MIA @ NJN (-11) - Miami have been just as comfortable at home as on the road this season. I know this should be an easy decision but some of you might be tempted by the great odds offered in favor of New Jersey, but read closely -
the Nets will NOT win, no matter how hard you wish for it. You have better chances putting that money on any number at the Roulette table in a casino near you.
O/U - Under 191 (+162)
CLE @ NYK (+11.5) - New York has been the team that stopped Cleveland's losing streak on three occasions this season. Not that L2 is a serious losing streak (for the Cavs that is..) but I have a feeling that if there is one game to go with the underdog tonight, this is the one. The Cavs lead 3-0 in the series against the Knicks and I see a sweep coming.
O/U - Over 220 (+120)
ORL @ TOR (+9) - Orlando's upcoming schedule is pretty easy, with remaining games against Milwaukee, Charlotte, Philly, Indiana and one tougher game against Chicago, but even that's at home. My point is, it's easy for the Magic to feel confident about not losing 4th seed and at the same time, not hallucinating about actually catching up to Boston for 3rd. So this game is not of much importance to Orlando. Not that this is a season changer for Toronto, they're all but done with the 2010-11 season, but the series is tied at 1-1 with Toronto winning one in Orlando, so chances are they'll take a home win too. I think this is as safe an underdog bet as the Cleveland bet.
O/U - Over 190 (-210)
UTA @ SAC (-6) - Hopefully we don't get ANOTHER overtime finish, as both teams seem to really enjoy 5 quarters games.. The last two meetings between those two teams have been very close, with Utah winning both in the end but one was after OT and the other was by only 3 points. Utah are on a serious losing streak (L7) and with an upcoming schedule as tough as theirs, they might have already thrown the towel and be over with it. They had a tough month, going 4-12 (1-6 on the road). Sacramento was on a winning (W4) before losing two back-to-back to Denver. If it were a mid-season game, i'd probably go for Utah here, but I think they just might have checked out already for the season, while Sacramento seem to be fighting for whatever dignity they can still save, so that gives them the edge in my opinion.
O/U - Under 208.5 (-105)
ATL @ HOU (-5.5) - Atlanta are on a 4-game winning streak, but their last two were tiring ones, against two of the best teams in the East, after which they have created just enough gap between them and the 6th seed to feel comfortable and allow themselves to lose this one. If Houston still believe they can clinch the 8th seed and a place in the Playoffs, they will give it all they got tonight, which should be enough.
O/U - Over 205 (+125)
IND @ NOH (+5) - I think this one is going to be a very strategic win or loss for both teams. Let me explain. New Orleans win this one and they have a very good chance of being bumped up to 7th seed and therefore meeting the Lakers in the First Round. Do they want that? Hell no! They are 0-4 vs. the Lakers this season. On the other hand, lose this one, keep the 8th seed and meet San Antonio in the First Round, vs which they are 2-2. Sounds like a good plan.. In addition, Indiana don't want to give Charlotte any hope of taking their Playoff spot, so they need a win here badly to feel more comfortable and take the pressure off a bit. So I give them the win.
O/U - Over 191 (+100)
DAL @ POR (-4.5) - Portland just HAVE to win this one or not only could they lose the 6th seed in the West but their Playoff hopes altogether. If things stay this way, on the other hand, this is pretty much a lock for a First Round preview, so Portland, being the underdogs, want to make a strong statement here tonight.
O/U - Over 186 (-135)
GL!