The Brooklyn Nets come into the game looking to extend their win streak to 13 games, while the Bulls are trying to shake off a two-game losing streak. However, I expect Demar DeRozan and Zach Lavine to put up enough of a fight to keep this game close. Even though Brooklyn should still come out on top, I see this game coming down to the wire and like Chicago vs. the spread.

The Brooklyn Nets come into the game looking to extend their win streak to 13 games, while the Bulls are trying to shake off a two-game losing streak. However, I expect Demar DeRozan and Zach Lavine to put up enough of a fight to keep this game close. Even though Brooklyn should still come out on top, I see this game coming down to the wire and like Chicago vs. the spread.

The Celtics are 1-3 in their last three road games. OKC is starting to show signs of chemistry. They're also 4-2 straight up in their last six home games. I am absolutely in love with Jalen Williams, who is becoming a difference-maker. I had the privilege of watching this kid play live in the WCC tournament, and he is something else. I'd never make a bet based on one player, but this kid is a difference-maker. I'm betting OKC +8.5 tonight

The Celtics are 1-3 in their last three road games. OKC is starting to show signs of chemistry. They're also 4-2 straight up in their last six home games. I am absolutely in love with Jalen Williams, who is becoming a difference-maker. I had the privilege of watching this kid play live in the WCC tournament, and he is something else. I'd never make a bet based on one player, but this kid is a difference-maker. I'm betting OKC +8.5 tonight

Damian Lillard loves to stick it to the Warriors. He's got a long history of dominating this team. Two things have stopped Portland from dominating this matchup in the past: Rebounding and Steph Curry. I'm laying the points and making the Blazers my best bet of the day!

The Golden State Warriors have a bad record when Stephen Curry misses games and are on the second half of a back-to-back. Bad spot for the GSW! Lay the points with Utah!

Fishy lines usually equal fishy results. The Rockets have run hot and cold this season, and Boston isn't really knocking anybody out, but this game sets up to be a classic 20-point blowout where the starters are comfortably sitting on the bench watching 3rd strings goof off in the fourth quarter. Hopefully, they don't blow the cover! Boston by 20!

The Blazers got to spend Christmas at home, but this will be their first game back after a long six-game road trip in which they only went 2-4. Teams tend to struggle in their first game back after a long road trip. Plus, they spent Christmas with their families, which could mean a change in diet, parties, etc. Not variables you want to be laying -6 on! The Hornets are in their fifth game of a road trip but are getting pieces back and match up with the Blazers really well. I think Charlotte +5.5 is a gift and that they have a shot of winning this game straight up!

How could a team who has lost six games in a row only be a +1.5 underdog on the road vs. a team that has won eight games in a row? Because they bookies know Toronto is going to win! Take the points and make 20% of your bet a moneyline play. I'll see you at the cashier's cage after the game!

The T-Wolves as a home underdog is good value. The home team has won six out of the last seven games in this matchup, and with Minnesota shooting the lights out last night at home with a 150-point output, my money is on them to keep the offense flowing and cover the spread Monday night.

The Houston Rockets are red hot and play well at home! Portland is not and is on the second of a back-to-back on the road. I'm betting on the Rockets plus the points!

The Hornets have lost six games in a row but now have LaMelo Ball back. The Hawks have been struggling mightily since losing Dejounte Murray. I think Atlanta continues to struggle, and Charlotte gets their first win in a long time. I'm betting the Hornets at -2.5!

 I believe the Pelicans get back on track Thursday. Lay the short spread with New Orleans!

The Jazz have been playing good teams tough lately and not getting blown out. The Pels have been cashing in victories (and betting tickets), but haven't really beat anybody good as of late. This spread is a mirage for Pelicans bettors. Take the Jazz to the bank!

The Hawks are catching the Grizzlies at a really bad time. Memhis is absolutely smashing their opponents. They've won five games in a row and by fat margins. Lay the points with the Grizz!

The Minnesota Timberwolves have beaten the Portland Trail Blazers five straight times. They don't matchup well, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Minnesota won straight up, so naturally, I'm stoked to be getting +5.5 here.

 Something clicked with the Pacers in their last game against Golden State. I'm not saying we jump on a bandwagon after one big win, however, streaks do start somewhere and this is a great spot for a second consecutive win vs. a T-Wolves team that doesn't play defense and isn't currently playing well.  Pacers +4 offers bettors tremendous value!

There are many loose variables with this contest but one strong point is that Denver plays well at home and they're in a good spot Tuesday night catching the Mavs on the second game of a back-to-back after beating up the Suns last night. I believe Denver wins and covers.

The Rockets have dropped three of their last four and aren't playing any defense (they lost by 16, 20, and 20 in those three losses). However, they do compete when at home, so I'm most definitely locking in at  +8.5!

Lay the points with the Raptors. We forecast Toronto to win by 15+.