Pacers/Thunder 8:00: All over the Pacers (+6') in Game 6 but got to get on OKC here. Hard to fade consistency. The Thunder have responded big, especially at home, off losses throughout the playoffs. During the regular season, they lost just twice off a loss. SGA, the reigning MVP, should live up to the award after committing an uncharacteristic 8 turnovers in Game 6. Last time OKC had a Game 7, they demolished Denver 125-93 on May 18th in the 2nd Round. Home teams have been money in Game 7s going 15-4. OKC has a dominant home floor. They've had a Top 3 defense and offense for the entire year and, especially, take pride in their defense, which was not to their standard in G6. Look for OKC to make the needed adjustments and deliver. 

Thunder/Pacers 8:30: Thunder have been strong off losses all season and in the playoffs; however, on the playoff road OKC an underwhelming 4-4 SU and 0-8 ATS. As brilliant as Holmgren, Williams, Dort and SGA played in G3, their bench - other than Caruso - has not been spectacular. On the other hand, the Pacers' bench has consistently found someone to emerge as a key contributor. Whether it be Toppin, high energy McConnell or uber athletic Mathurin (27 pts Wed), Pacers' usually have someone stepping up big. Nesmith and Nembhard are coming off mediocre games, they're overdue to get untracked. Pacers have been a dangerous dog throughout the playoffs and like that we get another point and a hook added to an already bloated line. We'll continue to take the points with Indiana. 

Pacers/Thunder 8:00: Sure, Thunder have responded favorably off losses all season with only twice during regular season losing back-to-back games. And they've avenged each playoff loss, some more drastic than others. Most notably, in the 2nd game of Round 2 vs Denver. They smothered the Nuggets 149-106! But not all went smooth off playoff losses for the Thunder - narrowly winning by 2 and another by 5. And OKC is just 4-7 ATS in their last 11 playoff tilts. Flip over to the Pacers where they've covered 7 of the last 9 playoff road tilts and they're 3-0 SU/ATS in G2 of every playoff series. And here's something to chew on: Pacers, which have been very secure with the ball throughout the playoffs (single digit average turnovers), yet in Game 1 of this series had a ridiculous 24 turnovers yet only allowed 11 transition points off of those and still won outright on the road! That may be the most decisive factor in the decision to take points again there. Carlisle continues to shuttle in his plethora of shooting talent that is actually grooving on the defensive end. We'll grab the double digits with the hot road team. 

Pacers/Thunder 8:30: I was looking at an 8-point spread, so I find value with Indiana here in this situation. Pacers are 5-2 ATS on the playoff road this season and should sneak in the number here. OKC had eight days since their last game (Minnesota - Apr 26th). Consequently, a bit of rust may have accumulated; after all, let's not forget Denver (+10') shocking OKC outright in Game 1 of the Conference Semi-Finals back on May 5th, after OKC came off an extended rest (7 days). Pacers are deep and offensively proficient when they get into a rhythm. And Carlisle has them playing hard defensively, which can keep them in this game. We'll take the points here. 

Knicks/Pacers 8:00: Heart is with the Knicks but basketball intelligence dictates a Pacers win here. Thursday, Knicks stalled out the prolific scoring Pacers, including key scoring figure - Haliburton. When he scores 20+, Pacers are 30-3. And when the Pacers, as a team, score more than 114 points, they're undefeated in the playoffs. Love the effort of Big KAT, Mitchell Robinson. But Towns hobbling on a knee and Robinson an offensive liability at the foul line when intentionally hacked. Fortunately, for Tibs, he had Achiuwa, Wright and Shamet to hold the fort down when Towns was in foul trouble and Robinson was struggling at the free throw line. Tonight, logic has it, Carlisle will make the needed adjustments to limit turnovers, turn up the tempo, and exploit the defensive weaknesses of New York. Pacers the call. 

Knicks/Pacers 8:00: Pacers should pick up the pace at home and do what they do best: force turnovers into transition buckets. It will be hard for the slower and some hobbling - Karl Anthony-Towns (knee) to slow them down on this floor. Haliburton should turn up his game several notches to spur the offensive output. Knicks should get their share of points; after all, Brunson has been unstoppable, underutilized Anunoby should continue to put up points with Big KAT. Over the call. 

Thunder/Wolves 8:30: Thunder have been successful all season in bouncing back off losses. They're a profitable 12-5 ATS/16-1 SU following a loss. We'll look for the needed adjustments to steer OKC to victory here. SGA off a rare mediocre game should turn it up sharply. On the other hand, look for the OKC defense to squeeze lanes better and tighten on the perimeter. OKC the call. 

Thunder/Wolves 8:30: Wolves have their backs against the wall and should respond favorably here. They should have more focus at home; after all, they lost the turnover battle over the first two games of this series. Need Randle and Reid to step up their games to free up Edwards - who's really struggling from the perimeter. SGA not as productive on the road and that should help open the door for a Minnesota cover here. 

Pacers/Knicks 8:00: Love the fight in this Knicks team but Pacers are dangerous in this spot. We remember what Haliburton did in the semi-finals a season ago to NY. He and this Pacers team are every bit as dangerous. This season, they're 4-1 SU/ATS on the playoff road and 5-2 ATS as a playoff dog. We'll grab the points here. 

Nuggets/Thunder 3:30: Some concerns with Jalen Williams (10 for 43 last 3 games) but he should finally settle in back home today. Denver's Jokic shook out of his funk as he found quicker ways to come off the double team. But worried that Gordon (hamstring) will limit his super athleticism. He's been tremendous in the playoffs. And OKC has the superior depth and discipline to respond off losses. They've done it better than anybody this season. OKC the call. 

OKC/Denver 10:00: OKC was overly physical on Jokic in G2. Fouls weren't called and most likely the refs will allow the physical play to a certain point. Look for the championship pedigree of Denver to make the needed adjustments here and match OKC's intensity of G2. 

Cavaliers/Pacers 7:40: Surely Cleveland will fire out with a vengeance tonight; after all, they're down 2-0 in the series and 3-0 will spell impending doom. But Pacers are one team in the East that is a major thorn in the side for Cleveland. They're deep, fast, and have five double digit scorers on the floor most of the time. The only time Cleveland won and covered in this series this season was on this floor but, and it's a big BUT, Haliburton DNP. And he's been tearing up the Cavaliers this post-season. With Garland (big toe) still day to day, we're taking the points on this strong home floor. 

Pacers/Cavaliers 7:00: Pacers don't mind playing in Cleveland. Now 3-1 ATS last 4 visits there. Pacers' fast paced offense giving Cavaliers' defense trouble. And all 5 starters were in double digits in Game 1. In addition, solid bench production makes them dangerous with Garland (toe) still on the mend. Pacers the call.

Knicks/Celtics 7:00: Rough sledding for NY in this series. They've been dominated in this series to the tune of 8-2 ATS last 10 including 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS this season. Porzingis is a matchup nightmare for NY. Big K.A.T. is not always reliable and, although Robinson tries hard, he doesn't offer much offensively when he's in. This season, Celtics averaged 21 triples made in this series shooting at a sizzling 43'% clip. Knicks' perimeter defense questionable. And they're coming off a huge G7 win over Detroit and could easily be flat here. Well rested Boston the call. 

Pacers/Cavaliers 6:00: A closely contested series during the regular season. Pacers have a solid backcourt and bigs that can hold their own against the formidable frontline of Cleveland. Pacers 4-1 ATS at Cleveland. We'll look for the Pacers to stay in this one. 

Clippers/Nuggets 7:30: Clippers a formidable opponent but can't always trust Harden. He's coming off a big game and doesn't have a great history in Game 7s. Leonard, however, is always a major problem in the playoffs and he's got some support from Zubac, Powell and most likely - newly inserted starter - Batum to help defensively. I also didn't like the way the Clippers closed Game 6. A game that should have been over - easy - late, turned into a dog fight down the stretch. Jokic, Murray and Gordon usually rise to the occasion in these games. And I like the way Braun has turned up his game. Denver the call. 

Rockets/Warriors 9:00: In Game 5, Warriors opted to put in reserves less than midway through the 3rd quarter while in a double-digit deficit. Consequently, starters logged limited minutes and should be refreshed to close it out tonight. Look for the Butler, Green, Curry playoff experience to pay dividends tonight. 

Warriors/Rockets 7:30: Warriors 4-1 ATS getting 4 points or less. With the acquisition of Butler, Golden State upgraded significantly as a serious playoff contender. Rockets lack playoff experience, and it is apparent down the stretch. Look for the Warriors to find a way to slow down Sengun, who has been a beast in the low post. He's shooting at a 45.6% clip to the tune of 22.3 PPG. Green does a decent job on him, but foul trouble hurts his playing time. Fortunately, Rockets free throw woes continue to keep them from closing. 

Rockets/Warriors 10:00: Warriors should have Butler back tonight to take command of the series. Warriors are solid at taking away a team's offensive strength and adjust accordingly. They held Jalen Green to just 7 points after his 38 point barrage on them the previous game. And ultimately, playoff experience takes over late in games as Curry exhibited once again down the stretch in Game 3. Warriors the call here. 

Cavs/Heat 7:30: Heat outmatched in this series but still have some fight left in them. We'll look for Miami to keep it tight here in this closeout game. 

Lakers/Wolves 3:30: Lakers lack of a rim runner, inside force will hurt them down the stretch. Can't see LeFlop delivering another big game, although Doncic should step up his game after illness. Wolves have too many good perimeter shooters plus inside presence for the Lakers to hang. And Lakers not able to run Minnesota off the perimeter line. Allowing 38% from 3-pt land. Wait till DiVincenzo and McDaniels heat up to add to the hot perimeter game of Anthony Edwards and Reid and Randle. Minnesota the call. 

Knicks/Pistons 1:00: With Isaih Stewart struggling with that bloated knee, we'll look for Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 31 in G3, to take advantage of the Pistons' interior void. And putting Anunoby on Cunningham (10 of 32 in G3) kept the Pistons' clutch player at bay during crunch time. We'll look for Brunson and company to deliver again.

Nuggets/Clippers 10:00: Nuggets 20 turnovers in Game 2 did them in. Leonard is at his best and Harden is playing well for the Clippers; however, we won't dismiss the Nuggets off a loss. Jokic, who had a rare bad game in Game 2, should come back strong. He's got his sidekick - Murray - getting healthy, and Gordon and Porter Jr. are playing well. Look for the Nuggets to hang tight in this tightly contested series. 

Thunder/Grizzlies 9:30: Rarely see S.G.A. have a few mediocre (to his standard) games. Fortunately, he's got a great supporting cast. And the Thunder, which have been a strong road team all season, should stay focused like they've consistently done all season. OKC, a Top 3 offensive and defensive team, have taken Edey out of this series. We'll look for the Thunder to continue their roll. 

Knicks/Pistons 7:00: Knicks have to give Brunson more help, especially down the stretch. Surely, the Knicks have addressed that. And Hart and Anunoby are overdue to turn up their games. They're the better team and should pull this off despite the disastrous off-season trade of Hartenstein and DiVincenzo.  Pressure on Towns to step up his game several notches. 

Warriors/Rockets 9:30: Warriors' addition of Butler paid dividends down the stretch of the season and, it was surely apparent in Game 1. Butler has been a great playoff performer in his career and he showed his clutch ability down the stretch in Game 1. Add Curry and Green to that mix and the playoff experience just too great for the upstart Rockets. Warriors the call.

Heat/Cavaliers 7:30: In Game 1, Heat were competitive till late. They were outscored 34-21 in the 4th quarter. Look for cagey, veteran playoff HC Spoelstra to make the needed adjustments down the stretch to hang in this one. Adebayo, Herro and Mitchell should continue to play well. Heat were 2-0 ATS as double digit dogs prior to Sunday. Heat and the points the call. 

Magic/Celtics 7:00: Tatum injured his wrist in Game 1 and will probably not play. Fortunately, the Celtics have great depth. Pritchard was awesome off the bench and starter Brown is overdue to step up his game. Orlando did a great job defending the perimeter in the regular season but Celtics have too much perimeter firepower. And the Magic offense just too dependent on Banchero and Wagner. Celtics should roll again late here. 

Warriors/Rockets 9:30: Rockets turnaround complete under Udoka. He's got them playing great defense and crashing the boards. Their versatility to go small, big, zone, etc., makes them a formidable force to get through in the Western Conference. Butler does offer a big upgrade to the Warriors in playoff basketball but Houston collectively strong at taking away a team's offensive strength; after all, look what they did two weeks ago when Amen Thompson held Curry to 1 of 10 from the floor. We'll take Houston in Game 1. 

Grizzlies/Thunder 1:00: Thunder dominated this series for the season. And even with Morant healthy, they couldn't hang close. Thunder is deep and dangerous. They're well rested and the addition of Hartenstein this season has given them a dominant and scrappy presence in the paint, the missing piece last season.  OKC is in the top 3 offensively and defensively in the league. That's rare to have that level of dominance on both sides of the court. We'll look for Gilgeous-Alexander and company to set the tone of the series with a route. 

Wolves/Lakers 8:30: Wolves got it going down the stretch of the season (17-4 ) with the healthy return of Randle. Can Randle turn it on in the post season though? He was a post season flop in NY. Fortunately, he's got lots of support with Edwards, veteran Conley, DiVincenzo. And Gobert can be a force here vs Hayes, thrust into the 5 spot after the departure of A.D. Doncic flourished last year with the Mavericks all the way to the championship because of his big rim runners. He doesn't have that with the Lakers. We'll look for Minnesota to steal Game 1. 

Pistons/Knicks 6:00: Disappointed in the Knicks trading away Hartenstein and DiVincenzo during the offseason. They were huge in last year's playoff series win over Philadelphia. Cade Cunningham has some solid support and veteran playoff performers Harris, Hardaway, Beasely to give NY trouble. Take the points here. 

Clippers/Nuggets 3:30: Clippers went on a 32-15 ATS run down the stretch thanks in large part to the healthy return of Kawhi Leonard. Consequently, Harden excelled as a facilitator averaging 22.8 PPG and 8.7 APG. And underrated center Zubac is no easy walk through for Jokic. Moreover, Powell was spectacular in this season series - 27.8 PPG. We'll grab Lue and his Clippers in Game 1. 

Bucks/Pacers 1:00: Pacers were winning down the stretch but vs weak teams. They went 6=16 ATS last 22 games. They won this series last year but, of course, that was without Giannis. He's healthy now and dangerous. Bucks went 10-4 SU/11-3 ATS down the stretch without Lillard. And Giannis didn't play in 3 of those. Bucks are better defensively this season and I like our chances here. Bucks 4-0 ATS in this season series and we're taking the points today. 

Florida/Houston 8:50: Houston was my bracket choice to win it all and I'm staying with them. As exhibited against Duke, they use their relentless, indefatigable pressure to wear down opponents over a game; a Marvin Hagler of NCAA Basketball, if you will. Florida's Clayton Jr. is the best player on the floor and definitely a finisher. But look for veteran HC Sampson, the architect of the nation's #1 scoring defense, to find a way, once again, to slow down the opposing team's best player. Florida's big man- Condon- running on a sprained ankle, won't cut it vs the long and physical front line of Houston. And although Houston doesn't launch three pointers regularly like most teams, they score from the perimeter at a very efficient 39.9% clip - 2nd in the nation. Florida's been a bit careless in the 2nd tournament game and face an opportunistic Cougars' defense that forces turnovers at a 21% clip on opponents' possessions. We'll look for Houston to claim their first NCAA National Championship.  

Houston/Duke 8:49: Houston had some growing pains early in the year before HC Sampson got them playing his type of basketball - relentless defense, crashing the boards, limiting turnovers and taking good shots. Houston is deceptively good at hitting from behind the arc at a 39.7% clip (#2 nationally). He's got great leadership in his veteran team with 5th season J'wan Roberts and G Cryer - who won an NCAA National Championship with Baylor in his first year. Sure, Duke is dangerous with Flagg and Proctor. But we'll stand behind the grit of the #1 defensive team in the nation and take the points with the Cougars. 

Auburn/Florida 6:09: Broome appears to have recovered from his fall in the Elite Eight game. He's been a consistent dominating player all season and in the tournaments. Bruce Pearl will have to have his boys at their best to stop Clayton and company. He's had effective game plans throughout the year in big game and we'll give the edge to him against his former assistant - Golden. Auburn the call. 

Pelicans/Lakers 10:40: Pelicans 8-3 ATS as a double-digit dog. Sure, they shut down Zion and McCollum but still have hard working players such as Alvarado and Brown. Lakers unrested with Hachimura (knee) and LeFlop tired from last night and a game time decision. We'll grab the points. 

Thunder/Rockets 8:10: Thunder on a mission to reach 70-win season. They're deep and covering big numbers, even on the road. Rockets lose some defensive prowess with Brooks (suspended) out. OKC the call. 

Michigan State/Auburn 5:05: Izzo doing another great job with a cast of players with limited perimeter scoring ability. Spartans not adept at shooting the 3 (31.1%) but dribble penetration rebounding and crisp passing has been their hallmark all season. They have a solid and deep backcourt with Richardson, Akins, Fears and Holloman. Defensively, they bring a toughness by controlling the boards and running opponents off the 3 point line. They'll have their hands full with Broome but Izzo has been effective in instituting schemes to counter big men all season. While I chose Auburn to win it all this season, I'll take the Spartans to cover here.