Ross Benjamin Handicapper, Premium and Free Picks

Cavaliers @ Heat 8:10 PM ET

Game# 513-514

Play On: Cavaliers -130 (ML)

The Cavaliers are 3-0 SU&ATS in their last 3 on the road and 4-1 SU&ATS during the previous 5 overall. As a matter of fact, Cleveland is just 6-6 SU at home thus far but a more than respectable 6-3 SU on the road. The Cavs played at Miami on 11/22 and were blown out 129-96. However, here we are a little over 2 weeks later and they come up as a short favorite at Miami again. The oddsmakers are speaking to us loud and clear. Miami is coming off a win at Toronto but they’re still 2-4 SU in their last 6 and 1-3 SU during the previous 4 games following a win. Give me the Cavaliers as a money line favorite.

Warriors @ Thunder 8:10 PM ET

Game# 517-518

Play On: Warriors +3.0

These teams have already met 3 times this season and the visitors are unscathed 3-0 during those matchups. The Warriors are certainly off to a disappointing start to the season. Nevertheless, they’re a money-making 7-3 ATS on the road. The upstart Thunder are just 2-3 in their last 5 games. During that stretch, they’re allowing opponents to attempt 33 free throw attempts per games and make an alarmingly high 38% of their 3-point shot attempts. Conversely, throughout their last 5 contests Golden State is averaging 28 free throws per contest while making a stellar 81% of those attempts. During that identical 5-game span, the Warriors have made an impressive 39.6% of their 3-point shot attempts. During their first 3 meetings against Oklahoma City, Golden State averaged an extremely high 15.7 offensive rebounds per game which equates to a better than average amount of multiple offensive possessions. Give me the Warriors plus points.

Rockets @ Nuggets 9:10 PM ET

Game# 521-522

Play On: Nuggets -8.5

Considering the Rockets have shown to be a much-improved team in the early going of this season, this appears as a very heavy line which makes it alluring to take the underdog. Nonetheless, I just can’t ignore the home/away dichotomies in this matchup. Houton is an outstanding 9-1 SU at home but an abysmal 0-8 SU on the road. On the other hand, Denver is an uninspiring 5-8 SU on the road but an unbeaten 9-0 SU at home where they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 11.0 points per game. The Nuggets are coming off 2 losses in a row with both coming on the road versus the Kings and Clippers. However, the defending world champions haven’t lost 3 straight games all season and are 2-0 SU&ATS immediately following back-to-back losses. Give me the Nuggets minus points.