Sports Picks & Predictions

5* NBA - Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH on Pistons -3 -109

I think we are getting a great price with Detroit as a slim road favorite against the Hornets. Charlotte is off to a better start than most expected with 4 wins in their first 11 games, which puts them on pace to eclipse their win total of 23.5. I'm not buying into the early success and believe this team is going to struggle to find wins going forward. 

We've seen clear signs of this of late, as they have lost 4 straight, which includes a couple of home losses to bad teams in the Pelicans and Grizzlies. 

Pistons are just 4-8 to start the year, but did play a good chunk of their early schedule without Blake Griffin. While they enter having lost 3 straight, all 3 were by single-digits and two of those on the road. I expect a big effort here from Detroit on Friday and they are simply the better team and it's just not asking much for them to cover the small number. 

Pistons are 22-10 ATS last 32 when playing a team that's won fewer than 40% of their games. Take Detroit! 

5* NFL - Steelers/Browns AFC North PLAY OF THE MONTH on Browns -2½ -119

The Browns cashed as a similarly priced 2.5-point favorite in this past Sunday's 19-16 win at Buffalo. While Cleveland did need a late score to get the win and cover, they could have put that game away early had they not turned it over on downs after having a 1st & Goal from the 1-yard line. 

Sometimes it's not about how you win and I think that's the case, as the Browns just needed something positive to happen. This is a much better team than their 3-6 record would suggest. On the flip side, I think this is a good spot to fade Pittsburgh after their big win at home over the Rams. I just don't think the Steelers are as good as their 5-4 record and these Thursday Night games are brutal on the road teams. 

Teams off an upset win as a home dog that are a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) are just 3-22 (12%) ATS since 1983 in the 2nd half the season if facing a team with a losing record. Take Cleveland! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas Insider GAME OF THE MONTH on St. Louis -7½ -109

The Billikens should have no problem putting away the Eagles by double-digits Wednesday night. St Louis lost a lot from last year's squad that won 23 games and I think it has them undervalued to start out the season. The Billikens did get back do it all guard Jordan Goodwin and forward Hasahn French. 

St Louis opened with a 22-point win as a mere 7-point favorite against Florida Gulf Coast and followed that up with a 11-point win as a 9.5-point favorite against Valpo. Billikens are 30-13 ATS at home when they come in off 2 straight covers. 

Eastern Washington is just 2-10 ATS last 12 non-conference games and just 3-9 ATS last 12 vs a team that's won more than 60% of their games. Take St Louis! 

5* NCAAB - Late Night NO LIMIT Top Play on Pacific +5½ -109

Easy play here for me with the Tigers as a decently priced road dog against the Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii has been overvalued in each of their first two games, as they failed to cover as a 17.5-point favorite in a 65-52 win over Florida A&M and as a 1.5-point favorite in a 81-75 loss to South Dakota. 

Just so happens that Pacific has faced both of those teams and had pretty similar results. Tigers lost by 10-points at home to South Dakota and crushed Florida A&M 76-54. I not only think Pacific will cover, but I give them a great shot at winning outright. 

Warriors are a mere 5-16 ATS last 21 games vs a team from the West Coast Conference and have failed to cover 4 straight at home. Take Pacific! 

5* NCAAB - In-State Rivalry PLAY OF THE MONTH on Florida State +6 -105

I really like the value we are getting with the Seminoles as a dog. I think we are getting a great price here on FSU coming off an upset loss on the road at Pitt in their opener. Winning on the road right out of the gate is never easy, especially against a conference opponent.

I also wasn't overly impressed with Florida in their 15 point win as a 22-point favorite at home against North Florida. Wouldn't be shocked at all if the Seminoles won this game outright. 

Gators have been an awful bet at home, as they are 3-13 ATS last 16 at the Exactech Arena, including a 0-6 ATS mark in their last 6 at home with a total of 130 to 134.5. Take Florida State! 

5* NCAAF - Late Night PLAY OF THE MONTH on Nevada +17½ -105

Love this spot and the price we are getting with the Wolf Pack. This is just too many points for San Diego State to be laying with how much they struggle to score. Aztecs are only averaging 21.7 ppg on the season and it actually gets worse when they play at home, where they are scoring just 16.3 ppg. 

Nevada's defense isn't great, but they did just hold New Mexico to a mere 10-points last week, so they can keep SDST in check. Last time out the Aztecs were a 11.5-point favorite at home to UNLV and barely won 20-17. San Diego State is 3-11 ATS last 14 games as a home favorite. Take Nevada! 

5* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER Top Play on Nebraska -7 -110

It was about as awful a start to the season as Nebraska fans could have hoped for when their team came out and got annihilated 66-47 by UC-Riverside as a 15.5-point home favorite. Not what they were expecting in the debut of Fred Hoiberg. 

However, I think that result has created some big time value here with the Cornhuskers, who are laying single digits against a Southern Utah team that picked to finish middle of the pack in the Big Sky. Even after the loss in the opener, Nebraska is 22-10 ATS last 32 at home. Cornhuskers are also 10-1 ATS last 11 at home if their last game was a non-conference game. Take Nebraska! 

5* NCAAF - Big 12 GAME OF THE MONTH on West Virginia +3 -110

Love the Mountaineers as a home dog this Saturday against the Red Raiders. This couldn't be a better time to buy low on West Virginia, who comes in having lost 4 straight. Even though the Mountaineers easily covered as a 17.5-point home dog last time out at Baylor, most won't be able to get past the fact that they have scored exactly 14 points in each of their last 3 games. 

The thing you have to keep in mind with the recent slide is the fact that it's come against arguably the four best teams in the Big 12 in Texas, Iowa State, Oklahoma and Baylor. Texas Tech is definitely a team they can beat and there's plenty of motivation still for West Virginia, as they need to win 3 of their last 4 to make a bowl. 

Another thing is the Red Raiders should not be favored on the road against any team in the Big 12. Texas Tech is 0-4 on the road this season, where they are giving up 38.2 ppg and 548.2 ypg. Also, Red Raiders have lost 3 straight and 5 of 6 overall. Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells is 0-8 ATS as a head coach when his team comes in having lost 4/5 of their last 6. Take West Virginia! 

5* NCAAF - PAC-12 GAME OF THE MONTH on Washington -9½ -110

I absolutely love the Huskies here in what I feel is a huge bounce back spot following a couple of tough losses against two of the Pac-12's best in Oregon and Utah. I get crazy things can happen in weekday games and Corvallis is not an easy place to play. However, I just think the talent gap here is too much for the Beavers to keep this to single-digits. 

Last time Washington went on the road they were a slim 6-point favorite at Arizona and they annihilated the Wildcats 51-27. As for Oregon State, not question they are improved, but they still haven't been anyone worth a lick. Last time they hosted a decent team was Utah in the middle of October. Beavers were a mere 14-point dog and got annihilated 52-7. 

I just don't think it's asking a lot for Washington to win here by at least 2 touchdowns. Oregon State is just 2-7 ATS last 9 at home and Huskies are a dominant 14-5 ATS last 19 as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points. Take Washington! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE MONTH on Purdue -19 -110

I got no problem laying the big number with Purdue at home against the likes of Green Bay. I think people are sleeping on the Boilermakers a little bit due to them losing Carson Edwards, but this is a team that has the good to contends with the likes of Michigan State and others for the Big Ten title.

They might not have the superstar on their roster like Edwards, but they are extremely deep and I just don't see the Phoenix being able to keep pace. History agrees, as the Boilermakers are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 as a home favorite of 18.5 to 24 points. Take Purdue! 

5* NCAAB - Late Night NO LIMIT Top Play on St. Mary's -3 -115

You might be wondering why Wisconsin is getting points against the Gaels. It's for good reason and I think St Mary's is going to make easy work of a Badgers team in transition. Wisconsin only loses two starters, but they lost one of the best players in the country in Ethan Happ. For a team that ranked 276th in scoring at 68.6 ppg, I think the offense is going to have a hard time keeping pace with better competition. 

The Gaels have all their key guys back from last year's NCAA Tournament team that won 22-games and beat Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament, despite many thinking it was going to be a down year for St Mary's. They also got some key guys back from injury and this is one they need for their resume come March. Take St. Mary's! 

5* NCAAB - Opening Night PLAY OF THE YEAR on Kansas +1 -109

Most are going to look at this and just blindly take Duke because of how much respect this program has with Coach K. Everyone knows the Blue Devils lost a lot from last year's team, but the assumption is that they just reload. I get it and that's definitely true to a point, but I got a hard time believing Duke has anywhere close to as talented a Top 3 as they had last year with Zion, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish. 

Things didn't look good for KU early on in the offseason, but that didn't last long. Jayhawks got two guys back they thought were leaving early in Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson. THey also were not expecting Sivio De Sousa to win his appeal and  be eligible to play. I like the mix of youth and experience on this team and while Duke might have the better NBA talent, I think it's going to take time for the Blue Devils to reach their full potential with how young they are. Take Kansas! 

5* NFL - Cowboys/Giants MNF ATS HEAVY HITTER on Giants +7 -115

I love the value here with New York getting a TD at home against the Cowboys. No question this line is inflated in favor of Dallas, as they are a massive public team and the Giants are one of the worst teams in the league right now at 2-6. 

Dallas also getting a ton due to the fact that they went into their bye off a dominating 37-10 win at home over the Eagles and due to the fact they whooped the Giants at home 35-17 in Week 1. Thing is that was with Eli Manning at quarterback and without their top wide out Golden Tate. Daniel Jones is definitely an upgrade of Eli and I think this offense will be able to do enough to cover this spread. 

Cowboys are just 6-16 ATS last 22 road game soff a home win by 21 or more points and the Giants are a dominant 17-3 ATS last 20 after giving up 17 or more points in the 1st half of 2 straight games. Take New York! 

5* NFL- Pats/Ravens SNF PLAY OF THE MONTH on Ravens +3½ -115

I know the Patriots have looked unbeatable threw the first half of the season, but you just can't ignore how easy the schedule has been. Their last 7 games have come against the Browns, Jets, Giants, Redskins, Bills, Jets and Dolphins. Buffalo is the only one of those teams with a winning record.

Note that while they beat the Bills 16-10, they should have probably lost. Buffalo had a 375 to 224 edge in total yards and 23 first downs to the Pats 11. This Ravens team is the best that NE will have seen all season. Lamar Jackson's ability to make plays with his legs is the one thing you can't defend for and I think we see the NE defense struggle for the first time this season. Also, big edge playing at home in a prime time game like this. 

Road favorites who are outscoring opponents by 10+ ppg are just 18-52 (26%) ATS over the last 10 seasons when coming off a win by 10 or more. Take Baltimore!

5* NCAAF - Non-Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH on UAB +10½ -110

As bad as it's been for the Volunteers this year, I think the public is going to be tempted to take Tennessee laying less than two touchdowns against a team from C-USA, especially considering the Vols have won 2 of their last 3, including a 41-21 blowout win over South Carolina last time out. 

That tells me the books really like UAB's chances to cover and I agree. The Blazers are extremely well coached under Bill Clark, who has a 31-15 record in 3+ seasons in Birmingham. Vols are also just 5-14 ATS in their last 19 home games and 2-7 ATS last 9 off a win. 

Great system in play favoring a fade of Tennessee. Home teams that have won 2 of their last 3 games and still own a winning percentage between 25% to 40% are just 8-34 (19%) ATS when facing a team with a winning record. Take UAB! 

5* NBA - Late Night PLAY OF THE MONTH on Spurs -6½ -108

I'm not sure how you pass up on the Spurs in this spot. I know San Antonio is playing on no rest after a hard fought loss against the Clippers last night, but the Warriors have looked awful to start the season and now must play without Steph Curry. 

Golden State really doesn't have a guy they can go to at the point to fill the void left by Curry. Not to mention they were already lacking scoring outside of the former league MVP. Add in the awful defense they have played and I don't care who the Spurs send out there they should win here by double-digits no problem. 

Warriors just 12-30-1 ATS last 43 at home. Spurs have covered 4 of the last 5 in the series and the favorite has covered 11 of the last 15 in the series. Take San Antonio! 

5* NFL - 49ers/Cardinals TNF ATS NO-BRAINER on 49ers -10 -109

Usually I wouldn't lay a big number like this on the road in a division matchup, but I just think the 49ers are going to win here easily. This San Francisco defensive front is unreal and are making it near impossible for opposing teams to throw on them. 49ers rank No. 1 in pass defense, giving up a ridiculous 128.7 ypg. 

Arizona is down starting running back David Johnson and backup Chase Edmonds, which forced them to make a trade with the Dolphins for Kenyan Drake. I don't see the Cardinals being able to have the kind of success running the ball needed to keep this 49ers defense honest. 

Last week the Cardinals had just 40 rushing yards and 197 passing yards against a good Saints defense. 49ers should score into the 20's here and easily win this game by 14-plus points. Take San Francisco! 

5* NBA - Hawks/Heat Southeast GAME OF THE MONTH on Heat -8 -105

This line is begging you to take the Hawks and the public is taking the bait. I just don't think we are going to get the kind of effort needed from Atlanta to keep this close. Hawks are off a gut-wrenching 105-103 loss at home to the 76ers last night. A game the Hawks led by 9 after the 1st quarter and still had the lead going into the 4th quarter. 

Another factor here is the schedule makes this one a little less enticing for the Hawks, as they will turn around and host Miami on Thursday. As for the Heat, they are off to an impressive 2-1 start that includes a 5-point win at Milwaukee. They did that without their prized new addition of Jimmy Butler, who will make his debut tonight. Heat's only home game was the season opener and they won by 19 over Memphis. 

Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points after allowing 105 or more in 2 straight are 95-51 (65%) ATS since 1996 when facing an opponent off a loss by 3 or fewer points. Take Miami! 

5* NBA - Eastern Conf PLAY OF THE MONTH on Magic +4½ -105

Most are going to be tempted to take the Raptors here laying what looks like a short number at home against the Magic, who have failed to cover each of their first two games. I like Orlando quite a bit at this price. 

What people are going to overlook with Toronto is them playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, all 3 at different venues. This is only the second game in the last 5 days for Orlando. Magic simply haven't shot the ball well in their first two games and are due for a few more shots to fall. Hard to see Toronto's defense being at it's best playing 3 in 4. 

Road dogs who had a losing record the previous year and off a road loss are 37-12 ATS (76%) ATS last 5 seasons. Take Orlando! 

5* NFL - Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE YEAR on Packers -4 -105

No reason to overthink this one. This is too good a price to pass up with Green Bay given the circumstances. Kansas City will not have the reigning MVP in Patrick Mahomes and if you watched the offense last week with Matt Moore after Mahomes went down, it's night and day. I get we are seeing almost a 7-point swing with Mahomes out, but I feel he's worth more than that. 

It's also not just Mahomes that the Chiefs are missing. They are unlikely to have star defensive tackle Chris Jones, corner Kendall Fuller and edge rusher Frank Clark. I get the defense played well against the Broncos, but Denver's offense is a complete mess with how bad Flacco is playing. 

I don't see the Chiefs defense being able to slow down Aaron Rodgers on Sunday and I could see this getting out of hand early. It just feels like a throw away game for KC with Mahomes out. Take Green Bay! 

5* NBA - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Mavs -2 -109

The Mavs are definitely worth a look here as a slim home favorite against the Blazers. I think Dallas is even better than anticipated and the Mavs have started out 2-0. Portland on the other hand is a team that came into this season way overvalued after last year's trip to the Western Conference Finals. 

Portland won last time out at Sacramento, but that's not saying much given how bad the Kings have looked to start the season. I just don't think this will be a very profitable team on the road, especially early on, as it will take some time for the books to adjust to how much worse off this year's team is. 

Mavs are 6-1 ATS last 7 at home vs a team with a winning road record and the Blazers are a mere 2-8 ATS last 10 times they have played the Mavs on the road. Take Dallas! 

5* NCAAF - Utah St/Air Force MWC GAME OF THE YEAR on Utah State +4½ -111

I love the Aggies getting more than a field goal against the Falcons. Air Force's starting quarterback Donald Hammond is questionable to play and if he does suit up he might not be 100%. Regardless, I would have liked Utah State at this price. 

Utah State is 4-2 with their only two losses at Wake Forest and at LSU and they probably should have beat the Demon Deacons (lost 35-38). Aggies got one of my favorite 'Group of 5' quarterbacks in Jordan Love and he should torch this Air Force defense that is allowing opposing QB's to complete 64% or more. Last year Love threw for 356 yards and 2 scores against the Aggies. 

Utah State has covered 14 of their last 19 overall as the books just don't give them the credit they deserve. Air Force 0-6 ATS last 6 after covering 2 of their last 3 and 0-7 ATS last 7 after outrushing two straight opponents by 125 or more yards. Take Utah State! 

5* NBA - Southwest Division PLAY OF THE MONTH  on Pelicans +11 -110

I absolutely love the value here with New Orleans as a double-digit dog against the Rockets. I think with the Pelicans off a hard fought loss last night, most will be looking to fade them in the second of a back-to-back against a Houston team looking to rebound from a loss to the Bucks in their season opener. 

I just think there's enough talent with New Orleans, even without Zion, to keep this within single digits. Big thing here on no rest is the Pelicans are a very deep team. They had 10 guys play at least 14 minutes last night with no one playing more than 33. 

Houston has a lot of star-power, especially with the 1-2 punch of Westbrook and Harden. It has a chance to be special, but it's going to take some time for the chemistry to form. Thus making the Rockets a team to fade early on, especially when they are big favorites like this. Take New Orleans! 

5* NCAAF - Auburn/LSU SEC GAME OF THE YEAR on LSU -10 -107

This might seem like a big number for LSU to be laying against a Auburn team that is 6-1 both SU and ATS, but I just think LSU is a clear step above Auburn. Everyone was calling for LSU to have a letdown last week against Mississippi State and they cruised to a 36-13 win. 

Auburn gets a lot of love for beating Oregon and Texas A&M, but they also lost by 9 at Florida and LSU beat the Gators by 14. I just don't think the Auburn can go score for score with LSU and this will get ugly once Auburn is forced to throw. 

Home favorites in games involving two dominant teams that are outgaining opponents by 1.2 or more yards/play are 70-32 (69%) ATS if coming off 3 straight games where the gained 6.35 or more yards/play. 

Also a strong system in favor of fading Auburn. Teams like Auburn that have beat the spread by 49 or more combined points in their last 5 games and have won 80% or more of their games are a mere 31-70 (31%) ATS when facing a team with a winning record. Take LSU! 

5* NCAAF - SMU/Houston C-USA PLAY OF THE MONTH on SMU -13½ -109

Laying almost two touchdowns on the road in a weekday game isn't thought of as a great play. I don't care. I think SMU is going to absolutely lay it on the Cougars tonight. 

Houston had a spirited effort in the first game after King decided to take a healthy red-shirt because his team wasn't good enough, but that was against a North Texas team that has not lived up to expectations. They then were beat badly at Cincinnati and barely won on the road against UCONN. 

As for the Mustangs, they haven't lost a game behind their star transfer QB Shane Buechele, who ranks in the Top 10 in both yards (2,122) and TD passes (18). Books  have not been able to set the number high enough, as SMU is 6-1 ATS. They are going to score at will against this Houston defense and I don't see the Cougars being able to keep pace. Take SMU! 

5* NFL - Saints/Bears NFC PLAY OF THE MONTH on Bears -3 -120

It's been an impressive run for New Orleans behind Teddy Bridgewater while Drew Brees recovers from a thumb injury, but I don't see the Saints winning in Chicago on Sunday. While they have been winning games, it's not because Bridgewater is lighting up defenses. 

He certainly isn't going to light up this Bears defense, which is No. 6 in total defense and No. 3 in scoring defense. Making matters even worse, New Orleans will be without star running back Alvin Kamara. 

Bears will be getting Trubisky back from injury and I think we are going to see a little more offense out of Chicago out of the bye week. Bears are a lot closer to being 5-0 than they get credit for. They are 7-0-1 ATS last 8 at home vs a team with a winning road record and are 12-4 ATS last 16 vs other NFC teams. Take Chicago! 

5* NCAAF - Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE YEAR on Boise State -7 -109

I'll gladly lay the touchdown with Boise State on the road against the Cougars. I'm not really sure why this BYU team gets so much love. The schedule has been brutal, there's no denying that. However, their two wins are against Tenn and USC by 3-points a piece. 

This team lost by 26 at home to Washington, lost at Toledo and they just fell at South Florida. That loss to USF is bad. The Bulls were without starting QB Blake Barnett (had just 72 yards passing). That's the same USF team that lost 49-0 to Wisconsin and somehow managed to lose to an awful Georgia Tech team. 

I get that Boise State's QB might not play, but the backup has been solid. More than anything, I don't think the Broncos need much from their QB to win here by double-digits. Take Boise State! 

5* NCAAF - Mountain West PLAY OF THE MONTH on Wyoming -17½ -103

Love the Cowboys to cover the number at home against the Lobos. New Mexico lost by 52 on the road to Notre Dame and just lost by 14 at home to a bad Colorado State team. They got no business keeping this close. 

Cowboys will be motivated off a tough a loss at SDSU and the game before they took out UNLV at home 53-17. Last year Wyoming destroyed the Lobos 31-3 and the year before it was 42-3. Expect more of the same on Saturday. 

Cowboys are 6-0 ATS last 6 vs a bad team that's won between 25% and 40% of their games the last 3 seasons, winning in this spot by 19.5 ppg. Take Wyoming! 

5* NCAAF - Early Week Day PLAY OF THE MONTH  on Troy -14½ -110

I think the books made a big mistake not making Troy a much bigger favorite here. There's no denying that this year's Trojans team isn't as good as the one that won 10-games last year. That and the fact that Troy is just 1-4 ATS has people considering South Alabama at this price. 

It's not like The Trojans have been losing to bad teams and they are a couple close losses away from being 4-1 with their only loss on the road to Missouri. They are still way more talented than South Alabama and I just don't see the Jaguars pathetic excuse for an offense being able to keep pace. 

South Alabama has not eclipsed 17 points in any of their last 4 games and have played some bad defenses in this stretch. The most they have scored all season against a FBS opponent is 21 against Nebraska and they had a 13-yard TD drive in that game. The Trojans has scored 35+ in every game not against a Power 5 opponent. Take Troy! 

5* NCAAF - Vegas Underdog GAME OF THE YEAR on Purdue +3½ -105

I love Purdue getting a field goal and the hook at home against Maryland. No way should the Terps be favored on the road here. I get that Purdue is down their starting QB and star wide out Rondale Moore, but it's not like Maryland isn't down a few key players. Terps will be without their starting QB in Josh Jackson and will once again turn to Tyrrell Pigrome. 

Sure Pigrome has experienced, but there's a reason he's been a backup for four years. It's pretty big downgrade here from Jackson. The fact that Maryland is favored with him as the starter will only serve as more motivation for Jeff Brohm's team. Purdue is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 as a home dog. 

Maryland comes in off a 48-7 blowout win over Rutgers. Based on what we have seen from the Scarlet Knights this season, I'm not sure why everyone is so excited about that win. This is still the same team that lost 20-17 on the road to Temple and managed just 128 total yards in a 59-0 loss at home to Penn State.  

Keep in mind Maryland followed a 63-20 blowout win over Syracuse with that upset loss at Temple and are just 4-15 ATS in their last 21 off a conference win by 21 or more points. Take Purdue! 

5* NFL - Non-Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH on Bengals -3 -110

Cincinnati is worth a look here as a mere 3-point home favorite. Even though these are two bad teams, I see a lot of value with the Bengals only needing to win by a field goal. Cincinnati is 0-4, but they have also played a brutal schedule with 3 of their first 4 on the road. Two of those against 1-loss teams in the Seahawks and Bills, the other at Pittsburgh on MNF. The lone home game was against the 49ers, who are undefeated. 

Arizona is definitely not a team you want to be trusting on the road. Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray is struggling. Cardinals have scored 20 or fewer in each of their last 3. They had 27 in the opener, but they were down 24-6 in the 4th quarter. Outside of a 10-minute window in that 4th quarter, the offense hasn't showed us anything. 

I know the numbers aren't great for the Bengals defense, but they were more than solid in the two games against the Bills and Seahawks. They also should have won in Seattle week 1. I think they play well here. As for the offense, I think they score early and often in this one. Take Cincinnati! 

5* NFL - Bears/Raiders Late Info ATS NO-BRAINER on Bears -5½ -110

This game is being played in London and I think even with Trubisky out for Chicago this is an ideal spot to fade the Raiders. Given how bad the Bears offense has looked and the Raiders off an impressive 31-24 win at Indy the public might be tempted to play Oakland. 

What they are going to overlook is this being the 3rd straight road game for the Raiders and just how hard this is for NFL teams. Not to mention we saw how much Oakland's offense struggled against a good Vikings defense a couple weeks ago. Chicago's defense looks like the best in the league. Bears are allowing 11.2 ppg, holding teams almost 8-points under their average. Raiders only average 19.7 ppg and give up 25.5 ppg. Look for Chase Daniel to get the Bears offense going in this one. Take Chicago! 

5* NCAAF - Big 12 GAME OF THE MONTH on Texas Tech +10½ -110

Perfect opportunity to play into some overreactions and get a great number with the Red Raiders at home. No one wants anything to do with Texas Tech in this matchup. Red Raiders enter off back-to-back double-digit losses. First they fell 28-14 at Arizona and then returned from their bye with a 55-16 setback at Oklahoma. 

As for the Cowboys, they just won convincingly 26-13 at home over a ranked K-State team, improving to 4-1 on the year. Only loss a close defeat at Texas 36-30. Most will feel like 10 isn't enough for Tech to cover. 

Red Raiders are not as bad as people think. I think they show up with a max effort and will be a lot more potent in front of a rowdy home crowd with a ranked team visiting. Key to slowing to the Cowboys is not letting Chubba Hubbard get free. I think Tech's defense will be up to the task. If OK State doesn't bring their 'A' game, I could easily see the Red Raiders winning outright. Take Texas Tech! 

5* NCAAF - Sun Belt PLAY OF THE MONTH on South Alabama +10 -110

The public is all over Georgia Southern in this one, but yet we have seen the line keep dropping in favor of the Jaguars. I'm with the sharp money on this one, as I think we are getting great value with South Alabama as a double-digit home dog. 

Jaguars enter this game at 1-4, but it's been a pretty rough schedule. Of the 4 losses, 3 have come on the road against the likes of Nebraska, UAB and ULM. The other was a home game against Memphis. 

Georgia Southern is just 1-3 and were just beat badly at home by Lafayette last week, which really tells me this is not same caliber a Eagles team as the one that won 10-games last year. The Ragin' Cajuns outgained them 440 to 252 (lost by double-digits despite being +2 in turnover margin). 

Eagles are just 1-4 ATS last 5 overall, so the books are clearly overvaluing them of late. Jaguars are 4-1 ATS last 5 vs a team with a losing record. Take South Alabama! 

5* NCAAF - Vegas Insider GAME OF THE MONTH on Notre Dame -11 -110

I was really impressed with the Irish in last week's loss to Georgia. The public was all over the Bulldogs in that game. While Notre Dame covered, I don't feel they did enough to sway the public back to the point they want to lay double-digits with them. 

In fact, I see the public looking to grab the points with Virginia. Not only are the Cavaliers ranked No. 18 and 4-0, most will see this as a letdown game for Notre Dame. I don't. I think Virginia is getting a little too much respect. They beat Pitt by 16, but only outgained them by 53 and Pitt led 14-13 at the half. They trailed FSU 24-17 in the 4th quarter and fell behind 17-0 to Old Dominion (still trailed 17-14 going into the 4th quarter).

I just don't think the Cavaliers offense is good enough to go into a hostile environment against a good Notre Dame defense and keep pace with Ian Book and the Irish offense. Irish are 6-1 ATS last 7 at home against a team with a winning road record. Chip Kelly will have this team ready to go off the tough loss. Take Notre Dame! 

5* NCAAF - Big Ten GAME OF THE MONTH on Maryland +7 -110

Love the value here with the Terps as a touchdown dog against the Nittany Lions. It's not that Penn State isn't a talented team, they are extremely young and I just don't feel like they are the 12th best team in the country.

One of the more difficult thing for young/inexperienced teams is to play on the road in a hostile environment. That's where upsets happen and I think we could definitely see Maryland win this game outright. A lot of people were on the Terps after they crushed Syracuse, only to jump right off the ship after an upset loss at Temple. 

I wasn't surprised to see them stumble on the road against the Owls. The Terps were feeling themselves off that big win over a ranked team and the fact that they were a Top 25 team. I really like the skill players they got on the offensive side of the ball and former Va Tech quarterback, Joshua Jackson, looks really good in this offense.

I think they are going to have a big day against a Penn State defense that isn't as good as the numbers. Nittany Lions have somehow only given up 23 points in their last 2 games, despite allowing more than 800 yards of offense. Take Maryland! 

5* NCAAF - American Athletic GAME OF THE MONTH on Navy +11 -110

Navy is definitely worth a look here as a double-digit dog against Memphis on Thursday Night. Midshipmen went just 3-9 last year and were a team not many people were talking about in 2019 with just 8 starters back. However, this should be a much improved team (service academies are use to not having a lot of guys back) on both sides of the ball. 

They have looked great in their two games so far this season. They beat Holy Cross 45-7 as a 21.5-point favorite and East Carolina 42-10 as a 7.5-point favorite. Books weren't close with the number posted in either of those games. I think it's the same thing here. 

Navy has won 3 of the last 4 meetings against Memphis, including a 22-21 win as a 6.5-point dog last year. A lot of people are praising this Memphis defense cause it shutdown Ole Miss in the opener, but stopping the triple-option is not easy and all that running limits the number of possessions.

Midshipmen are 18-5 ATS last 23 as a road dog of 7.5 to 14 points. Memphis is just 8-21 in their last 29 off a double-digit road win, 5-15 ATS last 20 after outgaining 2 straight teams by 125 or more yards and 0-8 ATS last 8 after gaining 525+ yards in their last two. Take Navy! 

5* NFL - Rams/Browns SNF PLAY OF THE MONTH on Browns +3½ -110

I really like Cleveland to cash in a win at home against the Rams, but you got to take the points to be safe. It took a couple of weeks, but we are finally starting to see the public back on Los Angeles. They won and covered as a small favorite at Carolina in Week 1 and blew out New Orleans 27-9 as a small home favorite in Week 2. 

I just don't think it's warranted. I don't know that Carolina is all we thought they would be. Newtown doesn't look like himself and they barely won that game. As for the victory over the Saints, they caught the ultimate break with Drew Brees going down to injury. 

This does not look like the same team that went to the Super Bowl last year, especially on the offensive side. Rams rank in the bottom half of the league at just 224.0 passing yards/game. Jared Goff is also a guy that historically plays much worse on the road. I think he's in for a long day here against Myles Garrett. He was a force against the Jets last week. 

You also have to play into the atmosphere here. It's going to be electric at FirstEnergy Stadium and I got a feeling this Browns team is going to play with a little more fight as an underdog. Take Cleveland! 

5* NCAAF Small Conference PLAY OF THE YEAR on Ohio -3 -110

Absolutely love Ohio here as a small 3-point home favorite against the Ragin Cajun's. This is the perfect time to buy low on the Bobcats and sell high on Lafayette. Ohio didn't cover in their opener against Rhode Island, despite winning by 20+, and then lost back-to-back on the road against Pittsburgh and Marshall. Two games they were expected to lose, but nonetheless there's nothing to get you excited about with Ohio. 

Key here is that this is one of Frank Solich's better teams he's had at Ohio and a lot of people have them as the best team in the MAC this year. They are going to be chomping at the bit take the field at home, where they have are 1-0 this year and 48-13 over the previous 10 seasons (12-1 since 2017). 

As for Lafayette they covered against Mississippi State in the opener and followed that up with back-to-back blowout wins and covers at home against Liberty and Texas Southern. The close call against the Bulldogs looks less impressive after Miss St lost at home to K-State and that Liberty team they beat lost 24-0 to a bad Syracuse team. 

Ohio lost by just 2-points last week at Marshall and that's worth noting, as the Bobcats are 12-4 ATS under Solich off a loss by 3 or less. They have also covered 16 of their last 20 vs a team that's outscoring opponents by 10+ ppg (Lafayette +27.4 ppg). Take Ohio! 

5* NCAAF - C-USA GAME OF THE MONTH on Louisiana Tech -9 -109

This is a no-brainer for me to lay single digits at home with Louisiana Tech against the FIU Panthers. Something just isn't right with this FIU team. The Panthers are a team that was suppose to be a contender in C-USA with 16 starters back from a 9-win team. I just feel like the books are being slow to adjust. 

They got embarrassed by Tulane 42-14 on the road in Week 1 and were a mere 3-point dog in that matchup. They then lost at home as a 7.5-point favorite to WKU. They finally get a win last week over New Hampshire, but only won 30-17 as a 13.5-point favorite. 

The offense has not looked great, especially the passing game. Starting quarterback James Morgan, who was great for them last year is dealing with an ankle injury, but it felt like he was already losing time to backup Kaylan Wiggins. The defense has also been sub-par, especially against run. 

I just don't see the Panthers being able to keep pace with J'Mar Smith and the Bulldogs offense. Smith has been playing at a high level. He had 331 yards and 2 scores against Texas, so it's hard to see FIU keeping in check. 

Panthers come in averaging 307 ypg. There have been only 6 times as the head coach of the Bulldogs that Skip Holz has faced a team that averages 310 or fewer yards. Holtz and the Bulldogs are 6-0 ATS in this spot with an average margin of victory of 21.6 ppg. Take Louisiana Tech! 

5* NFL - Browns/Jets MNF VEGAS INSIDER on Jets +3 -110

I liked the Jets when the line first came out and while the Darnold news is not ideal, I still like New York to make a game of this at home on Monday Night Football. Jets still have Le'Veon Bell to keep the offense moving and this Browns defense is not as good as people think. They let Marcus Mariota threw for 250 yards and 3 scores and gave up over 120 yards on the ground. 

That same Titans offense managed just 242 total yards at home in a Week 2 loss to the Colts. I know Trevor Siemian has not been great as a starter, but a lot of those starts were on bad teams. I think he outperforms expectations in a big way here. Take New York! 

5* NFL - AFC West GAME OF THE MONTH on Raiders +7½ -110

Love the value here with Oakland getting over a touchdown at home against the Chiefs. I really liked what I saw from the Raiders in their win over Denver on MNF in Week 1. This team is playing with a chip on their shoulder from all that AB drama. 

They are going to give everything they got to beat their rival in KC. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense looked great in Week 1, but the problem is the defense. Kansas City did a lot to try and get better on that side of the ball only to watch a rookie in Gardner Minshew complete 22 of 25 against them. 

Add in the loss of Tyreek Hill for that Chiefs offense and I think Oakland can make a game of this. Also this a really tough traveling spot for KC having to go from playing at Jacksonville in Week 1 to the complete other side of the country in California. Take the Raiders! 

5* NCAAF - Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Tulsa +14½ -105

Absolutely love the value here with Tulsa as a two touchdown dog at home against the Cowboys. I've really been impressed with what I've seen out of the Golden Hurricane to start out 2019. Tulsa kept it closer than just about everyone expected in a 28-7 loss at Michigan State in Week 1 as a 23.5-point dog. 

Instead of giving the Golden Hurricane's defense for going on the road and holding the Spartans to 28 points and just 303 total yards, they just wrote it off as Michigan State's offense being bad. That kinda doesn't work after watching the Spartans put up 51 points and 582 yards in a 34-point win at home against Western Michigan.

Tulsa's defense wasn't spectacular at San Jose State last week, but that second straight game on the road is always tough, plus it was a huge sandwich spot. Teams that can keep Oklahoma State's offense from getting into a rhythm tend to have a lot of success against them. Should be a rowdy crowd, as this is also their home opener. Outright win is definitely a possibility. Take Tulsa! 

5* NFL - Bucs/Panthers NFC South GAME OF THE MONTH on Panthers -6½ -109

I really like the Panthers to lay it on the Bucs tonight. While both teams are coming off a loss at home in Week 1, Carolina lost to the reigning NFC champs in the Rams, while Tampa Bay lost to the 49ers. 

The big thing the Bucs were hoping for when they hired Bruce Arians was his ability to get Jameis Winston to finally play up to his potential. That hope didn't last long, as Winston threw for fewer than 200 yards and had 3 interceptions (two pick sixes) at home against a 49ers defense that only had 2 picks all of last year. 

I don't think it's going to get any better for Winston against the Panthers. Carolina's defense played pretty well against the Rams in Week 1. They gave up 30 points, but did hold the Rams to just 349 yards and just 4.6 yards/play. 

No player is going to be more motivated to go against Winston than new Carolina defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who prior to this year had only played for Tampa. Bucs basically said he was washed up. Not only do I think McCoy shows out against his old team, but I like the entire Panthers defense to play inspired for their new teammate. 

Lastly, you have to factor in the huge advantage the home team has playing in these Thursday games on just 3-days of rest. Take Carolina! 

5* NFL - Texans/Saints MNF HEAVY HITTER on Texans +7 -106

I absolutely love the the value here with Houston. The betting public loves Drew Brees and the Saints and will almost back them no matter what at home, especially in a prime time game like this. New Orleans is definitely a top tier team in the NFC, but no way should they be laying a touchdown in Week 1 to a very talented Texans team. 

It's almost like people forget how good Houston was last year. The Texans won the AFC South at 11-5 and yet were being picked by many to finish as low as 3rd in the division. DeShaun Watson had a big year that got overlooked with all the Mahomes/Goff hype. 

I know they just lost a great defensive player in Jadeveon Clowney, but in the process they made a huge upgrade on the offensive line by adding in Laremy Tunsil. If they can get better play up front, look out. Watson threw for over 4,000 yards with a 26-9 TD-INT ratio, despite being sacked 62 times (most since 2006).

The defense also still has an elite player in J.J. Watt, who is coming off a 16 sack season. It feels like forever since he's been this healthy coming into a season. I'm not saying they are going to stop Brees and the Saints, but I think they can do enough to keep this close and cash in a cover. Take Houston! 

5* NFL - Pats/Steelers Week 1 GAME OF THE YEAR on Steelers +6 -110

I love the points with Pittsburgh, as the Steelers head to New England to take on the Patriots on Sunday Night Football. New England is the only team that no matter what happens in the offseason, it's just assumed they are going to be good. 

I expect the Patriots to be a threat in the AFC, but at least for now Tom Brady doesn't have Gronk. I know his play had declined some in the last couple of years, but Brady's numbers were drastically better with him on the field. I could definitely see that offense struggling early and it's not uncommon for the Pats to not look their best in the first couple weeks of the season. 

Pittsburgh is a team that I think people are kinda sleeping on. The Steelers losing both Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown has a lot to do with that. However, they showed they didn't need Bell last year and after the last month or so, I think Pittsburgh has to be thrilled to not have that headache in Brown. I think the offense won't miss a beat with Big Ben under center and that defense has a lot of talented young players. Take Pittsburgh! 

5* NCAAF - Vegas Undervalued DOG OF THE MONTH on Nevada +24½ -110

Even though the Ducks came up short in their Week 1 loss at Auburn, I think a lot of people were impressed with how well Oregon hung around with the Tigers. This is also a team that was getting a ton of hype preseason because of quarterback Justin Herbert. 

I believe it has the Ducks way overvalued here at home against Nevada. This far from an easy spot for Oregon, who still has to be licking their wounds from that meltdown against Auburn. The Ducks led 21-6 with less than 5 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter and gave up the game-winning TD with 9 seconds left on a 26-yard pass by a true freshmen. 

Nevada on the other hand comes in off a thrilling 34-31 win at home over Purdue. The Wolf Pack trailed 31-14 in the 2nd half. They tied it at 31-31 with less than a minute to play and won the game on a 56-yard field on the last play of the game. 

I don't think Nevada is capable of winning this game on the road, but I do think the Wolf Pack have the offensive fire-power to easily cover the number here. Take Nevada +24.5! 

5* NCAAF - 'Group of 5' Non-Conf PLAY OF THE MONTH on Boise State -10½ -106

I like this Marshall team and could see them being a force in Conference USA this year, but I think Boise State is on a different level. I not only think the Broncos win at home Friday night over the Thundering Herd, I think they do so with ease. 

You never really know what you are going to get from a true freshman quarterback until they play in a game. I don't think there's many concerns lingering for Boise State's Hank Bachmeier. The true freshmen threw for 407 yards on 30 of 51 passing in Week 1 and did it on the road against a Power 5 opponent in FSU. Even more impressive is he guided his team back from a 31-13 deficit. 

Marshall only gave up 21.8 ppg and 339 ypg, but a lot of that is playing in C-USA. They gave up 37 points and 502 yards to NC State and 41 points and 454 yards to Va Tech. I think Boise will have no problem scoring 35+ here and I like the Broncos defense to keep Marshall to 20 or fewer, giving us plenty of breathing room to cash in a cover.

Broncos are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 after giving up 24 or more points in the 1st half of their last game and are 11-2 ATS last 13 off an upset win as an underdog. Take Boise State! 

5* WNBA - Heavy Hitter GAME OF THE MONTH on Sparks -5½ -110

This is just too good a price to lay a big bet on the Sparks at home. Los Angeles is 13-2 at home on the season and enter this game riding a 12-game home winning streak. Sparks are beating teams by 8.4 points/game on their home floor and most importantly are 9-3 ATS during the 12-game winning streak. 

Storm have a losing record (6-9) on the road and are not a team you want to be backing when they are up against a quality opponent. Seattle has gone just 1-5 ATS last 6 vs a team with a winning record. I don't see the Storm keeping this one anywhere close to the number. Take Los Angeles! 

5* NCAAF - Houston/Oklahoma ATS HEAVY HITTER on Oklahoma -21½ -115

I got no problem laying the points with Oklahoma. I think the betting public is going to be all over Houston given the hype around this team with Dana Holgorsen leaving West Virginia to take over. Holgorsen is known for his ability to get a lot out of the QB position and the Cougars have a good one in D'Eriq King. 

However, Houston is out-classed big time in this one. I get Baker Mayfield and Kylar Murray were big time talents, but their success is 100% a result of Lincoln Riley's brilliant offensive mind. No reason not to expect this offense to be potent with Jalen Hurts running the show. 

I also think Oklahoma's defense will be greatly improved under coordinator Alex Grinch. Houston on the other hand lost a ton on the defensive side of the ball. Sooners are going to score at will and I just don't see Houston being able to keep pace. Take Oklahoma! 

5* NCAAF - Opening Week GAME OF THE YEAR on Ole Miss +6½ -110

I think we are going to look back at this line later in the season and wonder what the heck were the books thinking making Ole Miss a dog against a non-Power 5 opponent. Especially one as talented as the Rebels. 

Ole Miss struggled in SEC play last year, but this team went 4-0 in non-conference. The most impressive non-conference win came in Week 1, as they rolled Texas Tech 47-27 as a 2-point dog. 

I know the record doesn't exactly reflect it, but there's a ton of talent on this Ole Miss roster and I love the two new coordinators they brought in to get the most of the talent on hand. Rich Rodriguez is new OC and Mike MacIntyre is the new DC. Two guys maybe didn't have the best run as head coaches, but are coaching what they know best in Oxford. 

Not to take anything away from Memphis, who has been one of the better Group of 5 programs the last 5 years, but I think they are outclassed. Keep in mind they got annihilated 65-33 by Missouri out of the SEC last year. I just don't see the Tigers winning here by a touchdown and will certainly have some money line action on the Rebels. Take Ole Miss! 

5* NCAAF - Friday Night VEGAS INSIDER on Rice +23½ -104

Not only is Army being overvalued coming off their 11-win season in 2018, but this also an awful spot for a blowout.

The Black Knights have been a force under Jeff Monkin the last few years. They are 29-10 the last 3 seasons. Rice has 19 wins over the last 5 with a mere 5-31 mark the last 3 seasons. Easy to see how we get an inflated number. 

Rice is now in year two under head coach Mike Bloomgren and I look for the former Stanford OC to have the Owls improved across the board in 2019. Getting all this extra time to prepare for the triple-option is huge. 

As for the bad spot, no way does Army not look ahead to next week's game at Michigan. They have to be thinking the less they can put on tape for the Wolverines the better and it should also lead to starters getting pulled a little earlier in the 2nd half if things do get out of hand, opening up for a backdoor cover. Either way I like the Owls to keep this within the number. Take Rice! 

5* NFLX -Week 4 Preseason BEST BET on Bears -2½ -110

I just think this is an easy play here on the Bears laying less than a field goal at home. While the game is going to feature a bunch of backups, I like the depth in Chicago a heck of a lot more than I do in Tennessee.

Bears backups held the Colts to just 7 points over the final 3 quarters in last week's preseason action. Titans on the other hand mustered just two field goals against the Steelers. The offensive line was atrocious, giving up 7 sacks and the Bears are coming off a 6-sack performance against Indy. Take Chicago! 

5* NCAAF - No Limit Non-Conf GAME OF THE MONTH on Cincinnati -2½ -105

I think we are getting a gift here with Cincinnati laying less than a field goal at home. These two met in last year's season opener and the Bearcats won outright 26-17 as a 14-point dog.

While UCLA will be improved in year two under Chip Kelly, I still think they are a year or two away recruiting wise before he can really get this program back near the top of the Pac-12. Let's also not forget that Luke Fickell is now in year 3 at Cincinnati and this is the year it typically all comes together for new coaches.

Fickell has 14 returning starters, including a really talented sophomore quarterback in Desmond Ridders. The offense is going to be good and there are still major concerns with UCLA's defense. Fickell, who was the DC at Ohio State will have the defense ready. Bearcats went from allowing 31.8 ppg in his first year to only giving up 17.2 ppg. They also shaved 100+ yards/game off what they allowed. 

You also have to factor in how hard it is to play on the road early in the season, especially the opener. Not to mention that when the Bearcats' put out a decent team, Nippert Stadium turns into one of the more tougher places to play. Take Cincinnati! 

5* WNBA - Non-Conf GAME OF THE MONTH on Mercury -6 +100

Phoenix should have no problem winning by at least 7 on the road against the Liberty. New York has just one win in their last 11 games. Last time out they got annihilated by 29 points at Washington. 

There will be no mercy shown by Phoenix in this one, as they are looking to bounce back from two straight set backs. Mercury have covered 4 of their last 5 road games and are 7-1 ATS last 8 vs a team from the Eastern Conference. Liberty are 1-9 ATS last 10 overall and 0-5 ATS last 5 vs a team from the Western Conference. Take Phoenix! 

5* NFLX - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play  on Texans +1 -113

I like the Texans here. Everyone focuses on the Elliott holdout, but Dallas has a lot of key guys who are hurt and either won't play or won't play much in this one. I know I wouldn't be playing Dak Prescott a lot if he's not going to be out there with his best players. 

You also have to factor in the Cowboys betting market and how their lines are almost always inflated. So while this game is right around a pick'em, I think the Texans should be at least laying a field goal here. Take Houston! 

5* NCAAF - Villanova/Colgate (FCS) TOP PLAY on Colgate -4 -109

Most are going to simply focus on the two FBS matchups between Florida/Miami and Arizona/Hawaii, but the real value on this first Saturday of college football is at the FCS level. I absolutely love Colgate as a small home favorite. 

This Raiders team is the real deal. They got a lot of talent back on a defense that was outstanding in 2018. They held 5 different teams scoreless last year. They got back their QB in Grant Breneman (Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year) and ranked #13 in the FCS Poll. 

Villanova is being picked to finish in the bottom half of the CAA. They got no shot here of keeping this within a touchdown. Take Colgate! 

5* NFLX - Preseason GAME OF THE YEAR on Bills -2 -109

Easy play here on Buffalo. The Bills are a perfect 2-0 in the preseason this year and are getting it done on both sides of the ball. Buffalo's defense has only given up 2 touchdowns and will benefit here from the Lions not playing Matthew Stafford and instead having to turn to the likes of Josh Johnson and David Fales.

Detroit's offense didn't score a point in the 1st half of their Week 1 game against the Pats and only managed a field goal last week against the Texans. Look for the Bills to jump out and cruise to an easy win and cover. Take Buffalo!

5* WNBA - Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Sky -7½ -102

Love the value here with Chicago laying single digits at home against the Liberty on Wednesday, as I think the Sky win here by double-digits without any problem. Chicago has won 5 of 6, but more importantly have been covering at a high rate. Sky come in having covered 3 straight and are 7-2 ATS last 9. 

It's the exact opposite for New York. The Liberty come in having lost 6 of 7 games outright and are just 2-5 ATS during this stretch. In their last 5 games, NY has been outscored on average by 9.8 ppg. 

Chicago is well rested (haven't played since Saturday) and that's definitely worth noting. The Sky are 11-4 ATS last 15 when playing 5 or less games in 14 days and 8-1 in their last 9 when playing on 3 or more days of rest. Take Chicago! 

5* WNBA - All-Star Game TOP PLAY  on Team Delle Donne -1 -110

I love the value here with Team Delle Donne at basically a pick'em. I think Delle Donne picked the much better team and I could see them winning this one going away. Delle Donne was a captain last year and lost, which has added motivation. She even said she's trying to pick the players that won't be out partying. Take Team Delle Donne!

5* WNBA - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Sparks +2½ -105

Easy play here on the Sparks as a home dog against the Aces. Vegas won an earlier meeting between these two, but that has LA primed for revenge. Sparks are also desperate for a win after losing their last 4. Big thing to keep in mind is that 3 of the 4 losses came on the road. LA was 4-2 prior to the losing streak. 

Sparks are on 3 days rest and that's important to note, as they have gone 15-6 ATS last 21 when playing on 3 or more days of rest. Aces are 1-5-1 ATS last 7 on the road and 0-5-1 ATS last 6 off a SU win. Take Los Angeles! 

5* WNBA - No Limit GAME OF THE MONTH on Storm +6½ -110

Big time value here with the Storm as a decently priced road dog against the Aces. Seattle has got quite the emotional lift with the return of head coach Dan Hughes, who missed the first 9 games for cancer treatment. 

In his first game back Seattle destroyed LA 84-62 as a 1.5 point home dog and came back on just 1-day of rest and defeated Indiana 65-61. While I like them to win this one outright, we got a ton of insurance here with the big spread. Aces are off a nice win, but are just 3-5 ATS last 8. Vegas is also 0-7 ATS last 7 games vs a team with a winning record. Take Seattle!

5* WNBA - Non-Conf GAME OF THE MONTH on Lynx +5½ -110

I really like the value here with Minnesota as a home dog. Connecticut has won 4 straight and are sitting on top of the league at 6-1. I just think the strong start has the Sun way overvalued here against a quality Lynx team who are 3-1 in 4 home games, outscoring teams by nearly 7-points/game. 

Sun have played 3 road games and are 2-1. However, they lost at LA by 7 as a 3-point favorite. The only team they have played on the road that currently has a winning record. The two wins were against the Aces and Dream. Take Minnesota! 

5* NBA Finals - Game 6 NO LIMIT Top Play on Raptors +3½ -109

I cashed in on the Warriors as a dog in Game 5 at Toronto. A big reason for that is, I just just didn't think the Raptors would be able to match the fight of Golden State and the return of Durant. Warriors had their way early with Durant in the lineup, but the offensive woes returned after he left. After putting up 62 points in the first half, Golden State managed just 44 in the second half. 

Warriors made a ridiculous 20 3-pointers in Game 5 and yet they still needed a ridiculous comeback in the final couple minutes to squeak out a 106-105 win. That's a massive concern, as it's unlikely Golden State shoots that well again. The Raptors already won twice at Oracle in the series and their intensity will be up a notch in this one. I don't see this thing extending to a Game 7. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA Finals - No Limit GAME OF THE MONTH on Warriors +4 -115

As difficult as it may be to back Golden State after just watching them lose two straight at home, I don't the series ends tonight. With or without Durant. However, I do think we are finally going to see Durant and just having him on the floor changes the game. If he plays, it's going to be a heck of lot harder on the Raptors defense, as they can't just focus all their attention to Curry and Thompson. 

The biggest thing I like here is that we got a defending champ with their backs against the wall. Golden State definitely has more to offer. This is also a sticky spot for the team up 3-1. It's not easy to match the intensity of the team facing elimination when you know in the back of your mind that a loss isn't the end of the world. Take Golden State! 

5* WNBA - Vegas Insider GAME OF THE MONTH on Sparks +3½ -110

I like the Sparks to win this game outright, making them a no-brainer as a 3.5-point dog. Minnesota is off to a blistering 4-1 start, but two of those wins are by 3-points or less and this is a team that figures to struggle minus Maya Moor for the season. 

One of those close victories for the Lynx came in their last game, as they squeaked out a 58-56 win at home against Phoenix. That result is worth noting, as Minnesota is a dreadful 0-6 ATS over the last 2 seasons off a win by 6 points or less. They are also just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 when they coming in having won 2 of their last 3. Take Los Angeles! 

5* NBA Finals - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Warriors -5 -105

While I definitely would prefer Klay Thompson play, I want to point out that I love Golden State to win and cover in Game 4 regardless if he's on the floor. As of right now he's listed as probable, while Durant is listed as out, so you have to assume he's playing. 

Either way the effort simply wasn't there on the defensive end of the floor in Game 3 and there's no doubt that's been the focal point in the lockerroom leading up to this game. Golden State might be the defending champs, but they know they are all but done for if they lose this game. 

I think a better effort defensively and Toronto not shooting it as well from deep as they did in Game 3 will get the job done. The Warriors have the fire-power with Curry to score enough to not just win but win going away. Take Golden State! 

5* WNBA - Eastern Conf GAME OF THE MONTH on Mystics -8 -105

Easy play here on Washington, as the Mystics should have no problem winning here by double-digits. Washington is 2-1 on the season and in their two wins they have beat Atlanta by 21 and Chicago by 18. Their lone loss was at Connecticut, but it was also without one of their best players in Elena Delle Donne (played in both wins). 

As for New York, they are the worst team in the league and while they have flirted with a couple wins in 2019, the fact of the matter is they are 0-3 and have now lost 17 straight dating back to last season. No one wants to be the first team to lose to a team on a losing streak like this, so forget the Mystics looking past this one. Take Washington! 

5* NBA Finals - Game 3 NO LIMIT Top Play on Warriors -5½ -109

Even if Durant and Thompson don't play for Golden State, I'm all over the Warriors to win and cover at home in Game 3. Toronto had their chance to go up 2-0 but couldn't get it done and it's always the toughest bouncing back from a loss in a game that you felt like you should have won. 

Either way, I just don't see Golden State losing in this spot. The Warriors needed to win Game 2 and did just that. I think Game 3 is even that much more important. This is where the home-court shift will lead to a more lopsided outcome for the Warriors, as they should get a lot more out of their role players. Take Golden State! 

5* NBA Finals - Postseason GAME OF THE YEAR on Raptors -1½ -109

I love the Raptors as a small home favorite in Game 2. We cashed in an easy winner on Toronto in Game 1 and with Kevin Durant not suiting up for Golden State in Game 2, I see no reason why we should expect anything different. 

Toronto's home court edge is underrated and like I said in the write-up for Game 1, I just think this is a really tough matchup for the Warriors without Durant. They got 55 points from Curry and Thompson in Game 1 and it wasn't nearly enough. Toronto also won going away with a pretty average game from Kawhi. Raptors depth is also huge in this series, especially with Iguodala likely playing at less than 100%. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA - Warriors/Raptors Game 1 VEGAS INSIDER on Raptors +1 -115

I really like Toronto to take Game 1 of the NBA Finals at home against the defending champs. Without Durant I think the Raptors matchup extremely well with Golden State. Marc Gasol has the ability to hang with Draymond, while Leonard and Lowry can slow down Curry and Thompson. 

I know Klay is a great defender, but I just feel like Kawhi is on a different level and without Durant the Warriors really don't have a great answer for him. Add in the home court edge in Toronto and the depth edge that the Raptors have and I think they should be a bigger favorite here. 

Let's also not forget that Toronto won both of the regular-season meetings with the Warriors, including a 20-point win as a 8-point dog at Golden State. Raptors are 21-8 ATS last 29 at home after winning 4 of their last 5 and 34-16-2 in their last 52 at home vs a team with a winning road record. Take Toronto! 

5* Bucks/Raptors NBA Playoffs GAME OF THE MONTH on Raptors -2 -110

My money is on the Raptors to make it 4 straight wins to close out the series with Milwaukee and move on to the NBA Finals. As good as Antetokounmpo is, you could argue that Toronto's Kawhi Leonard has been the best player on the floor in this series, especially of late. 

More than anything, I think Leonard's got the much better supporting cast. Bucks just aren't getting production from their bench and a lot of that has to do with the great defense of Toronto. I just think with all the momentum the Raptors have, playing at home will be more than enough to propel them to victory in this one. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA Western Conf Finals GAME OF THE MONTH on Blazers +8 -110

Really like the value here with Portland as a near double-digit dog in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. I wasn't surprised to see the Blazers struggle in Game 1. In fact, I had a strong play on Golden State in that one. 

I just thought it was asking a lot for Portland to play well in that spot. It's hard enough playing on the road in the postseason at Golden State. It's that much harder when coming off a Game 7, especially when that Game 7 was played in altitude. While it's only been one day between games, I think we see a very different Blazers team tonight. 

The other huge key here is that Durant is not expected to play. I get that Curry and Thompson were great in Game 1, but it will be tough for the two to combine for another 62 points and 12 made 3-pointers. Not saying the Blazers will win, but I expect this to be a dog fight the whole way. Take Portland! 

5* Bucks/Raptors Game 1 VEGAS INSIDER Top Play on Raptors +6½ -110

I really like the value here with Toronto as a pretty decent road dog in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks. I know the Raptors just played Game 7 against the 76ers on Sunday, but two days is more than enough to recover. 

I actually think the Bucks are the team that is going to be most affected by rest. Milwaukee only needed 5 games to put away the Celtics in the second round and thus haven't played in a week. I think no game action for that long really makes it tough on a team to come out sharp. I look for the Raptors to take control early and wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they went on to win the game. Take Toronto! 

5* BEST BET on Warriors -7 -110

Analysis will be posted shortly

5* NBA Playoffs - Warriors/Rockets Game 6 VEGAS INSIDER on Rockets -6 -110

I'll back Houston in a must-win at home against the Warriors in Game 6. With Golden State up 3-2 in the series, it's win or season over for the Rockets. In a change of events from last year, the Warriors will be the ones trying to close out a series without one of their best players.

Last year the Rockets had a 3-2 series lead before losing Chris Paul to an injury. Warriors won Game 6 at home 115-86 and followed that up with a win at Houston in Game 7. Rockets will look to take a similar path, as Golden State will be without Kevin Durant. 

I get the Warriors still have Curry, Thompson and Green, but Houston now without a doubt has the best player on the floor in Harden and in my opinion are the better defensive team. I think the Rockets roll here. Take Houston! 

5* BEST BET on 76ers +2 -110

Analysis will be posted shortly

5* NBA Wiseguy Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Warriors +

A lot of people will be quick to lay the short number with Houston at home in Game 3, as everyone sees this as a must-win for the Rockets, who are down 0-2 in the series. No denying how big a game this is for Houston, but I believe the Warriors will also be out to send a message. 

Last thing Golden State wants to do is give Houston life and I think they come out extremely motivated to go up 3-0. While the Rockets more than held their own on the road in Games 1 & 2, they continued to struggle from the field. Houston hasn't eclipsed 110 points in 5 straight and have shut under 45% from the field in 4 of their last 5. 

Warriors are 15-5 ATS last 2 seasons in the 2nd half of the year vs a team with a winning record and have covered 7 of their last 8 against a team that's won more than 60% of their games. Rockets are also just 2-6 ATS last 8 when playing on 3 days of rest. Take Golden State! 

5* NBA Eastern Conf Semifinals GAME OF THE YEAR on Bucks -

A lot of people are going to be quick to take the points with Boston, especially after watching the Celtics sweep the Pacers in the first round. I just think that's a huge mistake, as I not only think the Bucks cover the big number, but win here in a blowout. 

Milwaukee is 35-8 at home this season and in their two home games against Detroit in the first round, they won 121-86 in Game 1 and 120-99 in Game 2. A lot of people overlook just how good this Bucks team is defensively. Pistons shot a miserable 38.8% from the field against the Bucks in the first round. Boston won with their defense in their series with the Pacers, but stopping Milwaukee's offense will prove to be a much harder task. 

Bucks are 44-29 ATS as a favorite this season, which includes a 23-12 ATS mark when listed as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Take Milwaukee! 

5* NBA Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Raptors -

Love the value here with Toronto at home, as this just has the feeling of a series where the home team is going to have a massive edge throughout. While both of these teams started out the first round with a Game 1 loss at home only to win 4 straight, I came away a lot more impressed with Toronto than I was with Philadelphia. 

The fact that Embiid is sitting out playoff games is a bad bad sign for the 76ers. Hard to believe he's not playing through some pain. He's the guy that really makes Philly so dangerous and I just don't trust them on the road without him at 100%. 

Two other key things in this matchup that I believe favor the Raptors is their depth and their defense. I think they have a massive edge in both areas of the game. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA Playoffs Heavy Hitter PLAY OF THE MONTH on Raptors -

I fully expect the Raptors to make easy work of the Magic and cover the big spread in Game 5 at home. It's been all Toronto since Orlando's upset win on the road in Game 1. Raptors responded from that loss with a resounding 111-82 home win in Game 2 and are coming off a 107-85 victory in Game 4 at Orlando. 

The Magic know they are done for and the Raptors should be plenty motivated to put an end to this series on their home floor. Factor in the massive talent gap between the two teams and it should all add up to a blowout victory. 

Toronto is now 9-1 ATS in their last 10 at home in the month of April and a perfect 9-0 ATS at home over the last 2 seasons when coming off a game where they held their opponent to 90 or fewer points. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA Vegas Insider GAME OF THE MONTH on Blazers

A lot of people came into this series expecting the Thunder to advance without much problem. Portland had just recently lost Nurkic to a season-ending injury and McCollum was working his way back to full strength after a long absence. Blazers proved those doubters wrong by going up 2-0. 

Oklahoma City did manage to win Game 3 at home, but it took a huge game from Westbrook. I don't know that they can't count on that kind of performance again here, as they need him to be special to not only win, but cover this spread. Also, the Thunder shot 52% (15-29) on 3-pointers in Game 3 and still only won by 12. 

Blazers are 15-4 ATS last 2 seasons when revenging a loss of 10 or more points, which includes a 11-1 ATS mark when that previous loss came on the road. Take Portland! 

5* NBA Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Raptors -

Easy play here on Toronto at this price. I think a lot of the value here stems from Orlando's upset win of the Raptors in Game 1. I just think that result was more of the Raptors not giving the Magic their full attention, as they are without a doubt the better team and they know it. 

That loss got Toronto locked back in and they came out and absolutely dominated the Magic in Game 2. Sure the Magic are going to be fired up playing a home playoff game, but it's not going to be enough for them to pull off the upset. Much like we saw last night with Brooklyn, who also won Game 1 and was getting a ton of love going into Game 3. I would be shocked if this is close at all. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Thunder +

I was on the wrong end of Game 1 with OKC, but that's not going to keep me from going big on the Thunder in Game 2. Portland got big games from all of their top guys in Lillard (30), McCullom (24) and Kanter (20). While those 3 combined for 74 points, the rest of the team managed just 30. 

I just don't think Portland has the fire-power to win this series and let's not forget the Thunder swept the regular-season series 4-0. Both Westbrook and George shot the ball poorly in Game 1 (4 for 19 on 3-pointers) and yet Oklahoma City had a chance to win the game. Keep in mind they also started the game down 14 in the 1st quarter. I expect a much stronger start for the Thunder and really expect them to win this one rather comfortably. Take Oklahoma City! 

5* NBA Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Clippers -

I love this spot and price with the Clippers at home against the Jazz. As of right now LAC is the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and would have to take on the Warriors in the first round. However, with a win here and a loss by either the Spurs or Thunder, the Clippers would move up to the No. 7 seed and play the Nuggets. 

The even bigger key here is that while this games means a lot to Los Angeles, it means next to nothing for the Jazz. Utah is locked into the No. 5 spot and had their big tune-up game for the playoffs last night at home against the Nuggets, which they won 118-108. I would expect the Jazz to rest some guys and any key guys that do play, likely won't be on the floor for long. This has all the makings of a Clippers blowout victory.

LAC is 17-8 ATS this season as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points, 13-5 ATS last 18 as a home favorite of 6 or less and 14-4 ATS last 18 when coming off a road loss. Take Los Angeles! 

5* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Rockets -

I love the value here with Houston laying a small number on the road against the Thunder. The Rockets were just hoping to play well enough to get past the Blazers for the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. They can officially lock up the No. 3 spot tonight with a win and in the process might pass the slumping Nuggets for the No. 2 spot, as Denver is a dog at Utah. 

Thunder have turned it around with 3 straight wins, but overall have not been playing well. They are just 9-13 over their last 22 games. Houston is simply the better team and with how much this game means to the Rockets, I just don't see them losing. 

OKC is 3-13 ATS last 16 vs a team from the Western Conference, 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games and 0-4 ATS last 4 at home vs a team with a winning road record. Take Houston! 

5* NBA Northwest Division GAME OF THE MONTH on Blazers -

Easy play here on the Blazers as a small home favorite against the Nuggets. Denver is pretty much locked into the No. 2 seed in the west and are expected to give a number of guys the day off on Sunday to make sure they are fresh for the playoffs. Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic are all out for this one. 

While Denver is playing without 3 of their better players, Portland is welcoming back one of theirs, as C.J. McCollum is expected to return from injury. I'm confident the Blazers not only cover this spread, but do so in convincing fashion. Take Portland! 

5* NCAAB Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Green Bay -

Love the value here with the Phoenix, as they should have no problem covering the small number against the Tigers. Wisconsin-GB has gone 14-3 on their home floor this season and are 8-1 ATS in last 9 home lined games. They just beat CS-Bakersfield by 15 as a 6-point favorite last time out and prior to that beat FIU by 30 as a 4-point favorite. 

Phoenix have gone 9-1 ATS last 10 home games when coming off a game as a home favorite and are a perfect 7-0 ATS in their last 7 as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points, winning by an average of 17.4 ppg. Take Green Bay!

5* Sweet 16 Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Houston +

Kentucky might be the better seed, but Houston is the better team and I'll take them as a dog all day against the Wildcats. Cougars absolutely destroyed their first two opponents, taking down No. 14 Georgia State 84-55 and No. 11 Ohio State 74-59. This is a team that while ranked, is a lot better than they get credit for. 

A lot of people forget that their run in last year's tournament ended with a heartbreaking 64-63 loss to Michigan, as the Wolverines hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer. That same Michigan team made it all the way to the title game. Houston could very well be the surprise team to not only make the Final 4, but win the whole thing. 

Cougars rank 12th in defensive efficiency and are tops in the country in effective field goal defense. Kentucky is not a great offensive team and chances are they will either be without their leading score PJ Washington or he plays at less than 100%. Wildcats also likely lose to Wofford if their best player doesn't have arguably his worst game of the year (0-12 on 3-pointers). The Cougars are simply the better team. Take Houston! 

5* NCAAB Sweet 16 GAME OF THE YEAR on Gonzaga -

I think the books are begging for money here on FSU by setting this line as high as they did, knowing that Gonzaga is the far superior team in this matchup and should easily win here by double-digits. 

I think some of it has to do with how good the ACC has been and the fact that the Seminoles whooped the Bulldogs in the Sweet 16 last year, but it has a lot of people on this FSU team. Seminoles were certainly impressive in their win over Murray State, but the Racers were a No. 12 seed, so that shouldn't have been a huge surprise. FSU shot lights out in that game at 50.7% and this is simply not a great shooting team. They had had failed to hit 40% in 4 of their previous 6. 

Gonzaga on the other has failed to shoot 50% or better from the field a mere 6 times the entire season. This is not the same offense that FSU shutdown a season ago. Bulldogs have 4 guys in double-figures and 4 of their top 5 scorers shoot 36% or better from deep. Seminoles won't be able to keep pace. Take Gonzaga! 

5* Texas/Colorado NIT GAME OF THE YEAR  on Colorado +

I absolutely love the value here with the Buffaloes as a decently priced road dog against the Longhorns. Colorado has really been playing great basketball for a while now. The Buffaloes are 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS over their last 15 games. They beat a really strong Dayton team to open up the NIT and then destroyed Norfolk State by 16. 

Texas on the other hand has squeaked by against South Dakota State and Xavier in the NIT and have just simply been way overvalued of late. Longhorns have failed to cover in 5 straight and are just 7-15 ATS this season when listed as a favorite. Texas has also failed to cover 5 straight against a winning record. 

The Buffaloes are 8-3 ATS last 11 off a SU win, 10-2 ATS last 12 vs a team with a winning record and 4-0 ATS last 4 vs a team from the Big 12. Take Colorado! 

5* NCAAB Vegas Insider GAME OF THE MONTH on LSU -

I love the value here with LSU at basically a pick'em against the Terps. I think the perception with the Tigers right now is there are too many distractions for them to make a deep run. After watching this team against Yale I think this team is playing with a chip on their shoulder. 

As for Maryland, I just haven't been impressed with this team down the stretch. Terps went just 3-3 to close out the regular-season and were bounced in the first round of the Big Ten Tourny by Nebraska. They were extremely fortunate to get by Belmont on Thursday and I just think they are way outclassed here. 

LSU has gone a perfect 7-0 ATS this season in games with a line of +3 to -3. They are also 8-1 ATS last 9 vs a team that's won more than 60% of their games and are 4-0 ATS last 4 games against the Big Ten. After failing to cover against Belmont, Maryland is now 1-7 ATS last 8 NCAA Tournament games. Take LSU! 

5* NCAA Tournament 1st Round GAME OF THE YEAR on Ohio State +

The Big Ten showed really well on Thursday and I expect more of the same on Friday. We saw a Minnesota team that finished 9-11 in the Big Ten whoop up on Louisville and I think we are going to see the same thing here with the Buckeyes in Friday's showdown with ISU. 

Cyclones won the Big 12 Tournament so people are on this team, but they were just 9-9 in the Big 12 regular-season and went just 1-5 over their final 6 before winning 3 in a row in the Big 12 Tournament. Cyclones rely a lot on the jump shot and this Buckeyes team can lock down defensively. If Ohio State simply shoots decent they win this game. Take Ohio State! 

5* NCAA Tournament NO LIMIT Top Play on Villanova -

I love the value here with Villanova in this one. I think people are sleeping on this Wildcats team because they weren't as dominant as the team that won it all last year. Chances are they won't win the title for a 3rd time in 4 years, but I see absolutely no reason they don't make easy work of a St. Mary's team that wouldn't be here if Gonzaga didn't lay an egg in the WCC Tournament finale. 

This is also the same Gaels team that failed time after time against the better teams they faced in non-conference, losing to Utah State, Mississippi State, Harvard, UC Irvine and LSU. St Mary's is a team that wants to play slow and that plays right into the hands of how Villanova would prefer the game to go. Wildcats have the two best players on the floor in Phil Booth and Eric Paschall. 

Jay Wright's team won both the regular-season and tournament titles in the Big East and you can't ignore the success they have had in this thing. Villanova attempted the 6th most 3-pointers in the country and ranked 13th in offensive efficiency. If the outside shots are falling they are almost impossible to stay with. 

Outside of that win over Gonzaga in the WCC Title, St Mary's two best wins were against New Mexico State and San Diego. Let's also not forget they lost by 14 at home to the Bulldogs and by 48 at Gonzaga in the two regular-season meetings. Take Villanova! 

5* Nebraska/Butler NIT VEGAS INSIDER Top Play  on Butler +

This is just too good a number to pass up on with Butler. Nebraska was one of those teams that were on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. More times than not, teams who were on the bubble and don't make it, really struggle to play well in that first game of the NIT, regardless if it's at home or not. 

Not only is that a big factor into the value with Butler, but Nebraska is also dealing with all the off-court rumors regarding Fred Hoiberg. He's the leading candidate to take over for Miles and that would be a big time hire for this program. I just think the focus is already on the future and not this game. 

As bad as Butler played down the stretch, I think they are going to show up here and give a strong effort. That not only makes them a strong play at this price, but I give them a great chance of winning the game outright. Cornhuskers have gone just 3-8 ATS last 11 vs a team from the Big East and 3-12-1 ATS last 16 when coming off a loss. Take Butler! 

5* NCAAB Sun Belt PLAY OF THE MONTH on Georgia State +

Love the value here with the Panthers at basically a pick'em against the Bobcats. Georgia State closed out the regular-season on quite a run. The Panthers won 3 straight and 6 of their final 7 games, going 5-1-1 ATS in the process. Texas State on the other hand lost their final two before getting back in the win column yesterday with a victory over South Alabama. 

Note that while the Bobcats had to play on Friday, Georgia State was not in action, giving them a major edge in rest. Texas State did win the most recent meeting on the road, but that's almost a positive for us, as the Panthers are 31-14-4 ATS when playing with revenge and have covered 5 straight in this spot. Take Georgia State! 

5* NCAAB American Tournament TOP PLAY on Cincinnati -

I really like the number here with Cincinnati, as I see the Bearcats beating the Mustangs by double-digits easy. Not only is Cincinnati the better team, but they are going to be desperate for a win after closing out the regular-season with back to back losses. Not that those were bad losses, as they lost at UCF and at home to Houston. 

SMU was able to beat Tulsa yesterday, but while they were playing the Bearcats were resting and this Mustangs team has really struggled away from home and in similar spots. SMU is 5-14 ATS last 19 after playing their previous game as a favorite, 2-10 ATS last 12 on the road after a win and 0-6 ATS last 6 road games after 2 straight wins (won regular-season finale against USF). Take Cincinnati! 

5* NCAAB Big Ten Tournament TOP PLAY on Michigan State -

This might seem like a big number for the Spartans to be laying, but I see Michigan State having zero problem whooping up on the Buckeyes. For starters, they have already done it twice. First they won by 9 as a mere 2-point road favorite in Columbus and then they won by 18 as a 12-point home favorite in the rematch. 

This is also a Michigan State team that in typical Tom Izzo fashion is peaking at the perfect time. After losing 3 straight in late Jan/early Feb the Spartans have gone 7-1 over their last 8, with the only loss coming by 1-point at Indiana after a big win at rival Michigan. 

On top of all that, Michigan State will be getting back one of their best players in big man Nick Ward, who has missed over a month after suffering a broken hand. Spartans are 15-5 ATS last 20 against Big Ten opponents and a perfect 6-0 ATS last 6 off back-to-back home wins by 10 or more. Take Michigan State! 

5* NCAAB Early Bird Tournament Top Play  on Houston -

The Cougars will have no problem covering the double-digit spread against the Huskies in Friday's AAC quarterfinal action. Houston solidified itself as the best team in the American Athletic with a 85-69 win at Cincinnati in the regular-season finale. Right now the Cougars are projected as a No. 3 seed, but likely need to at least make the title game to avoid slipping back to a No. 4 seed. 

I just don't see UConn being able to make this thing competitive. The Huskies knocked off USF yesterday, but now must play on no rest against the best team in the conference. Only meeting this season the Cougars won by 8 on the road. Might not seem like much, but UConn is a much better team at home. Huskies were just 3-11 on the road. 

UConn is also 0-9 ATS last 9 when playing 3rd time in a week and 0-6 ATS last 6 when playing their 2nd road game in 3 days or less. Cougars are 11-4 ATS last 15 when playing only their 2nd game in a week and 12-4 ATS last 16 on the road after winning 15 of their last 20. Take Houston! 

5* NCAAB Mountain West Tournament TOP PLAY on Utah State -

I look for Utah State to lay it on the Lobos Thursday night in the MWC Quarterfinals. The Aggies are one of the better teams in the country that no one knows about. Utah State is 25-6. They lost just 3 games in conference play and their 3 non-conference losses were to Arizona St, BYU and Houston. 

They come into this one riding a 7-game winning streak and will be playing on more than a week of rest, as they lost took the court on March 5th at Colorado State. New Mexico had to play in the opening round of the MWC tournament and while they beat Wyoming 78-68, they only shot 36% from the field, giving them 3 straight games under 42% from the field. Aggies beat the Lobos by 16 in the most recent meeting and are a dominant 10-1 ATS in their last 11 when playing with 7 or more days of rest. Take Utah State!