The Utah Jazz at 1-7 are in a tough spot once again to conclude their road trip against the San Antonio Spurs. In their last six losses they have lost by eight points or more.  Today’s early start time is troublesome considering the Spurs just defeated the Jazz by eighteen points on Halloween. Take the Spurs as their ATS value is going to be on the rise entering their tenth game with their new starting five. Tail the Spurs.

The Milwaukee Bucks finally got a win last night by twenty three points over the Utah Jazz. In their prior two games they nearly knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers in two losses by two points or less. Traveling to Madison Square Garden in a back to back spot is the definition of a bad spot. Grab the Knicks to emphatically end their two game losing streak.

Typically one won’t see a team in a back to back spot that just lost by 27 points be a favorite. The Spurs find themselves as one after losing 127-100 to Houston last night. A positive in the loss was the offense picked up with 61 second half points. Look for the Spurs to come out with energy that was missing in the first half of yesterday’s loss to Houston. Take the Spurs as Portland has a let down spot off their 18 point win over the Pelicans.

The Memphis Grizzlies have had difficult covering as favorites this season where they are 1-4 ATS. They are also down two starters in Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart. Yet, the Lakers have struggled defensively on this road trip. Additionally, the Grizzlies had to face six straight Eastern Conference opponents. Seeing the Lakers and a familiar Western Conference matchup bodes to their favor. Take Memphis.

Monday night the Sacramento Kings will finish their four game road trip in Miami. Sacramento had won three straight until a tough spot against Toronto on Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night. Look for the Kings to bounce back against a Heat team returning from playing the Washington Wizards in Mexico City. Take the Kings.

The Brooklyn Nets have had a strong week with wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, and in a back to back spot defeated the Memphis Grizzlies as double digit underdogs. Yet, look for the Bulls to cool them off. Chicago is coming off a fantastic defensive effort where they limited the Orlando Magic to just thirty seven second half points. Take the Bulls to hinder the Nets recent success as the slight road underdog. 

The Denver Nuggets travel to Toronto as the biggest road favorite on the day, despite being 0-2. They will face a Raptors team that has inexperience due to being without multiple starters including Immanuel Quickley. Their one victory on the season was against an undermanned Philadelphia team. Take the Nuggets to have optimal focus and avoid an 0-3 start.

The Golden State Warriors last season were a strong team on the road with a 25-16 record. Additionally they won all four matchups against the Utah Jazz last season. This included a twenty two point road win, and the other road matchup they scored 140 points. Take Golden State as the Jazz lose their first two games at home, to a deep talented Warriors team

Shock value always can provide ATS value in NBA betting markets. That is the case with the 76ers who will not have Paul George or Joel Embiid in the lineup. Yet, Tyrese Maxey became a top option with his experience without Embiid in the lineup last season. He is more than capable of handling the duties and the 76ers added veteran depth to their lineup with Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin. Also, the Bucks last four road openers they have lost three with the one they did win being by two points.

The new look Minnesota Timberwolves will now no longer have Karl Anthony Towns. In game one there may be some rusty stretches against the LA Lakers. Yet, this is a Lakers team that under Lebron has been abysmal in game one’s of the season. In fact they are winless with an 0-6 record. Take the Timberwolves behind superstar Anthony Edwards.

Each game so far between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks has been down to the wire. That is not typical of a postseason series, and I expect game five to be the game that is not competitive. Minnesota limited PJ Washington, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving all below thirty three percent shooting in game four. They’ll continue to have success on the defensive end, and look to end a 1-4 postseason stretch at home. Tail the Twolves.

It’s going to take rapid adjustments from the Minnesota Timberwolves to even the series after losing game one to the Dallas Mavericks. Offensively they had a couple of surges to begin the fourth quarter and erasing a 97-89 deficit, but could not put it together. Look for Minnesota’s adjustments to come on the defensive end, in particular on Luka Doncic who looks as healthy as he has been in the postseason. Take the Timberwolves to respond in game two.

A weakness for the Dallas Mavericks in the postseason has been their performances in game ones. They lost decisively by twelve points in both game ones to the Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Clippers. The stage is different now and I believe they will be ready for the road challenge against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Take the value on the underdog with the Timberwolves coming off a series win over the defending NBA champions.

I’m tailing the Denver Nuggets as the final game seven of today. It’s clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves have the better overall team in my opinion, but the Nuggets have the edge in coaching and home court. Look for the home crowd to spark Denver and Michael Malone to have his team ready to get back to the WCF. Take Denver. 

Indiana and New York has been a fantastic series, and one that each team has traded blows to get to seven games. What we do not know is the level of effectiveness Josh Hart or OG Anunoby will provide the Knicks on the floor. Expect those minutes to possibly hurt the Knicks as the Pacers play determined basketball. Grab the Pacers as the slight underdog.

The Oklahoma City Thunder should already be eliminated with as poor as they have played offensively against the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, they found a way in game four with a late rally at Dallas, and all it takes is that one game for a team to wake up in the postseason. Take the Thunder to finally look a bit more fluid offensively for the first time since game one.

During this postseason we have seen the Indiana Pacers be a resilient group off a loss. Game five featured a high level effort from the Knicks in particular Jalen Brunson. Expect the Pacers to re-adjust defensively and be more aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. This goes seven games like the Twolves-Nuggets. Lay it with the Pacers.

The youth of the Oklahoma City Thunder may cost them in this series against the Dallas Mavericks. They had the Mavericks on the ropes in game three but completely unraveled in the third quarter allowing a big 15-0 run. Yet, they still had a chance to win late and in their first test of needing a win I think they respond tonight. Take the Thunder in game four, as this series has seven games written all over it.

Postseason patterns have been apart of the Boston Celtics playoff runs for years. Game two has been an issue thus far in both postseason series, but look for Boston to turn it up a notch in game three. From an offensive stand point expect a night and day difference from game two. The Cavaliers may be in the second round but they are extremely vulnerable as witnessed in three losses to the Magic, and game one to the Celtics. Lay it with Boston.

The Thunder had their first postseason loss in game two on their floor to the Mavericks. Dallas responded well with a bump up in play from their bench led by Tim Hardaway Jr. Yet, this Thunder team will make adjustments, including playing Wiggins more than struggling Josh Giddey. Expect better defense on Doncic as well. Grab the Thunder in game three

Denver heads to Minnesota for game three in a heap of trouble. They were blown out at home in game two, and now find themselves attempting the impossible. This series is likely going to go the Timberwolves way, but I look for the defending champs to put together a better effort tonight.  With three days off since game two, take the points with Denver.

Denver is going to have their difficulties against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but game two I believe goes there way convincingly. For as mediocre as Denver played in game one, they still had the lead for stages and had a chance to win late. Expect Denver to have better team balance and get more shots for Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and their star guard Jamal Murray. Play the Nuggets on the spread.

This spread in game one is a bit high in my opinion. We have the Knicks coming off a physical series against Philadelphia, to now facing a team that plays with tempo in Indiana. Indiana has the better overall depth that could test the Knicks, and they won two of the three regular season matchups. The lone loss was by just four points. Take the Pacers on a generous second round spread.

We finally saw a competitive game in game five between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers. I think we see one once again as the Cavaliers try to avoid the blowouts we saw in games three and four. Jarrett Allen was at shoot around this morning, so having Allen would be a huge upgrade to the Cavaliers. Take the Cavs as they get the cover in Orlando tonight.

The New York Knicks should be resting after letting game five slip away multiple times. As great as Tyrese Maxey was, the Knicks have to feel comfortable with how well they’ve kept the 76ers in check the majority of the series. Expect Jalen Brunson to defer the ball a bit more, and give his teammates the open shots that are there. Take the Knicks plus the points in game six.

The Pacers played very poor in game five, where the road element likely got to them. Milwaukee over the last three games has shown their veteran makeup, pushing Indiana in both games at Indiana, and the blowout on their home floor. Yet, Indiana had these type of letdowns in the regular season, and is just to potent of an offensive team. They’ll bounce back with or without Gianna/Lillard on the floor. Play Indiana.

One has to wonder how much is left in the tank for the Milwaukee Bucks. They fought hard in Indiana taking game three to overtime, and hanging around for the majority of game four. Yet, with Damian Lillard out in game four the Bucks made ten less three pointers than Indiana. Fatigue along with that factor will be the difference in game five. Take the Pacers.

Of all the NBA series, the Philadelphia 76ers and Knicks has been arguably the most competitive. Three of the four games so far have went down to the wire. Closing out a team in the playoffs is so difficult, and I expect the Knicks to feel that pressure on their home floor. Additionally, both Josh Hart and Donte Divencenzo struggled in game four. Take the points here with Philadelphia.

In a crucial game four for the LA Clippers, there is no doubt we will see a heightened effort. Where Dallas has grown is their ability to wear down the Clippers on the offensive end of the floor. In both games two and three they scored below ninety six points. That leaves the door open for one key run for a talented team like Dallas to push past the number late. Take Dallas on the spread.

In the NBA playoffs right now we are seeing lopsided series in the West with Dallas winning consecutive games, Minnesota up 3-0, and Denver up 3-0. The Pelicans if they are going to take one game the best opportunity will be in game three. Oklahoma City is coming off an A+ offensive game in which they put in over 120 points. But in the third quarter the Pelicans got their star finally going in Brandon Ingram. He should be much more aggressive in game three and the Pelicans will feed off his energy. Take the Pelicans.

We saw the Dallas Mavericks flip the switch in game two on the defensive end of the floor. They forced tough shots the entire game from the Clipper’s star players in Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Paul George. Now expect the Mavericks to defend their home court as they were the top team in the NBA down the stretch of the season.

The Boston Celtics are once again huge favorites in game two. Thanks to a big fourth quarter run from the Miami Heat in game one, I expect an even faster start from the Celtics in game two. Additionally, Celtics star Jayson Tatum will play with a chip on his shoulder after Caleb Martin collided into him at the tail end of the game. Miami just does not have the personnel to run full speed with the Celtics for four quarters. Take the Celtics to cover once again.

Look for the Pacers to respond in game two tonight in Milwaukee. As poor of a first half as the Pacers played they fought back to cut the deficit to just twelve points. They held Damian Lillard scoreless in the second half, and Milwaukee to just forty points post half time. Look for Indiana to shoot much better from the field and not be held under 100 points again. Take Indiana.

At first I leaned towards the Oklahoma City Thunder side but sometimes we see teams get better through a key injury. The Pelicans know they will be without Zion, but have one of the better developed rosters in the NBA. Ingram looks ready to go, and I expect CJ McCollum to bounce back from two rare off games in the play in. Additionally, the Pelicans had one of the eight wins on the Thunder’s home floor this season. Take the Pelicans. 

One of the toughest elements of the postseason is handling a team’s talent and escalated pressure. For the Minnesota Timberwolves they had a banner year but now enter a phase they have not experienced as a higher seed in the Western Conference. To make matters worse the Suns have won nine out of the last ten matchups including a road win last Sunday. Take Phoenix to get another win over the young Timberwolves. 

Atlanta goes into the play in with a record of just 36 and 46. At ten games below .500 they lost the final six games of the season. Yet, this team has adapted after missing Trae Young for nearly two months. Furthermore, Chicago is a team they defeated at the United Center on April 1st by a margin of twelve points. Grab the generous amount of points here on the Hawks side.

The Sacramento Kings are a team that down the stretch of the season did not look like a postseason team. Yet, they have two young talents in D’Aron Fox and Sabonis that can override their depth issues for one game. Additionally, the Warriors appear to have peaked towards the end of the season. Lets not forget they Rockets were a game back of catching them for the tenth spot. In a Northern California battle grab the Kings plus the points.

The Milwaukee Bucks head into Sunday’s matchup against the Knicks with three straight losses against the Wizards, Grizzlies, and Toronto. Piling on to the matter is the fact that Giannis is questionable. Expect the Knicks to give maximum effort as they are two games back of the Bucks for the 2nd seed in the East. Tail the Knicks as the Bucks woes continue.

The Detroit Pistons put forth a disastrous effort and performance yesterday against the depleted Memphis Grizzlies. That creates a buy low opportunity today against a Brooklyn Nets team they defeated last month by six points. Jaden Ivey had his second best performance of the season with 34 points, and is coming off thirty one points in yesterday’s loss to the Grizzlies. Take the points here with Detroit.

The Philadelphia 76ers used a late surge to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game. The win was Joel Embiid’s return, but also devalued because the Thunder were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Thursday, the 76ers get a solid matchup against a Heat team they defended well and limited to 91 points on March 18th. Grab the 76ers as the slight underdogs.

The Portland Trailblazers continue to have key players out in Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and off the bench Matisse Thybulle. As a result the Trailblazers have lost ten straight games as they utilize more role players. Yet, they did come close to defeating the Magic as they lost by one point. Take the Blazers in what is a solid matchup against the Hornets.

The Houston Rockets had their eleven game win streak snapped in a big way by the Dallas Mavericks. Now the Rockets are two games back of the Golden State Warriors for the final play-in spot, and will face a Timberwolves team driven to win. The Timberwolves are just one game back of the top seed in the Western Conference, and are coming off a poor let down home loss to the Bulls. Grab the Timberwolves.

The Phoenix Suns will aim to bounce back after a twenty five point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The last three times they have lost by double digits they have responded with wins by an average margin of ten points. Additionally, the Suns have incentive for their true last attempt to get out of the play in round. Two games back of the sixth spot Pelicans, they have tonight and at the end of the week a home matchup against New Orleans. Take the Suns.

Under Doc Rivers the Milwaukee Bucks have had several mini stretches that make a person scratch their head. They appear to be in the middle of another down turn after blowing a near twenty point fourth quarter lead to the Lakers, and then falling to the Pelicans. Atlanta may be lacking depth but they have won four straight, including two wins over the Celtics. Play the Hawks

It is odd to have an Eastern Conference and Western Conference opponents face each other again in a quick turn around. Yet, that is the case with the Philadelphia 76ers who just defeated the Clippers three days ago in LA. Off their four game West Coast road trip look for the Clippers to be fueled to even the series. Lay it with the Clippers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to deal with a bulk of their starting lineup out. It has resulted in losses in three of their last four games, including just ninety one points scored in their last matchup against the Timberwolves. Yet, the Miami Heat’s style of play should keep Cleveland in this one. Just four days ago they lost by three points to the Heat. Take the points.

The final stretch of the NBA regular season is upon us. This is an important phase for the Phoenix Suns to take care of business against below .500 teams. Eight of the Suns final twelve games are on the road, making it even more important to handle weaker opponents. Grab the Suns to put on a showcase performance in what is the first of two straight road games against the Spurs.

Typically I do not go against streaks but I’ll back the Bulls against the Houston Rockets. Their lone regular season matchup went to overtime, but it was a game the Bulls should have won decisively. Houston’s perimeter defense was poor as the Bulls made nineteen three pointers, and had five players that made two or more three’s. Grab the Bulls to at least cover the number.

Even with travel in play look for the Sacramento Kings to handle the Toronto Raptors decisively. Value is to be had with the Kings faltering ATS in consecutive home games against the Knicks and Grizzlies. Yet, this is a Raptors team playing for next year and were handily defeated in their last game against the Magic. Tail the Kings.

The Denver Nuggets are coming off a rare loss Sunday to the Dallas Mavericks. Look for Denver to bounce back as a motivated team against a Timberwolves squad that defeated them 110-89 in the lone matchup. Minnesota’s last back to back spot was a lackluster performance and a nine point loss to an undermanned Cavaliers team. Tail Denver as Minnesota is playing their third game in four nights.

The Memphis Grizzlies have shown fight the entire season, even with how thin they are. Expect that Monday as Sacramento is coming off a low point in their season, scoring just 91 points against the Knicks. It was De’Aaron Fox’s worst shooting performance of the season. Tail Memphis

The Atlanta Hawks seek to end their two game losing streak on the road against the Utah Jazz. This should be a favorable matchup for the Hawks who won in lopsided fashion by twenty seven points against Utah on February 27th. It was their best game post All Star break, and when the Jazz were relatively healthy with Lauri Markannen available. Back the Hawks as the slight road favorites.

Utah has had its issues with a three game losing streak. As depleted as their lineup is they should still have an upper hand against a Washington Wizards team on a current West Coast road trip. The Wizards will drop their fifteenth straight game and falter ATS.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have not had a strong performance post All Star break yet. In four games they are 2-2, and both victories were not their best output. Today, look for the Cavaliers to be sparked off Max Strus’s insane winning shot. Additionally, they played the Bulls in a recent matchup on February 14th, and the Bulls are coming off a poor loss to the Pistons.

The New Orleans Pelicans have had issues to post All Star break with consistency. Brandon Ingram missed action as well as CJ McCollum, and today Zion Williamson is questionable. Look for the Pelicans to rise above leaving home and heading on the road to Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have struggled with a depleted lineup and are in a back to back spot.

The New Orleans Pelicans will be down a couple of role players tonight due to suspension in Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado. That will affect their second unit rotation but also give a chance for their deep roster to shine. Look for the Pelicans starters to put forth a crisp effort, especially after a lackluster first half their last matchup. Take the Pelicans as the favorite. 

Cleveland is hopeful to have Donovan Mitchell back tonight, after missing yesterday’s return against the Magic. Expect the Cavaliers to regroup especially on the defensive end where they gave up 123 points to the 76ers eleven days ago. That is the most they had given up since New Year’s Day. Grab the Cavs in a revenge spot.

Milwaukee has stifled their last two opponents from a defensive stand point in the Hornets and Nuggets. Even in a back to back spot they should have the upper hand over a Miami Heat team missing several key players. Additionally, the Bucks have won and covered both prior matchups this season against the Heat. Lay it with the Bucks.

Any time a team makes a major adjustment there are typically growing pains. The Milwaukee Bucks are just 1-4 over their last five games under new Coach Doc Rivers. They had the defense to win versus Phoenix, and I expect them to put together a bounce back outing tonight offensively. This play is only with Damian Lillard cleared to play.

Certain veteran teams can hit the on switch at any given time. We saw this last postseason with the Miami Heat as a play-in eighth seed. Yesterday they had a statement victory of twenty six points over the Magic. Even being in a back to back spot look for the Heat to have the upper hand over the Spurs. Lay it in this spot.

The Toronto Raptors finally have the right matchup to get back in the win column in a big way. They will face a Charlotte Hornets team that is just 5-20 on their home floor and has lost eight straight games. Look for the team to finally gel after having players in and out of the lineup.

Throughout the Miami Heat’s inconsistencies this season they have been solid against the Orlando Magic. 2-1 on the year and have limited the Magic to an average of 102 points. Healthier look for the Heat to bounce back from a close loss to the Clippers on Sunday.

In a back to back spot the San Antonio Spurs find themselves as huge home underdogs. They have been strong ATS on their current home stand where they have won two games outright and covered yesterday against the Pelicans. Look for another solid effort as their seven game home stand comes to conclusion.

The Brooklyn Nets are on their first win streak not involving the Detroit Pistons since early December. Positive signs for a Nets team coming off their best win of the season, in a 33 point victory over the Utah Jazz. Grab the Nets as a slight home underdog over the Suns.

Toronto new pieces as part of their trades are injured in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Still, the Raptors showed fight in their last loss by a point to the Atlanta Hawks. Rookie Gradey Dick put in fifteen points, and Jordan Nwora scored a season high 24 points. Look for the Raptors to show fight again tonight.

The LA Lakers looked like a tired team last night in a double digit loss to the Rockets. Now they are in a back to back road spot as they have to travel to Atlanta. Expect the defense to continue to be an issue, and offense to lag without Anthony Davis. Lay it with the Atlanta Hawks.

The San Antonio Spurs are on a rare winning streak having won their last two games. Overall they have won three out of their last five games, which includes a road win over tonight’s opponent in the Washington Wizards. Additionally, they have won by double figures the last three times they were favorites this season. Lay it with the Spurs.

The Memphis Grizzlies continue to be one of the more depleted teams from an injury stand point in the NBA. It’s began to take its toll on their current road trip as they have dropped consecutive games ATS and lost by double digits. Expect that to continue against a new look Toronto team eager to put on a showcase performance. Lay it with Toronto.

The Miami Heat draw a small number on the road against a Raptors team that has lost four straight. Toronto has been competitive and has the new look talent but just can’t close games. Trade rumors surrounding Pascal Siakam are certainly an issue. Take the Heat as the Raptors drop another close one.

Through a couple of games the impact of not having Tyrese Haliburton has not been felt for the Pacers. They have won three straight games and today will get to face a Denver Nuggets team in a back to back situation. Look for Denver to thrive against the Pacers fast pace offense, and also be motivated to defeat their old teammate in Bruce Brown.

Today is a bad matchup for the home Dallas Mavericks. They looked flat on both ends of the floor in their seventeen point loss to a short handed Memphis Grizzlies. Now they will face a surging Knicks team on a five game win streak. Look for the Knicks to out hustle the Mavericks, and also for Jalen Brunson to have a showcase against his old team.

Chicago enters Wednesday on a two game win streak, but both of those wins were against the lowly Hornets. Today they face a Houston Rockets team that is on the second leg of a difficult six-game East coast road trip. Take the Bulls as the Rockets road struggles continue.

Detroit had a quality team on the ropes yesterday in the Sacramento Kings with an eighteen point lead. Before it was even halftime they were trailing and went on to lose by 21 points. Positioning for the worst record in the NBA continues against the five win spurs. Grab San Antonio.

A tough feat to complete is defeating an opponent and a home and away matchup. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets on Friday by thirteen points. Even with injury concerns and the status of Zach Lavine up in the air attack the Bulls side today. Outside of the Hornets win over the Kings they have been abysmal with losses in twelve of their last thirteen games. Play the Bulls.

A lack of effort is not what you expect from the top team in the Western Conference in the Minnesota Timberwolves. Yet, in their last game against the Pelicans it was apparent that they were being outplayed in all phases. For the first time this season the Timberwolves have lost consecutive games. Tonight look for a much different outcome on the road against Houston.

Today is a situational spot to back the Atlanta Hawks on the road against the Indiana Pacers. Indiana is coming off back to back wins over the Milwaukee Bucks. The wins showcase that the Pacers are legitimate but this could be a severe let down spot. Atlanta thrived in their last game against Oklahoma City, and I expect another good showcase today. Take the Hawks.

With the spread coming down off Kevin Durant being out tonight, I’ll jump in on the Suns side. Even in a back to back spot, look for the Suns to remain aggressive. They are on their longest home stand of the season in six games, and a revenge spot in a recent road loss at Portland. Take the Suns to finally match a win with a cover. Grab Phoenix.

Post holiday look for value on the home underdog in the Washington Wizards. The Orlando Magic have lost four of their past five games. It’s sometimes tough for teams coming out of a holiday especially facing a five win team in the Wizards. Washington also played the Magic competitively in a five point loss to begin the month. Take the Wizards.

Even with Kristaps Porzingis out, I’ll side with the Celtics. They just defeated two teams multiple times that gave them problems last season in Orlando and Cleveland. Golden State on the other hand is having a multitude of issues, and now their superstar in Steph Curry is coming off his first game without a three in 268 games. Grab the Celtics.

The Detroit Pistons abysmal stretch of twenty one straight losses is likely to continue Friday evening. They’ll face a Philadelphia 76ers team they just lost to on Wednesday on their home floor by eighteen points. Yet, there’s room for a stretch of a lack of effort on Philadelphia’s side. Additionally, the Pistons had the 76ers on the ropes in their first matchup on November 10th. Grab the points on the Pistons.

Friday’s play in tournament games should create a rise in the level of play. For the Knicks they will need a win to have a chance in their group. Additionally, the Knicks will seek revenge from last season’s playoff loss to the Heat. Take the Knicks as they end the Heat’s impressive 9-1 run.

Chicago has been a troubling team to watch. In most games this year they have dug themselves huge holes including their last matchup against the Miami Heat. After being down 20 to 1 they surged for a comeback win. It may be short lived but look for the Bulls to play inspired basketball off the big comeback.

The New York Knicks come into Monday’s game against the Timberwolves surging. They are also on a road trip that could cause them problems. Minnesota themselves have concluded their West Coast road trip, and sometimes that can lead to a sluggish start. Yet, I believe they will find their energy at a juncture in the second half and add another win. Take the Timberwolves.

Despite being on a six game losing streak the LA Clippers still are sizeable favorites tonight. I expect Los Angeles to answer the call in a big way. In their last outing against the Denver Nuggets they showed a level of competitiveness that can finally get them over the hump. Take the Clippers.

The NBA travels to Mexico City today as the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic meet. The Magic appeared to be going in the right direction after two strong wins, including one over the Lakers. Yet, in their last matchup they surrendered a double digit halftime lead of thirteen points to the Dallas Mavericks. They scored just thirty six second half points. Look for the Hawks to take advantage on the international stage.

The Washington Wizards travel to face a Miami Heat team that may rank as the top team in search of a win tonight. Slow starts of the Heat are nothing new as last year they began the season 7-11. They have had a difficult schedule to begin the season but also are lacking the depth they had last year with Gabe Vincent and Max Strus. Grab the points here with the Wizards.

Friday, the Cleveland Cavaliers will attempt to get revenge on the road for the second time this season. They just defeated the Knicks on Wednesday after losing to them on Tuesday at home. That was a confidence booster for a team that was on a three game losing streak. Take Cleveland as Indiana’s poor defense continues.

The New Orleans Pelicans continue to have players in and out of the lineup. Tonight in a back to back scenario the Pelicans will have Zion Williamson out due to rest. There’s also a chance Brandon Ingram returns to the court. Look for the Pistons to bounce back off of consecutive losses and keep this close due to the Pelicans lack of lineup consistency. Grab the points.

The Dallas Mavericks undefeated start to the season is not fooling anyone. All wins were against teams that are undermanned or in a true transition with youth. Chicago may be a veteran team but their issues of competition for four full quarters are a real deal. Look for Dallas to continue taking advantage of a weaker schedule to begin the season. Grab Dallas.

Milwaukee is 2-1 on the season but has yet to cover a spread. In their first road game of the season tonight they may be under valued against the Toronto Raptors. Their new first year coach in Adrian Griffin was an assistant for the Raptors the prior five seasons. Additionally, the Raptors are struggling to adjust early in the season. Take the Bucks as the road favorite.

Two teams that have not began the year strong will meet in the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Last season the Knicks dominated their postseason matchup winning four games to one. Additionally, the Cavaliers are surrendering 115 points per game which is up considerably from last year’s top ranking. Take the Knicks as the Cavaliers lose their third straight home game.

The Utah Jazz have always been the type of team where home court has been a big advantage. It still may be but they just have run into the wrong first two opponents on their home court. The Sacramento Kings elevated their play for a double digit win, and the Clippers appear to have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. Lay it here with LA.

The Portland Trailblazers are a completely new look team after trading Damian Lillard. Early in a season though often times we see these type of teams over achieve to begin the year. The youth and veteran presence of DeAndre Ayton, Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant can give the Clippers enough of a battle to cover this big spread. Take the points as the Trailblazers cash as the biggest NBA underdog on the board.

The Phoenix Suns made the necessary moves of trading DeAndre Ayton and Chris Paul after years of playoff failures. Adding Bradley Beal now makes them a more offensive team, which should pay dividends off the bat against the Warriors. Last season they won the first three matchups decisively by double digits. Take the Suns who have consistently been one of the best regular season teams in the NBA.

The Boston Celtics quickly have shifted the thoughts on the possibility of being the first team ever to erase a 3-0 series deficit. They have supreme confidence once again and the experience of so many trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. They may not jump out on the Miami Heat as quickly as in game five but their surge will happen. Take Boston to push this series to seven games and cover the number.

The Miami Heat used the momentum from stealing game two and rode it to a cruising game three victory. Clearly the Celtics were not ready to match the Heat’s intensity from the onset of game three. Yet, for the first time this series the tide has shifted to the Celtics being the underdog. Look for Boston to finally play with an edge as the Heat stumble a bit with such a big series advantage. Grab the Celtics.

The Miami Heat have full control of the Eastern Conference Finals series after winning games one and two at Boston. Yet, don’t expect the Celtics to not counter. They were down in their last series to the 76ers and have the pedigree of experience to overcome. They’re also a team that’s style of play does not wane on the road. On the steep spread discount grab Boston in game three.

In game one the Denver Nuggets dominated from the middle of the first quarter until the five minute mark of the fourth quarter. While the Lakers did make a run I expect game two to be a tale of two halves. Denver’s home dominance will not be over rode as their playoff streak improves to 8-0. Take Denver

The Lakers success this post-season has been their ability to knock off teams in game one. They did so against both Memphis and Golden State to set the tone. Yet, Denver is the first team this postseason that has the interior and perimeter balance to negate the Lakers defensively. Lay it as Denver covers and boosts their regular season and postseason home record to 41-7.

The point spread has not been a deciding factor in the playoffs. Tonight look for that to change with Golden State in a must win situation on the road. What has been their downfall in this series is executing in tight games. They’ll perform better in crunch time with their season at stake. Grab the points with Golden State.