5*Denver Nuggets +3

The Suns have won six straight playoff games, including all three against Denver. Phoenix came out with a lot of energy after watching the Nuggets' big man receive his MVP trophy. Visiting teams have struggled when playing the second of back-to-back games at Pepsi Center. I think the Nuggets win outright with a much more aggressive game plan!

5*LA Clippers +3

The Clippers blew a 60-47 halftime lead in game one. The Clippers and company should make the necessary adjustments after some film study. The big two shot 13-for-36 from the field and should be better in this game. The Clippers are 6-1 SU after a loss of four points or less. I like the Clippers in this spot.

4*Utah Jazz -3

The Clippers just played a seven-game series against a team that doesn't play defense. Only one day rest now playing at high-altitude against a well-rested Jazz team that is very good on defense. The Clippers seem to play better when their is urgency. The big two played heavy minutes in game six and seven. I like the Jazz in this spot!

4*LA Lakers -2

The Lakers return home after a non-effort in game five. I have to believe the Lakers will bounce back with or without Anthony Davis. Frank Vogel called out his team and LeBron James is 4-1 after a 30+ point loss in his career. Closeout games are tough, especially for young teams. Take the hungry host!

3*Memphis Grizzlies +5.5

The Jazz scored 141 points and now must play on the road. Tough. The Grizzlies have played two very tight games against a healthy Jazz roster during the regular season. This shows me that Memphis does match-up well against the Jazz. The Grizzlies are 15-5 ATS after a double digit loss this season. I'll take a shot with the home underdog in this one!

4*LA Clippers -2

The Mavs have shot over 50% from the field in both victories. The Clippers should be able to make the necessary adjustments after dropping the first two games of the series. Kawhi Leonard's teams have always played well after losing two straight in the postseason. I like the road team in game three!

5*Memphis Grizzlies -3.5

The Grizzlies went 2-1 against the Spurs this season with the one loss back in December. In the past two victories, the Grizzlies covered the spread by a combined 55.5 points. Memphis shot 24% (6 of 25) from beyond the Arc in Sunday's loss at Golden State. Ja Morant shot 33.3% (7 of 21) from the field. I would expect a much better effort at home.The Grizzlies are 10-4 SU after a loss of 10-19 points this season. In the past five games, Memphis has a +5.8 point differential while San Antonio has a -6.8 point differential. I'm taking the home team in this one!

4*Memphis Grizzlies +4

Memphis was in a similar situation last year in the bubble, needing to win the regular-season finale over Milwaukee to earn a spot in the play-in game against Portland. The Grizzlies beat the Bucks 119-106 to get in. The winner of this game will secure the 8th seed in the West. I like the road team in this spot!

4*LA Lakers +8

These are important games for the Lakers as they try to avoid the play-in tournament. The Lakers are ranked third in defense. Big rivalry and I believe this one will be closer than the line suggests.

4*Dallas Mavericks +3.5

The Mavericks shot 17.1% from three-point point land in Sunday's loss against Sacramento. That's their lowest percentage since 2018. The Miami Heat have shot over 50% from the field in three straight games. I like the road team in this spot!

4*LA Lakers +4

The Lakers have lost three in a row while the Nuggets have won nine of their past 10 games. The Lakers have the size to match-up against Denver. I know the Lakers are pissed off and want to end its losing streak tonight. Getting four points at home seems like a gift even if James sits out. 

5*Dallas Mavericks -5

The Mavericks have already defeated the Wizards in Washington (109-87) this season back in early April, easily covering the 6-point spread. The Wizards will be playing back-to-back to games (6-9 SU) and fifth game in seven days. Tough. Washington is coming off two wins where they shot over 50% from the field. Dallas is 12-4 in the past 16 meetings and I expect more of the same in this one. Take the Mavs! 

4*New Orleans Pelicans +4

The Pelicans are coming off a big win against the Clippers. They are playing for their playoff lives with 11 games remaining. New Orleans has already won at Denver this season when the Nuggets were at full strength. Denver is coming off two wins where they shot the lights out. Take the Pelicans!

4*LA Lakers +2

The Lakers dropped a tough one to the Mavs, committing 16 turnovers on Thursday. The Mavs will be playing their third game in four nights. The Lakers are 11-3 SU after allowing 115+ points this season. Frank Vogel has been excellent in same-season revenge games. Take the Lakers!

4*Sacramento Kings +2.5

The Wizards conclude their long road trip against a team that's desperate for a win. Wrong team favored. Take the hungry host!

4*Memphis Grizzlies -1.5

The Grizzlies return home after dropping two straight on the road. Miami shot the lights out in yesterday's home victory. The Heat will playing its third game in four days and Jimmy Butler has a very sore ankle. I like the home team!

4*Memphis Grizzlies +3

The Grizzlies have a game in hand as they played and looked impressive on Wednesday. The Nuggets haven't played since winning at Indiana on March 4th. Denver is 0-2 ATS when playing with three or more days of rest this season. Memphis is as close to full strength as they have been all season. The Grizzlies are 24-11 ATS against the Northwest division over the past three seasons. Take the home underdog in this one!

5*Portland Trail Blazers +6.5

This will be the Suns' third game in four days after crushing New Orleans on Friday and whipping Memphis on Saturday. Phoenix covered the spread by a whopping 39 points combined. The Suns made a franchise-record 24 3-pointers in defeating the Grizzlies. They also held Memphis to just 97 points. It's really tough to sustain that type of defensive effort especially with short rest. Portland is coming off a 118-111 home loss to the Wizards. Damian Lillard shot 10-for-30 from the field. I like the road dog in this spot! 

3*New Orleans Pelicans +3.5

Both teams are coming off tough losses. This will be the first road game in 16 days for the Suns. The Pelicans played one of their best games in defeating Phoenix on that night. The Suns have a -0.3 point differential on the road while New Orleans has a +4.2 point differential at home. I just like how the Pelicans match-up with these Suns right now. Take the points!

5*Portland Trail Blazers +5

The Dallas Mavs scored a season-high 143 points (58.3% from the field) against the Pelicans. It marked the second straight game shooting over 50% from the field. They also shot 55.6% from 3-point land making 25 of 45. They also committed just six turnovers. I always look to fade NBA teams that scored 140 or more points. Dallas is 6-10 ATS after scoring 130+ points over the past three seasons, including 0-1 this year. Portland keeps this one close!

4*New Orleans Pelicans +3

Both teams are playing good ball having won four of their past five. The Pelicans should be super focused knowing the Mavericks won all four meetings last season. New Orleans is coming off a loss in which the Bulls made a franchise-record 25 3-pointers (in 47 attempts). Dallas overcame a 13-point third-quarter deficit, holding Atlanta to just 27 points on 9-of-22 shooting in the final quarter. New Orleans has a big edge in rebounds and I really like them in this spot. Take the road dog! 

3*Toronto Raptors +5

The Nets are coming off an emotional bounce-back effort (shot 57% from the field) against the Clippers after having previously lost to the lowly Wizards. New Jersey is 0-4 ATS after covering the spread of late. The Public is backing the Nets in a big way based on Toronto sweeping the Nets in the bubble last August. I will take the points with the more efficient defensive squad. The Nets have a big game against Philadelphia tomorrow. Light play on the road team!

4*LA Lakers -4.5

The Lakers played a tougher schedule and had the much better road record. They also possess two of the Top 5 players in all of basketball right now. The Heat are a younger team in terms of postseason experience. I think the Lakers are the right side in game one.

3*LA Lakers -6.5

The Lakers didn't play well in game two evident by 23 turnovers for the game. I think the Nuggets are deflated after blowing that victory. The Lakers are 7-2 ATS after a close win (1-4 points) while the Nuggets are 3-5-1 ATS after a close loss. The Lakers are super focused and should win by margin tonight.

3*Boston Celtics -1.5

Miami has had a relatively easy journey in these playoffs while the Celtics are battle tested. The Heat have not played since 9/8/20. Advantage Boston in this first game. Lay it!

3*Toronto Raptors +3 (+100)

The Raptors shot just 13 free throws in their game five debacle. I would expect the defending world champs to play with a "chip" on its shoulder to force a game seven. Take the Raptors!

10*Denver Nuggets +3

The Jazz have won two in a row while shooting the lights out. Utah shot 51.7% and 51.2% from the field respectively. The Jazz also shot close to 49% from 3-point land on Friday. Denver committed a bubble-high 17 turnovers and should benefit from the return of Gary Harris Jr. The Nuggets are ranked #1 in assist/turnover margin and these teams rarely drop three games in a row in the postseason. I'm all over the Nuggets in this spot!

4*Oklahoma City Thunder +2.5

Oklahoma City does have a modest history on its side in terms of a potential Game 3 turnaround. The Thunder have won Game 3 in each of the five previous instances in which they fell into an 0-2 series hole, even rallying to take the 2012 Western Conference Finals against San Antonio. The Thunder are also 9-2 SU after a loss of 10 points or more this season. Take the Thunder in this must win game!

5*Dallas Mavs +5.5

The Mavs have already defeated the Bucks earlier this season in Milwaukee. The Bucs shot over 50% in their last game while the Mavs allowed their opponent to shoot over 50% in their last game. Take the Mavs plus the points.

3*Indiana Pacers +1.5

5*Dallas Mavericks +3

The Nuggets have alternated wins and losses in their past 7 games. Denver is coming off a victory against the short-handed Bucks. Dallas is coming off two straight losses after two straight victories. The Mavs are currently in the 7th spot out West. Denver plays much better at home as their 0.0 point differential shows. Dallas plays well at home sporting a +6.0 point differential. Both teams won on the road in the previous two meetings, with both games decided by a combined 4 points. I like the Mavs in this spot!

5*LA Lakers -1

Giannis made a career high five 3-pointers in the first meeting which the Bucks won. Bench players play better at home. I love the Lakers in this rematch. I know they really want to avenge its loss at Milwaukee. The Bucks are leaking oil as they got crushed by Miami and fell behind Indiana by 24 points before making a comeback. Take the hungry host!

5*Portland T-Blazers -4.5

Detroit traded away former franchise center Andre Drummond prior to the All-Star break and reached a buyout agreement with veteran point guard Reggie Jackson during the break, leaving Derrick Rose, John Henson, Tony Snell and Langston Galloway as the only healthy veterans drawing regular minutes. They also released (buyout) Markief Morris (LA Lakers) and some size for rim protection. The Pistons are in full tank mode while Portland comes in off a poor defensive effort at home. Swallow the 4.5 points. Take the hungry host!

5*Oklahoma City Thunder -1

The Thunder were just 11-14 after losing at Denver 110-102 in December. They have since gone 22-8, having won 10 of 13 before the break. This is a completely different team schematically and the Nuggets won't be able to adjust tonight. Take the home team! 

3*Golden State Warriors +7.5

5*Portland T-Blazers +2

Seems like a great sport for Portland as they've been off for two days while the Rockets will be playing it's third game in four days. I like Portland!

4*Memphis Grizzlies -2.5

4*Washington Wizards +4.5

4*Dallas Mavericks -3

4*Sacramento Kings -2.5

4*Charlotte Hornets +6

4*Oklahoma City -4

4*Oklahoma City Thunder PK

4*Toronto Raptors -2

4*Memphis Grizzlies +8

4*Charlotte Hornets -1.5

4*Oklahoma City Thunder -3.5

4*Memphis Grizzlies +3.5

Santa Anita Park

Race 4 (BC Filly & Mare Sprint) #6 Bellafina for win, place, and show  ML: 6/1

Race 7 (BC Filly & Mare Turf) #7 Vasilika for win, place, and show  ML: 8/1

Race 9 (BC Mile) #6 Got Stormy for win, place, and show  ML: 7/2

Race 10 (BC Distaff) BEST BET #4 Midnight Bisou WIN only ML: 6/5

3*LA Lakers -2.5

I think this game means more to the LA Lakers after Kawai Lenord dissed the purple and gold. I don't see how this Clippers team can matchup with A.D. and James. These two stars are on a mission this season. Look out! 

10*Milwaukee Bucks +2.5

The Toronto Raptors have played three extra games during this postseason. The team looks tired to me. I really believe this will be a big factor going against a Bucks' team that doesn't want to go home just yet. It's very difficult to win four straight games against a good team in 6 days. Also, closeout games are the toughest to win. I'm all over the Bucks on Saturday, and twice on Sunday!

5*Portland Trail Blazers -3

The Nuggets have played two more games than Portland in this NBA postseason. Coming off a four overtime game, I will side with the fresher team at home. No zigzag angle tonight. Take Portland!

10*Boston Celtics -2

The Bucks shot the lights out (42.6% 3-pointers) in game two, while Kyrie Irving had a sub-par performance shooting 4-of-18 from the field for just nine points. I love head coach Brad Stevens returning home off a blowout loss. This has worked well in the past, including 4-1 ATS this year. I also love the fact that the Bucks will playing its first true road game of the postseason. I'm sorry, but Detroit was lucky to be in the playoffs and not a difficult place to play. Boston is a tough venue for road teams especially the very first one. It's been 29 days since the Bucks played (Philly) at a rowdy arena. I really like the home team in this spot! 

5*San Antonio Spurs -2.5

The Spurs return home after getting blown out in game five. The Nuggets shot 50% from the field, 42.4% from 3-point land, and 80% from the free throw stripe. Major fade bate especially since Denver has a losing record on the road. San Antonio is obviously a well-coached veteran team with a lot of pride. I would expect a big bounce back effort to force a deciding game seven. Take the hungry host!

4*Orlando Magic +5.5

The Magic shot 36% from the floor and committed 16 turnovers in their game three loss. They still had a decent chance to win. I think they will play much better in this contest so I'm taking the 5.5 points!

4*LA Lakers +9.5

4*Philadelphia -3.5

4*Charlotte Hornets +4

4*Washington Wizards -2

5*Washington Wizards +6

The Wizards play really well at home (22-13) and will be fighting for their playoff lives. Bradley Beal has been on fire (two straight 40-point games) while the Wizards sit three games back of the Miami Heat for the 8th playoff spot. Washington has a +3.7 point differential at home while Utah sits at +1.1 on the road. The Wizards have a great chance to win this game outright so I'm taking the points tonight.

5*Indiana Pacers -1

The Pacers will be attempting to win back-to-back games in almost three weeks. The Thunder played four road games than one home game and now hit the road before returning home. That home game is against the Golden State Warriors. Very possible look ahead spot here for the road team. The Pacers have a +8.7 point differential at home while the Thunder have a +1.9 mark on the road. The Pacers are 17-6 at home after a SU win. Take the hungry host!

4*Memphis Grizzlies +1.5

The Magic had played three road games than played one home game and now hit the road again. That's always tough for NBA teams this time of year. Memphis defeated the Jazz recently who I believe are better than this Magic team. Orlando is 6-9 on the road after a win. Take Memphis!

3*LA Lakers +6

4*Brooklyn Nets +3.5

The Nets have lost two games in a row and their defensive effort has been a big reason why. I think they will get back on track against a Heat team playing its third game in four days. Take the Nets!

4*Atlanta Hawks +5  

The Hawks already defeated the T-Wolves in Minnesota. I believe they matchup really well against them so I'm taking the 5 points.      

4*Brooklyn Nets +3

4*Cleveland +7.5

10*Minnesota Timberwolves +4

The Jazz defeated the T-Wolves two days ago 106-102 in Utah. The Jazz celebrated a little too much and the T-wolves took notice. Minnesota is 16-8 at home and an impressive 9-3 at home after a loss. Utah is 8-8 on the road after a win. The T-Wolves have a +5.8 point differential at home while the Jazz are just +1.3 on the road. I think the T-Wolves matchup well and we are getting 4 points. Take the home dog!

4*Cleveland Cavaliers +5

4*Houston Rockets -5.5

The Rockets return home after losing to Orlando 116-109 as 6-point road chalk on Sunday. James Harden shot 1-for-19 from 3-point land. I would expect a much better performance in this one. The Grizzles are ranked 30th in 3-point shots made. Houston has already defeated the Grizzles this season by 12 and 8 points respectively. Memphis has a minus -4.5 point differential on the road while the Rockets own a point differential of plus +4.6 at home. Take the Rockets!

4*Chicago Bulls +1.5

4*Denver Nuggets -3.5

4*Chicago Bulls +3

4*Houston Rockets +2

The Rockets are coming off an ugly performance committing 20 turnovers. The Jazz shot over 60% from the field and 3-point land in their blowout win over the Spurs. Take the road dog!

4*

4*Minnesota Timberwolves -5

3*Golden State Warriors +3.5

The drama between Durant and Green is overblown. I would expect those two players to have big games in this one. Houston is 1-4 ATS after scoring 100+ points of late. Playoff revenge can be overrated. Take the Warriors for 3 units!

3*Houston Rockets +4.5

3*Oklahoma City Thunder +4

4*Denver Nuggets -2

4*Cleveland Cavs +4.5

4*Minnesota T-Wolves -2

5*Cleveland Cavaliers +5

The Cavs are not as bad as they played in game two. They should have won game one. This is a must win game and their bench should play much better at home. Take the hungry host!

10*Cleveland Cavs +13

I have been watching the NBA for about 35 years, and to my eyes the Warriors are NOT 13 points better as of right now. No way. I think LeBron and company will use the huge underdog factor in this first game and play really well. This line should be closer to 8 or 9 points. Take the road dog!

5*Boston Celtics +5

This line seems a tad high for me so I'm taking the Celtics again after cashing with them in game five. This should be a very close game either way. Take the road dog!

5*Boston Celtics -3

The Bucks set a franchise record with 14 blocks in their game four victory. They also shot the lights out from 3-point land and still won by just two points. I like the Celtics at home in this one!

4*Minnesota T-Wolves +6.5

4*New York Knicks -1.5

3*Cleveland Cavaliers +1

3*Dallas Mavs +1.5

4*Portland Trail Blazers +5

4*Dallas Mavs +5.5

3* Memphis Grizzlies +8

4*Chicago Bulls -4.5

3*Detroit Pistons -2.5

4*Detroit Pistons -6

4*New York Knicks -3.5

4*Los Angeles Clippers +2.5

4*Utah Jazz -1.5

4*New Orleans Pelicans +3