Minnesota: As for the Timberwolves, it seems as if this year's team just isn't going to jell under Tom Thibodeau, the former Chicago head coach. The Timberwolves were expected to be one of the up-and-coming clubs this season with their array of young talent and the addition of the defensive-minded Thibodeau but instead, the team has struggled playing .333 basketball! This, despite the presence of Towns (22.0 & 12.0), Wiggins (21.6 & 4.3) and LaVine (20.1). Inconsistency has plagued them, as they are tied with the Lakers (21st) in turnovers.

LA Clippers: The Clippers lost Blake Griffin 41.2-8.8-4.7) after their Dec. 18 loss  at Washington to right knee surgery and after winning two straight, lost six in a  row. However, LA  has since won seven in a row (), averaging 109.4 PPG. However, PG Chris Paul (17.5-5.3-9.7-2.3 SPG) is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb suffered while trying to defend Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook in a 120-98 win over the Thunder on Monday. Head coach Doc Rivers, in typical coach-speak, said other players must step up. "We still have new guys -- Alan (Anderson) is new and Raymond (Felton) is new and Mo (Speights) and Brandon (Bass) -- this is a good opportunity for them to learn how to execute together," Rivers told the Los Angeles Times. "When everyone is back, when you get Chris and Blake back, if this group can execute, and then you put those two guys back on the floor, I think it makes us better in the long run. This is not the way you want to do it, but this is the way it's been presented."

The pick: It seems hard to believe that the Clippers will be able to "maintain" with both Griffin and Paul (Clippers went 2-5 without Paul during his last absence) on the sidelines but in this first game without both, I expect emotion to carry them over a Minnesota team which just can't seem to "get it right!' The T-wolves own just five road wins In 20 games), allowing 106.9 PPG and with the pointspread 'deflated,' LA is a 10* play.

The pick: It's hard to argue with Embiid's contributions or Philly's improvement but the fact is, the 76ers have not matched up well against Toronto's 'firepower.' Toronto ranks 3rd in scoring (111.5 PPG) on 47.2% shooting (4th), 39.0% on threes (2nd) and 81.4% from the FT line (3rd). Philly has lost and failed to cover the last six meetings between te theo teams going back to last season, including losing both games this season while allowing 122 and 123 points! Toronto's 123-114 win back on Dec. 14 was its seventh straight in Philadelphia. Make the Raptors a 10* play.

The pick: The Spurs have only lost back-to-back contests just once this season and are 7-1 in games after a loss, winning those seven games by an average of 19.7 PPG. Yes, Minnesota is just  5-14 SU on the road this year but it is only being outscored by an average of 5.1 PPG. "We're still not there," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after Sunday's loss to Dallas. "We went into camp with that idea of locking into daily improvement. Studying the team closely in the off-season, I knew there were a lot of areas we were short in. ... I like the direction we're moving in." I agree and will take the big points and make Minnesota a 10* play.

The set-up: The 24-17 OKC Thunder will be in Sacramento tonight to take on the 16-23 Kings. Sacramento seemed to catch the Thunder off guard when they went with a small line-up back on Nov.  23., beating OKC 116-101. However, there was nothing small about DeMarcus Cousins' 36 points and 13 rebounds!

Oklahoma City: The Thunder saw their three-game winning streak end in a 96-86 loss Friday at Minnesota. OKC shot 38.8 percent as a team (including a woeful 3 of 20 on threes!) and it took most (all?) of the luster off Westbrook's 19th triple-double of the season (21-11-12). Those 19 match his total from 80 games last season. No player has surpassed that mark since the NBA absorbed four teams after the ABA collapsed in 1976. Magic had 18 in 1982-83, a record that stood for 32 seasons until Westbrook broke it last year in his 80th game. Wilt had 31 for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1967-68 before the NBA-ABA merger. Westbrook is averaging a triple-double for the season (30.8-10.7-10.5)

Sacramento: Kings had nine TOs Friday in the first quarter and 21 overall, in losing 120-108 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Kings lost for the fifth time in their past six home games, falling to 1-4 on their current seven-game homestand and to 2-6 since a season-best four-game winning streak last month. Clearly, the Kings are not making the most of a seven-game homestand and against playoff contenders like the Clippers, Warriors and Cavs, they've lost by a combined 31 points.

The pick: The Thunder are a playoff contender (although hardly a real threat to win the NBA title with Durant in Oakland) and should take care of the Kings without too much trouble. Make OKC a 10* play.

The pick: I played against the Pistons last night with the Warriors and will go to the well against them tonight as well. Make Utah an 8* play.

The pick: Detroit handed the Warriors one of their nine regular-season losses in 2015-16 and while Golden State took the first meeting this season 119-113 on Dec. 23, it was a battle. It took 32 points by Kevin Durant, 25 by Stephen Curry and a 12-assist, 10-rebound double-double by Draymond Green for Golden State to scratch out the win. However, Golden State turned the ball over a season-high 23 times in that contest. Don't expect that to happen again and with Detroit struggling offensively, let em add that teh Warriors rank 2nd in defensive FG percentag (43.3%), including 32.6% on threes, which ranks 1st! Make Golden State a 10* play.

The pick: Boston's loss to Toronto means the Celtics still haven't beaten a team with a better record yet this season but the Wizards don't own a better record than Boston in this one. The Celtics will be playing with revenge from a loss back in Washington on Nov. 9, when the Wizards spurted to a 26-point first quarter lead and Otto Porter's career night of 34 points and 14 rebounds led the Wizards to an easy 118-93 win. However, the Celtics played without the injured Al Horford and Jae Crowder that night. Of even more relevance, bothe teams playing the second of back-to-back games and while the Celtics are 5-3, winning five of their last six back ends of back-to-backs, the Wizards are just 1-6. Make Boston a 10* play.

The pick: Sure, the Nets are a mess but Brooklyn found some positives off the bench on Friday, when guards Caris LeVert and Isaiah Whitehead combined for 29 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. "Caris and Isaiah coming in and playing really important minutes against the world champions is really positive," Atkinson told reporters. "We don’t back down, especially at home." The 76ers are just 3-11 SU on the road this season and with this pointspread, almost have to win to cover. I won't say this very often the rest of 2017 but make the Nets an 8* play.

Denver: A return to full health and a lineup change has been two keys to Denver's recent turnaround. Guard Gary Harris missed 16 games with a foot injury but his insertion into the starting lineup is making a difference (he's scored in double digits in six of Denver's last seven games) and so has the 6-10 Nikola Jokic. In fact, Jokic may be the biggest reason for Denver resurgence, as he's shooting 67 percent since returning from a left wrist sprain Dec. 7 and he has been the Nuggets' do-everything player. Denver is averaging 113.9 points over its last seven games and boasts six players averaging double figures in scoring, including power forward Nikola Jokic (12.0), who owns six double-doubles in his past 11 contests. SFs Gallinari (16.9) and  Chandler (16.4 & 7.0) are the team's best scorers, with guard Barton (14.2) close behind.

The pick: The Nuggets seem to be jelling but this is a pretty 'hefty' pointspread. The 76ers don't often win on te hed (or anywhere for that matter) but in their last visit to Denver (March 23rd of last season), they led the Nuggets by two before Emmanuel Mudiay hit an improbable shot near half-court at the buzzer, as the Nuggets walked off the floor with a 104-103 victory. I'm taking the big points and making Philly a 10* play.

The pick: The Pacers are just 4-11 SU & ATS on the road but this Chicago team is in a funk, going 1-7 its last eight ATS. No reason to lay any amount of points with the Bulls these days. Indiana is an 8* play.

incorrectly entered pick

The pick: Thibodeau is a proven and has that wonderful young trio but something just isn't right. Lay the points and make OKC a 10* play.

The pick: The Knicks will be primed to win here and they are 11-4 SU & ATS at home this year. However, Celtics are a money-making 12-5-1 ATS on the road and have matched up well in this series lately, have won seven of the last eight meetings and three of the past four in Madison Square Garden. Make Boston an 8* play.

NOT A PLAY....ENTERED ACCIDENTALLY!

full analysis by 12 pm et Tuesday

The set-up: The 12-8 Boston Celtics are in Houston tonight up against the 13-7 Rockets. Both teams come in playing well, as Boston has won six of eight and are two games into a stretch of eight of 10 on the road. Speaking of the road, Houston has played a league-high 14 road games thus far, after completing its second five-game road trip of the season with a sparkling 4-1 record. Boston: The Celtics barely squeaked past the Philadelphia 76ers 107-106 to begin their road trip Saturday night behind another stellar performance from PG Isaiah Thomas, whose 37-point effort marked his fifth 30-point game this season. Thomas is averaging 26.3 PPG and 6.3 APG. Avery Bradley (17.7) supported Thomas' effort with 20 points of his own and he hauled in nine rebounds for the second straight game to bump his season average to 7.9, five more than his career mark. Free-agent center Al Horford (14.9-6.5-4.6) is back on the court and has now played in 10 games (Celtics are 7-3). He has averaged 16.7 points in seven wins and 10.7 in three losses. Houston: The Rockets capped their five-game road trip with an impressive 132-127 (2-OT) win at Golden St. on Thursday, followed by a 128-110 win at Denver the very next night. Seven players scored in double figures and Houston was 17-of-37 from three-point range at Denver, hitting their league-leading average in long-range attempts and bumping their percentage to 37.8, good for fifth in the NBA through Saturday. Houston ranks second with 114.4 PPG on 46.6% shooting (3rd). Harden (28.3-7.6-11.8) leads the way but four others are contributing between 12.1 and 16.4 PPG. Also, the return of Patrick Beverley (7.0-4.4-3.9), the team's best defensive player on the perimeter, has been huge. Houston is 7-2 in the games he’s started. The pick: The Celtics have beaten Western Conference foes the likes of the Mavs (4-15) and T-wolves (6-14) but are 0-5 SU & ATS against the other five Western Conference opponents they’ve faced. Boston is stepping way up in class here and Houston is a 10* play.

The set up: Both teams are off wins here as the Pistons beat the Hawks 121-85 and the Magic beat the Sixers 105-88. While it was only the second win in the past seven games for Orlando, Detroit has won three in a row and five of its last six. The Pistons took the season's first meeting 108-82, here in Detroit, but were scant four-point favorites in that one.

Orlando: The Magic are 8-12 on the season, 7-12 against the spread. This despite them averaging only 93.0 points per game, which is the second fewest in the entire NBA, ahead of only Dallas. While it was "only" Philadelphia, Friday marked perhaps one of the finer efforts of the season from this team as six players scored in double figures, led by Aaron Gordon's 20 points. They made 13 of 23 three-pointers for the game.

Detroit: The Pistons are averaging 118 points per game in this three-game win streak of theirs and just beat the Hawks by 36 points. This team managed to sneak into the playoffs as an eight-seed last year and expectations are higher for Stan Van Gundy now. Playing without point guard Reggie Jackson, it was a bit of a slow start. But all Pistons now seem to be firing, so to speak, at least offensively. Jackson could play for the first time tonight.

The pick: As hot as Detroit has been, I can't possibly envision them playing as well as they did against Atlanta. Nor do I see this hot shooting continuing. Orlando might not be much offensively, but defensively they "come to play" more often than not. Just one time in the last 10 games have they allowed 100 points. That makes taking the points attractive in this situation. Orlando is a 10* play

The set-up: The 5-13 Brooklyn Nets and 9-8 Milwaukee Bucks meet at the Bradley Center Saturday afternoon, less than 48 hours after the Bucks won 111-93 over the Nets at Barclays Center. As the two teams meet to play the back end of a home-and-home series Saturday afternoon, Milwaukee has won 13 of the last 17 meetings (dating back to Jan. 9, 2013), including the first two meetings of this season's series. Brooklyn: The Nets committed 17 turnovers in Thursday’s loss to Milwaukee, continuing a season-long problem for Kenny Atkinson’s team, the Nets first-year head coach The Nets are third in the league in turnovers this season, averaging 16.5 per game. The Nets had just suffered a big letdown after a double-overtime triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers in the previous game and Atkinson bemoaned Brooklyn's inability to put points on the board. "We couldn't pierce their defense," Atkinson told reporters. "They kept us in front and they would switch and keep you on the perimeter. ... They were tough to score against (Thursday)." The Nets are averaging 105.4 PPG which ranks 10th but it comes with some p[oor shooting. Brooklyn ranks 24th if FG percentage (43.5%), including 25th on threes (33.0%). The defense is a ‘nightmare,’ ranking last in points allowed (114.3 per) and second-to-last in opponents FG percentage (47.1%). Milwaukee: The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo had 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks in 30 minutes on Thursday, before taking a seat for the fourth quarter. The small forward is having a superb season, averaging 22.8-8.5-6.1 but only Jabari Parker (18.8 & 5.8) also scores in double digits for Milwaukee. However, Milwaukee does have a deep bench and against teams like this, it makes a difference. The pick: The problem here for Milwaukee is the big pointspread ,as the Bucks are only outscoring teams at home by about five points per game. In this quick turnaround, I’m “all over” the Nets to bounce back with a strong effort. Upset alert? Take the points and make the Nets an 8* play.

The set-up: The 7-12 Orlando Magic lost 95-94 at Memphis last night, the team's fifth defeat in its last six games. They will look to break out of their slump tonight at Philadelphia. The 76ers are just 4-14 overall (4-8 at home) but come in well-rested, having not played since a 122-95 loss in Toronto this past Monday night. Orlando: The Magic were outscored 24-10 down the stretch by the Grizzlies, who erased an 84-71 deficit. "Everything about this loss is disappointing," head coach Frank Vogel told the Orlando Sentinel. The Magic had now lost  four straight, three of those at home to sub-.500 teams, before winning Tuesday night in San Antonio. However, any momentum thy had from beating the Spurs is gone, after their collapse against Memphis. "It hurts, man," Magic guard/forward Evan Fournier told the Sentinel. "Hurts bad. They just played more aggressive than us the last five minutes. That's how they got back into the game." Fournier (17.9 PPG) has scored at least 25 points in three of the last five games. Center Nikola Vucevic (12.4 & 11.6) is beginning to get his game together after a slow start, averaging 17 points and 13.4 rebounds over the last five games while posting seven double-doubles in the past eight contests. PG Elfrid Payton (10.5-5.3 APG) had strung three solid games together, making 17-of-30 from the floor before scoring three on 1-of-8 shooting Thursday. Ibaka (14.4 & 6.8) makes it four Orlando players averaging in double digits. Philadelphia: The 76ers saw Wednesday's scheduled home game against Sacramento postponed because of moisture on the Wells Fargo Center floor. However, the team got some good news, as it was announced that rookie center Joel Embiid's minutes restriction was being increased from 24 to 28 per game. Embiid, the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, missed two seasons while recovering from a pair of foot surgeries.  He leads the Sixers (and all NBA rookies) in scoring (18.2), rebounding (7.8), blocked shots (2.4) and three-point percentage (.500). Nerlens Noel, who has yet to play this season following minor knee surgery in October, practiced on Wednesday with the Delaware 87ers, Philadelphia's NBA Development League team, then went through drills with the Sixers on Thursday. Philly needs more help, as veteran forward Ersan Ilyasova (13.0) is the only other player scoring more than 11 per game. The pick: It’s not a good sign to blow a lead like the Magic did last night but at this points, Orlando is the better team than Philadelphia and at this price, a win by Orlando ensures a cover. Orlando is a 10* play.

The set-up: The 11-7 Houston Rockets visit Oracle Arena in an attempt to snap the 16-2 Golden State Warriors’ 12-game winning streak. The Rockets and Warriors could be shooting for a record of most three-pointers made in a game. The Rockets enter this contest having made at least 10 three-pointers in 17 straight games. lifting them into a tie with Cleveland for the team lead at 13.8 made three-pointers per game. The Warriors owned the NBA perimeter last year and along the way, combined with Mavericks to set an NBA record for most three-pointers made in a game (39) back on March 25, 2016 (GSt. had 21 & Dal. 18). Could that record be in jeopardy in this one? Houston: The Rockets have increased their three-point attempts from 30.9 per game to 36.6 and their percentage of success from 34.7 to 37.8, under first-year head coach Mike D’Antoni. The team has embraced D'Antoni,’s up-tempo style, with James Harden (55), Eric Gordon (55) and Trevor Ariza (52) all ranking among the top-10 this season in three-pointers made, while Ryan Anderson (45) isn't far outside the group. Gordon, who is shooting more often from downtown (7.9 attempts per game, up from 6.5), Ariza, who has connected on a career-best 39.7 percent so far this season and Anderson is a 42.2 percent career three-point shooter who was signed to a four-year, $80 million deal in July. Of course there is Harden, who checks in with a line of 28.7-7.2-11.9. Golden State: The Warriors have opened the season a bit cold from beyond the arc, at least for them.They have attempted the same number as last season (31.6 per game) but their percentage of success has fallen from a league-best 41.6 percent to 38.4. Klay Thompson is a career 41.7-percent shooter on threes but has made only 36.5 percent this season. However, he began the season 11-for-53 (20.8 percent) through seven games but has since made 39 of 84 (46.4 percent) in his last 11 outings (all Golden St. wins). Durant (27.1-8.4-4.7) and Curry (26.6-4.1-5.9) are the highest scoring pair of teammates in the league, Thompson has his average up to 20.7 PPG and in Green (10.1-7.0-8.1), the Warriors own one of the NBA’s most complete and efficient players. The pick: Golden State took all three regular-season meetings in 2015-16 by an average of 12.3 PPG and the teams meet here for the first time since the Warriors beat the Rockets in five games in the opening round of last year’s playoffs. The Rockets come to Oakland from Salt Lake City, where on Tuesday night they allowed the Jazz, a team averaging 98.7 PPG on the season (to rank 25th), to score 120 points on 55.4 percent shooting. It’s scary to think how many points the well-rested Warriors (last played Monday) will score, as they check in as the NBA’s highest scoring team (117.6 PPG) and its best shooting team (50.2 percent). Golden State is a 10* play. 

The set-up: The 9-9 Indiana Pacers capped a four-game homestand by scoring 118 points in a rout of the Nets and then shocked the Clippers 91-70 in a defensive gem (Clippers were held to 31.4% shooting, including 4 of 24 on threes). They now open a five-game road trip in Portland, which won’t end until Dec. 9 in Dallas. The 9-10 Portland Trail Blazers will be taking the court off a 130-114 drubbing by the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Indiana:  The Pacers’ back-to-back recent home wins were achieved without the services of star forward Paul George (20.8-6.9-3.5), who has missed six of the past seven games and will also sit out Wednesday's contest with ankle and back injuries. The two wins were encouraging to veterans like PG Jeff Teague (14.7  & 7.6 APG) and backup center Al Jefferson (7.0 & 4.4). "For us to be shorthanded and they had their full team, we go out there and do what we did (Sunday), that shows a lot," Jefferson told reporters. "Like I told my teammates, we showed we can do it now, so we can't take a step back. We've got to keep going." Portland: The Rockets scorched the Blazers with 56.1 percent shooting, including 47.2 percent (17 for 36) from three-point range. Portland owns the worst defensive efficiency rating in the NBA (109.80) and is giving up more points (113.7) than any team in the league other than Brooklyn (114.0). The Blazers are tired of talking about getting better at the defensive end. "We keep preaching it, but it's getting old," guard Allen Crabbe said. "At some point, it has to click. We keep telling ourselves we have to get better, but at some point, we have to get it going." Lillard (28.2) and McCollum (22.3) are the second-highest scoring duo in the NBA (next to Durant and Curry) but the team must improve defensively. The pick: The Blazers are one of the better offensive teams in the NBA (rank 3rd at 109.7 PPG) but they have trouble stopping anybody. Cleveland blitzed them for 137 points, Golden State for 127, Houston for 126 and 130, even Phoenix for 121. "We talked about not taking steps back," head coach Nate McMillan said. "We've played some good games, and then you can't recognize the team the next game. We need to build some momentum at this point in the season." I’m not buying into that and I’m taking the points and making the Pacers an 8* play.

The set-up: The Charlotte Hornets followed up a season-worst four-skid (Nov. 19-25) with consecutive victories, 107-102 at home against the Knicks and 104-85 at Memphis to get them to 10-7 on the season. The Pistons come to Charlotte on Tuesday 8-10 overall but struggling badly on the road in the early going at 1-8 SU & ATS. Detroit: The Pistons have relied on a balanced approach this season, with six players averaging in double figures. Harris tops the list at 16.4 PPG, while center Andre Drummond is averaging 14.6 points and 13.4 rebounds. That “group of six” doesn’t include PG Reggie Jackson, although he is getting closer to a return from a knee issue. He participated in Monday's practice and it was Jackson's first 5-on-5 practice since receiving injections of platelet-rich plasma more than a month ago to help promote healing. "I've seen him for a couple weeks — he looks fine playing," head coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Stamina is going to be an issue. I don't think he can play 33 minutes a game right now. Whenever they tell me he's ready to go, and he tells me he's ready to go in his mind, then he'll go." Charlotte: The Hornets’ 19-point victory in Memphis represented the team’s second-largest winning margin of the campaign and the 85 points allowed was their fewest of the season. Elevens are currently wild for Charlotte, which ranks 11th in both points scored (107.2) and points allowed (102.3). Standout guard Kemba Walker (24.3-4.2-4.9) has 14, 20-point outings this season and is joined by five more double digit scorers, plus forwards Williams (9.9) and Kidd-Gilchrist (9.3) just miss that plateau. The pick: As noted above, road games have been a big issue for the Pistons this season and with three road games in the next four days, they must figure out quickly how to collect wins away from The Palace of Auburn Hills. Detroit ranks second overall in the NBA in points allowed (97.1 PPG) but on the road Detroit has allowed 105.0 PPG, one of the mains reasons it’s 1-8 SU & ATS. Meanwhile, Charlotte is 4-2  as a home favorite this year and should have little trouble covering this modest number. The Hornets are a 10* play. 

The set-up: The 10-8 OKC Thunder come to Madison Square Garden Monday night to take on the 8-8 NY Knicks.Oklahoma City comes in after a 106-88 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday when Westbrook posted 17 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his second consecutive triple-double and seventh this season. It was also his 44th career triple-double, which ties him with Cleveland's LeBron James. The Knicks had a three-game winning streak snapped Saturday night in Charlotte, falling 107-102 to the Hornets but New York enters this game on a six-game winning streak in MSG. Oklahoma City:  Westbrook is humming along in his ninth season with the Thunder, averaging 31.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 11.1 assist and has at least a few remembering the Big O averaging a triple-double for the entire season back in 1961-62 (30.8-12.5-11.4). However, OKC is far from a complete team with Oladipo (17.3) being its second-best scorer wit that guard duo joining OKC’s two-headed center combo of Kanter (11.9 & 5.8) and Adams (10.7 & 7.8) as the team's core. OKC allows 105.4 PPG (20th) and checks in 8-10 ATS, a reverse of its SU record. NY Knicks: The Knocks are 7-2 SU & ATS at home and come in on a six-game home winning streak. Its top-two scorers are Anthony and Porzingis, who both have played noticeably better at home than on the road. Anthony is averaging 24.4 PPG at home while slumping to 21.1 on the road. Porzingis is suffering through the same inconsistency while averaging 22 points on 51.4 percent shooting at home and 19.6 PPG on 45.9 percent shooting on the road. The team’s new PG, Derrick Rose, is the Knicks’ third double digit scorer at 15.9 PPG (also 4.2 RPG and 5.0 APG). The pick: New York has played well at home but its overall defense is worst than OKC’s, allowing 106.3 PPG (20th) and the Knicks can’t ‘bang’ on the boards up against Kanter and Adams. New York's other big offseason acquisition, center Joakim Noah, who played with Rose in Chicago, has struggled. He missed two games with flu-like symptoms but since his return against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Noah hasn't provided much offense with six points to back-to-back games against the Hornets. Noah has scored in double-figures only once this season and checks in averaging 4.1 PPG for the season. At the PG spot, I love Westbrook over Rose. OKC is a 10* play. 

The set-up: Rick Adelman led the Kings to the postseason in all eight of his seasons coaching Sacramento but was fired after the 2005-06 season. The Kings haven’t made the playoffs since, entering this season on a 10-year playoff drought (just three times in that stretch has the team even won as many as 30 games!). Sacramento is currently 6-10, after the Rockets made 21 three-pointers in a 117-104 victory in Sacranto on Friday. The downward spiral of the Brooklyn Nets reached six straight losses on Friday in a 118-97 loss at Indiana. The Nets host the Kings on Sunday at 4-11 (7-7-1 ATS), including 3-4 SU at home (4-3 ATS). Sacramento: The Kings had posted impressive wins over Toronto and Oklahoma City before Friday's letdown and first-year head coach Dave Joerger sees improvement. "We're getting better," Joerger told reporters. "We've played some good teams. We've played better as of late. ... We're starting to find a nice mix of chemistry between guys that are playing together at different times." Center DeMarcus Cousins (27.8 & 9.8) remains the star and he turned in a remarkable stat line on Friday with a career-high five made three-pointers and five blocks to go with 32 points and nine rebounds. However, second-year center Willie Cauley-Stein (4.9 & 1.8 in about 12 1/2 MPG) is drifting out of the rotation and did not see the court in either of the last two games (Stein averaged 7.0 & 5.3 last year in about 21 minutes of PT). Brooklyn: the Nets are still learning to play with the pace and style new head coach Kenny Atkinson prefers on the offensive end and the defensive end remains a work in progress. The Nets are hoisting more three-pointers than ever before and from all positions. However, the Nets rank a modest 13th in scoring at 104.9 PPG and the team ranks 26th in three-point shooting at 32.5 percent. As for the team’s defense, well let’s just pardon the pun. Brooklyn allows the most points of any team in the league (113.5 PPG) and opponents are shooting 47.2 percent against them, the second-worst mark in the NBA. The pick: I am well aware that the Kings entered this season 51-146 (.259) SU on the road the last five seasons but the bottom line is, the Kings have to win some games away from home and the Nets should play the perfect foil. Sacramento is an 8* play.

The set-up; Both the Warriors and Timberwolves played last night, Golden State winning 109-85 at Staples Center over the Lakers with Minnesota rallying from a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit at Phoenix to overtake the Suns 98-85. "Our best fourth quarter of the year," gushed Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau afterward. "Things weren't going well in that game, but the fight was there and we just kept working the game and the game turned." As for the Warriors, it was just “another day at the office,” as Golden State won its 10th consecutive game. Minnesota: In Wiggins (24.0), Towns (21.3 & 9.4) and LaVine (18.6) the T-wolves own an impressive trio of their own but last night’s comeback may have extracted a toll on the Timberwolves. Wiggins wound up playing 41 of the 48 minutes and three other starters, including Towns, played at least 35. that figures to leave Minnesota in less-than-ideal shape Saturday night on the second night of a back-to-back. The youthful Timberwolves have responded well to the adversity of the NBA schedule this season, winning on the back half of a consecutive-nights sequence both times they have encountered it. However, neither of those wins have come at the expense of a team like the Warriors. Golden State: Durant (27.1-7.9-4.8), Curry (26.3 & 6.1 APG), Thompson (20.6) and Green (10.5-9.0-6.() give the Warriors an incredible “Core Four,” a group which is averaging 84.5 PPG. That group contributed 83 points last night, although none played more than 36 minutes. That said, the Warriors may have an incentive when they take the court Saturday and that is to “play better!” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr insisted to reporters afterward that  "It was one of the worst basketball games I've seen in my life. We were awful, and they were awful. The people who bought tickets should get their money back, honestly." The pick: The Timberwolves won the most recent meeting with the Warriors, handing Golden State one of its nine losses last season, 124-117 in overtime on April 5 in Minnesota. However, the Warriors had won seven straight and 14 of 15 over Minnesota before that April matchup and they come into this one clicking on all cylinders while looking to win an 11th straight game. The Warriors have notched eight double-digit victories during their 10-game winning streak, won their last three games by an average of 34.7 PPG and have won their last five home games by an average of 20.6 PPG. Golden State is an 8* play.  

The set-up: Back on , the Lakers shocked the Warriors 117-97 at Staples Center back on Nov. 4th, with the Golden State responding to that embarrassment by going on a nine-game winning streak. The most recent of those nine wins came this past Wednesday at Oracle Arena, where the Warriors delivered some payback in a 149-106 rout of the short-handed Lakers. LA (8-8) played without starting point guard D'Angelo Russell (16.1-3.4-4.8), who is expected to be out two weeks with a sore left knee, and PF Julius Randle (13.3 & 8.1), who sat with a hip pointer. Golden State: The 149 points the Warriors hung on the Lakers are the most any team has scored so far this season. Stephen Curry (31), Kevin Durant (28) and Thompson (26) combined for 85 points and while Green has just five points, he added nine rebounds and 11 assists. The Warriors recorded a franchise-record 47 assists, for the game and scored 80 points in the first half. "It was a beautiful exhibition that (the Warriors) put on," Lakers head coach Luke Walton said. "As painful as this one was, that's the beauty of the NBA. You always have another chance to redeem yourself one or two days later.” The high-octane Warriors lead the league in scoring (119.2 PPG), shooting percentage (50.2%) and in assist (31.9 per). That’s a pretty sweet ‘trifecta.’

LA Lakers: Los Angeles' season is about the progression of its young players and Russell will need to take a step back after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his sore left knee. As for Randle, he’s listed as questionable, as is SG Nick Young (13.9 PPG) with a toe issue. Veteran Jose Calderon will start for Russell at PG,as Williams and Clarkson will continue to come off the bench. Williams leads the team in scoring (16.6 PPG) and Clarkson averages 14.9 PPG. The pick: Forget the 149-point blowout being a distraction. There is just no way the mega-talented Warriors will be taking the Lakers lightly after losing by 20 points in their last visit to Staples Center. Let’s also not forget that in that Nov. 4th loss, two-time MVP Stephen Curry went 0-of-10 from three-point range, snapping a string of 196 straight games (including the postseason) with at least one three-pointer, Curry was 7-of-12 from beyond the arc in Wednesday's rematch. That sounds more like it. Golden State is a 10* play. 

The set-up: The  San Antonio Spurs are off to a 12-3 start bur get lost in all the hoopla surround the Warriors’ “Super Team” (Golden State has won nine straight to reach 13-2) and the LA Clippers, who have the NBA’s best record at 14-2. However, the spurs do own the NBA’s only perfect road record (they’re 8-0) and will look to keep that alive with a Friday afternoon visit to the TD Garden in Boston to take on the 9-6 Celtics, who are a modest 4-2 at home. San Antonio: The Spurs 8-0 road start this season ties them with 2010-11 team for the best start away from home in franchise history. "It's a weird year," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. "We've lost three in a row at home, and last year we lost one the whole year. Now we're undefeated on the road, so don't ask me. That's why they call it a game because you never know what's going to happen." San Antonio has won seven in a row overall buoyed by shooting 39.7 percent from three-point range and 84.0 percent from the FT line (both figures are No. 1 in the entire NBA). SF Leonard (25.1-6.3) is now unquestionably the team’s best player and Aldridge his No. 1 sidekick, averaging 18.6 & 6.9 playing PF. However, as always, the Spurs’ depth and overall balance is a key to the team's success. Boston: The Celtics return off a perfect 3-0 road trip and have won six of their last eight, the latest being a 111-92 victory at Brooklyn on Wednesday. Isaiah Thomas (team’s leading scorer at 26.2 PPG) scored 23 points and Boston improved to 5-1 with Al Horford, who has missed nine games due to a concussion. Horford has hit the ground running after his absence, averaging 18.3 & 7.3 in his three games back in the lineup, all Boston wins. SF Jae Crowder had his best effort versus the Nets since returning from an ankle injury three games ago, recording 15 points and five rebounds in just 22 minutes (he was Boston’s top frontcourt scorer last year at 14.2 PPG). Thomas has scored at least 20 points in all but one game but also has fallen into a bit of a shooting slump by hitting only 38.5 percent over his last seven contests. Avery Bradley is his backcourt partner (17.9 & 8.0) and he recorded 22 points, seven rebounds and five steals against Brooklyn. The pick: With both Horford (concussion) and Crowder (ankle) rejoining the team for the recently complete 3-0 road trip, spirits are back up in Boston. However, defeating Detroit, Minnesota and Brooklyn on the road is hardly a reason to make plans for the NBA Finals, as those teams are a combined 15-29 (.341). Beating the Spurs would be something to cheer about but the bottom line is that the Spurs are 37-9 against the Celtics since Feb. 11, 1992 and more recently have defeated the Celtics on nine straight occasions, including four in a row at Boston. San Antonio is an 8* play.

The set-up: The Raptors opened 7-2, looking every bit the part of a Eastern Conference title contender but Toronto will enter this game the night before Thanksgiving having lost four of five to fall to 8-6. The Rockets welcome Toronto to Toyota Center 9-5 overall, including owning a 4-1 home mark. Toronto: There was concern that the Raptors would struggle following the loss of center Bismack Biyombo during the offseason, as he helped anchor a team that finished 11th in defensive rating last season, before signing with the Orlando Magic. Well, his loss has been YUGE.  The Raptors are still one of the better offensive teams in the NBA (rank 6th in both scoring at 108.1 PPG and FG percentage at 45.9) but the Raptors are a sieve on the defensive end. Despite averaging 113 points over their last five games, the Raptors lost for the fourth time during that stretch on Monday night when they fell 123-115 to the Clippers in Los Angeles. Toronto is 4-4 over its last eight games, a span in which each opponent has scored at least 102 points. DeRozan was leading the NBA in scoring until going 3-of-15 from the floor and finishing with 12 points in a 102-99 loss at Sacramento on Sunday (he’s now at 30.9 PPG). Fellow guard Lowry (19.9-5.5-7.2) has shot better lately but still makes only 39.3% fomn the floor, including 33.7 on threes. Houston: James Harden is running Mike D'Antoni's system to perfection. The All-Star guard is enjoying his best all-around season (28.6-7.8-12.4) and posted his fourth consecutive double-double with 28 points and 11 assists in a 99-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. More good news has come Houston’s way with the return of guard Patrick Beverley. Beverley underwent left knee surgery during the preseason and his impact is so much greater than the 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game he provided last season. He is the team's best individual perimeter defender and his influence on that end of the court has been sorely missed. Beverley  has played alongside of Harden the last three games (all wins), averaging 25 minutes and is 11-of-21 from the floor since his return (8.3 PPG). The pick: This marks Toronto’s fourth road game in six days (not good) but I am not a fan of teams overly dominated by one player like the Rockets (with Harden) or OKC (with Westbrook). Gordon is Houston’s second-leading scorer at 15.4 PPG and Anderson, now a starter at SF, checks in third at 12.2 PPG. However, Gordon is making just 40.7% from the floor and Anderson 38.4%. The Rockets can be had and I’m making Toronto a 10* play.

The set-up:  Al Horford's return, coupled with Jae Crowder return to the lineup as well, sparked the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. Horford scored 18 points (including the game-winning put-back with 1.3 seconds left) plus had 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals for in Saturday's 94-92 victory at Detroit (Crowder added 9 & 4 in 27 minutes). The 7-6 Celtics will visit the 4-8 Minnesota Timberwolves Monday night, who are coming off a 93-71 loss in Memphis victory on Saturday. Minnesota shot just 39.1 percent from the floor and was held below 92 points for the first time this season. Boston: With Horford, who has has been limited to four games because of a concussion and Crowder, who returned after missing seven games with an ankle injury, the Celtics are finally at full strength. Marcus Smart (10.6-4.3-3.3) and Kelly Olynyk (8.1 & 5.0) returned to the bench, which boosts the second unit. Starting guards Thomas (26.2-6.5 APG) and Bradley (17.9-8.5-3.3) will welcome the return of a healthy Horford (13.5-6.8-4.5 in four games TY) and Crowder (he was Boston’s top frontcourt scorer LY at 14.2 PPG). Minnesota: Saturday’s loss in Memphis on Saturday was ‘ugly,’ as Minnesota had 16 turnovers and was outrebounded 46-34. Andrew Wiggins (25.7 PPG), who had sparked the team offensively by averaging 33 points per game in his previous six games, was held to seven points on 2-of-11 shooting from the floor. The NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, Karl-Anthony Towns (21.8 & 8.5), was not happy with Minnesota losing and admonished his teammates for laughing and making noise in the showers after Saturday's loss, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I just didn’t like the way we played from a discipline standpoint," head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "The fouling crushed us. It’s hard to win like that." The pick: Minnesota not only has Wiggins and Towns but 3rd-year player Zach LaVine (19.1 PPG) comes close to giving this team three, 20-point scorers. However, in the case of the T-wolves, the whole is NOT equal to the sum of its parts. Boston is a 10* play. 

The set-up: The season began for the Warriors with a shocking 129-120 home loss to the Spurs. Four wins in a row followed but then the upstart Lakers trounced the Warriors at Staple Center, 117-97. The NBA’s new “Super Team” seemed to playing without its ‘cape.’ However, since that loss in LA, the Warriors have won six in a row (are now 10-2), scoring 120.2 PPG and winning on average by 11.5 PPG in that stretch. Meanwhile, Jason Kidd’s Milwaukee team has lost four of its last five contests to fall to 5-6 and comes into the game looking to bounce back after a pair of ugly defeats at Atlanta and Miami earlier this week. Golden State: The Warriors used a 31-9 third quarter last night in Boston to subdue the Celtics 104-88. SG Klay Thompson scored 28 points on 12-of-21 shooting against Boston to raise his scoring average to 19.3 as he recovers from a slow start. It marked the first time this season that he has led the Warriors in scoring for a game. Thompson’s a terrific player but with KD (27.5-8.2-4.3) and Curry (26.9-6.1 APG) playing alongside of him, leading this team in scoring very often will likely not happen all that much. Few doubt that Draymond Green is one of the NBA’s top-15 players (top-10?) but he seems more than happy with his numbers, which are 10.9-9.7-7.0. Milwaukee: Jason Kidd arrived in Milwaukee for the 2014-15 season and led the team to a 41-41 record and a postseason appearance, after the team had won just 15 games the previous year. However, last year's team went only 33-49 and prospects this year are not looking all the bright, either. Other than the play of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, the Bucks don’t have another double digit scorer. Antetokounmpo is averaging career highs in points (21.1), rebounds (8.7), assists (5.4), blocks (2.2) and steals (1.7) per game and is the only player in the NBA averaging over 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. Parker is averaging 18.7 & 6.5 on the season, including 20.8 points in eight games this month and is shooting 45 percent from the floor this season. Center Greg Monroe was signed a way from Detroit and while he had a decent season last year (15.3 & 8.8), he’s fallen off this year to 9.7 & 7.4. The pick: The Warriors lead the NBA in scoring (116.2 PPG) and shooting percentage (50.2%) and in going 6-1 SU on the road, see no drop-off in point production, averaging 115.4 PPG. Milwaukee averages only 110.7 PPG (13th) on 44.3% shooting (19th) and I see little hope of them trading points with the Warriors. Golden State is a 10* play. 

The set-up: Kevin Durant was deciding where to spend the next years of his career last summer and the Celtics put on a big push to get the superstar. They brought their players and even Tom Brady to a meeting with Durant on Long Island, N.Y but he then spurned the Celtics and his his former team, leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have had a a pair of notable ‘hiccups’ (opening night at home against the Spurs and a road game at the Lakers) but all in all, this new ”Super team” looks pretty good, entering on a five-game winning streak with a 9-2 overall record. The Celtics check in at 6-5 and desperately need to get their top FA signee Al Horford (concussion) and the valuable Jae Crowder (ankle) healthy and back on the court. Golden State: The warriors were shocked 117-97 on the road against the Lakers back on Nov. 4 but have won five in a row since, averaging 123.4 PPG.  They’ve recorded at least 30 assists and shot 50 percent or better in all five games of their streak, the first team since the 1990 Chicago Bulls to pull that off. Curry (27.9-6.0 APG) is averaging 33.6 points per game and Durant (27.9-8.0-4.1) 25.4 during the five-game streak, then of course there are Thompson (18.5) and Green (10.9-9.8-6.9) rounding out the best ”Core Four” in the NBA. Boston: The Celtics have a dynamic backcourt duo in Thomas (27.2-6.5 APG) and Bradley (18.5-8.7-3.5) but need to get key frontcourt players healthy. Al Horford has missed the last eight games and there is still no timetable for his return, while Crowder (14.2 & 5.1 LY) is out indefinitely with an ankle injury, after playing in just four games. Boston surrendered an average of 123 points during a three-game slide from Nov. 3 thru Nov. 9 but cut that number down to 93.8 in the last four contests (3-1 stretch), capped by a 90-83 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The pick: Not sure how the Celtics a will be able to stay with the Warriors, who again lead the league in both scoring (117.4 PPG) and FG percentage (50.4%). The Warriors don’t ease up on the road either, as they enter averaging 117.3 PPG in away games this year. The TD Garden was rocking last Dec. 11, when Boston led by five with 2:07 left in regulation but then the Warriors rallied for a 124-119 double-overtime win against the Celtics, which gave Golden State a 24-0 record at the time. The Warriors have added Durant since that game plus the Celtics are a “walking wounded” team. Make the Warriors an 8* play. 

The set-up: The 6-5 Houston Rockets lost 105-103 at home last night to the Thunder, led by Russell Westbrook’s 30 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. The Rockets return home to Toyota Center for a game tonight against the 7-5 Portland Trail Blazers, who feature one of the highest scoring guards in the NBA, as well. Blazers PG Damian Lillard ranks fifth in scoring at 29.8 PPG plus adds 5.0 RPG and 4.6 APG. Portland: McCollum (21.7) teams with Lillard to give Portland one of the NBA’s top-scoring backcourts but the Blazers have just one other double digit scorer and that’s SF Harkless at 11.2 PPG.  Portland’s key deficiencies are defense and rebounding. Portland ranks 29th in allowing 111.2 PPG and 27th in defensive rating. The Bulls rolled over Portland on Tuesday night at Moda Center, winning 113-88.  Chicago managed 19 offensive boards, par for the course with Portland ranking 29th in defensive rebounding rate at 72.3 percent. The Bulls finished plus-18 on the glass. Houston: James Harden is averaging 28.7 PPG and hadn't scored fewer than 24 this season but struggled through a 4-of-16 outing in Wednesday's 105-103 loss to Oklahoma City. "I still wasn't able to make a couple of passes," Harden told reporters afterward. "I missed shots. Normal game, just didn't make shots, especially down the stretch when we needed to. That was it." Houston has struggled with pace, scoring and shooting percentage in the fourth quarter this season and those issues were front and center in their loss last night. The Rockets had only 13 fourth-quarter points and were held scoreless between a dunk with 6:26 remaining and a three-pointer just prior to the buzzer. They missed nine consecutive shots during that stretch, adding to what has been a prevailing problem for an offense that oftentimes scores at will. "We have that problem a little bit," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said of holding the ball too long down the stretch of close games. "I thought we got good shots. It might not have been your classic move the ball, move the ball, move the ball but I thought we had some looks. The 3s they had looks at we had them and they made them and we missed them. Sometimes it just comes down to you've got to make shots and we just didn't do it." The pick: The bad news here for Portland is that Harden rarely has back-to-back poor performances and he should also be primed to out-duel Lillard. Houston also expects that Patrick Beverley will make his season debut tonight. Beverley underwent left knee surgery during the preseason but is set to return. Beverley’s impact is so much greater than the 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game he provided last season. He is the team's best individual perimeter defender and his influence on that end of the court has been sorely missed. The Rockets are a 10* play.  

The set-up: The Raptors lost 121-117 last night in Cleveland to the Cavs and it’s “no rest for the weary,” as they return home Wednesday to take on the Golden State Warriors at Air Canada Center. Toronto fell to 7-3 with the loss, the second time this season Toronto has lost to the Cavs. The Warriors opened the season with that shocking 129-100 home loss to the Clippers but have rebounded nicely, entering this game at 8-2, after a four-game winning streak in which they outscored their opponents by a total of 68 points. Golden State: The Warriors suffered two 20-point defeats among their first six games but now are clicking better at both ends of the court. The quartet of Durant (27.7 & 7.9), Curry (27.2 & 5.9 APG), Thompson (18.8) and Green (10.9-10.1-7.1) gives Golden St. arguably four of the NBA’s top-15 players. However, at least so far, the Warriors bench has not been as prolific as it’s been the previous two seasons. The Warriors begin a four-game road trip with tonight’s game in Toronto, followed by visits to the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers in a six-day span. The four Eastern Conference teams have a combined record of 22-18. "The challenge gets bigger now," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "We're playing playoff teams on the road, East Coast and all of that. It's not going to be easy, but it's coming at a good time, and we're going to embrace it." Toronto: Another close loss to the Cavs doesn’t help the Raptors’ confidence (Cavs beat the Raptors 94-91 back on Oct. 28th in Toronto) but head coach Dwane Casey added, "It's good for us; it's not a measuring stick," Casey said. "I think we're still trying to get our rotations down as far as what we want to do in certain situations, who we want to guard, who can do what in certain situations. (We are) still trying to figure those things out a little bit. It's that part of the year. I'd rather go ahead and get these (games against) two of the best teams in the league in now and go from there." Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (33.2 PPG to lead the NBA) failed to score 30 points for only the second time this season when he was held to 26 last night but PG Lowry added 28 points and nine assist. However, while Lowry’s line of 18.4-5.3-7.0 looks good, he’s got to start shooting better (38.1% overall, including 30.1% on threes). The pick: As for facing the Warriors right after the Cavs Casey said, "The computer that spit out the schedule, I'm going to find it and break it!" He has a good point and to make matters worse, Toronto will be playing its fourth game in five days. The Warriors come in ranked first in the league in both scoring (116.4 PPG) and FG percentage (50.3%) plus the team's offensive output doesn’t drop off away from home, as they are averaging 115.4 PPG in five away games. Four of those have been wins and while the first two came by eight and six points, the last two have come by 23 and 24 points. Lay the small number and make Golden State a 10* play. 

The set-up: The Toronto Raptors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in last year’s Eastern Conference finals, four games to two. The trouble was, the Cavs’ four wins came by an average margin of 28.5 PPG. The teams had an early season meeting already this year, when the Cavs won 94-91 in Toronto back on Oct. 28. The rematch is tonight in Cleveland, with the Cavs checking in at 8-1 overall (5-1 at home) and the Raptors at 7-2, including 3-0 on the road. Toronto: Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan re-signed with Toronto in the off-season and has fulfilled every hope for eth franchise. He was named the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week Monday after averaging 34.7 points and shooting 54 percent from the floor during Toronto's 3-0 week. DeRozan leads the league in scoring, averaging 34.0 PPG. He is the first player to score at least 30 points in eight of his first nine games to start a season since Jordan did it during the 1986-87 season. DeRozan is doing it with a flurry of drives and mid-range jumpers and very few three-pointers. "He's playing at an All-Star level," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. "Getting bumped, getting hit, still finishing the play. He's playing an old man's game with physicality. The game has slowed down for him and the key is he's converting those plays." However, PG Lowry may be averaging 17.3-5.3-6.8 but his shooting woes from last season (especially in the playoffs)  are still dogging him. Lowry is connecting on just 37.5% of all shots, including only 28.6 percent on threes. Cleveland: The Cavs enter this contest with three, 20-point scorers. PG Irving (23.9 PPG) leads the way, followed by LBJ (22.9-8.9-9.1) and PF Love (20.6-10.0). However, it’s more than just the “Big 3,” as Cleveland has made at least 10 three-pointers in every game this season, breaking a record set by the Houston Rockets two years ago. While it's early, the Cavaliers are on pace to make more three-pointers than any team in history (currently averaging 13.2 three-pointers per game), although head coach Tyronn Lue still isn't completely happy. "I think we can shoot better," Lue said. "It's been sporadic." The pick: The Raptors lost all three games at Quicken Loans Arena last season (including three during the playoffs) but they come into this contest 3-0 SU and ATS on the road, scoring 113, 112 and 113 points in winning at Washington, OKC and Charlotte. Meanwhile, the Cavs may be 5-1 SU at home but they are just 1-4 ATS and I’m taking the points. Toronto is an 8* play.

The set-up: The 7-3 SA Spurs know it will be a long year playing in the Western Conference against the likes of the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers. Getting Tony Parker (right knee injury) healthy and back into the fold over the weekend was important, as is seeing his backcourt running mate Danny Green (left quad injury) back in the starting lineup, as well. The Spurs expect to have their starting backcourt intact for just the second time this season on Monday, when they host the 2-6 Miami Heat at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Miami: The Heat are struggling this season, losing four straight games after Saturday's 102-91 defeat at home to Utah. Miami trailed by just five points entering the third quarter but missed its first 10 shots and scored a season-low 12 points in the period. "I definitely wasn't expecting it, and that's not who we are and who we've been for the last month," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said after the Utah game. "It is disappointing. This league doesn't feel sorry for you, so we gather ourselves, get on a plane and head to San Antonio. Miami continues to be without PG Goran Dragic (16.3 & 5.9 APG), who missed the game against the Jazz after spraining his ankle the previous contest versus Chicago. Miami center Hassan Whiteside (17.5 & 11.1), who had 15 points and 14 rebounds against the Jazz, has now grabbed double-figure rebounds in each of the first eight games to start this season, marking the longest double-figure rebound streak to begin a season in team history. He is also the only player in the NBA this year to start the season grabbing double-digit rebounds in every game! San Antonio: The Spurs have inexplicably struggled at home but snapped a three-game losing streak at home on Friday against Detroit and then avenged an earlier home loss to Houston by beating the Rockets on Saturday. Parker missed two of the Spurs' three losses with a right knee injury suffered in San Antonio's season-opening win at Golden State but played his second straight game on Saturday, when the Spurs went east down I-10 and beat Houston 106-100. Green’s quad injury has kept him out of all but two games this season but he played 27 minutes on Saturday. Leonard (25.6 & 5.1) and Aldridge (17.4 & 7.6) have been the two “big guns” but the spurs are at their best when the team's depth leads the way. The pick: San Antonio has won the last eight meetings between these two teams, going back to the last two games of the 2014 NBA Finals. Expect the Spurs to get back to dominating teams here at home soon. Why not right here? San Antonio is an 8* play.

The set-up: Portland Trail Blazers have won four of five to up their record to 6-4 and will host the 3-6 Denver Nuggets tonight at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers have earned their last five wins by a combined total of just 23 points and have played three overtime games this season, despite being among the league leaders in scoring at 108.4 per contest. “I think we play well in spots,” Portland coach Terry Stotts told reporters. “Our challenge is to play well for longer periods.” Denver’s leading scorer is Will Barton (18.0) but he’s likely to miss his seventh straight game (ankle), as the Nuggets play their only road contest in a seven-game stretch tonight. Denver: The Nuggets have five player besides Barton averaging in double digits, plus forwards Jokic (9.4 & 5.9) and Faried (7.4 & 8.9) and guard Nelson (8.2) also make their presence felt. Guard Emmanuel Mudiay (16.4 PPG) has raised his level of play over the last four games, averaging 20.5 points, while Danilo Gallinari (16.6 PPG) has scored in double figures in every game. The Nuggets continue to have trouble taking care of the ball. They rank last in the league, averaging 18 turnovers per game after totaling 15 in a 106-95 home loss to Detroit last night. "We cannot continue to turn the ball over 18, 19 times a game if we want to give ourselves a chance to win," Denver coach Mike Malone told reporters. Portland: The Trail Blazers are led by the dynamic guard duo of Lillard (30.6-4.7-4.5) and McCollum (22.2) but Harkless (11.2) is the only other regular averaging double digits (Layman has played in just three games, averaging 10.3 PPG). Portland has scored at least 100 points in nine of its 10 games and the Blazers need to continue to do just that, as they rank 28th in the league in allowing 111.7 PPG. The pick: The Trail Blazers have won four straight and 12 of their last 13 games against the Nuggets but Portland is 1-4 ATS at home to open the current season, mainly because it is allowing 117.2 PPG on its home court! Meanwhile, the Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in five road games this year, so I’m taking the points. Make Denver a 10* play.  

The set-up: The 4-5 Indiana Pacers will host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, coming off a 109-105 OT loss at Philadelphia last night, as the 76ers won their first game of the new season (had opened 0-7). Boston played last night as well but in contrast to Indiana, the Celtics snapped a three-game losing streak by trouncing the Knicks 115-87 to even their record at 4-4 on the season. "That's the way we should play," head coach Brad Stevens said after the win. "I thought our whole team played better, but we still have work to do." Boston: Brad Stevens moved Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart into the lineup with Tyler Zeller and Jaylen Brown coming off the bench. PG Isaiah Thomas led the way with 29 points and like last season, he leads Boston in scoring (26.1 PPG), with backcourt partner Avery Bradley (19.1 & 8.1) again being Boston’s second-best scoring option. SF Crowder was Boston’s top scoring threat in the frontcourt last season and he is the team's third-best scorer again this season (13.5 & 6.2) but he’s played just three games with a sprained ankle. Boston ranks 5th (108.6 PPG) in scoring but 27th in points allowed (109.5 PPG). A significant cause of Boston's defensive problems has been the absence of center Al Horford (12.0 & 5.3 in just three games), who missed his fifth straight game Friday due to a concussion but is champing at the bit to return to action, which could happen Saturday or Monday in New Orleans. Indiana: The Pacers fell to 0-5 SU & ATS on the road with last night’s loss but here at home, the Pacers are 4-0 SU at home, averaging 119.5 PPG. Like Boston, Indiana's offense has done well early on (109.4 PPG ranks 3rd) but the team's defense is a huge concern, allowing 112.8 PPG (29th), as the Pacers allow an NBA-worst 47.0% on opponents FGs. Paul George (21.9-6.7-3.2) is the star but five others score in double digits, averaging between 10.1 and 13.0 PPG. The Pacers also made a lineup change last night, inserting C.J. Miles (he’s the team's 2nd-best scorer at 15.0 PPG) into the lineup and moved Monta Ellis to the second unit. The pick: Boston has Horford listed as questionable but he may play, which would be a huge boost. Yes, the Pacers are 4-0 at home but they are just 2-2 ATS and one can’t ignore that Boston has thrived when playing the second of consecutive games, covering 70% of the past 51 in that role.  Boston is a 10* play.

analysis coming

The set-up: Pelicans center Anthony Davis became the 4th player in NBA history to score 50 points in an opening night game back on Oct. 26 and is off to a fantastic start to the current season, averaging 30.9 PPG (4th in the league), plus ranks among the league leaders in rebounds, steals, blocks and double-doubles. However, not much else has gone right this season for New Orleans, which remains in search of its first victory Thursday night when the Pelicans visit the 4-3 Milwaukee Bucks. New Orleans: The Pelicans could likely be well out of postseason consideration by the time their starting backcourt of Tyreke Evans (knee) and Jrue Holiday (personal reasons) gets back on the court. Anthony Davis is a star but gest little help, as the little-known guards Moore (12.3 PPG) and Frazier (12.0 PPG) are the only others averaging in double digits. New Orleans averages a modest 100.2 PPG (22nd) and is the worst three-point shooting team in the league at 27.7 percent. Defensively, the team allows 107.9 PPG, to rank 24th. The result is a frustrating 0-8 record, going 2-6 ATS. Milwaukee: The Bucks saw their three-game winning streak snapped Sunday night in Dallas, losing 86-75 in OT, a game wrought with poor shooting and lackluster defense. "We just really played bad," forward Jabari Parker said. "Even in overtime, we only scored one point. We can't let that happen. We had to get them out of their groove and close it out to seal the deal." The Bucks shot just 36.6 percent for the game (including 6 of 29 on threes) plus Milwaukee gave up 21 points on 27 turnovers. Taking care of the ball has been something of a problem this season for the Bucks, who are allowing 18.1 points per game on 16.1 turnovers. There is no denying that Giannis Antetokounmpo (21.1-8.4-6.0), as is Parker (17.6 & 6.1), but center Greg Monroe has been a disappointment since being signed away from Detroit (he’s averaging just 11.1 PPG to open this year). The pick: The Pelicans stumbled out of the gate last season as well, losing 11 of their first 12 games and it’s been déjà vu all over again, this season. The teams met earlier this month in New Orleans, with Milwaukee holding on late for a 117-113 victory, one which snapped a 14-year losing streak in New Orleans. With all their issues, the Pelicans can play with this Milwaukee team and as the saying goes, “you can’t lose (or win) them all!” New Orleans is a 10* play.

The set-up: The Mavericks picked up just their second win of the season last night, winning 109-97 at Staples Center over the Lakers. Beating the Lakers on their homecourt was something the Warriors failed to do last Friday night, when the Lakers routed the Warriors 117-97, a game in which Steph Curry saw his streak of 157 games with at least one made three-pointer end by going 0-for-10 from long distance. Curry bounced back by setting a single-game record by making 13 three-pointers on Monday night, as the Warriors beat the Pelicans 116-106.

Dallas: Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes return to Oakland, as the two frontcourt starters were salary-cap casualties in the wake of Golden State signing free agent Kevin Durant away from the Oklahoma Thunder for $54.3 million over two years. Bogut was dealt to the Mavericks in July in a swap of future second-round picks, with Dallas agreeing to absorb the remaining $11 million on the veteran center's contract. Barnes joined Dallas as a free agent on a four-year, $94 million deal. Early on, Bogut is averaging a modest 3.7 PPG but is hauling in 9.0 RPG, while Barnes leads the team in scoring with 22.3 PPG. He already has three 30-point performances in seven games, after reaching that mark just once in four seasons with the Warriors.

Golden State: Curry exploded for 46 points on Monday and checks in averaging 26.4 PPG. Durant is averaging 28.9 & 7.3, Thompson 17.0 PPG and Green 9.4-8.1-10.7. No team can match the Warriors’ “Core Four” but it remains to be seen just how well these stars mesh and also, just how much Golden State’s new role players contribute.

The pick: The Mavericks lost their first five games before getting into the win column Sunday night with an overtime win against Milwaukee and are now 2-5 with last night’s victory. However, Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles) didn’t even make this trip to California plus Deron Williams (calf) and Devin Harris (toe) all both nursing injuries. The Warriors are facing an opponent that's at far less than full strength for the second straight night and catch Dallas playing back-to-back nights, a team they’ve beaten in 12 of the last 12 meetings. Lay the points and make Golden State an 8* Play.

The set-up: The Atlanta Hawks have a new center (Dwight Howard) and a new PG (Dennis Schroder) this season and have opened 4-2. The defending champion Cleveland Cavs will host the the Hawks tonight and enter this contest as the NBA’s lone remaining unbeaten at 6-0 (but just 2-4 ATS). Atlanta: Howard scored 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting and added 14 rebounds in Saturday's win, highlighting a game which saw all five Atlanta starters score in double figures (team connected on 56.5% from the floor). PG Dennis Schroder (6-of-14) was the only starter to connect on fewer than 50 percent of his shots but made up for it with 12 assists. Schroder is averaging 15 points and 6.5 APG in replacing Jeff Teague at point guard. Al Horford signed with the Celtics and Howard was brought in to replace him. Howard checks in at 17.0 PPG & 12.3 RPG. The other three starters are PF Millsap (17.8 & 8.3), SF Bazemore (9.5) and SG Korver (8.8). Cleveland: The team’s unbeaten start has been fueled by its “Big 3,” as Irving leads the team with 23.0 PPG, followed by LBJ’s 22.8 (8.8 RPG & 10.3 APG) and Love’s 21.7 & 8.5. James moved into 10th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list in Saturday’s 102-101 at Philadelphia, scoring 25 points to go along with eight rebounds and 14 assists. The pick: The Cavs swept the Hawks in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, as well as sweeping them back in the 2014 Eastern Conference finals. The Cavs won’t go 82-0, so this is a spot to take the points. Atlanta is an 8* play.

The set-up: The 2-3 Miami Heat will visit Oklahoma City to take on the 5-1 Thunder on Monday. The Heat lost LBJ who returned to Cleveland a few years back, then Wade signed a free agent deal with the Bulls over this past summer and Chris Bosh has been sidelined with health issues. As for OKC, Kevin Durant made the off-season’s biggest splash by leaving the Thunder for the Warriors, plus Serge Ibaka was traded to Orlando. Miami: The Heat re-signed Hassan Whiteside to a new deal prior to the season and he’s been delivering big time, averaging 20.0 & 14.2. PG Dragic’s numbers (19.4-5.2-6.6) are up with Wade gone and third-player Johnson (15.4 & 4.0) and second-year player Winslow (13.0-5.0-4.4) are also assuming bigger roles this season. Whiteside has set a franchise record with five straight double-doubles to open a season. Oklahoma City: With Durant in Oakland, the Thunder are Westbrook’s team and he’s averaging 33.2-9.7-9.0 six games into the current season. The Thunder won four in a row to open the season with Westbrook averaging 37.8 PPG but he flopped in his showdown with Durant and the Warriors, making just 4 of 15 shots in a 122-96 loss. However, he let his teammates take on some extra work as Oklahoma City found the win column again on Saturday, beating the Timberwolves 111-92. "We played our ball," guard Andre Roberson told reporters. "Everybody played together. We got stops on defense and got out in transition. That’s what we like to do and pride ourselves on.” Oladipo (15.5) is Westbrook’s new backcourt sidekick while the two-headed center duo of Adams (11.0 & 8.3) and Kanter (10.5 & 7.0) will continue to be an piece of any success the Thunder wind up having in the 2016-17 season. The pick: Miami is the better rested team but expect the Heat to have a hard time staying with the Thunder here in OKC. Miami averages just 98.6 PPG (23) on 42.8 percent shooting (24) and this OKC squad is a very different team at home. The Thunder are averaging only 94.7 PPG in three road games but here at home, have averaged 112.7 PPG. OKC is an 8* play. 

The set-up: The Rockets have opened 3-3 and head to Washington to open the new week while continuing a challenging five-game road trip which has seen them go 1-2 so far. The Wizards opened the new season 0-3 but after ending that slide with a 95-92 Friday win at home over the Hawks, lost the following night 88-86 at Orlando. Monday night is the first of two games this season between the two teams. Houston: James Harden (31.5-7.2-12.3) has at least 30 points and 10 assists in four of Houston's first six games and newcomer Eric Gordon (16.2) has been a nice complement in the backcourt. Ryan Anderson (12.2 & 6.3) and Trevor Ariza (11.2 & 4.2) round out the team’s four double digit scorers. Houston committed 25 turnovers, including six by Harden, in a 112-97 loss at Atlanta on Saturday, as the Hawks shot 52.9 percent from the floor. Houston’s defense needs to improve, or it will be a long season. The Rockets currently rank 23rd in scoring (108.2 PPG), allowing opponents to shoot 46.8% (28th). Washington: The Wizards’ poor start is partly (mostly?) due to Washington ranking last in the league with 14.5 PPG from its bench and reserves. "Guys just have to start stepping up and playing," Bradley Beal told reporters. "If they want to play, coach is going to play you and if you don't, he’s going to sit you down so it's just a matter of us just being disciplined in the second group and everybody being on the same page." All five starters average between 10.6-to-22.0 PPG, led by PG John Wall (also averages 10.0 APG). The pick: Houston has its weaknesses but I just don’t trust the Wizards at all. Washington’s scoring average dipped to 97.2 PPG (26th) after its 88-86 loss in Orlando. Washington blew a 10-point lead in the final 11 minutes of that contest and that’s becoming “par for the course.” The Rockets have won three straight in Washington and I’ll make them a 10* play in this one.

The set-up: The Phoenix Suns delivered a 112-111 last-second overtime win at New Orleans on Friday and the LA Lakers followed with a shocking 117-97 home win over the Golden State Warriors, later that same night.The Suns and Lakers meet tonight at Staples and they represent the two youngest teams in the Pacific Division. Phoenix:The Suns' leading score is small forward T.J. Warren (21.7 & 6.2) but the team's strength is its backcourt, featuring starters Booker (19.8) and Bledsoe (17.2-6.3-5.0), along with backup Knight (13.2). Bledsoe is the team's best overall player and the second-year Booker just turned 20 Oct. 30th and is the team's youngest player but maybe, its most promising. Booker scored 38 points and hit two-game-tying baskets late in regulation in Friday's 112-111 win, which was decided on P.J. Tucker's in-bounds pass to T.J. Warren for the game-winning backdoor dunk. LA Lakers:The Lakers are coming off seasons of 17 and 21 wins, respectively. Last year, Los Angeles needed 18 games to get its third win and in 2014-15, it took 12 games for the Lakers to reach three wins. LA's upset of Golden State gets them to three wins after just six games! Five players average between 12.3 and 16.7 PPG, led by second-year PG Russell 's 16.7. Much was expected of Luke Walton in his first head coaching gig Walton and his intent is to get his young team to take some pride in their home court. “The big picture is we make it really hard on teams (to) come into Staples Center and get wins,” Walton told reporters. “And so far, we’ve had two home games against two really good teams (Golden State and Houston), and won them both."

The pick: Both teams struggle defensively, with the Suns allowing 112.3 PPG (30th) and the Lakers 108.5 PPG (24th). With the Lakers coming off that YUGE upset of the Warriors, I don't want any part of this team here and remember, the Suns have won 11 of the last 13 meetings with the Lakers. Phoenix is a 10* play.

The set-up: The LA Clippers (4-1 SU & ATS) visit San Antonio to take on the Spurs (5-1 & 4-1-1 ATS) Saturday night. Both teams have superb offensive players in Paul & Griffin for the Clippers and Leonard & Aldridge for the Spurs, but the team which plays the better defense may just come out on top. LA ranks 1st by allowing 90.4 PPG on 41.0% shooting (ranks 2nd), while the Spurs rank third while allowing 94.0 PPG on 43.0% shooting.

LA Clippers: Los Angeles has held three of its last four opponents to 88 or less points, after its 99-88 win last night in Memphis. Paul is averaging 20.4 PPG & 8.4 APG with Griffin averaging 18.8 PPG & 10.6 RPG. Five others score between 9.2 and 11.2 PPG. “Our defense right now is something we hang our hat on,” Paul said after the win over Memphis. “Our offense, we got to find it.”

San Antonio: The Spurs no longer own that "Big 3,' as Duncan has retired plus Parker and Ginobili play about 20 MPG, when healthy. Leonard (28.5-5.3) is the team's MVP and Aldridge (18.8-7.0) is the clear "second banana." Patty Mills(12.8) is the only other player in double digits but the Spurs still have Pop on the sidelines, as well as a deep bench.

The pick: LA' scoring issues lie with starting SG Redick and sixth-man, SG Jamal Crawford (11.2). Redick has reached double digits just twice while shooting 39.2 percent from the floor, while Crawford has connected on just 33.3 percent of his attempts and gone 2-of-16 from three-point range. The Spurs won 100-86 at Utah last night, avenging a 110-95 loss to the Jazz on Tuesday in San Antonio. That loss was the first at home for the Spurs this season and remember, it took the Spurs until their 40th of 41 home games for San Antonio to fall at the AT&T Center last season. San Antonio is an 8* play.

The set-up: Thursday night at Oracle Arena was first meeting for Kevin Durant with his former club and the Warriors rolled to a 122-96 win, in what was an emotional and sometimes-heated contest with the Thunder. Durant scored 29 of his season-high 39 points in the first half, as the Warriors made it four straight wins after shockingly losing their season-opener 129-120 at home to the Spurs. The 2-3 Lakers earned their first road win of the season Wednesday by beating the previously unbeaten Hawks 123-116 in Atlanta, as Luke Walton's first head coaching gig has clearly shown signs of improving LA’s fate. Golden State: Durant badly outplayed former running mate Russell Westbrook in Golden State’s convincing 122-96 win, as Westbrook scored just 20 points (on 4 of 15 shooting) with six turnovers.  “I put the work in,” Durant said afterward. “I have to trust in that and just tried to shoot good shots when I got them.” Durant (30.6 & 8.6) is becoming more comfortable with his new teammates and the other three parts of the team’s “Core Four” are Curry (25.2 & 4.8 APG), Thompson (17.0) and Green (9.2-10.8-7.2). Pachulia starts at center and has averaged 6.0 & 8.0 in just 20 MPG. LA Lakers: Luke Walton was Steve Kerr's top assistant for the previous two seasons at Golden State and will be facing the Warriors for the first time in a regular-season game as the Lakers' head coach (teams met twice during the exhibition season, with the Warriors recording wins in both). LA has five players averaging between 12.4 and 16.6 PPG, with PG Russell leading the way, while adding 4.8 APG. Center Timofey Mozgov started the first four games (8.5 & 6.0) but is listed as doubtful for the contest against the Warriors after he sustained a soft tissue contusion around his left eye in a Tuesday defeat against the Indiana Pacers (he sat out Wednesday’s win). The pick: The Warriors are averaging 119.3 points during their four-game winning streak and are now back on top of the NBA by scoring 115.4 PPG and rank second in FG percentage at 49.1 percent from the floor. Walton and the LA Lakers are hoping the Warriors are a little bit flat after trouncing the Thunder but I’m not biting. The talent difference is just too severe. Golden State is an 8* play. 

The set-up: The 2-3 Sacramento Kings continue their road trip Thursday night when they visit Orlando to take on the 1-3 Magic. The Kings are coming off a 33-49 season last year, the first time the franchise had won more than 30 games since the Kings went 34-44 back in 2007-08. The Magic know more than a little bit about losing lately as well, having averaged only 25.8 wins the last four seasons, since going 37-29 in the strike-shortened 2011-12 season. Sacramento: The Kings’ best player is DeMarcus Cousins (26.8 & 9.6) but he’s highly volatile. In the span of a week, Cousins has picked up the first of what will surely be many technical fouls, has gotten fined for throwing his mouthpiece halfway into the stands at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and walking into the bleachers to retrieve it and, probably most damaging to his team, picked up six fouls in the fourth quarter of Sacramento's overtime loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, sitting out the final five minutes of the 108-96 loss. The bottom line is, the Kings will go as their sometimes moody All-Star center goes in 2016-17 season. Orlando: The Magic have a center in Nikola Vucevic who can stand up to Cousins, averaging 14.8 & 12.8 to open the young season. New additions Serge Ibaka (from OKC) and and Bismack Biyombo (from Toronto) join Vucevic up front, along with  the returning Aaron Gordon. Ibaka (14.5 & 5.3) and Gordon (11.0 & 5.0) start, with Biyombo (2.3 & 6.7) coming off the bench. Starting in the backcourt are SG Fournier (16.8) and PG Payton (14.8-6.5 APG). The pick: Cousins could use some more help from starters other than Rudy Gay. Gay added 30 points on Tuesday but fellow starters Matt Barnes (0-of-7) and Ty Lawson (1-of-6) combined for two points and Arron Afflalo went 1-of-5 from three-point land. This is a tough scheduling spot for the Kings, who are playing their third road game in four days but the Magic have opened the new season 1-3 SU & ATS, losing their lone home game 108-96 to the Heat. Orlando is a terrible offensive team, ranking 29th (of 30 teams) in both scoring 95.0 PPG on 40.8% shooting. Sacramento is a 10* play.

The set-up: The Toronto Raptors opened 2-0 but then lost 94-91 to the Cavs last Friday night. Toronto has not played since but travels to Washington tonight to take on the Wizards, who have opened the season with back-to-back losses, including Sunday's 112-103 overtime setback at the Memphis Grizzlies after leading 96-88 with under four minutes remaining. Toronto was swept in a first-round playoff series by Washington in the 2015 playoffs but then swept all four meetings with the Wizards during last year’s regular season. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan signed to a five-year, $139 million contract this summer and he’s now become the first player in Raptors' history to open the season with at least 30 points in each of the first three games. DeRozan has averaged 36.0 points while shooting 52.7 percent from the floor. However, his backcourt teammate Kyle Lowry has seen the shooting woes he endured during last year’s postseason are still dogging him. Lowry may be averaging 18.7 PPG but he’s shooting just 36.7% from the floor, including a pathetic 20.0% on threes. Good news comes Toronto’s way in that center Jonas Valanciunas is healthy and has averaged 18.0 & 12.3 after three games. Washington: The Wizards’ biggest change this season is on the bench, where the Wizards fired head coach Randy Wittman and hired Scott Brooks, who spent six seasons at Oklahoma City and took the Thunder to the NBA finals in 2011-12. The Wizards are still led PG John Wall and Bradley Beal. Starting along with Washington’s dynamic guard duo are Otto Porter, Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat up front. Wall is averaging 17.5 PPG and 11.5 APG and Beal 13.5 PPG. Morris checks in at 16.5 & 5.5, Porter at 11.5 & 5.0 and Gortat 9.0 & 11.5. The pick: The Wizards will remember losing all four to the Raptors last year but is it enough? Washington lavished a five-year, $127 million contract on shooting guard Bradley Beal in the offseason but he’s averaging just 13.5 PPG and shooting 2 of 10 from three-point range. In this one, he’ll also be asked to be the defensive stopper up against Toronto’s red-hot DeRozan. I don’t like Washington’s chances. Toronto is an 8* play.

The set-up: The Warriors are a in a position that the only way the 2016-17 season will be considered anything other than an abject failure, would be for them to win the NBA title. That’s why the team's 129-100 season-opening home loss to the Spurs was a seismic event. Golden State has rebounded with consecutive wins but neither of those have been impressive, so the Warriors visit Portland 2-1 but 0-3 ATS. The Blazers lost four of five starters from the previous year’s team but went 44-38 last season and then upset the injured Clippers in the first round, before falling to the Warriors in five games. Portland’s opened this season 2-1 SU & ATS. Golden State: Warriors can hardly point to Kevin Durant as a reason for the team’s early struggles, as he’s averaging 31.3 PPG (on 56.6% shooting) and adding 10.3 RPG. Curry’s been fine at 25.7 PPG but Thompson’s off to a slow start, making only 14.3% on threes (he’s averaging 17.7 per). The final member of the team's “Core Four” is Green and what team wouldn’t want a guy averaging 10.3-12.0-7.3? However, Golden State has to improve its defense, as the Warriors rank 30th, allowing 114.3 PPG. In case one doesn’t know, the NBA consists of 30 teams! Portland: The Blazers own a terrific backcourt duo in Lillard (35.0-8.0-5.3) and McCollum (21.3) and enter this game averaging 111.3 PPG (2nd) on 47.7% shooting (also 2nd-best). Lillard is off to a sizzling start to this season, shooting 54.9 percent from the floor, 44.4% from three-point range and 90.5% from the free-throw line. Portland won at Denver 115-113 in OT on Saturday night, rallying from an eight-point deficit in the final 1:15 of regulation. The pick: Portland will take the floor with some extra motivation after losing to the Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals last spring in five games but Golden State will also remember that one of its nine regular-season losses last year came in Portland’s 137-105 home triumph on Feb. 19, with Lillard scoring 51 points. Expect Golden State to make it three straight victories and for them to earn the team's first ATS win with a comfortable cover. Golden State is an 8* play.  

The set-up: The Detroit Pistons rebounded from a disappointing season opener (lost 109-91 at Toronto on Wednesday) with a dominant 108-82 victory at home over the Magic on Friday night. The Bucks also enter this contest at 1-1, losing their opener 107-96 at home to the Hornets (Wednesday), before John Henson’s tip-in at the buzzer gave them a 110-108 victory over the Brooklyn Nets last night, again in Milwaukee. Milwaukee: The Bucks take to the road for the first time on Sunday, visiting a Detroit team which took three out of four meetings with the Bucks last season. Milwaukee shot just 42.4 percent from the floor in its opener (including only 3-of-16 behind the 3-point arc) but improved to 46.6 percent overall, including 8-of-22 on threes, against Brooklyn. Last year’s leading scorer, Khris Middleton (18.2 PPG), is still several months away from returning from a ruptured hamstring but the Bucks received a big boost last night from guard Rashad Vaughn, who scored a career-high 22 points off the bench. Henson had the game-wining tip-in (only seven points) but added 12 rebounds to go along with the late-game heroics. Jabari Parker is 9-for-20 from the from and averaging a modest 13.5 PPG but Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a strong start for Milwaukee, averaging 26 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s first two games. Detroit: The Pistons are also without their leading scorer from last year, as guard Reggie Jackson (18.8 PPG), who is recovering from a knee injury. Tobias Harris has made 16-of-29 from the floor, averaging 20.0 PPG and 4.5 RPG. He’s part of an excellent front line which also includes Marcus Morris (17.0 & 8.5) and center Andre Drummond (14.0 & 13.0).The Pistons made the playoffs last year for the first time since the 2008-09 season. The pick: On balance, center Greg Monroe has been a disappointment for the Bucks but he should highly motivated here, against his former team and matched up against Drummond with something to prove. The Pistons were a good home team last year but that just means Detroit will be somewhat overpriced at home, this season. Take the points and make Milwaukee a 10* play.

The set-up: Utah opened the season with starting forwards Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors sidelined with injuries. Both players were missed, although new addition Joe Johnson (starting in place of Hayward) finished with a team-high 29 points on 12-of-16 shooting. However, the Jazz went ice cold over the final 3 1/2 minutes of a 113-104 loss at Portland on Tuesday to the Blazers. The Lakers won Luke Walton’s head coaching debut Wednesday night, 120-114 over the Rockets. LA clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter of the opener, outscoring the Rockets 30-18 to record the comeback victory. Shooting guard Jordan Clarkson scored 25 points off the bench while PG D'Angelo Russell scored 20 points and power forward Julius Randle an excellent all-around game with 18 points (on 9-of-11 shooting), seven rebounds and six assists. LA Lakers: Winning in coach Luke Walton's debut was no small deal for a team that tasted victory so infrequently a year ago, going 17-65.The Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter to beat a quality opponent which is a much-welcomed change of pace from the the 2015-16 season. "It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done," said LA’s top scorer Clarkson after the game. "It was the first one. I feel like as the season progresses we'll do a better job of coming together and making the most of each possession." Utah: The Jazz finished ninth in the West last season and some shrewd moves during the summer brought improved depth to the Utah Jazz, positioning the team to possibly be a rising star in the NBA's Western Conference. PG George Hill, swingman Joe Johnson and all-purpose forward Boris Diaw were added to a young nucleus that includes front-liners Gordon Hayward (19.7-5.0-3.7), Derrick Favors (16.4-8.1) and Rudy Gobert (9.1-11.0). However, Hayward is out through at least mid-November after fracturing his left finger in the preseason and Favors missed the opener against Portland on Tuesday because of lingering knee and IT band issues. He practiced with the team on Thursday but remains questionable. The pick: Utah won the season series 3-1 a year ago, with the Lakers' lone victory coming on April 13 in Kobe's final game of his NBA career when he scored 60 points to lead his team to a 101-96 victory. Utah hasn't lost at home to the Lakers since falling 100-97 on February 25, 2015 but take note, Walton’s young team played with a degree of energy and enthusiasm not seen from the Lakers in quite awhile. Take the points and make the Lakers a 10* play. 

The set-up: The Chicago Bulls will debut their retooled roster against the Boston Celtics on Thursday at United Center, as guards Dwayne Wade and Rajon Rondo join Jimmy Butler. Wade and Rondo are both aging but feel they can help Butler bring the Bulls back to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference and hopefully achieve even loftier goals. Meanwhile, the Celtics opened their season Wednesday night with a 122-117 win over the Brooklyn Nets, as Isaiah Thomas led with 25 points and nine assists with Jae Crowder adding 21 points. Boston: The Celtics are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and over the summer added four-time NBA All-Star Al Horford, who signed a four-year free agent contract worth $113 million. Horford's veteran experience up front is expected to mesh nicely with Boston's young core group and he contributed 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots in Wednesday’s win. Boston saw four of five starters reach double digits last night, got 40 points from its bench and by game’s end, the Celtics had shot 53.9 percent from the floor. Chicago: The Bulls' offseason housecleaning saw the departures of Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah but the arrivals of not just Wade and Rondo but also center Robin Lopez, who received a two-year, $47 million deal. Power forward Taj Gibson will start with the previously mentioned other four, after beating out Nikola Mirotic. Chicago owns a very deep perimeter group featuring Michael Carter-Williams, rookie Denzel Valentine, Jerian Grant, Isaiah Canaan. Then there is German rookie forward Paul Zipser and Mirotic up front. The pick: The Celtics actually led by 21 points with 5 1/2 minutes left last night but the Nets had two chances to tie in the late going, before falling short by five points. The Celtics will again play without PF/C Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) plus PG Marcus Smart (ankle). Optimism is high for Boston again this season but the same applies to Chicago, as well. Let me remind all that the Celtics were just 20-21 SU on the road last season and that down the stretch, failed to cove nine of their last 11 road contests. Make Chicago a 10* play.

complete analysis by 12 pm et

The set-up: The Memphis Grizzlies snuck into the postseason last year at 42-40 (No. 7 seed) but were quickly swept out of the playoffs 4-0 by the Spurs. While the Grizzlies look for a repeat playoff appearance, the Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t been to the postseason since the 2003-04 season and last had a winning year in 2004-05. The T-wolves won just 29 games last year, the 10th time in the last 11 seasons in which the T-wolves have failed to reach even 35 victories in a single season. Minnesota: The Timberwolves enter the season with a new head coach and some high(er) expectations. Tom Thibodeau, former Chicago Bulls coach, takes over after the Timberwolves let interim coach Sam Mitchell go following last year's 29-win season. He begins with the last two rookies of the year, in Karl-Anthony Towns (18.3 & 10.5) who won last season and Andrew Wiggins who earned the award the season before (Wiggins led the team with 20.7 PPG last season). It’s not good news that center Nikola Pekovic (Achilles, ankle) is out for the season but joining Towns and Wiggins are talented players like Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng.  Memphis: The Grizzlies were able to re-sign PG Mike Conley Jr. to a five-year, $153 million deal plus have added Chandler Parsons to join the inside duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph up front. However, Memphis will feature a first-time head coach in David Fizdale, who has spent the last six seasons as an assistant with the Miami Heat. The Grizzlies’ season went into a tailspin when Gasol went down with a foot injury and Fizdale is hoping to get more offense out of a traditionally defense-first team. "When you know that the offense isn't just predicated on one guy and that every movement you make gives you a chance to be a part of the action, to make you a weapon, it's empowering," Fizdale told Sports Illustrated. The pick: There are many who think all Minnesota needs to turn itself into a playoff-caliber team is the right head coach. If so, the T-wolves have their man in Thibodeau, who never had a losing season in five years as the Bulls' coach and was ousted after going 50-32 two years ago. Minnesota went 13-7 ATS in its final 20 regular season road contests and Memphis was just 14-12 ATS as a home favorite last year. Make Minnesota a 10* play. 

The set-up: The Jazz were 40-42 last season, falling one victory short of a Western Conference postseason spot. Meanwhile, the Blazers, despite losing four of five starters from the previous year’s team, went 44-38. Portland then fell behind the LA Clippers 2-0 in its opening round series, only to rebound and win four games in a row over an LA devastated by injures to first Blake Griffin and then Chris Paul. Portland’s season ended when it was eliminated by the Warriors in five games. The team’s open the 2016-17 season tonight in Portland at the Moda Center (I miss the Rose Garden). Utah: After finishing ninth in the West last season, the Jazz made three veteran offseason acquisitions, PG George Hill, swingman Joe Johnson and all-purpose forward Boris Diaw, to a young nucleus that includes front-liners Gordon Hayward (19.7-5.0-3.7), Derrick Favors (16.4-8.1) and Rudy Gobert (9.1-11.0). However, the team’s best player (Hayward), will miss the game with a broken left ring finger plus Favors and reserve guard Alec Burks will likely miss the game with knee issues. That means Diaw and Johnson will likely team with Gobert on the front line in a Utah starting lineup that will include Hill and Hood (14.5 PPG) in the backcourt. Portland: Damian Lillard had his best season in 2015-16, joining James, Curry and Westbrook as the only players to place among the league's top 10 in scoring (25.1, sixth) and assists (6.8, eighth) during the regular season. "I want to get to the Western Conference finals and give ourselves a chance to get to the (NBA) Finals," said Lillard, who is joined in the backcourt by C.J. McCollum (20.8 PPG & 4.2 APG). That duo led Portland to revamp quickly last season after losing mainstay LaMarcus Aldridge as a free agent. Al-Farouq Aminu (10.2 & 6.1) and Maurice Harkless (6.4 & 3.6) will open the season as the starting forwards with Mason Plumlee (9.1 & 7.7) back as the center. The pick: The Jazz are missing too many key ‘pieces’ in the opener to deal with Lillard and McCollum, who combined for 426 three-pointers last season (Lillard ranked fourth in the NBA with 229). Offseason additions such as swingman Evan Turner and center Festus Ezeli were brought in to fortify a bench that includes swingman Allen Crabbe (10.3) and forward/center Meyers Leonard (8.4 & 5.1). The Blazers were 3-1 against the Jazz last season, losing only in a game Lillard say out. Portland has won eight of the past 11 meetings with Utah and let’s make that nine of 12 with a cover in tonight’s opener. Portland is an 8* play. 

The Cavs will try to be the first team ever to come back from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals, but the bookmakers still say they are an underdog. They've owned the Warriors in the last two games, and they appear to come into Game 7 as the team with destiny on it's side. My money is on the Cavs plus the points.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. LeBron James - The King has more to prove than anyone else on the floor tonight. His previous failures in the NBA Finals are well documented, but he's looked better in this series than in any of his previous Finals appearances. He's coming off back-to-back 41 point performances in Games 5 and 6, and anther big game is expected here tonight.

2. Three Point Shooting - The Warriors have struggled from beyond the arc in recent games, especially Harrison Barnes who is 1 for his last 11, and Klay Thompson who 3-for-10 in Game 6.

3. X-Factor - Depth is a strength for the Warriors, but they've lost center Andrew Bogut to a knee injury, and last year's MVP Andre Igoudala is hobbled with a sore back.

Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers 1st Half (10*)

The Golden State Warriors failed to close out the Cavs in Game 5 at Oracle Arena, and now they have to go back to Cleveland and try to win on the road. The Cavs have been dominant at home throughout the playoffs, and they come into Game 6 with all the momentum after a commanding victory in Oakland. My money is on Cleveland to win the 1st Half.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Kyrie Irving - If the Cavs can pull off the upset and win the championship, Irving could get serious consideration for MVP. He went off for 41 points in Game 5, and he's now scored 30+ in each of the last three games.

2. Home Cookin' - The Cavaliers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games, and even though they lost Game 4, they were leading at halftime. The Warriors haven't taken a lead to the locker room at halftime in any of their road games in these playoffs.

3. X-Factor - The Warriors lost starting center Andrew Bogut for the remainder of the series due to a knee injury he suffered in Game 5. While they do have the personnel to replace him, it may take time to make the necessary adjustments.

Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers (10*)

The Warriors will try to clinch their second straight championship in Game 5 at Oracle Arena on Monday, but they'll have to do it without Draymond Green. If the Cavs hope to avoid elimination, a fast start is an absolute must. The Warriors are not a great first half team at the best of times, and without one of their best players, it could take some time to make the necessary adjustments.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - Cleveland has taken the lead to the locker room in each of the last two games, but they were blown out in the second half of Game 4, losing 108-97. The Cavs have been a good bet when coming off a loss, covering the spread in five of their last seven when failing to cover in the previous game.

2. Splash Bros - Curry went off for 38 points in Game 4, but he and Klay Thompson were terrible in the first three games of this series. Draymond Green's 44 points in the first two games was more than double the production of either Curry or Thompson. Green is going to be there to carry the load tonight.

3. X-Factor - LeBron James should benefit greatly from the absence of Green, who is one of the Warriors top defenders. He's totaled 57 points in the last two games, and I expect him to go for 30+ tonight.

Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers 1st Half (10*)

The Cavs showed almost no signs of life in back-to-back blowout losses at Golden State, but the NBA Finals got interesting when Cleveland came back to win 120-90 in Game 3. All the momentum is now with the Cavs heading into Game 4, and I expect the Warriors to struggle once again at Quicken Loans Arena.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Splash Brothers - Can you remember the last time you saw Steph Curry fail to score 20 points in three consecutive games? It didn't happen during the regular season, not even in the pre-season. Here in the NBA Finals Curry has yet to score 20 heading into Game 4, and Klay Thompson has been even worse. The two hit just 4-of-16 three-point attempts in Game 3.

2. Previous History - The Cavs are 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games, and they are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games playing on one day's rest. 3. X-Factor - The Warriors haven't lead at halftime in any of their road games in these playoffs so far.

Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers 1st Half (10*)

 The Golden State Warriors have a firm grip of the NBA Championship 2016 after a pair of blowout wins home at Oracle Arena. I think they'll be in for a much tougher game as the series shifts to Quicken Loans Arena though, and the Cavs need to take an early lead and never look back.  Here are my keys to the game:  1. Situational - The Cavs need to make a statement and come roaring out of the gates after getting humiliated in Oakland. The fans will demand it, Tyronn Lue will demand it and and the King will demand it. "It's a do or die game for us," said Lebron James at Tuesday's press conference at Quicken Loans Arena.  2. Home Cookin' - The Cavaliers can not afford to disappoint the home town crowd tonight, and they've had plenty to cheer for in Cleveland with the Cavs winning and covering the spread in six consecutive home games. "We feed off each other. We've been great at home," said Cavs forward Tristan Thompson. "We're excited." 3. X-Factor - The Warriors have lost each of their Game 3's in previous series here in the playoffs.  Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers 1st Half (10*)

The Cavaliers looked totally out-classed in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Oakland. They scored just 43 points in the first half, and went on to lose 104-89. Perhaps the biggest concern for the Cavs is that Steph Curry and Klay Thompson scored a combined 20 points, and the Warriors role players badly out-played Cleveland's starting five. After watching the Cavs shoot 38.1 percent from the field in Game 1, I don't think much will change in Game 2.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - These two teams have failed to reach the total in six of the last eight meetings, and the Cavs have failed to cover in five of the last six meetings. Cleveland is just 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Golden State. The Warriors have held Cleveland to less than 100 points in each of the last eight meetings.

2. Kyrie Irving - The Cavs star PG missed most of last year's Finals after suffering a knee injury in Game 1. He had a disappointing Game 1 this time around, shooting 7-of-22 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range. The Cavs will need him to hit his shots if they are going to compete here in Game 2. 3. X-Factor - The Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 NBA Championship games.

Selection: This is a play on the Golden State Warriors first half (10*)