7:35pm
Current Line:  Sacramento Kings -1.5
Needing three victories in their final 12 games to avoid infamy, the Nets look to end an eight game slide Wednesday night when they host the Sacramento Kings.  Time is running out for New Jersey to surpass the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers, who went 9-73 for the worst record in league history. It doesn't appear to be getting any easier as the Nets' last four losses have been by double digits after the first four during the current skid were by nine or fewer points. New Jersey is on a franchise-record 14 game losing streak at home, where they are just 3-31.  Sacramento is trying to sweep the season series after winning 109-96 at home Nov. 27 behind 21 points apiece from Evans and Beno Udrih.  We are aware that Evans will not go for the Kings tonight but even taking that into the calculations we still have them covering this game and completing the season sweep.

NEW JERSEY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) versus terrible defensive teams - allowing 103+ points/game this season. 
The average score was NEW JERSEY 93.9, OPPONENT 105.9
NEW JERSEY is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers this season. 
The average score was NEW JERSEY 88.5, OPPONENT 103.3

Play Sacramento Kings -1.5, HKC 3*

10:35pm
Current Line:  Memphis Grizzlies -1.5
As they continue a three-game road trip Wednesday night, the Grizzlies will try to earn their second victory in five days over the Warriors.  The Warriors alternated wins and losses in its last six home games. The Grizzlies are 5-2 there against Memphis since the start of 2006-07.  Memphis fell 113-105 in its previous trip to Oakland on Nov. 4.  As we said in some previous write ups we love young teams trying to prove themselves with nothing to lose at this time of the year.  We'll grab the points here but we expect the Warriors to win this game behind their high energy young men and frantic style.

GOLDEN STATE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season. 
The average score was GOLDEN STATE 118.6, OPPONENT 112.2
GOLDEN STATE is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games off a cover where the team lost the game straight up as an underdog over the last 2 seasons. The average score was GOLDEN STATE 113.3, OPPONENT 107.9

Play Golden State Warriors +1.5, HKC 3*

7:05pm
Current Line:  Charlotte Bobcats -6.5

The Bobcats, in the mix with the Heat, Toronto and Chicago for the final three playoff spots in the East, scored their fewest points since a 92-59 loss at Boston in the season opener in their last game against the Heat their 2nd loss in a row.  They now close a 3 game road trip tonight against the Wiz.  Charlotte has owned this series recently as far as straight up but ATS wise the Wiz have held there own and we see a few points of value in backing them tonight as well.  The Wiz have covered 3 in a row ATS overall and that has been against playoff teams like the Lakers, Blazers, and Nuggets.  Young teams with players trying to prove themselves and nothing to lose are dangerous this time of year.

Play On - Underdogs (WASHINGTON) - after trailing their last 2 games by 10+ points at the half against opponent after scoring 85 points or less. (30-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (75%, +19 units)

WASHINGTON is 30-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) after 6 or more consecutive losses since 1996. 
The average score was WASHINGTON 96.3, OPPONENT 97.4

Play Washington Wizards +6.5, HKC 3*

7:05pm
Current Line:  Orlando Magic -7.5
In Orlando's last game in Philadelphia, Carter and Lewis each hit three 3s and scored 19 points in a 126-105 victory March 1. Philly boy Jameer Nelson scored 22 points with 10 assists in that matchup as the Magic hit a season-high 58.4 percent from the field and won their sixth straight in this series. Howard posted his NBA leading 54th double-double Thursday with 10 points and 11 rebounds, but he will look to do more Monday against the 6ers who are looking for just their 3rd win in close to a month, playing its fifth game in seven nights, Philadelphia fell to visiting Chicago 98-84 on Saturday. The 76ers will struggle to score against the Magic, who are holding teams to 91.1 points and 42.7 percent shooting while winning 10 of 11. Philadelphia meanwhile has scored fewer than 90 points in three of its last four games. With a fifth straight road win, the Magic will reach 50 victories for the third straight season.

Play On - Road favorites of 10 or more points (ORLANDO) - good offensive team - scoring 99+ points/game on the season against opponent after scoring 85 points or less. 
(29-10 since 1996.) (74.4%)

Play Orlando Magic -7.5, HKC 3*


8:05pm
Current Line:  Oklahoma City Thunder -5
A critical four game homestand for the Thunder against fellow Western Conference contenders begins Monday night, when the Spurs visit the Ford Center looking to lock up their season series against Oklahoma City.  Duncan sat out the Spurs' first trip to Oklahoma City on Jan. 13 to rest on the second night of a back-to-back situation, but with San Antonio trailing the Thunder by a game in the West standings.  In thier last game at OKC  Tim Duncan was given the night off to rest in an overtime Spurs win.  It's highly unlikely he'll be on the bench Monday. Duncan's day off in January gave rookie DeJuan Blair a chance to shine, and he had 28 points and 21 rebounds before fouling out. It's been Ginobili, though, who's taken on an even bigger role for San Antonio with Tony Parker sidelined by a broken finger. The veteran 6th man has averaged 23.4 points and 5.5 assists in the last eight games with Parker out as the offense has been run primarily through him. Ginobili made 9 of 18 shots and scored a game-high 26 points in a 95-87 home win over the Thunder on Feb. 24, helping make up for a few ugly performances versus Oklahoma City. The former Sixth Man of the Year missed all 18 shots he attempted in the Spurs' first two games against the Thunder.  We have this game a toss-up and will gladly grab the 5 points and run.

Play On - Underdogs (SAN ANTONIO) - in a game involving two average defensive teams (92-98 PPG), after a combined score of 215 points or more 2 straight games. (28-12 since 1996.) (70%, +14.8 units)

Play San Antonio Spurs +5, HKC 3*

8:05pm
Current Line:  Cleveland Cav's -12.5

Just a few days ago the team who in our opinion is playing the best ball in the NBA went to Detroit laying -10.5 and came away with a 113-101 win.  Today in Cleveland they are laying -12.5 and we say the win by that and then some.  Ben Wallace will miss the game for the Pistons who have only won 2 of their last 13 are are only around 30% ats on the road for the past month and a half.  We all know Cleveland likes to launch from downtown, Detroit is a horrid 11-30 ATS over the last 2 seasons against teams who arrempt 18 or more three-pointers per game.  We are backing the King and his gang tonight as we have them winning this one by around 17.

Play Against - Any team (DETROIT) - average shooting team (43.5-45.5%) against an average defensive team (43.5-45.5%), in a game involving two good rebounding teams (+3 to +5.5 reb/game). 
(28-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (80%, +20.3 units.)

CLEVELAND is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a game where they made 85% of their free throws or better over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was CLEVELAND 101.6, OPPONENT 87.4

Play Cleveland Cav's -12.5, HKC 4*

9:05pm
Current Line:  Dallas Mav's -4.5
Neither the Dallas Mavericks nor the Boston Celtics will enter the playoffs as championship favorites, but both veteran-laden division leaders are trying to prove they can still make deep postseason runs. While the Celtics look for a fourth consecutive win as they continue their road trip Saturday night in Dallas, the Mavericks will be trying to close their homestand with a 15th victory in 16 games  Dallas has beat the Celtics just one time since K.G. came to Beantown.  The Celtics have recovered to go 8-3 in March, reestablishing a double digit lead in the Atlantic Division and pulling into a third place tie with Atlanta in the East. Perhaps their most impressive win this month was Friday night's 94-87 victory at Houston. After a week with just one game for the Mav's tonight starts a brutal stretch of 3 games in 4 nights and and 8 in their next 13.  This is sure to effect the rest time of their main players and will be to our advantage tonight.  Look for a close game that we actually see the underdog Celtics winning.

Play Against - Home favorites (DALLAS) - after being beaten by the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games, on Saturday games. (39-15 over the last 5 seasons.) (72.2%, +22.5 units.

DALLAS is 7-26 ATS (-21.6 Units) as a home favorite this season. The average score was DALLAS 101.8, OPPONENT 100.2

BOSTON is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in road games vs. excellent free throw shooting teams - making >=80% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 101.2, OPPONENT 88.4

DALLAS is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season. 
The average score was DALLAS 99.7, OPPONENT 97.8

Play Boston +4.5, HKC 4*

7:35pm
Current Line:  Atlanta Hawks -5.5
The Hawks, who are tied with Boston for third in the Eastern Conference, return home after splitting a pair of games without Johnson. After defeating league worst New Jersey by 24 points Tuesday.  Johnson may and may not go tonight but we don't see it being a huge factor in this one with Crawford stepping up when he is out.  In what is billed as a big game for both we see tha Hawks here by 7-10 as we have not been impressed with Charlotte on the road this season.

CHARLOTTE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%) - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHARLOTTE 87.3, OPPONENT 97.9
ATLANTA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games in March games over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was ATLANTA 100.5, OPPONENT 92.1

Play Atlanta Hawks -5.5, HKC 3*

10:05pm
Current Line:  Milwaukee Bucks -3.5
After a dominating stretch of defensive performances against some of the NBA's elite, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a letdown against one of the worst their last time out. They already know they'll have to do a better job at trying to contain Sacramento Kings rookie Tyreke Evans on Friday night. The Bucks will try to avoid losing back to back games for the first time in two months when they visit the Kings. Milwaukee has been the hottest team in the NBA over the pasr month but we see a tight 1 point type game tonight as the Kings close out a 5 game homestand where they are .500 this season.

Play Against - Favorites (MILWAUKEE) - after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a bad team (25 to 40%). (56-23 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.9%, +30.7 units)

Play Sacramento Kings +3.5, HKC 3*

10:35pm

Very little has gone right for the New Orleans Hornets since Chris Paul was injured seven weeks ago. At least they can still beat the lowly Golden State Warriors. One week after defeating the Warriors at home, the Hornets look to sweep the season series tonight. New Orleans playoff hopes seemed certain to dissolve when the team announced Feb. 1 that Paul would need left knee surgery. The Hornets are coming off a win 108-100 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday that snapped a three game skid. David West scored 24 points and Darren Collison had 18 points and 14 assists. New Orleans isn't the only team giving Golden State problems. The Warriors are owners of the second worst record in the West, have lost 20 of 25. They fell 124-121 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. (But covered for HKC). The Warriors are a hard team to prepare for with their crazy uptempo style but tonight we think the Hornets get a good enough effort from the their young guys trying to prove they belong to hang around. We have this one a 2 point game.

GOLDEN STATE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) after a game where they were called for 10+ more fouls than opponent over the last 3 seasons. The average score was GOLDEN STATE 106.7, OPPONENT 110.8

Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (NEW ORLEANS) - poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=46% on the season against opponent after a game - allowing a shooting pct. of 55% or higher. (55-28 since 1996.) (66.3%, +24.2 units)

Play New Orleans Hornets +4, HKC 3*

7:05pm
Current Line:  Charlotte -2.5
The Charlotte Bobcats are brimming with confidence after extending their winning streak on the road against one of the league's best teams. With more tough opponents on the way it will be very easy for them to overlook their lesser opponents like this evening.  The Pacers have already beat the Bobcats once this season.  The Bobcats will struggle to stay focused on the Pacers, and not get distracted with a schedule that features a home game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday followed by contests in Atlanta on Friday and Miami on Saturday.  We'll back the look ahead theory as well as our numbers that have this a 1 point game.

Play Against - Favorites (CHARLOTTE) - off an upset win as a road underdog, tired team - playing 8 or more games in 14 days. 
(125-80 over the last 5 seasons.) (61%, +37 units)

Play Indiana Pacers +2.5, HKC 3*

10:35pm
Current Line:  LA Lakers -8
After enduring a rare losing streak, the Los Angeles Lakers hit the road looking for a win over a Pacific Division.   The Warriors beat Toronto 124-112 Saturday to snap a six game skid. Stephen Curry had 35 points and 10 assists, while Monta Ellis scored 31 for Golden State, which set a season high with 16 3 pointers. Ellis was playing for only the second time after sitting out six contests with a back injury, recording his first 30 point game since scoring a career best 46 against Dallas on Feb. 3. Curry came within one point of his career high.  When healthy this Warriors team can run and score with anyone and we look for them to hang around tonight with a Lakers team who has not been playing the kind of defense that champions are made off.  Look for the Lakers to win this one but only by arond 5.

GOLDEN STATE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game this season. 
The average score was GOLDEN STATE 107.6, OPPONENT 112.3
GOLDEN STATE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games after scoring 120 points or more over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was GOLDEN STATE 114.3, OPPONENT 111.8

Play Golden State Warriors +8, HKC 3* 

8:05pm
Current Line:  Denver Nuggets -4

A classic Carmelo Anthony scoring run has led the Denver Nuggets during their latest winning streak. A matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies doesn't seem likely to slow him down. Winners of five straight, the Nuggets hope for another big game from Anthony as they visit the Grizzlies on Saturday night. Denver is ranked second in the league in scoring, averaging 107.6 points, but it has been even better during its winning streak, posting 114.2 per contest. Two of Anthony's biggest scoring games this season were against Memphis (35-31), which is surrendering 102.8 points per game. Anthony is averaging 41.5 points in those contests.  Denver is 8-1 in their last 9 vs Memphis.  Their only loss coming in a game Billups missed in December.  The better team prevails tonight.

DENVER is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%) - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was DENVER 107.8, OPPONENT 97.5

MEMPHIS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MEMPHIS 94.7, OPPONENT 107.3

Play Denver Nuggets -2, HKC 4*

The Memphis Grizzlies have put together a franchise-record winning streak on the road. Matching that success at home, however, has been much more difficult. Memphis, which is opening a three-game homestand, won its last game there Monday, beating league-worst New Jersey 107-101 to snap an eight-game home losing streak. The Knicks are already assured of their franchise-record ninth consecutive losing season after falling 97-87 at San Antonio on Wednesday for their 13th loss in 16 games. "Whether we win or not ... everybody wants to win, but the objective is, we'd better be competing," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "And that's what we are doing."  The Knicks are expected to have Eddy Curry available as he attempts to come back from left knee surgery.  This should be a nice boost for a team playing with nothing to lose.  We'll take the points tonight as we see a 4 point game here.

NEW YORK is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was NEW YORK 103.9, OPPONENT 103.6

NEW YORK is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was NEW YORK 102.3, OPPONENT 106.9

Play NY Knicks +8, HKC 3*

10:30pm
Current Line:  Portland Blazers -5.5
Success on the road has helped put the Portland Trail Blazers in position to make the playoffs, and it would seem visiting the woeful Golden State Warriors should only help. However, the Trail Blazers will be trying to avoid a 10th consecutive loss in Oakland on Thursday, when the Warriors open a four game homestand following a winless road trip.  Golden State has won nine straight at home against Portland by an average of 12.2 points, dating to a 78-75 loss Nov. 3, 2004. We'll back the home dog in this one in what we see as a 2 point game either way.  Portland has all the sudden decided they are a run and gun team, Golden State will play that game with them all day long.
PORTLAND is 8-23 ATS (-17.3 Units) versus terrible defensive teams - shooting pct defense of >=48% since 1996. 
The average score was PORTLAND 97.4, OPPONENT 100.0
GOLDEN STATE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 120 points or more this season. 
The average score was GOLDEN STATE 108.3, OPPONENT 103.9

Play Golden St +5.5, HKC 3*

8:05pm
Current Line:  Denver -7.5
The Nuggets open a four-game trip Wednesday night looking for a fourth consecutive win overall and sixth straight road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony's unselfish play set the tone for the Nuggets over the last three games, as they averaged 29.0 assists in that span. They may need to continue to share the ball consistently with Kenyon Martin out. The forward missed the last two contests and is sidelined indefinitely after beginning plasma therapy for chronic patella tendinitis Monday. Martin is averaging 11.8 points and a team-best 9.6 rebounds, and his physical defense is also a key to Denver's success. After Joey Graham started for Martin and had eight points and three rebounds in a victory over Indiana on Friday, coach George Karl gave Johan Petro his first start of the season Sunday. The center responded with six points and a season high 10 boards.  Minnesota has lost six straight and six in a row at home.

Play Against - Underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MINNESOTA) - after a game committing 13+ more turnovers than opponents. 

(43-15 since 1996.) (74.1%, +26.5 units)

Play Against - Home teams (MINNESOTA) - after allowing 100 points or more 5 straight games against opponent after scoring 55 points or more in the first half in 2 straight games. 

(26-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (74.3%, +16.1 units)

Play On - Road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (DENVER) - vs. division opponents, off 3 or more consecutive home wins. 

(45-17 since 1996.) (72.6%, +26.3 units)

Play Denver -7.5, HKC 3* (WIN)

7:05pm
Current Line:  Charlotte Bobcats -3.5
With 21 games remaining, the Charlotte Bobcats are making a push for their first playoff appearance. A victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night could be critical to those hopes. Charlotte looks to win its third straight over the visiting Heat, who turned in one of their worst performances ever in their last game at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Bobcats are a half game behind Chicago for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, and one game behind Miami. Charlotte looks to erase that gap, and win the potentially important H2H tiebreaker, by clinching the season series and capping off a perfect homestand. The Bobcats defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 98-83 on Friday and topped Golden State 101-90 on Saturday.  The last time the Heat came to town Jan. 20 Charlotte rolled to its franchise-best ninth straight home win, 104-65. It was the Bobcats' most lopsided victory and set a team record for fewest points allowed. Charlotte has won five of six at home versus Miami.

MIAMI is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) this season. 
The average score was MIAMI 94.8, OPPONENT 101.7

CHARLOTTE is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) after 4 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was CHARLOTTE 103.3, OPPONENT 97.0

CHARLOTTE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games off a home win this season. 
The average score was CHARLOTTE 104.9, OPPONENT 87.3

CHARLOTTE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after playing a home game this season. 
The average score was CHARLOTTE 104.4, OPPONENT 88.2

Play Charlotte Bobcats -3.5, HKC 4****

8:05pm
Current Line:  Memphis Grizz -8.5
As has been the norm with most Nets games this season the oddsmakers have installed some Reverse Line Movement in an attempt to throw off the cappers.  If there is one thing we can assure you is that following the RLM in Nets game this season would have hit your wallet in a very, very hard way.  Nice try Vegas!  This line opened correctly to begin with as the Grizz were initially laying double digiits.  Though Memphis has not played well at home recently this is just the type of team and game they need to get that shit turned the right direction.  If all goes how we see it this one could get flat out Fugly.  New Jersey will likely start a stretch of four games in six nights without Yi Jianlian whch will only put more on the shoulders of Lopez inside.
NEW JERSEY is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season. 
The average score was NEW JERSEY 93.3, OPPONENT 106.3
NEW JERSEY is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in non-conference games this season. 
The average score was NEW JERSEY 91.5, OPPONENT 105.0

Play Memphis Grizzlies -8.5, HKC 3*

10:35pm
Current Line:  Denver -7
The Portland Trail Blazers have suddenly been finding success by pushing the ball up the court. Their next opponent is quite familiar with running this kind of offense. Looking to win their fourth game in a row, the Trail Blazers try to keep up with the high-powered Denver Nuggets on Sunday night at the Pepsi Center.  Roy had one of his best performances of the season in Portland's last game against the Nuggets scoring 41 in a 107-96 home win on Christmas. Martin is out for this one and Melo has been receiving intravenous fluids since Friday's game.  This one will be tighter as expected and it's never a bad idea to be against the last favorite of a Sunday.
PORTLAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season. 
The average score was PORTLAND 96.7, OPPONENT 94.0
Play Portland +7, HKC 3*

7:30pm
Current Line:  NY Knicks -8.5
Two garbage teams meet up today in the Garden and we have the ATS winner for you here.  In a nice revenge spot for the Knicks as one of the Nets very few wins came at the expense of the Knicks earlier in the season.  Against a Knicks team that can score with anyone (defense is their problem) the Nets who have failed to score 90 points 30 times this season will struggle to keep up. We'll back the home team Knicks tonight to take it to their rival from down the road.
NEW JERSEY is 3-17 ATS (-15.7 Units) versus up-tempo teams averaging 83 or more shots/game this season. 
The average score was NEW JERSEY 92.3, OPPONENT 107.0
NEW JERSEY is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 200 this season. 
The average score was NEW JERSEY 92.2, OPPONENT 112.2

Play NY Knicks -8.5, HKC 3*

8:05 pm
Current Line:  Orlando Magic -10
Before hosting the defending NBA champions in a second rematch of last summers playoff finals series and a potential preview for this year's, the Orlando Magic get what should be another easy tuneup. The Magic look to win their fourth straight Friday when they visit the New Jersey Nets, seeking their third victory in as many games against the league's worst team. Orlando has a two game lead over Atlanta in the Southeast Division for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. While that race is tight, the outcomes of its recent contests haven't been nearly as close. In the last week, the Magic have posted wins over Miami, Philadelphia and Golden State by an average of 21.3 points. They are coming off a 117-90 victory against the Warriors on Wednesday. Dwight Howard led with 28 points and 12 rebounds, helping Orlando open a 30-point lead early in the second half. Orlando has had little trouble with New Jersey, holding the Nets to an average of 78.5 points in its two victories. Howard has averaged 23.0 points while shooting 72.0 percent in those games.  The Nets have lost a club-record 10 straight at home. This one may look too easy but trust us it will be!

Play On - Road favorites (ORLANDO) - average defensive team (92-98 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG), after a combined score of 205 points or more 2 straight games. (49-18 since 1996.) (73.1%, +29.2 units)

ORLANDO is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a terrible team (Win Pct. <=25%) over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was ORLANDO 106.5, OPPONENT 92.4

Play Orlando Magic -10, HKC 3*

8:00pm
Current Line:  LA Lakers -5
A Kobe Bryant buzzer beater lifted Los Angeles past the Heat in the latest tight game of this series.  Wade and the Heat come into this one focused as they have a slim 1 game lead for the 8th and final spot in the East.  They've held up well against the Lakers (46-15) since the beginning of last season, however. Miami beat visiting Los Angeles 89-87 on Dec. 19, 2008, behind 35 from Wade, then stayed close throughout in a 108-105 loss at Staples Center on Jan. 11, 2009.  Miami had lost four straight heading into Tuesday's meeting with Golden State, but Wade delivered one of his finest performances of the season. He scored 35 points on 15-of-23 shooting to go along with 12 assists and four steals in a 110-106 win. Though the Heat are just a game up on Charlotte for the No. 8 seed, they're only two behind Toronto for No. 5.  We're going to take wins any way we can, Wade said recently . We only have 21 games left. Any win right now is a very big win, especially in this race.  We look for Wade to put this team on his back for the rest of this season and tonight as well.  This dog has a chance at winning this game!

Play Against - Road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (LA LAKERS) - in a game involving two average defensive teams (43.5-45.5%) after 42+ games, in a game involving two good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's). 
(47-17 since 1996.) (73.4%, +28.3 units)

Play On - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MIAMI) - in a game involving two average defensive teams (43.5-45.5%) after 42+ games, good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defense (<=14.5 TO's) after 42+ games. 
(39-12 since 1996.) (76.5%)

Play Miami Heat +5, HKC 3*

7:05pm
Current Line:  Atlanta Hawks -8.5
The Philadelphia 76ers needed a spark when they signed Allen Iverson in December. Now, with the 10-time All-Star's second stint with the team over, the Sixers will have to find another way to add some life to their disappointing season. A day after announcing Iverson will not return to the team this season, Philadelphia visits the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. 
With Iverson gone, Philadelphia has to focus on the Hawks, who have won four of five and trail Southeast Division-leading Orlando by two games. After getting the snub job and missing the All-Star game Josh Smith has been a crucial part of Atlanta's recent surge, averaging 21.0 points and 13.5 rebounds in the past four games. Coming down the stretch we really like the way this Hawks team plays, against a poor defensive 6ers team look for Atlanta to light it up at home tonight.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - shooting pct defense of >=46% this season. 
The average score was ATLANTA 110.3, OPPONENT 97.9
ATLANTA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season. 
The average score was ATLANTA 110.6, OPPONENT 97.6
ATLANTA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games off an upset win as a road underdog over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was ATLANTA 106.1, OPPONENT 90.0

Play Atlanta Hawks -8.5, HKC 3*

10:30pm
Current Line:  LA Lakers -11.5
Kobe Bryant is still trying to find his shooting form after being sidelined five games last month. A matchup with the Indiana Pacers could help the two-time scoring champion get back on track. Bryant and the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers close out their three-game homestand Tuesday night when they try to win their 11th straight at Staples Center against the Pacers.  Bryant in Los Angeles' 118-96 victory in Indianapolis on Jan. 27. Playing in front of a Conseco Fieldhouse crowd that showered him with chants of "M-V-P," Bryant hit 10 of 15 from the field and finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.  Including three losses in the 2000 NBA finals, the Pacers are 0-13 all-time at Staples Center since it opened in 1999. The Pacers have been outrebounded by an average of 8.1 while losing seven of nine. Indiana, which has lost five of six on the road, posted its last victory in Los Angeles on Feb 1999.

Play Against - Any team (INDIANA) - revenging a home blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more, off a home win by 10 points or more. 
(45-19 since 1996.) (70.3%, +24.1 units.)

LA LAKERS are 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) versus poor teams - outscored by their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. 
The average score was LA LAKERS 110.7, OPPONENT 96.9

Play LA Lakers -11.5, HKC 3* 

7:00pm
Current Line:  Cleveland -11
LeBron vs Knicks...what more needs said?  Saying LeBron James has dominated the Knicks would be a huge understatement. New York's plan to stop him, however, may not take effect until this summer. The reigning MVP looks to help the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers withstand Shaquille O'Neal's absence Monday night and extend their winning streak over the struggling Knicks to eight games. James leads the league with 30.0 points per game, and is the biggest reason why the Cavaliers own the NBA's best record. On the way to becoming one of the most dominant teams in the league, Cleveland has become accustomed to getting outstanding performances from The King against the Knicks.  With the Knicks dropping 9 of their last 10 and McGrady less than 100% we look for nothing less than a dominating performance by the Cavs this evening.

CLEVELAND is 26-9 ATS (+16.1 Units) after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 seasons. 
The average score was CLEVELAND 101.1, OPPONENT 88.1
Play Cleveland Cavs -11, HKC 3*

9:05pm
Current Line:  Sacramento Kings -3.5
The Clippers have won only 3 times in their last 19 road contests as they come into Sunday night vs the Kings.   The Kings, 14-14 at home, are trying to build on Friday's 103-99 win over Utah, ending a five-game losing streak by overcoming disciplinary problems.  Tyreke Evans continues to be a bright spot for the Kings, making 57.1 percent of his shots to average 22.3 points with 7.5 assists over the last four games. He scored 21 against the Clippers a week ago. In a nice revenge spot we'll back the Kings to handle a Clippers team tonight that is just 12-17 ATS and 7-22 SU when traveling.

LA CLIPPERS are 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road games after one or more consecutive overs this season. 
The average score was LA CLIPPERS 91.4, OPPONENT 109.5 
Play Sacramento Kings -3.5, HKC 3

9:05pm
Current Line:  Utah -9.5
The Utah Jazz used a big second half effort to knock off Houston less than two weeks ago, the Rockets have undergone a major makeover since then with all the trades.  Landry's instant energy has been missed greatly by a rather slow paced Rockets team.  Tonight on a back to back they will also e missing the service of maybe their best scorer in Ariza.  The Jazz come having lost two of three but if there is one thing this team has been over the past few years is money at home.  We'll back the Jazz tonight and see an 11+ point victory.
UTAH is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games after 3 straight games outrebounding opponent by 10 or more since 1996. 
The average score was UTAH 103.9, OPPONENT 91.3
Play Utah Jazz -9.5, HKC 3*