15* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Dallas Mavericks -1

Dallas vs. New Orleans, 02/22/2013 20:00 EDT, Score: 104 - 100

Point Spread: -1/-105 Dallas

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

The Dallas Mavericks are making a push toward the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Houston Rockets by 4.5 games for that spot and cannot afford to take nights off from here on out. They have been in this position for a while now, which is why they have been the best team to back over the past month or so.

That's evident by the fact that the Mavs are a ridiculous 15-3 ATS in their last 18 games overall. This team remains undervalued because of its poor record (24-29) on the season. However, this team is the definition of one that is better than its record would indicate as they have lost more close games than any other team in the league.

Adding fuel to the fire for the Mavs is the fact that they have lost each of their last two meetings with New Orleans, including a 99-96 (OT) loss at home in their lone meeting this season. New Orleans has not played well since returning from the break, losing 87-96 at home to Chicago, and 100-105 at Cleveland.

This play falls into a system that is 65-24 (73%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road favorites (DALLAS) - off 2 consecutive home wins by 10 points or more.

This play falls into another system that is 42-16 (72.4%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet on all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (DALLAS) - revenging a home loss vs opponent, extremely well rested team - playing 3 or less games in 10 days.

The Mavericks are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Dallas is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games playing on 1 days rest. These two trends combine for an 18-1 system backing Dallas. Take the Mavericks Friday.