Sports Picks & Predictions

25* MVC GAME OF THE YEAR on Valparaiso +9

Valparaiso has quietly gone 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall.  The four wins all came by 7 points or more and by a combined 49 points.  The two losses came by 11 at Northern Iowa and in OT at Missouri State.  They won both of their home games during this stretch.

Now the Beacons have their sights set on revenge from a 63-68 loss at Drake in their first meeting this season.  Now they are catching way too many points at home in the rematch.  Asking Drake to win this game by double-digits to beat us is simply asking too much.

Drake is coming off a double-OT 88-81 home win over Northern Iowa.  That makes this a letdown spot and a flat spot after using so much energy to win that game on Wednesday.  The Bulldogs remain one of the most overrated teams in the country over the past two seasons.  

Drake is just 20-35 ATS in all games over the past two seasons.  The Bulldogs are 1-9 ATS following a home win this season.  Drake is 0-6 ATS after scoring 80 points or more this season.  The underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  Drake hasn't won any of its last eight meetings with Valparaiso by more than 7 points with the Beacons going 7-0-1 ATS in those eight games.  Bet Valparaiso Saturday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington Wizards +3.5

The Washington Wizards are playing their best basketball of the season right now largely due to the fact that they are as healthy as they have been all year.  They are 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with three outright victories as underdogs.

Unfortunately, their six-game winning streak came to an end last night with a fluky 116-124 home loss to the Blazers last night in which they blew an 18-point halftime lead.  Now they come back highly motivated for a victory.  The only reason they are underdogs here is due to playing the second of a back-to-back, but they will still be fresh considering they had three days off prior to playing Portland.  Not all back-to-backs are created equal.

I'll gladly fade the Brooklyn Nets as home favorites here.  They remain without Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons and T.J. Warren are both questionable, and now Kyrie Irving is requesting to be traded.  This franchise is just filled with turmoil, especially right now.  They can't be trusted as home favorites given their current state and the way they have played at home of late.

Indeed, the Nets are 14-39 ATS in their last 53 games as home favorites.  The Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.  Washington is 41-17-2 ATS in its last 60 games when playing on zero rest.  Brooklyn is 16-40-2 ATS in its last 58 home games overall.  Bet the Wizards Saturday.

20* Purdue/Indiana Big Ten No-Brainer on Indiana PK

The Indiana Hoosiers were rolling going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their previous five games before losing on the road at Maryland last time out.  That was clearly a lookahead spot and they were flat, looking ahead to this showdown against No. 1 Purdue.

Now this will be one of the best atmospheres all season in college basketball.  The Hoosiers will have a huge home-court advantage, and there's a reason this line is a PK against the No. 1 team.  It's time to 'sell high' on the Boilermakers off nine consecutive wins including a pair of blowout home wins over Michigan State and Penn State in their last two games coming in.

Things haven't been so easy for Purdue on the road this season.  They have been fortunate to beat Nebraska by 3, Ohio State by 2, Michigan State by 1 and Michigan by 5.  Their other two road victories came against lowly Florida State and Minnesota.  This will be their toughest test of the entire season to this point.

Purdue is 0-7 ATS after allowing 60 points or less this season.  The Boilermakers are 2-9 ATS following a win by 15 points or more this season.  Purdue is 0-7 ATS in its last seven Saturday games.  The Hoosiers are 19-9 ATS in their last 28 home games.  Bet Indiana Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Iowa -2

The Iowa Hawkeyes have one of the best home-court advantages in the country.  They are 11-2 SU & 11-2 ATS at home this season.  They are playing well coming in going 6-2 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall with their only two losses both coming on the road at Ohio State and at Michigan State.

The Hawkeyes have really been impressive in Big Ten home games beating Northwestern by 16, Rutgers by 11, Maryland by 14, Michigan by 9 and Indiana by 2 in their last five.  Now they host an Illinois team that is getting too much respect from oddsmakers today.

Illinois is 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in its last eight games overall against a pretty soft schedule overall and it's time to 'sell high' on them.  They have played Nebraska twice, Wisconsin twice, and Minnesota during this stretch.  Against their three toughest opponents they were all three at home with wins over Michigan State and Ohio State and a 15-point loss to Indiana.

Iowa is 9-0 ATS at home with a total of 150 to 159.5 this season.  Illinois is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games vs. teams that make 8 or more 3-pointers per game after 15-plus game.  The Hawkeyes are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. a good team that wins 60% to 80% of its games.  Iowa is 45-20-3 ATS in its last 68 home games.  Bet Iowa Saturday.

20* Virginia/VA Tech ACC No-Brainer on Virginia Tech PK

Virginia Tech is one of the most unlucky teams in the country this season with several close losses.  They have gotten much healthier recently and could go on a run similar to last season where they finished strong and won the ACC Tournament to make the big dance.  This team is fully capable of doing the same thing.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Virginia Cavaliers, who have won seven consecutive games coming in and has been one of the luckiest teams in the country in close games.  In fact, six of their last seven wins came by 10 points or fewer during this run.  Their luck runs out today.

Virginia Tech beat Virginia 62-53 and 65-51 in its last two home meetings with the Cavaliers.  The favorites is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings and the Hokies will close the favorite.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Bet Virginia Tech Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +5.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall with outright upset wins over Boston (three times), Philadelphia, Golden State, and the Clippers among others.  They are much better than the books and the bettors are giving them credit for.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a sandwich spot here.  They are coming off a huge 119-114 (OT) win over the defending champion Warriors, and now they have the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets on deck.  They are in a letdown and lookahead spot here, and I don't think they put their best foot forward because of it.  That's going to make it tough for them to cover this 5.5-point spread against the pesky Magic tonight.

Orlando is 11-2 ATS following two consecutive road games this season.  The Magic are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last five games following an ATS loss.  The Magic are 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings, including 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Minnesota.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Detroit Pistons -1

The Detroit Pistons have a massive rest advantage over the Charlotte Hornets tonight that should lead them to victory in this battle between Eastern Conference bottom feeders.  Detroit was last seen losing 105-111 at Dallas as 8.5-point dogs on Monday, so they have had the last three days off.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd road game in 4 days after losses at Milwaukee on Tuesday and at Chicago on Thursday.  Washington played over 38 minutes last night against the Bulls, Ball 35, Rozier 36 and Plumlee 31.  The Hornets won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons tonight.

Detroit is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  The Hornets are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games when playing 8 or more games in 14 days.  Charlotte is 6-14 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record this season.  Bet the Pistons Friday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington State +7.5

The Washington State Cougars are one of the most underrated teams in the country right now due to their 10-13 record.  But they rank 58th in Kenpom and are the 4th-most unlucky team in the country according to his rankings.  It's easy to see why as they have eight losses by 6 points or less, so they have been unfortunate in close games.

One of their wins came 81-71 at home as 1-point favorites against USC in their first meeting this season.  Now the Cougars are catching 7.5-points in the rematch, which is too much.  That's especially the case with this being a huge letdown spot for USC off the upset win over UCLA last time out, a game I backed the Trojans in.  But I'll gladly fade them here in this spot.

USC is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games as a home favorite or PK.  The Trojans are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a home win by 10 points or more.  USC is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet Washington State Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Washington +18

The UCLA Bruins have come back down to reality with back-to-back losses at Arizona by 6 and at USC by 13.  This line is adjusted too much in their favor tonight for the bounce-back factor.  They may win, but beating Washington by 19-plus points to beat us is asking too much.

Washington is 4-4 SU & 5-3 ATS in its last eight games overall and has played some of its best basketball on the road during this stretch.  The Huskies only lost by 3 as 19-point dogs at Arizona, lost by 8 as 9-point dogs at Arizona State and upset Colorado outright as 9-point dogs.

Now the Huskies have their sights set on revenge from a 49-74 home loss to UCLA as 11-point dogs in their first meeting this season.  But Washington shot just 34.5% from the field including 2-of-25 (8%) from 3-point range in that game, and that's not going to happen again.

Washington is 9-0 ATS in its last nine road games following two consecutive home games.  The Huskies are 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games following an ATS loss.  Washington is 23-6 ATS in its last 29 games following a loss.  The Huskies are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a loss by more than 20 points.  Bet Washington Thursday.

15* AAC PLAY OF THE DAY on Wichita State +12.5

The Houston Cougars are 20-2 this season and the No. 3 ranked team in the country.  With that ranking comes expectations that are hard to live up to from the betting public, and thus they are consistently too big of favorites.  That's the case tonight as 12.5-point road favorites at Wichita State.

Houston just lost outright as a 19-point home favorite to Temple, needed a late comeback to beat Cincinnati by 6 as a 14-point favorite, only beat South Florida by 6 as a 23-point favorite and only beat UCF by 6 as a 15-point favorite.  The Cougars aren't invincible like these recent spreads are indicating.

Few teams have played Houston as tough as Wichita State in the American Athletic in recent meetings.  Indeed, the Shockers are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Cougars.  They only lost by 2 in OT as 6.5-point home dogs, only lost by 10 as 11-point road dogs, upset them by 5 as 7-point home dogs and only lost by 7 as 11-point road dogs in those four meetings.  I think this one is decided by single-digits as well.

Wichita State is 24-9 ATS in its last 33 games as a double-digit underdog.  The Shockers are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. top caliber teams that outscore their opponents by 12-plus points per game.  Bet Wichita State Thursday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on New Orleans Pelicans +4.5

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans following nine consecutive losses.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight, and they are much better than they have shown while battling through injuries lately.  They are now fully healthy with the exception of Zion Williamson and I expect them to upset the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

The Mavericks have been the single-most overvalued team in the NBA. They are 27-25 SU but just 17-33-2 ATS this season.  Luka Doncic has to carry too much of the load for this team, and now he's without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG).  The Mavericks are 3-6 SU & 2-7 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Dallas is 2-12 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  The Mavericks are 3-13 ATS following a home win this season.  The Mavericks are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on two days' rest.  Dallas is 5-20-1 ATS in its last 26 games following a win.  Bet the Pelicans Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Florida State +10.5

The Florida State Seminoles were a disaster in non-conference play this season.  They have been undervalued since.  The Seminoles have gone 5-6 SU but 8-3 ATS in conference play this season.  They have actually done their best work on the road of late, winning outright 84-71 as 4.5-point dogs at Notre Dame and 71-64 as 7.5-point dogs at Pitt in their last two road games.

The Seminoles should not be double-digit underdogs to the NC State Wolfpack tonight.  This feels like a letdown spot for the Wolfpack, who are coming off two straight narrow wins over Notre Dame by 3 as 9.5-point home favorites and Wake Forest by 2 as 3-point road dogs.  They also only beat Miami by 2 in their previous home game.  They remain without Jack Clark (9.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG) and Dusan Mahorcic (8.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG).

The Seminoles are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.  The Wolfpack are 17-35-3 ATS in their last 55 home games.  NC State is 0-8 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Bet Florida State Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Memphis Grizzlies -5

This is a rare opportunity to 'buy low' on the Memphis Grizzlies after going through their worst stretch of the season.  They finally ended a five-game losing streak with a 112-100 home win over the Pacers last time out.  All five losses came on the road, but the Grizzlies have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA at home.

Indeed, the Grizzlies are 21-3 SU & 16-8 ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.  This is a very short number for them to be laying against the Portland Trail Blazers, who are coming off a five-game home stand but are just 10-15 SU & 12-13 ATS on the road.

Memphis is 10-1 ATS after losing four or five of its last six games over the last two seasons.  Portland is 6-18 ATS in its last 24 games vs. a top teams that win between 60% and 70% of their games.  The Blazers are 0-8 ATS in their last eight road games.  The Grizzlies are 36-14-1 ATS in their last 51 home games.  Bet the Grizzlies Wednesday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Penn State +10.5

Purdue is the No. 1 ranked team in the country.  With that ranking comes expectations that are going to be difficult for them to live up to.  Now they are double-digit favorites against Penn State tonight, and this number is a few notches too high.

I believe this is a letdown spot for the Boilermakers.  They already beat Penn State 76-63 on a neutral on January 8th.  They are coming off a big home win against Michigan State and have a big road game on deck at Indiana.  That makes this a sandwich spot, and I don't think we get their best effort as a result.

Penn State obviously wants revenge from that earlier defeat.  The Nittany Lions have been playing well going 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games since that loss to Purdue.  All three wins came by double-digits, and one of the losses came by just 3 points at Wisconsin.

Purdue is 0-6 ATS following eight or more consecutive wins this season.  The Boilermakers are 1-9 ATS following a win by 15 points or more this season.  Purdue is 0-7 ATS following a home win by 10 points or more this season.  Penn State is a perfect 7-0 ATS in its last seven games when revenging a same-season loss.  These four trends combine for a 29-1 system backing the Nittany Lions.  Bet Penn State Wednesday.

20* Pelicans/Nuggets TNT No-Brainer on New Orleans +7

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the New Orleans Pelicans.  They have lost seven consecutive games coming in.  They will want revenge from a 98-99 home loss to the Nuggets on January 24th just a week ago.  I love the value we are getting on the Pelicans tonight catching 7 points in the rematch.

It's not like the Nuggets are playing much better.  They are 1-3 SU in their last four games overall with their lone victory coming by a single point.  That includes an upset home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  They have only won one of their last five home games by double-digits.

The Pelicans are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Denver.  Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on Kentucky -7.5

The Kentucky Wildcats are playing up to their potential finally in going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone loss to Kansas, which came up with clutch 3 after clutch 3 over the weekend to escape with a victory.  They won by 16 at Vanderbilt, upset Tennessee by 7 as double-digit road dogs, beat Georgia by 14 and Texas A&M by 9 at home.

Now the Wildcats actually take a step down in class here against Ole Miss and this one has blowout written all over it with the way the Rebels are going right now.  Indeed, Ole Miss is 1-9 SU & 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games overall with its lone win come against South Carolina, the worst team in the SEC.  They lost by 22 at Oklahoma State, by 12 at home to Missouri, by 12 at Arkansas, were upset at home by Georgia, lost by 9 at home to Auburn, by 10 at Mississippi State, by 22 at Alabama nd were upset as 22.5-point home favorites to North Alabama during this stretch.

Ole Miss is 1-8 ATS as an underdog this season.  The Rebels are 0-6 ATS in their last six games after allowing 80 points or more.  Ole Miss is 0-7 ATS vs. a team that wins 60% to 80% of their games this season.  Bet Kentucky Tuesday.

15* MWC PLAY OF THE DAY on Boise State -7.5

The Boise State Broncos have been destroying teams of late.  They are 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 points at New Mexico as 2.5-point underdogs.  They beat Utah State by 23 at home, UNLV by 18 on the road, Wyoming by 17 on the road, Nevada by 15 at home, Fresno by 10 at home and Colorado State by 21 at home.

Each of Boise State's last six wins have come by double-digits against some very good competition, and now they actually take a step down in class here against Air Force.  The Falcons are 3-6 in their last nine games overall with five losses by 8 points or more.  I don't see them offering much resistance here against the Broncos, either.

Boise State won 85-59 at Air Force last season.  The Broncos are 9-1 ATS after allowing 60 points or less this season.  Boise State is 9-0 ATS in its last nine road games vs. poor foul drawing teams that attempt 18 or fewer free throws per game.  The Broncos are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 road games.  The road team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings.  Bet Boise State Tuesday.

20* SEC GAME OF THE WEEK on Vanderbilt +15.5

Vanderbilt has been a tremendous bet as a road underdog.  The Commodores are 5-1 ATS as road underdogs this season with two outright upsets and not a single loss by more than 9 points.  They lost by 3 at Missouri as 8.5-point dogs, by 9 at Tennessee as 16.5-point dogs and by 6 at Texas A&M as 9.5-point dogs.  They can stay within 15.5 points of Alabama tonight.

The Crimson Tide beat the Commodores 78-66 at Vanderbilt as 9-point favorites in their first meeting this season on January 17th.  I always like backing the road underdog in the rematch after losing the first meeting.  Vanderbilt shot 30.1% as a team and 6-of-33 (18.2%) from 3-point range in that first meeting and still only lost by 12.  I'd have to expect them to improve their shooting in the rematch.

The Commodores are 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 road games.  Vanderbilt is 21-5-1 ATS in its last 27 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Alabama is 8-18-1 ATS in its last 27 home games.  The road team is 19-6-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings.  The underdog is 20-7-1 ATS in the last 28 meetings.

The Crimson Tide are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  Vanderbilt is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games revenging a loss where opponents scored 75 points or more.  The Commodores are 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games following a loss by 6 points or less.  Alabama is 0-6 ATS in its last six games after allowing 90 points or more.  These four trends combined for a perfect 26-0 system backing the Commodores.  Bet Vanderbilt Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +8.5

The Dallas Mavericks have been getting respect all season that has been unwarranted.  They are 26-25 SU but just 17-32-2 ATS this season.  They are just 3-8 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood right now, plus Luka Doncic is questionable with an ankle injury.  I like the Pistons at this number whether or not Doncic plays.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They pulled off the 130-122 upset win at Brooklyn as identical 8.5-point dogs in their last road game.  They are rested and ready to go playing just their 4th game in 11 days tonight.  Detroit pulled the 131-125 upset as 8-point home dogs to the Mavericks in their first meeting this season.

Detroit is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Dallas is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games when revenging a loss as a favorite of 7 points or more.  Bet the Pistons Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the most undervalued team in the NBA for two seasons running now.  That has especially been the case of late as the Thunder are 8-3 SU & 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with all three losses coming by 5 points or fewer.  They are showing tremendous value catching 5.5 points at home to the Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Warriors have been dreadful on the road this season going 6-18 SU & 8-16 ATS away from home.  They play zero defense on the highway, allowing 122.9 points per game on 49% shooting.  The Thunder are 15-10 SU & 16-9 ATS at home this season and scoring 119.4 points per game on 48% shooting.

The Warriors are 2-10 ATS in road games following a win this season.  Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games vs. good offensive teams that average 116 or more points per game.  The Thunder are 8-0-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Sacramento Kings PK

I love the spot for the Sacramento Kings tonight.  They will be out for revenge from a 110-117 road loss at Minnesota on Saturday.  Now they get their shot at revenge here two days later and are the fresher team by far.

While the Kings will only be playing their 2nd game in 5 days, the Timberwolves will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and their 11th game in 18 days.  This is a clear letdown spot for the Timberwolves after just beating the Kings, plus it's a lookahead spot with the defending champion Warriors on deck Wednesday.  I expect the Kings to give an A-plus effort and the Timberwolves to be flat tonight.

Plays on road teams (Sacramento) - revenging a loss, while also off two or more consecutive upset losses as favorites are 42-21 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Kings are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 games when playing on one days' rest.  Bet the Kings Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -8.5

The Memphis Grizzlies will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost a season-high five consecutive games, but all five losses came on the road.  Now they are back home where they are 20-3 SU & 15-8 ATS this season and outscoring opponents by 11.2 points per game.

The Grizzlies get a step down in class here against the Indiana Pacers, who have really been struggling without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), who is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  The Pacers are 1-9 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall and this run has coincided with the loss of Haliburton.  Five of their last seven losses have been by double-digits so they have rarely been competitive.

Memphis is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games after losing four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games vs. Central Division opponents.  The Grizzlies beat the Pacers 130-112 as 7.5-point road favorites on January 14th, and now are only 8.5-point home favorites in the rematch.  The Grizzlies are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with wins by 18, 30 and 33 points.  Bet the Grizzlies Sunday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Michigan State +8

The Michigan State Spartans want revenge from a 63-64 home loss to Purdue on January 16th less than two weeks ago.  I think they can stay within 8 points on the road in the rematch and possibly pull off the upset, especially since they have a healthy Malik Hall for the rematch after not having him available in the first meeting.

Purdue has been one of the luckiest teams in the country winning most of their close games.  They have three wins by 5 points or less in their last four games with the exception being a blowout win over lowly Minnesota.  They only won by 1 at Michigan State, by 3 at home against Maryland and by 5 at Michigan.  They lost outright at home to Rutgers for their lone defeat this season.

Purdue is 0-7 ATS following six or more consecutive wins this season.  The Boilermakers are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight home games.  Purdue is 1-9-2 ATS in its last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  It's time to 'sell high' on the Boilermakers today.  Bet Michigan State Sunday.

15* Lakers/Celtics ABC ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles +8

The Los Angeles Lakers want revenge from a 118-122 (OT) home loss to the Boston Celtics in which they blew a double-digit lead in the final minutes on December 13th in their first meeting this season.  They have Anthony Davis back healthy now and both James and Walker IV are questionable for this one.

The Celtics will be without their glue guy in Marcus Smart, who is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  That has shown as the Celtics are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games without him losing by 15 at Orlando as 7.5-point favorites, losing by 3 at Miami as 2.5-point dogs and lost by 3 at home to New York as 8.5-point favorites.

The Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall with their two wins during this stretch coming by 3 and 2 points.  They aren't blowing anyone out.  The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall with only one loss by more than 5 points in their last eight games.  Los Angeles is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games overall dating back further, including 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.  Bet the Lakers Saturday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Vanderbilt +10.5

The Vanderbilt Commodores don't get blown out often and will give the Texas A&M Aggies a run for their money tonight.  They have just one loss by more than 12 points all season and that came against Kentucky.  They only lost by 3 at Missouri, by 9 at Tennessee, by 5 at VCU, upset Temple and upset Georgia in their five true road games this season.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Texas A&M Aggies.  They have gone 8-1 SU & 6-3 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They are coming off a brutal three-game stretch beating Florida by 2 at home, losing by 9 at Kentucky and upsetting Auburn on the road.  That makes this a natural letdown spot for the Aggies after handing Auburn its first home loss in ages.

Vanderbilt is 9-0 ATS in its last nine games following a double-digit home loss.  The Commodores are 15-3 ATS in their last 18 road games following a loss.  Vanderbilt is 9-1 ATS in road games following three consecutive games where it committed 14 or fewer turnovers.  The Commodores are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 road games, including 20-5-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Bet Vanderbilt Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Sacramento Kings -2.5

This is a terrible spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 10th game in 16 days, which is about as tough of a situation as you will see in the NBA.  

Don't be surprised if they rest some starters after four starters played at least 30 minutes last night including 37 from Russell and 36 from Edwards.  It's also a letdown spot for the Timberwolves off an upset win over the Grizzlies, who knocked them out of the playoffs last year, so they definitely wanted some revenge last night and got it.

The Kings come in on two days' rest and will test Minnesota's tired legs by playing at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.  They will also be highly motivated for a win off an upset loss to the Raptors last time out.  The Kings have been a great road team this season at 11-9 SU & 13-7 ATS.  The Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Bet the Kings Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on New Orleans Pelicans -4

It's safe to say the New Orleans Pelicans will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost six consecutive games coming into this one.  But they just got Brandon Ingram back from injury last game, and they are at full strength with the exception of Zion Williamson.  This is a great spot to 'buy low' on the Pelicans, who also come in on two days' rest.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Washington Wizards, who are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall against a pretty soft schedule.  PF Kristaps Porzingis is out for the Wizards while PG Monte Morris is questionable.  The Pelicans beat the Wizards 132-112 on the road in their first meeting this season on January 9th.

The Wizards are 15-36-1 ATS in their last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Washington is 6-15-2 ATS in its last 23 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  New Orleans is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last four home meetings with the Wizards.  Bet the Pelicans Saturday.

20* Kansas/Kentucky ESPN No-Brainer on Kansas +3

The Kansas Jayhawks have never lost more than three games in a row under Bill Self.  Well, they come in on a three-game losing streak with losses to Kansas State, TCU and Baylor.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory today.

We'll 'buy low' on the Jayhawks, who also want revenge from a home loss to Kentucky last season.  We'll 'sell high' on the Wildcats, who have gone 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall, while Kansas has failed to cover the spread in five consecutive games.

Kentucky is 0-6 ATS vs. good shooting teams that make 45% or better this season.  The Wildcats are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Bet Kansas Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Night Line Mistake on Los Angeles Clippers PK

The Los Angeles Clippers are a dangerous team when both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are healthy.  That has been the case in recent games and it has shown.  The Clippers are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with wins by 5, 14, 18 and 38 points.

Now they make it five in a row as a PK on the road at the Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks had lost to the Hornets by 4 at home and the Bulls by 11 on the road before getting a 5-point win at OKC.  They take a huge step up in class here after playing a very easy schedule of late.

Atlanta is 4-17 ATS in its last 21 games following a win by 6 points or less.  The Hawks are 6-18 ATS in their last 24 games following an ATS win.  Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last five games when playing on two days' rest.  Bet the Clippers Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Fresno State +4.5

Fresno State has been great at home this season in conference play.  The Bulldogs upset Wyoming, New Mexico and UNLV at home with their lone loss coming by 3 points.  Now I expect them to upset Utah State, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

Utah State has lost its last three conference road games by double-digits.  The Aggies lost by 23 as 2-point dogs at Boise, by 15 as 2-point dogs at Nevada and by 10 as 7-point dogs at San Diego State.  They also lost at Fresno State last season.

Utah State is 14-40 ATS in its last 54 road games following a road loss.  The Aggies are 1-8 ATS in their last nine road games following four consecutive games where they forced 14 or fewer turnovers.  Utah State is 2-2 SU & 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall with its two wins both coming at home by 4 over UNLV and by 1 over San Jose State.  Bet Fresno State Saturday.

15* Texas/Tennessee ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Texas +6.5

This line should be much closer to PK.  Both Tennessee and Texas enter 17-3 this season but the difference is Texas played in the best conference in the country in the Big 12, while Tennessee plays in the SEC.  The Longhorns have played the tougher schedule and are more ready for this game.

The Longhorns have shown they can still be great without Chris Beard as they have won five of their last six games overall with their lone loss coming at Iowa State.  Kentucky won at Tennessee outright as a big underdog a few weeks ago, so it can be done.

Tennessee ranks 1st in the country in defensive efficiency, and while no denying they are a great defensive team, they have been fortunate with opposing teams missing open shots.  Opponents are only hitting 21.6% on 3-pointers against them and 25% of open 3's, which is just pure luck.  Texas scores 80.5 points per game this season and will test the Vols' D more than anyone has up to this point.  The Longhorns rank 12th in adjusted offense and 27th in adjusted defense.  Bet Texas Saturday.

15* Pac-12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington +9.5

The Arizona Wildcats are just 3-6 ATS in their last nine games overall and not blowing anyone out of late.  They are in a tough spot here following three consecutive wins over USC at home, UCLA at home and Washington State on the road.  Asking them to beat the Huskies by double-digits is asking too much.

Washington has been grossly undervalued of late.  The Huskies are 4-3 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall with only one loss by double-digits during this stretch.  They only lost by 3 at Arizona, by 8 at Arizona State, they upset Colorado on the road and upset Arizona State at home.  Now they want revenge from that 3-point road loss at Arizona on January 5th, which proved they could hang with the Wildcats.

Washington is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games following three consecutive games as an underdog.  The Huskies are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. teams that make eight or more 3-pointers per game.  Arizona is 2-9 ATS vs. teams that force 14 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  Bet Washington Saturday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE MONTH on Wisconsin +2

It's time to 'buy low' on the Wisconsin Badgers.  They have lost five of their last six games overall and have failed to cover the spread in nine consecutive games.  Now they are catching points at home to Illinois and will be out for revenge on the Fighting Illini after losing 69-79 to them on January 7th on the road.

But the Badgers didn't have their best player in Tyler Wahl for that game, and they have struggled without him.  He is back now and the Badgers are as healthy as they have been in a long time and looking to make a run.

We'll 'sell high' on Illinois, which is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall against an easy schedule.  Four of the six games were at home and the two road wins came at lowly Nebraska and Minnesota, arguably the two worst teams in the Big Ten.  They also lost at Northwestern in their road game prior.

Wisconsin is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when the line is +3 to -3.  Illinois is 0-9 ATS in its last nine games vs. teams that make 8 or more 3-pointers per game after 15-plus games.  The Fighting Illini are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 road games after going under the total in their previous game.  Bet Wisconsin Saturday.

15* AAC PLAY OF THE DAY on Cincinnati +14

Houston has actually been way better on the road than it has been at home this season.  Let's just look at Houston's recent home games.  They lost outright as 19-point favorites to Temple, only beat South Florida by 6 as 23-point favorites and only beat UCF by 6 as 15-point favorites in three of their last four home games.

Cincinnati wants revenge from a 59-72 home loss to Houston in their first meeting this season.  That was a rare loss for the Bearcats, who have gone 8-3 SU & 7-4 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  The Bearcats have just one loss by more than 13 points this season, so they don't get blown out easily.

The Bearcats have a big advantage in rest and preparation as they come in on five days' rest while the Cougars come in on two days' rest after playing a road game at UCF on Wednesday, while the Bearcats last played on Sunday.

The Bearcats are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.  Cincinnati is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games overall.  The Cougars are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.  Bet Cincinnati Saturday.

15* Raptors/Warriors NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto +5.5

The Toronto Raptors are fully healthy right now and playing well.  They have gone 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 to Boston as 3.5-point dogs.  They beat the Knicks by 9 as 2.5-point home favorites and also upset the Warriors by 18 as 3-point road dogs.

Now the Raptors are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and will be highly motivated to try and beat the defending champion Warriors.  This is a Warriors team that is just 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall and could be without Andrew Wiggins tonight.  They have just one win by double-digits and two wins by more than 6 points in their last 14 games overall, so they aren't blowing anyone out.

Toronto is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games following two consecutive wins.  The Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games overall with 10 outright upsets as underdogs.  They are way better than they get credit for, and we'll continue to back them until the oddsmakers and betting public catch up to them.  The Magic are catching too many points tonight against the Miami Heat.

Miami is in a letdown spot following a 98-95 win over the Boston Celtics last time out.  The Heat haven't been blowing out anyone as they have only two wins in their last 11 games by more than 8 points.  They won't be blowing out the Magic tonight, either.

Orlando is 7-0 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  Miami is 11-21 ATS as a favorite this season.  Orlando is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on one day of rest.  The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Heat are 9-19-2 ATS in their last 30 games following a win, and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win.  Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings, and 6-2 ATS in the last eight trips to Miami.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -2.5

The Memphis Grizzlies have lost a season-high four consecutive games with three of those losses coming by a combined 5 points.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight so they don't get swept on this five-game road trip.  A motivated Grizzlies team as a short favorite is one that I definitely want to get behind.

We will 'buy low' on the Grizzlies tonight, while also 'selling high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have gone 9-4 SU & 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  The Timberwolves have taken advantage of a pretty easy schedule during this run, but this is a big step up in class for them tonight.

Memphis is a perfect 9-0 ATS in its last nine games after having lost four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 meetings with the Timberwolves.  Bet the Grizzlies Friday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on USC +5

The USC Trojans are improving rapidly.  They have gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall and have a huge home-court advantage, going 9-1 SU at home this season.  Now they want revenge from a 58-60 road loss at UCLA in their first meeting this season on January 5th.

The Trojans come back as 5-point home underdogs in the rematch, and I think they have a great chance to win this game outright, but we'll take the points for some insurance.  UCLA is coming off a loss at Arizona to end a 14-game winning streak.  

I always like fading teams after having a long winning streak snapped because there tends to be a hangover effect in that next game.  That's especially the case for UCLA here as they were way more motivated to face Arizona than they will be to beat USC for a second time this season.

The Trojans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning record.  USC is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games.  The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  The home team is 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings.  USC is 4-0 SU in its last four home meetings with UCLA.  Bet USC Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Seattle +6.5

Seattle is 16-4 this season and one of the most underrated teams in the country.  That has played out here of late in conference play with the schedule getting easier for them.  The Redhawks are now 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall with four wins by 15 points or more.

Sam Houston State is also a quality team at 15-5 this season with some impressive non-conference wins.  But the Bearkats should not be favored by 6.5 points over Seattle tonight.  This game should be much closer to PK, so we'll take advantage and back the value on the road underdog Redhawks.

Sam Houston State is 0-5-1 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Seattle is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games vs. good offensive teams that average 77 or more points per game after 15-plus games.  Seattle beat Sam Houston State 78-63 last season and brought back almost their entire team this season.  This one will go down to the wire tonight folks.  Bet Seattle Thursday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +9

The Brooklyn Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 133-137 loss in Philadelphia last night.  They will be playing in their 6th different city in 10 days after playing their last five games on the road.  The Nets are just 2-5 SU in their last seven games without Kevin Durant with three losses by double-digits.  

Irving played 38 minutes, Claxton 38, Curry 34 and O-Neale 34 last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons, and that's going to make it very difficult to win by double-digits, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Pistons are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 11 days.  That makes it a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 1-7 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They are primed for one of their biggest efforts of the season tonight given the favorable spot.

Detroit is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Brooklyn is 0-8 ATS in its last eight home games after losing four or five of its last six games.  Brooklyn is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team that wins less than 25% of their games.  The Nets are 14-39-2 ATS in their last 55 home games.  Detroit is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Michigan State -2

Michigan State is 8-2 SU & 6-4 ATS at home this season with one of the losses coming to No. 1 ranked Purdue by a single point.  Iowa is 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in Big Ten road games this season with losses to Nebraska by 16, Penn State by 4 and Ohio State by 16.  The Spartans should be bigger home favorites over the Hawkeyes tonight.

Michigan State is 17-2 SU & 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home meetings with Iowa.  The Spartans are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games after playing a game as an underdog.  The Hawkeyes are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.  The Spartans are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet Michigan State Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

I'll gladly fade the Los Angeles Lakers in a terrible spot tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 7th game in 11 days after a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last night. They won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Spurs as they were the Clippers.

That's especially the case considering the Lakers have already beaten the Spurs three times this season alone. That means the Spurs will be playing with triple-revenge, and thus they will be the more motivated team.

The Spurs have quietly gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They will be the way fresher team playing just their 3rd game in 8 days. The Lakers are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games following a double-digit home loss. Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +1

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the single most underrated team in the NBA over the past couple seasons. They continue to get no respect as home underdogs to the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

The Thunder are 7-2 SU & 9-0 ATS in their last nine games overall. That includes six outright upsets as underdogs, which they just have a habit of doing. They should be favored over the Hawks at home tonight.

The Thunder come in rested and ready to go on two days' rest. The Hawks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days and their 8th game in 12 days tonight. They are starting to wear down after getting upset by the Hornets as 7.5-point home favorites two games ago, they lost by 11 at Chicago as 1-point road dogs last time out.

The Hawks are 7-23 ATS in their last 30 home games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Oklahoma City is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games playing on two days' rest. The Thunder are 25-11 ATS in the last 36 meetings. Bet the Thunder Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic -4.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall. This team is way better than they get credit for, and they are as healthy as they have been all season right now.

Now the Magic take on the struggling Indiana Pacers, who are 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS i n their last eight games overall. They are without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), and their recent struggles are due to missing one of the most underrated players in the NBA.

The Pacers ended a seven-game losing streak with a 116-110 comeback victory over Chicago last night. But that was a Bulls team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back. Now the Pacers are the team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back with travel. Four players played at least 32 minutes for the Pacers last night, and they won't have much left in the tank for the Magic.

The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games. The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games playing on one days' rest. Bet the Magic Wednesday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Georgia +17

The Georgia Bulldogs are off to a 13-6 SU & 10-9 ATS start in former Florida head coach Mike White's first season on the job. He is exceeding expectations already, and the Bulldogs are undervalued as 17-point road underdogs to Tennessee tonight.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Volunteers, who are 7-1 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last eight games overall and coming off a pair of double-digit road wins over LSU and Mississippi State. They have a huge game on deck against Texas Saturday and could be looking ahead to that one.

Georgia has had Tennessee's number, going 6-4 SU & 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The Bulldogs are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. Bet Georgia Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on South Carolina +17.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Florida Gators tonight. They have won four of their last five while going 4-0 ATS in their last four. They are now laying too many points to South Carolina tonight.

Conversely, we'll 'buy low' on the Gamecocks, who are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall. This run followed up a 71-68 upset at Kentucky as 20-point dogs to flash their potential. They can hang with Florida, too.

Home-court advantage has meant nothing in this series. The road team is actually 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings. South Carolina upset Florida as 7.5, 11.5 and 10.5-point dogs in its last three trips to Gainesville. Bet South Carolina Wednesday.

20* AAC GAME OF THE WEEK on South Florida +6.5

The Temple Owls are in the ultimate letdown spot. They are coming off a massive 56-55 upset road win at No. 1 ranked Houston. It's only human nature for them to have a letdown following one of the biggest wins in program history.

That's especially the case since they play a South Florida team that they've already beaten 68-64 on the road in their first meeting this season on January 4th. They won't be nearly as motivated to beat them a second time.

South Florida is playing its best basketball of the season of late and is ready to pull off this upset. The Bulls upset ECU 81-70 as road underdogs and UCF 85-72 as home underdogs. They also only lost by 6 at Houston as 23-point dogs in going 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall.

South Florida is 8-2 ATS as an underdog this season. The Bulls are 6-0 ATS after playing two consecutive home games this season. USF is 36-17-1 ATS in its last 54 road games. The road team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Bet South Florida Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington Wizards +7.5

The Washington Wizards are playing much better of late since getting Bradley Beal back from injury. After upsetting the Knicks 116-105 as 5-point dogs two games ago, they came back and blasted the Magic 138-118 as 6.5-point home favorites.

Now the Wizards have had the last two days off and are as rested as they have been all season. They will also be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days as well as their 4th game in 11 days.

The Dallas Mavericks are just 2-6 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall and don't deserve to be 7.5-point favorites here. In fact, they have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season at just 16-30-2 ATS in their 48 games. They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG) right now, which puts too much on Luka Doncic's shoulders.

The Wizards are 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Mavericks with three outright upsets as 6, 6 and 7.5-point dogs as well as a 1-point loss as 4.5-point dogs. This line should be much closer to PK. Bet the Wizards Tuesday.

20* Penn State/Rutgers Big Ten No-Brainer on Penn State +6.5

This is a very evenly matched game tonight. Penn State is 13-6 SU & 12-7 ATS while Rutgers is 13-6 SU & 13-6 ATS. The Scarlet Knights deserve some respect for home-court advantage, but this line should be 3 or less, not 6.5. There's clearly value with the road underdog Nittany Lions.

Penn State is 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in its last four meetings with Rutgers with its lone loss coming by a single point, 58-59 as 5.5-point road dogs. I think this game comes down to the final possession, too.

The Nittany Lions are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games. Penn State is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The underdog is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Bet Penn State Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +8.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall and have been very competitive even in losing efforts. Now they are catching too many points tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the Spurs are rested on two days' rest and playing just their 2nd game in 6 days, the Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 112-121 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night. It was their 3rd consecutive loss by 9 points or more.

The Blazers have no business being this heavily favored against anyone considering they are just 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Lillard played 39 minutes, Simons 38, Grant 34 and Hart 32 last night, so they won't have much left in the tank for the Spurs tonight.

Portland is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games following an upset loss as a favorite. San Antonio is 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland. Bet the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall. Now they are catching too many points at home to the Boston Celtics tonight.

The Celtics are without both Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon tonight, Robert Williams is questionable. and Jayson Tatum will be paying through a wrist injury. They are laying too many points on the road tonight given their injury situation.

Orlando is 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in three meetings with Boston this season. The Magic won outright as 13-point road dogs, outright as 11-point road dogs and only lost by 6 as 9-point home dogs in their first three meetings this season.

Orlando is 5-0 ATS In its last five games following a loss. The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on one day of rest. Boston is 1-9 ATS when revenging a loss this season. Bet the Magic Monday.

15* Duke/Virginia Tech ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Virginia Tech -2.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Virginia Tech Hokies tonight. They have gone 0-7 SU & 0-7 ATS in their last seven games overall with all seven losses by 10 points or fewer, including five losses by 5 points or less.

But the Hokies are now as healthy as they have been all season. They return home from three consecutive brutal road games at Virginia, Syracuse and Clemson. And I expect them to put it on the Duke Blue Devils, who have been one of the most overrated teams in the country because of the name on their uniform.

Duke is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight games overall. The Blue Devils have been terrible on the road, going 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS in true road games this season. Their lone win came by a single point at Boston College as 8-point favorites, and they lost by 11 as 6.5-point favorites at Wake Forest, by 24 as 4.5-point favorites at NC State and by 8 as 1-point favorites at Clemson.

The Blue Devils are 0-6 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning record. Duke is 0-5 ATS in its last five road games. The Blue Devils are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall. The home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Bet Virginia Tech Monday.

20* WCC GAME OF THE WEEK on Santa Clara +12.5

Santa Clara wants revenge from a 64-67 home loss to St. Mary's in their first meeting on December 31st as 6-point underdogs.  Now the books have moved this number 6.5 points to St. Mary's -12.5, which is too big of an adjustment for home-court advantage.

The reason the books have over-adjusted is because St. Mary's is 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS in its last seven games overall and making backers a lot of money.  But it's time to 'sell high' on them now, and it's time to back a Broncos team that has consistently been disrespected from oddsmakers.  The Broncos are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall with their two losses during this stretch coming by 3 to St. Mary's and by 5 to Gonzaga.

Santa Clara is 7-1 ATS in its last eight meetings with St. Mary's.  Each of the last eight meetings were decided by 11 points or less, and each of the last seven meetings were decided by 8 points or fewer.  Bet Santa Clara Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season.

This line has been adjusted too much in Washington's favor due to Orlando playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But the Magic had four days off prior to beating the Pelicans 123-110 at home last night.  Only Franz Wagner played more than 26 minutes for the Magic in that win, so they will still be fresh and ready for another big effort tonight.

Washington has no business laying this big of a number to anyone.  The Wizards are 19-26 on the season and just 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall with four losses by 9 points or more, and one win coming by 3 points.  They are getting too much respect for their upset win at New York last time out, which was a revenge game for them after recently losing to the Knicks two games prior.

Orlando is 8-1 ATS after covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  Washington is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on two days' rest.  The Magic are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Washington is also 14-37-1 ATS in its last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its las six trips to Washington.  Bet the Magic Saturday.

25* CBB UPSET GAME OF THE YEAR on Arizona +1

The UCLA Bruins have won 14 consecutive games and were fortunate to win four of their last six as they needed some heroics late.  Their luck runs out this week and the streak stops here in their toughest game of the season at Arizona.

The Wildcats are 10-1 at home this season and it will be a raucous atmosphere this afternoon in Tuscon.  Arizona won its final two meetings with Arizona last season 76-66 at home and 84-76 in the Pac-12 Tournament.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

UCLA is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games following three consecutive wins by 10 points or more.  The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Bet Arizona Saturday.

20* Iowa/Ohio State Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State -4

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Ohio State Buckeyes.  They have gone 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall, so we are buying at the very bottom on them as short home favorites over the Iowa Hawkeyes today.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Hawkeyes.  They have gone 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with three of those wins coming at home.  They are 1-2 in true road games in Big Ten play this season with losses by 16 at Nebraska and by 4 at Penn State plus an upset win at Rutgers.

The Hawkeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  Iowa is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games following three or more consecutive home games.  Bet Ohio State Saturday.

20* Texas Tech/Kansas State Big 12 No-Brainer on Texas Tech +5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on Texas Tech today.  The Red Raiders are 0-6 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  They are still in search of their first Big 12 victory with five of the six losses coming by 7 points or fewer, so it's not like they haven't been competitive.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Kansas State Wildcats.  They are 16-2 SU & 12-5 ATS this season.  The Wildcats are coming off an upset win over rival Kansas, so that makes this a massive letdown spot now.  They have been celebrating that win since Tuesday and won't be fully focused for Texas Tech today.

Texas Tech has won 8 of its last 10 meetings with Kansas State outright.  The Red Raiders have a great shot to pull off the upset today, but we'll take the points for some insurance.  Bet Texas Tech Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on TCU +7.5

The TCU Horned Frogs are 14-4 this season with all four losses coming by single-digits, including three by 4 points or fewer.  They won't bet getting blown out by Kansas today, either.

The Jayhawks have proven to be very vulnerable of late, especially at home.  They have gone 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They won by 14 as 21.5-point home favorites over Harvard, won by 2 as 10-point home favorites over Oklahoma State, won by 4 as 10.5-point home favorites over Oklahoma and won by 2 as 7.5-point home favorites over Iowa State.

TCU beat Kansas 74-64 as 6-point home dogs and only lost by 4 as 11.5-point road dogs in their two regular season meetings last year, and Kansas went on to win the National Championship.  The Horned Frogs are 24-9-4 ATS in their last 37 games vs. a team with a winning record.

TCU is 5-0 ATS in its last five games following a loss.  The Horned Frogs are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 road games.  The Jayhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.  Bet TCU Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz -6

The Brooklyn Nets have been a disaster without Kevin Durant.  They are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 11 at home to Boston as 1-point dogs, by 12 at home to OKC as 4.5-point favorites, by 8 at San Antonio as 2.5-point favorites and by 5 at Phoenix as 3.5-point favorites.

Now the Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days as well as their 3rd consecutive road game.  Kyrie Irving played 38 minutes, Nic Claxton 35 minutes, Seth Curry 36 minutes, Royce O'Neale 34 minutes and Joe Harris 31 minutes last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank tonight, and now they have to play in altitude in Salt Lake City to make matters worse.

The Jazz are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone loss coming by a single point to the 76ers as 7-point dogs.  They upset the Timberwolves, crushed the Clippers by 23 and beat the Cavaliers and Magic during this stretch.  Unlike the Nets, the Jazz are fully healthy right now and have been dangerous when that's the case.

The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Utah is 19-8 ATS in the last 27 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Salt Lake City.  The Jazz are 17-3 ATS in their last 20 home games following three or more consecutive ATS wins.  Bet the Jazz Friday.

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic +2

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season, and this is a great spot for them coming in on four days' rest after being off since January 15th.

The New Orleans have been playing without their two best players in Zion Williamson (26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG) and Brandon Ingram (20.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG) and it's no surprise they have struggled without them.  Both remain out, plus key role player Herbert Jones (10.0 PPG) is questionable after missing the past four games.  Another role player in Naji Marshall (10.5 PPG) is questionable as well.

The Pelicans are just 3-7 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Orlando is 10-2 ATS after playing two consecutive road games this season.  New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Magic are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* CBB Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on Oregon State +11

The Stanford Cardinal are 5-12 this season and should not be double-digit favorites against anyone in the Pac-12, including Oregon State.  The Cardinal are 0-5 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall which included a 22-point loss to Cal and a 17-point loss to Washington.

Oregon State is also 0-5 SU in its last five games, but has been more competitive going 3-2 ATS.  The Beavers only lost by 9 as 13.5-point dogs at Oregon, by 12 as 15-point home dogs to Arizona and by 5 as 9-point home dogs to Arizona State.

Home-court advantage has not mattered in this series.  The road team is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Oregon State pulled the 68-63 upset as 6-point road dogs in 2020 and the 73-62 upset as 5-point road dogs in 2021.  

The Cardinal are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games.  The Beavers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games after playing two consecutive games as home underdogs.  Stanford is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games after allowing 60 points or less last game.  Roll with Oregon State Thursday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Arizona State +5

The Arizona State Sun Devils are one of the most improved teams in the country at 15-3 this season.  They are getting disrespected here as 5-point home underdogs to UCLA.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Bruins, who are riding a 13-game winning streak following consecutive losses to Illinois and Baylor.  I think this is where the streak comes to an end.  They have survived in three of their last five games beating Washington State by 1, USC by 2 and needing a double-digit comeback to beat Colorado at home last time out.  Their luck runs out tonight.

UCLA is 0-6 ATS in its last six road games after winning 12 or more of its last 15 games.  Arizona State is 6-0 ATS in its last six games after playing two consecutive road games.  The Bruins are 9-25 ATS in their last 34 road games following three or more consecutive home games.  The home team is 17-6-2 ATS in the last 25 meetings.  A bad ASU team upset UCLA 87-84 as 10-point home dogs last season.  Take Arizona State Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Drake -7

The Drake Bulldogs are finally starting to play up to their potential. They have won three consecutive games to improve to 14-5 this season including a pair of blowout home wins over Murray State by 18 and Bradley by 25.

The Bulldogs are 9-0 at home this season with one of the better home-court advantages in the conference. Now they'll be seeking revenge from a 49-52 loss at Missouri State in their first meeting this season. This will play out much differently the 2nd time around with the Bulldogs at home, and I expect a blowout victory in their favor.

Missouri State is 2-5 SU in true road games this season including losses at St. Mary's by 20, at Belmont by 13 and at Illinois State by 10. Those latter two losses came in their last two road games and were very poor performances as both Belmont and Illinois State are down this season. Roll with Drake Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Portland Trail Blazers +7

The Portland Trail Blazers are as healthy as they have been all season right now and it's starting to show. They are coming off back-to-back blowout wins over Dallas by 17 points each.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Denver Nuggets after winning six consecutive games coming in including five by double-digits. They barely survived in a 3-point win over the Magic as double-digit favorites last time out. And I expect they'll find it hard to beat Portland let alone by 8-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

This will be the 4th and final meeting between these teams this season. Portland has actually outscored Denver by 11 points combined in the first three meetings. 

The Blazers are 8-1 ATS following two consecutive home games this season. Denver is 1-9 ATS following three consecutive games where it made 50% of its shots or better. Portland is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games vs. good shooting teams that make 50% or better. Bet the Blazers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

The Brooklyn Nets have been lost in their last two games without Kevin Durant. They lost 109-98 at home to Boston and 112-102 at home to Oklahoma City as well. A team led by Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons is not a team I'd trust my money with.

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall, and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. They have been competitive despite continuing to lose outright, and I expect them to give the Nets a run for their money without Durant tonight.

The Nets are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record. San Antonio is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home meetings with Brooklyn. Roll with the Spurs Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Tulane +10

Tulane is playing its best basketball of the season right now. The Green Wave have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with home wins over Memphis by 7, Tulsa by 16 and UCF by 8 as well as road wins over Temple by 11 and SMU by 9.

Now the Green Wave are ready to give the No. 1 ranked Houston Cougars a run for their money as double-digit home underdogs tonight. Tulane is 8-1 at home this season and has a big home-court advantage.

Houston has been vulnerable of late winning by 6 at home over UCF as 15-point favorites and by 6 at home over USF as 23-point favorites. They can't be trusted to be laying double-digits on the road here. You're definitely paying a tax to back the Cougars at this point with their No. 1 ranking and it's time to 'sell high' on them. Take Tulane Tuesday.

20* Big East GAME OF THE WEEK on Butler +7.5

The Butler Bulldogs are coming off one of their most complete performances of the season in a 79-71 upset home win over Villanova as 3.5-point dogs. Now they are catching too many points at home against Creighton on Tuesday.

Butler wants revenge from a 56-78 road loss at Creighton as 8-point dogs. Now the books have set the number almost exactly the same as the first meeting without adjusting for home-court advantage. That's great value with the Bulldogs at home.

Creighton is 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS in true road games this season. Butler is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games vs. teams that average 6 or fewer steals per game. The Bluejays are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 15-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings. Bet Butler Tuesday.

20* Purdue/Michigan State Big Ten No-Brainer on Michigan State +3.5

The Michigan State Spartans are 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall and ready to pull off the upset over the Purdue Boilermakers at home today. They should not be catching 3.5 points here.

Purdue is 3-0 SU but 0-3 ATS in true road games this season. The Boilermakers only beat FSU by 10 as 16-point favorites, Nebraska by 3 in OT as 7.5-point favorites and Ohio State by 2 as 1.5-point dogs. But Zed Key got hurt early for Ohio State and they were behind the eight ball.

The home team is 7-1 SU in the last eight meetings with the lone loss coming by a single point. The home team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. Purdue is 0-6 ATS following a home win by 10 points or more this season. Take Michigan State Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +10.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall with only four losses by more than this spread.  I fully expect them to give the Denver Nuggets a run for their money tonight and stay within this inflated number.

The reason this number is inflated is because the Nuggets are 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games overall with five wins by double-digits.  But now it's time to 'sell high' on them, knowing this is a letdown spot after beating the Clippers on the road Friday on National TV.  They won't be nearly as motivated to face the Magic tonight.

Denver is 11-24 ATS in its last 35 games following a road win, including 8-19 ATS in its last 27 games following a road win by 10 points or more.  Plays against any team (Denver) - after beating the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a bad team (25% to 40%) are 35-13 (72.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Magic are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with all four wins coming by double-digits, and their lone loss coming by a single point at Miami.  They should not be catching 5.5 points to the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

The Nets just lost Kevin Durant and are coming off an 11-point home loss to a short-handed Boston team without him.  They cannot be trusted to lay points to many teams in the NBA without Durant on the floor because he is far and away their best player.  I don't trust Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving to lead the team without him.

Brooklyn is 1-15 ATS in its last 16 home games after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games.  The Nets are 13-37 ATS in their last 50 games as home favorites.  The Thunder are 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games vs. Atlantic Division opponents.  Oklahoma City is 40-19 ATS in its last 59 road games.  Take the Thunder Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Temple +6

The Memphis Tigers continue to be grossly overvalued today as 6-point road favorites at Temple.  Memphis is 4-2 SU but 0-6 ATS in its last six games overall, losing both true road games outright as favorites at Tulane and at UCF.  They are on upset alert again today against Temple.

The Owls have gone 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall continually getting disrespected by oddsmakers.  They are also 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have beaten the likes of Villanova, VCU and Cincinnati at home this season.

Temple is 8-1 ATS after playing a game as a favorite this season.  The Owls are 7-0 ATS in their last seven Sunday games.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Roll with Temple Sunday.

20* Ohio State/Rutgers Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State +4

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Ohio State Buckeyes.  They have gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall including a very bad upset home loss to Minnesota.  But Ohio State was missing one of its most important players for two of those games in Zed Key (12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG), and he is back healthy now.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on Rutgers.  The Scarlet Knights have gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They lost their last home game to Iowa by 11 so they can certainly be beaten at home.

Ohio State is 11-3 SU in its last 14 meetings with Rutgers.  The last two meetings were decided by 1 and 2 points.  Rutgers hasn't won any of its last nine meetings with Ohio State by more than 3 points, making for a 9-0 system backing the Buckeyes pertaining to this 4-point spread.  Take Ohio State Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Francisco +8

It's time to 'sell high' on the St. Mary's Gaels after going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  They played only one true road game during this stretch and only won 67-64 as 6-point favorites at Santa Clara.  Now they are laying 8 points at San Francisco tonight, and this line is too high.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on San Francisco after going 1-4 SU & 2-3 ATS in their last five games overall.  It has been a brutal schedule with road losses to Santa Clara and Portland, as well as home losses to Gonzaga and San Diego.  Keep in mind they only lost to Gonzaga by 2 at home, so they have shown their potential.

Each of the last three meetings between the Dons and Gaels have been decided by 5 points or fewer.  St. Mary's is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games following two consecutive wins by 10 points or more.  The home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Bet San Francisco Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia 76ers -4

This is a great spot for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  They are coming off an upset loss to the Thunder that came out of nowhere as they had won five of their previous six games with four by 9 points or more.  They will be pissed off from that loss and give a big effort in Utah tonight.  Plus, they are fully healthy right now with the exception of Tobias Harris, who is questionable.

This is a terrible spot for the Utah Jazz.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a hard-fought 112-108 win over the Magic last night.  Markkanen played 36 minutes and Clarkson 35 last night and neither will have much left in the tank after carrying the team with 51 combined points last night.

The 76ers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit home loss.  The Jazz are 18-38-3 ATS in their last 59 games following an ATS loss.  Philadelphia is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Philadelphia) - off an upset loss as a home favorite against an opponent that's off a home win scoring 110 points or more are 31-6 (83.8%) ATS since 1996.  Take the 76ers Saturday.

20* New Mexico/San Diego State MWC No-Brainer on New Mexico +8

New Mexico is one of the most underrated teams in the country.  The Lobos are 15-2 this season with their two losses coming by 7 and 4 points.  So they haven't lost by 8-plus points this season, making for a perfect 17-0 system backing them pertaining to this 8-point spread tonight.

San Diego State has been one of the most overrated teams in the country this season.  The Aztecs are 13-3 SU but just 4-10-1 ATS in lined games.  And this will be one of their stiffest tests of the season tonight.  Bet New Mexico Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5

This is a great spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a terrible one for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Cavaliers had yesterday off and conclude their five-game road trip tonight.  They want to end the trip with a win, and I expect it to come in blowout fashion.

The Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a close 121-116 win over the Suns last night.  All five starters played at least 31 minutes for the Timberwolves, who are short-handed as it is.  Don't be surprise if they rest a player or two tonight.

The Timberwolves have played the Rockets, Pistons and depleted Suns in their last three games.  This is a big step up in class for them, and they weren't impressive in any of those three games, even losing to the Pistons outright by 17.  The Cavs are legitimately one of the best teams in the NBA and are fully healthy right now.

The road team is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings in this series.  Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight trips to Minnesota.  The Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Cleveland) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points, off a road win scoring 110 or more points are 85-43 (66.4%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

15* Pac-12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado +12

This line is inflated tonight.  UCLA is getting too much respect for its current 12-game winning streak, and it's time to 'sell high' on the Bruins.  They now take on a game Colorado team that doesn't get blown out.

Colorado is 11-7 this season with just one loss by more than 10 points, which was a 13-point defeat.  So they have only lost by this kind of margin once in 18 games this season, making for a 17-1 system backing the Buffaloes pertaining to this 12-point spread.

Each of the last six meetings between Colorado and UCLA were decided by 12 points or less, including five by single-digits.  Colorado hasn't lost any of its last 10 meetings with UCLA by more than 12 points, making for a 10-0 system backing the Buffaloes pertaining to this 12-point spread.  Take Colorado Saturday.

15* MVC PLAY OF THE DAY on Drake -2.5

The Drake Bulldogs are showing great value as short home favorites over the Bradley Braves tonight.  This is a night game and it will be a great atmosphere and an even bigger home-court advantage for the Bulldogs than normal.  Drake is 8-0 at home this season and outscoring opponents by 22.1 points per game.

Bradley is coming off three straight poor performances on the road.  They lost by 9 at Murray State as 5.5-point favorites, lost by 3 at Belmont as 1-point favorites and only beat SIU-Edwardsville by 2 as 6-point favorites in their last three true road games.  This is a much stiffer test for the Braves than any of those three games were.

Bradley is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Braves are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Roll with Drake Saturday.

20* Iowa State/Kansas Big 12 No-Brainer on Iowa State +7.5

The Iowa State Cyclones are 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and playing as well as almost anyone in the country right now.  They upset Baylor by 15 as 2-point home dogs, upset Oklahoma by 3 as 3.5-point road dogs, upset TCU by 2 as 5.5-point road dogs and blasted Texas Tech by 34 as 4.5-point home favorites in their last four games.

Now they take on a Kansas team that is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers at home of late due to their current 9-game winning streak.  But they nearly lost their last two home games, beating Oklahoma State by 2 as 10-point favorites and Oklahoma by 4 as 10.5-point home favorites.  They needed some late heroics to win both those games, and they are going to need some late heroics to survive the Cyclones today, too.

Iowa State is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games after scoring 80 points or more last game.  Kansas is 1-8 ATS in its last nine January home games.  The Jayhawks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.  The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Take Iowa State Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Louisville +13

The Louisville Cardinals have been a great bet over the last couple weeks due to their 2-15 record.  But they are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with four losses by 13 points or fewer during this stretch.

In fact, the Cardinals have just one loss by more than 13 points in their last eight games, which was at Kentucky in a game they covered.  Now they are catching 13 points at home to a North Carolina team that could be without their best player in Armando Bacot (17.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG), who left the Virginia game with an ankle injury last time out and it changed the game.  Virginia went on a big run thereafter and won 65-58.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (Louisville) - after covering five or six of their last seven games, a team that wins less than 20% of their games playing a team with a winning record are 28-9 (75.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Tar Heels are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight road games.  Roll with Louisville Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on North Texas +4

North Texas lost 46-50 at home to Florida Atlantic as a 2-point favorite in their first meeting this season on December 29th.  It's revenge time for the Mean Green today as they are now 4-point road underdogs in the rematch, which is too big of an adjustment.  I fully expect the Mean Green to win outright, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

North Texas is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 conference road games.  The Mean Green are 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games vs. good offensive teams that average 77 or more points per game.  The Mean Green are 19-6-3 ATS in their last 28 road games.  The underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

Plays on road underdogs (North Texas) - revenging a loss as a home favorite against an opponent that's off two consecutive conference wins by 5 points or less are 72-32 (69.2%) ATS since 1996.  The Owls' luck runs out today following four consecutive wins by 4 points or fewer coming in.  Take North Texas Saturday.

15* AAC PLAY OF THE DAY on Tulane -1.5

Tulane is playing its best basketball of the season right now and should be a bigger favorite at home here against UCF.  The Green Wave are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with an upset home win over Memphis by 7 as 4-point dogs, a blowout win over Tulsa by 16, an upset road win at Temple by 11 and a solid 9-point win at SMU.

Now they host a UCF team in a clear letdown spot off a double-OT win over Memphis at home on Wednesday.  G Darius Johnson (11.8 PPG, 4.3 APG) is questionable after sitting out that Memphis game and F Michael Durr (4.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG) is out for the Knights.

The Knights are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing more than 90 points in their previous game.  The Knights are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The Green Wave beat the Knights 82-67 at home last season.  UCF is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games following two consecutive conference games.  The Green Wave are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing 80 points or more in their previous game.  Bet Tulane Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +6

The Orlando Magic just got a bunch of players back from suspension and are as healthy as they have been all season.  They pulled off two big upsets in two of their last three road games winning 115-101 at Golden State as 6.5-point dogs and 109-106 at Portland as 8-point dogs even on the second of a back-to-back.

Now the Magic have had the last two days off and are rested and ready to go, which is key going into the altitude in Utah.  I expect them to pull off this upset as well, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

The Jazz cannot be trusted to lay this many points when they rank just 26th in defensive efficiency.  They allow 116.1 points per game at home this season, and the Magic will never be out of this game because of it.  

The Jazz are just 2-7 SU in their last nine games overall.  The Magic are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall, including 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.  Take the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +9.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered five straight while also going 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have only lost one of their last eight games by more than 8 points.  Now they are catching 9.5 points at home tonight against the Golden State Warriors, which is too much.

The Warriors are getting unwarranted respect from oddsmakers due to Steph Curry just returning to the lineup.  They promptly lost 125-113 as 12-point home favorites to the Phoenix Suns, who were without five key players in their first game with Curry.  Now they are laying 9.5 points on the road in their 2nd game with Curry to a Spurs team that would beat the Suns right now.

Four of the last five meetings between the Warriors and Spurs were decided by 6 points or fewer.  Golden State is 1-8 ATS as a road favorite this season.  The Warriors are 3-16 SU & 4-15 ATS on the road this season.  Roll with the Spurs Friday.

15* CBB Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah +12.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the UCLA Bruins tonight.  They have won 11 consecutive games coming in but have had a couple lackluster efforts of late that will bleed into tonight.  Three games ago they beat Washington State by 1 as 8.5-point road favorites, and last time out they only beat USC by 2 as 11-point home favorites to barely keep this streak alive.

Now they face an underrated Utah Utes team tonight that is a sleeper in the Pac-12 this season.  The Utes are 12-5 this season with their five losses all coming by 10 points or fewer.  They haven't lost by this kind of margin all season, and asking the Bruins to win by 13 points or more tonight to beat us is asking too much.

Utah has done its best work on the road this season going 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS with two outright upsets with the only loss coming at BYU.  The Utes are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games, while the Bruins are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.  Roll with Utah Thursday.

20* Mavs/Lakers TNT No-Brainer on Los Angeles +3

The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly gone 5-1 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They only game they lost during this stretch was without LeBron James on the road to the Denver Nuggets.

James returns to the lineup tonight as the Lakers come in on two days' rest.  They will be rested and ready to go and looking for revenge from a 115-124 road loss at Dallas on Christmas Day where they blew a 20-plus point lead.  Troy Brown is also expected back for the Lakers tonight.

The Mavericks have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 14-26-2 ATS this season.  They are without Kleber and Finney-Smith and could be without Powell, who is questionable with a hip injury suffered in a 101-113 road loss to the Clippers last time out.  The Mavericks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days tonight.

Dallas is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 road games.  Los Angeles is 4-0 ATS in its last four games when playing on two days' rest.  The Mavericks are 0-7 ATS in road games after scoring 105 points or fewer this season.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Loyola-Marymount +14

Loyola-Marymount is 12-6 this season with all six loses coming by 16 points or fewer.  This 14-point spread is too high tonight when you look at the recent head-to-head series between Loyola-Marymount and St. Mary's.  Six of the last seven meetings have been decided by 11 points or fewer.

Loyola-Marymount is a perfect 6-0 ATS following an ATS loss this season.  St. Mary's is 24-43 ATS in its last 67 home games following a conference win by 10 points or more.  The Lions are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.  Loyola-Marymount is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following a SU loss.  The road team is 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings.  Take Loyola-Marymount Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Louisville +17.5

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Clemson Tigers.  They have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall and are coming off two consecutive upset road wins at VA Tech by 3 and Pitt by 1.  They have a home game against Duke on deck Saturday and will be looking ahead to that game.  That makes this a letdown and sandwich spot for the Tigers, and I don't think they'll be motivated enough to beat Louisville by 18-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Cardinals as they have quietly gone 4-0 ATS in thier last four games overall.  They only lost by 12 at NC State as 17.5-point dogs, by 23 as Kentucky as 23.5-point dogs, by 1 to Syracuse as 9-point dogs and by 8 to Wake Forest as 9.5-point dogs.  They have been very competitive in ACC play and will continue to be tonight at Clemson.

Louisville is 30-11 ATS in its last 41 road games following four or more consecutive ATS wins.  Clemson is 8-21 ATS in its last 29 games after covering six or seven of its last eight games.

Plays against home favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (Clemson) - following three consecutive conference wins against an opponent that's off two or more consecutive home losses are 32-11 (74.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet Louisville Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +13.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered four straight and have gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  That includes a 113-121 loss at Memphis as 12-point dogs on Monday.  Now the Spurs get their shot at revenge as 13.5-point road dogs in the rematch here two days later on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies won't be that motivated to beat the Spurs again after just beating them on Monday.  They certainly won't be motivated enough to put them away by 14-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Spurs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 road games when revenging a road loss.  Memphis is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 games vs. teams that allow 50% shooting or higher.  Each of the last seven meetings between Memphis and San Antonio were decided by 13 points or fewer, including five by 8 points or fewer.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers +5

The Indiana Pacers have quietly gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by 3 on the road at Philadelphia in overtime.  The Pacers come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest.

The New York Knicks are 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall with their four wins coming against the Rockets, the short-handed Suns, the Spurs (by 3) and the Raptors (by 4).  They have no business being 5-point favorite against a team playing as well as the Pacers right now.

Indiana is 8-1 ATS when playing only its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Pacers are 9-1 ATS after successfully covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  New York is 9-24 ATS in its last 33 home games after playing a home game.

Plays on road underdogs (Indiana) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-8 (80.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Pacers Wednesday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Penn State -2

Penn State is 8-1 at home this season and should be a bigger favorite over Indiana tonight.  The Nittany Lions come in motivated after back-to-back losses at Michigan and on a neutral to Purdue.

They face a team they should handle tonight in the Indiana Hoosiers, who continue to get too much respect from oddsmakers.  The Hoosiers are 2-4 SU & 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall with their only two wins both coming at home over Elon and Kennesaw State.  They also lost at home to Northwestern, at Iowa, at Kansas by 22 and on a neutral to Arizona by 14.

A big reason for Indiana's recent struggles is due to losing two key players in Xavier Johnson (9.9 PPG, 4.9 APG, 37% 3-pointers) and Race Thompson (8.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG) to injury.  That is putting too much pressure on Jackson-Davis' shoulders, and teams can just focus in on double-teaming him and trying to make others beat them, which the Hoosiers don't have the guns to do.

Penn State is 7-0 ATS in its last seven home games following a conference loss.  Indiana is 0-6 ATS in its last six road games after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games.  The Nittany Lions are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. good shooting teams that make 48% or better.  The Hoosiers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall.  The home team is 5-0 SU in the last five meetings.  These five trends combine for a perfect 31-0 system backing the Nittany Lions.  Take Penn State Wednesday. 

20* MWC GAME OF THE WEEK on Nevada +9.5

Nevada has been one of the most underrated teams in the country.  They have gone 14-3 SU & 11-4-1 ATS this season and continue to be undervalued catching 9.5 points tonight at San Diego State.

San Diego State is 12-3 SU but just 4-10 ATS in lined games and has been one of the most overrated teams in the country.  Asking them to beat Nevada by double-digits to beat us tonight is asking too much.

Amazingly, each of the last six meetings between Nevada and San Diego State have been decided by 7 points or less, so that fact alone is giving us tremendous value on the Wolf Pack.  Nevada is 5-0 ATS in its last five meetings with the Aztecs.  The road team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

The Wolf Pack are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  Nevada is 64-30-3 ATS in its last 97 games following an ATS win.  San Diego State is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games overall.  The Aztecs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a win.  Nevada is 9-1 ATS after playing a game as a favorite this season.  The Wolf Pack are 10-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record this season.  Take Nevada Tuesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

Donovan Mitchell makes his return to Utah tonight and I expect a big game from him and the Jazz.  The Cavaliers already beat the Jazz 122-99 at home earlier this season in a dominant effort.  It will be more of the same tonight.

The Cavaliers are fully healthy right now and a dangerous team when that's the case.  The key has been keeping Mitchell (28.8 PPG) and Darius Garland (21.4 PPG, 7.8 APG) on the floor at the same time.  Mobley and Allen have both missed games as well but all four are healthy right now.  This is about as good of a starting 5 as you will find in the NBA.

The Jazz are without Collin Sexton (14.1 PPG) and Kelly Olynyk (12.2 PPG) right now.  The Jazz are a good offensive team, but the difference between these teams is defense.  The Cavaliers rank 1st in defensive efficiency this season, while the Jazz rank 26th.  I'll gladly back the healthier, better defensive team tonight laying the short number.  Bet the Cavaliers Tuesday.

15* UNC/Virginia ESPN ANNIHILATOR on North Carolina +4.5

Virginia has been grossly overvalued since beaten both Illinois and Baylor early in the season.  It turns out Baylor and Illinois both aren't very good.  And the Cavaliers aren't very good, either as they have gone just 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games overall.

North Carolina has been undervalued since a poor start to the season and a four-game losing streak to Iowa State, Alabama, Indiana and Virginia Tech.  They have gotten healthy since and are playing some great basketball, going 6-1 SU & 4-3 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 points.

UNC crushed Virginia in both meetings last season winning by 16 at home and by 20 on a neutral.  Virginia is 2-9 ATS as a favorite this season.  The Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games.  Take North Carolina Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma +10.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Kansas Jayhawks.  They have gone 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall and are coming off consecutive road wins over Texas Tech and West Virginia, two teams that aren't as good as they get credit for.

Kansas barely survived a 69-67 win over Oklahoma State as 10-point favorites in its last home game, and also failed to covered as 21.5-point favorites in a 14-point win over Harvard in its previous home game.  Now they take on a game Oklahoma team that just doesn't get blown out with their slow it down, defensive mindset.

Oklahoma is 10-5 this season with all five losses by 10 points or fewer, including four losses by 4 points or fewer.  That makes for a 15-0 system backing the Sooners pertaining to this 10.5-point spread.  Recent head-to-head history also shows this is too many points.  Oklahoma is 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Kansas with all five games decided by 7 points or fewer.

Kansas is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 home games.  Oklahoma is 6-0 ATS in its last six games after attempting 7 or fewer free throws last game.  The Sooners are 22-11 ATS in their last 33 games as underdogs.  Porter Moser is 37-14 ATS as a road dog of 10 or more points as a head coach.  Roll with Oklahoma Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on Kent State -3.5

Kent State is one of the most underrated teams in the country.  They have gone 12-3 SU this season with their three losses all coming on the road to Gonzaga (by 7), Houston (by 5) and College of Charleston (by 2).  Houston and Gonzaga are two of the best teams in the country, while Charleston is 16-1 this season.

The Golden Flashes are home now and take on an overrated Toledo team that sits at 10-5 on the season with losses to Missouri-KC by 12, ECU by 11, George Mason by 7, Marshall by 15 and Ball State by 7.  Those are all way worse losses than what Kent State has.

Kent State is 22-12 SU & 24-10 ATS in its last 34 meetings with Toledo, including 12-4 SU & 10-6 ATS in its last 16 home meetings.  Toledo is 3-15 ATS in its last 18 road games after scoring 80 points or more in three consecutive games.  The Golden Flashes are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games following two or more consecutive wins.

Kent State is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games vs. up-tempo teams that average 62 or more shots per game.  The Golden Flashes are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 home games.  Kent State is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Golden Flashes are 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 games overall.  Roll with Kent State Tuesday.

20* CBB Tuesday UPSET SHOCKER on LSU +2

LSU is 9-0 at home this season and should not be a home underdog to Florida.  The Tigers just upset Arkansas in their last home game and return home from a two-game trip at Kentucky and Texas A&M highly motivated for a victory after dropping both.

Florida is 1-1 in true road games this season with its lone win at lowly Florida State.  The Gators have been grossly overvalued all season going 8-7 SU as well as 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games overall.  They have no business being road favorites here.

Florida is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Gators are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games following a win.  Florida is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Bet LSU Tuesday.

20* Magic/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Orlando +6

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall with eight outright upsets as underdogs.  Bettors just aren't giving this team the credit they deserve, and that continues to be the case tonight with the Magic catching 6 points against the Sacramento Kings.

The Magic just got everyone back from suspension and won outright 115-101 at Golden State as similar 6.5-point dogs.  Now they take on a Sacramento Kings team that has no business laying 6 points to them considering how they are playing of late.

The Kings are 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall with their three wins coming by 1, 1 and 2 points.  So they haven't won any of their last eight games by more than 2 points.  They have been dreadful defensively, which is why it's tough to trust them to lay any points.  They have allowed 112 or more points in 14 consecutive games, including 136 to the Lakers last time out in regulation.

Plays on road underdogs (Orlando) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-7 (82.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Kings beat the Magic 126-123 in their first meeting this season.  This one will go down to the wire as well with the Orlando having an excellent shot to get revenge and pull off the outright upset.  Roll with the Magic Monday.

20* Bulls/Celtics NBA TV No-Brainer on Chicago +8.5

The Chicago Bulls are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now and should not be catching this many points against the Boston Celtics.  The Bulls are 8-3 SU & 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall with seven outright upset victories, including wins over the Nets, 76ers, Bucks, Heat and Knicks during this stretch.

The Boston Celtics are overvalued due to their record and it has played out that way here of late.  They are just 3-2 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  They only beat the Spurs by 5, the Clippers by 6 and lost outright to the Nuggets by 12 and the Thunder by 33 during this stretch.  They will be without Marcus Smart (11.1 PPG, 7.2 APG) tonight.

Chicago clearly matches up well with Boston.  The Bulls are 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS against the Celtics in their first three meetings this season.  They won by 18 as 5-point home dogs, only lost by 4 as 7.5-point road dogs and won by 14 as 5.5-point home dogs.  Now they are catching 8.5 points in the 4th and final meeting, which is too much.  

The Bulls are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings, including 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Boston. Chicago is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games following an upset win as a home underdogs.  Take the Bulls Monday.

15* CBB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Cincinnati +10

The Cincinnati Bearcats are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They have gone 8-2 SU & 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall and are ready to give Houston a run for its money.

The Cougars are coming off a blowout home win over SMU that has them overvalued. They had previously only beaten UCF by 6 as 15-point home favorites. This will only be their 3rd true road game this season. They won by 10 at Oregon and by 8 at Virginia, and I think Cincinnati can stay within single-digits of them, if not pull off the upset.

The Bearcats are 8-0 ATS in their last eight home games and will have a huge home-court advantage today with Houston coming to town. The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings. Roll with Cincinnati Sunday.