Josh Nagel
L.A. LAKERS -1.5
MILWAUKEE @ L.A. LAKERS | 3/06 | 10:30 PM EST
6:23 PM
The Lakers have won nine of their last 10 and head into this potential NBA Finals preview at a near pick'em price against the Bucks. Milwaukee dominated most of the first meeting before fending off a late Los Angeles rally to emerge with a seven-point victory. LeBron James and friends should be highly motivated for a signature prime-time performance, and not having to lay at least four points here (as we did with the Bucks in Milwaukee) fees like a bargain.
40-27-1 IN LAST 68 NBA ATS PICKS | +1041
3-0 IN LAST 3 MIL ATS PICKS | +300
5-3 IN LAST 8 LAL ATS PICKS | +171
UTAH +1.5
UTAH @ BOSTON | 3/06 | 8:00 PM EST
6:16 PM
The erratic Jazz broke out of a four-game losing streak by beating up on Eastern Conference also-rans in the Wizards, Cavaliers and Knicks. The last time it played a contender, it lost to Boston in Salt Lake City. But Utah often has looked better on the road and should be in a good payback spot Friday night. Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown are out for the Celtics, while Kemba Walker is expected to return from a knee injury. But look for the Jazz to exploit the absence of Brown, who had 20 points and six rebounds in the previous meeting.
40-27-1 IN LAST 68 NBA ATS PICKS | +1041
10-5-1 IN LAST 16 UTA ATS PICKS | +458
6-4 IN LAST 10 BOS ATS PICKS | +174
WINTHROP -5.5
G-WEBB VS WINTHROP | 3/06 | 6:00 PM EST
3:44 PM
BIG SOUTH SEMIFINALS -- These clubs played two entertaining regular-season games, with Winthrop prevailing in three OTs at home and Gardner-Webb managing a close win on its home court. The Eagles should have the edge in the rubber match if they play to their strengths. They have the edge in depth and size advantage inside with forwards D.J. Burns and Josh Ferguson. if they exploit those matchup advantages and avoid the Bulldogs' preferred frenetic pace, they should comfortably pull away Friday.
5-2 IN LAST 7 CBB ATS PICKS | +279