting a wall after a blistering start tot he season.  They lost by 15 as 9-point home favorites to Indiana and by 20 at Oklahoma City.

A big reason for their struggles was losing C Evan Mobley (18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 42.1% 3-pointers) in that loss to OKC.  Mobley is one of the most improved players in the NBA, especially with his ability to now step out and hit 3-pointers.  The Cavaliers miss him a lot with what he can do on both ends considering he's already one of the top defenders in the NBA.  Bet the Suns Monday.

20* Timberwolves/Grizzlies TNT No-Brainer on OVER 233.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating this season.  They will control the tempo playing at home today, and the key to their offense in JA Morant has been upgraded to probable.

The OVER is 6-1-1 in Grizzlies last eight games overall with 234 or more combined points in seven of those eight games.  That includes their 127-125 road win at Minnesota on January 11th for 252 combined points.

It's not like the Grizzlies shot the lights out in that game either as they shot just 44% as a team on a whopping 108 attempts from the field.  Neither team shot better than 40% from 3-point range either, so it should be another shootout in the rematch that sails OVER this 233.5-point total.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Pistons/Rockets OVER 222

The OVER is 6-0-1 in Rockets last seven games overall with 228 or more combined points in all seven games, including 234 or more in six of them.  They are playing with a lot more tempo of late and it is paying off as the Rockets have scored at least 119 points in each of their last seven games.

The Detroit Pistons are 3-1 OVER in their last four games overall including 237 combined points with Toronto, 243 with New York and 246 with Phoenix.  They scored at least 121 points in three of their last four.  This total of 222 is way too short given the way these two teams are trending.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Wizards/Kings OVER 232.5

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 4th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They are 4-0 OVER in their last four games overall with 253 combined points with Phoenix, 226 with Minnesota, 231 with Oklahoma City and 236 with Golden State.

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team since switching to Doug Christie at head coach.  They are getting back to pace and space.  The OVER is 6-1 in Kings last seven games overall with 241 or more combined points in five of those seven games.  They just combined for 259 with Houston, 245 with Milwaukee and 243 with Chicago in their last three games coming in.

The Wizards and Kings have combined for at least 233 points in four of their last five meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Night BLOWOUT on Denver Nuggets -7

The Denver Nuggets are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They have gone 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall with all five wins coming by 11 points or more.  That includes a 133-113 win at Miami last time out.  A return to health is a big reason for their resurgence as Murray, Jokic and Gordon are all healthy right now.

The same cannot be said for the Magic, who are going through their worst stretch of the season due to all their injuries.  The Magic are just 6-11 SU in their last 17 games and 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games.  They were absolutely blown out in their last two games losing by 29 at Milwaukee and by 27 at Boston.

The Magic did get Paulo Banchero back from injury recently but he's not 100% yet and is on a minutes restriction.  He cannot make up for the losses of Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG), Jalen Suggs (16.4 PPG), Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG) and Goga Bitadze (9.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG).  The Magic are just so short-handed right now, and they stand no chance of being competitive against Denver today.  Bet the Nuggets Sunday.

20* Grizzlies/Spurs ESPN No-Brainer on UNDER 239.5

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  The Mavericks and Spurs will be meeting for a 2nd time in 3 days in San Antonio tonight.  The first went over the total of 239.5 with a 129-115 victory by Memphis.  I expect the rematch to be much lower scoring.

Memphis shot 50% as a team including 42% from 3-point range in that first meeting.  San Antonio shot decent too at 45% overall and 37% from 3.  I suspect the shots won't come as easy now that these teams know how to defend one another.

It's worth noting JA Morant is questionable with a foot injury after going for 21 points and 12 assists in that first meeting.  If he doesn't play this total will crater, and I still like the UNDER even if he does.

That was a rare shootout in this series between the Grizzlies and Spurs.  In fact, the previous three meetings saw 187, 196 and 204 combined points.  These teams have combined for 228 or fewer points at the end of regulation in four of their last five meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/Bulls OVER 235.5

The Chicago Bulls are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 2nd in pace and 23rd in defensive rating.  The Charlotte Hornets play a lot faster and are a lot more efficient on offense when La'Melo Ball (29.6 PPG, 7.5 APG) is on the court.  

Well, Ball is healthy and in the lineup now.  The Hornets went OVER the total in each of their last two games combining for 233 points with Phoenix and 229 with Utah, which was a depleted Utah team.

The Bulls are also getting healthy on the injury front with Coby White (18.5 PPG), Josh Giddey (11.6 PPG, 6.8 APG) and Ayo Dosunmu (12.5 PPG, 4.7 APG) all expected to play tonight.  And Lonzo Ball is healthy now and will get to face his brother tonight, which should be fireworks.

I nearly stayed off this total because the last seven meetings between the Bulls and Hornets have all stayed under this total.  But amazingly, La'Melo Ball didn't play in any of those seven games as he was not healthy.  With the Bulls' shift in offensive philosophy this season to play faster and shoot more 3's, this meeting with Ball in the lineup will be much higher scoring.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Toronto Raptors +11.5

The Toronto Raptors are healthy right now with the exception of Immanuel Quickley.  They have managed to win their last two games without him pulling the 104-101 upset as 5.5-point home dogs to Golden State and the 110-97 upset as 14.5-point home dogs to Boston.

The Raptors avenged an earlier blowout loss to the Celtics in their previous meeting, and now they'll be looking to avenge a 128-104 loss to the Bucks in their last meeting on January 6th.  I like them to stay within this inflated number tonight.

The Bucks are getting a lot of respect now after two blowout home wins over Sacramento and Orlando as short favorites.  They have won five of their last six games overall.  I don't see them being all that motivated to beat the Raptors again, and this is a clear letdown spot for them tonight.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

15* NBA Thursday Night BLOWOUT on Los Angeles Clippers -6.5

The Los Angeles Clippers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But it's no big deal considering they blasted the Nets 126-67 at home for the largest blowout of the season.

Because of the blowout, the Clippers will still be fresh considering all five starters played less than 24 minutes.  This will also be the just 3rd game in 8 days for the Clippers, so they should still be fresh and ready to go.

The Blazers are 2-6 SU in their last eight games.  Their last two were very concerning as they lost by 18 at home to that same Nets team, and by 21 at home to Miami.  Injuries are starting to pile up for the Blazers as they are without Grant, Clingan and Tybulle.  Now Avdija is out, and he has been huge for them scoring at least 14 points in nine of his last 10 games.  He sat out that 132-114 loss to the Nets.

The Clippers own the Blazers going 9-1 SU in the last 10 meetings with the lone loss coming by a single point.  That includes a 127-105 home win by the Clippers in their most recent meeting on December 3rd.  I expect them to win with room to spare again tonight.  Bet the Clippers Thursday.

20* Rockets/Kings TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 224

The Sacramento Kings just got De'Aaron Fox back from injury and they are a dead nuts OVER team with him in the lineup.  Now they should get Malik Monk back as well, and all of their important players are healthy for this showdown with the Houston Rockets.

The OVER is 5-1 in Kings last six games overall with 228 or more combined points in five of those six games.  They just combined for 245 points with Milwaukee last time out and 243 with Chicago the game prior.

The OVER is 4-0-1 in Rockets last five games overall with 234 or more combined points in all five games.  They Rockets are without one of their best defenders in Jabari Smith, and Amen Thompson is getting a lot more minutes in his place and it's an upgrade on offense.

The Rockets have scored at least 119 points in five consecutive games.  The Kings have scored at least 113 points in nine of their last 11 games.  The OVER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings with 231 or more combined points in seven of them, and 239 or more in six of those.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Charlotte Hornets -5

The Charlotte Hornets recently got both La'Melo Ball and Brandon Miller back from injury.  Those two are huge for them as Ball averages 30 points and over 7 assists per game while Miler averages 21 points per game. 

The Hornets have gone 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games overall. They pulled the outright upset over the Suns and also took the Suns to the wire on the road in their last two games.

But this is as much a play against the Utah Jazz as anything. The Jazz will be without their top five scorers in Markkanen, Sexton, Collins, Clarkson and George Wednesday.  Those five all average at least 15.6 points per game and combine to average nearly 88 points per game.

That's a lot of production lost.  I don't see how they can keep this game competitive tonight without all these guys.  Bet the Hornets Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/Jazz UNDER 221

The Utah Jazz will be without their top five scorers in Markkanen, Sexton, Collins, Clarkson and George Wednesday.  Those five all average at least 15.6 points per game and combine to average nearly 88 points per game.  That's a lot of production lost, and the Jazz will struggle offensively tonight.

The UNDER is 8-1 in Hornets last nine games overall with 223 or fewer combined points in eight of those nine games.  The Jazz and their opponents have gone for 220 or fewer combined points at the end of regulation in four of their last five games, including 204 or fewer combined points in three of them.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Toronto Raptors +12.5

The Boston Celtics have been overvalued all season after winning the NBA title last season.  They are 8-17-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall.  In their last two games, the Celtics lost outright by 17 as 11.5-point home favorites to the Kings and only won by 1 over the Pelicans as 14.5-point home favorites.

Toronto has been much more competitive at home this season going 8-13 SU but 13-7-1 ATS.  They just upset the Warriors in their last home game.  I like them to stay within this inflated number tonight.

The Raptors haven't lost by more than 12 points in any of their last seven home meetings with Boston.  That makes for a 7-0 system backing Toronto pertaining to this 12.5-point spread.  Bet the Raptors Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Raptors OVER 229.5

The Toronto Raptors rank 9th in pace and 27th in defensive rating so they profile as an OVER team. The Raptors are fully healthy with the exception of Immanuel Quickley. They will control the tempo playing at home and push the pace.

The Celtics are also fully healthy and rank 2nd in offensive rating.  They are tough to tame on that end with all their firepower when healthy.  Boston went for 239 combined points with the Pelicans last time out.

Toronto went for 237 combined points with Detroit & 258 with Cleveland in two of their last three games.  This total just feels a little short given how healthy both teams are right now.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Nuggets/Mavs TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 233

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This will be the 2nd meeting in 3 days between the Mavericks and Nuggets.  Points will be very hard to come by in the rematch with these teams so familiar with one another as this is actually their 4th and final meeting of the season now.

The total closed 232 in that first meeting and the Nuggets won 112-101 for just 213 combined points.  The Nuggets actually shot well from the floor too at 49%, while the Mavericks shot 41% overall and 35% from 3.

No question the Mavericks could see some positive shooting regression with the chance that Kyrie Irving returns from an illness, but they are still without Luka Doncic.  I don't think the Mavs will be hitting on all cylinders offensively tonight by any means.

The Mavs have been relying on defense without their stars as the UNDER is 3-1 in their last four games overall with 228 or fewer combined points in all four games.  The UNDER is 4-2 in Nuggets last six games overall with 229 or fewer combined points at the end of regulation in all six games.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Kings/Bucks OVER 228

The Sacramento Kings have De'Aron Fox back and healthy right now and they are rolling offensively with him in the lineup.  The OVER is 4-1 in Kings last five games overall where they have scored at least 114 points in all five games, and 123 or more in four of them.

The Milwaukee Bucks have both Giannis and Lillard healthy right now and they are the keys to their success offensively.  The Bucks are also playing well on that end averaging 116.0 points per game in their last four games.  They are coming off 246 combined points with the Knicks in their last game.

I love OVERS in these non-conference games with teams that aren't familiar with one another because it tends to favor offense over defense.  Well, the OVER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between the Kings and Bucks with 233 or more combined points in nine of those 10 games.  Enough said.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Suns/Hawks OVER 234

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 3rd in pace and 21st in defensive rating.  They will be ready to run tonight after having the last four days off, and they will control the tempo playing at home.

The Suns have the Big 3 of Durant, Booker and Beal healthy right now and they thrive on offense when that's the case.  The Suns have scored 120, 114 and 123 points in their last three games coming in.  But this is a poor defensive team ranking 22nd in defensive rating this season.

The OVER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between the Hawks and Suns.  They have combined for 238, 243 and 249 points in their last three meetings, and 232 or more points in nine of their last 11 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Grizzlies/Rockets OVER 235.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating despite battling injuries all season.  But now Morant, Jackson Jr. and Bane are all healthy and they are without one of their best defenders in Marcus Smart, making them even more of an OVER team.

This total of 235.5 is very low for a game involving the Grizzlies right now.  The OVER is 7-2 in Grizzlies last nine games overall with 229 or more combined points in eight of those nine games, including 234 or more in seven of them.

That 234-point effort came against the Rockets on January 9th, and now they play the Rockets again less than a week later.  But that game saw an unusual low-scoring 4th quarter with just 41 combined points in the 4th.  That's not going to happen again, and you can see the potential for this game to be even more high-scoring.

Houston shot 43% as a team in that game and 24-of-41 (59%) from the FT line as well.  Memphis shot just 31% from 3-point range and also missed 9 FT. Houston has gone for 234 or more combined points in three consecutive games now.  These teams have combined for at least 234 points in three consecutive meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Timberwolves/Wizards OVER 222.5

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 4th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  The Wizards and their opponents have combined for at least 223 points in nine of their last 11 games overall.  This total of 222.5 is very low for a game involving the Wizards.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a 127-125 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, who also like to play fast like the Wizards.  They have played a brutal schedule of opposing defensive teams with six of their last nine games coming against teams that rank Top 7 in defensive rating.  Now they get a reprieve here and will hang a big number on the Wizards to lead us to cashing this OVER 222.5 ticket.

The OVER is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings with 220 or more combined points in all 12 meetings, including 225 or more in 11 of their last 13 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* Hornets/Suns NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 224

The Charlotte Hornets are an OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball (29.9 PPG, 7.3 APG) is on the court.  He is healthy and on the court right now for the Hornets, and so is Brandon Miller (21.2 PPG).  The Hornets have battled injuries all season but are about as healthy as they have been all year right now.

The Hornets also come in on four days' rest, so they have a lot of energy and will be looking to push the pace today behind Ball.  I think we are going to get a shootout with the Suns, who are also fully healthy right now with Durant, Beal, Booker and Nurkic all on the court.

The Suns have gone for 123 and 114 points in their last two games with all of these guys.  They will be looking to avenge a 115-104 loss at Charlotte on the 2nd of a back-to-back on January 7th.  It took a miracle to keep that game under the 225.5-point total.

Indeed, the Suns shot 39-of-92 (42%) from the field and 8-of-33 (24%) from 3-point range in that game while the Hornets shot 38-of-98 (39%) from the field and 13-of-47 (28%) from 3-point range.  It still saw 219 combined points.  I have to think both teams will shoot much better in the rematch as they cannot possibly shoot any worse.  It was played at a fast pace and this one will be, too.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Thunder/Wizards OVER 231

The Washington Wizards are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 4th in pace and dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  They host an Oklahoma City Thunder team that also likes to play fast ranking 9th in pace and 7th in offensive rating.

This has been a very high-scoring series.  The OVER is a perfect 6-0 in the last six meetings with 228 or more combined points in all six meetings, including 237 or more combined points in five of those six.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Nuggets/Mavs UNDER 231

The Dallas Mavericks are without their two best players in Doncic (28.1 PPG) and Irving (24.3 PPG).  Points are going to be hard to come by for the Mavericks until these two return, and they are going to have to rely a lot more on defense to stay competitive.

They have done a good job of that beating the Lakers 118-97 for 215 combined points and the Blazers 117-111 for 228 combined points in their last two games without them.  The UNDER is 4-2 in Mavericks last six gmaes overall with 228 or fewer combined points in five of those six games.

The Nuggets have their three best players listed as questionable in Jokic (31.6 PPG), Murray (19.0 PPG) and Gordon (13.7 PPG) tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, so don't be surprised if any of these guys sit, especially Murray who got injured last night in a 124-105 win over the Nets for 229 combined points.  

The Nuggets and their opponents have gone for 229 or fewer combined points at the end of regulation in each of their last five games.  This is an early 3:10 EST tip and these games tend to be lower scoring as NBA teams aren't used to playing this early in the day.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Grizzlies/Timberwolves OVER 228.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating despite battling injuries all season.  But now Morant, Jackson Jr. and Bane are all healthy and they are without one of their best defenders in Marcus Smart, making them even more of an OVER team.

This total of 228.5 is very low for a game involving the Grizzlies right now.  The OVER is 6-2 in Grizzlies last eight games overall with 229 or more combined points in seven of those eight games, including 234 or more in six of them.

I think the books have adjusted this total down due to the Minnesota Timberwolves going under the total in each of their last three games.  But they played two dead nuts under teams in the Clippers and Magic, plus the injury-ravaged Pelicans.

The Timberwolves had gone 5-0 OVER in their previous five games against teams that have a pulse on offense.  But they also faced some great defensive teams during that stretch against Houston, Boston and OKC.  This has the making of a shootout.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Suns OVER 228

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  The OVER is 12-4 in Jazz last 16 games overall with 236 or more combined points in 11 of those 16 games. This total of 228 is very low for a game involving the Jazz, who rank 29th in defensive rating.

The Phoenix Suns are fully healthy right now and an elite offensive team when that's the case.  But they rank 22nd in defensive rating this season.  They are coming off a 123-115 home win over the Atlanta Hawks for 238 combined points.  It should be more of the same against the Jazz tonight.

The OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings between the Jazz and Suns with 230 or more combined points in all six meetings.  They combined for 260 points in their last meeting this season.  Enough said.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Thunder/Knicks NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on OVER 225

The New York Knicks are a dead nuts OVER team this season.  They have done a 180 becoming one of the best offensive teams in the NBA while simultaneously slipping a lot on defense.  They rank 3rd in offensive rating only slightly behind the Cavs and Celtics.

The Oklahoma City Thunder rank 8th in offensive rating and like to play fast.  They are more of an OVER team right now without Alex Caruso, who is one of their best defenders but doesn't provide much on offense.  They just got in a 129-122 shootout with the Cavs last game for 251 combined points, and it will be more of the same against the Knicks tonight.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings with 224 or more combined points in all six meetings between the Knicks and Thunder.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Kings/Celtics OVER 229.5

Note: Fox has since been listed out since I posted this pick.  I would no longer play it.

De'Aaron Fox was seen participating in shootaround in Boston Friday.  They are an OVER team with him and an UNDER team without him.  I'm expecting him to play tonight, which is why I added this OVER 229.5

The Celtics rank 2nd in offensive rating this season only behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Kings rank 7th in offensive rating.  These are two of the best offensive teams in the NBA, and they are both fully healthy right now.

The Kings have scored at least 122 points in five of their last six games, and the OVER is 5-2 in their last seven games.  The Celtics are coming off three consecutive unders which are keeping this total lower than it should be.  They played the Nuggets without Jokic, the best defensive team in the NBA in the Thunder and the 3rd-best defensive team in the NBA in the Rockets during this three-game stretch.

Both teams are fresh, healthy and ready to run.  The Celtics have had the last two days off, while the Kings have had the last three days off.  I expect this game to be played at a very frenetic pace.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Utah Jazz +6

The Utah Jazz are exactly the type of team you can make money on in the NBA.  They have a poor record but they show up to play every night.  And that has especially been the case of late as the Jazz are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall with four outright upset victories.

Without Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat have no business being 6-point road favorites over the Jazz tonight.  The Heat were 9-point home favorites over the Jazz in their first meeting this season and lost 136-100, failing to cover the spread by 45 points.

This is a very tough spot for the Heat.  They will be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days and their 6th game in 9 days.  They had to go to double-OT against Sacramento three nights ago to add to their fatigue.  Now they have to go into altitude in Salt Lake City, and I don't expect them to handle it very well tonight.  Bet the Jazz Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Hawks/Suns OVER 236.5

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 2nd in pace and 20th in defensive rating.  The Hawks and their opponents have combined for at least 230 points in eight of their last 10 games overall.

The Phoenix Suns are at full strength right now and a deadly offensive team when that's the case, which hasn't been the case for much of the season.  Booker, Beal and Durant are all healthy as are all their role players with the exception of Royce O'Neale.

The OVER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Hawks and Suns.  They have combined for 243 and 249 points in their last two meetings, and 232 or more points in eight of their last 10 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Heat/Jazz OVER 221.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  The OVER is 12-3 in Jazz last 15 games overall with 236 or more combined points in 11 of those 15 games. This total of 221.5 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  

What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They have scored at least 103 points in 12 consecutive games, including 120 or more in six of them.

The Miami Heat don't miss much offensively without Jimmy Butler, but they do miss him defensively.  They have had to go more small ball and they shoot a ton of 3-pointers, which makes them more of an OVER team.  They have fallen off defensively allowing 120 or more points in four of their last seven games.

The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.  That includes 236 combined points in their first meeting this season.  They have combined for 226 or more points in seven of their last eight meetings, including 233 or more in six of those.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Toronto Raptors +12

The Raptors have managed to stay competitive despite dealing with a plethora of injuries all season.  There is a lot of talent on this roster when fully healthy, and the Raptors are fully healthy for the first time all season tonight.

The New York Knicks are a tired team and it is showing going 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  They lost outright to the short-handed Magic last game as double-digit home favorites.  They lost by 13 at Chicago as 5.5-point favorites.

Tom Thibodeau keeps playing his starters 40-plus minutes on a nightly basis.  It is catching up to them in the injury department as both Towns and McBride are questionable to play tonight after sitting out last game.

The Knicks will be playing their 8th game in 13 days, while the Raptors will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  The Raptors will be playing with double-revenge after losing by 5 at home and by 14 on the road to the Knicks in their two meetings in December.  This number is a couple notches too high.  Bet the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Detroit Pistons -7

The Brooklyn Nets are a dumpster fire right now.  They have already made a couple big trades and have failed to replace the players they lost.  Making matters worse is that they are without 7 key players right now, including each of their top 4 scorers.

All these injuries and lack of talent have really showed up in their last two games as the Nets lost by 29 at home to the 76ers and by 14 at home to the Pacers.  I don't expect it to go much better for them tonight.

Now they take on a Detroit Pistons team that has quietly gone 7-1 SU in their last eight games overall.  They are legit playoff contenders sitting at 18-18 on the season.  I don't expect Detroit to have a letdown here considering they have a chance to get above .500 for the first time this season.  This has blowout written all over it.  Bet the Pistons Wednesday.

20* Thunder/Cavs ESPN No-Brainer on Cleveland -2

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 30-4 SU this season including 18-1 SU at home.  They are the healthier, more rested team tonight in this huge matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While the Cavs will be playing just their 3rd game in 9 days, the Thunder will be playing their 4th game in 7 days.  The Thunder are coming off a big comeback home win over the Celtics, setting them up for a big of a letdown spot here.

You won't find a tougher two-game stretch than Boston followed by Cleveland.  This is also the first road game for the Thunder after playing their last five games at home.  This will be their toughest test of the season.  Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

20* Celtics/Nuggets TNT No-Brainer on OVER 235.5

The Denver Nuggets are without their best defender in Aaron Gordon right now.  They are a dead nuts OVER team without him having to go small ball by inserting Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup in his place.

In their last 22 games, the Nuggets and their opponents have combined for at least 229 points in 17 of them.  Here of late they have gone for 233 or more combined points in five of their last six games, including 259 with the Hawks, 253 with the Jazz, 255 with the Pistons and 284 with the Cavs.  The Nuggets rank 4th in offensive rating on the season.

The Celtics are fully healthy right now for basically the first time all season with only Derrick White listed questionable with an illness.  They are setting records for shooting 3-pointers and rank 2nd in offensive rating only behind the Cavaliers.  When fully healthy they are arguably the best offensive team in the NBA.  They will gladly go small ball to match the Nuggets tonight.

The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on New Orleans Pelicans +5.5

This is a very tough spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers last night.  Four starters played at least 31 minutes for the Timberwolves in the win.  They haven't had two days off in a row since December 17-18.  They won't have much left in the tank for the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.

The Pelicans are as healthy as they have been in a long time and now Zion Williamson makes his return tonight.  They are only for sure without Brandon Ingram.  This is a very talented roster, and a lot more talented than their 7-29 SU record would indicate.  But because they have such a poor record we are getting great value with them tonight and in the immediate future as long as they are as healthy as they are right now.

The Pelicans are coming off consecutive blowout victories over the Wizards by 12 and 12 points in a home-and-home situation.  They are rested after having yesterday off and will be playing just their 5th game in 11 days.  The spot really favors the home underdog tonight.  Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Suns/Hornets OVER 222

The Charlotte Hornets have been battling injuries all season.  But they are finally pretty healthy only missing Mann and Grant Williams.  They are a dead nuts OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball (29.8 PPG, 7.3 APG) is on the court, and he is currently healthy right now.  The Hornets also recently got Brandon Miller (21.5 PPG) back from injury.

The Suns are basically fully healthy for the first time all season.  Durant, Booker, Beal and Nurkic are all healthy.  They are brining Beal and Nurkic off the bench to help out with their depth issues, and it's working as they just upset the 76ers last night.  They are a deadly offensive team when all these guys are healthy.

The Hornets and Suns have combined for at least 225 points in four of their last six meetings with the OVER going 3-2-1.  This total of 222 is way too short for a game involving healthy Suns and Hornets teams tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Chicago Bulls +3

The Chicago Bulls are fully healthy right now with the exception of Dosunmu.  They have quietly been playing some pretty good basketball here of late going 6-4 SU in their last 10 games, including a 139-126 win as 5.5-point underdogs over the Knicks last time out.  They also upset the Celtics and Bucks during this stretch.

The Bulls are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  They have owned the San Antonio Spurs, going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  That includes a 139-124 win as 1.5-point dogs in San Antonio in their first meeting this season on December 5th.

I think this is a terrible spot for the San Antonio Spurs.  They are coming off a home-and-home series with the Denver Nuggets on Friday and Saturday.  After beating the Nuggets 113-110 on the road Friday, they lost 122-111 (OT) to the Nuggets at home on Saturday.  This has the makings of a flat spot for the Spurs after those two grueling games, and now playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

15* NBA Monday Night BLOWOUT on Indiana Pacers -10

The Indiana Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and playing their best basketball of the season as a result.  They have opened 2025 by beating the Heat by 13 on the road and the Suns by 18 at home to improve to 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

Now the Pacers should make easy work of the Brooklyn Nets, who have traded away a few of their best players and are in transition.  Making matters worse for the Nets is their laundry list of injuries right now.

Indeed, the Nets have 8 players on the injury report.  They are without Bogdanovic, Melton (10.3 PPG), Thomas (24.7 PPG) and Johnson (19.5 PPG), and they could be without Russell (12.7 PPG, 5.0 APG) and Simmons (5.9 PPG, 6.9 APG), who are both questionable to play tonight.  They are basically a G League team right now.  This has blowout written all over it.  Bet the Pacers Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Magic/Knicks UNDER 210

The Orlando Magic are without each of their top four scorers in Banchero (29.0 PPG), Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG), Suggs (16.4 PPG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG).  It's safe to say points have been very hard to come by for the Magic without these guys.

Indeed, the Magic are 2-4 SU in their last six games overall while averaging just 94.8 points per game during this six-game stretch.  They rank 29th in the NBA in offensive rating, 5th in defensive rating and 29th in pace over those six games.  They are a dead nuts UNDER team as it is, but especially in their current form.

Both Karl-Anthony Towns (25.3 PPG) and Miles McBride (9.8 PPG) are questionable to play for the Knicks tonight, and Jalen Brunson (25.4 PPG) is playing through a calf injury.  The Knicks aren't in great shape right now either in the injury department.

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will already be the 4th meeting between the Knicks and Magic this season and all four have come within the last month.  After a 121-106 win by the Knicks in their first meeting where the Wagner brothers combined for 50 points.  The the last two have been extremely low scoring with just 191 and 193 combined points.  It will be more of the same in the 4th meeting as this one stays well UNDER the 210-point total.  Bet the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* Suns/76ers NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Phoenix +3.5

The Phoenix Suns will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost four straight games to the Pacers, Grizzlies, Warriors and Mavericks coming in.  But they are now fully healthy for basically the first time all season and should put their best foot forward tonight.

The Suns will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days to start 2025.  They are fresh and ready to go, and now Durant, Beal, Booker and Nurkic are all healthy when all four has missed significant time this season.  Jones is back in the lineup as well after sitting out last game.

The 76ers do have George and Maxey back, but Embiid is questionable every night and remains questionable tonight.  Both Oubre (12.8 PPG) and Lowry are questionable, and McCain (15.3 PPG) and Martin (6.4 PPG) are both out.  The 76ers are a top-heavy team and missing some key role players.

The Suns have owned the 76ers going 9-2 SU in the last 11 meetings.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Suns Monday.

20* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Portland Trail Blazers +6.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are quietly playing their best basketball of the season right now largely due to the fact that they are fully healthy with the exception of Jeramy Grant.  They have gone 3-2 SU in their last five games with an upset home win over the Mavericks and an upset road win over the Bucks as double-digit underdogs.

The Detroit Pistons are getting too much respect now after going 6-1 SU in their last seven games.  They are coming off an outright upset win over the Timberwolves as 6.5-point dogs, setting them up for a big letdown spot here tonight.

Cade Cunningham had 40 points in the win, and he is going to have to shoulder even more of the load moving forward now that Jaden Ivey (17.6 PPG, 4.0 APG) is out with a broken fibula.  Ivey is one of the more underrated players in the league and the Pistons will miss him sooner rather than later.  Amen Thompson (7.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG) is questionable.

The Blazers own the Pistons going 8-1 SU & 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Their lone loss came by 6 in OT.  That makes for a 9-0 system backing the Blazers pertaining to this 6.5-point spread.  Bet the Blazers Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Magic OVER 212

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 11-2 in Jazz last 13 games overall with 236 or more combined points in 10 of those 13 games.

This total of 212 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They have scored at least 103 points in 10 consecutive games, including 120 or more in five of them.

The Orlando Magic are an under team, but that is being factored into this line too much.  They will be able to hang a big number on the Jazz, and I expect the Jazz to hang right with them.  

The Jazz and Magic have combined for at least 213 points in five consecutive meetings, including 220 or more in each of the last four.  I like OVERS in non-conference games because teams are unfamiliar with one another only facing each other twice a year, and that unfamiliarity favors offense.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz +6.5

The Utah Jazz are as healthy as they have been all season.  That return to health has led to a 6-2 ATS run in their last eight games overall.  That includes a 136-100 upset win over the Miami Heat last night.

This line has been adjusted too much in Orlando's favor due to the Jazz playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But they had two days off prior to that win over Miami, and it was a blowout so their starters didn't even play in the 4th quarter.  Nobody played more than 30 minutes for the Jazz last night.

It's a short trip from Miami to Orlando, so I expect the Jazz to still be plenty fresh tonight to put forth another big effort.  But this play is as much a fade of the Magic as anything with all the injuries they are dealing with right now.

Indeed, the Magic will be without each of their top four scorers in Banchero (29.0 PPG), Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG), Suggs (16.4 PPG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG).  The Magic have gone 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall clearly struggling with all these injuries.  The only wins were by 9 over Toronto and by 1 over the Nets, which are two of the worst teams in the NBA.  Bet the Jazz Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Chicago Bulls +5.5

I love the spot for the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They are rested after having the last two days off, and they are pissed off coming off one of their worst losses of the season to the Wizards.

The Bulls have a big rest advantage over the Knicks, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 117-107 loss in Oklahoma City last night.  It will also be the 6th game in 9 days for the Knicks, which is about as tough a situation as there is in the NBA.

Amazingly, all five starters for the Knicks played at least 40 minutes last night.  Don't be surprised if one or more of those starters rest tonight.  They were already without key backup PG Miles McBride due to a hamstring injury, and they really miss him backing up Brunson.

The Bulls upset the Knicks 124-123 as 8.5-point road underdogs in their first meeting this season on November 13th.  Now they are catching 5.5 points in the rematch at home in a much more favorable rest spot.  Bet the Bulls Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Jazz/Heat OVER 223.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 10-2 in Jazz last 12 games overall with 237 or more combined points in nine of those 12 games.

This total of 223.5 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.

I think the Heat without Jimmy Butler are actually more of an OVER team.  He is a great defender, and the ball sticks in his hands on offense.  So they play more freely and more team basketball without Butler on the court, while also being much worse off defensively.  The OVER is 3-1 in their last four games overall with 227 or more combined points in three of those four games.

The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings with 226 or more combined points in six of those seven meetings.  I like OVERS in these non-conference games between teams that aren't familiar with one another because the unfamiliarity tends to favor offense.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nuggets/Spurs UNDER 239

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This is one of those rare home-and-home situations in the NBA.  The Spurs just beat the Nuggets 113-110 in Denver last night for 223 combined points, and now they square off again tonight in San Antonio.

I was actually on the OVER 235.5 last night in that game and lost.  Now they have set the total at 239 for the rematch, and it should not be set higher than it was last night given the situation of the familiarity.  Victor Wembenyama defends Jokic as well as anyone in the NBA, so points for the Nuggets are very hard to come by.

The UNDER is 3-1 in the last four meetings with 223 or fewer combined points in three of those four meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Suns/Pacers OVER 234.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 21-13-1 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 7th in pace, 9th in offensive rating and 23rd in defensive rating.

The Phoenix Suns are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which they are right now.  Durant, Booker, Beal and Nurkic have all missed significant time this season, but all are healthy with the exception of Beal, who is questionable after playing last game so it's likely he plays again tonight.  Especially since the Suns have had the last three days off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.

The OVER is 5-0 in Pacers last five games overall with 232 or more combined points in all five games.  They are as healthy as they have been all season.  They are up against a Phoenix team that ranks 22nd in defensive rating and 10th in offensive rating.  The Pacers will control the tempo playing at home.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Spurs/Nuggets OVER 235.5

Since losing their best defender in Aaron Gordon to injury, the Denver Nuggets have been a dead nuts OVER team.  They have inserted Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup in place of Gordon, and Westbrook is a dead nuts OVER play adding a lot on offense but taking away a lot on defense.

The OVER is 7-2 in Nuggets last nine games overall with 250 or more combined points in seven of those nine games.  These games have been flying OVER the total.  They combined for 259 with Atlanta, 253 with Utah, 255 with Detroit, 284 with Cleveland, 261 with New Orleans, 250 with Portland and 259 with Sacramento.

The San Antonio Spurs are as healthy as they have been all season and we are seeing more high scoring games as a result.  The OVER is 8-4 in Spurs last 12 games overall.  The OVER is 3-2 in the last five meetings with 242 or or combined points in three of those five.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Wizards/Pelicans OVER 232

The Washington Wizards finally have both Poole and Kuzma on the court at the same time, which has been rare this season.  They are dead nuts OVER team with these two on the court because they are both scorers on offense and terrible defenders on defense.

The Wizards rank 4th in pace and 27th in defensive rating, which makes them a dead nuts OVER team.  They take on a New Orleans Pelicans team that ranks 29th in defensive rating, so these are two of the four worst defensive teams in the NBA.

The OVER is 5-0 in Pelicans last five games overall with 227 or more combined points in all five games.  They combined for 256 with Memphis, 239 with Houston and 261 with Denver.  They are healthier than they have been in a long time too and Murray, Murphy III and McCollum are all good offensive players but not good defenders.

The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the Wizards and Pelicans.  The last two have been crazy high scoring combining for 259 points in New Orleans and 264 points in Washington.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston Rockets +2.5

This is a tough spot for the Boston Celtics tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a hard-fought 118-115 win in Minnesota last night.  Four of five starters played at least 35 minutes for the Celtics last night.

They were without both Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis and there's a good chance both of them sit tonight.  They could elect to rest one of either Tatum, Horford, Holiday or White who were the five starters to play at least 35 minutes last night.

The Houston Rockets are rested and ready to go after having yesterday off, and playing just their 2nd game in 5 days tonight.  The Rockets are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA going 22-11 SU & 20-13 ATS this season.  They will be licking their chops at the opportunity to take down the defending champs at home tonight.

The Celtics have been grossly overvalued this season after winning the title last year.  They are just 12-20-1 ATS in all games.  They are 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  Bet the Rockets Friday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Pacers/Heat OVER 223.5

This total is way too low for a game involving the Pacers and Heat.  Each of the last six meetings between the Pacers and Heat have seen 227 or more combined points, making for a perfect 6-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 223.5-point total.

Both the Pacers and Heat are as healthy as they have been all season and clicking offensively.  The OVER is 4-0 in Pacers last four games overall with 232 or more combined points in all four games.  The Heat have gone for 227 and 230 combined points in two of their last three games.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Jazz/Knicks OVER 230.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 10-1 in Jazz last 11 games overall with 237 or more combined points in nine of those 11 games.

This total of 230.5 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.

The New York Knicks have had a huge switch this season from a defensive team to an offensive team simply with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns.  The Knicks actually rank 2nd in offensive rating only behind the Cavaliers.  They have really slipped defensively ranking 14th in that category.

The OVER is 4-1 in Knicks last five games overall with 231 or more combined points in four of those five games.  This total is simply too short tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons ML -120

The Orlando Magic are without Banchero (29.0 PPG), Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG).  Jalen Suggs is banged up and Anthony Black (8.5 PPG) is questionable.  That's so much production they are without right now, and I don't think they should be listed close to a PK on the road at Detroit tonight.

The Pistons are as healthy as they have been all season and playing as well as they have all season as a result.  The Pistons are 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall, winning 133-125 as 6-point dogs at Phoenix, 117-114 as 6-point dogs at the Lakers and 114-113 as 5-point dogs at Sacramento.  Their lone loss came by 13 on the road at Denver.

The Pistons have had the last three days off and will be fresh and ready to go tonight.  They will also be playing just their 3rd game in 9 days.  It will be the 4th game in 7 days for the Magic, so the Pistons have a big rest advantage as well.  The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Bet the Pistons on the Money Line Wednesday.

20* Cavs/Lakers Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on OVER 228

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 21-11 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 7th in pace this season which is a deadly combination.  They are playing faster and shooting a lot more 3's this season.

The OVER is 3-0 in Lakers last three games overall with 254, 228 and 231 combined points.  They have scored at least 113 points in five of their last six games overall.  The only exception was when they were held to 103 points by the Kings the game after playing the Kings, so they were both very familiar with how to stop one another.

The Cavaliers have scored at least 124 points in five of their last six games overall, and 113 or more points in 12 consecutive games coming in.  The Cavaliers beat the Lakers 134-110 for 244 combined points in their first meeting this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Cavs/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 229.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 21-10 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 8th in pace this season which is a deadly combination.  They are playing faster and shooting a lot more 3's this season.

The Golden State Warriors are more of an OVER team now with Steph Curry and Dennis Schroeder healthy and on the court at the same time.  They give away some defense with both of them, but they need them offensively or they are broken.

The Cavs beat the Warriors 136-117 at home for 253 combined points in their first meeting this season when the total was set at 230.  This total of 229.5 is too short given that both teams are almost fully healthy right now.  The OVER is 5-0 in Cavs last five games overall, including 284 combined points with Denver last time out.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nuggets/Jazz OVER 239.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 9-1 in Jazz last 10 games overall with 237 or more combined points in eight of those 10 games.

The Denver Nuggets are a dead nuts OVER team right now without Aaron Gordon, who is their best defender.  The OVER is 5-2 in Nuggets last seven games overall with 250 or more combined points in five of those seven games.  They combined for 284 points with the Cavs and 255 with the Pistons in their last two games coming in.

The Jazz rank dead last (30th) in defensive rating while the Nuggets rank 18th.  These are two very poor defenses that like to play fast with the Nuggets 5th in pace and the Jazz 12th.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +12

I love the spot for the Washington Wizards tonight.  They get a shot at quick revenge after a 136-132 (OT) loss to the Knicks at home on Saturday.  Now they get to host the Knicks two days later here and will be the much more motivated team.

The Wizards are also the fresher team playing just their 3rd game in 7 days.  They are also as healthy as they have been all season as Kyle Kuzma is expected back from injury tonight.

Jalen Brunson had 55 points in 44 minutes of action as all five starters played at least 38 minutes for the Knicks in that game Saturday.  Brunson is questionable to play tonight with a calf injury.  The Knicks will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and their 4th game in 6 days, so don't be surprised if they rest him or others.  Bet the Wizards Monday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Memphis Grizzlies +7

Injuries are starting to pile up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  They were already without Holmgren, and now Dort, Wallace and Caruso are out.  The lack of depth will catch up with them today.

The Thunder will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 106-94 road win at Charlotte yesterday as 13.5-point favorites against a depleted Hornets team.  They will also be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.  Four starters played over 31 minutes for the Thunder yesterday.

While the Grizzlies have injuries of their own, it's something they have gotten used to the last couple season and they just play through it and have shown off tremendous depth.  Despite all the injuries, the Grizzlies are 22-10 SU & 22-10 ATS this season as one of the most undervalued teams in the NBA.

The spot really favors the Grizzlies after having yesterday off.  They will be the fresher team, and that's worth a lot in the NBA.  I think getting +7 with Memphis is a nice value as they will be motivated to prove to the Thunder that they are the kings of the West this season.  Bet the Grizzlies Sunday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Toronto Raptors ML +105

This is a terrible spot for the Atlanta Hawks.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 120-110 home win over the Miami Heat last night, who were missing Jimmy Butler.  They will also be playing their 3rd game in 4 days.

After playing four straight home games, the Hawks now hit the road for the first time since December 19 and have to travel across the border to Toronto.  They won't be motivated at all to beat the 7-24 Raptors.  They are extremely banged up without Okongwu, Daniels, Bogdanovic and Nance.  I wouldn't be surprised if any of their other starters sit after playing last night, including Young and Johnson, who both played more than 35 minutes.

The Raptors continue to fight every night.  They have Barrett, Barnes, Dick and Agbagi healthy and six other key players have been upgraded to questionable, including Poeltl, Brown and Mitchell after each sat out last game.  The Raptors are rested and ready to go after having the last two days off.  They'll be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days as well.

This is a huge step down in class for the Raptors after facing the Grizzlies and Knicks on the road and the Rockets at home in their last three games.  I think they take advantage here and put an end to their current nine-game losing streak against a brutal schedule.  Bet the Raptors on the Money Line Sunday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on 76ers/Jazz OVER 222.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 8-1 in Jazz last nine games overall with 237 or more combined points in eight of those nine games. This total of 222.5 is too low for a game involving the Jazz right now.

The Philadelphia 76ers finally have Maxey, George and Embiid on the court at the same time right now and it has made all the difference for them offensively.  The 76ers are 4-1 SU in their last five games overall scoring at least 108 points in all four wins, including 118 against the Celtics last time out in a 118-114 upset win as 9.5-point dogs on Christmas.

Now the 76ers are in line for one of their best offensive outputs of the season against a Jazz team that ranks dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  The Jazz also like to play fast so there will be a lot of possessions in this game with them controlling the tempo playing at home.

The Jazz and 76ers have combined for 251, 229 and 235 points in their last three meetings, respectively.  Unfamiliarity favors offense and high-scoring games, and these teams are unfamiliar with one another playing only twice a year in different conferences.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.