ANALYSIS: The historically late-blooming Spartans have had their share of injuries and pandemic-related obstacles leading to a rare season in which they are a bubble team in early March. But they have won six of nine to breathe life into their season and likely need at least a split against rival Michigan in order to help their chances. That win probably won't come Thursday against a Wolverines club that is coming off its worst performance of the season against Illinois. But expect the desperate Spartans to hang around long enough to cover this enticing number.

ANALYSIS: Before the Kings plummeted to eight consecutive losses, they were heading toward a potential breakout season and had a stretch in which they won seven of eight. That window started with a victory over the Knicks, who are worth fading when posted as a favorite until further notice. The Kings have the worst defense in the NBA, but that weakness is offset by New York's NBA-worst offense. The Kings took to the Nets to the wire in their last game and have found perhaps the steal of the draft in spark plug Tyrese Haliburton.

ANALYSIS: The Warriors have lost consecutive road games in frustrating fashion that included poor late-game execution and the tiring antics of supposed "leader" Draymond Green. On Tuesday, they welcome the return of Steph Curry and also will reportedly have the services of big men James Wiseman and Kevon Looney. The announcement of the latter likely caused the half-point spread jump but this should still be a solid spot for the Warriors. the Knicks won the first matchup in the Bay Area but gritty center Mitchell Robinson, who was the difference in that contest, remains sidelined by a broken wrist.

ANALYSIS: The Jazz were due to regress from their mind-blowing run of winning and spread crushing and this is as good of a spot we can probably hope to find. They come home after splitting a two-game road set with the Clippers and have the Lakers waiting to visit Salt Lake City on Wednesday. The uneven but improving Hornets are on an upswing that has seen them win four of their last six and one-time Jazz standout Gordon Hayward should have motivation for a strong performance and he will have familiar surroundings.

ANALYSIS: Both teams are slumping as they have combined to lose seven straight. the reeling Heat need a win Thursday in order to avoid a guaranteed losing road trip. Miami outplayed Golden State most of the way before letting it slip away into an overtime loss. This might normally seem like a letdown spot but the playoff-tested Heat should come out intent on a focused effort even in the second of a back-to-back. The Kings have allowed at least 119 points in each of their past four losses.