Originally posted on 03/21/2011:

Bubble teams can boost bankrolls, especially if the race to make the playoffs is truly competitive. This is the case in the West this season. As you know, the last playoff spot is #8.

Record and Momentum (last 10 games):
5) Denver 41-29 (7-3)
6) Portland 40-30 (7-3)
7) New Orleans 40-31 (5-5)
8) Memphis 38-32 (5-5)
9) Houston 37-34 (7-3)
10) Phoenix 35-33 (4-6)
11) Utah 36-34 (4-6)

Strong motivation is always profitable in the NBA. Here's the record for the above teams against the spread in their last ten games:

DEN 9-1 ATS
POR 8-2 ATS
NO 5-4-1 ATS
MEM 6-4 ATS
HOU 6-4 ATS
PHX 5-4-1 ATS
UTA 4-6 ATS (but picking up the pace, 3-0 in L3)

After correcting for meetings between the teams the records adjust to:

DEN 6-1 ATS
POR 8-2 ATS
NO 4-3 ATS
MEM 5-3 ATS
HOU 4-2 ATS
PHX 3-2 ATS
UTA 3-4 ATS

That brings the combined record to 33-17 ATS for a winning percentage of 66% ATS!
May want to ride it until a team is eliminated from playoff contention, or certain of a playoff spot.