ALL Systems go on NBA Monday

While most of you have been spending the morning hours going over NCAA tournament brackets, discussing the upcoming matchups and looking at what underdogs could pull off outright upsets on Thursday and Friday, their will actually be basketball played tonight, in the NBA. Here is a look at the best systems to consider, with a pair of televised tilts as well. Sides and totals from DiamondSportsbook.com.

New York (+3, 210) at Philadelphia 7:00E MSG

The Knicks have not had many highlights to their season, but Saturday night was one of them, with a stirring 124-98 road upset of Dallas as 10.5-point underdogs, ending the Mavs 13-game winning streak. This sets up New York for totals play as road teams off a win by 10 points or more as an underdog, with the total at 210 or higher are 41-14 UNDER the last 14 years.

Detroit (+9, 195) at Boston 8:00E ESPN

The Boston Celtics didn’t show a great deal of energy in being handled by Cleveland 104-90 as seven point underdogs on Sunday afternoon. If that matchup didn’t bring out the best in the Celtics, it would not figure Detroit would either, especially playing their fifth game in a week. Home favorites with a 60 to 70 percent winning record, facing a club with a 25 to 40 percent losing record are 9-33 ATS since 1996.

Denver (-2.5, 216) at Houston

The Nuggets have reeled off six straight wins, including the last three on the road. Denver was particularly impressive at its last stop in Memphis, where they scored 125 points, shooting 58 percent from the field, winning by 17 points. The Nuggets are second in the NBA in scoring at 107.4 points per game and teams that average more than 102 points a contest, against a decent offensive team (98-102 PPG), with a line of +3 to -3 after a blowout win by 15 or more are 32-9 ATS the previous five years.

Washington (+11, 202) at Utah

The Jazz have walking wounded and it showed defensively in their last game against Oklahoma City, falling 119-111, as the Thunder shot 60 percent as team. Oddsmakers don’t seem to be too concerned Utah won’t bounce back at home, since the Jazz lead the NBA in field goal percentage at 49 percent. In this confrontation, look to play on teams that shoot 48 percent or better and conceded 55 percent or more in last outing, to be a spread winner with 32-9 ATS record since 2005.

L.A. Lakers (-8, 225) at Golden State 10:30E ESPN

Pau Gasol has been publicly critical of Kobe Bryant’s ball distribution tactics. Bryant to his credit has keep his mouth shut, knowing his team needs Gasol later in the post-season and blasting him won’t resolve the issue. The Lakers have won their last two games and have had a break in the schedule which has allowed for more down time and just practice. Road favorites off a road win against division rival playing four or less games in 10 days are 10-3 ATS the last five seasons.

New Orleans (+2.5, 203.5) at L.A. Clippers

The Hornets continue to falter, losing seven of eight and haven’t covered the spread once in this stretch. New Orleans was hammered in the desert yesterday 120-106 and travels to Los Angeles trying to break the drought. NBA teams off a road loss by 10 points or more, against opponent off a road blowout loss of 20 points or more (Clippers lost by 30 at San Antonio Saturday) are 66-34 OVER in next contest.

All Systems Go for NBA Monday

On a busy night for sports bettors in professional basketball, five matchups in particular standout, given specific situations on the sides and totals. Take a hard look at these systems before making a decision on what looks best on the NBA board to start another week of wagering. Numbers from DiamondSportsbook.com.

Indiana (+4.5, 206) at Philadelphia

The Pacers headed down a very familiar path, losing a lot of basketball games. Indiana has dropped four of last five, as even their offense is failing them, averaging 95.8 points per game compared to season average of 99. Having lost by 10 points at home to the Sixers Saturday, they turn right around and face them again in Philly. Teams that have played five or more consecutive Unders, averaging 98-102 points per contest, against an ordinary offensive team (92-98 PPG) are 5-23 ATS the last five seasons.

Cleveland (-1, 190) at Miami

The Cavaliers have won four in a row, including a pair of narrow wins over the Lakers and Oklahoma City. Cleveland ranks 13th in points scored at 100.9 PPG, however, pedestrian offensive teams (98-102 PPG) facing other teams that allow 92-98 points a contest, after two wins by six or fewer points are 33-64 ATS the last 14 years.

Orlando (+1, 204.5) at Memphis

The Orlando Magic after losing last three games of their recent road trip have come back to win take a trio of contests by 10 points or more. Orlando is seventh in points surrendered at 96.2 per game and visits a Memphis squad that 24th defensively in conceding 103.9 PPG. These factors set up a total situation that reads this way. Play Over when the total is 200 to 209.5, with one team permitting 92-98 PPG, against a lousy defensive team (102 or more PPG), after two straight wins by 10 points or more. (25-7 L5Y)

Atlanta (+1, 197) at Houston

The Rockets have not been firing correctly in 2010, winning just four of 10 tries and costing backers dearly with 2-8 ATS mark. Their record has fallen to 24-19 and home teams where the line is +3 to -3, after failing to cover four of their last five against the spread, with winning percentage between 51 and 60 percent, are 9-32 ATS since 2005.

Phoenix (+6.5, 221.5) at Utah

The Suns (26-19) and Jazz (25-18) have similar records, with Phoenix having lost five of last seven and Utah hitting the right notes having emerged victorious six of last seven games. Though the Jazz are vastly superior defensive team (97 vs 107.4 points allowed) oddsmakers see Phoenix dictating the tempo with predicted total. In this case, Play Over when the total is greater than or equal to 210, in a game involving two marginal winning teams, with record falling into 51 to 60 percent. (32-8 L5Y)

Let the Bowls Begin.....and Hoops is cool too

For readers at 3Daily Winners, we will be following the exploits of the Left Coast Connection bettors during the bowl season. Last year as I recall they were right around .500, going a little overboard on underdogs in my opinion. Anyways let’s see how they do this year. I also found a double system in college basketball playing against unbeaten teams. The Top Trend is in the NBA going against a tired team. Good Luck

What I thought today – I absolutely love the bowl season and I could care less if there are bad games and matchups, I’m there.

On Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Basketball System -1) Play Against favorites of 10 or more points after eight or more consecutive wins who have a winning percentage of 80 percent or higher playing a marginal losing team (40% to 49%). This system is 44-10 ATS and states to play against Purdue and New Mexico today.

Free Basketball Trend-2) The Houston Rockets are 4-22 ATS in home games when playing their 5th game in 7 days since 1996.

Free Football Picks -3) I did this last year and the results were mixed, but I’ll try it again and see what happens. The Left Coast Connection members as you read this have played Wyoming in first bowl game (14-5) and Central Florida with the points (12-3).

Do yourself a favor for the Bowl Season, order this guide, you will thank me.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right.

Cavs and Nuggets will finally have somebody to play

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had more off days than an Ohio congressman, during the postseason, playing eight games in the past 30 days. The second seeded Denver Nuggets are 8-2 in the playoffs and will be in Conference Finals for the first time since 1985. Presently, they are second all-time in postseason scoring differential at +15.6 points per game, to the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks of 1971 and could have never guessed it would be them waiting to find out whom they will play. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are the home favorites; can they deliver and match up with anxious opponents?

Houston at L.A. Lakers 3:30E ABC

Before the series began, I did run across a few different guys from the various major sports websites that had this series going seven games. Of course, everyone one of them expected Yao Ming to play in all seven contests, not the 42.1 percent he will credited with. So what’s the deal for Game 7?

In the history of the NBA playoffs, if ever one series showed what determination and desire could do against an obviously more talented team, this one fits the bill. Even Houston knows it. “We’re not talented enough to play with this (Lakers) team,” Shane Battier said.

He’s right, but there is one huge difference, you slug the Lakers in the mouth, maybe they throw a punch back and maybe they don’t. This has to be Rockets coach Rick Adelman’s strategy. ALL of the pressure is on the Lakers, who have lost two or three more games in this series than the majority of people would have believed.

Houston has to continue to run screens that leave Aaron Brooks wide open, pound the ball into Luis Scola until the Los Angeles has any answer and keep fingers crossed Ron Artest and Battier can keep making shots. Houston might be 6-1-1 ATS playing with two days rest, but the smartest thing they can do is play a game that mentally tests how much the Lakers REALLY want to get into 94-feet of physical, tough-minded basketball.

Phil Jackson has received criticism for three non-efforts by his team in this series and while it is the coach’s responsibility to have his team prepared, these are professional basketball players, who are handsomely paid give effort, especially when the stakes are at their highest. In every championship Jackson has produced, he’s always had that second guy, who was almost as feared as the leader of the team, Michael and Scottie, Shaq and Kobe. Now its Kobe and ____ (If you think of someone, please fill in).

Who among you doesn’t expect Los Angeles to play better today? The oddsmakers at DiamondSportsbook.com still do, making them 12.5-point favorites with total of 194. The Lakers have covered their last four losses and have had plenty of team to soul search (7-2 ATS, with two days off). Maybe each Laker fills up bathtub with water and looks into it and asks them self is this reflection of a champion?

The Lakers need 10 players with the mindset of doing their individual jobs, nothing more, nothing less. Coach Jackson has to strongly suggest to each player to stay within capabilities, not force the action, stay within the team concept and fight for rebounds and outwork Houston for loose balls.

The Rockets 2-10 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season, showing their vulnerability, it’s just how bad do the Lakers want it compared to Houston?

Orlando at Boston 8:00E TNT

Nobody should be shocked this game is being played, it is just how we got here is the madness. Each team has won and covered a trio of tilts, with the Under leading 4-2 in the series. Boston is a 2.5-point favorite, with 186.5-point total.

Orlando wins if Dwight Howard brings same mindset from Game 6 and savagely controls the glass and stays aggressive in wanting the ball. (A few more made free throws only enhances value) The Magic convert 37.4 percent of shots behind the arc, they have to be in the 30’s for Game 7 to have a shot on the road, not 6 for 26 like last contest. Bench J.J. Redick already, he offers little as player unless he makes shots and he’s been given ample time to show he can against Boston. Get Courtney Lee back in starting lineup, even if he has to wear mask of the Joker. Run offense to get Hedo Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis to their favorite spots on the floor and let them chuck it up. Orlando is 15-5 ATS as a road underdog of three points or less and knows they can win; they just have to believe it, when it counts most.

Boston wins if Orlando continues to let Rajon Rondo run free. Rondo picked off 16 rebounds for the Celtics and helped keep them in the game until the very end. Coach Doc Rivers must convince Rondo, a slick Bob Cousy pass from yesteryear is not his best option and instead make the right safe pass to assist team. Find a way to isolate Ray Allen for a couple of 12-15 foot wide open looks early, to build quick confidence and possibly the vet gives you 25-30 points in a game the C’s need most. Keep Paul Pierce away from Ray Allen by 20 feet or more on offense, this frees up both players to help offense. Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis have to be wiser with Howard. Make him start offense two feet further away from basket and Howard instigates contact, absorb and let his limited offensive moves find some other way to tickle the twine.

The Celtics are 12-4 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog and are 22-9 ATS after scoring 75 points or less. Like most any boxing champ, the only way Boston does down is by knockout, not by hanging with them for 45 minutes, particularly on the road and hope you can close them out. It means too much to this team to not fight every step of the way.

This is Orlando’s chance to show the new guard is taking over the East, Cleveland’s established them self and the Magic could go right with them. Orlando’s 11-2 ATS in road games after allowing 80 points or less, do they trust themselves enough to complete the task and travel to Northern Ohio?

Rugged choices for bettors in pair of Game 6’s

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers proved their mettle in Game 5’s in different ways. Boston showed the true heart of a champion in overcoming 14-point deficit to oust Orlando 92-88. The Lakers on the other hand reeked with determination and easily buried an out-classed and undermanned Houston club. What will Game 6 provide, lets take a look inside.

The Orlando Magic is quickly becoming the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals of playoff basketball. The ‘Stros and Nats lead the majors in blown saves with 10 and the Magic keep coming up more empty than a group of guys leaving Hooters on Church Street in downtown Orlando at closing.

It is evident Orlando is the better team without Kevin Garnett playing for Boston, yet this Celtics team keeps fighting, clawing and scratching to win, which is a testament to the players and coach Doc Rivers. The Celtics are a team Al Davis would love, “Just win baby” and they manage to just so as compared to the Raiders. Boston makes one more trip South and is 8-2-1 ATS on the road.

Dwight Howard was right and wrong to call out his coach Stan Van Gundy about touches in the fourth quarter. He was wrong in the sense you don’t do that after losing a game you clearly had in the bag and let escape, down 3-2 in postseason. He is right that this has been a continual pattern for Orlando in the playoffs, blowing big leads, sometimes winning and sometimes not.

Looking into the issue deeper, here is what is uncovered. If Howard, aka “Superman” is such a dynamic offensive threat, why don’t his own players trust him in the last five minutes of the game? NBA players might not be the sharpest lot off the court, but they understand the game. Are Orlando players too concerned that Howard will make a turnover with the ball at crunch time? Does Howard really work to get the ball, spreading himself out to demand it? Finally, some believe Howard in the best center in the NBA right now, which by my calculations in similar to being heavyweight boxing champion, doesn’t mean much.

Let’s not forget, Howard is a rebounding and dunking machine, but his post moves couldn’t fill a Dunkin Donuts Yahoo sports minute.

Oddsmakers at Diamond Sportsbook.com see an angry Orlando club looking to square the series at 3-3 and have made them the largest favorite of the series at seven-points, with total of 190. The Magic are 12-4 ATS off a road loss this season and are 7-1 UNDER off a spread loss.

Van Gundy received deserved criticism for playing J.J. Redick 29 minutes in Game 5, especially when he had only one basket.

Boston is 17-4 ATS after a win by six points or less this season and is 14-6 UNDER after consecutive wins. The C’s don’t win last contest without Stephon Marbury, can he deliver again?

The L.A. Lakers finally showed why they are best wager to win the NBA title. The Los Angeles Zen Master would never sink to such low depths of using simple math to motivate his team, but the Lakers are NBA champions if they understand 12 x 4 = 48.

Los Angeles showed they are capable of playing all 48 minutes, though in Game 5 they really didn’t need to. They shot over 51 percent, manufactured countless steals and actually showed toughness with Lamar Odom battling through bad back to play 19 minutes.

The Lakers are 31-14 (24-20-1 ATS) as visitors and if they come to play, should win this contest to close out series. It is all about steely resolve and Phil Jackson’s Lakers’ teams are 11-1 ATS in road games after leading in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half.

Houston is on the receiving end of nine-points with total of 197. The Rockets have no chance to win if they can’t contain Lakers and not let them sniff the century mark. Houston is 15-4 ATS revenging a loss where team scored less than 85 points and it comes as no surprise the average total score in those contests is 186.9. Rick Adelman’s club is 13-4 UNDER after allowing 105 points or more this season, but that included the big man in the middle.

The coverage turns over to ESPN on Thursday starting at 7 Eastern and the series leaders either closeout or head back home for Game 7 finale.

Will NBA home teams have heart tonight?

Both of Tuesday night’s NBA playoff series are tied at 2-2. In their previous contest, one of tonight’s home teams played with heart and the other was flat-lined. Each team will be able to retake the lead in the series and be one game away from advancing, with the question remaining; will the blood be pumping at enough of a rapid pace to finish the job?

For those that placed a futures wager on the Los Angeles Lakers to be NBA champions, you probably feel like you are being setup as part of a Ponzi scheme, with your money being leveraged to pay of somebody else if you were to lose.

Just when it seemed the Lakers couldn’t play any worse than they did in non-caring Game 1 performance, they sink three levels lower. The only player with a noticeable pulse in Houston Sunday was Jordan Farmar and when he is your hardest working player, it’s going to be a long four quarters.

For all the talk of playing more physical and being mentally tougher, Los Angeles looks very much like the team that played Boston in finals last year and was soft. If you think the Lakers come out and play like they are on fire, you might want to dial back expectations, since they are 8-27 ATS off a double digit loss as a favorite of six points or more.

Without Yao Ming, it’s very difficult for anyone not drinking Houston Rockets red kool-aid to believe Houston really has a chance to win the series. It would be one of the all-time great NBA playoff upsets if it were to happen, given the current circumstances, but unlike the Lakers, the Rockets play with a greater passion and genuinely seem to care, as opposed to their opponent.

No Yao means larger spread and DiamondSportsbook.com has the L.A. favored by 12, with 198 total. The Rockets are 19-7 ATS as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points and 19-7 UNDER if opponent plays over .600 basketball. The Lakers 14-27 ATS in home games revenging a same season loss and 9-1 UNDER after a game with 15 or less assists.

Earlier on the other coast, the Boston Celtics will try to do something they have failed to do in this series, win an odd-numbered contest. Boston has yet to lead in this series and can go up with a win. After being demolished in Game 3, the Celtics showed heart and guts in squeaking by Orlando 95-94 as five–point underdogs.

Boston even showed trust and faith in one another as teammates, as Paul Pierce passed out double-team, of what would have been a nearly impossible shot to make and found wide open Glen Davis who baby-ed in medium range jump shot for the winner.

“Since I have been with the Celtics, I have been trying to fine my niche in our system,” Davis said. “Doc (Rivers) told me that if you work on that shot and show me you can make it, I am going to let you shoot it. This year has been proof of hard work. You just have to be focused.”

Boston returns home as 2.5-point home favorites and they are not a lock to take command of series. In the postseason alone they are 4-2 SU with only two covers at TD Northbank and are 7-15 ATS as home favorites. The better news is they have carried momentum forward and are 15-5 ATS off an upset win as an underdog.

The loss by Orlando was certainly deflating, however the Magic have been resilient and are 18-6 ATS revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a home favorite. The negative is Dwight Howard’s team is 4-13 ATS in Bean-Town.

The total of 192 appears to be a compromise of the first four games. Boston is 9-1 OVER in a home game when the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season and Orlando is 6-1 UNDER off a spread loss.

Tonight’s NBA action starts at 8 Eastern on TNT in Boston and immediately following the scene shifts to L.A. This is no place for the meek of heart and it will show this evening.

Thoughts and Opinions from HOS

So Long To A Class Act

NBA Hall of Famer Chuck Daly, who coached the Dream Team to the Olympic gold medal in 1992 after winning back-to-back NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, died over the weekend at the age of 78. Perhaps more than any other professional basketball coach, Daly was able to transform a group of marginally talented players with wildly divergent personalities into a cohesive, motivated unit (remember Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman?). Daly took over the Pistons in 1983 and led them to nine consecutive winning seasons. After leaving Detroit, he coached New Jersey and Vancouver before retiring in 1998. A snappy dresser, Daly will forever be remembered by the nickname Daddy Rich, bestowed upon him by Piston John Salley in honor of Daly’s penchant for impeccably tailored suits. Here’s to you, Chuck...

What’s In A Name?

This year’s ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ – the final player chosen in the NFL Draft – has been saddled all his life with a name that sounds like a vulgar insult. So when he appeared before the Kansas City media during a rookie minicamp on Saturday, he was ready for question No. 1. Your last name — uh, exactly how is it pronounced? “It’s ‘suck-up,’, believe it or not,” Ryan Succop said with a big, good-natured grin. When the room fell silent, he looked around and grinned again. “I’ve heard them all,” he said. “If you come up with something new, I’ll be impressed.” Succop failed to mention that he was teammates on last year’s South Carolina Gamecocks team with QB Chris Smelley.

Not So Fast, My Friends

With an injured Yao Ming on the bench for Sunday’s LA Lakers - Houston Rockets NBA Playoff game, the wagering public knew the Rockets had no chance to win and bet accordingly. WRONG! The line closed with Houston a whopping 8-point underdog and the home team never needed the points, cruising to a 99-87 upset that evened their Western Conference semifinal at two games apiece. Houston’s Shane Battier, who sank five 3-pointers while adding 23 points, said it best: “I think everyone but us got the memo that we weren’t supposed to show up without Yao.” The Lakers Kobe Bryant was held to a mere 15 points in the loss and the series now shifts back to LA where the home team has been installed as 12-point chalk in tomorrow night’s contest.

Horning In On The Action

Obviously distressed by all the attention given to Manny Ramirez’ recent drug-related suspension, NASCAR’s Jeremy Mayfield proved that the stock car boys can fail a random drug test just as easily as Major League Baseball players. Mayfield tested positive for a banned substance last weekend at Richmond International Raceway and has been suspended indefinitely by the sport’s ruling body. One thing is for sure: the substance could NOT have been performance-enhancing. Mayfield is currently mired in 44th spot in the 2009 Sprint Cup points standings, 1153 points behind leader Jeff Gordon.

Quote of the Week

Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote, arguing that QB Michael Vick should be reinstated in the NFL:“Ever hear of Leonard Little? The veteran St. Louis Rams defensive end once killed a woman while driving drunk. He was playing in a Super Bowl 16 months later. It was not to be his last DUI episode, either. He’s still in the league. But Vick can’t be? I’m sorry, anamalitos, but what Little did to that woman’s family is worse that what Vick did. By a lot. ”

Infomation from the House of Sports.

Will Game 3 Winners Take Control?

The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic were dominant winners in Friday night action and with another triumph, can really grab the series by the throat and take commanding 3-1 lead and back their opponents into a corner they might not be able to get of. What NBA sports bettors have to contemplate is are these two teams capable of back to back performances for easy covers or will the pride and professionalism of the opposing club allow them to rise and win and cover the number? Here is a preview of the possible scenarios.

L.A. Lakers at Houston 3:30 E ABC

The wagering public had been impressed what they had seen with Houston in the first two games of series against the Lakers, especially on the road. Kobe Bryant and mates opened as 2.5-point favorites and quicker than a politician voting themselves a pay raise, the line shifted to 1.5. What most people didn’t figure on was the Lakers would play a complete game across the board.

Game 3 was a perfect example of what happens when a game plan is executed. The Lakers offensively knew Houston would do almost anything to seal the lane to prevent Kobe from driving to the rim. Instead, coach Phil Jackson had Bryant go as far as he could to force Houston defenders to collapse and Bryant expertly was able to find open players either to shoot or make extra pass to an even more open shooter.

It’s no accident the Lakers are the best road team in the NBA at 31-13 (24-19 ATS) and they are 19-10 ATS off a road conquest. The loss of Derek Fisher was not felt, as replacements Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown combined for 20 points and the former dishing out seven assists, in his best game in months.

On defense, the Lakers are starting to gain control because of their superior quickness, forcing 17 Rockets turnovers which gave them 20-5 scoring differential off miscues, which was the game.

Houston is 9-2 ATS off a 10 or more point loss and has to run offense with greater urgency. The best way to describe the Rockets offensive execution in last game, it looked like they were on a turntable, playing at 33 RPM. Yao Ming was laboring (with broken foot as it turns out); Ron Artest was taking poor shots and Luis Scola was indecisive.

Houston has to move the ball more crisply and take advantage of Lamar Odom and Luke Walton, both defensive liabilities as straight up defenders.

DiamondSportsbook.com had the Lakers as 3.5-point favorites with total of 194.5. Houston is heinous 2-14 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points and 8-18 against the number after playing as underdog. L.A. is now 9-3-1 ATS in conference semi-finals and 8-3 UNDER is last 11 road games.

Ming is now out of the playoffs and the spread moved to +7. Either way the Rockets are 2-9 ATS when the purple-clad Lakers visit.

Boston at Orlando 8:00 E ESPN

For those that believe the Boston Celtics are anywhere close to the team that won the NBA title last summer, I can put you in touch with real estate agent who has land in rural Arizona. The proof that Boston is not the same team is in the total category. The Celtics are 8-2 OVER in the postseason and astonishing 14-3 OVER since April 1. That is not Boston basketball.

Coach Doc Rivers doesn’t have the horses that can shut down opponents and teams are rather easily able to dissect the Celtics players on the floor.

Rivers said this about watching the tape of Game 3. “Our defense was awful. I thought we were soft. I thought they were more aggressive. I thought we were the retaliators all game. Other than that, it was just a wonderful night of film watching.”

Boston is 13-4 ATS in road games after playing a game as a road underdog and will have to step up defense and keep fingers crossed Ray Allen finds shot, since he is 12 for 40 from the field and 3 for 19 from three point land in the first three tilts. As a team, the C’s look tired and did not practice Saturday. Rivers is hoping the time off rejuvenates his club.

Orlando could hardly have played any better, shooting 59.1 percent and they shutdown Boston’s offense for the first three quarters.

"Just the whole team stepped up the defensive intensity," said Dwight Howard, the NBA's defensive player of the year. "It starts with me. I have to do that every night if we want to be successful." Orlando is very comfortable playing at a faster pace and is 11-3 ATS after two or more Overs this season.

This is turning into another anomalous Eastern conference series, with all three game essentially blowouts, except the Boston’s late game one heroics to narrow the margin of loss. Orlando is five point favorite with total of 192. The Celtics are 8-1 ATS following a spread loss; while the Magic are 17-7 ATS if opponent has winning percent of .600 or higher.

How one looks at the total might be the deciding factor. Boston is 21-6 OVER after allowing over 100 points, while Orlando is 9-1 UNDER after a game where they made 55 percent of their shots or better.

Will Magic and Rockets Profit at Home?

Two NBA series are tied at a game a piece and will switch venues for Game 3 of the series. Both Orlando and Houston were surprising opening game winners and both were beaten rather decidedly, at least by the final score of the last contest. Both teams gave the thumbs up in earning a split and will play before the home folks looking to maintain edge they enjoyed by winning on the road. The third game of a series tends to be the most critical; this should be no different Friday night.

Boston at Orlando 7:00 E ESPN

Being an Orlando Magic fan or financial supporter is not easy these days, as it’s become fairly certain, what you are going to get from game to game is unnerving. Since April’s Fools Day appropriately enough, Orlando is 9-8 with a peeked 6-11 spread record. Apologists will talk about lack of incentive, but wouldn’t having home court advantage in this series been worth the fight?

The Philadelphia series was way more challenging than expected, with Orlando players either going thru the motions or more generous than Mickey Mouse handing out treats, as the Magic blew one lead after another.

Orlando has won two of last three games with Dwight Howard not making an offensive impact. He sat out last game in Sixers series due to suspension and has had 16 and 12 points versus a depleted Boston frontline. Howard is not known as a great ball-handler or typically inspired passer. In Game 2 he led the Magic with five turnovers and the only even remotely comfortable looking passes he made were to a teammate’s right in front of him.

Orlando is 34-10 and 24-20 ATS at the Amway Arena and 9-1 ATS on its home floor after a loss by 10 or more points. The Magic will have to bring the passion they lacked in last encounter, as assuredly Boston will bring be mentally ready just like they were in exact same circumstance in last series against Chicago, where they routed the Bulls 107-86 as four point underdogs.

Coach Stan Van Gundy by game time will have talked about the importance of controlling Rajon Rondo, who had triple-double. The Celtics are 12-2 ATS off a home win scoring 110 or more points this season and have vets like Paul Pierce and Ray Allen well-versed in dealing with these exact situations. Van Gundy might have rookie guard Courtney Lee back, who is recovering from a fractured sinus and the rest of the team should be more comfortable at home.

Orlando is a 4.5-point favorite according to DiamondSportsbook.com, with total of 189. The Magic are 26-6 ATS off a road loss and 14-5 UNDER off consecutive road games. Boston is 15-4 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last two seasons and 12-3 UNDER in road games after a blowout win by 15 points or more.

The road team has covered four of last five meetings.

L.A. Lakers at Houston 9:30 E ESPN

In the fourth quarter of Game 2, TNT analyst Doug Collins said “This much emotion and physical play and its only the second game of the series!” Whatever the Los Angeles Lakers had in mind after breezing thru defenseless Utah, they’ve receiving a barrage reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao from the Houston Rockets.

Houston was the clear aggressor in the first contest and continually took the action to the Lakers, who seldom responded and the Rockets didn’t steal it, they did what Smith Barney used to do – earned it the old fashion way.

That set the table for Lakers to counter-punch (if you will) and their mindset was clearly different. Phil Jackson’s club started fast, but thanks to the hard work of Carl Landry off the bench, Houston caught the Lakers by halftime at 57 a piece. The Lakers went back to getting the ball out on the break and persistently taking it to the rim and reasserted control. The Rockets were plagued by 19 turnovers and let L.A. play their game in the second half.

Though Andrew Bynum was a complete non-factor (nine minutes, three fouls) Houston did a preposterously poor job in getting Yao Ming the ball. No doubt Ming could have been more pugnacious about demanding the ball, since he only had four shot attempts for the game (6 of 7 free throws). The big man was bothered by the quickness of Pau Gasol and must do a better job of keeping him on one hip to secure basketball. The Rockets have rebounded from large losses with 10-2 ATS mark after double digit defeat.

Ron Artest has enjoyed a very good series and been a thorn in the side of the Lakers, he needs to keep his composure (easier said than done) and be able to play the entire game without be asked to depart. Houston is 36-8 at the Toyota Center (21-22-1 ATS) and are 1.5-point underdogs with total of 194.5. This will be just the third time the Rockets will be catching points at home this season, with this being the second time against L.A. It makes sense Kobe Bryant and mates are favored, as they are league best 30-13 (23-19 ATS) as visitors and 8-3-1 ATS in this round of action.

You have to contemplate if the oddsmakers are suggesting Houston is in trouble in Game 3, with the total at the highest level of the series. Since 2005, the Rockets are 3-8 and 2-9 ATS if Los Angeles scores 100 or more points. Houston is 14-6 ATS in underdog role of 4.5 or less points.

Diverse Tuesday Betting Outlook

With a 2-1 Monday, that takes 3Daily Winners to 39-26-2, 60 percent, right the nose over extended period of time. Today we have the assortment pack and we’ll see how that works. The Best System is a baseball play that is 85.5 percent. The Top Trend is in the NBA and looks at the only team that has failed to lose in postseason and the Free Play is on the ice. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – The Boston Celtics looked very tired for three quarters before waking up. Have you noticed that the Orlando uniforms tend to bunch up around the players necks late in fourth quarters, much like Stan Van Gundy’s turtlenecks? If you didn’t know the respective records of the teams, you would swear the Houston Rockets are the better team. Whatever the Angels are paying pitcher Joe Saunders, it’s not enough. The guy is money on the road.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more, with a starting pitcher who gives up seven or more hits a start, playing on Tuesday. Totally confused what this system would have to do with the day of the week, but thrilled about the results at 47-8, 85.5 percent. Go against Texas.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The Cleveland Cavs are 11-2 ATS after successfully covering the spread in four or more consecutive games this season.

Free Hockey Selection -3) The top hockey bettor from the LCC likes Chicago Blackhawks on home ice in Game 3.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

Two NBA Conference Semis Fire Up

Do the Houston Rockets even have chance?

Coach Rick Adelman’s squad has engineered one upset in the NBA Playoffs; do they have a chance for another? Conventional wisdom would suggest no, going up against seemingly invincible Los Angeles Lakers, who have all the parts needed to win a NBA title. Houston lost all four games and failed to cover the spread against the Lakers this season, falling by an average of 13 points per game. No NBA team has ever won a best of seven series after losing all four contests to opponent.

Houston (note the kid in the upper right-hand of picture, must be Rockets fan) has only two areas that they look to have a potential edge, but they are important ones. At the center position is Yao Ming, who is bigger and more skilled than Andrew Bynum. If Ming can draw quick fouls to put Bynum on the bench, that forces coach Phil Jackson to slide Pau Gasol to play center and Ming can physically overpower him. Though Ming is mechanical and slow-footed, he has figured out how to beat double-teams with a feathery touch from about 10 feet.

The other position on the floor where the Rockets should exploit L.A. is at point guard. Aaron Brooks looks like the Energizer Bunny compared to Derek Fisher and should run circles around him on the offensive end of the floor.

Ron Artest and Shane Battier will take their shots at guarding Kobe Bryant, who averaged 28.3 points per game against Houston. Those two will try to get physical against Bryant to wear him down. Forward Luis Scola is a bit of a wild card and is very solid, not making many mistakes and can be punishing to Lakers in the frontcourt. Houston wears the underdog collar well and is 6-2 ATS as playoff dogs of five to 10 points. But will it be enough?

Los Angeles was too often a disinterested team when building big leads against Utah, and Houston is much more skilled at playing defense and controlling tempo, contrarian to how the Lakers want to play. Though the always lovable Ron-Ron is one frown away from being combustible, he seems oblivious to being a step slower with 10 years under his belt and is all-NBA trash-talker.

Kobe has to keep his cool and let his play speak for him. Houston dismantled Portland 92-76 in Game 6 to cover the 5.5-point spread and they are 13-29 ATS after a game where they covered the spread this season. Though Bynum’s game is less polished than Ming’s, he has enough power moves to attract silly fouls on him and he can use his quickness to thwart Ming’s size.

The Lakers are 16-6 ATS versus teams outscoring opponents by three or more points a game and if Lamar Odom wants to make a name for himself, the Rockets are perfect foil, since they don’t have a player on the roster to stop him if he doesn’t want to be stopped.

Fisher will try to run Brooks ragged thru screens in the triangle offense and if he hits outside shots, he can negate the former Oregon Ducks speed edge.

The first two games will be at the Staples Center where the gold-clad Lakers are 39-5 (21-23 ATS) and have covered six of last seven with three or more days rest. In the series opener, L.A. is an eight-point favorite with total of 193 at Sportsbook.com. A focused Los Angeles squad is 9-1 ATS at home after three or more consecutive Unders and 6-2 OVER after a victory.

Houston has to play their game, but doing so on could be problematic, as they are 2-6 ATS recently against teams with winning home records. They are also 11-3 OVER after a blowout win by 15 points or more this season.

The Lakers are huge -1200 favorites to win the series, but Houston is capable of forcing the Lakers hand if they stay scatterbrained. TNT has Game 1 at 10:35 Eastern, watch to see who sets the pace for later profits.

All hands on deck for Orlando and Boston

For the Magic and Celtics, the expression “dance with who brung ya” will not apply as too many players that allowed these teams to set up this meeting are on the sidelines. Kevin Garnett, Leon Powe, Jameer Nelson and Courtney Lee will be among the missing for this Eastern Conference semi-final. This means other have to step up and coaches will have to take long looks down the bench from game to game hoping to catch the right player able to be difference-maker.

Boston has several edges they can use to exploit Orlando’s lack of quicks. Though Rafer Alston was the best possible replacement the Magic could land for Nelson at the point guard, there was also a reason why Houston was willing to let him go. Alston is a descent facilitator of the ball, but won’t be able to keep up with Rajon Rondo and will likely need to run his lips to provoke Rondo into mistakes more than with physical ability.

After what Ray Allen did consistently to Chicago guards after Game 1, just the thought of J.J. Redick guarding him has to bring that warm smile the former UConn product has. Boston is 35-18 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more and Glen Davis has worked himself into more than just a serviceable player, with a consistently reliable short jump shot and he can set bone-crushing screens to set up Allen and Paul Pierce for jumpers.

Bookmaker.com has the Celtics as -135 favorites to win the series and they have greater versatility and play better defense than the Magic.

That doesn’t make Boston a lock, far from it. The Celtics had to physically extend themselves to secure win against Chicago, forced to play what was seven games and the equivalent of basically three more quarters to advance. That has to mean tired legs. Though Kendrick Perkins has the right body-type to compete with Dwight Howard, if he becomes fatigued quickly, he’ll pick up senseless fouls and be relegated to the bench, creating a great deal of freedom for Howard to patrol in the paint.

By now everyone knows Orlando was splendid on the road with 29-15 record and they had 28 covers to show just how devastating they can be. Their ability to knockdown shots gives them edge. Hedo Turkoglu returned to drilling clutch shots after a few off games against Philadelphia. If Turkoglu completely regains shooting touch, he forces Big Baby Davis away from the lane into unfamiliar territory, allowing Hedo to dribble drive to score and create assist opportunities.

If that happens, Pierce is forced to guard Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis can breakdown whoever is guarding him. Redick is a decided defensive liability, thus coach Stan Van Gundy must hide him as much as possible and Redick must have stalemate points-wise with who he matches up against to be considered a useful.

Orlando is off feel good blowout at Philly to capture series and is 27-10 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog. They are 2.5-point underdogs with total of 188.5, which one could surmise oddsmakers believe the Magic might have better team. These teams split four games, with Orlando winning last two, but Boston was 3-1 ATS and is 19-5 against the spread at home vs. the Magic.

Boston is 6-14 ATS in last 20 home tilts and is 31-14 OVER as home favorite. Orlando is 12-4 ATS as road underdog and is 12-4 UNDER after playing a game as a pooch this season, winning by an average of 13.7 points per game.

TNT has the series opener starting at 8:05 Eastern and poise is going to be extremely important factor for both teams, since neither can afford to have player banished for technical fouls or fighting.

Thursday winning lineup (I hope)

Finally took one on the chin yesterday, having a losing day, however can’t really complain about 30-21-2. The first month of the baseball season ends tonight and the Rays need to start playing better and are featured in Top Trend. Found an 82.7 percent baseball system and could use a Free Play winner from Sal. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – This isn’t news, but Tim Lincecum was making Dodger hit look high schoolish last night. Bust a fastball on the hands, 12-6 curveball and off-speed breaking ball, made for some meek looking swings by L.A. Not predicting Denver beats the Lakers, but right now, this is the third best team in the NBA.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road teams when the money line is +125 to -125, with a bad bullpen that blows 38 percent or more of their save opportunities, against opponent with a NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 6.70 or worse on the season. Over the last five years, this system is 24-5, 82.7 percent and suggests to play Milwaukee.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Tampa Bay is 2-11 when the money line is +125 to -125.

Free Basketball Selection -3) Sal is 6-1 in the NBA playoffs and is backing Houston to close out Portland.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

Philadelphia and Houston in Monster Matchups

The 76ers and Rockets both made good on the proverbial “we’re just happy for split” statement to open their respective NBA series. Each did so in different, yet dramatic fashion and now they have opportunity to not only maintain homecourt advantage, but start placing themselves in position to possibly upset higher seeds in first round of playoff basketball.

Orlando at Philadelphia

The Sixers have covered both games in this series and they have proven unequivocally they can play with Orlando, in spite of closing the season so poorly. Philadelphia has shown if they double-down on Dwight Howard at just the right moment, they can limit his and Magic’s effectiveness in the half-court offense. Philadelphia has played with enough defensive energy to limit the effectiveness of Orlando guards and wing players for long stretches.

While it is evident Orlando has the better team; the Sixers have more athleticism and have used that to their advantage even after making bone-headed plays. Philly is less than intimidating 24-17 and 18-20-1 ATS at home and they are 11-22 ATS versus good offensive teams scoring 99 or more points a game this season.

This is a young team that can be fueled by emotion, with Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young leading the way. They’ve learned in the first two games the Magic are not focused enough about playing hard for four quarters and can be had with steadier play. Orlando does present a different challenge on the road, where they are 27-14 SU and ATS. The Magic were not as magical at the end of the season in the bright blue uniforms, with .500 record in last ten tries.

Bookmaker.com has Philadelphia as 3.5-point home underdogs with a total of 191 and they are 10-3 ATS on the receiving end of 4.5 or fewer points at the Wachovia Center. Orlando is a slick 12-4 ATS in road games where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points this season, but just 4-9 ATS as favorites in last 13 contests.

One thing to watch for has been the bizarre behavior of Magic coach Stan Van Gundy's courtside manner. Van Gundy has been incredibly frustrated, visibly berating players, which isn’t the brightest idea come playoff time. (Maybe their was more to Pat Riley taking over in Miami when they won the title than we heard) His actions and wild-eyed looks bring to mind the crazed looks of former Dallas coach Avery Johnson in the finals against the Heat, which ultimately became his demise.

If the 76ers can get Orlando off their game and play shoddy defense, they’ll pull the upset and improve to 39-17 ATS versus teams who average seven or less steals a game. This contest will be on ESPN2 starting at 8:05 Eastern.

Portland at Houston

Houston governed the opener of the series and didn’t play especially well in the second game, but still lost by only four, 107-103. Portland made a number of fine adjustments, both physically and mentally to even up series at one.

The Blazers doubled Yao Ming more frequently, fronting him with Joel Przybilla and having backside support from Greg Oden. Though Ming said he expected such tactics, he didn’t respond well to it, with 11 points and eight rebounds, while getting into foul trouble.

It's a combination," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said of the problems getting Yao touches. "He has to find a way to get position better. He has to find a way to hold their people off. And we have to have patience to look for him. We ran some stuff and he came in the middle with a guy on his back and we chucked it up there." Houston has covered five of last six off a straight up defeat.

Portland also brought a more aggressive outlook and it especially paid off for its two best players. Guard Brandon Roy was almost unstoppable with 42 points and LaMarcus Aldridge had 27 points and 12 rebounds.

Now we know what we have to do," Aldridge said. "We have to be physical with these guys and play with confidence." The Blazers are 26-10 ATS after playing a game as a home favorite this season.

The chess match continues and it is Houston’s turn to make move. The effort will certainly have to be increase from Game 2, with Ming, Shane Battier and Luis Scola playing more like they did on the first contest. The Rockets are 19-10 ATS off one or more losses this season, winning by average of 7.3 points per game. They have to return to keeping Roy in virtual square-shaped defensive box on the floor, always having defender in his face and Scola has to reassert aggressiveness against Aldridge.

Houston’s a six-point favorite, with total of 185. The Rockets have won 10 of last 11 (5-6 ATS) at Toyota Center against Portland and this could be defensive tussle. The Trailblazers are 12-4 UNDER after a combined score of 205 points or more and the Rockets are 11-3 UNDER after allowing 105 points or more this season. This Western Conference confrontation begins at 9:35 Eastern on ESPN.

Blazers poised for bounce back

Coach Nate McMillan knew the difference, evidently his team did not. The Portland coach saw his young charges become caught up in the moment and they never responded, in 108-81 hazing by Houston as playoff “freshmen”. Having one of the best home court advantages in the NBA in compiling 34-7 (26-15 ATS) record, the Trailblazers immediately surrendered hard fought edge and have to bounce back in Game Two or prospects for surviving the first round are dim.

Houston’s strategy of clamping down on Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge worked as they were combined 13-35 from the field and only Greg Oden was force on offense with 15 points, as Portland shot 41.7 percent from the floor. The Blazers shot the three-ball like they were basketball Luddites, clanging 10 of 11 from behind the arc, suffering their worst defeat of the season.

Portland is 16-6 ATS in home games revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more and the coach and players are anxious to put this behind them. “There are two seasons - the regular season and the postseason," McMillan said. "We lost our first game of this season. They (the Rockets) have to win four. We'll go back to work (Sunday) and make some adjustments and get ready for Tuesday."

Brandon Roy said he needs more help from his teammates than he got Saturday night.

"I can't wait for Tuesday," Portland's all-star guard said. "At the same time, we're going to have to make some adjustments. You can't just say we're going to play better. They (the Rockets) knew their game plan. I kept telling guys, 'Don't let this break us.'

“It's our first (playoff) experience. We're trying to learn as much as we can, but we do need to play basketball for 48 minutes. We didn't do that tonight. Everybody has to bring it. We can't rely on one or two guys. We have to play better team basketball and play with a little more effort and sense of urgency."

Houston played with the poise of an experienced team, not being affected by raucous crowd to start the game. Coach Rick Adelman, a former Portland coach, deserves accolades for formulating superior game plan.

The Rockets plan was to create more space for point guard Aaron Brooks, especially off screen and rolls, allowing him to use his quickness and he responded with game high 27 points. Adelman also wisely used Luis Scola on offense. In the second half, when Portland would collapse on Yao Ming, Scola was positioned on the other side of the lane for baseline jump shots and he drilled seven of nine, for 19 total points. Scola wisely used his body to defend the quicker Aldridge and the Rockets improved to 5-2 ATS on the receiving end of 5.5 or more points since 2009 began.

Adelman has too many games under his coaching belt to honestly believe his team has gained a tremendous edge. "We've won one," Adelman said. "That's all it is, one game. The next game is going to be totally different. We have to respond better for that game than we did for this game. We're going to take (the Blazers') best shot."

The sciental wise bettor knows of the past travails concerning Houston, like 2-10 ATS record off a win by 15 or more points or 5-14 spread mark after playing as road underdog. This is in part why Betjamaica.com and other sportsbooks have toed the line at 5.5-points on Portland, with total at 184. The Blazers weren’t going to keep playing super basketball forever, coming into the series with six game winning streak and winners of 10 of 11. (Only loss to Houston if you prefer subtle irony)

The Blazers even with the loss are 12-3 ATS as favorites and are 22-9 UNDER in home games revenging a pair of losses where opponent scored 100 or more points. The Rockets have barely launched with 1-8 ATS record off an upset win as an underdog this season and are 12-4 OVER after a double digit triumph.

This 4vs5 match starts at 10 Eastern with Houston 6-1 ATS in last seven meetings.

NBA Wild West set for Wild Finish

After taking a complete day off, the NBA regular season resumes with nine days left. With Dallas all but finishing off Phoenix on Sunday, the eight teams that will be in the playoffs are set. However, the order of how the competition will match up is as up for grabs as next year’s Clippers roster. Four teams are legitimately still vying for second position in the Western Conference behind the Los Angeles Lakers. Western teams presently in slots four-thru-eight could be potentially reversed by the end of April 15. If the Kentucky Derby ends up having this sort of a finish in about a month, it should be quite a race.

The Mavericks (46-31, 37-40 ATS) will have a legitimate chance to avoid the Lakers in the first round. Dallas is 28-9 at home (16-21 ATS) and will host Utah and New Orleans in next two contests. The Jazz have been off-key most of the season on the road and the Hornets have injury issues that just won’t go away. The very next contest is return engagement at New Orleans, which is the Mavs last road encounter of the season. With aforementioned teams directly in front of them in the standings, a 3-0 start moves Dallas up with Minnesota and Houston due to come to American Airlines Arena.

Utah (47-30, 38-39 ATS) may have gained some confidence on the road with its win 108-94 win at New Orleans. That was just their second win in last eight road games, who have covered a mere three of last 13. Utah is not out of the woods by any stretch having road encounters with Dallas, San Antonio and the Lakers to close the season. They will have a couple of very winnable home games with Golden State and the Clippers, but how they perform on the road will determine their fate.

New Orleans (47-29, 33-42-1 ATS) has been a bad wager all year and it’s not about to get easier. Center Tyson Chandler hopes his left ankle will allow him to play next week and forward James Posey will be evaluated later for his bad elbow. Peja Stojakovic has been coming off the bench the last couple of games and could return to starting lineup after missing 15 games with bad back. That means Chris Paul and David West are playing 40+ minutes a game, being able to rest by not practicing. The Hornets still have six games left on the regular season docket and trail the division-leading Spurs by just two. They will need wins in next two tilts, at Miami and home to Phoenix. If that works out, they will have home and home with Dallas and road games against Houston and San Antonio. Not a very good situation for a team that is 14-22-1 ATS in the visitor’s uniforms.

The Portland Trailblazers (48-28, 40-35-1 ATS) have clinched their first playoff berth in six years and still could move up, however time is not on there side. Portland is pursuing Denver, trailing them by two games in the loss column. The Blazers have won seven of last 10, covering the spread eight times. Unfortunately, they are chasing Denver, who has won nine of 10. Portland has six games left on the schedule, compared to the Nuggets who have just four. The Blazers can’t make-up those games. Their best hope is to look to surpass Houston and gain the fourth seed, thus assuring home court for the first round. Portland stands at 31-7 and 23-14-1 ATS at the Rose Garden and has three home games and three road games remaining.

This year’s Denver (52-26, 44-33-1 ATS) squad is hardly recognizable. The Nuggets have never merited many points on the toughness scale. Always strong at home and weak to fair on the road, Denver was good enough to make the playoffs and not move forward. After losing five of first six in March, a familiar tone was being set, but quicker than a snow covered Rocky Mountain avalanche, coach George Karl’s club got white hot. The Nuggets have been punishing teams in being victorious 12 of 13 (9-4 ATS) times, winning nine times by 10 or more points. They will have two winnable home games to lock up the second seed, with difficult matches against the Lakers and Portland on the road.

San Antonio (49-27, 37-37-2 ATS) has done remarkably well to stay atop the Southwest Division. Tim Duncan battling achy knees and Manu Ginobili fighting the injury bug all season. Yet somehow coach Greg Popovich and Tony Parker have kept them afloat all season. The Spurs will be playing a great deal of basketball trying to lock up the division and finish no worse than a third seed. They have six games remaining and should either be favored in all six or the slightest of underdogs on the road.

Houston’s quest to find a way to win division continues, with the Rockets (49-28, 37-39-1 ATS) having five contests remaining. They should take down Sacramento and Golden State on the road, but it will be how they play at home against Orlando and New Orleans that will help determined what spot they have in the playoffs.

NBA bettors are going to have to make some very interesting decisions to finish the regular season, in choosing the teams out west.