Deep card on Wednesday night...

There's a lot to look at on Wednesday night with 12 NBA games on the board. Our stay-away game of the night is the Pistons vs. Raptors. It's hard to say what type of mentality the Pistons bring to the table here. They're coming off a hard-fought overtime win over Phoenix on Monday, and as you know, they're playoff seeding is all but wrapped up. But don't hit the fade button just yet. The Raptors are 3-11 ATS over their last 14 games, and not even close to being worth a wager at this point. Opening Toronto as the favorite does have us thinking that the books are in their corner tonight, but we'll keep our distance. 

Pistons line on the move...

While we do like this spot for the Pistons, it seems that the value may be gone now that the line has shot up to -4.5 at most books. Detroit is a tough team to figure out these days, with Flip Saunders giving his bench a good hard look down the stretch. With the Central Division all but wrapped up, they're leaving a lot in the tank for playoff time. This one could go either way, so keep an eye on the line. If it continues to rise, the Wizards may actually be worth a look.

Bosh set to return...Raptors laying 19...

The Raptors will have Chris Bosh back in the lineup on Wednesday, but does that really warrant a 19-point spread. We're well aware that they'll be up against a dreadful Heat squad, but come on, we're talking about a Raptors squad that is coming off a demoralizing trip out West. They've had just one full day off since getting bombed by the Jazz on Monday, and it's hard to imagine they'll be all that motivated for a matchup with the league's worst team. We're not touching either side in this one, but a case could be made for the Heat based on value alone. 

Youth movement in New York...

Don't expect the Knicks regular starters to see significant action in the final weeks of the season. Isaiah Thomas has already stated openly that he wants to get a look at his young players in key situations down the stretch. With that in mind, it's no surprise that the Knicks are pegged as 7.5-point dogs against the lowly Pacers on Monday evening. When it comes to New York, it's buyer beware from here on out.

Have the Clippers packed it in?

It would certainly appear that way, and with a number of injuries to deal with, we feel they'll be hard pressed to stay within the pointspread tonight in Washington. The Wizards are trying to get themselves on a roll, especially after getting Caron Butler back in the fold on Thursday. Our lean is on the Wizards, as the Clippers have shown no signs of life over the past week (and no a win at Miami doesn't count).

Caron Butler probable on Thursday...

It sounds like Caron Butler will be making his return to the Wizards lineup on Thursday night against Cleveland. The Wizards have actually been playing well so it's hard to say if his return helps, or hurts their team chemistry. Regardless, oddsmakers have taken notice and have listed the Wiz as 3.5-point favorites against Lebron on national tv. We're thinking the Cavs may have some value after last night's loss in Jersey.

Any value in fading the Suns?

It's no secret that the Suns have struggled since acquiring Shaquille O'Neal. They did pick up a big win on Sunday against the Spurs, but does that mean it's buy-time in Phoenix? Tonight they're laying a healthy number (-13.5) against the Grizzlies. That spread has dropped two full points since earlier this morning. The Grizzlies have been dreadful, but will the Suns give their 100% effort knowing the Warriors are on deck Thursday? 

Wallace likely out for Pistons on Sunday...

It's looking more and more like Rasheed Wallace will sit out Sunday night's game against the Bulls. The Pistons opened as 9-point favorites but have since dropped a half-point at most books. There's an interesting revenge angle brewing in this one as Detroit has surprisingly lost all three meetings with Chicago this season. You may remember the Pistons disposed of the Bulls in six games in last year's playoffs. 

Blazers tonight's best bet?

It would certainly appear that way. Portland picked up a big confidence-building win in Milwaukee last night, and we feel that confidence will carry over into tonight's matchup with the Knicks. New York is in it's usual late season swoon, and we're not convinced they can snap out of it tonight. They used up a lot of energy in last night's late rally against the Pistons. This should be a battle of wills, and we like the Blazers to prevail.

Lean on Portland at +3 or better.

Cavs a trap on Thursday?

A lot of bettors are confused as to why the Cavs are listed as underdogs against the Bulls on Thursday. There's no question it has a lot to do with the fact that the Bulls are in a quick revenge spot, are the healthier of the two teams, and catch the Cavs in a back-to-back situation. We can understand this line, but that doesn't mean that we agree with it. Our lean is on the Cavs, but this is a tricky matchup to be sure. We're seeing some 4s pop up, which is a curious line move considering the public is all over the Cavs. If we were to suggest a play here, it would probably be on the Cavs moneyline. That looks like the best overall value.

Bucks laying close to double-digits?

We're not sure what business the Milwaukee Bucks have laying 9.5 points on Wednesday night. The Sonics gave the Pistons all they could handle last night, and have actually been a nice money-maker over the last month or so. The Bucks have only covered this number on a few occasions this season, and have already lost once to Seattle. We're not ready to advise a play on the Sonics, but we would suggest steering clear of the Bucks at this price.

Tuesday NBA line moves...

Golden State opened as a 1.5-point favorite in Atlanta, but the line has since shifted a full 3.5 points in the opposite direction. No doubt this has a lot to do with the fact that the Hawks have won four consecutive meetings, including a 117-110 victory in Oakland less than two weeks ago. Note that Warriors F Stephen Jackson did not play in that game.

The Bobcats and T'Wolves opened with a total of 196 but that has since been bet up 3.5 points to 199.5 at most books. Interestingly enough, none of their previous five meetings (since the Bobcats entered the league in 04-05) have resulted in 200 points or more. Could this be a bit of an over reaction to Charlotte's 110-point effort against Toronto on Sunday?

The Lakers opened as 6.5-point chalk at Sacramento, but that line currently sits at -5. A curious move given the public is lining up to back the visitors in this one. We'll see if Los Angeles continues to cool off following it's red hot ATS run.

Hornets still not a safe bet...even against the Knicks...

We've given you fair warning when it comes to the New Orleans Hornets over the past week. This is a team that is capable of beating anyone in the league on any given night, but right now they're playing a wildly inconsistent brand of basketball. A week ago tonight we warned that they were in a dangerous spot laying big points against Washington. They lost that game outright. Last night they failed to exact revenge, getting blasted again by the Wizards.

Now they roll into New York to face the lowly Knicks. They've laying seven, and while they should prevail, asking them to do so by any kind of margin is a little much in our opinion. Keep an eye on the injury status of Knicks Zach Randolph. As of right now, it looks like he'll be a no-go.

How about those Blazers?

Portland has suddenly got it together, most recently handing the Lakers an extremely rare defeat. Can they keep it going Sunday night at Golden State. We'll suggest treading lightly as the Warriors prices have come down considerably, as we mentioned prior to Friday's blowout win over Philadelphia. Our lean is on the home side.

Bosh expected to miss on Sunday...

It looks like Raptors forward Chris Bosh will be sitting out Sunday's trip to Charlotte after suffering a minor knee injury on Friday against Indiana.

The Raptors have still opened as 3.5-point favorites, which gives you a good idea of the Bobcats state of affairs these days. We still lean to the Raptors, even without Bosh.

76ers vs. Suns over?

We've watched this total drop a full point since opening at 213, and it may be headed in the wrong direction. The 76ers are playing an extremely loose brand of defense right now, and that could be just the ticket for the Suns to get back on track. Of course, Phoenix has also looked lost at their own end of the floor, allowing at least 113 points in each of its last three games. We're leaning towards the over in this late night matchup.

Warriors finally offer value?

It's been quite some time since we've seen the Warriors in a reasonable pointspread range against a very beatable opponent. That appears to be the case tonight as they sit at -5.5 at home against the 76ers. The Warriors have struggled mightily against the number, pretty much since the start of December, but have the books over-compensated? Our lean is certainly on G. State in this spot as the Sixers may be biting off more than they can chew traveling West following a big upset win over the rival Magic. 

Solid underdog brewing?

Keep an eye on the steadily climbing line in tonight's Louisiana Tech vs. Utah State matchup. The Aggies opened as 18-point faovrites but the spread has since swelled to -20. Coming off a Bracket-Buster win over Santa Barbara, and having been off for close to a week, this could be a bit of a flat spot for Utah State. Louisiana Tech is bad, there's no question about that, but they have stayed competitive in this series over the last couple of years. Five of the last six meetings have been decided by 13 points or less. The other was decided by exactly 20 points. Just some food for thought on a busy Thursday in the college ranks. 

Mavs-Spurs on deck...

Thursday night's spotlight TNT matchup features the Mavericks and Spurs, and at first glance, we're thinking this one will be higher scoring than expected.

We are curious as to why this is the lowest posted total we've seen between these teams in quite some time. Could it have to do with the Spurs scoring just five first quarter points in a game against the Hawks earlier this week?

Our thinking is that the Mavs are better suited to take advantage of the Spurs in transition with Jason Kidd now in the mix. They've been distributing the ball extremely well since his arrival and it should only help them get out and run against the Spurs.

San Antonio is getting healthy again with Tony Parker almost back at full strength. They've proven they can score against the Mavs, putting up 92 and 97 in their first two meetings this season.

This total appears to be slowly climbing, and that's probably the right move.

On second thought...

We expected a downward move in tonight's Cavs-Celtics line, but got just the opposite, with the Celtics now sitting at -10.5 at most books. A curious line to be sure, with Zydruanas Ilgauskas the only question mark for the Cavs. Our lean is certainly on the visitors in this spot. 

Cavs-Celtics in Wednesday's spotlight...

The Cavs may have got caught looking ahead in last night's loss in Milwaukee. How else to you explain blowing a sizable fourth quarter lead against one of the league's worst teams. Of course, we'll give credit to the Bucks, they've now won all three home games since the All-Star break, and against some formidable competition in Detroit, Denver, and now Cleveland.

We're seeing an interesting line in tonight's Cavs/Celtics showdown, as Boston returns home from a west coast trip laying 7.5 points. The Celtics did pick up some much needed momentum by closing out that trip with blowout wins at Portland and Los Angeles (Clippers), but you still have to think they're a tad inflated here.

We'll keep an eye on this line throughout the day. Expect to see a move downward if anything.

FYI...Yao out for season...

What a blow for the Rockets. Yao Ming will miss the rest of the regular season and the playoffs with a stress fracture in his foot. This team has been absolutely snake-bitten when it comes to injuries the last couple of years. Keep in mind, Houston has been the hottest team in the league over the last month. 

Tricky Tuesday...

It looks like this could be one of those nights, with several sides looking like hand-outs from the oddsmakers. Remember, the books aren't in the business of losing, so tread carefully.

At first glance, the Magic, Cavs, Jazz, and even the Suns all look enticing. But, here's a quick word about each.

The Nets have actually played some pretty solid basketball since shipping out J-Kidd. They've played the Magic tough over the years, but have dropped two of the first three meetings this year.

This will be Cleveland's first road game with their new lineup intact. They looked sharp at times on Sunday against Memphis, but the Bucks will offer them a bit more of a challenge. Milwaukee has beaten Detroit and Denver in its last two games at home.

The Jazz find themselves in a prime look-ahead spot with Detroit on deck tomorrow night. Hard to say where their heads will be at tonight.

The Suns are just 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games. Simply put, they're struggling to make the adjustment to having Shaq in the middle. Laying double digits is a lot to ask,even if their opponent is the lowly Grizzlies.

Kaman and Cassell likely out, Celtics the play??

Did the Celtics right the ship in Portland last night, or was it simply a case of the Blazers woes continuing?

Tonight is a bit of a tough spot when it comes to backing the C's. They obviously want to close this disappointing road trip on a winning note, but at what cost? This is a game they should control from start to finish, but are they concerned about winning by any sort of margin? Of course not, they're simply looking for the 'w' before returning home to face the Cavs in a big Eastern Conference showdown on Wednesday.

The Clippers will be without both Chris Kaman and Sam Cassell, at least that's what we're hearing out of Los Angeles. As always, it's important not to overreact to these absences.

Tonight's spread currently sits at -9, we'll see where it goes from here.

Don't get stung...

It seems to me that 10 points is an awful lot for the Hornets to be laying against the Wizards this evening. They're coming off a pair of disappointing losses against Houston and San Antonio and have the Jazz and Suns on deck. As far as sandwich spots go, it doesn't get much better than this.

Of course you also have to consider the Wizards extended period of poor play. What I will say is that they've been hanging around in road losses. They don't get blown out too often.

Tread lightly with this one.