10* Cavaliers (EAST-CONF RND. 1 GOY)

The Knicks went 3-1 in the season series, but I can't understate how important I believe that the "home floor advantage" will be in this series. For both teams. New York was 24-17 on the road, while Cleveland was 31-10 at home. Bad news for Knicks backers here today as star Julius Randle is listed as questionable, and if he does play, he'll be far from 100% health. Emotions will be running high for the Cavs as they make the Playoffs for the first time since 2018. Cleveland has the most efficient offense in the league and everything points to a comfortable win and cover as this one comes down the stretch; lay the points, the play is the Cavs!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

Atlanta upset the Heat in the Play-In tournament on the road, but I expect an immediate return to mediocrity here. ATL is still just 18-24 away from friendly confines, while Boston is 32-9 at home. Boston won all four regular season games, and all signs point to a blowout here in Game 1 as the C's will look to send n early message. ATL was unable to contain Boston's 3-point shooting in the regular season, and nothing will be different here; lay the points with confidence, the play is Boston!

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10* Nets (BLOCKBUSTER)

Brooklyn went 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS vs. the 76ers during the regular season, but I think the scrappy nets comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch of this one. Philadelphia has consistently done poor in the playoffs over the last few years, and I think the 76ers are getting too much respect here against the Nets, who are 15-9 ATS as a road dog and 12-3 ATS when getting +5 or more points this year. Outright victory is possible, but let's grab the points; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Wolves (TOP SIDE)

The bottom line here is that beyond Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC just is not very deep. At this point, I believe that becomes a major factor finally for the Thunder. Also note that Rudy Gobert will be back in the line-up tonight after serving a one-game suspension for an altercation he had with a teammate in the final regular season game. Minnesota went 3-1 SU in the regular season in this series and I expect it to make the most of this matchup once again; lay the points, the play is Minnesota!

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10* MIAMI FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN)

(NOTE: I also like the Heat for the entire game if you do not have access to FIRST HALF lines.) For the first time in play-in tournament history, the two lower seeds won in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls upset the Raptors 109-105, but I believe they'll have a much harder time of it here in South Beach. Miami comes in off a 116-105 upset loss to Atlanta. Chicago swept the season series 3-0, meaning that the "revenge" factor definitely comes to play here. The Heat are one of the worst teams in the league ATS, but that fact has only helped in driving today's spread a few points lower than it normally would/should be. Miami is as healthy as its been all year and with most of the early money on Chicago, I feel we're getting tremendous value on the undervalued home side. As stated off the top, I like the Heat for the entire game as well, but I look for them to take the early lead into th half; the play is Miami in the first half!

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10* Lakers (PLAY IN GOY)

For a number of different reasons, I like the way this one sets up for the Lakers. The majority of the early money is on Minnesota, so as a contrarian at heart, that auto makes me like LA here. But the Wolves will be without Jaden McDaniels, who broke his hand foolishly punching a wall. Big man Rudy Gobert punched Kyle Anderson in a heated moment in the huddle. Minnesota is a mess coming into this game, while LA is at full strength. I look for the Lakers to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points with confidence, the play is indeed on the Lakers!

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10* Heat FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN. Note: I also like for the ENTIRE game if you don't have access to FIRST HALF lines.) 

The Heat took three of four regular season meetings with the Hawks. Atlanta has been decent ATS on the road this year, but Miami is very tough at home. The Heat rank second in the league on the defensive end, and I expect that defense to be on top of its game from the "get go" in this one, as to not allow ATL to dictate the tempo; as I say, I like Miami for the whole game as well, but the official call is the Heat in the First Half!

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8* Hawks (BLOWOUT)

The Hawks have earned a spot in the playoffs, but they're still in a fight with Toronto for eighth spot with just two games remaining. They've lost two of three to the 76ers this year, so they'll look to even up the season series here today with a big win. Philadelphia is locked into its spot, so it's expected to now rest starters over the final two games. Atlanta is playing some of its best basketball of the season right now and I expect it to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one; lay the points with confidence, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

It's GO time for the Raptors. They're off the 120-100 win at Charlotte last night, easily covering the massive 15.5-point spread. Toronto is essentially in Playoff mode already though, as it's tied with Atlanta for eighth spot in the East, 17 games back of the Bucks. This is the start of two straight between these teams here in Boston. The Bucks have a three games lead up on Boston, which sits two games ahead of Philadelphia. The Celtics can't afford to take the foot off the gas either, but the Raptors also play with revenge here after falling 106-104 to the Celtics at home on January 21st. That however is significant to note, as the Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU home loss vs. an opponent. In what I expect to be a very tight and competitive affair, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto!

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10* Thunder (NON-DIV. GOY)

One factor I always take into account is the "revenge" factor. The last time these teams played, OKC managed the 124-120 victory over Phoenix here in mid-March. However, at times the "revenge" angle can be overblown or overrated, and for me, that's the case here for sure. I'll argue that this is the most important game of the entire season for the Thunder, who have lost two of their last three, including a 121-117 setback at Indiana last time out. The Thunder are in tenth right now, about to play in the "Play In" Tournament, sitting only 1.5 games back of the Lakers for eighth spot though. Phoenix is pretty much locked in at fourth, unable to catch Sacramento, which is 4 games ahead of it right now. Phoenix has won four straight. After this it finishes with three of its final four at home, including a "cream puff" vs. the Spurs up next. I believe Phoenix gets caught a little flat-footed here, and I expect the home side to risk life and limb to try and pull off the SU upset; that may happen, but the official call is to grab as many points as you can with OKC!

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10* Raptors (ATLANTIC DIV. GOY)

While I do think an outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. I think this is a great "spot" bet. The Raptors have had two nights off after a 106-92 win over the Heat. Toronto has won three straight and it's currently sitting in 9th spot in the Eastern Playoff race, in fact tied with Atlanta for eigth, and two games up on Chicago. The Raptors are playing some of their best ball of the season right now and the play with the added incentive of revenge as well after dropping the most recent matchup with Philly in a 104-101 OT setback on December 19th. Philadelphia snapped a three-game slide with a much-needed 116-108 win over the floundering Mavericks, but with a date at Milwaukee up next, it's not too hard to imagine the home side also getting caught "looking ahead" here; as stated off the top, I'm not calling for the outright upset or anything, but the official call is to grab the points with Toronto!

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10* Wizards (REVENGE BOB)

Boston has won three straight, both SU and ATS. Note though that the Celtics are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. With a much more high-profile and important game at Milwaukee up next on Thursday, this also sets up as a potential "look-ahead" spot for the visitors as well. Washington does indeed play with revenge after falling 130-121 to the Celtics as a 7.5-point dog in Boston back in November. Note though that the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. I say the hungry home side sneaks in under the radar here, catches the Celtics at a really good time here, and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being a lot closer in the end than what this spread is suggesting; grab as many points as you can, the play is the Wizards!

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10* 76ers (ASSASSIN)

After a win at Chicago to open up this road trip, the 76ers have now lost back-to-back West coast contests, most recently falling 125-105 to a desperate Phoenix team. Yes, Philly just beat Denver 126-119 at home back in January, but I'm not reading too much into the revenge factor. For me, this particular play is a good situational one, as I feel that Philly is the much "hungrier" side here after back-to-back poor efforts. I'm expecting a battle until the final horn, so grab the points, the play is Philadelphia!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

Both teams really need a win here. Washington is in 11th spot, three games back of No. 9 Toronto. After a relatively simple 118-97 win over Detroit though, I think that the Raptors will have their hands full with this revenge-minded Washington side, which fell 116-109 in OT at home as a 2.5-point favorite in early March. Note that the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Washington snapped a four-game slide with a big 136-124 win over San Antonio last time out, and I think the Wizards throw their best shot at the Raptors today as well; grab the points, the play is Washington!

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10* Suns (ASSASSIN)

The Suns were playing really well with Kevin Durant, but then the superstar got injured and now Phoenix has been struggling ever since. But I say their current slide ends here tonight in this favorable spot. Phoenix has lost six of its last seven, including three in a row. They've also lost seven straight ATS. The Suns also play with revenge here after falling 100-88 at Philly earlier in the sesaon, and note that Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The 76ers played and lost just last night in Golden State, and I say that fatigue plays a factor in the outcome of this one as well; for all the reasons listed above, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

A complete contrarian play here. A vast majority of the bets and money is on Utah, but that fact has helped in driving this spread a few points too high in my opinion. Utah has somehow won four of its last five SU and it's also gone 6-0 ATS in its last six. The Jazz have just beaten the Celtics and Kings at home, but with Milwaukee coming to town on Friday, this does indeed now set up as a "look ahead" spot as well for Utah. No such luxury for Portland, which enters desperate after six straight losses. I think Utah's surge comes to an end here and Portland, at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire; while the outright win isn't out of the question, let's grab the points!

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10* Raptors (EXPRESS) 

The Raptors are ninth in the East, so are part of the Play In Tournament at the moment. Indiana is currently 12th. Toronto plays with double revenge here as the Pacers have won both earlier meetings so far this season. Here's the perfect opportunity to get that double revenge, as the Pacers continue their four-game road trip after a loss at Charlotte on Monday. The Pacers actually had an 18-point second-quarter lead over Charlotte, but they lost 115-109 in the end. Indiana was super sloppy with the ball, turning it over 21 times. Charlotte's bench outscored Indiana's bench 45-18. Indiana was without Tyrese Haliburton for that one and he'll also be out for this one against Toronto (Haliburton is Indiana's number 1 guy, averaging 20.8 points and 10.4 assists per game.) Indiana averages 115.8 points per game and allows 118.3. Toronto averages 112.9 points per game, while allowing 112.1. Toronto has won seven in a row at home. It plays with double revenge. It catches the Pacers without their top player in the line-up. I smell a blowout here North of the border; lay the points, the play is Toronto!

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10* Nets (ASSASSIN)

After three straight SU/ATS losses in a row, I like the Nets to dig deep and bounce back here. Note that Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Cleveland has won three of it slast four. It's coming off two straight home victories. This is the opener of two straight here between these clubs in Brooklyn, and I say the more desperate home side doubles down and, at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire. The Nets had a winning record before KD and Kyrie left and it'll now be a struggle to maintain that position, but I love the way this one sets up for them here at home tonight; grab the points, the play is the Nets!

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10* Wolves (ASSASSIN)

Minnesota has lost three straight. Note that the Wolves are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU losses in a row. Minnesota plays with revenge after falling 120-107 at home to the Knicks as a 2.5-point favorite back in November. Note that the Wolves are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The Knicks have won three straight, both SU and ATS, but note that New York is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. With an upcoming difficult two-game road trip at Miami and Orlando up next, expect the Knicks to take the foot off the gas in the second half. While an outright win is entirely possible, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Minnesota!

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10* Nets (ASSASSIN)

Denver has struggled since the All-Star break. I don't see it being able to muster much of an offensive attack here after falling 116-110 at the Knicks just last night. The Nuggets have now dropped five of their last six. Brooklyn had won five of six before dropping two in a row. With two nights off to prepare for this one though, I love how this one sets up for the home side. While I do think an outright victory is possible, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

Here's a great spot for the Hornets. I'm not predicting an outright win or anything, but I do think they'll be competitive until the final horn. Charlotte is coming off three straight losses, and note that the Hornets are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU losses in a row. They also play with revenge after a 131-113 loss to Philly back in December, and note that the Hornets are 4-1 ATS in their last five trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. With a game at the Pacers tomorrow night, I say Philly gets caught "looking ahead" here in the second half and takes the foot of the gas; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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10* Nuggets (U OF THE U)

Enough is enough! If you're a Denver fan, that's definitely the way you feel right now after four straight SU/ATS losses in a row. Have Jokic and the Nuggets suddenly forgot how to play? I'd say it's just going to be small "speed bump" in the season, and that things will return to normal shortly. In fact, I believe the time has come for a severe beating. Note that Denver plays with the added incentive of revenge after the Pistons inexplicably beat the Nuggets 110-108 on the road on November 22nd as 10.5-point underdogs. As note, the Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite against an opponent. The Pistons are downright terrible and they're simply in the wrong place at the wrong time in this one; lay the points, the play is the Nuggets!

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10* Wizards (TOP SIDE)

This is a good "common sense" play. Detroit enters off a rare victory just last night, pulling away for a 117-97 victory at home over the Pacers. The win snapped an 11-game slide. With tough upcoming home games vs. the Nuggets and Heat, I say the visitors have an immediate letdown here in the second game of the B2B scenario. The Wizards will be huntry here to snap a three-game slide, but note that Washington is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU losses in a row. The Wizards beat Detroit 119-117 on its own floor last week, and while they failed to cover the spread there, everything points to a cover of the "rocking chair" variety here at home; lay the points, the play is the Wizards!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

The Knicks have lost three straight, both SU and ATS after last night's 106-95 loss to the Clippers here. Note though that New York is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row. New York also plays with revenge here after a 129-123 OT loss to the Lakers at home on January 31st as a two-point fav. That's also significant to note here for us, as the Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponet. The Lakers have some new faces and have been playing well, as they've won and covered in three straight. Note though that LA is still just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Despite having played just last night, I like the Knicks here to bounce back in this favorable spot; grab the points, the play is New York!

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10* Magic (ASSASSIN)

No need to overthink this one. I base my picks on many different things, but this particular one I'm basing on "common sense." I had a play on the Heat in their 119-115 home win over the Cavs. I believe fatigue will be a major issue here for Miami though in the second game of the B2B. Orlando plays with revenge after falling 107-103 in OT to the Heat on February 11th, and that's sigificant for us to note as Orlando is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. Orlando has lost three straight, so it comes in desperate here and while I do think the outright win is a possibility of course, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Orlando!

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10* Heat (BLOOD-BATH)

No need to overthink this one. I thik that the Cavs are the better team. I think the Heat have plenty of issues this year. That said Cleveland has been poor on the road, and Miami has been its best in front of the home town crowd. The Cavs are just 14-19 on the road, while the Heat are 21-13 in front of the home town crowd. These teams played just two nights ago in Cleveland and the Cavaliers won and covered by a score of 104-100. Note though that Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. A little "home cooking" is just what the doctor ordered here for Miami; grab the points, the play is the Heat!

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10* Bulls (NON-CONF GOM)

After four straight SU/ATS losses in a row, I think the Bulls come in a bit undervalued here now. I think they sneak in under the radar after two days off. They play with revenge as well after a 126-103 home loss to the Nuggets at the start of the season, and that's definitely significant to note here, as the Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponet. I say that Denver takes the foot off the gas in the second half. The Nuggets have won four straight. They have a game at the lowly Spurs up next. I say the "hungrier" team delivers in this spot; grab the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Raptors (GOW)

Denver is heavily favored here by the oddsmakers, and nearly 80% of the early money is also on the Nuggets. However, I like the hungry Raptors to, at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Denver has won three straight SU/ATS, but note that the Nuggets are just 1-3 ATS in their last four after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Toronto is fifth right now at 32-33. It's coming off a 116-109 OT win at Washington. I think Toronto is the much "hungrier" team in this non-conference matchup. In a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto!

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8* play on Celtics.

New York has won and covered in eight straight, and because of that fact, I believe the oddsmakers are now overvaluing the Knicks in this spot. All good things come to an end eventually, and New York's great surge here is about to come to an end vs. this revenge-minded Celtics side that fell 109-94 to the Knicks in New York at the end of the February. Note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. Boston is just 1-2 in its last three. It's lost three straight ATS. It's coming off a poor 115-105 loss to Brooklyn as a ten-point favorite. Time to finally annihlate the Knicks today; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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8* play on Hornets.

Here's a great spot for the Hornets to exact a little revenge from a previous loss to the Nets. Brooklyn is coming off a 115-105 upset win at Boston as a ten-point dog and I say is now primed for a predictable "letdown" after that emotional win. With a five game road trip upcoming starting in Houston, it's also a "look-ahead" spot. The Hornets play with revenge after a 123-106 loss to Brooklyn on December 31st. This is just too many points for this patchwork Brooklyn team to cover vs. this focussed and revenge-minded visiting side; grab the points, thep lay is Charlotte!

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8* play on Chicago.

Chicago has lost two of its last three. It's now lost three straight ATS after a 125-104 setback to Phoenix at home as a 3.5-point dog last time out. The Bulls though are 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more ATS losses in a row. They play with revenge as well after a 117-113 setback to the Pacers in mid-February. Note that Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. The Pacers have Philly at home tomorrow night, and I say they get caught "looking ahead." Lay the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

After seven straight SU/ATS wins in a row, I believe the Knicks will finally have their hands full here with this Heat team that's going to be playing with desperation. They also play with revenge after falling 106-104 at New York at the start of February. That's important to note here as the Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite against an opponent. The Knicks have Boston up next, while the Heat have hit a very favorable part of their schedule. I look for the home side to dig deep, to stop its slide and to avenge the earlier setback; the play is Miami!

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10* Clippers (PACIFIC DIVISION GOY)

There's no excuses fro the Clippers here, who have lost three straight, both SU and ATS. That's important to note here though, as LA is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Golden State on the other hand has won three straight, both SU and ATS, which is also important to note here, as the Warriors are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. Why/how could the Clippers possibly be favored here on the road in Golden State, a place where the Warriors are 25-7 this year? Obviously, Stephen Curry and several other key players are sidelined with injury. That's all that LA is going to need here to get over the hump and record this victory in my estimation; lay the points, the play is the Clippers!

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10* Bulls (TOP REVENGE SIDE OF SEASON)

The Bulls are only 26-33, but they're a much more respectable 16-13 at home. They went into the break on a six game SU/ATS losing streak. The All-Star game came at a good time. This Bulls' team definitely has identity issues, but with time off to regroup, in the short term I expect them to come in focused, and here's the perfect opponent to get untracked against. The Nets beat Miami before the break and after the KD trade, but a huge drop off in mental focus moving forward is now expected in my opinion. Most importantly though, as the title of this pick indicates, this selection is primarily based around the "revenge" factors, as note that Chicago lost 116-105 at Brooklyn on February 9th as a three-point favorite, which is indeed signficant for us to note, as the Bulls are a near-perfect 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss as a favorite vs. an opponent; lay the short points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Cavaliers (NON-CONF GOY)

I love the way this one sets up for the Cavaliers from a situational stand point so much, that it's now qualified as my one and only non-conference NBA game of the year. Denver is 41-18, but it's just 14-14 on the road. Cleveland is 38-23 this year, thanks in part to an elite 25-6 home record. The Cavaliers play with revenge here after a 121-108 road loss at Denver on January 6th (note though that Cleveland is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponet.) Look for the break to effect the Nuggets here more as a team than the Cavaliers and lay the short points with confidence; the play is indeed on Cleveland!

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10* Kings (BEST OF BEST)

No need to overanalyze this one, as I believe the immediate "revenge factor" will be all the motivation the Kings need here to win and cover here at home. Dallas is indeed coming off the 122-114 win here last night as a 4.5-point underdog. Note that Sacramento is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. There are a few other situational factors working in favor of the Kings here as well, but the bottom line is that the "revenge" angle will turn out to be the difference-maker in motivation between these clubs tonight; the play is Sacramento!

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10* Hawks (ASSASSIN)

The Hawks went 1-3 on their road trip. They've gone 0-2 ATS in their last two, but I think a little home-cooking is just what the doctor ordered for ATL tonight. While just 27-28 overall this year, the Hawks are 13-11 at home. Phoenix is 30-26 this season, but only 11-17 on the road. The Suns come in off three straight SU road victories, but with their finale of this trip set in Indiana tomorrow night, I expect Phoenix to get caught in a "trap" here, with a small mental letdown, combined with "looking ahead." Lay the points, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Wizards (EASTERN CONFERENCE GOY)

I love the way this one sets up for Washington. I think an outright is possible, but my official call will be to grab as many points as you can. Cleveland is off B2B wins, but off a 122-103 victory at the Pacers just last night, I believe the Cavs come in fatigued here in the second game of the B2B scenario. Cleveland is 33-22 this year, but still just 1l-16 on the road. The Wizards have had big leads in each of their last two losses, so they won't be taking anything for granted here. The Wizards play with the added incentive of revenge as well after falling 117-107 in OT at Cleveland in October. Washington has three straight "winnable" games at home here with Charlotte and Indiana coming to town next. As I said off the top, clearly the outright win is a very real possibility, but let's grab the points; the play is Washington!

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10* Pelicans (WEST-CONF GOY)

The Lakers end their five-game road trip here. They lost the first two games against the Celtics and Nets, but then they've bounced back with back-to-back victories. Most recently it was a come from behind 112-111 victory at the Pacers. I think LA will get caught "looking ahead" here to a couple days off. New Orleans on the other hand is out to snap a ten-game losing streak. This is almost a "do or die" scenario for the Pels. They also play with the added incentive of "revenge" after falling 120-117 in OT as 3.5 point favorite in LA back in November. This is a great "situational" play; the pick is on New Orleans!

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10* PACERS (NON-CONF GOM)

The Lakers have been playing better over the last month. They're coming off a big 129-123 OT win at the Knicks, after dropping the first two games of their road trip at Boston and Brooklyn. The Pacers actually beat the Lakers 116-115 in LA back at the start of the season. I'm not reading anything into the "revenge" angle here though. LA finishes its road trip at New Orleans, and it could very well be caught "looking ahead" to that Conference matchup. The Pacers are just 1-9 in their last ten and they enter off three straight SU/ATS losses in a row. That's significant to note here though as Indiana is 6-2 ATS in its last eight after three or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row. With Sacramento coming to town tomorrow, Indiana can't afford to look past the "on again, off again" Lakers; grab the points, the play is the Pacers!

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10* Heat (ASSASSIN)

While I do think an outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. Miami's three-game win streak just came to an end in a 122-117 loss at Charlotte, but that's important for us to note here as Miami 7-3 ATS in its last ten after a SU/ATS loss as a favorite. It plays with revenge here as well after falling l13-87 at home to Cleveland as a seven-point dog at the start of the season. That's also signficant to note here, as the Heat are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss in which they were held to 95 or fewer points in against an opponent. Cleveland has been trading ATS wins/losses over its last seven games, and off a 122-99 home win over the Clippers as an 11-point fav, I expect this pattern to continue here. In what I expect to be a very competitive affair, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

The Celtics beat the Lakers 122-118 in OT on the road back in December, and these teams "pushed" on the spread in that one. The Celtics though have lost three straight, and I expect them to put an end to the "bleeding" here. Note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. The Celtics have in fact lost five straight ATS. I say the "revenge" factor gets thrown out the window here. LA has won three of its last four, but it's still just 10-14 on the road. The Lakers have a difficult road ahead at Brooklyn, the Knicks, the Pacers and Pelicans, and I believe they get caught "looking ahead" here. I'm laying the points and expecting a rout; the play is Boston!

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10* Mavericks (ASSASSIN)

For a couple of different reasons, I really like the way this one sets up for Luka Doncic and the Mavs. Off back-to-back SU/ATS losses, the Mavericks will be focused on the task at hand here. Dallas beat Phoenix 130-111 at the start of December. Everyone was beating the Suns at that point. Since then, Phoenix actually enters this one red hot with four straight victories, both SU and ATS. All of them have been here at home. Note though that the Suns are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after playing to three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. I say the Suns come in a bit complacent here and while I clealry feel an outright victory is possible, everything points to a minor letdown here from Phoenix, while all signs point to Dallas rallying; grab the points, the play is the Mavericks!

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10* Hawks (ASSASSIN)

I think this one sets up well for the Hawks. Atlanta has now lost two in a row after a five-game win streak, most recently it was a 111-100 setback at Chicago. But overall the Hawks have done really well in this spot for bettors, as they do play with "REVENGE" here after a 121-114 home loss to the Thunder as 6.5-point favorites back in December and Atlanta is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss as a favorite against an opponent. Oklahoma City is 14-9 at home and it's playing its best basketball of the season. It's won seven of its last ten and it's covered in eight straight. All good things do come to an end though. After their most recent 101-99 road win in Denver as three-point underdogs, I'm finally expecting a letdown (I will point out though, that that was without Jokic in the line-up for the Nuggets.) From a situational stand point, I think Oklahoma City is now overvalued here by bettors and bookmakers alike. I love the way this one sets up for ATL to exact some revenge; the play is the Hawks!

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10* Pacers (CENTRAL DIV GOY)

The Pacers return home desperate to snap a four-game road losing streak. Indiana has also gone 0-5 ATS in its last five, which is significant for us to note here in backing the home side, as the Pacers are in fact 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after five or more straight ATS losses in a row. They also play with the revenge factor after falling 124-109 to Chicago back in October. With a tough game at Orlando tomorrow night, I fully expect the home side to take advantage of familiar surroundings. Chicago is off three straight SU/ATS victories after last night's 111-100 home win over the Hawks. Fatigue plays a factor here in the second game of the B2B though. Grab whatever points you can, the play is Indiana!

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10* Blazers (EXPRESS)

The Lakers are coing off a tight 122-120 home win over Memphis as 7-point dogs. With a home game against the Clippers on Tuesday, LA could be caught looking ahead here. Portland plays with revenge after falling 128-109 to the Blazers in November, and that's significant for us to note, as it in fact 6-2 ATS in its last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss of 15 or more points as a favorite. Portland is 11-9 at home after a 105-95 loss to the 76ers three nights ago, but with the Spurs coming to town tomorrow, the Blazers are going to step up here and take care of business in this revenge scenario in my opinion; lay the points, the play is the Blazers!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

All signs point to a Toronto victory here in my opinion. That said, I'll still recommend to grab as many points as you can.  Boston has won eight straight now after a 121-118 OT home win over Golden State last time out. That victory though snapped a five-game ATS winning streak, and I believe the C's will have their hands full here as well. With upcoming games at Orlando and Miami, I also think Boston gets caught looking ahead. The Raptors play with revenge here as well after a 116-110 loss to Boston as 1.5 point dogs back in December. The Raptors return home hungry after B2B SU/ATS road losses, most recently falling 128-126 at Minnesota. The Raptors welcome the Knicks to town tomorrow, so this is an opponent tonight that they can ill afford to look past. Clearly, that would never happen. The C's are the cream in the East, but all signs point to a Boston letdown/look-ahead here finally. The hungrier team finds a way at home this evening; the play is Toronto!

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10* Nets (NON-CONF GOM)

After four straight SU losses in a row, and five straight ATS setbacks, I expect Brooklyn to be the "hungrier" dog in this fight, and therefore I'm going to recommend to grab as many points as you can in this one. Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after five or more ATS losses in a row. Utah has won four of its last five, including three straight ATS. But the Jazz are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven after three or more ATS victories in a row. This is the second game of a back-to-back for Brooklyn after the 117-112 loss at Phoenix last night. The Jazz are off a 126-103 win over the Clippers. I say these teams are very evenly matched and in a contest that I see being decided by whichever club has its hands on the ball last, I'm going to grab the points; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Wizards (EAST-CONF GOM)

Washington is 18-26 and I think it comes in under the radar here facing the 25-20 Knicks, who are interestingly 14-8 on the road, and only 11-12 at home. I base my picks on many different things, and one thing I always look at is the "REVENGE FACTOR. And the revenge fator does indeed come into play here. The Wizards have lost two straight, as they fell 112-108 at home as 3.5-point underdogs to the Knicks just last week, before then also falling 127-118 at home to Golden State on Sunday. But Washington is a wallet-expanding 7-1 against the spread in its last eight in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss against an opponent in which it was held to 110 or fewer points in. The Knicks three game win streak was just snapped in a 123-121 overtime loss at home to Toronto as two-point favorites, and with a much more difficult upcoming schedule at Atlanta, Toronto, Cleveland, Boston and Brooklyn, I think this not only sets up as a letdown spot for the home side, but also a LOOK AHEAD SPOT, and when you add letdown spot and look ahead spot together, that = TRAP GAME. I'm banking on the revenge-minded Wizards to keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

Despite playing just last night, I like Toronto to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. The Raptors are playing their best basektball of the season right now, having won four of their last five, including last night's come from behind 123-120 OT win at New York. Toronto plays with the added incentive of "revenge" here as well after a 104-101 OT loss at home to the Bucks as 5.5-point favorites in early January. Milwaukee bounced back off two-straight losses in Miami to beat Indiana 132-119, but the Bucks are still averaging just 112.2 PPG, ranked 21st. Milwaukee has a road game at Cleveland up next. I think this is going to be a tight game for sure, so I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto! 

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8* Magic (SITUATIONAL SHOCKER)

I like the Magic to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch in this one. The Magic have interestingly been trading wins and losses over their last seven games, and off a tight 112-108 loss at Utah as a five-point underdog last time out, Orlando will be hopeful to keep that streak alive. I'm not calling for the outright upset here though, but I do think the stage is set for a much more competitive battle than what this spread would suggest. The Magic enjoy four whole nights off after this, so I think they'll open up the playbook here. The Nuggets have won and covered in five straight, but note that Denver is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after five or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. No outright, but closer than expected; the play is Orlando!

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10* BULLS (BLOCKBUSTER)

This is a great "situational" play. The Warriors are now 21-21 after their big 144-113 win over the Spurs in the Alamo Dome. I think a letdown is imminent here for the Warriors though, who are still just 4-16 on the road this season. With a game at Washington tomorrow night, it's also a "look ahead" spot for this veteran club that's dealing with injuries. The Bulls though play with revenge after a 119-111 loss at Golden State earlier in the year. Chicago is off three straight SU losses and B2B ATS setbacks. I look for the Bulls to dig deep here and to respond and while I do think the outright is possible, the official call will be to grab the points with Chicago!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

I think Detroit will, at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments. New Orleans is the better team for sure, entering at 25-17 overall. That said, it's just 8-12 on the road. The Pistons are terrible no matter where the play, 12-33 overall and 6-14 at home (9-10-1 ATS at home though, while the Pels are 8-12 ATS on the road as well.) Detroit just snapped a three-game slide with a convincing 135-118 blowout win over the Wolves, and they play with revenge here after a 104-98 loss at New Orleans in December. Look for the Pistons to keep the pedal to the metal and, at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the handful of points they've been afforded tonight!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

I had a play on Toronto two nights ago here, and it pulled away for the 132-120 victory in the end. Despite the offensive outburst though, note that the Raptors only average 111.7 PPG, which ranks 25th. I like the Hornets to bounce back here and take it to the Raptors. THey average 112.1 PPG, ranked 22nd. They're also 3-1 ATS in their last four in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. I just don't trust Toronto here. The Raptors just 18-23 this year. They have a nasty habit of "playing down (or up)" to the level of their competition. I think the Raptors come out flat here, and I expect the hungry Hornets to take advantage; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

This is the first of two straight games North of the border for these teams. Charlotte is coming off a 116-111 loss at Indiana. The Raptors are off a 117-105 win over Portland. I expect a similar sort of score here tonight vs. Charlotte, which is just 6-16 on the road. Overall Charlotte averages 111.9 PPG, while conceding 118.1. The Raptors are averaging 111.2 PPG, while allowing 111.2 as well. Look for Toronto to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this opening contest, so to take the "wind" out of the Hornets sails tonight, while also sending a message to them in the next one. I'm laying the points, the play is Toronto!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

After three straight SU/ATS victories in a row, I look for the Bulls to takea  step back here. They're off the 126-118 home win over the Jazz, but I say they get caught looking ahead here to their game at Washington on Wednesday as well. The Celtics actually play with revenge here, as they fell 121-107 as 5.5-point favorites to the Bulls back on November 21st. The Celtics are off back-to-back road victories, but they're still 15-5 at home. They average 118.8 PPG, which is No. 1 in the league. They're also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent in which they were the favorite. Everything points to Boston going up early, and then keeping the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points, the play is the Celtics!

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10* Kings (ASSASSIN)

Sacramento beat LA 134-120 as an 8.5-point favorite back on December 21st and I am anticipating an identical final score here as well basically. Yes, the Lakers have been playing better, but off four straight wins, including a 130-114 victory at home over the Hawks just last night, look for the visitors to come in fatigued, likely resting starters. The Kings are still in first in the Pacific division, but the revenge factor for LA goes out the window in my opinion as Sacramento is 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a SU/ATS home loss in which it allowed 120 or more points in (lost 120-117 to the Hawks as two-point favs.) WIth Orlando coming to town next, followed by two straight at home against the Rockets, this is a PRIME spot for the Kings to start their new win streak; lay the points, the play is Sacramento!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

Four players average double figures for the Blazers. The public is all over the Pacers here, but I think this one sets up well for the visiting side to not only cover, but to win this game outright. Overall Lillard and the Blazers average 112.8 PPG, and allow 112 PPG. Indiana has been playing decently of late, but off a loss in OT at Philly in its last game, I think a classic letdown is in the cards here. The Pacers have coverd in five straight, but I think a letdown is finally imminent. Overall the Pacers average 115.8 PPG, and allow 116.1. Look for Portland to dig deep here and deliver on the road!

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10* Clippers (ASSASSIN)

I like the Clippers to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. LA is off the 110-100 home loss to the Heat. The Clippers have now lost three straight, which is significant to note in our case here as LA is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after three or more SU losses in a row. With a game at Minnesota tomorrow, the Clippers are going to have to put their full focus on Denver tonight. They also play with the added incentive of revnge here after falling 114-104 to the Nuggets back in November. Denver just had its five-game win streak snapped in a listless 124-111 setback at Minnesota. Cleveland comes to town tomorrow, and I say the Nuggets do get caught looking ahead to that one vs. the red hot Donavan Mitchell. The outright is possible, but the official will be to grab the points with LA!

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10* Hornets (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great spot for hungry Charlotte. The Hornets are coming off B2B blowout home losses to the Nets and Lakers, but with a four-game upcoming road-trip, they'll be eager to snap that slide and to also avenge a 130-99 loss to the Grizz back in early November. Note that Charlotte is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent in which it was held to 99 or less points in. The Grizz have been great. They're 23-13 overall, but note that they're just 8-10 on the road. They're off three straight SU/ATS victories in a row, which is significant to note in our case as Memphis just 1-4 ATS in its last five after three or more SU/ATS wins in a row. And with a game at Orlando tomorrow night, this also sets up as a "look-ahead" spot for the visiting side; no outright, but closer than expected, the play is Charlotte!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

No need to overthink this one. Orlando had been the "hottest" team in the league up until last night's blowout home loss to the Lakers, winning ten straight ATS and going 8-2 SU. Now playing the second game of a B2B, I'm expecting a predictable letdown here vs. this desperate Pistons side. Detroit hits the road after this for a five-game road trip, so that puts added importance onto this contest for the home side. The Pistons held the lead in their last game vs. the Clippers for almost the the entire contest, but then allowed LA to tie it up and of course when it went to OT, Detroit failed to cover with the 6.5 points. With a chance to erase that frustrating setback from their memories, here's the perfect opponent to get untracked against; grab the points, the play is Detroit!

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10* Pelicans (NON-CONF GOW)

Here's a great revenge play. After two straight upset road wins, I think the Pacers take a step back here tonight in New Orleans, especially as they get caught "looking ahead" to their contest at home vs. the Pacers tomorrow night. The Pels are off a 128-125 OT road at OKC. They're 13-4 at home and they do indeed play with revenge here after falling 129-122 at Indiana back on November 7th. Look for the Pacers to come out flat-footed here and for the Pels to take advantage; lay the points, the play is New Orleans!

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10* Rockets (ASSASSIN)

Orlando had its six-game win streak snapped on Monday, falling to Atlanta, and I think it'll have a predictable letdown here vs. this hungry Rockets side. Houston won't be lacking motivation here after a 124-105 loss to the Spurs on Monday. Remember that despite their recent success, the Magic are stil just 3-12 on the road this year. Houston has in fact lost three in a row, and this is a game that it'll feel it can win outright obviously. Orlando returns home for the Holidays after this and I think it gets caught looking ahead; clearly the outright win is a possibility, but grab as many points as you can with Houston!

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10* Pelicans (EAST-CONF GOW)

After three straight up and ATS losses in a row, I love the Pelicans to bounce back here at home finally against the Bucks. The Pels most recently fell 118-114 at Phoneix. That was three straight ATS/SU road losses in a row (note though the New Orleans is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS setbacks in a row.) The Pels are 12-3 at home. The Bucks are 7-5 on the road. Milwaukee is off the 123-97 home win over Utah, but I think they'll have their hands full here in the opener of this five-game road trip, which continues at Cleveland, Brooklyn, Boston and Chicago. For many reasons, I believe this game means so much more to New Orleans; grab the points, the play is the Pels!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

I just think the more desperate team is going to dig deep here and find a way to deliver. Brooklyn is 17-12 afrer its 112-100 win over the Wizards. The Nets have played better since firing Steve Nash. They've had three nights off though and I think rest will lead to rust this evening. Toronto is now 13-15 after its disappointing 124-123 home loss to the Kings as five-point favorites on Wednesday. That's now three straight losses for the Raptors. Note though that they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Finally, the Raptors also play with the added incentive of revenge here after a 114-105 loss to the Nets at the start of the month. So I think in a small way this sets up as a letdown spot for the Nets, while at the same time, this is a "gut check" for the Raptors. We've reached the point of the season where your record begins to reflect "who you are" as a team. Clearly, Toronto can not be happy where it's at at the moment. While the outright win is clearly a possibility, I'll ultimately recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is the Raptors!

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10* Suns (SHOCKER)

Whether Devin Booker plays or not, I like the way this one sets up for the Suns. Phoenix is still 16-12 after its 111-97 loss at Houston. That's now five straight SU/ATS losses in a row for the Suns, who are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after five or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Phoenix beat LA 112-95 at the start of the year. And after three straight SU/ATS victories for Paul George and the Clippers, I'm expecting a predictable letdown here finally (note as well that LA is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more ATS victories in a row.) In a contest that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is the Suns!

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10* Magic (EXPRESS)

Yes the 14-14 Hawks could REALLY use a win here after losing four of their last five, but the problem is is that they have no chemistry and are playing terribly. That's good news for the surging Magic. Orlando is just 8-20, so after three straight SU/ATS wins in a row, it can ill afford to take the foot off the gas. These teams are moving in different directions and the oddsmakers are slow in recognizing. Orlando plays with revenge as well after a loss to ATL in late November. While the outright is a possibility, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Magic!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

Boston is 21-7, while the Lakers are 11-15. The Celtics have seemingly "run out of gas" though on this Western swing, having lost both games to the Warriors and to the Clippers just last night. I think they stumble again here as the favorite. The Lakers ended their road trip with a convincing 124-117 win at Detroit. They've been playing a lot better behind fantastic play from Anthony Davis. With a night's rest, I think LA has a legitimate shot at winning this game outright. That said, let's grab the points; the play is the Lakers!

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10* Suns (ASSASSIN)

Off a 128-117 loss here just two nights ago, I like the visiting side to bounce back and to find a way to deliver here in this revenge scenario. Note that the Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss against an opponent. New Orleans is in unchartered territory right now with a big target on its back with the No. 1 record in the West at 17-8. With B2B games at Utah after this, followed by another game at the Suns after that, I believe the home side gets caught looking ahead; look for the revenge-minded Suns to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire and grab the points!

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10* Warriors (ASSASSIN)

Boston is 21-5. It'll have "revenge" on its mind here, but I don't think that'll be enough to beat the defending champs in their own building tonight. Boston is off the 125-98 win at Phoenix. It plays the Lakers and Clippers after this. Golden State is the more motivated side here off a 124-123 loss at Utah three nights ago. While only 13-13, the Warriors are still a near-perfect 11-2 at home this season. Golden State and Stephen Curry won't be going down without a fight here in this important non-conference matchup. In a game that I see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points; the play is the Warriors!

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10* Spurs (ASSASSIN)

Two really bad teams collide on Thursday night, and only one can come out the winner. I think that'll be the Spurs tonight on their home floor. Houston is off a rare 132-123 OT home win over Philly, and I think it'll have a predictable letdown here. After this the Rockets return home for four straight, starting with the Bucks, so I also say they get caught "looking ahead" here. "Letdown" + "look ahead" = "trap game!" The Spurs have lost ten straight. But off B2B home losses in which they've failed to reach the 100-point plateu, I expect the home side to come out fired up tonigth. They're off the 133-95 home loss to the Suns, but note that they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine off a SU/ATS home loss in which they were held to 95 or less points in. Look for San Antonio to finally deliver here in front of the home town crowd!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

The Lakers have been playing great. At some point they're going to have a letdown, but they play with revenge here and I look for them to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Cleveland won 114-100 in LA a couple of weeks ago. With two whole nights off before a game vs. Sacramento here, the home side gets caught looking ahead as well. The Cavs' two game win streak was snapped with a listless 92-81 loss at New York last time out. LA smoked the Wizards 130-119 last time out. They've won eight of their last ten. They've scored 128, 133 and 130 points over their last three games. The King always "gets up" for games against the Cavs, especially in Cleveland; grab the points, the play is the Lakers!

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10* Pacers (NON-CONF GOW)

Indiana is 12-11, and Golden State is 13-11. The Warriors aren't having any issues scoring, but they haven't been able to find any consistency on the defensive end this year. The Pacers have been better than most thought, and they've been able to take advantage of team's "looking past" them a few times already this season. And that's going to be the case here in my estimation as well with the Warriors, who hit the road for a game at Utah after this, followed by games vs. Boston and Milwaukee. Golden State is off the "rocking chair" 120-101 victory here at home over Houston, but I expect it to leave the back door wide open here for this Pacers team that's averaging 115.1 PPG, ranked in the Top 10. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Indiana!

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10* Bulls (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great spot for the Bulls to bounce back in. Chicago is only 9-13, including 4-8 on the road. I think it sneaks in under the radar here though after B2B road losses, most recently a 119-111 loss at Golden State. The main reason I like the Bulls here though is that the Kings played, and won 123-96 at the Clippers just last night. Sacramento averages 120 PPG, which ranks second, but its defense is poor. The Kings are going to struggle with fatigue here in the second game of the back-to-back and while I clearly think the outright win is a possibility, my official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Bulls!

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10* Spurs (ASSASSIN)

The Pels have been great this year, they enter at 13-8. They're just 5-5 on the road though. The Spurs are 6-16 and just 3-8 at home, but after seven straight ATS losses and nine straight SU losses, and also playing with revenge here after a 129-110 loss at New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, I love the home side to, at the very least, keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch (note that the Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a 15 points or greater SU/ATS loss vs. an opponent. New Orleans is off two straight home wins. It has a night off after this before a four-game home stand, starting with red hot Denver. I say the Pels get caught "looking ahead." The outright is a possibility, but the official call will indeed to grab as many points as you can with the Spurs!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

The Knicks are 9-11, while the Pistons are 5-17. Off two straight home losses, and having dropped four of its last five, I like New York to finally bounce back here in this favorable spot. These teams played in New York on November 11th and the Knicks won by a score of 121-112. I expect a similar final outcome here. Detroit has covered in five straight ATS, and I expect that string to end here as well. Look for the Knicks to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish and lay the points with confidence!

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10* Wizards (NON-DIV GOM)

I think this is a great spot for the Wizards. Washington plays with revenge after losing to Boston 112-94 on October 30th. With a game at home against the Wolves tomorrow, the Wizards can't look past the mighty Celtics tonight. Boston is off a 122-104 win over Sacramento, but it could come in complacent here with a game at home tomorrow against Charlotte. The Wizards have lost five straight against-the-spread, but note that Washington is 7-3 ATS in its last ten after five or more ATS losses in a row. No outright, but much closer than expected; grab the points, the play is the Wizards!

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10* Oklahoma City.

Chicago is coming off a 118-113 win over the Bucks on Wednesday. I had the Bulls in that one. However, I expect the visiting side to come out flat here vs. this determined OKC team, that's off a 131-126 OT loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday. Chicago's room for error is very slim most nights, averaging 111.5 PPG, and conceding 111.4 (note that the Bulls will be without Lonzo Ball while Goran Dragic and Kostas Antetokounmpo are listed as day-to-day.) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a double-double with 31 points and 11 assists in a losing cause for the Thunder last time out. OKC averages 115.9 PPG, while allowing 118.3. Chicago has tough upcoming games at the Suns and the Warriors to look ahead to here. Neither team has shown a lot of consistency from game-to-game, but I love the way this one sets up for the home side; the play is the Thunder!

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10* Bulls (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great situational wager on the Bulls here. They'd lost four straight, but then they dug deep and posted a quality 121-107 home win over Boston as a 5.5-point favorite in their most recent outing. That was crucial, because it set the tone for this now six-game road trip starting here in Milwaukee to face the Bucks for the first time this season. But this is another important game, to set the tone in the first outing on this trip. Milwaukee is great, it's 12-4 and off a 119-111 home win over Portland. I'm not calling for an outright upset, but I think this one means so much more to the Bulls. They're off the solid win and need to set the tone for the rest of this roadtrip right here and now agains the No. 1 team in the East; grab the points, the play is Chicago!

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10* Lakers (PACIFIC GAME OF MONTH)

The Lakers have been playing a lot better of late, winners of three straight. This is the first game of the year they've played against the Suns. I think LA is still being undervalued here. The Lakers have two straight in San Antonio after this, but I expect the visiting side to take this game very seriously. A quality victory here, with a chance to sweep in San Antonio would then see the Lakers as one of the hottest teams in the league. But one game at a time. The Suns are 10-6. They're coming off a 116-95 win over the Knicks. If we just look at these team's seasonal averages to this point, then the obvious choice here would be to grab the Suns. But the season is a dynamic/fluid one, and things change. The Lakers are a better team now than at the start of the year and I expect them to come out swinging with their best shot tonight; grab the points the play is LA!

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10* BULLS (GOW)

Here's a perfect spot for Chicago to avenge an earlier loss to the Celtics. Chicago is off a 108-107 home loss to Orlando as an 8.5-point favorite. The Bulls will be risking life and limb to try and snap a four-game slide tonight, especially with a very tough six-game road trip that starts on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Boston is 13-3. It's off a 117-109 road win at New Orleans. But with a night off after this, followed by a very favorable six-game home-stand, this sets up as a classic "trap" game for the visiting side in my opinion; the outright is possible, but in the end let's grab the points with the Bulls!

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10* Lakers (ATS BLOOD-BATH)

I think this is a good spot for LA. The Lakers are just 4-10, which includes going 4-5 at home. They're off back-to-back home victories, taking down the Nets 116-103 and the Pistons 128-121. San Antonio is just 6-11 and it's coming off a 119-97 loss here just last night to the Clipper. Fatigue's an issue for the Spurs at this point of the season. They'll get caught looking ahead here to two nights off before a home game against the Pelicans. The Lakers can take advantage and I believe they will; lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

As primarily a situational handicapper, this is type of "situation" that I am constantly looking out for. Here's a great play against Utah, which moved to 11-6 after last night's tight 134-133 home win over the Suns. Utah opened as a 2.5-point dog, and closed as a 1-point favorite. The Jazz though had lost three straight coming into that one, and they also played with revenge after an earlier setback to Phoenix. But now Utah comes to Portland fatigued on the second game of the back-to-back. Portland is 10-5 after a 109-107 home loss to Brooklyn as a 2.5-point favorite. With a tough four-game Eastern swing starting at Milwaukee on Monday, the Blazers will be looking to take advantage of familiar surroundings tonight. Look for the Blazers to bounce back and to take advantage of this "tired" Jazz side; lay the short points!

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10* Warriors (ASSASSIN)

The defending champs have so far struggled with consistency, as they're 6-8 overall. They're coming off a much-needed 132-95 home win over the Spurs as nine-point favorites. I like to go against lop-sided trends and numbers, and so that's the case here for sure in this pick. I like the Warriors in this game for a couple reasons. The first being that if the Warriors have any hopes of repeating as champions this season, they're going to have to actually win a game on the road. This is now just ridiculous, as Golden State is actually 0-7 on the road. I say that string of futility comes to an end today. Suns' fans can empathize though, as Phoenix is 2-4 at home 6-1 at home this season. The Suns are off a tight 113-112 loss at Miami. Clearly they won't be looking past the Warriors today, but Golden State plays with the added incentive of "REVENGE" here today, as it lost 134-105 to the Suns in their most recent matchup on October 25th. The Warriors are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine when trying to avenge a straight-up and against the spread loss of 20 or more points. Phoenix averages 112.5 PPG. The Warriors are averaging 117.4; I'm grabbing the points and GOLDEN STATE in this one!

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10* Mavericks (ASSASSIN)

The Clippers are 8-6 and the Mavericks are 7-5. LA is off a 122-106 win at Houston just last night, but I expect the Clippers to come in fatigued here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. LA only averages 105.2 PPG. Dallas averages 110.5. The Mavericks are coming off a 117-112 home win over Portland. Dallas has failed to cover the spread in nine straight games, but I expect this lop-sided trend to end here in this favorable matchup. Look for LA to pack up its tents and throw in the white flag early in this one; lay the points, the play is Dallas!

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10* Mavericks (ASSASSIN)

The Blazers are 9-3, while the Mavericks are 6-5. The Blazers are off a 106-95 outright road win at New Orleans as nine-point underdogs, but I think they'll finally stumble here on Saturday in this difficult road venue. After this the Blazers have two nights off, followed by two home games vs. the Spurs and Nets, so this sets up as a natural "look ahead" position for the visiting side. Dallas is off a disappointing 113-105 road loss in the nation's capital as a 6-point favorite, but note that it's 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a SU/ATS road loss in which it was favored. This is a stretch of five straight home games for the Mavericks, and I expect an "all hands on deck" performance here to open it up; lay the points, the play is indeed on Dallas!

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10* Wolves (ASSASSIN)

I think an outright victory is possible, but the official call will be to grab as many points as you can. Minnesota is now just 5-7 after its 129-117 home loss to Phoenix. This is the opener of a difficult four-game road trip for the Wolves, so it's all hands on deck for Minnesota tonight. The Grizzlies are 8-4 after their 124-122 OT win at San Antonio on Wednesday. The Grizz hit the road for a two-game road trip starting on Sunday. I think the road is a good place for the underachieving Wolves right now after they just went 1-3 at home. Look for Minnesota to fight and scrap and claw its way to, at the very least, a comfortable ATS cover; grab the play, the play is the Wolves!

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10* Pelicans (EXPRESS)

Portland is off a satisfying 105-95 win at Charlotte just last night, so I'm predicting a letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back. New Orleans is off a game last night as well, winning 115-111 at Chicago. This Pelicans team averages 118.2 PPG, while the Blazers average just 109.4. Note as well the the Blazers are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight off a SU/ATS road victory and then playing the second game of a B2B scenario. Look for New Orleans to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable win and cover; lay the points!

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10* LAKERS (ATS BLOWOUT)

I really like the way this one sets up for the much hungrier underdog here. Both teams have more questions than answers, but the Lakers have a lot of ground to make up. They're just 2-8. After two straight wins, they're off three straight losses, including twice to Utah and once to Cleveland. The "revenge factor" does come into play here though, as the Lakers lost here at "HOME" to the Clippers in the second game of the season by a score of 103-97. The Clippers have actually won three of their last four. They look a bit better of late, but they're still only averaging 103.8 points per game, which ranks 30th. I'm expecting another really tight game between these two teams. In fact, I think this is a game that the Lakers can win outright. The Clippers aren't scaring anyone these days. That said, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* Lakers (ASSASSIN)

I think the overachieving Jazz have a classic letdown here. The Lakers come in desperate at 2-7, while the Jazz come in complacent at 8-3. Winning can lead to complacency, and losing leads to desperation. LA is off a 114-100 loss at home to the red hot Cavaliers just last night. Fatigue at this point of the season isn't really a concern. The Lakers do play with the immediate revenge factor though after Utah beat them 130-116 in LA last week. Utah is off a 110-102 win at the Clippers last night, and I believe this younger team will finally have a small letdown here. Especially considering that they hit the road for a tough three-game Eastern swing starting in Atlanta on Wednesday. It's a letdown/look-ahead spot which invariably = "trap game!" The outright win is possible, but the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Lakers!

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10* Hornets (BLOOD-BATH)

Both teams comes in off of having played just last night. The Nets destoryed the Wizards by a score of 128-86, while the Hornets got crushed 130-99 at Memphis. It was a great bounce back win for Brooklyn, which really needed something positive at all to lean on with all of the off-court issues, but I'm still not convinced that KD and company have suddenly turned the corner here for good. This one smells of immediate return to the norm for this on again, off again Nets team, that will have to adjust without Kyrie Irving in the line-up. I like Gordon Hayward at home. The Nets are a terrible 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 when playing the second game of a B2B. Both teams are dealing with injuries, and the Hornets will get a lot better when Lonzo Ball and Terry Rozier return. Until then though, I'm expecting this one to come down to the wire; grab the points, the play is Charlotte!

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9* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

I think the Celtics not only win this game, but do so by a sizeable margin. The Bulls are 5-4 and the Celtics are 4-3. Chicago is 2-2 on the road and Boston is 2-1 at home. The Bulls are off a 106-88 home win over Charlotte, but with a tough upcoming road game North of the border on Sunday, I expect the visitors to get caught looking ahead. Boston is coming off a 114-113 OT road loss in Cleveland. With a game at New York tomorrow night, I expect the Celtics to take care of business here on their home floor. Chicago is still dealing with several key injury issues. The role players got the better of an injured Hornets team, but I expect Boston to take advantage here; all signs point to a blowout, so lay the points with the Celtics!

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10* Pistons (ASSASSIN)

I like the way this one sets up for the Pistons. Cleveland is off a 114-113 upset OT home win over the Celtics, and it now hits the road for five straight. After this game in Detroit though it hits the West coast for games against the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Warriors. Can anyone say "look-ahead" spot for this young and overachieving Cavs team? Listen, Donovan Mitchell is a great player, but the Pistons won't be going down without a fight here. Detroit is off back-to-back losses in Milwaukee. They lost 116-91 on Wednesday, but previous to that fell 110-108 as a 13.5-point underdog. I think the Pistons catch Cleveland here at the right tie, as I expect the Cavs to be already planning for their road-trip. While the outright is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with the Pistons!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a fantastic spot for Washington. Outright win? Possible, but this one will be close in my opinion. These teams just played in Washington on Halloween and the 76ers won 118-111. Washington plays with revenge, and it's lost three straight ATS, which is significant to note here as the Wiz are actually 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more straight ATS losses in a row. Washington plays tough defensively, as opponent are shooting 43.5 percent against them, which is fourth best in the NBA. They're not going to make it easy on the home side. I expect a small mental letdown here. Joel Embiid was out in the last game, and he'll be out again here. Look for Washington to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch; grab the points, the play is Washington!

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10* Knicks (ASSASSIN)

The Knicks are coming off a tough, but competitive loss to the Bucks on Friday, falling 119-108. I think they'll come in "under the radar" here on Sunday and catch the overacheiving Cavaliers off guard. Cleveland is coming off an epic 132-123 OT win over Boston, and I say it has a predictable letdown here after that emotional win. Donovan Mitchell has gotten out to a strong start for the Cavs, and while Cleveland does have plenty of talent, it's still thin when compared to the top teams in the East. Previous to the loss to Milwaukee, the Knicks beat Charlotte 134-131 in OT. I expect this one to be decided by whichever team has it hands on the ball last, so that means that I'm going to grab up all these points; the play is the Knicks!

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8* Lakers (SPECIAL)

Both teams have gotten out to crummy starts, but I think this one'll be decided in the closing moments. The Lakers are 0-3 SU/ATS, and the Nuggets are 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS. The Lakers offense has struggled, but they'll look to take advantage of a Nuggets team that just gave up 135 points to the Blazers. LA's defense has been decent despite the defeats (the three losses have come against three pretty good teams as well, who have a combined 8-2 record right now.) LeBron James and Anthony Davis look good for the Lakers. If Russell Westbrook has even a mediocre showing here, the Lakers have a legit shot at winning this one outright. Nikola Jokic is always an X-Factor, but this Denver defense looks terrible right now; grab the points, the play is LA!

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10* HEAT (NON-CONF GOM)

Would anyone have guessed that the Heat would be 1-3 right now after four games, and the Blazers would be 4-0? Portland is also 4-0 ATS, while Miami is 0-4 ATS. The law of averages is flawed in many ways, but I've always felt that lop-sided numbers/trends have a way of naturally correcting themselves over the short, mid and the long-term. Miami is off the 98-90 home loss to rival Toronto. It simply CAN NOT afford to look past the Blazers today, because up next is a date at the defending champs tomorrow night. THat's the followed by a tricky road game against an improved Sacramento team (and that's followed by a home game against the Warriors again!) It's all hands on deck for Miami tonight. Would anyone fault Portland for having a minor letdown here after four straight victories to open the season as an underdog? All good things must come to an end. Note, ALL FOUR of Portland's victories have come against the top teams in the West as well, beating Sacramento, Phoenix (in T), the Lakers and most recently hammering the Nuggets 135-110. Now facing their first non-conference opponent of the season, this one screams "letdown" spot to me; the play is Miami!

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This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the 76ers.

The Pacers are 1-2 and the 76ers are 0-2. Neither team has gotten out to a great start, but I look for the 76ers to put the foot on the gas from start to finish in this favorable matchup. The Pacers are off a 124-115 home win over Detroit on Saturday, but I believe they'll stumble here in the opener of this difficult five game road trip. Mostly more than anything, I absolutely expect the 76ers to come out fired up here after two lacklustre games to open the season. The good news is that James Harden looks locked in early for Philly. This is a matchup that favors Joel Embiid and the home side and I expect them to take advantage; lay the points, because I look for the 76ers to win in blowout fashion!

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10* Suns (BLOOD-BATH)

The Suns are 1-1 and the Clippers are 2-0. Phoenix most recently fell 113-111 at Portland in OT as a five-point favorite on Friday night. The Clippers came away with the tight 111-109 road win over the Kings just last night, and I believe they'll be fatigued here in the second game of the back-to-back. Phoenix actually had to erase a 17-point halftime deficit in the loss to the Blazers, but just couldn't get the job done in the end. But with a couple games under their belts, and here facing the undefeated Clippers, I expect Phoenix to be at its best this evening. LA though could very likely rest some of its key players here in the B2B scenario. While I clearly think the outright win is a possibility, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Phoenix!

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10* Kings (ASSASSIN)

I think this is a great "situational" play on the Kings. Sacramento lost its opener 115-108 as a 3-point favorite at home to Portland, but I think it bounces back here. The Clippers are off a satisfying 103-97 win over the Lakers in their opener, but with a home game against the Suns tomorrow night, I believe they'll classically get caught "looking ahead" to that one. LA has a great roster, but stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will be used sparingly at the start of the season, after each comes back from a signficant injury. D'Aaron Fox and Damontas Sabonis are the correct call here at home. Mike Brown didn't play his starters a lot in the season opening loss, but we can expect a heavy dose today; while the outright win is clearly not out of the question, let's grab the points, the play is Sacramento!

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