MLK Day means afternoon basketball, and the NBA delivered a slate worth your attention. Eight games scattered across the holiday, headlined by a potential Finals preview in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder are 34-7 and rolling through everyone. The Cavs are trying to prove they're more than just a hot start. Let's break down the best action.

The Quick Hit

• Thunder vs Cavs: OKC -6.5, O/U 234.5 (2:30 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
• Knicks vs Mavs: NYK -10, O/U 228.5 (5:30 PM ET)
• Warriors vs Heat: GSW -6.5, O/U 238.5 (10 PM ET)
• Full slate: Eight games from noon to late night

Thunder vs Cavaliers: Conference Finals Preview?

Oklahoma City has been the best team in basketball since November. They're 34-7, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up MVP numbers, and they haven't lost at home in what feels like forever.

Cleveland came out hot early in the season but has cooled off considerably. The Cavs are now one of the worst ATS teams in the league, failing to cover at an alarming rate.

The Thunder are -6.5 at home, which feels about right. Cleveland has the firepower to keep this close with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but OKC's defense has been suffocating.

The over/under of 234.5 is juicy. Both teams can score, but the Thunder also play elite defense. This could go either way.

Knicks vs Mavericks: MSG Gets Afternoon Action

New York is 25-17 and playing well at the Garden. Dallas is 17-26 and playing like a team that's already mentally checked out of the season.

The Knicks are 10-point favorites, which is a massive number. But the Mavs have been a mess all season, and Luka Doncic can't do it alone when the supporting cast disappears.

Jalen Brunson revenge game narrative is always in play when Dallas comes to town. The former Maverick has been excellent this season, and he'll want to make a statement.

Other Games Worth Your Money

Hawks vs Bucks (1 PM ET): Atlanta is favored by 2.5 at home against a struggling Milwaukee team. The Bucks continue to underperform, and Trae Young loves primetime.

Spurs vs Jazz (5 PM ET): San Antonio is a massive 17-point favorite. Victor Wembanyama against Utah's tanking roster is borderline unfair. The total is 241.5, which tells you this could be a track meet.

76ers vs Pacers (7 PM ET): Philly -8 at home against Indiana's struggling squad. The Pacers are 10-33 and going nowhere fast.

Pistons vs Celtics (7:30 PM ET): Detroit is actually favored by 3.5 at home. The Pistons have been on a tear, and Boston has been inconsistent on the road.

Warriors vs Heat (10 PM ET): Golden State -6.5 at home to close out the night. The Heat have been average, and Chase Center is a tough place to play.

The Sharp Play

The Thunder at -6.5 looks like the safest play on the board. OKC has been dominant at home, and Cleveland has been a fade machine against the spread.

If you want value, look at the Pistons at home against Boston. Detroit's been the best story in the NBA this month, and they're getting points at home against a Celtics team that doesn't always show up on the road.

The MLK Day unders have historically been profitable. Teams playing afternoon games after travel and in unusual time slots tend to start slow. Worth considering.

The Bottom Line

Eight games, eight opportunities to make or lose money. The Thunder-Cavs matchup is the headliner, but there's value scattered across this slate.

Enjoy the holiday. Watch some basketball. Bet responsibly. And remember: the house always wins, but sometimes so do we.