7* Cavs/Warriors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland +13 

The Key: This Game 1 line has gotten out of control.  Too much has been made of the Warriors being massive favorites in this series.  I think it will be closer than most expect, starting with Game 1 tonight as the Cavs are ridiculous 13-point underdogs.  Kevin Love may or may not play, but it doesn’t matter as the Cavs were great without him and actually better defensively in winning their final two games against Boston.  Andre Iguodala is the best defender Golden State has against Lebron James, but he’s going to be out for Game 1.  James should be able to have his way against Golden State’s defense to keep this one closer than expected.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +6.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets have held their own at home against the Warriors.  After losing Game 1, they came back to win Game 2 and 5.  And they were favorites in all 3 previous home games in this series.  Yet now they are 6.5-point underdogs in Game 7.  I like the price we are getting with them here.  Andre Iguodala is doubtful while Kevin Looney is questionable.  Chris Paul could return today, but it’s factored into the line that he’s not playing, so if he does it would only be an added bonus.  The Rockets showed they could play with the Warriors without Paul by taking a 17-point lead in Game 6 before faltering in the second half.  They should be able to sustain that level of play for 48 minutes this time around due to the boost they’ll get from their home fans.  The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss.  Take Houston.

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -2.5 

The Key:  This one is just about as easy as it gets.  The home team is 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in the six meetings thus far in this series.  The home team has won all 6 games by 9 points or more.  Boston has beaten Cleveland by 25, 13 and 15 points in its three home meetings.  The Cavs’ role players just don’t travel well.  And now they’ll be without Kevin Love due to a concussion, making their task even more daunting today.  The Celtics are 10-0 at home in the playoffs and will improve to 11-0 while earning a trip to the NBA Finals with a victory tonight.  Take Boston. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Golden State -11.5 

The Key: No Chris Paul, no chance for the Rockets.  They suffered a huge blow when he hurt his hamstring in the final seconds of Game 5 and has now been ruled out for Game 6.  He is the heart and soul of this team.  He is also a massive part of their game plan.  Mike D’Antoni staggers the minutes of Paul and Harden to make sure that at least one of them is on the court at all times.  Now the onus will be on Eric Gordon to take over Paul’s role, but he’s much better working off the ball.  And the Rockets will have to go deeper into their thin bench.  Houston knows it has a home game in its hip pocket coming up in Game 7, so I don’t expect the Rockets to be giving 100% trying to win Game 6.  It’s do or die for the Warriors, so they should come out like gangbusters and cover this 11.5-point spread with ease.  Take Golden State. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7 

The Key: Home-court advantage has made all the difference in this series thus far, and I don’t see that changing in Game 6 in this do-or-die game for Cleveland.  The Celtics know they still have a home game in their back pocket, which is huge considering they are 10-0 at home in these playoffs.  They can afford to not show up tonight.  The Cavs don’t have the same luxury.  The Cavs are 7-0 at home in the playoffs, while the Celtics are 1-6 on the road.  The home team is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in this series with an average win of 18 PPG.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 219.5 

The Key: I’m surprised the books keep setting the number too high in this series.  The UNDER is 3-1 and we’ve seen lower scoring games as the series has gone on.  Houston beat Golden State 95-92 for only 187 combined points in Game 4.  Now this total is 219.5 for Game 5, which is 32.5 points more than their Game 4 result.  They will likely score more points than in Game 4, but they won’t reach 220 or more.  These teams are very familiar with each other now and defense is winning out.  It has become an isolation series as neither team is able to move the ball on offense.  That results in longer possessions and contested shots at the end of the shot clock frequently.  Houston is 13-2 UNDER when the line is +3 to -3 this season.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 games overall.  The UNDER is 38-18 in Rockets last 56 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Rockets last 5 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 206.5 

The Key: Boston will control the tempo playing at home tonight just as they did in Games 2 and 3.  The Celtics and Cavs combined for just 191 points in Game 1 and 201 points in Game 2.  Now we’re seeing a total of 206.5 in Game 5, which I believe to be too high here.  The UNDER is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 14-6 in Cavs last 20 games following an ATS win.  The UNDER is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Boston.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +9 

The Key: The Houston Rockets will put forth a much better effort in Game 4 than they did in Game 3.  It was mind-blowing how poorly they played, and the Warriors took advantage.  But the Warriors will likely not have Andre Iguodala tonight, a key piece in their Hampton’s 5 lineup.  Buckets will be easier to come by for Houston without having Iguodala’s presence on the defensive end tonight.  And the Rockets surely won’t shoot as poorly as they 39% they shot in Game 3 as they continued to miss layup after layup.  They made great adjustments in Game 2, and I expect the same for Game 4 tonight.  Take Houston. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7 

The Key: The Cleveland Cavaliers are 35-13 at home this season, including 6-1 in the playoffs.  The Boston Celtics have been vulnerable on the road in the playoffs.  They are just 1-5 in their 6 road playoff games.  The Cavs won Game 3 by 30 and should have no problem covering this generous 7-point spread at home tonight to square this series.  Tyronn Lue is 16-5 ATS off a blowout home win by 20 points or more as the coach of the Cavs.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Rockets/Warriors Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 226 

The Key: Points will be harder to come by as this series goes along and the Rockets and Warriors learn offensive tendencies.  These teams are both better defensively than they get credit for.  Houston is 9-1 UNDER off a combined score of 215 points ormolu in two straight games this season.  The Rockets are 7-0 UNDER in road games off three consecutive home games this season.  The UNDER is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 vs. NBA Pacific division.  The UNDER is 21-10 in Rockets last 31 overall.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Warriors last five games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/Cavs Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -6 

The Key: This is a great situation to back the Cavaliers.  They are down 0-2 and returning home for a must-win game.  They will be 100% locked in.  It also helped them having three days off after last playing on Tuesday, especially Lebron James who really needed the rest.  The Cavs should come out like gangbusters tonight.  The Celtics will likely relax knowing that they have a cushion now after keeping their home-court advantage.  And while the Celtics haven’t lost at home in these playoffs, they are just 1-4 on the road with their lone victory coming in overtime.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -1.5 

The Key: The Houston Rockets will be hungry to even this series and get right back in it.  They did win two out of three against the Warriors during the regular season, so they know they are capable.  And it’s unlikely Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson shoot that well again.  The Warriors are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games off a win by 10 points or more.  Golden State is also just 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on one day of rest.  Take Houston. 

7* NBA Playoffs Game of the Year on Cleveland Cavaliers +1 

The Key: I’m shocked the Cavs aren’t big favorites over the Celtics in Game 2 tonight.  They got their asses kicked in Game 1 and are sure to come back with a big effort tonight.  They made only 4 3-pointers in the game and shot just 15% from distance.  The odds of them shooting anything close to that again from deep are slim to none.  The Cavs will come with a much better game plan after making some adjustments, and they are clearly the more talented team in this series.  That talent will shine through in Game 2 tonight.  The road team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the Cavs are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 trips to Boston.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Warriors/Rockets Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston -1 

The Key: The Houston Rockets are the only team in the NBA that has the goods to beat the Warriors.  They are very similar teams, but the Rockets have the deeper bench and will be able to hang with the Warriors in this series.  I think they take Game 1 tonight in Houston.  They won 2 of 3 meetings with the Warriors during the regular season.  They are hungry for a title and realize this is their best chance since Hakeem Olajuwon.  Houston is 22-8 ATS off a home ATS loss where they won straight up as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.  The Rockets are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games when playing on 3 or more days of rest.  Take Houston. 

7* Cavs/Celtics Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -1.5 

The Key: Lebron James and the Cavaliers will prove to be too much for the Celtics in this series, and it starts with Game 1 tonight.  They are extra rested after sweeping the Raptors and will look to continue their dominance of the Celtics in the playoffs.  The Cavs are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a blowout home win by 20 points or more.  That’s a 91% angle backing the Cavs here this afternoon.  Take Cleveland. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston +1 

The Key: The Boston Celtics simply do not lose at home.  They have not only gone 7-0 straight up, but also 7-0 against the spread in their last 7 home games.  Now they are home underdogs to the 76ers in Game 5, where they just have to win to cover.  Sign me up.  The Celtics are 10-0 ATS as home underdogs this season.  They are also 10-0 ATS when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss this season.  Couple these trends with the 7-0 home trend and we have a 27-0 angle backing the Celtics.  Take Boston. 

7* Pelicans/Warriors Game 5 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 228.5 

The Key: The Pelicans and Warriors have combined for 224, 237, 219 and 210 points in games 1-4, respectively.  They have been lower scoring games than oddsmakers have anticipated, and I think there’s a good chance Game 5 stays well UNDER 228.5 points as well.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 200 or more, an extremely well rested team playing 5 or less games in 14 days, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team are 67-34 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Celtics/76ers Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -6 

The Key: The 76ers have blown late leads in each of the last two games in this series.  They know they are better than Boston and still have hope that they can make this a series.  It starts with a victory in Game 4 tonight.  Philadelphia is 11-2 ATS in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.  The 76ers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Pelicans Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Golden State -6 

The Key: The Golden State Warriors had an uncharacteristic poor shooting night in Game 3 and were blown out by the Pelicans 119-100.  They shot just 38% as a team and 29% from 3-point range.  The chances of them shooting anything close to that poorly in Game 4 are slim to none.  The Pelicans are 2-14 ATS in their last 16 games off an upset win by 15 points or more as a home underdog.  Bets on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points when revenging a loss where the other team scored 100 points or more against an opponent that’s off a home win where they scored 110 or more points are 32-11 ATS since 1996.  Take Golden State. 

7* Celtics/76ers Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on Philadelphia -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers blew a 22-point lead at Boston in Game 2.  I expect them to get up big in Game 3 as well and not relinquish the lead this time playing in front of their home fans.  They know this series is far from over if they handle their business at home these next two games.  I always like backing the team that’s down 0-2, especially when their at home because they usually give their best effort in Game 3 in this situation.  Philadelphia is 8-0 ATS in Saturday home games this season.  The 76ers are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 home games overall.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Warriors/Pelicans Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on New Orleans +5 

The Key: If the Pelicans are going to win a game in this series, it’s likely to be Game 3 tonight at home.  They were impressive in Game 2 in giving the Warriors all they wanted in a 5-point loss as 11-point underdogs.  Now they are catching 5 points at home tonight, which is too much.  The Pelicans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  New Orleans is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 home games.  Golden State is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  Take New Orleans. 

7* Cavs/Raptors Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -6.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are in a must-win situation already after giving away Game 1.  The Cavaliers’ role players like JR Smith and Kyle Korver got hot from 3-point range and helped stage a comeback from 14 points down.  The Cavs would win in overtime.  I look for the Cavs to relax and the Raptors to be going pedal to the metal in Game 2.  The Cavs are still just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Raptors are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Toronto is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 home games against a team with a winning road record.  Take Toronto. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Utah +11 

The Key: Bets against home favorites when leading in a playoff series, a team that wins 75% or more of their games against a team with a winning record are 45-21  ATS since 1996.  The Rockets are 1-10 ATS off 3 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 years.  The price is right to back the Jazz as double-digit underdogs in Game 2 tonight.  Take Utah. 

7* Cavs/Raptors Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -6.5 

The Key: Toronto has a big rest advantage in Game 1 of this series.  They haven’t played since April 27th, while the Cavs played two days ago on April 29th.  The Cavs were pushed to the brink by the Pacers and needed a Game 7 at home to win that series.  Their 4 wins in that series came by a combined 14 points.  They are clearly more vulnerable than they have been in years’ past.  The Raptors have a huge home-court advantage.  They are 37-7 at home this year and winning by over 10 PPG on average.  They are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.  The Cavs are just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.  Lebron and company are in over their heads here in Game 1.  Take Toronto. 

7* 76ers/Celtics Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 205 

The Key: The 76ers have become an offensive juggernaut.  They have scored 103 or more points in 21 consecutive games now.  They will look to blitz the Celtics in Game 1 of this series to try and take the upper-hand.  They haven’t played in 6 days and will be looking to push the tempo every possession possible.  The Celtics have still managed to be efficient offensively despite their injuries.  They have scored 101 or more points in eight of their last 11 games overall.  The OVER is 11-2 in Boston’s last 13 playoff home games.  The OVER is 7-1 in Celtics last 8 home games overall.  The OVER is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games when playing on 3 or more days rest.  Take the OVER. 

7* Jazz/Rockets Game 1 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 206 

The Key: The OVER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between the Jazz and Rockets.  They have averaged 216.7 combined points per game in those 7 meetings.  They have combined for at least 213 points in 6 of those 7 meetings.  I think the price is right to back the OVER in Game 1 of this series based on those recent head-to-head results.  Take the OVER. 

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -4.5 

The Key: Home-court advantage has meant everything in this series.  The home team is 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in the six games thus far.  I see no reason for that trend to change with everything on the line in this Game 7 tonight.  The Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.  The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.  Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games following an ATS loss.  The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings, including 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings.  Take Boston. 

7* Thunder/Jazz Game 6 *BAILOUT* on Oklahoma City +6.5 

The Key: The Utah Jazz must be shell-shocked after blowing a 25-point lead in Game 5 when they could have closed out the Thunder.  Now all the pressure is on them, and the Thunder are oozing with confidence after staving off elimination in dramatic fashion.  I think this number is a bit high here getting the Thunder as 6.5-point underdogs given the situation.  They still have the two best players in the series, and Russell Westbrook and Paul George refused to lose by the way they played in the 2nd half of Game 5.  I trust that duo to keep them competitive in Game 6.  The Jazz are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee -4 

The Key: The home team has won every game in this series and has covered all but one.  The lone exception was when the Bucks nearly blew a 16-point halftime lead in Game 4 and won by 2 as 6-point favorites.  Now they are only 4-point favorites in Game 6 with their season on the line, and I think this is a generous price for them tonight.  The Bucks have shot better than 52% in 3 of their last 4 games against the Celtics and have clearly figured out how to score on them, especially at home.  Make it 6 straight wins for the home team in this series tonight with a win and cover by the Bucks.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Jazz/Thunder Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have gone 15-1 in their last 16 home meetings with the Utah Jazz.  They have outscored the Jazz by over 13 PPG in those 16 games.  Now they’re laying only 3.5 points in Game 5 in this do-or-die situation.  I think this is a generous price for the Thunder tonight.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Bucks/Celtics Game 5 *HEAVY HITTER* on Boston -3.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics could get a nice boost with the possible return of Marcus Smart for Game 5.  He has missed the entire series, but he has been upgraded to questionable, which means there’s a good chance he plays.  The Celtics haven’t needed him to outplay the Bucks thus far in this series, but his energy and defense could be a big boost as this series returns to Boston for the all-important Game 5.  Boston is 11-2 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Celtics are 18-5 ATS revenging all losses this season.  The Bucks are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.  The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Bucks.  Take Boston. 

7* Thunder/Jazz Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City +4.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder have their backs against the wall tonight down 2-1 in this series.  Look for them to respond in a big way with an upset victory in Salt Lake City.  Russell Westbrook guaranteed that Ricky Rubio would not have another great game like he did in Game 3 out of nowhere, and I look for a big game from Westbrook in this one.  The Thunder are 35-19 ATS in their last 54 road games revenging a loss of 10 points or more.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* NBA 1st Round Total of the Year on Raptors/Wizards UNDER 218.5 

The Key: The price is right to back the UNDER in this game between the Raptors and Wizards.  The over is 3-0 through the first 3 games, which has forced oddsmakers to set a total higher than it should be for Game 4 knowing that the public will be betting the over again.  The total was only 213.5 exactly for the first two games in this series, and now it’s 218.5 for Game 4, a 5-point adjustment.  As a series goes on teams get more familiar with one another and that favors defense.  Both teams have shot lights out thus far, but the points won’t be as easy to come by in Game 4.  Washington is 10-2 UNDER after scoring 105 points or more in 3 straight games this season.  Bets on the UNDER on road teams where the total is 210 to 219.5 a good team that outscores their opponents by 3 or more points per game, after 4 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more are 40-13 since 1996.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Blazers/Pelicans Game 4 *HEAVY HITTER* on Portland +7.5 

The Key: This line suggest that the Portland Trail Blazers will just pack it in after starting down 0-3 in this series.  But I highly doubt that will be the case.  The price is right to back them as 7.5-point dogs in Game 4.  They were only 4-point dogs in Game 3, so this is a 3.5-point adjustment.  It’s enough to warrant a wager on the Blazers here Saturday.  Bets against home favorites who have beaten the spread by 54 or more points in their last 10 games against an opponent that went under the total by 48 or more points in their last 10 games are 42-13 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Portland. 

7* Celtics/Bucks Game 3 *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 205.5 

The Key: The Bucks shot 59.7% while the Celtics shot 53.3% in Game 2.  That’s not going to happen again.  It was a high scoring game and it made the oddsmakers go from setting totals of 199 in Games 1 and 2 to 205.5 in Game 3.  That’s a 6.5-point adjustment and the reason that the price is right now to back the UNDER in Game 3.  The UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Milwaukee.  Boston is 11-2 UNDER in Friday road games over the last 2 seasons.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Warriors/Spurs Game 3 *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +4.5 

The Key: This will be a ‘win one for the gipper’ type situation tonight.  Greg Popovich just lost his wife yesterday.  His players will rally around him and put forth a big effort.  On the other side, the Warriors will feel bad for him and won’t be on their ‘A’ game.  It’s really the perfect storm here for the Spurs to get a win and cover.  Golden State is 3-11 ATS off 2 or more consecutive home wins this season.  San Antonio is 43-21 ATS in its last 64 home games off a blowout loss by 15 points or more.  The Spurs are 33-8 SU & 26-14-1 ATS at home this season.  The Warriors are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%.  The Spurs are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Pacers/Cavs Game 2 *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -7.5 

The Key: For the first time in his career, Lebron James is down 0-1 in an opening round playoff series.  In fact, it’s the first time ever that he has even trailed in an opening round series.  Look for James to rally the troops tonight and come forth with a big effort after an embarrassing Game 1 showing.  The Cavs trailed by 20 points before James even attempted a shot on Sunday.  He will be much more aggressive from the opening tip in this one, which is when the Cavs are at their best.  Bets on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points off 2 or more consecutive home losses, in April games are 37-11 ATS since 1996.  Indiana is 6-14 ATS off a win by 10 points or more this season.  Take Cleveland. 

7* Bucks/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee +2.5 

The Key: Bets on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 after 2 or more consecutive road losses, well rested team playing 6 or less games in 14 days are 72-26 ATS since 1996.  The Bucks are 15-4 ATS off 2 or more straight road losses over the last 3 years.  Take Milwaukee. 

7* Heat/76ers NBA *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 216 

The Key: Both teams really shot lights out from the 3-point line in Game 1, which led to a shootout and 233 combined points.  But that is unlikely to happen again.  The 76ers made 18 3-pointers and shot 64.3% from beyond the arc, while the Heat made 12 and shot 46.2%.  It was a rare high scoring game in this series.  The previous 4 meetings between the Heat and 76ers saw 207 or fewer combined points.  Miami is 23-12 to the UNDER in road games when revenging a loss over the last 2 seasons.  Philadelphia is 32-12 UNDER in its last 44 home games off 2 consecutive covers as a favorite.  Take the UNDER.

7* Jazz/Thunder NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -3.5 

The Key: It’s no secret that the Oklahoma City Thunder have had the Utah Jazz’ number.  The Thunder are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.  But that only tells half the story.  The Jazz simply cannot win in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are 14-0 in their last 14 home meetings with the Jazz and are winning by nearly 15 PPG on average.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Pelicans/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -5.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers have been absolutely unbeatable at home down the stretch of the season.  They have gone 21-3 SU & 19-4-1 ATS in their last 24 home games.  They have also upped their game against the better teams in the league.  The Blazers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on 2 days’ rest as well.  The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings, and the home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings as well. Take Portland. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Washington Wizards -5.5 

The Key: The only chance the Wizards have of moving up from their current 8th position is to win tonight.  And moving up is important because they want the 7th seed and to face the Celtics in the first round.  That is possibly considering the Heat face the Raptors tonight and they need the Heat to lose.  The Magic have mentally checked out and won’t offer much resistance tonight.  Take Washington. 

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Charlotte Hornets +3 

The Key: There are so many good situations favoring the Hornets here tonight.  For starters, this is a home-and-home situation as they want revenge from a 117-123 home loss to the Pacers on Sunday.  Now they get to face them just two days later and in their season finale to boot.  The Pacers are locked in to the 5th seed in the East and will be resting starters, which is the key handicap here.  They won’t care about winning this game at all.  Take Charlotte. 

7* Pelicans/Clippers ESPN *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +8.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Clippers are stuck in the 10th spot in the West.  They will be drafting in the same spot no matter what as they cannot improve their chances of ping pong balls.  What they can do is try and run the Pelicans’ season, which is precisely what they’ll be motivated to do tonight.  This line has gotten out of hand and has been adjusted way too far in New Orleans’ favor due to the fact that they need the win more.  They are now 8.5-point road favorites tonight.  The Pelicans are 5-14 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4 games this season.  The Clippers are 24-12 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 106-plus points per game this season.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Detroit Pistons -6.5 

The Key: The Detroit Pistons have really turned it on down the stretch.  They are 8-2 SU & 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They now sit at 38-41 with a chance to get to .500 if they win out, which would be considered a success.  The Grizzlies clearly don’t care about winning games as they are just trying to improve their chances of getting the top draft pick.  They are just 21-58 on the season with the second-worst record in the league.  They have a ton of injuries right now and are basically resting all of their guys, which indicates they are trying to lose.  The Pistons are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Grizzlies are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Take Detroit. 

7* Blazers/Spurs Western Conference *BAILOUT* on San Antonio -4.5 

The Key: The San Antonio Spurs are fighting for their playoff lives right now. They are in jeopardy of missing the postseason if they were to lose these last few games.  So they’ll be locked in, just as they have been for the last several weeks, especially at home.  The same cannot be said for the Blazers, who are more worried about staying healthy heading into the playoffs since they’ll be the 3rd seed for sure.  The Spurs have handled their business at home, going 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on Los Angeles Clippers +7 

The Key: The Clippers are holding on to slim playoff hopes.  They probably need to win out to have a chance considering they are 2 games behind both the Pelicans and Timberwolves with 4 games remaining.  But they continue to fight, as evidenced by their comeback victory over the Spurs last game.  And now they are showing good value as 7-point road underdogs to the Utah Jazz tonight.  The Clippers are 11-3 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season.  Los Angeles is 20-8-1 ATS in its last 29 road games.  Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 home games.  The Jazz are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* Celtics/Raptors ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto -7 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors are now in a position where they need to win.  They have been coasting for weeks, going 0-9 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  That’s because they have had such a big lead in the East.  But now that lead is back to only 2 games, and they play the team that trails them tonight in the Boston Celtics.  The Raptors will also be out for revenge from a 99-110 loss in Boston on March 31st just a few days ago.  This game simply sets up for the Raptors to come out with one of their best performances of the season given what’s at stake now.  And the Celtics are short-handed and playing the second of a back-to-back after a loss in Milwaukee last night.  Boston is still without Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart, and now backup PG Terry Rozier is battling an ankle injury and his questionable.  Rozier has been the reason the Celtics have stayed competitive down the stretch, but without him at 100% they don’t have much of a shot tonight, especially with the Raptors 100% healthy.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.  The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with Boston.  Take Toronto. 

7* Spurs/Clippers TNT *BAILOUT* on UNDER 207.5 

The Key: With both the Spurs and Clippers having so much to play for tonight, the defensive intensity will be high.  The Spurs are trying to hold off several teams for the 4th seed in the West and a home court in the first round.  The Clippers are 2 games out of the 8th spot and just fighting to get into the playoffs.  The UNDER is 27-10 in Spurs games when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 games overall.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Spurs last 14 games overall.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Michigan/Villanova NCAAB *HEAVY HITTER* on Villanova -7 

The Key: The Villanova Wildcats have won every one of their NCAA Tournament games by 12 or more points.  They have won by an average of nearly 18 points per game.  Michigan is a good team, but no match for these Wildcats.  The Wolverines lucked their way into the Championship Game by getting a huge break in the schedule, not once having to face a team seeded lower than 6th.  Villanova is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 against Big Ten teams.  Take Villanova. 

7* Rockets/Spurs ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +2.5 

The Key: The Spurs have gone 7-2 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.  After looking like they might not make the playoffs a few weeks ago, the Spurs now sit in 4th place in the Western Conference just a half-game up on 5th place.  They want to snag the No. 4 seed to assure home-court advantage in the first round.  The Houston Rockets have nothing to play for as they have already locked up the No. 1 seed.  They played like it last time out when they needed to come back from 20-plus points down to beat Phoenix 104-103 on a buzzer-beater from Gerald Green as 17.5-point home favorites.  They are starting to rest their players and won’t show up at all these final two weeks.  Motivationally, this is a money spot to back the Spurs.  The Spurs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games.  Take San Antonio. 

7* Loyola/Michigan Final Four *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 130 

The Key: Loyola and Michigan are two of the best defensive teams in the entire country.  It’s how they got this far, and it’s the reason I like the UNDER 130 points in their Final Four matchup.  Loyola allows just 62.4 PPG and 41.4% shooting.  Michigan allows just 63.1 PPG and 42.4% shooting.  Points will be hard to come by in this matchup, especially with how well both teams defend the 3-pointer.  Loyola is 8-1 UNDER when playing just its 2nd game in 8 days this season.  Loyola is 10-1 UNDER vs. teams who attempt 21 or more 3-point shots per game after 15+ games this season.  Take the UNDER.

7* Bucks/Lakers NBA *BAILOUT* on UNDER 220.5 

The Key: The Los Angeles Lakers will be without their top two point guards for this game against Milwaukee.  Both Isaiah Thomas and Lonzo Ball are out.  That leaves the underwhelming Alex Caruso to run the point.  They won’t be looking to push the tempo, and neither will the Bucks, who will still be tired in this back-to-back situation after winning in Golden State last night.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Bucks last 8 games when playing on 0 days’ rest.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 home games.  The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Bucks/Warriors TNT *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 215.5 

The Key: The injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have forced the Warriors to play a different brand of basketball, one that relies more on defense.  The Warriors have been held to 93 or fewer points in 4 of their last 6 games overall.  But their defense has been solid as they have held 3 of their last 4 opponents to 94 points or fewer.  The Bucks and Warriors played back in January with the Warriors winning 108-94 for just 202 combined points with a total set of 221.5.  And that was back when the Warriors were healthy. This game will be more of a defensive battle than the oddsmakers are anticipating.  The Warriors are 22-5 UNDER In March games over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Bucks last 11 Thursday games.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 home games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NBA *Blowout* Game of the Month on Minnesota Timberwolves -11.5 

The Key: Minnesota is only 1.5 games ahead of the Clippers for the 8th spot in the West.  They will be hyper-focused the rest of the way, and they will be in sour moods coming off their upset home loss to Memphis last time out.  I expect a big effort from the Timberwolves at home tonight against the Hawks, who are just 1-9 SU in their last 10 games, and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.  The Hawks are clearly tanking and aren’t hiding it.  They are without 3 of their best players tonight in Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Delaney and Kent Bazemore.  They stand little chance of even being competitive.  Atlanta is 3-11 ATS off a road loss by 10 points or more this season.  The Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS loss.  The Timberwolves are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 home games.  The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home meetings with Atlanta.  Take Minnesota. 

7* NBA Non-Conference Game of the Month on Denver Nuggets +8.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets right now.  They are 1.5 games behind the 8th place Minnesota Timberwolves with just 8 games remaining.  They are in must-win mode from here on out.  After a poor second half last night against the 76ers, look for the Nuggets to come back determined tonight.  They had two days off prior to that game so they won’t be as fatigued as a team usually is on a back-to-back.  Plus, their starters got to rest down the stretch.  The Raptors clearly haven’t been on top of their games of late and are just ready for the playoffs to get here as they basically have the No. 1 seed locked up.  The Raptors are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.  The Nuggets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 meetings with the Raptors, including a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Toronto.  Take Denver. 

7* Nuggets/76ers NBA TV *HEAVY HITTER* on Denver Nuggets +5.5 

The Key: It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets right now.  They are 1.5 games back of the 8th place Utah Jazz with nine games remaining.  They are in must-win mode from here on out.  The Philadelphia 76ers just completed Step 1 of The Process by clinching a playoff spot.  I can’t help but think they will be flat tonight after accomplishing that goal last time out.  The Nuggets come in rested with two days off having last played on Friday.  Denver is 15-6 ATS revenging a same season loss this season.  The Nuggets are 53-35 ATS int heir last 88 games as a road underdog.  The underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Denver. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +6.5 

The Key: The Celtics are playing without 3 starters right now in Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  That’s why they cannot be 6.5-point favorites at Sacramento tonight.  This is a Kings team that is very young and is not just playing out the string.  That’s evident by the fact that the Kings are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have had 2 days off since beating the Hawks 105-90 on Thursday, so they’ll be rested coming into this game with the Celtics.  Sacramento is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.  The Kings are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of better than 60%.  The Kings are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference teams.  Take Sacramento. 

7* Duke/Kansas Elite 8 *HEAVY HITTER* on Kansas +3.5 

The Key: Kansas should not be an underdog to Duke in the Elite 8.  The Jayhawks have the home-court edge with this game being played in Omaha.  And they are playing their best basketball of the season.  The Jayhawks are 11-1 in their last 12 games overall.  Azubuike is healthy and a double-double machine.  And the Jayhawks are hitting on all cylinders offensively.  The Blue Devils have had too easy of a path to get here with wins over Iona, Rhode Island and Syracuse.  Kansas is 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last 5 meetings with Duke.  Take Kansas. 

7* NCAA Tournament Game of the Year on Michigan -4.5 

The Key: The Michigan Wolverines are on fire.  They are 12-0 SU & 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games.  I think the fact that Florida State has upset two straight teams in Xavier and Gonzaga has them getting too much respect from oddsmakers.  Both Xavier and Gonzaga came into the tournament overrated in my opinion.  Michigan remains severely underrated.  The Wolverines should be more than 4.5-point favorites against this inexperienced FSU team that isn’t ready for this big of a stage with a trip to the Final Four on the line.  Michigan’s suffocating defense will be the difference, and they are obviously feeling it offensively right now after hanging 99 points on Texas A&M on Thursday.  Take Michigan. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +6 

The Key: The Memphis Grizzlies will show some pride tonight.  They were just beaten by 61 points by the Hornets and blasted in the media for tanking.  At least for one night, they will show up, so we’ll take all these points and run with them.  The Grizzlies are almost fully healthy right now outside Mike Conley, and they are good enough to beat the Lakers.  The Lakers aren’t exactly lighting it up, either.  They have lost 4 straight and are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.  The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  The Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home meetings with Los Angeles.  Take Memphis. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Miami Heat +6.5 

The Key: The Miami Heat have played their best basketball on the road this season.  They are 37-17-1 ATS in their last 55 road games dating back to last year.  Miami is also 12-3-2 ATS in its last 17 games overall.  The Heat are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.  The Thunder are 5-20 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games this season.  Take Miami. 

7* WVU/Villanova Sweet 16 *HEAVY HITTER* on Villanova -5 

The Key: The Villanova Wildcats are the best team in the country.  They don’t have any weaknesses.  They will exploit the one weakness of West Virginia, which is their half court defense.  The Wildcats won’t be phased by WVU’s press, especially with extra time to prepare for it.  And they will take advantage of their opportunities when the Mountaineers are out of position going for too many steals.  This is a Villanova team that doesn’t get enough credit for their offensive efficiency.  They score 86.9 PPG and shoot 50.3% from the field, including 40.2% from 3-point range this season.  On the other end, Villanova is elite defensively, and WVU struggles shooting the 3-ball.  The Wildcats don’t give up anything easy.  Villanova is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 neutral site games.  The Wildcats are 50-21-1 ATS in their last 72 non-conference games.  Take Villanova. 

7* Loyola/Nevada Sweet 16 *HEAVY HITTER* on Loyola-Chicago +1.5 

The Key: Loyola is the more complete team in this matchup.  They are by far the superior defensive team.  I love the way they share the basketball on offense and have 3-point snipers all over the court.  This has allowed them to upset both Miami and Tennessee to get here.  And now they actually take a step down in class against Nevada, yet are still underdogs.  Their magical run will continue with a win tonight.  Loyola is 9-0 ATS after allowing 30 points or less in the first half of 2 straight games this season.  Take Loyola-Chicago. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Memphis Grizzlies +10 

The Key: The Hornets used a lot of energy coming back from a 20-plus point deficit against the Nets last night.  They closed the game on an 18-2 run to win 111-105.  I know because I had the Nets, and it was one of my most painful losses of the season.  So now they are a tired team playing the second of a back-to-back and being asked to lay double-digits against Memphis tonight.  Memphis is also on a back-to-back, but they were blown out in Philadelphia last night and were able to spread their minutes around more to bench players.  I think the Grizzlies come back tonight and play a great game to stay within this number.  Memphis is 30-14 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 4 days over the last 2 seasons.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference teams.  The road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.  Take Memphis. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Brooklyn Nets +2 

The Key: The Brooklyn Nets have won back-to-back games over the Mavs and Grizzlies.  They also played the 76ers very tough in a 4-point road loss as 8.5-point dogs the game prior.  They recently beat these same Hornets 125-111 on the road on March 8th.  I don’t like the mindset of the Hornets right now as they have recently been eliminated from the playoffs thanks to their 2-8 stretch over their last 10 games.  They lost by 14 to the 76ers and by 23 to the Knicks in their last two games, so they aren’t showing any fight.  And they’re without one of their best players in Nic Batum right now, while the Nets are almost fully healthy.  The Hornets are 1-8 ATS after allowing 105 points or more in four straight games this season.  Charlotte is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games following a loss.  The Nets are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take Brooklyn. 

7* Thunder/Celtics TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -4.5 

The Key: With the playoffs approaching, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hitting their stride.  They have gone 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall with all six wins coming by 5 points or more.  They have moved into the No. 4 spot in the West and are in line to get a first-round home series if they finish strong.  They will be able to take advantage of a Boston Celtics team that has been hit hard by injuries lately.  The Celtics are now playing without 3 starters in Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.  They have gone just 1-3 in their last 4 games with their only win coming over the Magic.  They are coming off a 19-point road loss at New Orleans.  Bets against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points after scoring 90 points or less against opponent that has scored 105-plus points in 4 or more consecutive games are 39-14 ATS since 1996.  The Thunder have topped 100 points in 11 consecutive games during a 9-2 run coming in.  Take Oklahoma City. 

7* Western Kentucky/USC NIT *BAILOUT* on Western Kentucky +5 

The Key: USC is still bummed from being left out of the NCAA Tournament.  That was evident in their NIT opener when they went through the motions and were fortunate to escape with a 103-98 home win over UNC-Asheville despite being 13.5-point favorites.  Of course it doesn’t help that they are without their two best players in Bennie Boatwright (injury) and Cimenzie Metu, who has decided to skip the NIT to focus on the NBA Draft.  Western Kentucky will likely pull the upset tonight.  The Hilltoppers blitzed Boston College 79-62 at home in their NIT opener and are clearly happy to be here.  The Hilltoppers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.  Western Kentucky is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team with a winning percentage of better than 60%.  Take Western Kentucky. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Philadelphia 76ers -8.5 

The Key: The Philadelphia 76ers have owned the Charlotte Hornets.  They are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.  The two meetings this season have resulted in blowout victories by 11 at home and by 14 on the road.  Now that trend should continue considering the Hornets will be without Nic Batum, Cody Zeller and Michael Carter-Williams, while the 76ers are healthy.  The Hornets are just 2-7 SU & 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games and have nothing to play for but pride at this point.  They just lost by 23 on the road to the New York Knicks last time out, a sign they have quit.   Philadelphia is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 home games.  The 76ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on 2 days rest.  The Hornets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss.  Take Philadelphia. 

7* Texas A&M/North Carolina *HEAVY HITTER* on North Carolina -6 

The Key: The North Carolina Tar Heels have the big men to match Texas A&M.  The Tar Heels are one of the best rebounding teams in the country.  So the difference in this game is going to be the guard play.  The Tar Heels have elite guards, while the Aggies have some of the worst guards in the tournament.  They lost starting point guard Duane Wilson in mid-February and haven’t been the same team since.  Roy Williams has never lost in the NCAA Tournament in their home state, and they’ll certainly have a big home-court edge again with this game being played in Charlotte.  Texas A&M is 2-10 ATS vs. teams who are called for 17 or less fouls per game over the last 3 seasons.  The Aggies are 1-9 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5 games over the last 2 seasons.  The Tar Heels are 20-6-2 ATS in their last 28 vs. SEC teams.  Take North Carolina. 

7* Houston/Michigan *HEAVY HITTER* on Michigan -3 

The Key: The Michigan Wolverines need to be bigger favorites today against the Houston Cougars.  The Wolverines are playing as well as anyone in the country.  They are 10-0 SU & 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Houston was fortunate to get by San Diego State on a buzzer-beater by a final of 67-65.  Now they take a step up in class against arguably the best team they have faced all season.  Michigan is 9-0 ATS vs. teams who make 8 or more 3-point shots per game this season.  Take Michigan. 

6* Saturday NBA *Total* Annihilator on Nuggets/Grizzlies UNDER 215 

The Key: The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the Grizzlies and Nuggets.  They have combined for 210, 165, 196 and 203 points in their last 4 meetings.  That’s an average of just 193.5 points per game.  As you can see, we are getting a ton of value on the UNDER 215 tonight.  Take the UNDER. 

7* NCAAB First Round Game of the Year on Virginia -20 

The Key: Virginia was the best team in college basketball all season.  Now they will roll over Maryland-Baltimore County tonight as only 20-point favorites in their NCAA Tournament opener.  The No. 1 seeds thus far are 2-0 ATS with both Kansas and Villanova covering.  And the last 8 No. 1 seeds favored by 20 or less have now gone 8-0 ATS.  Take Virginia. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Dallas Mavericks +10.5 

The Key: The situation clearly favors the Dallas Mavericks tonight.  The Mavericks are working on 2 days’ rest while the Raptors will be playing the second of a back-to-back after a come-from-behind win in Indiana last night.  The Raptors will also be playing their 7th game in 11 days.  Take Dallas. 

6* K-State/Creighton *CA$H COW* on Kansas State +1 

The Key: Kansas State played in the best conference in the country in the Big 12.  The Big 12 has shown well thus far in the NCAA Tournament, and I think the Wildcats will make easy work of the Creighton Bluejays tonight.  Creighton took a turn for the worse once they lost Martin Krampelj to a season-ending ACL tear, their leading rebounder and best big man.  The Bluejays have gone just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Creighton is 1-7 ATS in road games after a game with 5 or less offensive rebounds this season.  The Bluejays are 0-6 ATS in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.  Creighton is 1-9-1 ATS in its last 11 NCAA Tournament games.  Take Kansas State. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Denver Nuggets -7.5 

The Key: The Denver Nuggets are fighting to make the playoffs.  They have taken care of business at home this year, going 26-10 at the Pepsi Center while scoring 112.0 points per game and shooting 48.4% from the field.  They Pistons, who are just 3-11 SU in their last 14 and 3-12 ATS in their last 15, will be no match for them.  Detroit just played in altitude last time out in Utah and got blasted 79-110.  Detroit is 2-11 ATS in March road games over the last 2 seasons.  The Pistons are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 road games overall.  The Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 trips to the Pepsi Center.  Take Denver. 

7* SDSU/Houston *HEAVY HITTER* on San Diego State +4 

The Key: San Diego State is a team that nobody wants to face right now.  The Aztecs have gone 9-0 SU & 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.  They beat Nevada twice by 5 at home and by 17 on a neutral.  They really cruised through the Mountain West Tournament and are hitting their stride.  Houston had a solid season, but I question how good the American Athletic really is.  I believe the wrong team is favored in this matchup.  The Aztecs are 8-0 ATS when playing their 3rd game in a week this season.  SDSU is 7-0 ATS in its last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.  The Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. MWC teams.  Take San Diego State. 

6* Oklahoma/Rhode Island *CA$H COW* on Rhode Island -1 

The Key: Oklahoma doesn’t even belong in the NCAA Tournament.  Once teams figured out that stopping Trae Young is all they had to do, the Sooners folded down the stretch.  They went 2-8 SU in their final 10 games.  Oklahoma is also just 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games.  The Sooners really struggled on the road, going 0-9 SU & 0-9 ATS in their final 9 road games.  Rhode Island is a great team at 25-7 with four of its seven losses coming by 4 points or less.  The Rams are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games.  The Sooners are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.  Oklahoma is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Rhode Island. 

6* BYU/Stanford NIT *CA$H COW* on Stanford -2 

The Key: The Stanford Cardinal have had a tremendous home-court advantage down the stretch.  They have gone 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.  They are 7-1 SU in their last 8 home games with their only loss coming to Arizona by a more 2 points.  BYU is just 8-17-2 ATS in its last 27 games vs. a team with a losing record.  It’s a hangover spot for the Cougars after they lost by 20 to Gonzaga in the WCC Championship with a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line.  Take Stanford. 

7* Wizards/Celtics ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Washington -3.5 

The Key: The Boston Celtics will be without 4 starters tonight.  Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown will all be watching from the bench due to injuries.  Jayson Tatum is also dealing with a back injury that will slow him down.  I just don’t see how the Celtics can even be competitive with the Wizards tonight with all they are missing.  Washington is 7-0 ATS in road games off 2 or more consecutive losses this season.  The Wizards are winning by 14.0 PPG in this situation.  Take Washington. 

7* Nuggets/Lakers Western Conference *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles +2 

The Key: The Lakers have won 15 of their last 22 games and are making a run at the playoffs.  Now they face a team they recently lost to in the Nuggets on March 9th on the road.  Well, that shouldn’t be a surprise as the home team is 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  I like the Lakers to avenge that loss at home tonight.  The Lakers are 10-1 ATS when coming off a home win by 10 points or more this year.  Los Angeles is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 home games overall.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* Long Island/Radford First Four *CA$H COW* on Long Island +6 

The Key: Long Island closed the season on a 5-game winning streak.  I watched most of their 71-61 win at Wagner as 9.5-point underdogs and came away very impressed.  They are certainly a live underdog tonight.  Joel Hernandez (20.9 PPG) and Raiquan Clark (17.4 PPG) combine to form a star duo that is capable of beating Radford here.  The Blackbirds are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games following a win.  The Highlanders are only 3-8 ATS in their last 11 neutral site games.  Take Long Island. 

7* Heat/Blazers ESPN *Total* Annihilator on OVER 209 

The Key: The Heat will be playing without Hassan Whiteside tonight.  He is their best defender and one of the top defenders in the league.  They’ll now have to go to a smaller lineup to deal with the Blazers tonight.  I think that will lead to a shootout similar to the last time the Heat played in a 129-102 victory over the Wizards.  The Heat have scored 102-plus points in 11 consecutive games.  The Blazers have scored 106 or or points in 7 consecutive games.  The OVER is 5-0 in Heat last 5 road games.  Take the OVER. 

7* Pacers/Celtics Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Indiana +6.5 

The Key: The Indiana Pacers are 100% healthy now with the recent return of Darren Collison to the lineup. They are playing great basketball too in going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.  Now they are ready to match up with the Boston Celtics, who are not healthy.  They just lost one of their best players in Jaylen Brown to a concussion, and he’ll miss tonight’s game.  The Pacers went into Boston and won 97-91 as 4-point underdogs in their last meeting, and they only lost 111-112 at home as 2-point dogs in their previous meeting.  They’ve proven they can play with the Celtics, and I like the price were are getting with them Sunday as 6.5-point dogs.  Take Indiana. 

7* Spurs/Thunder ABC *HEAVY HITTER* on San Antonio +5 

The Key: The Spurs are desperate for a win after going just 3-9 in their last 12 games overall.  A lot of that was injury related, but they have gotten healthy and just gave Golden State all they wanted on the road.  They only lost 107-110 and were actually outscored by 12 points in the 4th quarter as 11-point underdogs.  If they can play with Golden State, they can certainly beat Oklahoma City, let alone stay within 5 points to cover this spread.  The Thunder are 1-8 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more this season.  The Spurs are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The Thunder are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a win.  Take San Antonio. 

6* Providence/Villanova Big East *CA$H COW* on Providence +13.5 

The Key: Providence is playing its best basketball at the right time.  On the bubble and likely out of the NCAA Tournament two weeks ago, the Friars have gone 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall with their only loss coming at Xavier by 10 as 11-point underdogs.  They returned the favor with a 75-72 upset win over Xavier yesterday.  And Providence beat this same Villanova team 76-71 as 9.5-point underdogs back on February 14th.  They can certainly stay within 13.5 points in the rematch here tonight.  Villanova is 0-6 ATS off 3 straight wins by 15 points or more over the last 2 seasons.  They are now getting too much respect from the books and it’s time to fade them.  Take Providence. 

7* Texas Tech/WVU Big 12 *HEAVY HITTER* on West Virginia -2 

The Key: West Virginia’s style is built for tournament basketball.  It’s tough to prepare for them on short rest, especially when playing on back-to-back days.  That’s the task Texas Tech faces here.  WVU was clearly the better team in the regular season with the Mountaineers only losing 71-72 on the road and winning 84-74 at home in their 2 meetings with the Red Raiders.  WVU made easy work of Baylor in a 78-65 win yesterday, while Texas Tech struggled to put away a depleted Texas team 73-69.  The Red Raiders are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games after 4 straight games where they forced 11 or fewer turnovers.  Texas Tech is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 neutral site games, and 0-5-1 ATS in its last 6 games overall.  The Mountaineers are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.  Take West Virginia. 

6* SDSU/Nevada Mountain West *CA$H COW* on Nevada -2.5 

The Key: Nevada wants revenge from a 74-79 road loss at San Diego State in the regular season finale.  Well, the Wolf Pack had nothing to play for in that game as they already head the MWC wrapped up.  They will be more hungry for a win this time around, and they will have the home-court edge being played in Las Vegas.  SDSU is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games off 3 consecutive covers as a favorite.  SDSU is 0-6 ATS in road games off a game with 9 or less assists over the last 2 years.  The Wolf Pack are 33-14-4 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  Take Nevada. 

6* Rockets/Raptors Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Toronto +2.5 

The Key: The Rockets are 17-0 in their last 17 games while the Raptors are 15-2 in their last 17.  But the Rockets are getting all the hype because of their streak.  That’s why they are road favorites here because the betting public continues to back them hard.  The wrong team is favored in this matchup.  Toronto actually has a better point differential in its last 17 games than Houston does.  It will be a raucous atmosphere in Toronto tonight, where the Raptors have gone 27-5 at home this season.  Houston is 1-8 ATS vs. Atlantic Division opponents this season.  The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home meetings with Houston.  Take Toronto. 

6* South Carolina/Arkansas SEC Tournament *CA$H COW* on Arkansas -5 

The Key: South Carolina won a grueling 85-84 battle with Ole Miss yesterday.  Arkansas received a bye and will be fresh.  That Arkansas press will really give the fatigued Gamecocks fits today.  Arkansas beat South Carolina 81-65 at home as 7-point favorites in their lone regular season meeting.  I think we are getting the Razorbacks at a great price at only -5 given the situation.  South Carolina is 1-7 ATS after having won 4 or 5 of its last 6 games this season.  Arkansas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 neutral site games.  The Razorbacks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  Take Arkansas. 

6* Thursday NBA *Total* Annihilator on 76ers/Heat UNDER 209.5 

The Key: This will be the 4th and final meeting of the season between Philadelphia and Miami.  These teams are obviously familiar with one another, which favors defense.  And they have a knack for playing in low scoring games in their first 3 meetings, which have seen 203, 206 and 200 combined points.  Now we’re getting a total of 209.5 tonight and I think the price is right to bet the UNDER.  The UNDER is 10-3 in 76ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The UNDER is 20-8 in Heat last 28 Thursday games.  Take the UNDER. 

7* Atlantic 10 Tournament Game of the Year on George Mason PK 

The Key: George Mason is playing the better basketball than UMass right now and is primed for a run in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.  George Mason has gone 5-2 SU in its last 7 games overall, and 7-2 ATS in its last 9 lined games.  UMass is just 3-11 SU in its last 14 games.  George Mason won both regular season meetings both home and away and has won 4 straight in this series overall.  UMass is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games as a neutral court dog of 3 points or less or PK.  Take George Mason. 

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +5.5 

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans are in a difficult situation tonight.  They played a grueling 121-116 barn burner in Los Angeles last night against the Clippers.  They trailed by 4 with two minutes left but Anthony Davis scored 6 unanswered points to pull out the win.  After putting so much into that game, the Pelicans won’t have much left in the tank for the Kings tonight.  And the Kings have been playing very well coming in going 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three with their only loss coming to Utah by 7 as 7.5-point underdogs.  Sacramento is 21-11 SU & 21-9-2 ATS in its last 32 home meetings with New Orleans.  Bets against road favorites who have covered 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread, when playing on back-to-back days are 56-28 ATS over the last 5 seasons.  Take Sacramento. 

7* Big East Game of the Month on Marquette -5.5 

The Key: At 18-12 on the season, Marquette has played its way onto the bubble of the NCAA Tournament.  They have done so by going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, which has included two wins over Creighton, an NCAA Tournament team.  Now they should make easy work of DePaul like they did back on January 15th at home in a 70-52 victory, and not like they lost to them on the road on February 24th.  They are now healthy with Markus Howard in the lineup and should roll here.  DePaul is 1-8 ATS as a neutral court underdog or PK over the last 3 seasons.  The Blue Demons are 6-21 ATS in their last 27 neutral site games overall.  The Golden Eagles are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.  Take Marquette. 

7* NBA Situational Game of the Month on New York Knicks +9.5 

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after two straight hard-fought victories over the Thunder (108-100) and Lakers (108-103).  They needed a big comeback in the 4th quarter to beat the Lakers last night, which will have taken more out of them.  I think the Knicks will take advantage and hang tough in this one.  They are the fresher team after having yesterday off.  They will be playing just their 3rd game in 8 days here.  Take New York. 

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Orlando Magic +9.5 

The Key: The Magic have been a nice money maker over the last couple months.  They have gone 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall.  They aren’t going to lose by double-digits to the Utah Jazz, who are getting way too much respect from oddsmakers recently.  That has show with the Jazz going 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.  The Magic are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The road team is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  The Magic are 5-0 ATS in their last five trips to Utah.  Take Orlando. 

6* MAC Tournament *CA$H COW* on Bowling Green +7 

The Key: The Bowling Green Falcons have a nice rest advantage here.  Central Michigan had its game postponed on Friday and rescheduled for Saturday.  The Chippewas won that game 84-71 over Western Michigan.  But now they only have one day to get ready for Bowling Green, while the Falcons have two full days to get ready after losing to Buffalo on Friday.  The Falcons will be playing with double revenge after losing their last two meetings with CMU by 6 on the road and 9 at home.  Given the rest advantage, I expect them to stay within 7 points and possibly pull off the upset.  Bowling Green is 7-0 ATS after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.  The Falcons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Bowling Green. 

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Toronto Raptors -8.5 

The Key: The Toronto Raptors have the Charlotte Hornets’ number to say the least.  The top team in the East has gone 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in 3 meetings with the Hornets this season, winning by 13, 18 and 20 points.  Expect more of the same today and another double-digit blowout victory in the Raptors’ favor.  They are 25-5 at home this season.  The Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Sunday games.  The Hornets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.  Take Toronto. 

6* Michigan/Purdue Big Ten *CA$H COW* on Michigan +4.5 

The Key: It’s revenge time for the Michigan Wolverines.  They lost by 1 point at home against Purdue and by 4 on the road in their two regular season meetings.  They have been mighty impressive in the Big Ten Tournament thus far, crushing both Nebraska and Michigan State in their last two games.  Purdue has struggled to get by both Rutgers and Penn State.  The Wolverines are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.  Michigan is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%.  The Wolverines are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 neutral site games.  The Boilermakers are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  Take Michigan. 

6* Thunder/Blazers NBA *BAILOUT* on Portland -4.5 

The Key: The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a difficult situation tonight as they’ll be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  Now they face a Portland team that has won 5 straight and 7 of its last 8 overall coming in.  The Blazers are 12-1 SU in their last 13 home games and 7-0 SU in their last 7 home meetings with the Thunder.  Take Portland.