At 8:40 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Boston Celtics (510) minus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (509) in Game Five of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Boston (79-21) saw their ten-game winning streak snapped in their 122-84 upset loss as a 1-point road favorite on Friday. Dallas (63-40) still looks to stave off elimination tonight trailing 3-1 in this series.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CELTICS MINUS THE POINTS: Boston only made 36.2% of their shots on Friday which was the worst shooting effort in their last 54 games. They also got out-rebounded by a 52 to 31 margin to the Mavericks. The Celtics simply got outworked and outplayed — and they have had the tendency to take their foot off the gas pedal from time-to-time. But they have also been resilient after playing a clunker. Boston has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after a loss by 20 or more points. They have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after an upset loss by 10 or more points. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 8 straight games after failing to score more than 90 points in their last game. They have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after getting out-rebounded by 15 or more rebounds in their last game. And while all four games in this series have finished Under the Total, the Celtics have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after playing three or more Unders in a row. Dallas played their best game on offense in this series by making 50.5% of their shots. And by holding Boston to 36.2% shooting, they played their best game on defense in their last 48 contests. But the Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after pulling off an upset victory. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 straight games after an upset win on their home court. And in their last 6 games after an upset win by 10 or more points, Dallas has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of those contests.

FINAL TAKE: Boston has suggested that Kristaps Porzingis could take the court tonight in special circumstances — but I am not buying it. While they are clearly a better team when Porzingis is healthy, they remain the best team in the NBA even without him. Back at home, the Celtics have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games with the Total set in the 210s. 25* NBA Monday Television Game of the Year with the Boston Celtics (510) minus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (509). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (508) plus (or minus) the points versus the Boston Celtics (507) in Game Four of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (62-40) has lost the first three games of this series after their 106-99 upset loss as a 3-point favorite at home on Wednesday. Boston (79-20) has a commanding 3-0 lead while riding a 10-game winning streak.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS PLUS (OR MINUS) THE POINTS: I expect Dallas to win Game Four on their home court to avoid getting swept. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 38 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 41 games after a point spread loss. They have also covered the point spread in 34 of their last 50 games after suffering an upset loss — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games after a loss at home. They have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game. They have also covered the point spread in 21 of their last 33 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Dallas did get more from Kyrie Irving who stepped up to score 35 points after making only 13 of his 37 shots from the field run the first two games of this series. Mavericks backers can point to 2016 when he only scored 36 points on 36 shots in Games One and Two of the NBA Finals against Golden State before returning home and beginning a three-game run where he scored 35 Points-Per-Game on 55.6% shooting and a 50% clip from behind the arc. Boston has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after winning nine or more games in a row. And while they have not allowed more than 99 points in this series, they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after not allowing more than 105 points in two straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after not allowing more than 105 points in three straight games. Additionally, the Celtics have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 playoff games when up 3-0 in the series.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas is getting outclassed in this series — but they did post a 15-1 record to close out the regular season once Kidd moved to a starting lineup of Luka Doncic and Irving along with Derrick Jones, Jr. and their two trade deadline acquisitions, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington — and they ranked second in the league in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency during that span. They cruised through the Western Conference playoffs with a 12-5 record including a series against number-one-seeded Oklahoma City and a Minnesota team that dethroned Denver. They are better than their season-long record — and they should avoid the sweep tonight. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 34 games when avenging a same-season loss. 8* NBA Boston-Dallas ABC-TV Special with the Dallas Mavericks (508) plus (or minus) the points versus the Boston Celtics (507). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Boston Celtics (507) and the Dallas Mavericks (508) in Game Four of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Boston (79-20) took a commanding 3-0 lead in this best-of-seven series with their 106-99 upset victory as a 3-point underdog on Wednesday. Dallas (62-40) has lost four of their last five games.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The 205 combined points scored in Game Three were the most points scored in this series. The Celtics have not allowed the Mavericks to score more than 99 points in the first three games in this series. Boston’s diversity of defensive talent is making things very difficult on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Nothing is coming easy for Doncic who has been guarded primarily by Jaylen Brown or Derrick White — although Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum have both defended him at times. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has been comfortable not double-teaming him when he is coming off pick-and-rolls given the good defensive players he has on the court. Irving comes off his best game in the series by scoring 35 points, yet Holiday and White had been doing a great job slowing him down. He made only 35.1% of his shots in Games One and Two without a made 3-pointer. The Celtics are also doing a great job defending the perimeter and taking away 3-point shots. Dallas has not taken more than 27 shots from behind the arc which was in Game One — and critics were concerned even then since taking only 32.6% of their shots from 3-point range had been their lowest percentage in the playoffs. But then the Mavericks took 26 shots from behind the arc in Game Two before attempting 25 shots from 3-point land in Game 3. The Celtics are doing a particularly good job taking away corner 3s. After taking 13% of their shots from the plum corner spot behind the arc in the playoffs coming into this series, the Mavs have taken only 4.9% of their shots from the field from the corner 3 spot. Dallas has played 9 of their last 14 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game — and they have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 100 points in two straight games. They have played 12 of their last 13 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s — and they have played 37 of their last 53 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210-219.5 point range including their last six games at home. The Mavericks have also played 13 of their last 17 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Boston has played 20 of their last 28 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. While the Celtics are playing great defense, they have not exploded on the other end of the court. Credit Dallas’ play on defense that has not given up more than 107 points in this series. The Mavericks did rank second in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency after acquiring P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline. Boston has won ten games in a row —  and they have played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after winning seven or more games in a row.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 14 of their last 20 home games Under the Total when avenging a loss to their opponent. 25* NBA Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Boston Celtics (507) and the Dallas Mavericks (508). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Boston Celtics (505) and the Dallas Mavericks (506) in Game Three of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Boston (78-20) has won nine games in a row after their 105-98 victory at home against the Mavericks as a 7-point favorite on Sunday. Dallas (62-29) has lost three of their last four games while trailing in this series by an 0-2 margin.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Boston held the Mavericks in check despite allowing them to make 47.5% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last three games. The Celtics have played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after winning eight or more games in a row. They go back on the road where they have played 19 of their last 27 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Dallas has played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. The Mavericks have also played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total when playing for no more than the third time in the last ten days — and they have 7 of their 8 games this season Under the Total under those circumstances. Dallas returns home where they have played 36 of their last 52 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s. The Mavs have also played 12 of their last 16 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: Boston has played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total in the second half of the season against teams winning 60-70% of their games — and Dallas has played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total in the second half of the season against teams winning 70% or more of their games. 8* NBA Wednesday Night Discounted O/U Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Boston Celtics (505) and the Dallas Mavericks (506). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (506) minus the points versus the Boston Celtics (505) in Game Three of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (62-29) has lost three of their last four games while trailing in this series by an 0-2 margin. Boston (78-20) has won nine games in a row after their 105-98 victory at home against the Mavericks as a 7-point favorite on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS MINUS THE POINTS: This point spread is fishy — and it looks very easy to take the Celtics. This is just the fourth time all season that Boston has been made an underdog by the books — and the first time since April 9th. The injury to Kristaps Porzingis is not an adequate explanation either since Dallas was initially installed as a -1.5 point favorite — and yesterday’s news that Porzingis might be out moved the line only a point. The Celtics were around 7-point favorites in Game Two — so the implication is that the books are assigning the Mavericks 8.5 or so points for having the home-court edge (or 4-4.5 points when accounting for Boston’s loss of home court). For comparison’s sake, the point spread swing was only six points from when Dallas was a 1.5-point home favorite against the Timberwolves in Game Four last round to them being a 4-point road dog in Game Five at Minnesota. At this point, some bettors may see this as an opportunity to take the Celtics because of the perceived point spread value. I tend to fall in the other camp — my instincts tell me that the books are flagging that the Mavericks are the preferred side. Call it “contrarian” to the point spread value perspective. It is of interest that the two previous times in 2024 when Boston was an underdog, they lost on the road by double-digits to Milwaukee — and both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were healthy for those games. Then there is the injury to Porzingis. He has sustained a “torn medial retinaculum with an associated dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg.” The medical opinions are wildly divergent about this rare injury — some doctors are claiming that they expect him to play through the injury. The medical opinion I trust concludes surgery is likely and that he will not play in the rest of the NBA Finals. The Celtics have indicated that will not risk further injury either — so I don’t think he will play. His absence takes away the team’s best rim protector. And he was an offensive spark plug in the first half in Game One. As it is, Boston has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after winning nine or more games in a row. And while they have not allowed more than 98 points in this series and 102 points in three straight games, they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 21 games after not allowing more than 100 points in two straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after not allowing more than 105 points in three straight games. Additionally, the Celtics have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when leading in a playoff series — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Dallas needs much more from Kyrie Irving who has made only 13 of his 37 shots from the field. Mavericks backers can point to 2016 when he only scored 36 points on 36 shots in Games One and Two of the NBA Finals against Golden State before returning home and beginning a three-game run where he scored 35 Points-Per-Game on 55.6% shooting and a 50% clip from behind the arc. Hopefully, everyone got Dallas at +7.5 points in Game Two — but that game should have been closer except for Payton Pritchard’s miracle 3-pointer at the logo to end the third quarter and then the terrible non-call double-block on P.J. Washington with less than a minute left that could have made that a one-basket game. Resiliency has been a hallmark of this team that has a 10-5 straight-up record the last two playoff seasons following a loss in the postseason — and they have a 5-2 straight record off a loss in this postseason. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 37 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 40 games after a point spread loss. They have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 30 games after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. They have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after losing two games in a row. Furthermore, Dallas has covered the point spread in 18 of their last 27 games when playing for the second time in seven days. They have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 33 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 Game Threes in the playoffs — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 playoff games when trailing in the series.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas posted a 15-1 record to close out the regular season once Kidd moved to a starting lineup of Doncic and Irving along with Derrick Jones, Jr. and their two trade deadline acquisitions, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington — and they ranked second in the league in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency during that span. They cruised through the Western Conference playoffs with a 12-5 record including a series against number-one-seeded Oklahoma City and a Minnesota team that dethroned Denver. They are better than their season-long record. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 31 games when avenging a same-season loss. And while they have lost all four games against the Celtics this season, Dallas has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when attempting to end a three-game losing streak to their opponent. 25* NBA Wednesday Television Game of the Year with the Dallas Mavericks (506) minus the points versus the Boston Celtics (505). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (503) and the Boston Celtics (504) in Game Two of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (62-38) has lost two of their last three games after their 107-89 loss on the road against the Celtics as a 6.5-point underdog on Thursday. Boston (77-20) has won eight straight games while taking a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Mavericks trailed at halftime by a 63-42 score — and they have played 14 of their last 22 games Over the Total after trailing by 15 or more points at halftime in their last game. Dallas was ice-cold in Game One as they only made 41.7% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last eight games. They only hit 7 of 27 shots from behind the arc — and those 27 shot attempts from 3-point land were their second fewest all season. Their 26% shooting percentage from 3-point range was their worst shooting percentage from deep in the postseason — and their players not named Luka Doncic only made 3 of their 15 shots from downtown. The offensive effort will be better in Game Two. Kidd has called on more player movement and more ball movement to get Doncic and Kyrie Irving from getting lulled into playing one-on-one isolation ball. Dallas only had nine assists in the game — and they assisted on just 22.5% of their made field goals. Irving led the team with a mere two assists. The Mavericks assisted on 59.6% of their made baskets in the regular season — so they should be much better in this area in Game Two. The Celtics played Doncic and Irving straight up without offering help when they switched off pick-and-rolls. If Dallas can simply attack this approach with more aggressiveness, they should get better scoring opportunities for Doncic and Irving — and that will open up more 3-point shooting. Dallas has played 11 of their last 18 games Over the Total as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. And in their last 7 second games in a playoff series, they have played 5 of these games Over the Total. Boston played their best defensive game in their last nine contests by holding the Mavs to 41.7% shooting. The Celtics have not allowed more than 105 points in two straight games — and they have played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. They have also played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total when playing for just the second time in the last seven days. They stay at home where they have played 6 of their last 9 games Over the Total with the Total set in the 210s.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas has played 19 of their last 28 games Over the Total on the road when avenging a loss where their opponent scored 100 or more points. 10* NBA Dallas-Boston ABC-TV O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (503) and the Boston Celtics (504). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (503) plus the points versus the Boston Celtics (504) in Game Two of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (62-38) has lost two of their last three games after their 107-89 loss on the road against the Celtics as a 6.5-point underdog on Thursday. Boston (77-20) has won eight straight games while taking a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS PLUS THE POINTS: Dallas got blitzed right out of the gate with the Celtics breaking an NBA Finals record by ending the first quarter with a 17-point lead at 37-20. The Mavericks are vulnerable to starting a new playoff series slow — they had not covered the point spread in five of their last six opening games to a new series and lost Game One to both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The week off between games and playing on the road probably did not help matters. And Boston saw the return of Kristaps Porzingis who came off the bench to energize the team with 11 points in the first quarter. Dallas attempted to make some runs — but this game was over before it barely started. Now for Game Two, head coach Jason Kidd has some adjustments to make — but the Mavs simply playing better will go a long way. They only made 41.7% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last eight games. They only made 7 of 27 shots from behind the arc — and those 27 shot attempts from 3-point land were their second fewest all season. Their 26% shooting percentage from 3-point range was their worst shooting percentage from deep in the postseason — and their players not named Luka Doncic only made 3 of their 15 shots from downtown. The offensive effort will be better in Game Two. Kidd has called on more player movement and more ball movement to get Doncic and Kyrie Irving from getting lulled into playing one-on-one isolation ball. Dallas only had nine assists in the game — and they assisted on just 22.5% of their made field goals. Irving led the team with a mere two assists. The Mavericks assisted on 59.6% of their made baskets in the regular season — so they should be much better in this area in Game Two. The Celtics played Doncic and Irving straight up without offering help when they switched off pick-and-rolls. If Dallas can simply attack this approach with more aggressiveness, they should get better scoring opportunities for Doncic and Irving — and that will open up more 3-point shooting. On defense, Dallas should have a better plan in defending the Celtics’ 3-point shooting. Resiliency has been a hallmark of this team that has a 10-4 straight-up record the last two playoff seasons following a loss in the postseason — and they have a 5-1 straight record off a loss in this postseason including upset victories in Game Two against the Clippers and Thunder following a Game One loss. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 37 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 40 games after a point spread loss. They have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after a loss by 15 or more points — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 road games after a double-digit loss. They have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 37 games after a loss on the road. Additionally, Dallas has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after scoring no more than 100 points in their last game. They have also covered the point spread in 18 of their last 27 games when playing for the second time in five days. On the road, the Mavericks have covered the point spread in 34 of their last 51 games on the road including five of their last six games this postseason. They have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games on the road against teams from the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, Dallas has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 playoff games when trailing in the series. Boston’s biggest challenge has been fighting complacency — but remember that their 12-2 march to the NBA Finals was against three teams all dealing with significant injuries. How this team will handle pressure basketball in the playoffs against a worthy opponent remains a question. As it is, the Celtics have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 30 games following a playoff win by double-digits. They played their best defensive game in their last nine contests by holding the Mavs to 41.7% shooting. But they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after not allowing more than 102 points in their last game. And while they have not allowed more than 105 points in two straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. Boston has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when leading in a playoff series.

FINAL TAKE: Dallas posted a 15-1 record to close out the regular season once Kidd moved to a starting lineup of Doncic and Irving along with Derrick Jones, Jr. and their two trade deadline acquisitions, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington — and they ranked second in the league in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency during that span. They cruised through the Western Conference playoffs with a 12-5 record including a series against number-one-seeded Oklahoma City and a Minnesota team that dethroned Denver. They are better than their season-long record. The Celtics have won all three meetings between these two teams with the last two victories being by 18 or more points. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 31 games when avenging a same-season loss -- and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games when avenging two straight double-digit losses to their opponent. They have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when attempting to end a three-game losing streak to their opponent. 25* NBA Game of the Year with the Dallas Mavericks (503) plus the points versus the Boston Celtics (504). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (501) and the Boston Celtics (502) in Game One of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (62-37) has won six of their last seven games after their 124-103 upset win at Minnesota as a 4.5-point underdog that ended that series in five games last Thursday. Boston (76-20) has won seven straight games after completing their four-game sweep against Indiana with a 105-102 win on the road as a 7.5-point road favorite back on May 27th.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Celtics only shot 44.9% from the field to close out their series with the Pacers which was the worst shooting effort in their last seven games. They did hold Indiana to 46.0% shooting which was the best defensive performance in their last five games. Boston has played 25 of their last 29 games Over the Total after holding their previous opponent to no more than 105 points — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a game where both teams scored 105 or fewer points. They have also played 8 of their last 13 games Over the Total after winning six or more games in a row. The Celtics get big man Kristaps Porzingis back for Game One tonight after he missed extended time with a calf injury. While no one knows how effective he will be on the offensive end of the court, he will draw attention from the Mavericks’ defenders which should open up even more space for the Boston scorers and 3-point shooters. With the extended time off, both teams may be rusty — but both teams will have fresh legs so missed shots will create fast break scoring opportunities. The Celtics have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total when playing with three or more days of rest. They have also played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total in the opening game of a new playoff series. They return home to TD Garden where they have an Adjusted Offensive Efficiency of 121.7 in the postseason — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total at home in the playoffs. Boston has also played 13 of their last 17 home games Over the Total with the Total set in the 210s. Dallas played their best defensive game in their last three contests by holding the Timberwolves to 42.7% shooting last Thursday. The Mavericks have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up win. They stay on the road where they have an Adjusted Offensive Efficiency of 115.1 in the playoffs this season. Dallas has played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total on the road. They have also played 11 of their last 17 games Over the Total as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points.

FINAL TAKE: Boston won both regular-season meetings between these two teams after their 138-110 victory at home as an 8.5-point favorite on March 1st — and the Mavericks have played 16 of their last 22 games Over the Total on the road when avenging a loss where they gave up at least 110 points. 10* NBA Dallas-Boston ABC-TV O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (501) and the Boston Celtics (502). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Boston Celtics (502)
minus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (501) in Game One of the NBA Finals. THE SITUATION: Boston (76-20) has won seven straight games after completing their four-game sweep against Indiana with a 105-102 win on the road as a 7.5-point road favorite back on May 27th. Dallas (62-37) has won six of their last seven games after their 124-103 upset win at Minnesota as a 4.5-point underdog that ended that series in five games last Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CELTICS MINUS THE POINTS: Boston has a huge advantage in Game One tonight since they are rested having not played since May 27th. The Celtics have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 19 games when playing with three or more days of rest — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 22 games when playing for no more than the fifth time in the last 14 days. And while rust is always a concern given such a long layoff, they are not facing an opponent still locked in with playoff intensity who just finished off a long series. The Mavericks may be rusty as well having the last week off since eliminating the Timberwolves. Boston also gets Kristaps Porzingis back for this game — and his return gives the team one of their three best players back in the mix. Without Porzingis in these playoffs, the Celtics have failed to cover the point spread in five of their last six games — but they have covered the point spread in 23 of their last 36 games after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. Dallas played their best defensive game in their last three contests by holding the Timberwolves to 42.7% shooting last Thursday. But the Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games after pulling off an upset victory — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after a double-digit upset win as a road underdog.

FINAL TAKE: Boston is outscoring their opponents by +11.1 Points-Per-Game — and the Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games in the second half of the season against teams who are outscoring their opponents by +9.0 or more PPG. The Celtics have covered the point spread in 28 of their last 44 games against teams with a winning percentage in the 60-70% range. 8* NBA Thursday Night Discounted Deal with the Boston Celtics (502) minus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (501). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (511) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (512) in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (61-37) had won five games in a row before their 105-100 upset loss at home to the Timberwolves as a 1.5-point favorite on Tuesday. Minnesota (65-32) still trails by a 3-1 margin in this series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Dallas should play better defense tonight after allowing the Timberwolves to make 52.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive performance in their last 12 games. The Mavericks allowed Minnesota to make 50.6% of their shots in Game Two — but they have then played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after allowing their last two opponents to make at least 50% of their shots. Additionally, Dallas has played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game. Minnesota played their best defensive game in this series by holding the Mavs to 42.0% shooting. This improved play on that end of the court may be sustainable with head coach Chris Finch making the adjustment to move Jaden McDaniels off Luka Doncic and onto Kyrie Irving. Anthony Edwards and Kyle Anderson have been doing a better job defending Doncic — and McDaniels has had success slowing down Irving. The Timberwolves also enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last 22 games by making 52.7% of their shots on Tuesday. Minnesota has played 4 straight games Under the Total after losing three of their last four games. They have also played 10 of their last 16 games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games. The T-Wolves had failed to cover the point spread in three straight games before their upset win in Game Four — and they have then played 13 of their last 19 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after playing a game where no more than 205 combined points in their last game. 8* NBA Dallas-Minnesota TNT O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (511) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (512). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (511) plus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (512) in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (61-37) had won five games in a row before their 105-100 upset loss at home to the Timberwolves as a 1.5-point favorite on Tuesday. Minnesota (65-32) still trails by a 3-1 margin in this series.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS PLUS THE POINTS: After dominating the Timberwolves in crunch time in the first three games in this series, Dallas looked poised to pull out another one on Tuesday when Luka Doncic got fouled while converting a long three-pointer late in that game. But Doncic missed the free throw and the T-Wolves pulled out the victory. Credit Minnesota for making some defensive adjustments and finally playing better in the clutch — but perhaps being down 0-3 in the series took away the pressure that had been impacting them. The Mavericks only shot 42.0% from the field in that game which was the worst shooting effort in their last six games. They made only 14 of 40 shots (25%) of their shots from behind the arc — and they missed 12 of their 17 open 3-point attempts. Dallas should shoot better tonight. They should also play better defense after allowing the Timberwolves to make 52.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive performance in their last 12 games. The Mavericks allowed Minnesota to make 50.6% of their shots in Game Two — but they have covered the point spread in 35 of their last 54 games after allowing their last two opponents to make at least 50% of their shots. Additionally, Dallas has covered the point spread in 14 of their last 17 games after an upset loss in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a loss by six points or less. They have demonstrated their resilience by covering the point spread in 23 of their last 36 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 39 games after a point spread loss. The Mavericks have still won seven of their last nine games — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after winning six or seven of their last eight contests. They have covered the point spread in 32 of their last 49 games after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. Dallas goes back on the road where they have covered the point spread in 33 of their last 49 games — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 road games as an underdog. Minnesota played their best defensive game in this series by holding the Mavs to 42.0% shooting. They also enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last 22 games by making 52.7% of their shots. Karl-Anthony Towns played his best game in the series — by far — by scoring 25 points on 9 of 13 shooting including 4 of 5 from behind the arc including three in the fourth quarter. Towns has struggled in clutch time — and he has been inconsistent when playing at home in these playoffs. In his last five playoff games at home since the second round, Towns is scoring 13.6 Points-Per-Game on 32.3% shooting and just a 29.6% clip from behind the arc. The Timberwolves have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after a win by six points or less. They return home where they have failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 30 home games when favored by up to six points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games with the Total set in the 200-209.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games when attempting to avenge an upset loss at home. 25* NBA Thursday TNT Game of the Year with the Dallas Mavericks (511) plus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (512). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (507) plus the point(s) versus the Dallas Mavericks (508) in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (64-32) has lost six of their last eight games after their 116-107 loss on the road against the Mavericks as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. Dallas (61-36) has won five games in a row and seven of their last eight to take a 3-0 series lead.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIMBERWOLVES PLUS THE POINT(S): Minnesota played their worst defensive game in their last six contests by allowing the Mavericks to make 55.9%. of their shots. They did nail 50.6% of their shots on Sunday which was the best shooting performance in their last nine contests — so that is encouraging. The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games after a loss on the road. They have also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after losing three games in a row — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after losing three of their last four games. And while they have lost six of their last eight games, the Timberwolves have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after losing six or seven of their last eight games. Additionally, Minnesota has covered the point spread in 20 of their last 30 games with the Total set in the 210s. They have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games when facing elimination in the playoff series. Dallas nailed 55.9% of their shots which was their best shooting performance in their last 44 games. The Mavs are due a visit from the Regression Gods regarding their shooting in this series. While they are making 58.1% of their shots, their expected field goal percentage which measures their shot location relative to league shooting averages is just 53.0%. The Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 19 games after shooting 55% or better from the field in their last game. They have made at least 48.8% of their shots in five straight games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after making at least 47% or more of their shots in five or more games in a row. All three of the games in this series finished Over the Total — and the Mavs have lost 27 of their last 42 home games after playing an Over in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 38 of their last 62 games when playing with revenge from a loss where they allowed 110 or more points. 8* NBA Minnesota-Dallas TNT Special with the Minnesota Timberwolves (507) plus the point(s) versus the Dallas Mavericks (508). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (507) and the Dallas Mavericks (508) in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (64-32) has lost six of their last eight games after their 116-107 loss on the road against the Mavericks as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. Dallas (61-36) has won five games in a row and seven of their last eight to take a 3-0 series lead. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Mavericks took Game Three despite allowing the Timberwolves to make 50.6% which was the worst defensive effort in their last 11 contests. But they also nailed 55.9% of their shots which was their best shooting performance in their last 44 games. Dallas has played 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a game where they shot 55% or more of their shots. The Mavs are due a visit from the Regression Gods regarding their shooting in this series. While they are making 58.1% of their shots, their expected field goal percentage which measures their shot location relative to league shooting averages is just 53.0%. The Mavericks have played 19 of their last 27 home games Under the Total after winning on their home court in their last game. Additionally, they have played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total after winning five or more games in a row -- and they have played 22 of their last 31 games Under the Total at home after winning six or seven of their last eight contests. They have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 26 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in four of their last five games. Furthermore, they have played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s -- and they have played 35 of their last 51 games Under the Total at home with the Total set in the 210-219.5 point range. They have also played 33 of their last 50 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Minnesota played their worst defensive game in their last six contests by allowing the Mavericks to make 55.9%. of their shots. They did nail 50.6% of their shots on Sunday which was the best shooting performance in their last nine contests. The Timberwolves have not covered the point spread in this series -- and they have played 12 of their last 18 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. All three games in this series have finished Over the Total -- and Minnesota has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after playing three or more Overs in a row. They have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total when facing elimination in a playoff series. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 19 of their last 28 games Under the Total when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 25* NBA Western Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (507) and the Dallas Mavericks (508). Best of luck for us -- Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Boston Celtics (505) and the Indiana Pacers (506) in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Boston (75-20) has won six games in a row after their 114-111 victory on the road as a 7-point road favorite on Saturday. Indiana (55-44) has lost four of their last six games while dropping the first three games in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: This decision is largely a contrarian reaction to the fact that both of these teams have played five straight Overs coming into this Game Four. But there is more. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported at 5 PM ET that he thinks that it is “unlikely” that Tyrese Haliburton will attempt to play tonight with him being listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. While Haliburton wants to play, management sees the big picture with their franchise player and will unlikely want to risk a more serious injury with this series all but decided. We were on the Pacers in Game Three despite not having Haliburton play. They made 50.5% of their shots and built a 15-point lead. They had an eight-point lead late in the game — but they managed to blow that advantage to lose for the third straight time in this series. Losing their best player is bad enough, but the other resulting concern is that Indiana’s shot profile is simply unsustainable to score 111 points (even when playing at a fast tempo). Haliburton plays a critical role in the spacing in their half-court offense for their 3-point shooting. They only made 4 of 20 shots from behind the arc on Friday — not only is a 20% clip not going to get it done, but neither is taking only 21% of their shots from the field from 3-point range in 2024. The Pacers took 46% of their shots from midrange — and only 32% of their shots came at the rim. Overall, the Pacers only took 54% of their shots either at the rim or behind the 3-point line. They stayed competitive in the game because they shot 59.2% inside the arc — but that is simply not sustainable especially when not attacking the rim. Boston has arguably been outplayed in two of three games in this series. They need to use this game to play harder on defense. Indiana has shot at least 50.5% from the field in each game in this series. The Celtics have allowed four straight opponents to shoot 48.1% from the field — but they have then played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after allowing four or more straight opponents to make at least 47.5% from the field. Boston has played five straight Overs — but they have then played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after playing five or more Overs in a row. They have also played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total on the road after a point spread loss. 

FINAL TAKE: The Celtics are outscoring their opponents by +11.1 Points-Per-Game this season — and that helps trigger an empirical angle supporting the Under that has been 76% effective. In games with the Total set at 220 or higher, when a team is outscoring their opponents by at least +6 PPG and has played five or more Overs in a row, that game finished Under the Total in 32 of these last 42 situations. 25* NBA Eastern Conference Total of the Year is with Under the Total in the game between the Boston Celtics (505) and the Indiana Pacers (506). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (503) plus the point(s) versus the Dallas Mavericks (504) in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION:  Minnesota (64-31) got upset for the second straight time in this series with their 109-108 upset loss as a 6-point favorite on Friday. Dallas (60-36) has won four straight games while returning home with a 2-0 series. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIMBERWOLVES PLUS THE POINT(S): Minnesota has lost both games in clutch time with their stars struggling to make key baskets while Luka Doncic takes care of business when he has the basketball. But it is unlikely that Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns will combine to make only 9 of the 33 shots they combined to take on Friday. The Timberwolves are only making 53.8% of their shots at the rim in this series. Their shooting percentage of 51.2% is significantly off from their expected field goal percentage of 55.1% when measuring league averages from where they are taking their shots. The Timberwolves have been reliable when playing on the road. Minnesota has won and covered the point spread in 5 of their 6 games on the road this postseason. They have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 20 road games after a point spread loss. And they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games when playing no more than the fourth time in ten days. Towns, in particular, has been a road warrior. He is scoring 23.2 Points-Per-Game on the road in these playoffs while nailing 49% of his 3-point shots. The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a loss by three points or less. And while they have lost five of their last seven games, they have also covered the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games after losing five or six of their last seven games. Additionally, Minnesota has covered the point spread in 19 of their last 29 games as an underdog. Dallas held the T-Wolves to just 41.2% shooting which was their best defensive effort in their last four games. But the Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after an upset victory -- and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a win on the road by three points or less. Dallas has played three straight games that finished Over the Total. The Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 36 games at home after playing an Over in their last game -- and they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 home games after playing two or more Overs in a row. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games when avenging a loss at home -- and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games when playing with revenge from a loss by three points or less. 25* NBA Western Conference Game of the Year is with the Minnesota Timberwolves (503) plus the point(s) versus the Dallas Mavericks (504). Best of luck for us -- Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Indiana Pacers (502) plus the points versus the Boston Celtics (501) in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Indiana (55-43) has lost the opening two games of this series after their 126-110 loss on the road against the Celtics as an 8.5-point underdog on Thursday. Boston (74-20) has won five games in a row and nine of their last ten contests. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE PACERS PLUS THE POINTS: Tyrese Haliburton has been declared out for tonight’s game due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the third quarter in Game Two. Despite this turn of events, I’m investing in Indiana tonight. First, we are betting numbers, not teams. The books had already adjusted the line because of the injury — Boston opened as a 6.5 road favorite which was just two points off what they were laying at home in Game Two. The confirmation that Haliburton will not play tonight has led to the Celtics laying another point or so with -7.5s out there now. The loss of Haliburton has probably been overstated. While he was spectacular in the first half of the season (and the Play-In Tournament), he simply has not been the same since suffering a hamstring injury in January. Since January 8th in the regular season, Haliburton’s scoring dropped to 16.9 Points-Per-Game on 45.4% shooting from the field and a low 32.3% clip from behind the arc. With Haliburton out, the onus is on his teammates to step up. Pascal Siakam should continue to enjoy a great series against a Celtics team that lacks a rim protector with Kristaps Porzingis still injured. Siakam is scoring 26 PPG on 62.5% shooting from the field — and he is adding 8.5 Rebounds-Per-Game. The Pacers’ role players play better at home — they are an unbeaten 6-0 at home this postseason with an average winning margin of +14.7 PPG. They are scoring 119.2 PPG at home in the playoffs. This team can certainly work harder on defense after allowing Boston to make 53.4% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. Additionally, Indiana has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games at home as an underdog. They have also covered the point spread in 26 of their last 41 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 31 of their last 43 games after a point spread loss. The Pacers have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after a loss by 10 or more points — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after a loss by 15 or more points. Furthermore, Indiana has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after losing two or more games in a row. Boston may be undermanned tonight as well with Jrue Holiday questionable with an illness. The Celtics’ 53.4% shooting on Thursday was their best shooting performance in their last seven games. Boston has not done much to slow the Pacers’ offense down — Indiana has shot 52.4% and 53.5% from the field in both games. The Celtics have played four straight Overs — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after playing four or more Overs in a row. After playing their last three games at home, they go back on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning three or more games in a row at home. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 30 of their last 44 road games after winning there or more games in a row on their home court. 

FINAL TAKE: The Pacers have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games when avenging a double-digit loss to their opponent. 25* NBA Eastern Conference Game of the Year with the Indiana Pacers (502) plus the points versus the Boston Celtics (501). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (555) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (556) in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (59-36) has won five of their last six games after their 108-105 upset victory as a 4.5-point underdog on the road against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Minnesota (64-30) has lost four of their last six games. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Mavericks caught the Timberwolves tired and off their defensive game in the first half of Game One of this series — they nailed 24 of their 33 shots inside the arc in the first 24 minutes for a 73% field goal percentage which is a likely anomaly against the team with the best defensive 2-point field goal percentage in the NBA. Dallas has played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total after an upset win — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a win on the road by three points or less. Additionally, they have played 18 of their last 27 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. The Mavs have won three straight games — and they have played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after winning three or more games in a row. They have also covered the point spread in four of their last six games — and they have then played 30 of their last 45 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Minnesota allowed the Mavericks to make 49.3% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last three games. Head coach Chris Finch should make some adjustments including accepting the fact that Jaden McDaniels cannot slow down Luka Doncic. The Timberwolves have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a loss by three points or less. And while Game One finished Over the 207-point Total, they have also played 31 of their last 45 home games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Over the Total in their last game. Furthermore, Minnesota has played 12 of their last 15 second games of a new playoff series Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 12 of their last 18 games Under the Total when avenging an upset loss — and they have played 21 of their last 33 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from a loss where they allowed 100 or more points. 10* NBA Dallas-Minnesota TNT O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (555) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (556). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (553) and the Boston Celtics (554) in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Indiana (55-42) had won two games in a row before their 133-128 loss in overtime on the road against the Celtics as a 10-point underdog on Tuesday. Boston (73-20) has won eight of their last nine games.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Pacers allowed the Celtics to make 47.5% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last five games. Indiana has played 19 of their last 27 games Under the Total on the road after a point-spread win. They have committed at least five more personal fouls in three straight games -- and they have played 12 of their last 20 games Under the Total after committing five or more personal fouls than their opponent in two or more games in a row. Head coach Rick Carlisle is likely to engage in less small-ball tonight after T.J. McDonnell got burned trying to defend bigger Celtics' players. The Pacers got outscored by 8 points when he was on the court. Less small-ball tends to result in lower-scoring games. Boson needs to tighten up on defense after allowing Indiana to make 53.5% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last four games. The Celtics have played 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win when they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. Boston has not covered the point spread in their last three games despite being on a four-game winning streak -- and they have played 15 of their last 19 games Under the Total after winning two or more games in a row when they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. 

FINAL TAKE: The Celtics have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total in the second game of a new playoff series. 10* NBA Indiana-Boston ESPN O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (553) and the Boston Celtics (554). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (551) plus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (552) in Game One of the Western Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Dallas (58-36) has won four of their last five games after their five games after their 117-116 ivory against Oklahoma City as a 4-point favorite on Saturday to end that series in six games. Minnesota (64-29) has won two games in a row with their 98-90 upset victory as a 4.5-point underdog at Denver on Sunday winning that series in seven games. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS PLUS THE POINTS: Dallas beat the Thunder despite allowing them to make 47.8% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last eight games. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win where they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. They have also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 23 games after winning six or seven of their last eight games. Dallas has one extra day of rest than what the T-Wolves have which should help them out tonight — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games when playing for only the second time in the last five days. The Mavericks made 52.6% and 51.2% of their shots in their last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after making at least 50% of their shots in two straight games. Dallas has been a good road team all season — they have covered the point spread in 31 of their last 47 games away from home. They have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 road games as an underdog of up to six points. Minnesota may be due for an emotional letdown after their upset victory on the road to dethrone the defending champions. The Timberwolves have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after not allowing more than 90 points in their game. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after playing a game where no more than 190 combined points were scored. They host the first two games in this series -- but they have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 28 home games when favored by up to six points.

FINAL TAKE: Minnesota won three of the four regular season meetings between these two teams after taking the last game between these two teams by a 121-87 score at home as a 13-point favorite on January 31st. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games on the road when playing with revenge — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when avenging a loss of 30 or more points. 10* NBA Dallas-Minnesota TNT Special with the Dallas Mavericks (551) plus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (552). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Boston Celtics (550) minus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (549) in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Boston (72-20) has won 10 of their last 12 games after their 113-98 victory against Cleveland as a 15.5-point favorite last Wednesday. Indiana (55-41) has won four of their last five games after their 130-109 upset victory in New York as a 2.5-point underdog in Game Seven of that series on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CELTICS MINUS THE POINTS: The Pacers made 67.1% of their shots on Sunday in a stunning display which was the best shooting effort in their last 57 games and second-best performance of the season. But Indiana has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after making 60% of their shots in their last game. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after an upset victory by 15 or more points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after a victory by 20 or more points. Additionally, the Pacers have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games on the road after a double-digit victory. Indiana’s rally from a 3-2 series deficit started by beating the Knicks by a 116-103 victory in Game Six — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning two games in a row by 10 or more points. Boston allowed the Cavaliers to make 48.1% of their shots while ending that series in five games which was the worst defensive effort in their last three games — so they should tighten things up on that end of the court tonight. The Celtics will also benefit from getting almost a full week off — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games when playing for no more than the fifth time in the last 14 days. Boston hosts the first two games of this series at their TD Garden where they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games with the Total set in the 220s.

FINAL TAKE: The Celtics have a big edge with their play on defense in this series — they allow only 107.9 Points-Per-Game while the Pacers allow their opponents to make 49.3% of their shots. Boston has covered the point spread in 25 of their last 35 games in the second half of the season against teams with a defensive field goal percentage of 48% or higher — and Indiana has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams who do not allow more than 108 PPG on the season. 10* NBA Indiana-Boston ESPN Special with the Boston Celtics (550) minus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (549). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (549) and the Boston Celtics (550) in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. THE SITUATION: Indiana (55-41) has won four of their last five games after their 130-109 upset victory in New York as a 2.5-point underdog in Game Seven of that series on Sunday. Boston (72-20) has won 10 of their last 12 games after their 113-98 victory against Cleveland as a 15.5-point favorite last Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Pacers made 67.1% of their shots on Sunday in a stunning display which was the best shooting effort in their last 57 games and second-best performance of the season. Indiana has played 19 of their last 30 games Under the Total after making at least 55% of their shots in their last game — and they have played 4 straight Unders after a game where they shot 60% or better from the field. The Pacers have also played 19 of their last 27 games on the road Under the Total after a point spread win -0- and they have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a win by 20 or more points. Boston allowed the Cavaliers to make 48.1% of their shots while ending that series in five games which was the worst defensive effort in their last three games — so they should tighten things up on that end of the court tonight. The Celtics did not cover the point spread in their last two games against the Cavaliers despite winning both contests — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after winning two games in a row where they did not cover the point spread. Boston has also played 15 of their last 25 home games Under the Total when favored by 6.5 to 12 points.

FINAL TAKE: The Pacers score 121.9 Points-Per-Game — but the Celtics have played 12 of their last 19 games Under the Total in the second half of the season against teams who score 116 or more PPG. 8* NBA Tuesday Daily Discounted O/U Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (549) and the Boston Celtics (550). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (539) and Denver Nuggets (540) in Game Seven of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (63-29) has won seven of their last ten games while evening this series at 3-3 with their 115-70 victory as a 2.5-point favorite on Thursday. Denver (64-29) had their three-game winning streak snapped with the setback.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Timberwolves played their best game of the season by holding the Nuggets to just 30.2% shooting — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after holding their last opponent to no better than 35% shooting. They have also played 9 of their last 14 games Under the Total after beating a Northwest Division rival — and they have played 4 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a win at home against a divisional opponent. Minnesota has played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total when playing with two days of rest. Denver has played 5 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a double-digit loss on the road. They have also played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total when playing with two days of rest. The Nuggets did cover the point spread in three straight games before their loss on Thursday — and they have played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in three of their last four games. Denver returns home where they have played 25 of their last 38 games Under the Total when favored by up to six points. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 3 of their last 4 playoff games Under the Total when facing elimination and the Nuggets have played 6 of their last 8 playoff games Under the Total in potential closeout circumstances. 10* NBA Sunday Night Discounted O/U Deal with Minnesota Timberwolves (539) and Denver Nuggets (540). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Denver Nuggets (540) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (539) in Game Seven of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (64-29) had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 115-70 loss on the road against the Timberwolves on Thursday. Minnesota (63-29) has won seven of their last ten games while evening this series at 3-3. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE NUGGETS MINUS THE POINTS: Denver earned a mulligan in this series after rallying from losing the first two games of this series with three straight victories by a combined 50 points. The Nuggets only made 30.2% of their shots on Thursday which was the worst shooting effort of their season — and their 70 points were also a season-low. But Denver has rebounded to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 23 games after a straight-up loss to a Northwest Division rival. They have also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 9 straight games after a loss by ten or more points to a divisional opponent. Additionally, the Nuggets started Game Six slow by trailing at the half by a 59-40 score — but they have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after trailing by 15 or more points at halftime of their last game. Minnesota played their best defensive game of the season by holding Denver to 30.2% shooting. But the Timberwolves have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after not allowing more than 90 points in their last game. They have failed to cover the point spread in 29 of their last 43 games on the road after playing a game at home where no more than 205 combined points were scored. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a game where no more than 190 combined points were scored. And while Minnesota had not covered the point spread in three straight games before Game Six, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. 

FINAL TAKE: The Nuggets have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games when avenging a double-digit loss to their opponent. 25* NBA Sunday TNT Game of the Year with the Denver Nuggets (540) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (539). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the New York Knicks (542) minus the points versus the the Indiana Pacers (541) in Game Seven of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (57-37) has lost three of the last four games in this series after their 116-103 loss as a 5-point underdog on the road on Friday. Indiana (54-41) forced this Game Seven with that triumph.

REASONS TO TAKE THE KNICKS MINUS THE POINTS: New York should play better this afternoon after blowing their opportunity to end this series on Friday. The Knicks have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 36 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 41 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games after a double-digit victory. They have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 31 games after losing three of their last four games. And in their last 26 games after failing to score more than 105 points in their last game, they have covered the point spread in 17 of these contests. Indiana has failed to cover the point spread in 31 of their last 49 games after a point spread win. The Pacers have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games with the Total set from 200 to 209.5.

FINAL TAKE: The Knicks have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games when averring a double-digit loss on the road. 8* NBA Indiana-New York ABC-TV Special with the New York Knicks (542) minus the points versus the the Indiana Pacers (541). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (541) and the New York Knicks (542) in Game Seven of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (54-41) forced this Game Seven with their 116-103 victory as a 5-point favorite at home on Friday. New York (57-37) has lost three of the last four games in this series.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Pacers have played 17 of their last 25 games on the road Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 19 of their last 26 games Under the Total on the road after a point spread victory. They have played 12 of their last 16 games on the road Under the Total after a double-digit win — and they have played 13 of their last 16 road games Under the Total after a win at home by 10 or more points. Now they go back on the road where they have played 3 of their last 4 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 200s. Additionally, the Pacers have played 16 of their last 19 games Under the Total in a road game in the playoffs where they could potentially close out the series. New York has played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after a double-digit loss — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a loss by 10 or more points on the road. The Knicks return home where they have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: New York has played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total at home when playing with revenge from a loss — and they have played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total when avenging a loss on the road by double-digits. 25* NBA 2nd Round Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (541) and the New York Knicks (542). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (531) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (532) in Game Six of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Oklahoma City (63-28) has lost three of their last four games after their 104-92 upset loss at home to the Mavericks as a 4.5-point underdog on Wednesday. Dallas (57-36) can close things out tonight given their 3-2 series lead. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE THUNDER PLUS THE POINTS: Oklahoma City allowed the Mavericks to make 52.6% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 13 games. Oklahoma City ranked fourth in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the regular season — and they have still held five of their last seven opponents to no higher than 42.9% shooting. The Thunder have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after losing two of their last three games. They have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after playing a game where neither team scored more than 105 points. The last two games in this series have seen only 196 combined points scored in each game — and Oklahoma City has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after playing two straight games where no more than 205 combined points were scored. They have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games with the Total set in the 200 to 209.5 point range. Dallas enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last six games by making 52.6% of their shots. But the Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after an upset victory in their last game. They return home where they rank only 10th of the 16 playoff teams in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency this postseason.

FINAL TAKE: The Thunder have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 31 games when playing with revenge. 8* NBA Oklahoma City-Dallas ABC-TV Special with the Oklahoma City Thunder (531) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (532). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder (531) and the Dallas Mavericks (532) in Game Six of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Oklahoma City (63-28) has lost three of their last four games after their 104-92 upset loss at home to the Mavericks as a 4.5-point underdog on Wednesday. Dallas (57-36) can close things out tonight given their 3-2 series lead.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Thunder allowed the Mavericks to make 52.6% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 13 games. Oklahoma City ranked fourth in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the regular season — and they have still held five of their last seven opponents to no higher than 42.9% shooting. The Thunder have played 20 of their last 29 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. They have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after playing a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. Oklahoma City goes back on the road where they rank just 11th of the 16 teams that made the playoffs with an Adjusted Offensive Efficiency number of 103.6. They are making only 32.7% of their shots from behind the arc against the Mavericks in this series. The Thunder have played 10 of their last 13 road games Under the Total as an underdog of up to six points. Dallas enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last six games by making 52.6% of their shots. The Mavericks have played 34 of their last 65 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 12 of their last 13 games Under the Total after an upset victory. Dallas has played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a game where neither team scored more than 105 points. The Mavs have won five of their last seven games — and they have played 21 of their last 32 games Under the Total after winning five or six of their last seven contests. They have also covered the point spread in five of their last seven games — and they have played 24 of their last 32 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. They return home where they rank only 10th of the 16 playoff teams in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency this postseason. Dallas has played 12 of their last 18 home games Under the Total when favored by up to six points.

FINAL TAKE: The Thunder have played 16 of their last 22 games Under the Total when avenging an upset loss — and they have played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total when playing with revenge on the road. 25* NBA 2nd Round Western Conference Playoff Total of the Yea with Under the Total in the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder (531) and the Dallas Mavericks (532). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New York Knicks (529) and the Indiana Pacers (530) in Game Six of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (57-36) snapped their two-game losing streak with their 121-91 victory as a 1-point favorite on Tuesday. Indiana (53-41) looks to stave off elimination as they now trail in this series by a 3-2 margin. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: These two teams have played three straight Unders in this series — and another lower-scoring game is likely tonight. The Knicks have played 13 of their last 21 games Under the Total after a win by 15 or more points. They have also played 10 of their last 16 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last game. New York outrebounded the Pacers by a 53-29 margin in Game Five — and they have played 23 of their last 34 games Under the Total after outrebounding their last opponent by 15 or more rebounds. They have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after outrebounding their previous opponent by 20 or more rebounds. The Knicks have played 11 of their last 18 games Under the Total after playing three or more Unders in a row. They have also played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total when playing with two days of rest. Indiana returns home where they have held the Knicks to 40.2% shooting and just 195 combined points in Games Three and Four. 

FINAL TAKE: The Pacers may be making 50.4% of their shots this season — but the Knicks have played 11 of their last 18 games Under the Total against teams who are making at least 48% of their shots. 8* NBA Friday Daily Discounted O/U Deal with Under the Total in the game between the New York Knicks (529) and the Indiana Pacers (530). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (525) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (526) in Game Six of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (64-28) took a 3-2 series lead on Tuesday with their 112-97 victory as a 3.5-point favorite in Game Five. Minnesota (62-29) has lost three straight games in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Nuggets’ offensive explosion continued as they nailed 55.0% of their shots making it their third straight game where they made at least 53.7% of their shots. Denver has played 31 of their last 49 games Under the Total after shooting 50% or better from the field in their last two games — and they have played 7 straight Unders after making 50% or more of their shots in three straight games. Additionally, the Nuggets have played 22 of their last 35 games Under the Total after a straight-up win at home. They have played 19 of their last 29 games Under the Total after a win by 10 or more points — and they have played 27 of their last 39 games Under the Total after a win by 15 or more points. They have also played 15 of their last 23 games Under the Total after winning three or more games in a row. Minnesota should tighten things up on defense after allowing the Nuggets to make 55.0% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 11 games. After Denver took 47% of their shots at the rim — and they made 73.5% of these attempts — look for Rudy Gobert to go back to protecting the rim and daring Aaron Gordon or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to beat them with their shooting in a hostile environment. The last three games in this series have finished Over the Total — but the Timberwolves have played 30 of their last 44 home games Under the Total after playing an Over in their last game. They have also played 15 of their last 19 home games Under the Total after playing two or more Overs in a row — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after playing three or more Overs in a row. Minnesota has not covered the point spread in their last three games — and they have played 10 of their last 16 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 18 of their last 27 games Under the Total when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 10* NBA Denver-Minnesota ESPN O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (525) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (526). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (526) minus the points versus the Denver Nuggets (525) in Game Six of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (62-29) has lost three straight games in this series after their 112-97 loss as a 3.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Denver (64-28) has taken a 3-2 series lead.  

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIMBERWOLVES MINUS THE POINTS: Minnesota should tighten things up on defense after allowing the Nuggets to make 55.0% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 11 games. After Denver took 47% of their shots at the rim — and made 73.5% of these attempts — look for Rudy Gobert to go back to protecting the rim and daring Aaron Gordon or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to beat them with their shooting in a hostile environment. The last three games in this series have finished Over the Total — but the Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after playing three or more Overs in a row. They have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 27 games after losing their last game. The youth and depth of this Minnesota team should help them tonight since they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 24 games when playing for no more than the fourth time in ten days. Denver's offensive explosion continued in Game Five as they nailed 55.0% of their shots making it their third straight game where they made at least 53.7% of their shots. But the Nuggets have failed to cover the point spread in 30 of their last 49 games after making 55.0% or more of their shots in their last game. They have covered the point spread in their last three victories — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 games after covering the point spread in three or more games in a row. Additionally, Denver has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a win at home against a Northwest Division rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 20 games after a double-digit win at home. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 35 opportunities when motivated by revenge. 8* NBA Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves (526) minus the points versus the Denver Nuggets (525). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:35 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (523) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (524) in Game Five of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (56-36) had won two games in a row in this series before their 100-96 upset victory as a 1.5-point underdog on Monday. Oklahoma City (63-27) has won 11 of their last 13 games while evening this series at 2-2. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The hobbled health of Luka Doncic continues to impact his effectiveness. He is only scoring 22.0 Points-Per-Game in this series — and he is making only 39% of his shots including just 31% of his 3-point attempts. The Mavericks have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. And while they have covered the point spread in four of their last six games, they have then played 29 of their last 43 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Dallas continues to compete on the other end of the court — they have held the Thunder to just 101 and 100 points in their last two games. The Mavericks have played 17 of their last 25 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. Oklahoma City has played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a win by six points or less — and they have played 21 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a straight-up win on the road. They have played 6 straight Unders after an upset victory on the road. The Thunder have also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. Furthermore, Oklahoma City has not allowed more than 105 points in their last two games — and they have played 13 of their last 20 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 100 points in their last game. They have played 19 of their last 28 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. They return home where they have played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total after playing their two previous games on the road. 

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 7 of their 8 games Under the Total with the total set in the 210s — and they have played 3 of these last 4 games Under the Total when playing on the road. 10* NBA Wednesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (523) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (524). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:35 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (519) and the Denver Nuggets (520) in Game Five of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (62-28) has lost the last two games in this series after their 115-107 upset loss as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. Denver (63-38) has evened this series at 2-2.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Timberwolves need to tighten things up on defense after allowing the Nuggets to make 57.0% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 61 games. Minnesota has played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games. And while the last two games finished Over the Total, the Timberwolves have played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after playing two or more games in a row Over the Total. Denver enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last 13 contests by making 57.0% of their shots. They shot 53.7% of their shots in Game Three — but they have then played 31 of their last 48 games Under the Total after making 50.0% of their shots in two or more games in a row. Additionally, they have played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a win on the road against a Northwest Division rival — and they have played 35 of their last 60 games Under the Total after winning two or more games in a row. They return home where they have played 25 of their last 37 home games Under the Total when favored by up to six points.

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 20 of their last 31 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from a loss where they allowed 100 or more points. 8* NBA Tuesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (519) and the Denver Nuggets (520). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the New York Knicks (518) minus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (517) in Game Five of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (56-36) has lost the last two games of this series after their 121-89 loss on the road to the Pacers as a 6-point underdog on Sunday. Indiana (53-40) has won six of their last nine games while evening this best-of-seven series at 2-2.

REASONS TO TAKE THE KNICKS MINUS THE POINT(S): The Knicks are a M*A*S*H unit right now with O.G. Anunoby now out indefinitely and enjoying Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle, and Bojan Bogdanovic in street clothes for this team. But if there is a silver lining to a loss by 32 points, it is that the starting five got benched and rested for this crucial fifth game. Returning home to a raucous Madison Square Garden, expect an inspired effort from Jalen Brunson and company. New York has covered the point spread in 23 of their last 35 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 40 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, the Knicks have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 20 games after a straight-up loss on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a double-digit loss on the road. They have also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after losing two games in a row on the road. New York only made 33.7% of their shots on Sunday which was the worst shooting effort in their last 28 games — but they have then covered the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game. They have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to score more than 95 points in their last contest. They also allowed the Pacers to make 56.8% of their shots which was the worst defensive performance in their last 35 contests. Games Three and Four finished Under the Total — and the Knicks have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games after playing two or more Unders in a row. Furthermore, New York has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 home games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Indiana played their best defensive game of the season by holding the Knicks to 33.7% shooting. They also enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last ten games by nailing 56.8% of their shots. But the Pacers have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after a win at home by 20 or more points. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a win by 30 or more points. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 30 of their last 44 games after a point spread win. Indiana is dealing with their own injuries — most notably, Tyrese Haliburton has been slowed with back spasms and a right ankle. This might be the game he needs to exhale after leading his team to two victories at home. The Pacers go back on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 road games with the Total set in the 210s. 

FINAL TAKE: The Knicks have covered the point spread in 22 of their last 33 opportunities to avenge a double-digit loss to their opponent. 25* NBA 2nd Round Eastern Conference Playoff Game of the Year with the New York Knicks (518) minus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (517). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:35 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (515) plus the point(s) versus the Dallas Mavericks (516) in Game Four of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Oklahoma City (62-27) was on a 10-game winning streak before losing the last two games in this series after their 105-101 loss on the road against the Mavericks on Saturday. Dallas (56-35) has won six of their last eight games while taking a 2-1 lead in this best-of-seven series. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE THUNDER PLUS THE POINT(S): Oklahoma City should play better tonight — they have covered the point spread in 29 of their last 44 games after a loss by six points or less. They have also covered the point spread in 23 of their last 34 games after playing a game where neither team scored more than 105 points in their last game. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after losing two of their last three games. They stay on the road where they have covered the point spread in 23 of their last 38 road games as an underdog of up to six points. The strong play they have demonstrated on the defensive end of the court should help them tonight — they are holding their playoff opponents to just 41.1% shooting which is resulting in only 96.7 Points-Per-Game. Dallas has failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 34 games after winning their last game by six points or less. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after winning their previous game by four points or less. Luka Doncic only scored 22 points on 7 of 17 shooting (41.1%) shooting — and he missed three of his four shots from behind the arc. With Doncic still nursing a sprained right knee and now a sore left ankle issue, his effectiveness will continue to be a question — and don’t underestimate the struggles he may have on defense. A less than full-strength Doncic is a problem for a Mavericks team that has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games against teams outscoring their opponents by +6.0 or more Points-Per-Game. The Thunder are outscoring their opponents by +7.4 PPG this season. 

FINAL TAKE: The Thunder have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games when avenging a loss on the road. 10* NBA Monday Late Show Bailout with the Oklahoma City Thunder (515) plus the point(s) versus the Dallas Mavericks (516). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (512) minus the points versus the Denver Nuggets (511) in Game Four of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (62-27) had won six games in a row before their 117-90 loss to the Nuggets as a 3.5-point underdog on Friday. Denver (62-28) won their first game in this series but still trail by a 2-1 margin.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIMBERWOLVES MINUS THE POINTS: Minnesota should play much better on defense after allowing the Nuggets to make 53.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. They also made only 43.7% of their shots in what was the worst shooting performance in their last 12 contests. The T-Wolves have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games at home after a straight-up loss to a Northwest Division rival. They have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games after an upset loss by double-digits. Minnesota stays at home where they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 home games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Denver enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last ten games with their 53.7% shooting clip. They also played their best defensive game in their last games by holding the T-Wolves to 43.7% shooting. But the Nuggets have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after a double-digit win against a Northwest Division rival. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a win by 20 or more points against a division opponent.

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games when avenging an upset loss as a home favorite. 8* NBA Denver-Minnesota ABC-TV Special with the Minnesota Timberwolves (512) minus the points versus the Denver Nuggets (511). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (511) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (512) in Game Four of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (62-28) won their first game in this series with their 117-90 victory as a 3.5-point underdog on Friday. Minnesota (62-27) had won six games in a row before that loss — they hold a 2-1 lead in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Nuggets enjoyed their best overall shooting game in over a month. Their 53.7% shooting percentage from the field was their best mark in their last ten games. They made 14 of their 28 shots (50%) from behind the arc. They scored at a 112.4 points per 100 possession rate in the half-court which was their most efficient clip in the postseason by 11 points. They scored 37 points in the third quarter alone. Head coach Michael Malone made two key adjustments to unlock the offense: (1) he had Nikola Jokic or Aaron Gordon dribble the ball up the court to ask less of Jamal Murray and (2) he emphasized getting the ball across mid-court in two to three seconds to quicker get into their half-court offense. It worked — but now the onus is on the Timberwolves’ head coach Chris Finch and his coaching staff to determine their counter move with the two days of preparation. Furthermore, the ongoing concern for this team is their lack of depth combined with their lingering injury situation. Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Reggie Jackson are all questionable with injuries -- and even if they play, their continuing effectiveness will be a concern. Denver also increased their intensity on defense. The biggest tactical change was that Jokic was less concerned with defending the paint to instead use his length to disrupt things on the perimeter. The Timberwolves only made 10 of their 33 shots (30%) from behind the arc despite attempting 45% of their shots from 3-point range. The Nuggets have played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a win on the road against an Atlantic Division rival. They have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a win on the road by double-digits. Additionally, they have played 19 of their last 28 games Under the Total after a win by 10 or more points — and they have played 17 of their last 23 games Under the Total after a win by 20 or more points. They have played 20 of their last 33 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. And in their last 13 games on the road when listed in the +/- 3-point range, Denver has played 8 of these games Under the Total. Minnesota will not be as sluggish as they were in Game Three — but they ranked a mediocre 12th in the league in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency in the half-court. Jokic daring Karl-Anthony Towns to attack the glass may be worth the risk since KAT so often becomes passive and settles for outside shots. Towns only scored 14 points on a mere seven shots from the field on Friday. The T-Wolves should play much better on defense after allowing the Nuggets to make 53.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. Minnesota has played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a loss on their home court — and they have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a loss at home to a Northwest Division rival. And while Game Three finished Under the Total, the Timberwolves have played 30 of their last 43 home games Under the Total after playing an Under in their last game. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total when avenging an upset loss — and they have played 18 of their last 25 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from a loss where they allowed 110 or more points. 25* NBA Northwest Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (511) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (512). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (505) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (506) in Game Three of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Oklahoma City (62-26) had their ten-game winning streak snapped in a 119-110 upset loss at home to the Mavericks as a 5-point favorite on Thursday. Dallas (55-35) has won five of their last seven games while evening this series at 1-1. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE THUNDER PLUS THE POINTS: Oklahoma City has been playing great basketball this postseason — it is telling that the Mavericks’ 46.7% shooting percentage was the worst defensive performance in their last seven games. Head coach Mark Daigneault has some adjustments available to him. Look for the Thunder to be more focused on pressuring the Mavericks off the 3-point line and coaxing them to rely on Luka Doncic in the half-court. Doncic rebounded on Thursday by scoring 29 points on 11 of 21 shooting — but he remains hampered by a nagging right knee injury. Expect Aaron Wiggins to continue to get more playing time for Josh Giddey as well — Oklahoma City was outplayed by -20 points in the 13 minutes he played in Game Two. The Thunder have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss at home. They had covered the point spread in four straight games before Thursday’s nine-point loss — and they have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games after covering the point spread in three of their last four games. They should continue to benefit from all the time off they earned after sweeping New Orleans in the first round — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games when playing for no more than the third time in the last ten days. Oklahoma City has also covered the point spread in 23 of their last 37 road games as an underdog of up to six points. Dallas got a surprising shooting performance from P.J. Washington who nailed 7 of his 10 shots from behind the arc on Thursday. But Kyrie Irving’s 9 points from 2 of 8 shooting is cause for concern — especially when considering how important Game Two was for them with Doncic not 100%. As it is, the Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after an upset victory. And while that final score flew Over the 217.5-point Total, Dallas has then failed to cover the point spread in 27 of their last 40 home games after playing a game that finished Over the Total. 

FINAL TAKE: The Thunder have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 27 games when avenging a loss where their opponent scored at least 110 points. 25* NBA Saturday ABC-TV Game of the Month with the Oklahoma City Thunder (505) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (506). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

FRANK’S CUTTING ROOM FLOOR FOR FRIDAY, 5/10:

My “Cutting Room Floor” plays are the situations I considered the closest to being worthy of investment but did not make the “final cut” for my official plays today for subscribers. The last play I cut for Friday was with Over the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Denver (61-28) has lost three of their last four games after their 106-80 upset loss at home to the Timberwolves as a 6.5-point favorite on Monday. The Nuggets go on the road where they have played 6 straight Overs with the Total set in the 200-209.5 point range. They have also played 4 of their last 5 third games in a playoff series Over the Total. Minnesota (62-26) has won six games in a row — and they have played 24 of their last 39 games Over the Total after winning two or more games in a row. The Timberwolves have held the Nuggets to no more than 99 points in this series — and they have played 14 of their last 17 games Over the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last two games. Take the Over. Best of luck — Frank.

Frank Sawyer’s Hollywood Sports made it FOUR STRAIGHT WINNERS this week to fuel their 41 of 65 (63%) All-Sports run with featured 25*/20*/10* plays after a 2-0 Thursday sweep! Frank CA$HED the Dallas-Oklahoma City Over to continue his long-running 91 of 150 (61%) NBA featured play run — and now he furthers his 5 of 7 (71%) NBA Game of the Year/Month sides mark with his 25* NBA Northwest Division Game of the Year with the Denver-Minnesota ATS winner on ESPN at 9:35 PM ET! DO NOT MISS OUT!

At 9:35 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Denver Nuggets (503) plus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (504) in Game Three of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (61-28) has lost three of their last four games after their 106-80 upset loss at home to the Timberwolves as a 6.5-point favorite on Monday. Minnesota (62-26) has won six games in a row as they return home with a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE NUGGETS PLUS THE POINTS: The Timberwolves entered this series feisty to dethrone the defending NBA champions who ousted them from the playoffs last season. Anthony Edwards is generating comparisons to Michael Jordan. Slow down. I still expect this to be a long series. Denver lost a close game in the opener of this series — and they were simply flat in Game Two perhaps thinking they could casually flip the switch. They only made 34.9% of their shots which was the second worst shooting effort of their season and lowest field goal percentage in their last 73 games. Nikola Jokic was too passive on Monday as he often deferred to his teammates on offense. After receiving the Most Valuable Player Award on Wednesday after that embarrassing effort in Game Two, expect a very aggressive Joker tonight. And look for the Nuggets to get back to playing harder on defense — especially in transition where they have surrendered points at a whopping 190 points per 100 possession rate. Championship lethargy is nearly undefeated — but Denver has also demonstrated consistent resiliency after bad efforts in the Jokic era. The Nuggets have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games after an upset loss — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after an upset loss by 15 or more points. They have covered the point spread in 8 straight games after a double-digit loss to a Northwest Division rival. They have failed to cover the point spread in four straight games and in five of their last six games — but they have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. The four days off this week should help them readjust mentally to the challenge of this series — and it should help players like Jamal Murray get healthier. Denver has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games when playing for no more than the third time in ten days. They have allowed the T-Wolves to make 52.4% and 50% in both games in this series — but they have covered the point spread in 4 of their 6 games this season after allowing two straight opponents to make 50% or more of their shots. More activity on defense should help — after forcing 14 turnovers that generated into 26 points in Game One, the Nuggets forced 12 turnovers in Game Two but only got two points from them. More focus and attention on the restricted area should also pay dividends. After averaging 29 shots per game in the restricted area last round against the Lakers, they are averaging 27.7 shots per game in the restricted area this round but making only 54.5% of these shots. Minnesota won Game Two even without Rudy Gobert who missed the game due to the birth of his child. But a letdown may be coming now — the Timberwolves have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 home games after winning six or seven of their last eight games. And while they have covered the point spread in six straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after covering the point spread in five straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in the previous 3 times in the last three years they were riding a six-game point spread cover run. Furthermore, they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing no more than 90 points in their last game. Holding Denver to just 34.9% shooting was the best defensive effort in their last 34 games. The Regression Gods are probably due to make an appearance regarding their shooting in this series as well. They are making 40.4% of their 3s against Denver — and they are nailing 49% of their midrange jumpers including 50% of their long midrange shots which leads all teams in the second round of the playoffs. The Timberwolves return home — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games at home when favored by up to six points. 

FINAL TAKE: The Nuggets have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when avenging an upset loss as a home favorite — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games when playing with revenge from a loss at home by 10 or more points. 25* NBA Northwest Division Game of the Year with the Denver Nuggets (503) plus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (504). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Indiana Pacers (502) minus the points versus the New York Knicks (501) in Game Three of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (51-40) has lost three of their last four games after their 130-121 loss on the road to the Knicks as a 4.5-point underdog on Wednesday. New York (56-34) has won four of their last five games while taking a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE PACERS MINUS THE POINTS: Indiana made a healthy 51.6% of their shots — but that was the worst shooting effort in their last three games. Of greater concern is that they allowed the Knicks to nail 57.0% of their shots in what was the worst defensive performance in their last 44 games. Expect the Pacers to play better on that end of the court tonight — and look for head coach Rick Carlisle to give more minutes to T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin since they are two of the team’s better defensive players. The Knicks made 53.7% of their shots in Game One — but Indiana has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 24 games after allowing their last two opponents to make at least 50% of their shots. Their last three opponents are averaging a 51.0% shooting clip against them — but they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 home games after allowing their last three opponents to shoot 50% or better from the field. They have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after allowing 130 or more points in their last game. Additionally, the Pacers have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 38 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 29 of their last 40 games after a point spread loss. They have also covered the point spread in 22 of their last 31 games when playing for no more than the fourth time in the last ten days. New York enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last 18 games by making 57.0% of their shots. They were fortunate to nail 67% of their contested shots — but they did only make 44% of their uncontested shots so perhaps the magic changes now away from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after making 55.0% or more of their shots — and they have failed to cover the point spread in their 3 games this season when they scored 130 or more points. They are becoming a M*A*S*H unit now — Mitchell Robinson suffered a season-ending injury in Game One and O.G. Anunoby is out tonight from an injury on Wednesday. Even Jalen Brunson is questionable tonight with a right foot injury. 

FINAL TAKE: The Pacers have covered the point spread in 27 of their last 44 opportunities for revenge. 8* NBA Friday Daily Discounted Deal with the Indiana Pacers (502) minus the points versus the New York Knicks (501). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:35 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (565) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (566) in Game Two of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (54-35) had won two games in a row before their 117-95 loss on the road against the Thunder as a 4-point favorite on Tuesday. Oklahoma City (62-25) has won 10 games in a row while taking a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. 

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Dallas only made 39.3% of their shots on Tuesday which was the worst shooting effort in their last six games. Luka Doncic does not appear to be too close to 100% as he deals with a right knee injury. After scoring 33.9 Points-Per-Game in the regular season, he is down more than five PPG to 28.3 PPG in the postseason. But the impact of his injury is even more pronounced on the other end of the court where he is often not much inspired to play tough defense anyways. If Doncic continues to be ineffective in the half-court, Kyrie Irving will need to take more responsibility in leading the offensive attack. The injury to Maxi Kleber is also impacting this team as he offers them a versatile defender when he is healthy. As it is, the Mavericks have played 22 of their last 33-second games in an NBA playoff series Over the Total. They have also played 31 of their last 47 games in the second round of the playoffs Over the Total. Oklahoma City has played 22 of their last 35 games Over the Total after a straight-up win at home — and they have played 25 of their last 37 games Over the Total after a double-digit win on their home court. The Thunder have also played 10 of their last 12 home games Over the Total when playing for the second time in five days. Oklahoma City is playing great defense — the 39.3% field goal percentage of Dallas was the highest that the Thunder have allowed in their last three games. OKC has played three straight Unders — but they have played 25 of their last 39 games Over the Total after playing two or more Overs in a row. They have also played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after playing three or more Overs in a row.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 14 of their last 20 road games Over the Total when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 10* NBA Thursday Night Discounted O/U Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (565) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (566). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (561) and the New York Knicks (562) in Game Two of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (51-39) has lost two of their last three games after their 121-117 loss on the road to the Knicks as a 5.5-point underdog on Monday. New York (55-34) has won 10 of their last 12 games.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Pacers allowed the Knicks to make 53.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 16 games — but it was also the third time in their last four games where they allowed their opponent to make at least 51.1% of their shots from the field. Indiana does not have a defensive answer to Jalen Brunson who scored 43 points and got to the free-throw line 14 times on Monday. The Pacers have played 25 of their last 38 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 14 of their last 22 games Over the Total after a loss on the road. Additionally, Indiana has played 41 of their last 68 games Over the Total as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. This is just the fifth time all season that they are playing in a game with the Total set in the 210-219.5 point range — and they have played 3 of those previous 4 games Over the Total. New York has played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total after a straight-up win where they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. They have also played 22 of their last 33 games Over the Total after winning five or six of their last seven games. The Knicks have played 19 of their 27 games this season Over the Total with the Total set in the 210s — and they have played 10 of their last 14 home games Over the Total with the Total set in the 210-219.5 point range. New York has played three straight Overs — and they have played 25 of their last 41 games Over the Total following a game that finished Over the Total. Additionally, they have played 16 of their last 24 games Over the Total after playing two or more Overs in a row — and they have played 11 of their last 15 games Over the Total after playing three or more Overs in a row. The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson indefinitely after he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle on Monday — and that means more playing time for Precious Achiwa. Achiwa means higher scores at the margins since he is not as good a defensive player as Robinson — but he does offer more on the perimeter. 

FINAL TAKE: The Pacers have played 56 of their last 92 games Over the Total when avenging a same-season loss. 10* NBA Indiana-New York TNT O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (561) and the New York Knicks (562). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (557) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (558) in Game One of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (54-34) has won four of their last five games after their 114-101 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers as an 8-point favorite on Friday to end that series in six games. Oklahoma City (61-25) has won nine games in a row after their 97-89 victory at New Orleans as a 4.5-point favorite last Monday to complete that four-game sweep. 

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Dallas found their offensive groove in the second half of their series with the Clippers. Their 48.2% field goal percentage in Game Six on Friday was the worst shooting mark in their last three games — they have scored 116.0 Points-Per-Game in those contests. Luka Doncic has been very productive when playing on the road — and he has been particularly effective when playing with at least three days of rest. In those ten games this season, he is scoring 35.6 PPG. The Mavericks have played 7 of their last 11 games Over the Total as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Oklahoma City held the Pelicans to just 37.6% shooting to close out that series in Game Four which was the best defensive effort in their last four games. They also made only 42.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 11 games. The Thunder have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after failing to score more than 100 points in their last game. And while they have held their last two opponents to 38.5% or worse shooting, they have then played 4 straight Overs after not allowing their last two opponents to make at least 39.0% of their shots. Both those games finished Under the Total — and they have played 25 of their last 38 games Over the Total after playing two or more Unders in a row. They have also played 7 of their last 11 games Over the Total when playing for no more than the fourth time in the last ten days. They host the first two games of this series where they have played 16 of their last 27 home games Over the Total with the Total set in the 210s — and they have played 8 of their last 13 home games Over the Total when favored by up to six points. 

FINAL TAKE: The Thunder won three of the four games between these two teams in the regular season after a 135-86 victory on the final day of the regular season on April 14th. The Mavericks have played 16 of their last 23 games Over the Total when on the road and playing with revenge — and they have played 14 of their last 19 road games Over the Total when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 10* NBA Tuesday Daily Discounted O/U Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (557) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (558). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Denver Nuggets (554) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (553) in Game Two of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (61-27) has lost two of their last three games after their 106-99 upset loss at home to the Timberwolves as a 4-point favorite on Saturday. Minnesota (61-26) has won five games in a row after that triumph. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE NUGGETS MINUS THE POINTS: Denver allowed the Timberwolves to nail 52.4% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last seven games. The Nuggets should play better tonight after that wake-up call which cost them a home-court advantage in this series. Denver has rebounded to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after a straight-up loss at home — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss at home. And while the Nuggets have not covered the point spread in three straight games, they have then covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after only covering the point spread once in their last four contests. Minnesota enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last 12 games by making 52.4% of their shots. The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in five straight games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after covering the point spread in five or more games in a row. They stay on the road for the fourth straight game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their 6 games this season after winning three or more games in a row. Minnesota has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning four or more games in a row — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after winning five or more games in a row. 

FINAL TAKE: The Nuggets have covered the point spread in 23 of their last 35 home games when playing with revenge — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games when avenging an upset loss at home. 20* NBA Monday Late Show Bailout with the Denver Nuggets (554) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (553). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the New York Knicks (556) minus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (555) in Game One of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (54-34) has won nine of their last 11 games after upsetting Philadelphia by a 118-115 score as a 3-point underdog to end that series in six games on Thursday. Indiana (51-38) has won eight of their last 11 games after their 120-98 win against Milwaukee as a 6-point favorite to end that series in six games on Thursday. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE KNICKS MINUS THE POINTS: The Pacers held an undermanned Bucks team to just 42.2 % which was their best defensive effort in their last 13 games. They also made 54.1% of their shots which was the best shooting performance in their last four games. But Indiana has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a win by 20 or more points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after a victory by 20 or more points on their home court. Furthermore, the Pacers have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games on the road with the Total set in the 210s. Indiana has a depth advantage in this series — but with both teams playing with four days of rest, the Knicks’ seven-man rotation should not be an issue tonight. New York has great chemistry led by their Villanova trio of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. When those three former Wildcats join O.G. Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein in the starting lineup, they have a strong Adjusted Net Efficiency margin of +15.1. And when Miles McBride replaces Anunoby to play with those four, the Knicks post a +33.1 Adjusted Net Efficiency which is the second-best mark for any group of five who have played at least 200 minutes together. New York has covered the point spread in 51 of their last 85 games when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. 

FINAL TAKE: Indiana won two of the three meetings between these teams in the regular season — but New York won the only time the current starting lineups went up against each other in a 109-105 victory at Madison Square Garden on February 1st. The Pacers won the final time these two teams played back on February 10th by a 125-111 score at MSG — but the Knicks have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 15 opportunities to avenge a loss at home. New York has also covered the point spread in 22 of their last 32 games when playing with revenge from a loss by double-digits. 10* NBA Indiana-Milwaukee TNT Special with the New York Knicks (556) minus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (555). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Orlando Magic (545) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (546) in Game Seven of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Orlando (50-38) forced a decisive Game Seven in this series with their 103-96 victory at home against the Cavaliers as a 4.5-point favorite on Friday. Cleveland (51-37) has lost three of their last four games.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Magic took Game Six despite allowing the Cavaliers to make 48.8% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last eight games. Orlando finished the regular season ranked third in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. In this series, they have held Cleveland to just 44.0% shooting which has resulted in only 94.2 Points-Per-Game. But the Magic are only making 43.4% of their shots in this series resulting in just 101.3 PPG themselves. Their shooting has been worse on the road where they have only made 38.1% of their shots including 25.2% of their 3s in their three games in Cleveland in this series. The Magic are scoring just 90.7 PPG in those three games while scoring more than 86 points only once. Orlando has played 16 of their last 23 games Under the Total after playing a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. And while the Magic have eight fewer personal fouls in each of the last two games, they have then played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after committing at least five fewer personal fouls than their opponent in two straight games. Cleveland enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last seven games by making 48.8% of their shots on Friday. But the Cavaliers have not scored more than 104 points in this series — and they have not scored more than 97 points in five of the six games. Cleveland has played 11 of their last 18 games Under the Total after not scoring more than 105 points in three or more games in a row. They have also played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after playing two games in a row where neither team scored more than 105 points. The foul situation in the last two games has helped Orlando take 16 and 10 more shots at the free throw line as well — and the Cavaliers have played 24 of their last 34 home games Under the Total after playing two games in a row where they took at least 10 fewer shots at the charity stripe.

FINAL TAKE: Cleveland has played 14 of their last 22 games Under the Total when playing with revenge. 25* NBA 1st Round Eastern Conference Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Orlando Magic (545) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (546). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Denver Nuggets (530) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (529) in Game One of their Western Conference Semifinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (61-26) has won five of their last six games after their 108-106 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 6.5-point favorite on Monday. Minnesota (60-26) has won four games in a row after completing their four-game sweep against the Phoenix Suns with a 122-116 victory as a pick ‘em on Sunday. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE NUGGETS MINUS THE POINTS: Denver only made 31.4% of their shots from behind the arc in their series against the Lakers. They shoot 38.4% from 3-point land when playing at home — and they converted on 39% of their 3s in the playoffs against the Timberwolves last year. The Nuggets have only covered the point spread once in their last four games — but they have then covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. They have covered the point spread in 30 of their last 48 games at home after winning three of their last four games. And in their last 17 games when playing with three or more days of rest, Denver has covered the point spread in 11 of these contests. Minnesota controlled the offensive glass against the Suns — they grabbed 36% of their missed shots in that series. But the Timberwolves pulled down only 21.6% of their missed shots against the Nuggets in their playoff series last year. Minnesota had it easy against Phoenix — but this is now a big step up in competition. As it is, Minnesota has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after winning four or more games in a row. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after a win by six points or less.

FINAL TAKE: Denver won the series in five games against the Timberwolves last season — and the Nuggets have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 opening games to a new playoff series when their starting five is healthy. 10* NBA Minnesota-Denver TNT Special with the Denver Nuggets (530) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (529). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Clippers (527) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (528) in Game Six of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (53-34) has lost six of their last eight games after their 123-93 loss at home to the Mavericks on Wednesday. Dallas (53-34) has a 3-2 series lead with the chance to close out the series tonight.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CLIPPERS PLUS THE POINTS: The Clippers allowed the Mavericks to make 54.0% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 16 contests. They miss Kawhi Leonard who remains an outstanding defender — but head coach Ty Lue will demand a better effort from his players on that end of the court. They should shoot better than 37.9% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last three games in this series. Los Angeles has covered the point spread in 23 of their last 36 games when trailing in the playoff series. Dallas enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last nine games by nailing 54.0% of their shots. And they played their best game on the other end of the court in their last three games by holding the Clippers to a 37.9% field goal percentage. The Mavericks were red-hot down the stretch by winning 16 of 18 games before tanking the final two regular season games since their spot as the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs was clinched. But only one of their 16 victories during that stretch was against a top-six seed in either conference — and that upset win at home against Denver required a miracle buzzer-beating shot from Kyrie Irving to steal that game. Dallas is below .500 with a 25-28 straight-up record against teams with a winning percentage of .500 or better.

FINAL TAKE: The Clippers have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games when avenging a loss of 30 or more points. 8* NBA Friday Late Show Bailout with the Los Angeles Clippers (527) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (528). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Clippers (527) and the Dallas Mavericks (528) in Game Six of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (53-34) has lost six of their last eight games after their 123-93 loss at home to the Mavericks on Wednesday. Dallas (53-34) has a 3-2 series lead with the chance to close out the series tonight. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Clippers allowed the Mavericks to make 54.0% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 16 contests. They miss Kawhi Leonard who remains an outstanding defender — but head coach Ty Lue will demand a better effort from his players on that end of the court. Leonard will miss tonight’s game as well as he, as always, manages his knee problem — and the Clippers also miss his scoring. Los Angeles has not scored more than 93 points in three of the last four games in this series. The Clippers have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after a loss by 10 or more points — and they have played 30 of their last 45 games Under the Total after a loss by 15 or more points. They have also played 14 of their last 22 games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games — and they have played 4 straight Unders after losing six or seven of their last eight games. They have played 17 of their last 25 games Under the Total when playing for the second time in five days. And in their last 13 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points, Los Angeles has played 8 of these games Under the Total. Dallas enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last nine games by nailing 54.0% of their shots. The Mavs should continue to be tough to score on in this series. The additions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline transformed the defensive makeup of this team. Since February 5th, they ranked third in the NBA in opponent’s effective field goal percentage after previously ranking 26th in the league. And in their last 15 games in the regular season, they led the NBA by holding their opponents to 106.1 points per 100 adjusted possessions. Dallas has played 23 of their last 33 games Under the Total after a win on the road by 10 or more points. They have also played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total after a win by 15 or more points — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a victory by 30 or more points. Furthermore, the Mavericks have played 15 of their last 22 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game — and they have played 13 of their last 16 games at home Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last game. 

FINAL TAKE: The Clippers have played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total when avenging a loss on their home court — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total when on the road playing with revenge from a same-season loss. 25* NBA 1st Round Playoff Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Clippers (527) and the Dallas Mavericks (528). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the New York Knicks (511) plus the points versus the Philadelphia 76ers (512) in Game Six of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (53-34) has lost two of the last three games in this series after their 112-106 upset loss in overtime at home to the 76ers as a 4-point underdog on Tuesday. Philadelphia (50-38) still trails by a 3-2 margin in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE KNICKS PLUS THE POINTS: New York should play better tonight as they have covered the point spread in 22 of their last 33 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after losing to an Atlantic Division rival. They go back on the road where they have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 38 games after playing their previous game at home. Philadelphia has failed to cover the point spread in 24 of their last 35 games after an upset win as an underdog — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 26 games after an upset win as a road dog. The 76ers have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a win against a divisional rival. 

FINAL TAKE: The Knicks have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when avenging an upset loss to their opponent. 8* NBA Thursday Late Show Bailout with the New York Knicks (511) plus the points versus the Philadelphia 76ers (512). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New York Knicks (511) and the Philadelphia 76ers (512) in Game Six of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (53-34) has lost two of the last three games in this series after their 112-106 upset loss in overtime at home to the 76ers as a 4-point underdog on Tuesday. Philadelphia (50-38) still trails by a 3-2 margin in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: It took overtime for Game Five to finish Over the Total — that game was tied at 97 at the end of regulation. The Knicks made 46.5% of their shots which was their second-best shooting effort in this series. But New York’s 3-point shooting has collapsed. After only making 7 of their 27 shots from behind the arc, they shot just 10 of their 36 shots from 3-point range on Tuesday — that’s a 27.0% shooting percentage from 3-point land in their last two games. The Knicks have not shot better than 43% in three of the five games in this series. But they are playing tough defense led by O.G. Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. They are holding the Sixers to a low 54.8% shooting percentage at the rim. New York has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after an upset loss at home. And while they have failed to cover the point spread in five of their last seven games, they have then played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. Philadelphia only made 48.1% of their shots at the rim on Tuesday. And despite them making 15 of their 39 shots (38.5%) from behind the arc, they only scored at a 110.9 points per 100 possession rate. For comparison's sake, the 76ers scored at a 116.3 points per 100 adjusted possession rate in the regular season — and their Adjusted Offensive Efficiency in Game Five would rank 26th in the league if extended for the entire season. Joel Embiid deserves credit for taking the court — but he is so banged up with several maladies including his chronic left knee and now Bell's palsy. He needs rest — and he simply is not in the physical state to take his game down low. Instead, he is trying to survive out on the perimeter — but in his last two games, he is making only 36.8% of his shots including just a 20% shooting mark from behind the arc. Philadelphia has played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after an upset victory. The Sixers have also played 8 of their last 12 home games Under the Total with the Total set from 200 to 209.5.

FINAL TAKE: The 76ers have played 7 of their last 11 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-pint range. The Knicks have played 13 of their last 22 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. 25* NBA Atlantic Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the New York Knicks (511) and the Philadelphia 76ers (512). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:40 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Indiana Pacers (514) minus the points versus the Milwaukee Bucks (513) in Game Six of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (50-38) had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 115-92 upset loss on the road to the Bucks as a 5-point road favorite on Tuesday. Milwaukee (51-36) still trails in this series by a 3-2 margin.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PACERS MINUS THE POINTS: Indiana allowed the Bucks to make 52.4% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last six games. They also let them shoot 51.1% from the field in Game Four — but they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 23 games after allowing their last two opponents to make 50% or more of their shots. The Pacers have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss to a Central Division rival — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after an upset loss to a divisional opponent. Additionally, Indiana has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after an upset loss — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after a double-digit setback. Furthermore, they have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 36 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 28 of their last 39 games after a point spread loss. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable as he deals with back spasms but he should continue to play through the pain. Despite being without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last eight games with their 52.4% field goal percentage. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis both scored 29 points — and even Patrick Beverley stepped up with 13 points and 12 rebounds. But with Antetokounmpo and Lillard not likely to the court again tonight, it is difficult to expect these players to approach those numbers again. As it is, the Bucks have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after an upset win by 10 or more points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after an upset victory by 15 or more points. They have failed to cover the point spread in 46 of their last 68 games after an upset win against a Central Division opponent. They go back on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 25 of their 41 games this season. The Bucks have also failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 29 road games as an underdog — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 road games as an underdog getting up to six points.

FINAL TAKE: Indiana has covered the point spread in 16 of their last 24 games when avenging a same-season loss. Additionally, the Pacers have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 24 games when playing with revenge from a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games when avenging a loss by 20 or more points. 10* NBA Milwaukee-Indiana TNT Special with the Indiana Pacers (514) minus the points versus the Milwaukee Bucks (513). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (505) and the Los Angeles Clippers (506) in Game Five of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (52-34) has lost four of their last six games after their 116-111 upset loss at home to the Clippers on Monday. Los Angeles (53-33) evened this series at 2-2 with the victory. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Mavericks fell behind by 30 points — but they almost rallied to steal that game. They made 49.4% of their shots which was the best shooting effort in their last six games. But they allowed the Clippers to make 53.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last four games. Dallas has played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total when playing with two days of rest. Los Angeles enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last nine contests by making 53.7% of their shots -- even without the injured Kawhi Leonard. They also played their worst defensive game in their last 12 contests by allowing the Mavs to shoot 49.4% from the field. The Clippers have played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a win by six points or less. Their victory snapped a two-game losing streak — and they have also played 16 of their last 22 games at home Under the Total after losing two of their last three games. They return home where they have played 11 of their last 13 home games Under the Total as an underdog of up to six points. 

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 10 of their last 15 games on the road when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and the Clippers have played 13 of their last 16 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. 8* NBA Wednesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (505) and the Los Angeles Clippers (506). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (505) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Clippers (506) in Game Five of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (52-34) has lost four of their last six games after their 116-111 upset loss at home to the Clippers on Monday. Los Angeles (53-33) evened this series at 2-2 with the victory. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE CLIPPERS MINUS THE POINTS: The Mavericks may have gotten complacent in Game Four with the news that Kawhi Leonard would not play due to his right knee. Los Angeles raced out of the gates to take a huge 30-point lead in the first half and went into the locker room with a 66-49 lead. Dallas battled back and almost stole the game — but they dug themselves too big a hole. They should start this game much better and play better on defense. They allowed the Clippers to make 53.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last four games. Since February 5th, they ranked third in the NBA in opponent’s effective field goal percentage after previously ranking 26th in the league. And in their last 15 games in the regular season, they led the NBA by holding their opponents to 106.1 points per 100 adjusted possessions. The additions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline transformed the defensive makeup of this team. The Mavericks have been resilient after bad losses as they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games after an upset loss. They have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 20 games when playing for the second time in five days. Dallas goes back on the road where they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games when favored — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 road games when favored by six points or less. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 15 road games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Los Angeles enjoyed their best shooting game in their last nine contests by making 53.7% of their shots. Paul George and James Harden combined to make 11 of their 15 shots from behind the arc — but they are not likely to repeat a 73% shooting percentage from 3-point range. The Clippers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after an upset victory. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after pulling off an upset win on the road including those last five circumstances. They have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games after an upset win on the road. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after enjoying a halftime of 15 or more points. Furthermore, they have failed to cover the point spread in 24 of their last 35 games when playing with two days of rest. They will once again be without Leonard who is still nursing his right knee. Los Angeles has failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games after playing their last two games on the road. They have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 22 games as an underdog — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their 6 games at home as the dog. 

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 9 straight games on the road when avenging a loss — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 15 games on the road when playing with revenge from an upset loss as a home favorite. 25* NBA 1st Round Western Conference Playoff Game of the Year with the Dallas Mavericks (505) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Clippers (506). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (567) and the Milwaukee Bucks (568) in Game Five of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (50-37) has won three games in a row in this series after their 126-113 victory as a 10-point favorite on Sunday. Milwaukee (50-36) has lost five of their last six games and now trails in this series by a 3-1 margin. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Pacers pulled out Game Four despite allowing the Bucks to make 51.1% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last five games. Indiana has played 15 of their last 22 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 17 of their last 22 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. They have also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after covering the point spread as a double-digit favorite. Additionally, the Pacers have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total on the road as the favorite. Despite being without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee made 51.1% of their shots which was the best shooting effort in their last six contests. Antetokounmpo and Lillard are doubtful to play tonight. The Bucks have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a loss on the road by double-digits. They have also played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after losing two games in a row — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after losing five of their last six games. Milwaukee has also played 11 of their last 18 games Under the Total as an underdog. 

FINAL TAKE: The Bucks have played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total when avenging a double-digit loss. 8* NBA Tuesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Indiana Pacers (567) and the Milwaukee Bucks (568). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Cleveland Cavaliers (570) minus the points versus the Orlando Magic (569) in Game Five of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Cleveland (50-36) has lost two games in a row in this series after their 112-89 loss on the road to the Magic as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. Orlando (49-37) has evened this best-of-seven series at 2-2. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAVALIERS MINUS THE POINTS: Cleveland allowed Orlando to make 55.8% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last eight games. The Magic made 51.1% of their shots against them in their 38-point victory in Game Three on Thursday as well — but the Cavaliers have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after allowing 50% or better shooting from their opponent in two games in a row. Cleveland should play better tonight after getting blown in both games in Orlando. The Cavaliers have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games after a loss by 10 or more points on the road. They have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after a loss by 15 or more points. And in their last 7 games after losing two games in a row by double-digits, they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games. Cleveland has not scored more than 97 points in this series — but they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after failing to score more than 105 points in four or more games in a row. They return home where they rank 10th in the NBA in the regular season in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they make 48.6% of their shots on their home court including 37.7% of their 3s resulting in 113.7 Points-Per-Game. The Cavaliers have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 20 home games as a pick ‘em or as a favorite of up to six points. They have also covered the point spread in 20 of their last 26 home games after losing of their last three games. Orlando enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last 25 games by making 55.8% of their shots on Saturday. But the Magic have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games after winning two games in a row by 20 or more points. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games when playing for no more than the fourth time in the last ten days. Orlando has a 31-11 record when playing at home — and their +2.2 Adjusted Net Efficiency margin at home ranks 12th in the league. But it is a different story on the road where they drop to 18th in the NBA with an Adjusted Net Efficiency rating of -3.5. They fall to 23rd in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency when playing on the road where they score -2.5 fewer PPG and make -1.5% fewer shots. Their play on defense is not as good on the road either as they allow their home hosts to make 48.3% of their shots resulting in 111.3 PPG which is +1.1% and +3.7 PPG above their season average. Overall, the Magic have an under .500 18-26 record away from home where they get outscored by -3.8 PPG. Orlando has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games on the road with the Total set from 200 to 209.5. 

FINAL TAKE: Cleveland has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games when playing with double-revenge motivations. 25* NBA Game of the Month with the Cleveland Cavaliers (570) minus the points versus the Orlando Magic (569). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers (561) and the Denver Nuggets (562) in Game Five of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (50-38) avoided the sweep and snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Nuggets with a 119-108 upset victory at home as a 3.5-point underdog on Saturday. Denver (60-26) had won four games in a row before that loss. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Nuggets may be without Jamal Murray tonight who is questionable with a calf injury. Murray scored 21.2 Points-Per-Game in the regular season while dishing out 6.5 Assists-Per-Game — and he is one of their best deep threats by making 42.5% of his 3s. Reggie Jackson will take his likely take his place in the starting lineup — but he is banged up with an ankle injury and has been battling an illness for more than a week. Denver needs to tighten things up on defense after allowing the Lakers to make 52.2% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last five games. The Nuggets have played 22 of their last 35 games Under the Total after winning six or seven of their last eight games. They return home where they have played 9 straight Unders against teams from the Pacific Division opponents. They have also played 16 of their last 19 games Under the Total after playing their last two games on the road. Los Angeles enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last five contests by making 52.2% of their shots. They got 22 points from D’Angelo Russell — but his scoring remains erratic after he put up a doughnut in Game Three. The Lakers have played 3 of their 4 games Under the Total after an upset win by double-digits. Los Angeles goes back on the road where they scored only 103 and 99 points in the opening two games of this series. They did hold the Nuggets to just 107.5 PPG in those contests. The Lakers have played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total on the road against teams with a winning record. They have also played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total in the first round of the playoffs. 

FINAL TAKE: Denver has played 27 of their last 45 games Under the Total when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 point range — and they have played 4 of their last 6 potential close-out games in the playoffs. 25* NBA Playoff Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers (561) and the Denver Nuggets (562). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (555) and the Phoenix Suns (556) in Game Four of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (59-26) has won the first three games of this series as well as seven of their last nine contests after their 126-109 victory on the road against the Suns as a 5.5-point underdog on Friday. Phoenix (49-36) hopes to stave off elimination trailing 3-0 in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Phoenix head coach Frank Vogel did not make many changes in Game Three — he apparently thought that the return home would be enough to spark his veteran team to play better. Nope. The local media is ripping the Suns for their lack of effort — especially on the defensive end of the court. Phoenix allowed the Timberwolves to score at a 132.6 points per 100 adjusted possession rate on Friday as they continue to have their way crashing the rim. Vogel has to address this — whether it be changing to a zone defense or changing one-on-one assignments, the Suns have to get Minnesota shooting farther away from the basket. Not wanting to end their season with another embarrassing loss in front of their home fans, expect this team to at least play much harder on that end of the court tonight. As it is, Phoenix has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a loss by 15 or more points — and they have played 9 of their last 14 games Under the Total after an upset loss by 15 or more points. The Suns' lack of effort also showed on with their energy on the boards — they got outrebounded by a whopping 50-28 margin in Game Three. Minnesota pulled down 37.2% of their missed shots — Phoenix can clean much of that up by simply playing harder. They have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a game where they got out-rebounded by 20 or more boards. The Suns have only covered the point spread once in their last five games — and they have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after falling to cover the point spread in four of their last five games. They have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total when playing for no more than the fifth time in the last 14 days. Phoenix stays at home where they have played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total in the second half of the season — and they have played 14 of their last 22 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s. Minnesota has played 15 of their last 24 games Under the Total after a win by 15 or more points. Additionally, they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after an upset win by 15 or more points — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after an upset win on the road by 15 or more points. Additionally, the Timberwolves have played 14 of their last 22 games Under the Total when playing for no more than the fifth time in the last 14 days. And in their last 11 games after out-rebounding their last opponent by 15 or more boards, they have played 7 of these games Under the Total. 

FINAL TAKE: The Suns have played 36 of their last 58 games Under the Total when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 10* NBA Sunday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (555) and the Phoenix Suns (556). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (555) minus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (556) in Game Four of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (59-26) has won the first three games of this series as well as seven of their last nine contests after their 126-109 victory on the road against the Suns as a 5.5-point underdog on Friday. Phoenix (49-36) hopes to stave off elimination trailing 3-0 in this series. 

REASONS TO THE TIMBERWOLVES MINUS THE POINTS: Minnesota has won all three of the games in this series by 12 or more points. If they were significant road favorites tonight, I might have been persuaded to take the Suns in a save-face spot to avoid getting swept with some point-spread insurance. But with the market moving on Kevin Durant (once again), let’s jump on the better team in a pick ‘em situation (or even as an underdog in some spots). As it is, the Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after an upset win by 15 or more points. They have also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after winning two or more games in a row by double-digits. Minnesota has covered the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games after covering the point spread in three of their last four games. The T-Wolves outrebounded the Suns by a 50-28 margin on Friday — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after outrebounding their last opponent by 20 or more rebounds. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games when not playing for more than the fourth time in ten days. And in their last 24 road games with the Total set in the 210s, Minnesota has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of these contests. Phoenix has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after an upset loss as a home favorite. They have only covered the point spread once in their last five games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after failing to cover the point spread in four of their last five games. Additionally, the Suns have failed to cover the point spread when playing for no more than the fifth time in the last 14 days. 

FINAL TAKE: Phoenix has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 home games as a pick ‘em or as an underdog getting up to six points. 8* NBA Sunday Night Discounted Deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves (555) minus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (556). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Indiana Pacers (553) minus the points versus the Milwaukee Bucks (553) in Game Four of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (49-37) has won six of their last eight games after their 121-118 win in overtime as a 6.5-point favorite on Friday. Milwaukee (50-35) lost for the fourth time in their last five games and now trails in this series by a 2-1 margin.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PACERS MINUS THE POINTS: The Bucks will be without Damian Lillard tonight after he first twisted his ankle in Game Three before later wrenching his Achilles in the fourth quarter. While Lillard declared that he expected to play after the game, he was in a walking boot yesterday and was listed as doubtful. Milwaukee does not want to risk Lillard aggravating that injury the way Golden State did with Kevin Durant a few years ago. The team is already without Giannis Antetokounmpo who is doubtful to return from his calf injury. Khris Middleton stepped up with 42 points on Friday — but now he is being asked to carry the team on offense which is not his strength. Lillard scored 28 points in Game Three. As it is, the Bucks have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after a loss to a Central Division rival — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 22 games after a straight-up loss on the road. They stay on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games on the road as an underdog. Indiana has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win where they did not cover the point spread — and they have covered the point spread in 27 of their last 38 games after a point spread loss. They have also covered the point spread in 29 of their last 44 games when playing for the second time in five days. 

FINAL TAKE: The Bucks have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. 8* NBA Milwaukee-Indiana TNT Special with the Indiana Pacers (553) minus the points versus the Milwaukee Bucks (553). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Milwaukee Bucks (553) and the Indiana Pacers (553) in Game Four of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Milwaukee (50-35) lost for the fourth time in their last five games in a 121-118 loss in overtime as a 6.5-point underdog on Friday. Indiana (49-37) has won six of their last eight games while taking a 2-1 lead in this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Bucks will likely be without Damian Lillard tonight after he first twisted his ankle in Game Three before later wrenching his Achilles in the fourth quarter. While Lillard declared that he expected to play after the game, he was in a walking boot yesterday and was listed as doubtful. Milwaukee probably does not want to risk Lillard aggravating that injury the way Golden State did with Kevin Durant a few years ago. The team is already without Giannis Antetokounmpo who is doubtful to return from his calf injury. Even if one (or both) of these players take the court, neither is likely to be close to 100%. Khris Middleton stepped up with 42 points on Friday — but now he is being asked to carry the team on offense which is not his strength. Lillard scored 28 points in Game Three. With Lillard out, head coach Doc Rivers will likely turn to Malik Beasley who is an improvement on the defensive end of the court. Beasley’s size makes him an interesting choice to defend Tyrese Haliburton — and that would allow for their top defender Patrick Beverley to clamp down on Andrew Nembhard. One thing that seems certain is that Rivers will continue to do everything he can to get this game into “mud” as he declared before the series started. After the 97 mutual possessions (adjusted possessions per 48 minutes) in Game One, there were 92.5 possessions in Game Two before just the 89.2 adjusted possession rate in Game Three which includes the pace in overtime. That game went into overtime with the score tied at 111 — helped by Lillard’s 28 points. The Bucks have played 29 of their last 44 games Under the Total on the road after a point-spread loss. They have also played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after losing two games in a row — and they have played 10 of their last 15 games Under the Total on the road as an underdog. They have also played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. Indiana only made 13 of their 49 shots from behind the arc for a 27% shooting percentage. Tyrese Halliburton does not appear to be at 100% as he recovers from the injuries that slowed him down during the regular season — he missed 11 of his 12 shots from downtown. The Pacers' bench scoring production is down as well. After leading the NBA by getting 46.8 Points-Per-Game from their bench in the regular season, the second unit is only scoring 23.3 PPG in this series, down -23.5 PPG. Indiana has played 4 of their 6 games this season Under the Total after a win by three points or less — and they have played 42 of their last 63 home games Under the Total after a straight-up win where they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. They have played 14 of their last 23 games Under the Total after winning six or seven of their last eight games. And in their last 8 games when playing for no more than the fifth time in 14 days, they have played 5 of these games Under the Total. 

FINAL TAKE: The Bucks have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total when avenging a loss of three points or less — and they have played 22 of their last 32 games Under the Total when playing with double revenge including six of those last nine circumstances. 25* NBA Central Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Milwaukee Bucks (553) and the Indiana Pacers (553). Best of luck for us — Frank.      

At 8:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (547) and the Los Angeles Lakers (548) in Game Four of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (60-25) looks to close out this series tonight after their 112-105 upset victory on the road against the Lakers as a 1-point underdog on Thursday. Los Angeles (49-38) had won three games in a row to conclude the regular season but now trail 0-3 in this best-of-seven series. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Nuggets nailed 48.9% of their shots on Thursday which was the best shooting effort for them in this series. But they have beaten the Lakers in all three games in this series despite allowing them to shoot at least 48.7% of their shots in each game. Denver has played 3 of their 4 games this season Under the Total after allowing three straight opponents to make at least 47% of their shots. Despite their shooting success, the Nuggets have not allowed more than 105 points in this series — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in three or more games in a row. Additionally, Denver has played 15 of their last 22 games Under the Total after winning three games in a row. They have also played 14 of their last 22 games Under the Total when playing for just the second time in five days. Furthermore, the Nuggets have played 4 of their last 5 playoff games Under the Total in potential close-out contests. Los Angeles allowed Denver to make 48.9% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last six games. But the Under is still 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings between these two teams. The Lakers have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total in the first round of the NBA playoffs. 

FINAL TAKE: The Lakers have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from an upset loss as a home favorite. 8* NBA Saturday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (547) and the Los Angeles Lakers (548). Best of luck for us — Frank.                                                                         

At 8:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Lakers (548) plus the points versus the Denver Nuggets (547) in Game Four of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (49-38) looks to avoid getting swept in this opening-round series after their 112-105 upset loss as a 1-point favorite on Thursday. Denver (60-25) has won seven of their last eight games. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE LAKERS PLUS THE POINTS: Los Angeles faces a near-impossible task to overcome a 3-0 deficit to the reigning NBA champions. But this one is for pride to avoid getting swept by the Nuggets in two straight postseasons and at least go into the offseason with their 11-game losing streak against them snapped. LeBron James will demand a big effort from his team — and his history demonstrates that he does not take a knee when his team is attempting to avoid a sweep in a playoff series. In those four previous playoff games when his team was down 0-3, James has scored 29.5 Points-Per-Game while adding 8.3 Rebounds-Per-Game and 9.5 Assists-Per-Game in 44 minutes per contest. The Lakers only made 5 of their 27 shots from behind the arc on Thursday — expect them to shoot better than 19% from 3-point range. They also allowed the Nuggets to make 48.9% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last six contests. But Los Angeles has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after a loss at home — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 home games after a straight-up loss at home. They have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after failing to score more than 105 points. If there is one vulnerability of this Nuggets team (outside their depth), it is that they can get complacent. Becoming a little too dependent on the dopamine rush of digging themselves out of a big deficit tends to be a problem for defending champions — and Denver seems to crave this euphoria when playing this Lakers team. Los Angeles held a double-digit lead once again in Game Three after owning a 59-44 halftime lead in Game Two and enjoying a 49-37 lead midway through the second quarter in Game One. The Nuggets are going to assume they can simply flip the switch once again. But Denver has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 21 games after an upset win on the road. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after winning four or more games in a row — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 36 games after winning six or seven of their last eight games. They have covered the point spread in six of their last eight games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after covering the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. And while they have out-rebounded their last four opponents by at least seven boards, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after out-rebounding four straight opponents by five or more rebounds. 

FINAL TAKE: The Nuggets have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games on the road as a favorite of less than 11 points. The 12th time’s the charm for the Lakers tonight. 25* NBA Saturday Night ABC-TV Game of the Month with the Los Angeles Lakers (548) plus the points versus the Denver Nuggets (547). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Cleveland Cavaliers (541) plus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (542) in Game Four of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Cleveland (50-35) had won four of their last five games before their 121-83 loss on the road against the Magic as a 2.5-point underdog on Thursday. Orlando (48-37) had lost five of six games before the victory to now trail in this series by a 2-1 margin.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAVALIERS PLUS THE POINTS: Cleveland may have been overconfident in Game Three after dominating the first two games of this series. They allowed the Magic to make 51.1% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last four games Even worse, the Cavaliers only made 39.0% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last 48 games. They should play better this afternoon. Cleveland has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after a straight-up loss on the road. They have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after a loss by ten or more points — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 17 games after a loss on the road by ten or more points. Orlando played their best defensive game in their last 11 contests by holding the Cavaliers to 39.0% shooting. They also enjoyed their best shooting game in their last nine contests by nailing 51.1% of their shots. After only making 23.6% of their 3s in Games One and Two, Orlando managed to convert on 13 of their 37 shots from behind the arc for a 35.1% shooting mark. Unfortunately for the Magic, Thursday’s performance looks like an outlier for a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games this month. Additionally, while Orlando has not allowed more than 96 points in the last two games, they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after not allowing more than 100 points in two or more games in a row. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games when playing for no more than the fifth time in the last ten days. 

FINAL TAKE: The Cavaliers have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 10* NBA Saturday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers (541) plus the points versus the Indiana Pacers (542). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Phoenix Suns (538) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (537) in Game Three of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Phoenix (49-35) has lost the first two games of this series after their 105-93 loss on the road against the Timberwolves as a 3-point underdog on Tuesday. Minnesota (58-26) has won three of their last four games as well as five of their last seven contests. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE SUNS MINUS THE POINTS: Phoenix had been playing well to end the season with three straight victories. The Suns have bounced back to win 6 of their last 9 games after an upset loss on the road by double-digits. They have only generated 75 and 78 shots in the first two games of this series — but they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to put up more than 80 shots in two straight games. They have also covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after not allowing more than 100 points in their last contest. Now after playing their last five games on the road, they return home now to play for the first time since April 9th — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after playing their last four games on the road. Phoenix has covered the point spread in 35 of their last 56 home games when favored by six points or less. Minnesota only made 44.9% of their shots in Game Two — but that was also their best shooting effort in their last seven games. The Timberwolves have won and covered the point spread in both games in this series — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after winning two games in a row while covering the point spread as a favorite in both games. And while the Suns have not scored more than 95 points in either game in this series, Minnesota has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. 

FINAL TAKE: Phoenix won all three games against the Timberwolves in the regular season by double-digits. And while they have lost both games in this series by 25 and 12 points, the Suns have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 opportunities to avenge two straight losses to their opponent by double-digits. 8* NBA Minnesota-Phoenix ESPN Special with the Phoenix Suns (538) minus the points versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (537). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (537) and the Phoenix Suns (538) in Game Three of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (58-26) has won three of their last four games as well as five of their last seven contests after their 105-93 loss on the road against the Timberwolves as a 3-point favorite on Tuesday. Phoenix (49-35) had won three games in a row before losing the first two games of this series. 

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Timberwolves are having their way getting looks against the Suns — they generated 43% of their points at the rim. Minnesota has played 8 of their last 12 games Over the Total after winning two or more games in a row at home. They won Game One by 25 points — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Over the Total after winning two games in a row by double-digits. Additionally, they have played 9 of their last 12 games Over the Total after failing to score more than 105 points in their last game — and they have played 10 of their last 15 games Over the Total after a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. The Timberwolves have held the Suns to 93 and 95 points in the first two games of this series — and they have played 13 of their last 16 games Over the Total after not allowing more than 105 points or less in two straight games. Phoenix has played 6 straight Overs after losing two games in a row by double-digits. The Suns have also played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total after a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. Additionally, they have played 10 of their last 16 games Over the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last contest. This game is just the fourth time in the last three seasons that Phoenix they are playing a game at home with the Total set below 210 — and all 3 previous games finished Over the Total. 

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have played 6 of their last 9 games Over the Total when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. 10* NBA Friday Late Show O/U Bailout with Over the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (537) and the Phoenix Suns (538). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Clippers (535) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (536) in Game Three of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (52-32) has lost four of their last five games after their 96-93 upset loss at home to the Mavericks as a 1.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Dallas (51-33) snapped a three-game losing streak to even this series at 1-1. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE CLIPPERS PLUS THE POINTS: Los Angeles only made 36.8% of their shots on Tuesday which was the worst shooting effort for their entire season. Kawhi Leonard did return from injury in that game after missing nine games in a row but he was rusty — he made only 7 of his 17 shots while missing nine of his 12 jumpers including an 0-5 mark from behind the arc. With two days off, he should play better tonight as he re-establishes his rhythm. Remember, Leonard had a 51% shooting percentage with a 39% clip from behind the arc in his previous 72 playoff games resulting in almost 29 Points-Per-Game. More ball movement should achieve better shooting results for this team. Los Angeles was still in a position to win Game Two despite that dismal shooting. They outplayed the Mavericks in the other areas of the game: they had more offensive rebounds and scored more second-chance points; they made more free throws; they had fewer turnovers; they had more fast break points; they had more points in the paint and shot a better percentage at the rim. The Clippers have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after an upset loss. After playing their last five games, they go back on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 12 games after playing three or more games in a row. Head coach Ty Lue needs to make an adjustment to the Mavericks playing small ball with Maxi Kleber on the court — and that could mean more playing time for P.J. Tucker who did see more action at the end of the season. Dallas may be due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after an upset loss. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games after a win by three points or less — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a win on the road by three points or less. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 33 games after a win by six points or less. The Mavericks were red-hot down the stretch by winning 16 of 18 games before tanking the final two regular season games since their spot as the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs was clinched. But only one of their 16 victories during that stretch was against a top-six seed in either conference — and that upset win at home against Denver required a miracle buzzer-beating shot from Kyrie Irving to steal that game. Dallas is below .500 with a 23-27 straight-up record against teams with a winning percentage of .500 or better. 

FINAL TAKE: The Clippers have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 17 opportunities to avenge a loss by three points or less including four of those last five situations. 25* NBA Western Conference Underdog of the Month with Los Angeles Clippers (535) plus the points versus the Dallas Mavericks (536). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the New York Knicks (527) and the Philadelphia 76ers (528) in Game Three of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: New York (52-32) has won seven games in a row after their 104-101 loss in Madison Square Garden as a 5-point favorite on Monday. Philadelphia (48-37) returns home trailing 0-2 in this best-of-seven series.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Knicks held the 76ers to just 42.9% of their shots which was the best defensive effort in their last 13 games. New York has played 6 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a win at home by three points or less. They have also played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total after a straight-up win where they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. They go back on the road where they have played 14 of their last 23 games Over the Total as an underdog. The Knicks have also played 8 of their last 9 games this month Over the Total. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid has been productive despite his left knee injury. He is averaging 38 minutes per game in this series — and while he has only made 20 of 51 of his shots, he is still scoring 31.5 Points-Per-Game after dropping 34 points and adding 10 rebounds on Monday. Getting two days off between games will help tonight. Philadelphia has played 10 of their last 12 games Over the Total when playing with two days of rest. They have also played 4 straight Overs after a loss on the road where they covered the point spread as an underdog. Additionally, the Sixers have played 33 of their last 49 games Over the Total after playing their last two games on the road.

FINAL TAKE: The 76ers have played 32 of their last 52 games Over the Total when favored. 8* NBA New York-Philadelphia TNT O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the New York Knicks (527) and the Philadelphia 76ers (528). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Philadelphia 76ers (528) minus the points versus the New York Knicks (527) in Game Three of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Philadelphia (48-37) returns home trailing 0-2 in this best-of-seven series after their 104-101 loss in Madison Square Garden as a 5-point underdog on Monday. New York (52-32) has won seven games in a row.

REASONS TO TAKE THE 76ERS MINUS THE POINTS: I have not endorsed anything in this series yet because of my uncertainty regarding the health of Joel Embiid. He is averaging 38 minutes per game in this series — and while he has only made 20 of 51 of his shots, he is still scoring 31.5 Points-Per-Game after dropping 34 points and adding 10 rebounds on Monday. Getting the extra day off really helps the Sixers and Embiid tonight — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games when playing for the second time in five days. Philadelphia has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss where they covered the point spread as the underdog. They have also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after losing two games in a row on the road. The 76ers return home where they have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 33 home games when favored — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 25 games when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. Philly is defending Jalen Brunson well because they are bypassing drop coverage to stay in his face to take away his midrange. While he is scoring 23.0 PPG, he has only made 16 of his 55 shots from the field for a rough 29.1% field goal percentage. The Knicks held the Sixers to just 42.9% of their shots which was the best defensive effort in their last 13 games. But there are plenty of concerns for this team despite their 2-0 lead in the series. All five of their starters got outscored when they were on the court in Game One — the best +/- number for a starter was Brunson’s -3. Game Two had the controversial officiating late in the game. New York is only scoring 86.3 points per 100 adjusted possessions in the half-court. The Knicks have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after failing to cover the point spread in a straight-up victory. They have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 19 games after a win by three points or less — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a win by three points or less at home. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a win by three points or less against an Atlantic Division rival. Furthermore, New York has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games when playing no more than the fifth time in the last 14 days. Both games in this series have finished Over the Total — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games after playing two or more Overs in a row. And in their last 11 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points, they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 times. 

FINAL TAKE: The 76ers have covered the point spread in 31 of their last 51 games when avenging a loss on the road to their opponent. 25* NBA Atlantic Division Game of the Year with the Philadelphia 76ers (528) minus the points versus the New York Knicks (527). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Orlando Magic (526) minus the points versus the Cleveland Cavaliers (525) in Game Three of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Orlando (47-37) has lost the first two games of this series as well as five of their last six contests after their 96-86 loss to the Cavaliers as a 5.5-point underdog on Monday. Cleveland (50-34) has won four of their last five games. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAGIC MINUS THE POINTS: Orlando has not been competitive in this series after losing both games by double-digits and not scoring more than 86 points. This young team should play better — and shoot better — back on their home court. The Magic have covered the point spread in 27 of their last 40 games at home where they are making 48.8% of their shots. They have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games at home after a point spread loss. Additionally, Orlando has covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after losing two games in a row — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after losing two or more games in a row on the road. They have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after losing four of their last five games. Furthermore, they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to score more than 100 points in their last two games. If there is a silver lining for the Magic, it is that they have not allowed more than 97 points in this series — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. Cleveland is only making 42% of their shots in this series — and they are hitting just 29% of their 3s. Now they go on the road where their Adjusted Offensive Efficiency drops from 117.0 to 112.0. The Cavaliers have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games on the road as an underdog of up to six points. They have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games when playing with two days of rest. They have covered the point spread in both games in this series — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after covering the point spread in two games in a row. They have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after winning their last two games by double-digits. 

FINAL TAKE: The Magic have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 25 home games when favored. 10* NBA Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the Orlando Magic (526) minus the points versus the Cleveland Cavaliers (525). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New Orleans Pelicans (519) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (520) in Game Two of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: New Orleans (50-35) has lost three of their last four games after their 94-92 win against the Pelicans in Game One of this best-of-seven series. Oklahoma City (58-25) has won six games in a row. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: New Orleans only made 38.5% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last 28 contests — but I do not necessarily think the Regression Gods are coming for a visit tonight. The Pelicans miss the injured Zion Williamson who scored 22.9 PPG on 57.0% shooting. Brandon Ingram does not look close to 100% from his knee injury that kept him out for weeks. He scored only 13 points on Sunday on 5 of 17 shooting. In his four games back from injury, he has scored more than 13 points only once — and he is making just 43.1% of his shots. The Pelicans got a big game out of Jonas Valanciunas in Game One who grabbed 20 rebounds. They pulled down 36% of their missed shots — and they should control the glass again tonight against this Thunder team that privileges fast break transition opportunities to protect their defensive glass. When New Orleans gets second chance opportunities, that will also allow them to slow the pace down — something head coach Willie Green wants to do without a healthy Williamson. New Orleans has played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss on the road — and they have played 26 of their last 38 road games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games. They have played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total when playing with two days of rest. And while they have outrebounded three straight opponents by five or more boards, they have then played 4 straight Unders after outrebounding three straight opponents. They stay on the road where they have played 16 of their last 25 road games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s. Oklahoma City has played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last game. They have also played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a win by six or more points. Additionally, the Thunder have played 8 off their last 11 home games Under the Total when they are favored by 6.5 to 12 points. 

FINAL TAKE: The Pelicans have played 8 of their last 9 games on the road Under the Total when playing with revenge. 8* NBA Wednesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the New Orleans Pelicans (519) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (520). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (520) minus the points versus the New Orleans Pelicans (519) in Game Two of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Oklahoma City (58-25) has won six games in a row after their 94-92 win against the Pelicans in Game One of this best-of-seven series. New Orleans (50-35) has lost three of their last four games. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE THUNDER MINUS THE POINTS: Oklahoma City looked nervy in their playoff series in the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They only made 43.5% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last seven games. They only made 32% of their 3-pointers. With the first playoff game and victory under their belts, they should get back into the rhythm that earned them the top seed in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City may still be underappreciated in some circles — but this is a team loaded with young talent that smartly engages in the math battle of modern basketball. They led the league by making 38.9% of their 3s in the regular season. They also focus on winning the turnover battle — they rank fifth in the NBA by turning the ball over 12.5% of the time while posting the top turnover rate on defense by forcing turnovers in 15.5% of their opponent’s possessions. They led the NBA by scoring 20.4 Points-Per-Game off turnovers. And led by rookie Chet Holmgren, they were tops in the league by holding their opponents to 61.6% shooting inside four feet. The Thunder have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win where they did not cover the point spread. They have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games after not allowing more than 95 points — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games after playing a game where no more than 195 combined points were scored. Oklahoma City will start benefiting from getting last week off while the Pelicans were surviving the Play-In Tournament. The Thunder have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 38 games when playing with two days of rest — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 22 games when playing for no more than the sixth time in the last 14 days. They now have a 34-8 record when playing at home — and they have covered the point spread in 27 of those 42 games. They have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 25 home games after playing their last game at home. And in their last 17 home games when favored by 6.5 to 12 points, they have covered the point spread in 11 of these contests. New Orleans only made 38.5% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last 28 contests — but I do not necessarily think the Regression Gods are coming for a visit tonight. The Pelicans miss the injured Zion Williamson who scored 22.9 PPG on 57.0% shooting. Brandon Ingram does not look close to 100% from his knee injury that kept him out for weeks. He scored only 13 points on Sunday on 5 of 17 shooting. In his four games back from injury, he has scored more than 13 points only once — and he is making just 43.1% of his shots. The Pelicans got a big game out of Jonas Valanciunas in Game One who grabbed 20 rebounds. They pulled down 36% of their missed shots — and while the Thunder are not a great rebounding team, I do expect head coach Mark Daigneault to have his team focus more on protecting their defensive glass. New Orleans has outrebounded their last three opponents by at least five boards — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after outrebounding three straight opponents by five or more rebounds. They have covered the point spread in their last two games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 19 games after covering the point spread in two or more games in a row. Additionally, the Pelicans have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after not allowing more than 95 points in their last game. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a game where both teams did not score more than 105 points. They stay on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 29 road games as an underdog of 6.5 to 12 points. 

FINAL TAKE: The Pelicans have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 21 games when attempting to avenge a loss on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when playing with revenge from a loss by three points or less. 25* NBA Western Conference Game of the Month with the Oklahoma City Thunder (520) minus the points versus the New Orleans Pelicans (519). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (513) plus the points versus the Los Angeles Clippers (514) in Game Two of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (50-33) has lost three games in a row after their 109-97 upset loss as a 3.5-point favorite in the opening game of this best-of-seven series. Los Angeles (52-31) snapped a three-game losing streak with the win. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAVERICKS PLUS THE POINTS: Dallas only made 38.7% of their shots on Sunday — and they only made 30% of their shots from behind the arc. The Mavericks simply seemed to lack much urgency in that game — but they should play better tonight. Dallas has covered the point spread in 27 of their last 44 games after a straight-up loss. They have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after losing two games in a row — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games after losing three or more games in a row. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 13 road games after suffering an upset loss on the road as the favorite. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 27 of their last 42 games on the road. They allowed the Clippers to nail 18 of their 36 shots (50%) from behind the arc on Sunday — but they should tighten up their perimeter defense tonight. The Mavericks have become a very good defensive team in the second half of the season after acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline. Gafford offers them the rim protection they were desperate for and Washington is a good on-the-ball defender. After ranking 26th in the NBA in opponent effective field goal percentage, Dallas improved to third in the league in that category since February 5th. They led the NBA in their final 15 games with an Adjusted Defensive Efficiency of 106.1. Los Angeles made 46.0% of their shots in Game One despite not having Kawhi Leonard in that game — that was the best shooting effort in their last three games. And by holding the Mavericks to 38.7% shooting, they played their best defensive game in their last four contests. They raced out to a 56-30 halftime lead after Dallas managed to score only eight points in the second quarter. But the Clippers have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after going into halftime with a 20 or more point lead. They have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games when playing for the second time in seven days. And in their last 15 games at home with the Total set in the 210s, Los Angeles has failed to cover the point spread in 12 of those games. Kawhi Leonard is available to play tonight — but he may not be at full strength after missing the last nine games.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 8 straight games on the road when playing with revenge from a loss on the road to their opponent. 10* NBA Tuesday Late Show Bailout with the Dallas Mavericks (513) plus the points versus the Los Angeles Clippers (514). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Indiana Pacers (511) plus the point(s) versus the Milwaukee Bucks (512) in Game Two of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Indiana (47-37) has lost two of their last three games after dropping the opening game of this best-of-seven series by a 109-94 score as a 1-point favorite on Sunday. Milwaukee (50-33) snapped a two-game losing streak with the victory. 

REASONS TO TAKE THE PACERS PLUS THE POINT(S): Indiana was flat on Sunday — and Tyrese Halliburton looked tentative on the court. Veteran head coach Rick Carlisle who has overseen an NBA title in his coaching career should get his team refocused for Game Two tonight. They should also shoot the ball better after only making 39.6% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last 63 games. The Pacers are third in the NBA in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — and they have led the league in that category since March 1st. They make 50.4% of their shots on the season — and they should improve their 3-point shooting tonight after only making 8 of their 38 shots from behind the arc. Indiana nails 37.0% of their 3s so they should improve on their 21% clip from behind the arc. The Pacers have been very consistent after disappointing efforts. Indiana has covered the point spread in 23 of their last 35 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 37 games after a point spread loss. They have also covered the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games after an upset loss — and they have covered the point spread in 3 of their 4 upset losses against Central Division rivals. They have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after an upset loss as a double-digit loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a loss by 15 or more points. They have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after an upset loss as a road favorite. The Pacers play at the second-fastest pace in the league by averaging 105.2 possessions per game. Getting last week off should help them tonight as they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games when playing for just the second time in seven days — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games after when playing for no more than the fourth time in ten days. A silver lining for Indiana on Sunday is that they pulled down 28% of their missed shots — if they can approach that number again while shooting better, they should pull off the upset. Milwaukee played their best defensive game in their last ten contests by holding the Pacers to 39.6% shooting. The Bucks will likely still be without Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight as he recovers from his calf injury. Damian Lillard stepped in Game One with 35 points on 11 of 24 shooting — and he nailed 6 of his 11 shots from behind the arc. But it is fair to say that Lillard has been a disappointment in his first season with the Bucks. He is only scoring 24.3 Points-Per-Game on 42.4% shooting and a 35.4% mark from 3-point land. Milwaukee was lethargic down the stretch with eight losses in their final 11 regular season games including an ugly 25-point loss at Orlando in the final day which cost them the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Bucks have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after an upset victory — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after an upset win by 10 or more points.

FINAL TAKE: The Pacers have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games when avenging a double-digit loss to their opponent. 25* NBA Central Division Game of the Year with the Indiana Pacers (511) plus the point(s) versus the Milwaukee Bucks (512). Best of luck for us — Frank.   

At 10:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Denver Nuggets (506) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Lakers (505) in Game Two of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (58-25) took the opening game of this best-of-seven series with their 114-103 victory as a 7-point favorite on Saturday. Los Angeles (49-36) had their three-game winning streak with the loss.

REASONS TO TAKE THE NUGGETS MINUS THE POINTS: The Lakers have now lost nine straight games to Denver — which raises the urgency that they need to split the first two games on the road and avoid the requirement to beat the defending champions in four of the final potential five games in this series. But it will be difficult for Los Angeles to not think they let Game One slip away after owning a 49-37 lead midway through the second quarter. The free throw disparity in that game was particularly striking in the Lakers' favor despite them being on the road. Granted, Los Angeles ranks second in the league by getting to the line 24.2 times per game — and they also rank second in free throw rate. But while the Lakers made 17 of their 19 shots from the charity stripe, the Nuggets only had six free throw attempts all game. Denver averages 15.5 made free throws per game on 19.9 attempts — so expect at least another dozen or so free throw attempts from them tonight. The Nuggets were whistled for 20 fouls on Saturday which was five more than what were called on Los Angeles. The Lakers had 29 free throw attempts in their Play-In Tournament game against New Orleans which was 14 more than what the Pelicans got. New Orleans was whistled for 23 fouls in that game almost doubled the 12 personal fouls called on Los Angeles. But the Lakers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after getting at least 10 more shots at the charity stripe than their opponent in two straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games after drawing at least ten more personal fouls than their opponent. Denver has full confidence that they can flip the switch to defeat this Lakers’ team — but they may not want to temp fate again by falling behind by 12 points. The Nuggets are a rested team who are comfortable playing in the high altitude — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games when playing for no more than the third time in the last ten days. Denver has won two games in a row as well as five of their last six contests — and they have covered the point spread in 30 of their last 46 games at home after winning three of their last four games. They ended the regular season with a 1-point win at Memphis — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their 6 games this season when following up two straight double-digit victories.

FINAL TAKE: The Lakers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when playing with triple revenge — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games when attempting to end a losing streak of four or more games against their opponent. 10* NBA LA Lakers-Denver TNT Special with the Denver Nuggets (506) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Lakers (505). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New Orleans Pelicans (585) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (586) in Game One of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: New Orleans (50-34) has won five of their last seven games after their 105-98 victory against Sacramento as a 1-point favorite in their second Play-In Tournament game on Friday. Oklahoma City (57-25) has won five games in a row after their 135-86 victory against Dallas as a 19.5-point favorite last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: New Orleans stepped up without the injured Zion Williamson to make 51.8% of their shots against the Kings which was the best shooting effort in their last four contests. The Pelicans are thin with their scoring without Williamson — they score -3.7 fewer points per 100 adjusted possessions when he is off the court. The Pelicans have played 29 of their last 44 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. And while they have won five of their last seven games, they have then played 26 of their last 43 games Under the Total after winning four of five of their last six contests. Oklahoma City made 55.7% of their shots last Sunday against the Mavericks which was the best shooting effort in their last nine games. The Thunder have covered the point spread in four straight games even as a double-digit point spread laying 14 or more points in those last three games. OKC has played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after winning and covered the point spread as a double-digit favorite in two or more games in a row. They have played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after winning three or more games in a row. Furthermore, they have played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last contest. And in their last 10 games at home when laying 6.5 to 12 points, the Thunder have played 7 of these games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: The Pelicans want to avenge a 119-112 loss at home to the Thunder as a 1-point underdog the last time these two teams played — and they have played 39 of their last 61 road games Under the Total when playing with revenge. 8* NBA New Orleans-Oklahoma City TNT O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the New Orleans Pelicans (585) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (586). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder (586) minus the points versus the New Orleans Pelicans (585) in Game One of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Oklahoma City (57-25) has won five games in a row after their 135-86 victory against Dallas as a 19.5-point favorite last Sunday. New Orleans (50-34) has won five of their last seven games after their 105-98 victory against Sacramento as a 1-point favorite in their second Play-In Tournament game on Friday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE THUNDER MINUS THE POINTS: Oklahoma City comes into this game rested and ready after getting the week off after earning the number one seed in the Western Conference with their victory against the Mavericks. They made 55.7% of their shots against Dallas — and they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 19 games after making at least 55% or more of their shots in their last game. The Thunder have scored at least 125 points in three straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games at home after scoring 125 or more points in their last two games. They have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after scoring 120 or more points in their last three games. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after not allowing more than 95 points in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after not allowing more than 90 points in their last game. Furthermore, Oklahoma City has covered the points spread in 15 of their last 22 games after a win by 15 or more points — and they have covered the points spread in 5 of their last 6 games after victory by 30 or more points. Furthermore, the Thunder have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 home games after winning their previous game at home — and they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games at home on a three-game or better winning streak. OKC has covered the point spread in 27 of their 41 games at home this season — and they have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 24 home games with the Total set in the 210s. New Orleans stepped up without the injured Zion Williamson to make 51.8% of their shots against the Kings which was the best shooting effort in their last four contests. They also held that depleted Sacramento team missing Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter to just 40.9 shooting which was the best defensive effort in their last 13 contests. Brandon Ingram logged in 37:09 minutes which was the most he played since returning from injury — he had not played more than 24 minutes in his first two games back so fatigue will be an issue. The Pelicans are thin with their scoring without Williamson — they score -3.7 fewer points per 100 adjusted possessions when he is off the court. The Pelicans have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after playing a game where both teams did not score more than 105 points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after playing a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. And while they have won five of their last seven contests, they have failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 30 games after winning five or six of their last seven games.

FINAL TAKE: This is a tough situational spot for the Pelicans after surviving on Friday night in the Crescent City before traveling to Oklahoma City for this series — all without their leading scorer. The Thunder have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 home games when favored by 6.5 to 12 points. 25* NBA Sunday TNT Game of the Month with the Oklahoma City Thunder (586) minus the points versus the New Orleans Pelicans (585). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:40 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (587) and the Los Angeles Clippers (588) in Game One of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Dallas (50-32) had won five games in a row before punting on their final two contests culminating in a 135-86 loss at Oklahoma City as a 19.5-point underdog on Sunday. Los Angeles (51-31) has lost three games in a row after a 116-105 loss to Houston as a 4.5-point underdog last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: It was just announced at little after 2 PM ET that Kawhi Leonard will be out for this game as he continues to deal with right knee inflammation. His absence impacts both ends of the court for the Clippers — but I suspect the bigger concern for head coach Ty Lue is when his team has the basketball. Paul George’s defensive assignment was always going to Luka Doncic — Leonard was likely to defend Tim Hardaway or the other Mavericks off guard to Kyrie Irving. Russell Westbrook will likely get more playing time this afternoon — and Los Angeles holds their opponents to -2.2 fewer points per 100 adjusted possessions when he is on the court. Westbrook may end up Irving — and he can also switch off on Doncic. But Westbrook’s presence on the court disrupts the offensive flow and spacing with James Harden — this is the reason why he was moved to the second unit midseason. The Clippers score -3.8 fewer points per 100 adjusted possessions when Leonard is off the court — and they score -1.5 fewer points per 100 adjusted possessions when Westbrook is on the court. Lue will demand a better defensive effort after the Rockets shot 48.5% against them last week which was the worst defensive performance in their last eight games. Los Angeles has played 26 of their last 39 home games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 15 of their last 20 home games Under the Total after a double-digit loss. The Clippers have not covered the point spread in three straight games — and they have played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after not covering the point spread in two or more games in a row. They have also played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total when playing for the fourth time or less in the last 14 days. Dallas did not show up on defense last week as they allowed the Thunder to make 55.7% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last 25 games. The Mavericks have become a very good defensive team in the second half of the season after acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline. Gafford offers them the rim protection they were desperate for and Washington is a good on-the-ball defender. After ranking 26th in the NBA in opponent effective field goal percentage, Dallas improved to third in the league in that category since February 5th. They led the NBA in their final 15 games with an Adjusted Defensive Efficiency of 106.1. The Mavericks have failed to cover the point spread in their last two games — but they have played 13 of their last 17 road games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in two or more games in a row. They had covered the point spread in their five previous games — and they have played 21 of their last 29 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. Dallas has also played 22 of their last 33 games Under the Total in the second half of the season.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and they have played 9 of their last 14 road games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. The Clippers have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and they have played 12 of their last 15 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. 10* NBA Dallas-LA Clippers ABC-TV O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Mavericks (587) and the Los Angeles Clippers (588). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

At 8:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be the Denver Nuggets (576) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Lakers (575) in Game One of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Denver (57-25) won four of their last five games to close out the regular season with a 126-111 victory at Memphis as a 13.5-point favorite last Sunday. Los Angeles (49-35) has won three games in a row as well as seven of their last nine contests after their 110-106 upset victory at New Orleans as a 1-point underdog in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE NUGGETS MINUS THE POINTS: Denver enters the postseason healthy and with momentum — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after a double-digit win on the road. They have also covered the point spread in 29 of their last 45 games at home after winning three of their last four games. The week off should help the defending champions as well in this opening game. The Nuggets have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games when playing with three or more days of rest between games. Los Angeles has pulled off two straight upset victories against the Pelicans — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 22 games after an upset win on the road as an underdog. The Lakers have also failed to cover the point spread in 27 of their last 39 games after winning their last game on the road. They have covered the point spread in two straight games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 26 of their last 39 games after covering the point spread in two or more games in a row. Additionally, Los Angeles has failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after winning six or seven of their last eight contests.

FINAL TAKE: The Nuggets own the Lakers with eight straight victories against them after completing a three-game regular season sweep with a 124-114 victory in Los Angeles as a 1-point road favorite back on March 2nd. The Lakers have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games when avenging a loss at home. 8* NBA Saturday Night Discounted Deal with the Denver Nuggets (576) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Lakers (575). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers (575) and the Denver Nuggets (576) in Game One of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (49-35) has won three games in a row as well as seven of their last nine contests after their 110-106 upset victory at New Orleans as a 1-point underdog in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday. Denver (57-25) won four of their last five games to close out the regular season with a 126-111 victory at Memphis as a 13.5-point favorite last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Lakers may be rusty with the three full days off since their game against the Pelicans — and they only made 41.7% of their shots in that game. But LeBron James and Anthony Davis should have fresh legs which will help them on the defensive end of the court. Los Angeles has played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total when playing with three or more days of rest. They stay on the road for the fourth straight game where they have played 4 of their last 6 games Under the Total after winning their two previous games on the road. They have also played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after winning three or more games in a row. Denver comes into the postseason to defend their NBA title on a hot streak regarding their shooting. The Nuggets have shot at least 50.5% from the field in their last three games — and they have played five straight games where they nailed at least 48.9% of their shots. But Denver has then played 18 of their last 26 games Under the Total after making 50% or more of their shots in three straight games. They have also played 19 of their last 25 games Under the Total after making 47% or more of their shots in five straight contests. Additionally, the Nuggets have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a double-digit win on the road — and they have played 26 of their last 37 games Under the Total after a victory by 15 or more points. This will be the fifth game this season that Denver will be playing with three or more days of rest after their last contest — and they have played 3 of those first 4 games Under the Total. After playing their last two games on the road, the Nuggets return home — and they have played 15 of their last 18 games Under the Total after playing their two previous games on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Denver has won the last eight meetings between these two teams after the Nuggets’ 124-114 victory as a 1-point favorite in Los Angeles on March 2nd. The Lakers have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total when playing with triple revenge against their opponent. 25* NBA Saturday Night ABC-TV Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers (575) and the Denver Nuggets (576). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

At 3:40 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (578) minus the point(s) versus the Phoenix Suns (577) in Game One of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. THE SITUATION: Minnesota (50-26) closed out the regular season losing two of their last three games after their 125-106 upset loss as a 2-point favorite last Sunday. Phoenix (49-33) has won three games in a row and six of their last eight games after their 125-106 upset victory as a 2-point underdog last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIMBERWOLVES MINUS THE POINT(S): Minnesota will benefit from the week off — they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games when playing with three more days of rest. They have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after an upset loss. Additionally, they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a loss on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a double-digit loss. They host the first two games of this series — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 8 home games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Phoenix made 54.7% of their shots last week against the Timberwolves which was the best shooting effort in their last 11 games. But the Suns have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 20 games on the road after pulling off an upset victory by 15 or more points. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 28 of their last 45 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 20 games after a straight-up win on the road. They stay on the road for the fourth straight game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after winning their two previous games on the road. And in their last 10 games when playing for just the second time in the last seven days, they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of those games.

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 10 straight games when playing with revenge from a loss at home. 10* NBA Phoenix-Minnesota ESPN Special with the Minnesota Timberwolves (578) minus the point(s) versus the Phoenix Suns (577). Best of luck for us — Frank.  

At 9:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the New Orleans Pelicans (558) minus (or plus) the point(s) versus the Sacramento Kings (557) in the Play-In Tournament. THE SITUATION: New Orleans (49-34) has lost two games in a row after their 110-106 upset loss at home against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 1-point favorite in their Play-In game on Tuesday. Sacramento (47-36) has won two games in a row after their 118-94 upset victory at home against Golden State as a 3-point underdog on Tuesday to advance to this final Play-In Tournament game. The winner of this game takes the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and plays at Minnesota on Sunday; the loser’s season ends.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PELICANS MINUS (OR PLUS) THE POINT(S): The Pelicans lost a close one against the Lakers on Tuesday despite only making 46.2% of their shots which was the worst shooting effort in their last four games. The injury to Zion Williamson certainly played a role in determining the final score of that game. With Williamson out tonight with that left shoulder injury, look for the remaining Pelicans to step up their play in his absence tonight. As it is, New Orleans has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after a loss by six points or less. Look for the Pelicans to play better on defense tonight since Williamson is a liability on defense — New Orleans holds their opponents to -3.7 points per 100 adjusted possessions when he is off the court. Sacramento has covered the point spread in three straight games after their upset victory against the Warriors — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after covering the point spread in two or more games in a row. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after covering the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. The Kings scored at least 110 points for just the fourth time in their last 15 games on Tuesday. After posting historic efficiency numbers on offense last season, Sacramento is a different team right now after the injuries to Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. Monk is the team’s third-leader scoring and offensive spark plug coming off the bench. Huerter is their best 3-point shooter who opens up space in the starting five for De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. For the season, the Kings rank 14th in the league by averaging 99.47 adjusted possessions per game — with Huerter missing the last 17 games and Monk out the last 11 contests.

FINAL TAKE: The Pelicans beat the Kings in all five of their meetings this season after their 135-123 upset win on the road as a 1-point underdog on April 11th — and Sacramento has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when attempting to avenge a double-digit loss at home. 8* NBA Friday Late Show Bailout with the New Orleans Pelicans (558) minus (or plus) the point(s) versus the Sacramento Kings (557). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Sacramento Kings (557) and the New Orleans Pelicans (558) in the Play-In Tournament. THE SITUATION: Sacramento (47-36) has won two games in a row after their 118-94 upset victory at home against Golden State as a 3-point underdog on Tuesday to advance to this final Play-In Tournament game. New Orleans (49-34) has lost two games in a row after their 110-106 upset loss at home against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 1-point favorite in their Play-In game on Tuesday. The winner of this game takes the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and plays at Minnesota on Sunday; the loser’s season ends. 

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Kings scored at least 110 points for just the fourth time in their last 15 games on Tuesday. After posting historic efficiency numbers on offense last season, Sacramento is a different team right now after the injuries to Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. Monk is the team’s third-leader scoring and offensive spark plug coming off the bench. Huerter is their best 3-point shooter who opens up space in the starting five for De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. But head coach Mike Brown has his team playing much better on the defensive end of the court — and they are also playing at a slower pace to compensate for their now very thin bench. For the season, the Kings rank 14th in the league by averaging 99.47 adjusted possessions per game — with Huerter missing the last 17 games and Monk out the last 11 contests. In their last 10 games, Sacramento’s pace has dropped to just 96.55 adjusted possessions per game which is the third-slowest in the NBA during that span. But while Sacramento ranks 14th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency this season, they have risen all the way up to fifth in that metric in their last ten games. The Kings have held their last five opponents to 45.7% shooting which has resulted in 106.2 Points-Per-Game — and that is -2.2% and -8.4 PPG below their season averages. Sacramento has played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 100 points in their last game — and they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last contest. They have also played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a double-digit win at home — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a win by 20 or more points. They go back on the road where they have played 14 of their last 22 games Under the Total as an underdog — and they have played 11 of their last 16 road games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Furthermore, the Kings have played 18 of their last 25 road games Under the Total against teams winning 51-60% of their games — and they have played 17 of their last 26 games Under the Total in the second half of the season against teams with a winning record. They have also played 17 of their last 25 games Under the Total in April including seven of their nine games this month. New Orleans now has their own significant injury news to deal with after Zion Williamson injured his left calf late in the game on Tuesday which will keep him out for tonight’s contest. He led the way with 40 points in the loss to the Lakers — and the Pelicans will very much miss his scoring tonight. But Williamson is a liability on defense — New Orleans holds their opponents to -3.7 points per 100 adjusted possessions when he is off the court. Brandon Ingram is healthy again — but he does not appear to be close to 100% yet. He only played 25 minutes on Tuesday and was not on the court in crunch time in the fourth quarter. He scored only 11 points on 4 of 12 shooting — and he has averaged just 12 PPG in his two games back in action. As it is and even with Williamson, the Pelicans’ offense has slowed down in the half-court to close out the regular season. While they ranked 10th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency in the half court during the regular season, they dropped to 18th by scoring only 97.3 points per 100 adjusted possessions in their final ten regular season games. New Orleans has played 10 of their last 15 games Under the Total after losing two games in a row at home — and they have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total when playing with two days of rest. They have played 10 of their last 14 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. And in their last 24 games in the second half of the season against teams with a winning record, they have played 15 of these games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: The Pelicans beat the Kings in all five of their meetings this season after their 135-123 upset win in Sacramento as a 1-point underdog on April 11th. Sacramento has played 10 of their last 16 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by 10 or more points. 25* NBA Play-In Tournament Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Sacramento Kings (557) and the New Orleans Pelicans (558). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Chicago Bulls (550) minus the points versus the Atlanta Hawks (549) in the Play-In Tournament. THE SITUATION: Chicago (39-43) had their two-game winning streak snapped in a 120-119 loss in overtime at New York as a 13-point underdog on Sunday. Atlanta (36-46) limps into the postseason on a six-game losing streak after a 157-115 loss at Indiana as a 13.5-point underdog on Sunday. The winner of this game plays on the road against the loser of the Miami-Philadelphia game; the loser’s season ends.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLS MINUS THE POINTS: Credit goes to head coach Billy Donovan’s team for playing hard on Sunday in a game that did not mean anything to them since they had already locked home court in this nine-versus-ten seed Eastern Conference clash in the Play-In Tournament. The Bulls nailed 48.5% of their shots against the Knicks which was actually the worst shooting effort in their last five games. Chicago has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after making at least 47% of their shots in four or more games in a row. They did allow New York to make 50.5% of their shots after Washington made 52.3% of their shots in their previous game — but the Bulls have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after allowing their last two opponents to make 50% or more of their shots. Chicago has played four straight Overs — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 20 games after playing three or more Overs in a row. They have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 19 games after playing four or more games in a row. Additionally, the Bulls have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 24 games when playing for the second time in five days. Atlanta chose to not show up in their game against the Pacers on Sunday as they let Indiana make 65.0% of their shots — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after allowing their last opponent to nail 55.0% or more of their shots. The Hawks have also failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games after a straight-up loss on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games after a loss on the road by 20 or more points. They stay on the road for the third straight game where they have failed to cover the point spread in 26 of their last 40 games. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 32 games against teams with a losing record.

FINAL TAKE: The Bulls won the three-game series with the Hawks — but they come off a 113-101 upset loss to them the last time they played which was in Chicago where they were favored by two points. Chicago won meetings between these two teams when Tray Young played for Atlanta. The Bulls have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 opportunities to avenge a double-digit loss at home to their opponent. 10* NBA Wednesday Night Discounted Deal with the Chicago Bulls (550) minus the points versus the Atlanta Hawks (549). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Golden State Warriors (543) and the Sacramento Kings (544) in the Play-In Tournament. THE SITUATION: Golden State (46-36) has won four of their last five games after their 123-116 win against Utah as an 11-point favorite on Sunday. Sacramento (46-36) snapped their three-game losing streak with a 121-82 victory against Portland as a 17.5-point favorite on Sunday. The winner of this game travels to play the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-New Orleans Pelicans game on Thursday to determine the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs; the loser’s season ends.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Golden State took the day off regarding their play on the defensive end of the court against the Jazz as they allowed them to nail 51.7% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 17 games. Head coach Steve Kerr will make sure his team gets back to basics in this single-elimination game. The Warriors have been a much better defensive team once Draymond Green got back into the mix after getting suspended. After ranking 24th in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in their first 40 games, they improved to eighth in the league in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in their last 42 contests. While they rank 13th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency for the season, they have been even better down the stretch by rising to ninth in their last ten games. They have held their last five opponents to 45.3% shooting which has resulted in 110.4 Points-Per-Game — and those numbers are a 1.3% and a -4.8 PPG improvement against their season defensive averages. The Warriors have played 16 of their last 24 games Under the Total after winning three of their last four games. They go back on the road where they have played 14  of their last 19 games Under the Total when favored. Sacramento is missing two key pieces to what was already a limited rotation of players. Kevin Huerter has only played in two minutes in the last 16 games after injuring his left shoulder on March 18th. Malik Monk has played just one minute in their last ten games after he sprained his right MCL. Both losses are critical. Huerter is their best 3-point shooter. His presence on the perimeter opens up space for De’Aaron Fox to drive the lane — and he is an important target for Domantas Sabonis in his point forward role. Monk provides instant offense off the bench and is in line to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. In their last five games, they are only making 44.7% of their shots which has resulted in 112.6 Points-Per-Game — and those marks represent -3.0% and -4.0 PPG drops from their season averages. But the Kings have amped up their intensity on the defensive end of the court as they have held their last five opponents to 44.4% shooting which has resulted in 102.8 PPG — and those numbers are -3.6% and -12.2 PPG below their season averages. Sacramento has played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a double-digit win — and they have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last contest. Furthermore, the Kings have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total when playing at home.

FINAL TAKE: The Kings have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total against fellow Pacific Division rivals. 10* NBA Tuesday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Golden State Warriors (543) and the Sacramento Kings (544). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

At 10:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Golden State Warriors (543) minus the points versus the Sacramento Kings (544) in the Play-In Tournament. THE SITUATION: Golden State (46-36) has won four of their last five games after their 123-116 win against Utah as an 11-point favorite on Sunday. Sacramento (46-36) snapped their three-game losing streak with a 121-82 victory against Portland as a 17.5-point favorite on Sunday. The winner of this game travels to play the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-New Orleans Pelicans game on Thursday to determine the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs; the loser’s season ends.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WARRIORS MINUS THE POINTS: Head coach Steve Kerr has Golden State playing their best basketball heading into the postseason — they have won ten of their last 12 games. In their last ten games, the Warriors rank seventh in the NBA with a Net Adjusted Efficiency Margin of +8.1 which is a big improvement over their Net Adjusted Efficiency Margin of +2.4 for the entire season which ranks 13th. They rank ninth in the league in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency — but they rose to fifth in that metric in their last ten games. They are making 50.6% of their shots in their last five games. The improvement in defense has been even more pronounced. While they rank 13th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency for the season, they rise to ninth in their last ten games. They have held their last five opponents to 45.3% shooting which has resulted in 110.4 Points-Per-Game — and those numbers are a 1.3% and a -4.8 PPG improvement against their season defensive averages. They did allow the Jazz to make 51.7% of their shots on Sunday but that was the worst defensive game in their last 17 contests. Golden State has failed to cover the point spread in three straight games — but they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. They have also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after winning two of their last three contests. After struggling on the road last season with the negative vibes coming from Jordan Poole impacting the chemistry of the team, Kerr has emphasized better play away from home this season. The Warriors have covered the point spread in 27 of their last 41 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 23 road games in the second half of the season. They have also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 road games when favored — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games when favored by up to six points or listed as a pick ‘em. Sacramento held the collection of G-Leaguers wearing Trail Blazers’ uniforms to just 31.6% shooting on Sunday which was the best defensive effort of their season. But the Kings have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after not allowing more than 100 points in their last game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after not allowing more than 95 in their last contest. Additionally, they have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games after a win by double-digits — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a win by 20 or more points. Sacramento is missing two key pieces to what was already a limited rotation of players. Kevin Huerter has only played in two minutes in the last 16 games after injuring his left shoulder on March 18th. Malik Monk has played just one minute in their last ten games after he sprained his right MCL. Both losses are critical. Huerter is their best 3-point shooter. His presence on the perimeter opens up space for De’Aaron Fox to drive the lane — and he is an important target for Domantas Sabonis in his point forward role. Monk provides instant offense off the bench and is in line to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. In their last five games, they are only making 44.7% of their shots which has resulted in 112.6 Points-Per-Game — and those marks represent -3.0% and -4.0 PPG drops from their season averages.

FINAL TAKE: The Warriors will be without Gary Payton II with his left calf strain — but he has missed their last three games as well. These two teams split their four regular season games but the Kings won the most recent two contests after a 134-133 victory on the road on January 25th. Golden State has covered the point spread in 20 of their last 31 games when avenging a loss where they surrendered 110 or more points — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games when motivated by double revenge. 25* NBA Pacific Division Game of the Year with the Golden State Warriors (543) minus the points versus the Sacramento Kings (544). Best of luck for us — Frank.  

At 1:10 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Orlando Magic (512) minus the points versus the Milwaukee Bucks (511). THE SITUATION: Orlando (46-35) has lost three games in a row after their 125-113 loss at Philadelphia as a 6-point underdog on Friday. Milwaukee (49-32) had their two-game winning streak snapped in a 125-107 loss at Oklahoma City as a 14-point underdog on Friday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MAGIC MINUS THE POINTS: Both teams have things to still play for this afternoon. The Bucks need a win to secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Magic are currently the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference — but a loss could see them fall all the way to the ninth seed given the logjam in the playoff race and their being on the losing end of several tie-breakers. Wendall Carter is listed as questionable for Orlando — but Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for Milwaukee. The Magic have not covered the point spread in their three-game losing streak with all three of those losses being by 12 or more points— but they have covered the points spread in 9 straight games after failing to cover the point spread in three or more games in a row. They have also covered the point spread in 5 straight games after losing three games in a row — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after losing three games in a row by double-digits. Orlando returns home for this one where they have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games when favored. They have also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 20 games when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games at home when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. Milwaukee has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a loss on the road by double-digits. The Bucks have failed to cover the point spread in five of their last seven games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 31 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Milwaukee concludes their regular season on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games as an underdog — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 23 road games as an underdog of up to six points or as a pick ‘em.

FINAL TAKE: The Bucks have won the last two games against the Magic after their 117-99 upset win at home against them as a 2-point underdog on Wednesday. Orlando has covered the point spread in 24 of their last 37 games at home when playing with double-revenge. 10* NBA Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Orlando Magic (512) minus the points versus the Milwaukee Bucks (511). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Sacramento Kings (584) plus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (583). THE SITUATION: Sacramento (45-35) has lost two games in a row as well as four of their last five after their 135-123 upset loss to New Orleans as a 1-point  favorite last night. Phoenix (47-33) snapped a two-game losing streak with a 124-108 win in Los Angeles against the Clippers as an 11-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE KINGS PLUS THE POINTS: Sacramento misses the injured Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter which leaves their depth pretty thin. Huerter helps with the spacing on the court since he is primarily a three-point shooter. Monk provided instant offense off the bench and may still win the Sixth Man of the Year award. But the Kings still have De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis -- and they did make 54.8% of their shots last night against the Pelicans. Head coach Mike Brown will want a better effort on defense after they allowed New Orleans to make 57.0% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 31 games. Sacramento has covered the point spread in 18 of their last 25 games after allowing their previous opponent to make 55% or more of their shots including seven of their ten games under those circumstances this season. They have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after allowing 130 or more points in their last contest. Additionally, the Kings have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 34 games after a loss on their home court — and they have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games after an upset loss as a home favorite. They have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 27 games after losing two or more games in a row. And while they have not covered the point spread in their last two games, they have then covered the point spread in 12 of their last 13 games after not covering the point spread in two or more games in a row. Sacramento still has plenty to play for this weekend as the regular season ends on Sunday. They have clinched a spot in the playoffs — but they are fighting for positioning for the Play-In Tournament next week with them being tied with Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers for the 8th through 10th spots. This is only the fifth time this season when the Kings are playing at home as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 3 of those 4 previous games. Phoenix enjoyed their best shooting effort in their last four games by making 48.4% of their shots against the Clippers on Wednesday. But the Suns have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games after a straight-up win on the road. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after a win by 15 or more points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after a point spread cover as a double-digit favorite. Furthermore, they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after a double-digit victory against a Pacific Division rival. And while that final score finished Over the 218.5-point total, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 34 games after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Phoenix stays on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games on the road when a pick ‘em or favored by up to six points.

FINAL TAKE: The Suns score 116.2 Points-Per-Game — and Sacramento has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games in the second half of the season against teams who score at least 116 PPG. The Kings score 116.6 PPG — and the Suns have failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games against teams who score 116 or more PPG. 25* NBA Bailout Game of the Month with the Sacramento Kings (584) plus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (583). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Orlando Magic (539) and the Milwaukee Bucks (540). THE SITUATION: Orlando (46-33) has lost two of their last three games after their 118-106 upset loss at Houston as a 3-point favorite last night. Milwaukee (48-31) snapped a four-game losing streak with their 104-91 victory against Boston as a 3.5-point favorite yesterday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Bucks broke their string of upset losses by making 53.1% of their shots against the Celtics which was the best shooting effort in their last five games - albeit against a Boston squad playing without Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis defending the interior. But the bigger news was Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the game in the third quarter with a left calf injury. While it does not look like a season-ender, Antetokounmpo will not take the court tonight. That leaves the Milwaukee offense guard heavy which is not a good look when facing this Magic defense that has outstanding defenders at the guard position. The Bucks raced out to a 63-43 halftime lead yesterday — and they have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after going into halftime with a 15-point or better lead. They went into halftime with a 61-50 lead against New York in their previous game — and they have played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total after owning two straight double-digit halftime leads. Milwaukee has played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after losing two of their last three games — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after losing three of their last four games. Head coach Doc Rivers will want his team to maintain their recent defensive intensity playing without Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 100 points in their last game — and they have played 12 of their last 19 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last contest. They have held their last five opponents to 111.6 Points-Per-Game which is -4.9 PPG below their season average. But the Bucks are only making 45.1% of their shots in their last five games which has resulted in 107.6 PP — and those marks are -3.7% and -11.9 PPG below their season average. Milwaukee has played 19 of their last 29 games Under the Total in the second half of the season. They have also played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total as an underdog — and they have played 4 of their last 5 home games Under the Total as an underdog of up to six points. Orlando allowed the Spurs to make 52.3% of their shots last night which was the third straight game where their opponent made at least 50% of their shots against them. The Magic have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total after allowing their last three opponents to make at least 47% of their shots — and they have played 4 straight Unders after allowing three straight opponents to make 50% or more of their shots. They have played 6 straight Unders after an upset loss — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after an upset loss by double-digits. The Under is 19-12-1 in their 32 games playing without a day of rest. And while last night’s final score finished Over the 215.5-point total, Orlando has played 23 of their last 35 games on the road Under the Total after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Franz Wagner did not play in that game as he is nursing a right ankle injury that leaves him questionable tonight — and Gary Harris is out dealing with an injury. This team has slowed things down on offense by playing at the 27th slowest pace in the league since the All-Star break. Led by Jalen Suggs who is making the first or second All-Defensive team this year, Orlando ranks third in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The Magic have played 17 of their last 26 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and Milwaukee has played 13 of their last 21 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: Both teams are still playing for playoff seeding — so the intensity will be high. These two teams last played on December 21st in the 118-114 victory by the Bucks in Milwaukee — and Orlando has played 15 of their last 23 games Under the Total when avenging a loss on the road. 25* NBA Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Orlando Magic (539) and the Milwaukee Bucks (540). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the San Antonio Spurs (515) and the Memphis Grizzlies (516). THE SITUATION: San Antonio (19-59) has lost three of their last four games after their 133-126 loss to Philadelphia as a 4.5-point underdog on Sunday. Memphis (27-51) had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 116-96 loss to Philadelphia as a 14-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Led by their rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are still playing hard late in the season despite being out of the playoff race. They had covered six games in a row before the point spread loss to the surging 76ers with Joel Embiid back from injury. The biggest improvement for this San Antonio team has been on the defensive end of the court. In their last 15 games, the Spurs rank 10th in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency which is a big jump from their 22nd ranking for the entire season. However, the offense has only improved to 25th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency in their last 15 games from their 26th ranking overall — so credit goes to their defense for their improved competitiveness. San Antonio has played 19 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a loss at home. They have also played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in four of their last five games. One of the things holding the offense back has been the season-ending injury to Devin Vassell who was scoring 19.5 Points-Per-Game. They are only making 44.0% of their shots in their last five games resulting in 106.1 PPG — and those numbers are -2.0% and -6.2 PPG below their season averages. The Spurs have played 9 of their last 12 road games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s. They have played 4 straight Unders when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. Memphis allowed the Sixers to nail 51.9% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last five contests. The Grizzlies have still held their last five opponents to just 106.6 PPG which is -6.1 PPG below their season average. But this team is a M*A*S*H unit with a long list of injured players out for tonight’s game including Jaren Jackson, Desmond Bane, and Luke Kennard joining Ja Morant unable to take the court. Memphis is scoring only 102.6 PPG in their last five games which is -3.3 PPG below their season average. The Grizzlies have played 19 of their last 27 home games Under the Total after a loss at home — and they have played 14 of their last 19 home games Under the Total after a point spread loss. They have played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after scoring no more than 100 points in their last game. And in their last 16 games after winning two of their last three games, they have played 11 of these games Under the Total. Memphis stays at home where they have played 26 of their last 38 games Under the Total — and they have played 10 of their last 15 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 210s.

FINAL TAKE: The Spurs have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total in the second half of the season against teams with a losing record — and the Grizzlies have played 24 of their last 36 home games Under the Total against teams with a losing record. 25* NBA Southwest Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the San Antonio Spurs (515) and the Memphis Grizzlies (516). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Minnesota Timberwolves (549) plus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (550). THE SITUATION: Minnesota (53-23) has won two games in a row and nine of their last 11 after their 133-85 victory against Toronto as a 16.5-point favorite on Wednesday. Phoenix (45-31) has won two games in a row and six of their last eight contests after their 122-101 win against Cleveland as a 5.5-point favorite on Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIMBERWOLVES PLUS THE POINTS: Minnesota continues to play well despite being without the injured Karl Anthony-Towns for the last month. The Timberwolves raced out to a 58-42 lead at halftime against the Raptors — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after owning a halftime lead of 15 or more points in their last game. And while that final score finished Over the 214-point Total, they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games on the road after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Minnesota continues to lead the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They have held their last five opponents to 42.2% shooting which has resulted in 97.8 Points-Per-Game — and those marks are -2.4% and -8.2 PPG below their season average. The Timberwolves have covered the point spread in 22 of their last 33 games on the road in the second half of the season — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games with the Total set in the 210s. Phoenix made 50.6% of their shots on Wednesday which was the best shooting effort in their last four games. The Suns have then failed to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games after a double-digit victory — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after a win by 20 or more points at home. They have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 29 games after winning two of their last three games.

FINAL TAKE: The Timberwolves want to avenge a 133-115 loss at Phoenix on November 15th — and they have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 40 opportunities for some sweet same-season revenge. 8* NBA Friday Late Show Bailout with the Minnesota Timberwolves (549) plus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (550). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:40 PM ET on Friday, we will be Under the Total in the game between the Golden State Warriors (547) and the Dallas Mavericks (548). THE SITUATION: Golden State (42-34) has won six games in a row after their 133-110 victory at Houston as a 3-point favorite last night. Dallas (46-30) has won eight of their last nine games after their 109-92 win against Atlanta as an 11.5-point favorite yesterday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Warriors nailed 48.6% of their 3s last night en route to a 58.7% shooting percentage which is their best mark of the season. Expect a visit from the Regression Gods tonight — especially with both Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga questionable with nagging knee injuries. As it is, Golden State has played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total after scoring 130 or more points in their last game. They have also played 15 of their last 22 games Under the Total after a win on the road. The Warriors have covered the point spread in two straight games as well as five of their last six contests. They have then played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in two or more games in a row — and they have played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. And while Golden State has outrebounded their last two opponents by at least ten boards, they have then played 14 of their last 18 games Under the Total after outrebounding two or more straight opponents by ten or more rebounds. This is their third game since Tuesday — and they have played 15 of their last 23 games Under the Total when playing for the third time in four days. Head coach Steve Kerr has his team amping up their intensity on the defensive end of the court as the postseason approaches. They have shaved off from than 7.0 points from their Adjusted Defensive Efficiency number to improve to fifth in the league in that metric. They have held their last five opponents to 42.7% shooting which has resulted in just 102.6 Points-Per-Game that they have allowed — and those numbers are -3.9% and 13.0 PPG below their season averages. But they are also scoring 114.0 PPG over those five games which is -4.0 PPG below their season averages. The Mavericks live-and-die by the 3-point shot. Golden State ranks sixth in the NBA in 3-point defense by holding their opponents to 35.7% shooting from behind the arc — and they are even better on the road by holding their home hosts to 34.9% shooting from 3. Dallas has played 8 of their last 9 home games Under the Total after a win on their home court. They have also played 19 of their last 26 home games Under the Total after winning six or seven of their last eight games. Additionally, the Mavericks have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game — and they have played 16 of their last 24 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 95 points in their last contest. Head coach Jason Kidd has also overseen a dramatic transformation of the play of his team’s defense. The acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline gave this team a much-needed wing defender and rim protector. Dallas ranks third in the league in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in their last ten games. They have not allowed their last six opponents to shoot better than 45.6% from the field — and their last nine opponents have not eclipsed 107 points with three of those foes held to 97 or fewer points. They have held their last five opponents to 42.0% shooting which has resulted in 101.0 PPG which is -5.4% and -14.8 PPG below their season averages. But the Mavs are scoring 114.6 PPG in their last five games which is -3.7 PPG below their season average — and now Luka Doncic is questionable to play this game without a day of rest given “right knee” issues. Dallas has played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total when playing without a day of rest. They have played 8 of their last 11 games at home Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: The Mavericks have played 18 of their last 27 games Under the Total in the second half of the season — and they have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total The Warriors have played 21 of their last 32 games Under the Total in the second half of the season — and they have played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. 25* NBA Western Conference Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Golden State Warriors (547) and the Dallas Mavericks (548). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (527) and the Los Angeles Clippers (528). THE SITUATION: Denver (53-33) has won two games in a row and six of their last eight contests after their 110-105 victory against San Antonio as a 16-point favorite on Tuesday. Los Angeles (47-28) had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 109-95 loss at Sacramento as a 3-point underdog on Tuesday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: It looks like Denver will be without Jamal Murray for the seventh straight game tonight as he nurses a right knee injury. The Nuggets are leaning on their defense playing without their starting point guard. While their scoring is down -1.9 Points-Per-Game in their last five games without him, they have held their last five opponents to just 44.7% shooting which has resulted in 104.8 PPG. Denver has held their last two opponents to 105 and 101 points — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. They have also played 21 of their last 34 games Under the Total after winning two or more games in a row — and they have played 13 of their last 18 games on the road Under the Total after a point spread loss. On the road, the Nuggets are scoring 110.9 PPG which is -3.6 fewer PPG than their season average. Denver has played 10 of their last 12 road games Under the Total with the Total set in the 220s. They have also played 15 of their last 21 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record in the second half of the season. Los Angeles only made 40.8% of their shots on Tuesday in what was the worst shooting effort in their last eight games. Unfortunately for the Clippers, that might not have been an outlier performance when considering they were without Kawhi Leonard who is not expected to play tonight either given his right knee issue. Los Angeles is scoring 113.6 PPG in games without Leonard this season which is -2.7 fewer PPG than their season average. The Clippers have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a double-digit loss on the road. And while that game finished Under the 222-point total for that contest, they have then played 27 of their last 41 home games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Under the Total. Los Angeles has only attempted 75 and 76 shots in their last two games — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after not taking more than 80 shots in two straight games. The Clippers have not covered the point spread in their last two games — and they have only covered the point spread once in their last seven contests. Los Angeles has played 16 of their last 20 home games Under the Total after not covering the point spread in two games in a row — and they have played 15 of their last 21 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. They return home where they have played 26 of their last 39 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 220s — and they have played 14 of their last 21 home games Under the Total as a pick ‘em or an underdog getting up to six points.  

FINAL TAKE: These two teams last played on December 6th with the Clippers winning by a 111-102 score. The Total was set at 227.5 for that game making it the 7th time in their last 10 games that these two teams played a game against each other that finished Under the Total. 10* NBA Thursday Late Show O/U Bailout with Under the Total in the game between the Denver Nuggets (527) and the Los Angeles Clippers (528). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

At 10:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Cleveland Cavaliers (517) plus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (518). THE SITUATION: Cleveland (46-30) has won two of their last three games after their 129-113 victory at Utah as a 9.5-point favorite last night. Phoenix (44-31) has won two of their last three games after a 124-111 upset victory as a 1.5-point underdog on Monday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE CAVALIERS PLUS THE POINTS: Cleveland will be without two of their best wing defenders tonight after Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro were both declared out for tonight’s game — but the good news is that Donovan Mitchell is available to play after missing last night’s game due to injury management. Mitchell missed most of March but he did play in the Cavaliers' previous two games at Philadelphia and Denver. Cleveland enjoys a +7.1 Adjusted Net Efficiency margin with Mitchell on the court. From December to February before his broken nose injury, he was scoring 28.1 Points-Per-Game from a 61.5% true shooting percentage — and he was adding 6.5 Rebounds-Per-Game and 5.4 Assists-Per-Game. The Cavaliers pretty much have the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race locked up — but Mitchell asserted that the team needs to raise their confidence against good teams after getting clobbered by the Nuggets by 29 points. Cleveland raced out to a 67-47 halftime lead against the Jazz last night — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after taking a halftime lead of 20 or more points. They continue their five-game road trip that began on Sunday in Denver — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games when playing for the third time in five days. They have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. And while the Suns score 116.8 PPG, the Cavaliers have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games against teams who average 116 or more PPG. Phoenix has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after a win on the road. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games after a double-digit victory. We were on the Under in that game but Devin Booker went off for 52 points with that final score cruising Over the 222-point total — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 33 games after playing an Over in their last game. The Suns have failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after winning two of their last three games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games when playing for just the second time in five days. Despite playing against the fifth-easiest schedule in the league up until this point, Phoenix ranks only 15th in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Since the All-Star break, they rank 27th in the 3-point attempt-to-field goal attempt ratio and 25th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage. And while they do rank seventh in the league in offensive rebounding rate, they now face a Cavaliers team led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen that ranks eighth in the NBA in defensive rebounding rate. Phoenix has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games against teams winning 60-70% of their games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their 36 home games this season including five of their last seven contests at home.

FINAL TAKE: Cleveland will be looking to avenge a 117-111 loss at home to the Suns on March 11th in a game they played without  Mobley and Max Strus. The Cavs were able to launch 50% of their shots from behind the arc but only made 33.3% of them despite their 36.7% shooting mark from 3-point range this season. Cleveland has covered the point spread in 17 of their last 26 opportunities to exact revenge against their opponent — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games when avenging a loss where they gave up 110 or more points. 10* NBA Wednesday Late Show Bailout with the Cleveland Cavaliers (517) plus the points versus the Phoenix Suns (518). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Phoenix Suns (561) and the New Orleans Pelicans (562). THE SITUATION: Phoenix (43-31) has lost two of their last three games after their 128-103 upset loss at Oklahoma City as a 1-point favorite on Friday. New Orleans (45-29) has lost two of their last three games after their 104-92 loss to Boston as a 6-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Suns allowed the Thunder to make 56.3% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last 37 games. Head coach Frank Vogel will be on his team to tighten things up on the defensive end of the court. As it is, Phoenix has played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after an upset loss — and they have played 17 of their last 24 games Under the Total after an upset loss as a road favorite. They have played 10 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a loss on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a loss on the road by double-digits. They stay on the road where they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total as a pick ‘em or as an underdog of up to six points — and they have played 7 of their last 10 road games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Furthermore, the Suns have played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total as an underdog — and they have played 21 of their last 34 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. Phoenix has also played 16 of their last 25 games Under the Total in the second half of the season. New Orleans only made 39.5% of their shots against the Celtics as they continue to struggle without Brandon Ingram who is out for the rest of the regular season with a left knee contusion. In the five games without him last month, the Pelicans only made 45.1% of their shots resulting in 107.2 Points-Per-Game — and those numbers are -3.6% and -8.0 PPG below their season averages. But New Orleans has tightened things up on defense as they have held their last five opponents to 44.8% shooting and 102.4 PPG which is -1.2% and -7.9 PPG below their season averages. The Pelicans have played 12 of their last 14 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 95 points in their last game. And while they have only covered the point spread once in their last four games, they have then played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four games. New Orleans ranks fourth in the NBA in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — and they are second in the league by holding their opponents to just 34.6% shooting from behind the arc. Phoenix is a midrange jump-shooting team — and the Pelicans rank second in the NBA in defense against jump shots. At home, the Pelicans have played 8 of their last 12 games Under the Total as a pick ‘em or as a favorite of up to six points. They have also played 9 of their last 11 home games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Furthermore, New Orleans has played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total in the second half of the season against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: The Pelicans will be looking to avenge a 123-109 upset loss on the road against the Suns as a 2-point road favorite back on January 9th — and they have played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total when attempting to avenge an upset loss to their opponent. 10* NBA Monday Night Discounted O/U Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Phoenix Suns (561) and the New Orleans Pelicans (562). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers (547) and the Charlotte Hornets (548). THE SITUATION: Cleveland (44-28) snapped a three-game losing streak with their 115-92 victory at home against Charlotte as an 11.5-point favorite on Monday. Charlotte (17-54) has lost five games in a row after that loss two days ago.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Cavaliers nailed 53.5% of their shots against the Hornets which was the best shooting effort in their last 18 games. Despite that performance, Cleveland is struggling to score points as they continue to play without the injured Donovan Mitchell. They have just a 5-7 record in the last 12 games with Mitchell as he nurses a fractured nose and a nagging leg injury. In their last five games, the Cavs are making 46.4% of their shots but playing at a slower pace — they are scoring only 100.4 Points-Per-Game in those five contests. They have held their last five opponents to 105.4 PPG. Cleveland has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread cover as a double-digit favorite. They have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a win by 20 or more points. Their victory on Monday eked Over the 206-point total in that game — and they have played 23 of their last 35 games Under the Total after playing a game on the road that finished Over the Total. They had failed to cover the point spread in four of their previous five games — and they have played 21 of their last 31 road games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers rank fourth in the league in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Cleveland has played 12 of their last 15 games on the road Under the Total — and they have played 8 straight road games Under the Total when favored by 6.5 to 12 points. Furthermore, the Cavs have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total as a double-digit favorite. They have played 15 of their last 19 games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage no higher than .250. Charlotte has not scored more than 98 points in five straight games — and they have not cracked even 93 points in their last three games. With LaMelo Ball out with an injury and Terry Rozier shipped off to Miami at the trade deadline, the Hornets offense is relying on Mikal Bridges as their go-to scorer with rookie Brandon Miller the second option. In their last five games, Charlotte is making only 42.7% of their shots resulting in only 93.8 PPG. They return home after a four-game road trip having played 31 of their last 48 home games Under the Total after losing two games in a row — and they have 10 of their last 11 home games Under the Total after losing two or more games in a row on the road. The Hornets have played 13 of their last 18 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 7 straight home games Under the Total against an opponent with a winning percentage in the 60-70% range.

FINAL TAKE: Charlotte has played 9 of their last 14 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by 20 or more points — and they have played 16 of 25 games Under the Total when avenging a loss by 20 or more points under head coach Steve Clifford. 25* NBA Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers (547) and the Charlotte Hornets (548). Best of luck for us — Frank.   

At 7:40 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Brooklyn Nets (517) and the Toronto Raptors (518). THE SITUATION: Brooklyn (26-45) has lost two games in a row after their 105-93 loss at New York as a 7.5-point underdog on Saturday. Toronto (23-48) has lost ten games in a row after their 112-109 loss at Washington as a 6-point underdog on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Nets only made 44.7% of their shots against the Knicks on Saturday but it was still their best shooting effort in their last three games. They are scoring only 105.8 Points-Per-Game in their last five games — and they have failed to score more than 108 points in five of their last six contests. They have also failed to score more than 100 points in three of their last six games — so this team that is playing without the injured Cameron Johnson (amongst others) is quite capable of putting up a clunker. Brooklyn has held two of their last three opponents to 105 and 104 points so the effort on defense has been steady as of late. The Nets have played 27 of their last 44 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss. Additionally, they have played 7 of their last 9 games after failing to score more than 95 points in their last game — and they have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after playing a game where no more than 205 combined points were scored. They have played 14 of their last 19 games Under the Total after losing two or more games on the road — and they have played 11 of their last 16 games Under the Total after losing three or more games in a row. And while they have not covered the point spread in seven of their last nine games, they have then played 12 of their last 15 games on the road Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. Brooklyn continues their four-game road trip scoring only 109.1 PPG which is -2.0 PPG below their season average. The Nets have played 9 of their last 10 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning percentage in the 25-40%. Toronto is M*A*S*H unit right now as they conduct their soft tank job — they are missing so many players headlined by Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and R.J. Barrett. Gary Trent, Jr. is their go-to scorer right now. The 109 points they scored on Saturday were their most points in their last six games — they had not scored 104 in their previous five games including two clunkers where they scored only 98 and 89 points. They are only making 44.1% of their shots in their last five games resulting in 107.5 PPG. They have not shot better than 44.1% from the field in four of their last six games. The Raptors have held four of their last six opponents to 112 or fewer points. And while the Wizards’ 47.8% shooting effort on Saturday was the lowest opponent’s field goal percentage in their last five games, Toronto has played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after allowing three or more straight opponents to make 47% or more of their shots from the field. The Raptors have played 17 of their last 24 home games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 6 straight Unders after losing five or more games in a row. They have failed to cover the point spread in five of their last six games — and they have played 26 of their last 37 home games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six contests. They return home where they are scoring only 110.1 PPG which is -3.0 fewer PPG than their season average — but they are holding their guests to 114.5 PPG which is -3.6 PPG lower than their season average. Toronto has played 23 of their last 35 home games Under the Total — and they have played 6 of their last 7 home games Under the Total as an underdog getting 6.5 to 12 points. Furthermore, they have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total in March. They have played 9 of their last 13 opponents with a losing record Under the Total in the second half of the season.

FINAL TAKE: The Nets will remember their 121-93 loss in Toronto against the Raptors in their most recent meeting on February 22nd. Brooklyn has played 23 of their last 37 games Under the Total when playing with revenge — and they have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total when avenging a loss on the road by 20 or more points. 25* NBA Atlantic Division Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Brooklyn Nets (517) and the Toronto Raptors (518). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:10 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (565) and the Utah Jazz (566). THE SITUATION: Minnesota (46-21) has won two straight games after their 119-100 victory at Utah as an 8-point favorite on Saturday. Utah (29-38) has lost four of their last five games after that loss at home to the Timberwolves.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: With Minnesota playing without Karl-Anthony Towns for the rest of the season as he recovers from a torn meniscus, the initial take would be to consider Unders for the T-Wolves given the absence of his scoring prowess. But a contrarian position when the Timberwolves after playing a team with a terrible defense is prudent in this situation. Mike Conley has stepped up in the last two games to score 23 and 25 points in their last two games to offer complementary scoring to Anthony Edwards. He has nailed five 3-pointers in both of those games. As it is, the Timberwolves have played 25 of their last 36 road games Over the Total after a straight-up win on the road. They have played 14 of their last 19 games Over the Total after a point-spread victory. And they have played 20 of their last 28 games Over the Total after winning two games in a row. Minnesota remains an elite defensive club even without Towns — and they held their last two opponents to just 100 points. The T-Wolves have played 30 of their last 44 road games Over the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game — and they have played 11 of their last 12 games Over the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in two or more games in a row. They stay on the road where they are making 48.3% of their shots resulting in 114.6 Points-Per-Game. Minnesota has played 29  of their last 44 road games Over the Total against teams with a losing record. Rudy Gobert is questionable for tonight’s contest with a left rib sprain — and if he does not play, he makes the Timberwolves interior defense much less formidable. Utah is fully embracing tanking for the rest of the season. The Jazz owes Oklahoma City their first-round draft pick if it falls outside the top ten. Not coincidentally, they have the worst defensive rating in their last 15 games. Utah has played 16 of their last 21 games Over the Total in March including five of their seven games this month. Jordan Clarkson remains out with a groin injury and Lauri Markkanen is questionable with a quad injury after missing extended time due to that injury. In their last five games, they have allowed their opponents to make 50.7% of their shots resulting in 125.0 PPG — and they have allowed their last five visitors to score 119.6 PPG when they are playing at home. The Jazz have played 21 of their last 31 games Over the Total after a loss at home — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after a loss at home to a Northwest Division rival. They have also played 5 straight Overs after a double-digit loss at home.

FINAL TAKE: Minnesota has won the last four meetings with Utah after Saturday’s victory. The Jazz have played 27 of their last 40 road games Over the Total when avenging a loss at home to their opponent. They have also played 35 of their last 55 games when playing with double-revenge — and they have played 8 of their last 11 games Over the Total when playing with triple-revenge. 25* NBA Northwest Division Total of the Month is with Over the Total in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (565) and the Utah Jazz (566). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Miami Heat (561) and the Philadelphia 76ers (562). THE SITUATION: Miami (37-30) has won two games in a row after their 104-101 victory at Detroit as a 5-point favorite yesterday. Philadelphia (37-30) snapped their two-game losing streak with their 109-98 victory against Charlotte as a 10-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Heat have played 25 of their last 36 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 15 of their last 19 games Under the Total after a win on the road. Additionally, they have played 18 of their last 27 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 105 points in their last game. They have played 15 of their last 20 games Under the Total after winning two games in a row. Furthermore, they have played 20 of their last 25 games Under the Total after a win by three points or less. They have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after when playing without a day of rest — and they have played 17 of their last 24 games Under the Total when playing for the third time on the road in five days. On the road, Miami has played 26 of their last 35 games Under the Total — and they have played 10 of their last 12 road games Under the Total as an underdog of up to six points. They have also played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record in the second half of the season. Philadelphia has played 11 of their last 13 games Under the Total in the second half of the season. The 76ers have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after covering the point spread as a double-digit favorite. The Sixers have also played 6 of their last 8 games at home Under the Total with the Total set in the 200-209.5 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Jimmy Butler is questionable with a foot injury for the Heat — and this Philly team already without Joel Embiid may also be without Tobias Harris who is questionable with an ankle. Miami has won the last three meetings between these two teams after their 109-104 upset victory as a 3-point underdog on February 14th. 8* NBA Miami-Philadelphia ESPN O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Miami Heat (561) and the Philadelphia 76ers (562). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:40 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Clippers (537) and the Houston Rockets (538). THE SITUATION: Los Angeles (39-21) had their two-game winning streak snapped in a 113-106 loss at Milwaukee as a 1.5-point underdog on Monday. Houston (27-34) has won two games in a row after their 114-101 victory at home against San Antonio as a 7.5-point favorite last night.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Clippers allowed the Bucks to make 47.4% of their shots which was the worst defensive effort in their last three games. Los Angeles has played 13 of their last 20 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 20 of their last 28 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. And while they have only covered the point spread twice in their last seven games, they have then played 11 of their last 12 games Under the Total after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games. The Clippers are without Russell Westbrook who injured his hand and may miss the rest of the regular season. This team will need his offensive spark coming off the bench. As it is, Los Angeles are making 47.9% of their shots in their last five games resulting in 110.8 Points-Per-Game — and those marks are -6.4 PPG and a -1.2% drops from their season average. The Clippers stay on the road where they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total when favored by 6.5 to 12 points. They have also played 20 of their last 31 games Under the Total when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. Houston made 46.7% of their shots against the Spurs which was the best shooting mark in their last 11 contests. But the Rockets have played 17 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after a win on their home court. Furthermore, they have played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a double-digit victory — and they have played 20 of their last 31 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Houston is still only making 40.8% of their shots in their last five games resulting in 108.4 PPG — and those numbers represent a -4.4 PPG and a -4.7% drop from their season averages. They stay at home where they are limiting their guests to just 44.9% shooting including a 32.8% mark from behind the arc resulting in 109.5 PPG. Houston has played 12 of their last 17 home games Under the Total as an underdog — and they have played 4 straight Unders at home as an underdog getting 6.5 to 12 points.  

FINAL TAKE: The Rockets want to avenge a 106-100 loss in Los Angeles against the Clippers on November 17th last fall — and they have played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total when playing with revenge from a loss earlier in the season. 10* NBA LA Clippers-Houston ESPN O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Clippers (537) and the Houston Rockets (538). Best of luck for us — Frank.