I get it, no Steph Curry probably spells doom for Golden State. But this is simply too many points. Jimmy Butler had 20-plus PTS in 6 of 10 playoff games (10.5 PPG in other 4 games). He needs to be better in this deciding game. Look for the Warriors to keep it close enough.

Down 2-1 and playing at home, this is a-must win for the Warriors. Are they the better team? No. But you’re giving me all these points and home court, I’ll take it. Jimmy Butler just needs to finish his layups better in this spot. He blew some easy ones that I thought affected the game more than people know. Close game, but points are the difference.

This game is a hard handicap for me on who's going to win. But I know this, with no Steph Curry, this entire Warriors team changes! Both games so far in this series, the Warriors have yet to break the 100-point plateau. I can't see that happening in Game 3 either.

The Warriors had one day of rest after finishing off the Rockets in a seven-game series The Timberwolves had five days of rest after beating the Lakers in five games. The Warriors "Big 3" of Steph, Butler and Draymond all played 200+ minutes last series, only the 4th trio aged 34 or older to do that in the last half century. Look for the fresher Timberwolves to roll in Game 1.

The Pacers logged 50/50/90 shooting splits in their Game 1 win in Cleveland. I understand the Cavs are banged up and missing key pieces, but the Pacers can’t shoot that well again. Meanwhile, it was still a competitive game. Game 2 will be all Cavs.

Can the Bucks count on Gary Trent Jr. to go nuts again in Game 4? He scored 37 points, making nine of 12 from deep, with four steals in Game 3. That eased the burden on Giannis Antetokounmpo, but I can't see that happening again. The Pacers are deeper and more balanced. Take the points.

The Clippers won by 34 points in Game 3 (first two games were decided by a combined five points) on their home floor. They are back in LA in Game 4 on Saturday and I believe the Nuggets are finished. LA rolls at home.

Orlando has won three straight home playoff games (last loss coming in 2020). The Magic didn’t embarrass themselves in Boston, losing two mostly competitive games. The role players for the Magic will help out more at home. Give me the underdog straight up.

The Pistons are coming off a 100-94 win at Madison Square Garden, their first playoff victory since 2008. That snapped an NBA-record, 15-game playoff losing streak. Cade Cunningham was brilliant with 33 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Detroit has been the better team for most of this series. The Pistons will roll at home.

The moment in Game 1 was too big for the young Rockets team. This is obviously a must-win spot. They will shoot it better in Game 2 at home and roll the Warriors.

The eyeball test so far in this tournament says that Duke is the best team in college basketball. Not only do the Blue Devils have a generational talent like Cooper Flagg, they have 22 wins by 20-plus points, a 2.60 assist-to-turnover ratio in the tournament (the best by any team in the past 15 years) and have trailed for just 5:41 in the last four games. That's too much offensive talent for Houston.

Full disclosure: Florida was my pre-tournament pick to win it all. But the Gators have trailed for 44:15 in this tournament and were lucky to beat Texas Tech in dramatic fashion. They won the previous matchup between these schools, but they will not have an answer for Johni Broome in this one. Auburn was a double-digit favorite in the first matchup for a reason. This is a revenge spot for the Tigers.

Texas Tech is a dangerous team in my eyes, why? House money! The Red Raiders shouldn’t even be playing in this game, nonetheless against Florida, who it seems everyone is picking to win it all. Texas Tech can play loose and free and that’s a huge advantage. The Red Raiders must shoot better from three though to win this game. The points are the difference.

I love the Red Raiders on the money line. The Razorbacks are fortunate that St. John’s made just two 3-pointers or else they would not be in the Sweet 16. Texas Tech has a great coach and a superstar in JT Toppin. Red Raiders roll.

Alabama’s defense has been optional all year, and BYU has legit pros who can score the ball. This game is going to be played in the 80s and maybe even the 90s. I expect a high-scoring, close game. Give me the dog.