Sports Picks & Predictions

7* NCAA East Region *HEAVY HITTER* on UC-Irvine +8

The Key: The UC-Irvine Anteaters opened my eyes in the non-conference schedule.  They only lost by 17 to Arizona on the road, by 3 at St. Mary's, and by 2 at Oregon in overtime.  They also beat Bradley and Wisconsin-Green Bay at home.  Louisville is an excellent defensive team, but it has been terrible on offense this season since Chris Jones was suspended.  The Cardinals rank 211th in the country in field goal percentage at 42.9%.  Irvine is 7-0 ATS against good defensive teams that allow 64 or fewer points per game this season.  The Anteaters are 5-0 ATS in their last five neutral site games.  Irvine is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 vs. a team with a winning record.  Take UC-Irvine.

6* NCAA East Region *CA$H COW* on Michigan State -6

The Key: The Spartans always seem to get better as the season goes on under head coach Tom Izzo.  This season has been no exception.  Michigan State has gone 8-3 in its last 11 games overall with two of those losses to Wisconsin.  They lost by 7 at Wisconsin and in overtime to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.  They also lost in overtime to Minnesota during this stretch.  Georgia doesn't have many quality wins this season at all.  Its best non-conference wins came against Colorado, Seton Hall and Kansas State, three teams that did not make the tournament.  Its only two wins against tournament teams came against Ole Miss (twice) in conference play.  Michigan State is 6-0 ATS in road games off a loss to a conference opponent this season.  The Spartans are 8-2 ATS following a loss this year, and 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games following a S.U. loss.  Take Michigan State.

6* NCAA West Region *CA$H COW* on Arkansas -7.5

The Key: The Razorbacks play a brand of basketball that yields blowouts.  They pressure you defensively full court, and they look to run every chance they get.  That's bad news for Wofford, which has not played well against better competition this season.  They lost by 33 to West Virginia, by 29 to Duke, and by 15 to Stanford against comparable teams to Arkansas.  The Terriers are 0-4 ATS in their last four games against SEC opponents.  Arkansas went 26-8 this season with three of its losses coming to Kentucky.  Take Arkansas.

6* NCAA South Region *CA$H COW* on UCLA +4

The Key: UCLA is going to be playing with a chip on its shoulder due to all of the negative publicity it has received coming into this game.  Many feel that the Bruins do not belong in the tournament with their overall body of work, but there's no denying they have played like they belong here down the stretch.  UCLA is 9-4 in its last 13 games overall with two losses to Arizona, both of which were decided by 10 points or less as it played the Wildcats right down to the wire.  It also lost by 2 on the road to Cal and by 2 on the road to ASU for its other two defeats.  SMU played in a weak conference and probably wouldn't have done any better than UCLA's 20-13 record had it played UCLA's schedule.  The Bruins are 6-0 ATS in their last six vs. teams with winning records.  Take UCLA.

7* NCAA South Region GAME OF THE YEAR on UAB +14

The Key: The Iowa State Cyclones are a team that loves to play from behind.  They are inconsistent and cannot put away teams early.  They have actually trailed by double-digits at some point in each of their last five games, but have gone 5-0.  While they may not trail for long in this game, I don't expect them to beat UAB by a wide margin.  The Blazers have only been beaten by this margin twice all season, and those came against Wisconsin and UNC.  Their last six losses have come by 4 points or less or in overtime.  They haven't lost a game by this margin in 2015.  UAB is 10-1 ATS against teams with winning records after 15 or more games this season.  Take UAB.

7* Boise State/Dayton First Four *HEAVY HITTER* on Dayton -4

The Key: Dayton went on a big run in the NCAA Tournament last year all the way to the Elite 8.  They shouldn't have had to play in the First Four this year with a 25-8 record, but that's the card they were dealt.  They have to be OK with it considering they become the first team since 1987 to actually play at home in the NCAA Tournament.  The Flyers simply do not lose at home.  They are 21-0 at home in their last 21 games at Dayton Arena.  They are 16-0 at home this season, where they are outscoring opponents by 14.5 points per game.  Take Dayton.

6* Vanderbilt/St. Mary's NIT *CA$H COW* on St. Mary's -2.5

The Key: The St. Mary's Gaels did not make the NCAA Tournament like they envisioned, but they are more than happy to be playing in the NIT with a 21-9 record.  I like their chances of advancing as only 2.5-point home favorites over Vanderbilt in the opening round tonight.  The Gaels have gone 14-4 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 8.8 points per game.  They play a Vanderbilt team that is just 5-9 in all road games this year.  St. Mary's is 14-6 ATS as a favorite this season.  The Gaels are 9-1 ATS off a loss by 10 points or more over the last two seasons.  Because they were blown out badly by Portland last time out, the Gaels come into this game undervalued.  Take St. Mary's.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Pacers/Bulls UNDER 189

The Key: When you look at the head-to-head history of this series between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, it's easy to see that the oddsmakers have inflated this total tonight.  The UNDER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.  The Bulls and Pacers have combined for 182, 182, 189, 166, 170, 204, 187, 171 and 189 points in their last nine meetings, respectively.  As you can see, eight of those nine meetings saw 189 or fewer combined points.  I'll take this 8-1 (89%) trend backing the UNDER straight to the bank tonight.  Take the UNDER.

7* UTEP/Murray State NIT *HEAVY HITTER* on UTEP +5.5

The Key: Murray State has the better record here at 27-5 over UTEP's 22-10 mark, but that's the reason I believe the Racers are overvalued heading into this one.  The Racers played a much weaker schedule than the Miners did this season, and they really didn't have many signature wins all year.  They lost at home to Houston, while also getting blown out on the road by 27 at Xavier and by 35 on a neutral court to Valpo.  UTEP's four non-conference losses this season were by 7 points or fewer, including a 55-60 loss to Arizona.  The Miners shut teams down defensively, which is why they are 9-1 ATS against good offensive teams that score 77 or more points per game over the last two years.  Take UTEP.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Magic/Rockets OVER 203

The Key: This total has been set too low tonight in a matchup between Orlando and Houston.  These teams played in an absolute shootout in their first meeting of the year, a 120-113 home victory for the Magic on January 14th.  I look for this game to play out similarly.  Houston ranks 2nd in the NBA in pace at 99.2 possessions per game as it prefers to run teams to death.  Orlando has given up 100-plus points in 13 of its last 17 games overall.  The Magic are 15-3 OVER off a combined score of 225 or more points over the last three seasons.  Take the OVER.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Hornets/Jazz UNDER 179.5

The Key: The Utah Jazz are quietly playing some of the best basketball in the league right now.  They have won 12 of their last 15 games overall.  The reason for their success is defense.  They have allowed 91 or less points in eight straight coming in.  They have also given up 91 or fewer in 11 of their last 12.  Charlotte is not a very good offensive team, but it does get after it defensively.  It has allowed 95 or fewer points in 7 of its last 11 games.  The Hornets are 7-0 UNDER when playing with 2 days rest this season.  The Jazz are 8-0 UNDER in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.  The Hornets are 4-0 UNDER in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.  Take this 23-0 angle backing the under straight to the bank tonight.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Washington Wizards -2

The Key: The Washington Wizards have turned things around here of late.  They have won three straight games in blowout fashion over Charlotte by 26, Memphis by 20 and Sacramento by 16.  They should have an excellent chance to continuing this recent roll due to their current status physically; this will be just their 3rd game in 7 days.  Portland is playing well having won eight of its last nine, but it is in a difficult spot here tonight.  It is playing its 3rd game in 4 days and the 2nd of a back-to-back.  The home team is 9-3 SU in the last 12 meeting.  The Blazers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road meetings.  Take Washington.

6* NBA Western Conference *CA$H COW* on Minnesota Timberwolves +12.5

The Key: The Minnesota Timberwolves are way undervalued right now due to their 14-50 record on the season.  They have also failed to cover the spread in three straight tough road games at LA Clippers, Phoenix and Oklahoma City.  They lost all three of those games by 14 points or less.  I like backing them now off three straight ATS non-covers as this number has been inflated to 12.5.  San Antonio is getting too much love from the books due to covering five of its last seven ATS.  Minnesota is 27-12 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.  San Antonio is 2-11 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Spurs are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 2 days rest.  Take Minnesota.

7* Michigan State/Wisconsin Big Ten *HEAVY HITTER* on Michigan State +7

The Key: Tom Izzo almost always has his Michigan State teams playing their best basketball down the stretch of the season.  The 2014-15 campaign has been no exception.  The Spartans have won four straight and eight of 10 heading into the Big Ten Championship.  They knocked off arguably the second and third-best teams in the Big Ten in Maryland and Ohio State, respectively, to get here.  Now, I look for them to give the best team in the Big Ten in Wisconsin a run for its money in the championship game.  The Badgers are 0-6 ATS off a blowout win by 20 points or more over a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.  Michigan State is 6-0 ATS in road games versus excellent ball handling teams - committing

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Sacramento Kings +9

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

7* Sun Belt Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Georgia State -5.5

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

6* Pistons/Blazers NBA "BAILOUT" on Portland -8.5

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

7* Big Ten Tournament GAME OF THE YEAR on Michigan State +1

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

6* Atlantic 10 Tournament *CA$H COW* on Rhode Island -1

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

6* NCAAB Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Norfolk State -6

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

6* SEC Tournament *CA$H COW* on Arkansas -6

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

6* MAC Tournament *CA$H COW* on Central Michigan PK

No analysis today on vacation.  I have done the same amount of research as I always do, but I just wanted to save some time and enjoy my vacation a little more.  I hope you understand.  I'll be back on Sunday with full analysis.

Thanks,
Dave

7* Big 12 GAME OF THE MONTH on Oklahoma -4
The Key: No Analysis Today on Vacation Be Back Sunday!

6* Atlantic 10 *CA$H COW on St. Bonaventure -3

The Key: No Analysis Today on Vacation Be Back Sunday!

6* Big Ten *CA$H COW* on Illinois -3.5

The Key: No Analysis Today on Vacation Be Back Sunday!

7* Rockets/Blazers Western Conference "BAILOUT" on Portland -2.5

The Key: The Portland Trail Blazers are back to having one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA in 2014-15.  They have gone 26-6 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 8.8 points per game.  Rarely will we get the chance to back them as only 2.5-point favorites.  They have won five of their last six games overall, which includes victories over San Antonio, Oklahoma City, LA Clippers and Dallas.  The home team has won four of the past five meetings between these teams.  Take Portland.

6* ACC Tournament *CA$H COW* on NC State -3

The Key: The NC State Wolfpack have played their way into the NCAA Tournament with a 19-12 record.  They have gone 5-1 in their last six games overall.  They went on the road and beat Louisville 74-65, topped UNC on the road 58-46, beat Clemson 66-61 on the road, and rolled Syracuse 71-57 at home in their four most impressive games during this six-game stretch.  Pitt has gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in its last three games with losses to Wake Forest, Miami and Florida State.  I'll back the hot team against the cold one with this small number.  The Panthers are 18-37-3 ATS in their last 58 games overall.  The Wolfpack are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.  The Wolfpack are 14-1-1 ATS in their last 16 Wednesday games.  Take NC State.

6* Mountain West Tournament *CA$H COW* on Nevada +9

The Key: This is a very big number for the UNLV Rebels to be laying today.  This has been a very closely-contested season series, and I look for this game to go right down to the wire as well.  Nevada won 64-62 at UNLV as 9.5-point underdogs on January 7th.  UNLV got its revenge with a 67-62 road win at Nevada as 4-point favorites on January 27th.  In fact, each of the last four meetings in this series have been decided by 5 points or less.  The Wolf Pack are 4-0 ATS in their last four trips to UNLV.  Take Nevada.

6* BYU/Gonzaga WCC Championship *CA$H COW* on Gonzaga -7.5

The Key: Rarely will you get the opportunity to back Gonzaga (31-2) as only a 7.5-point favorite this season.  I'll take advantage tonight and take the Bulldogs in the WCC Championship Game against BYU (25-8).  The Bulldogs are going to be out for serious revenge after losing to the Cougars 70-73 at home less than two weeks ago on February 28th.  The Cougars needed that game to boost their chances of making the NCAA Tournament, but now they're in regardless.  The Bulldogs are still fighting for a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance.  BYU is 1-8 ATS versus good teams that outscore opponents by 8-plus points per game this season.  The Cougars are 0-7 ATS as a neutral court underdog over the past three years.  The favorite is 9-1-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Take this combined 24-2 system straight to the bank tonight.  Take Gonzaga.

7* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE YEAR on Cavaliers/Mavericks OVER 200

The Key: The Dallas Mavericks have gone 11-0 to the UNDER in their last 11 games overall.  Obviously, the books are now forced to set this total lower than it should be, and therefore there's some value in backing the OVER tonight.  The Cavaliers are also coming off a low-scoring affair against the Suns last time out, which only adds to the value.  Dallas and Cleveland are tied for 4th in the NBA in offensive efficiency at 107.4 points per 100  possessions.  Dallas has averaged 104.4 points on the season, while Cleveland has averaged 102.5, which would be higher if not for all the injuries earlier in the season.  Dallas is 10-1 OVER as a home underdog over the last two years.  Take the OVER.

6* NBA Non-Conference *CA$H COW* on Milwaukee Bucks -1.5

The Key: I look for the Milwaukee Bucks to continue their dominant ways at home.  They have gone 9-1 in their last 10 home games overall.  The only reason they are just a 1.5-point favorite here is because they have lost four of their last five coming in, but all four of those losses were on the road.  The Pelicans come in getting a lot of love from the oddsmakers due to winning seven of their last nine, but most of those wins came against a weak schedule.  I'll back the home team laying the small number.  Take Milwaukee.

7* MAC GAME OF THE MONTH on Northern Illinois +6.5

The Key: Northern Illinois is red hot coming into the MAC Tournament and should not be an underdog to Akron in the opening round.  The Huskies are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games, including 7-1 ATS in their last eight.  That includes two close road losses to Central Michigan and Western Michigan by a combined six points.  Akron is playing terrible coming in.  It has gone 1-6 in its last seven games overall, and now it is dealing with some key injuries.  Its top two scorers in Pat Forsythe and Noah Robotham are out today after missing the past couple games due to injury.  The Huskies are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six road games.  Take Northern Illinois.

6* Big Ten *CA$H COW* on Maryland -2

The Key: Maryland (25-5) should be a much heavier favorite tonight against Nebraska (13-16).  The Huskers have essentially packed it in already this season and are simply looking ahead to the Big Ten Tournament.  That has been evident as they have gone 0-7 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall while getting blown out over and over again.  They have lost six of their last seven games by double-digits, rarely being competitive.  Nebraska is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.  Take Maryland.

7* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Jazz/Nets UNDER 187.5

The Key: The Jazz are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  They have given up 87 or fewer points in eight of their last nine games overall.  They are allowing 81.4 points in their last five contests.  The UNDER is 8-1 in their last eight games overall.  As good as they are defensively, they are equally terrible on offense.  Utah has scored 97 or fewer points in eight of its last nine contests.  Take the UNDER.

6* Mountain West *CA$H COW* on Utah State PK

The Key: The Utah State Aggies are 18-11 on the season, including 11-4 at home.  I like their chances of winning this game today against Colorado State at home.  Colorado State is 0-6 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less or pick over the last 2 seasons.  Take Utah State.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns +11

The Key: The Cavaliers are on the second of a back-to--back and their 4th game in 5 days.  This is a great situation to fade them, especially with playing the Hawks last night, who are their biggest defenders in the East.  Take the Suns.

7* SEC GAME OF THE WEEK on Mississippi State -6

The Key: The Missouri Tigers (9-21) against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-18) isn't a game most will be interested in.  But I believe there's some value here in backing the Bulldogs as 6-point home favorites on Senior Day.  Missouri is 1-13 on the road this season where it is getting outscored by 14.1 points per game.  Take Mississippi State.

6* Big 12 *CA$H COW* on Texas Tech +15

The Key: The Baylor Bears are already in the NCAA Tournament.  They won't be motivated at all to beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders tonight.  That's why I'll side with Texas Tech catching 15 points.  The Red Raiders are actually playing well right now as they're coming off a win over Oklahoma State.  Texas Tech is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus teams who average 40 or more rebounds/game on the season after 15+games over the last 3 seasons.  Take Texas Tech.

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Indiana Pacers -6

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are in a very tough spot tonight.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back after a big win over the Oklahoma City Thunder last night.  The Pacers come in well-rested and ready to go.  They are fighting to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs and will be highly motivated for a win as a result.  The Pacers are 10-1 ATS off four straight games where they allowed a shooting percentage of 42% or less.  Take Indiana.

7* American Athletic *HEAVY HITTER* on Memphis +7

The Key: The UConn Huskies are simply overvalued and have been all year after winning the NCAA Tournament last season.  They should not be laying 7 points to the Memphis Tigers tonight.  Memphis is 25-11 ATS against teams who force 12 or fewer turnovers per game since 1997.  The Tigers are 8-1 ATS after having lost two of their last three games over the past two seasons.  UConn is 2-9 ATS off one or more consecutive overs over the past two seasons.  The Huskies are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  Take Memphis.

6* Thunder/Bulls TNT "Total" Annihilator on UNDER 199.5

The Key: The Bulls and Thunder are both battling huge injuries right now.  The Thunder are without Kevin Durant and playing with a banged up Russell Westbrook.  The Bulls are without their top two scorers in Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose.  This has been a low-scoring series in the past, and it will continue in 2014-15 due to these injuries.  The Bulls and Thunder have combined for 189 or fewer points in five of their last six meetings.  They have averaged 184.2 combined points per game in these six contests.  The UNDER is 9-1 in Thunder's last 10 games against teams who force 12 or fewer turnovers per game.  Take the UNDER.

7* Big 12 GAME OF THE MONTH on Oklahoma State -7

The Key: Off four straight losses, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are in jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament if they lose this game to TCU.  They certainly won't be lacking any motivation tonight due to the situation.  One of those four losses came to TCU by a final of 55-70 on the road on February 14th.  Well, the Cowboys were coming off back-to-back huge wins over Kansas and Baylor, so it was a clear letdown spot for them.  The Horned Frogs will have their attention 100% the second time around.  The Cowboys are 8-1 in the last nine meetings.  Their last four wins in the series have come by 22, 32, 17 and 18 points.  Oklahoma State is 11-4 at home this season, while TCU is just 2-7 in true road games.  The Cowboys are 36-12-3 ATS in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  Take Oklahoma State.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Knicks/Pacers UNDER 190

The Key: The New York Knicks rank 28th in the NBA in offensive efficiency at 98.8 points per 100 possessions.  They also rank 28th in pace at 93.1 possessions per game.  That's not a great combo for scoring points, but it's an excellent one for backing UNDERS.  The Pacers do not look to push the tempo, either, ranking 20th in pace at 95.6 possessions per game.  The Pacers also rank just 25th in offensive efficiency at 99.3 points per 100 possessions.  The last two meetings between these teams have been low scoring with 185 and 178 combined points.  I look for this one to be played at a snail's pace and to easily stay under the 190-point total.  The UNDER is 8-2 in Pacers last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  The UNDER is 9-4 in Knicks last 13 road games.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Knicks last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.  Indiana is 7-0 UNDER in home games after having won 3 of its last 4 games this season.  Take the UNDER.

6* Atlantic 10 *CA$H COW* on St. Joe's -1.5

The Key: Both the LaSalle Explorers (15-14) and St. Joseph's Hawks (12-16) have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament barring winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament.  While St. Joe's has continued to fight, LaSalle has not played well ans appears to be looking ahead to the conference tournament.  The Hawks have lost won three of their last seven with two of their losses coming at Dayton (64-68) and at home against Richmond (57-63).  They have beaten George Mason and Rhode Island at home, as well as an impressive 82-71 win at UMass on the road in their second-to-last game.  LaSalle is 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in its last three games overall, which includes ugly road losses to Saint Louis (64-68) and Fordham (48-63).  The Hawks are 9-4 at home and have been a completely different team on their home floor.  They will be motivated to win this last one for their seniors on Senior Night.  St. Joe's is 6-0 ATS in home games after scoring 60 points or less over the last two seasons.  The Explorers are 7-22-2 ATS in their last 31 vs. Atlantic 10.  The Hawks are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games following an ATS loss.  St. Joe's is 36-15-1 ATS in its last 52 games following a S.U. loss.  Take St. Joe's.

6* NBA Eastern Conference *CA$H COW* on Washington Wizards -1

The Key: The Chicago Bulls are without three key players right now.  They are without their top two scorers in Jimmy Butler (20.2 ppg) and Derrick Rose (18.4 ppg).  They are also without key role player Taj Gibson (10.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg).  They have struggled here of late going 1-2 in their last three games, which includes a pair of double-digit home losses to Charlotte and the LA Clippers.  Washington just recently got back Bradley Beal from an 8-game absence, and the Wizards promptly put an end to a six-game losing streak with a 99-95 victory over the Pistons.  Now at full strength, the Wizards will be a tough out going forward.  They are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 visits to Chicago.  The road team is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings as well.  Take Washington.

7* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana -3

The Key: The Indiana Hoosiers (19-10) are squarely on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament.  They could use a signature win, and a victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes (19-10) would help tonight.  After all, the Hoosiers have been nearly unbeatable at home this season.  They are 15-2 inside Assembly Hall, outscoring opponents by 14.8 points per game.  The Hoosiers have really had the Hawkeyes' number in recent years, going 3-0 in their last three meetings, including back-to-back home victories by a combined 20 points.  Indiana is 27-9 ATS in its last 36 home games with a line of +3 to -3.  The Hoosiers are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Indiana is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games following an ATS loss.  Take Indiana.

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Brooklyn Nets +6

The Key: The Golden State Warriors are running on fumes right now.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 5 days.  They used a lot of energy coming back from 26 points down to beat Boston yesterday.  The Nets come into this game on a days' rest after beating the Mavericks by 10 on the road Saturday.  They will be the fresher team in this one.  The Warriors will be playing their 10th road game in an 11-game stretch and could not be more tired.  They are just 1-7-1 ATS in their first nine road games during this stretch.  The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and playing some of their best ball of the season.  Golden State is 0-6 ATS after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game.  Brooklyn is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games against a team that wins 60% or more of its games.  Take the Nets.

6* Virginia/Syracuse ACC *CA$H COW* on Syracuse +5.5

The Key: Virginia has been way overvalued in recent weeks since losing its best player in Justin Anderson.  He is the second-leading scorer on the team at 13.4 points per game, and he shoots 48% from the field, 48% from 3-point range and 80% from the free throw line.  The Cavaliers have gone 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games overall and appear to be overvalued again here tonight as 5.5-point favorites at Syracuse.  There's no question the Orange are battle-tested coming into this one as they've played Duke, Louisville, Pitt, Notre Dame and Duke in their last five games overall.  They did lose to Duke twice, and to Pitt by 4, but they upset Louisville 69-59 at home and Notre Dame 65-60 on the road.  Without their best 3-point shooter in Anderson, the Cavaliers are going to struggle from outside.  Syracuse forces teams to make outside shots to beat them with their patented 2-3 zone.  The Cavaliers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a S.U. win.  Take Syracuse.

7* Michigan State/Wisconsin Big Ten *HEAVY HITTER* on Michigan State +9

The Key: The Spartans just get better as the season goes on every year.  2014-15 has been no exception.  They have won four of their last five games overall, which includes three straight road wins at Michigan, Illinois and Northwestern.  Their only loss during this stretch came in overtime against Minnesota.  The Badgers are 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  They only beat Penn State by 8 and Minnesota by 10 while also losing to Maryland by 6.  The Spartans are 16-3 ATS in their last 19 Big Ten road games.  You won't get them at a better value than 9-point underdogs.  Take Michigan State.

6* Arkansas/Kentucky SEC *CA$H COW* on Arkansas +14.5

The Key: Without question, the Arkansas Razorbacks (23-5) are the second-best team in the SEC.  This may be the best team that Arkansas has had since the 1994 National Championship team as well.  They have as good a chance to beat Kentucky as anyone this season.  I look for them to keep this game much closer than this 14.5-point spread would indicate they will.  Arkansas is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in its last three meetings with Kentucky.  It clearly has John Calipari and the Wildcats figured out over the past couple seasons.  The Wildcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take Arkansas.

7* SEC GAME OF THE MONTH on Alabama +5.5

The Key: At 17-11 on the season, the Alabama Crimson Tide need a big finish if they want to make the NCAA Tournament.  They are playing much better of late having won two of their last three over Auburn and South Carolina with their only loss coming by a single point to Georgia (65-66) in overtime.  The Crimson Tide will be out for revenge from a 68-76 home loss to Vanderbilt on February 14th exactly two weeks ago.  The underdog is 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.  Alabama is 7-1 ATS in its last eight road games.  The road team is a perfect 6-0 ATS L6 meetings since 2010.  Take Alabama.

6* Northern Iowa/Wichita State MVC *CA$H COW* on Northern Iowa +6

The Key: The Northern Iowa Panthers (27-2) haven't been getting any respect all season, which is evident by their 15-8 ATS mark this year.  They especially haven't gotten any respect on the road, where they have gone 11-1 ATS in their 12 lined games away from home.  They aren't getting any respect here as 6-point road dogs to Wichita State with first place in the MVC on the line.  I look for them to upset the Shockers to earn that respect, but we'll take the points for some added insurance.  Take Northern Iowa.

7* NBA Situational GAME OF THE MONTH on Indiana Pacers +4

The Key: Despite over 70% of the betting public being on the Cavaliers tonight, this line has actually dropped from -5 to -3.5 as of this writing.  The smart money is clearly on the Pacers in this one.  The Cavaliers are overvalued here due to having won 18 of their last 20.  Well, they couldn't be in a worse spot tonight.  They are primed for a letdown following their big win over the Warriors last night.  They will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 8 days.  The Pacers come in fully rested having last played on Tuesday.  Indiana is 6-2 SU & 6-2 ATS in its last eight games overall, which includes home wins over Cleveland and Golden State.  The home team is 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings as well.  Take Indiana.

7* Warriors/Cavaliers TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -3.5

The Key: The Cavaliers are 17-2 in their last 19 games overall.  They have won all 17 games by at least 5 points, and 11 of those by double-digits.  To say they are rolling would be a massive understatement.  The Warriors have continued their winning ways as well, but they have been overvalued here of late and continue to be tonight.  Golden State is 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven games overall.  It has gone on the road and lost to Atlanta and Indiana, while also barely beating Philadelphia by 5 and Minnesota by 3 during this stretch.  The Cavs are 9-0 ATS in their last nine vs. Western Conference foes, proving that they are arguably the best team in the NBA against what is the best conference.  Cleveland is also 9-1 ATS in its last 10 home games.  Take Cleveland.

6* Minnesota/Michigan State Big Ten *CA$H COW* on Minnesota +8.5

The Key: The Golden Gophers are in must-win mode right now if they want to make the NCAA Tournament.  Their record is not impressive at 16-12 on the season, but it's evident that this team is better than that record.  The Gophers have suffered eight of their 12 losses by single-digits this season, including a whopping seven losses by 6 points or less.  Michigan State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.  It is 5-2 in Big Ten play at home, but only one of those wins was a blowout.  It needed overtime to beat Michigan, lost to Illinois and Maryland at home, while also barely beating Northwestern by 7, Penn State by 6, and Ohio State by 3.  Take Minnesota.

7* NBA Western Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Phoenix Suns -6

The Key: The Denver Nuggets have absolutely quit on head coach Brian Shaw.  They are 2-16 in their last 18 games overall, and it has been even worse since the All-Star Break.  They have lost all three games since the break with an 8-point loss at Milwaukee, a 25-point loss at Oklahoma City, and a 28-point home loss to Brooklyn while looking lifeless on the court.  Phoenix is struggling as well, losing five straight and eight of nine, but it has been competitive.  The Suns have lost four of their last five games by 5 points or less, so they have been unlucky in close games more than anything.  The Nuggets are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games following a loss of more than 10 points.  Take Phoenix.

6* Missouri Valley Conference *CA$H COW* on Evansville +13

The Key: The Northern Iowa Panthers are 26-2 overall and 15-1 within the conference.  They are on a collision course with Wichita State in Saturday's season finale for first place in the Missouri Valley.  Having already beaten the Shockers once this season, they could afford to lose this game against Evansville and still win the MVC with a win on Saturday.  Without question, the Panthers will be looking ahead to that game.  That means they won't give Evansville enough attention tonight to put them away by 13-plus points to cover this spread.  Plus, the Purple Aces are the only team in the MVC to beat Northern Iowa, doing so 52-49 at home back on January 1.  That will give them the confidence needed to pull the upset again.  Evansville is 10-2 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of its last 6 games over the last three seasons.  Take Evansville.

6* NCAAB Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Indiana State +9.5

The Key: The Wichita State Shockers are 15-1 in Missouri Valley play, tied with Northern Iowa atop the standings.  The Shockers could lose this game against Indiana State and still have a chance to win at least a share of the conference title on Saturday with a a home win over Northern Iowa in the season finale.  Because of this scenario, I believe the Shockers will be looking ahead to the Panthers, and they won't give Indiana State their full attention.  They'll need 100% focus to win by 10 points or more tonight, which is what it would take to cover this 9.5-point spread.  The Sycamores are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.  Indiana State is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games.  Take Indiana State.

7* Pacers/Thunder Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -6.5

The Key: The Thunder are without Kevin Durant right now, but I believe the oddsmakers are over-adjusting for it.  They have been without Durant the past two games and haven't missed a beat.  They won 110-103 at Charlotte as 4.5-point favorites and 119-94 at home against Denver as 8.5-point favorites.  They have actually won four in a row and seven of their last nine without Durant.  Oklahoma City is 6-0 ATS in its last six games overall.  It has won 11 of 12 at home, and it is 8-1 SU in its last nine home meetings with Indiana.  The Pacers are in a letdown spot here off their huge win over the Warriors on Sunday.  Take Oklahoma City.

6* Texas/West Virginia Big 12 *CA$H COW* on Texas +3.5

The Key: The Texas Longhorns find themselves squarely on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament at 17-10 on the season.  They desperately need a big road win today against West Virginia to help their cause, and I look for them to get it.  They have lost two hertbreakers in a row with a 69-71 loss at Oklahoma and a 77-85 home loss to Iowa State.  So, they are playing well, but they just haven't been able to get over the hump in close games here of late.  West Virginia comes in riding high after back-to-back wins over Kansas and Oklahoma State, but now it must face a team it already lost to by 27.  Indeed, the Longhorns beat the Mountaineers 77-50 at home on January 17th.  In fact, Texas is 4-0 in the last four meetings in this series, winning all four by double-digits.  It's just a terrible matchup for West Virginia because it cannot match the Longhorns' size inside.  Texas is 9-2 ATS in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.  The Longhorns are 9-1 ATS in road games after playing a game as a favorite this season.  Texas is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.  Take Texas.

7* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Phoenix Suns -7.5

The Key: This is a very tough situation for the Boston Celtics.  They will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.  They have lost road games to Sacramento (101-109) and the Lakers (111-118) in their first two games back from the All-Star Break.  They even went to overtime against the Lakers last night, which will only add to their fatigue.  Phoenix comes in hungry for a victory after back-to-back heartbreaking losses at Minnesota (109-111) and at Chicago (107-112) coming out of the break.  The Suns are still right in the thick of the Western Conference No. 8 seed race, so they are motivated right now.  The Suns are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings with the Celtics.  Boston is 1-10 ATS when playing 5 or less games in 14 days over the last two seasons.  Phoenix is 7-0 ATS against Atlantic Division foes this season.  Take this combined 20-1 ATS angle straight to the bank tonight.  Take Phoenix.

6* NCAAB "Total" Annihilator on Xavier/St. John's UNDER 147.5

The Key: The Xavier Musketeers will be squaring off against the St. John's Red Storm for the second time in just over a week tonight.  They lost the first meeting 70-78 at home in a game that saw 148 combined points.  All we need is one less point to be a winner in the rematch, and I like out chances.  These teams are obviously very familiar with each other after just recently playing on February 14th.  Familiarity favors defense almost every time.  It's easy to see that this total has been inflated when you consider Xavier is combining with its opponents for 140.7 points per game in Big East play, while St. John's is combining with its foes for 146.5 points per game in conference action.  Xavier is 32-13 UNDER in its last 45 February road games.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Musketeers last four games overall.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Red Storm's last six MOnday games.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Hawks/Bucks UNDER 196

The Key: These are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season.  The Bucks rank 2nd in the league in defensive efficiency, while the Hawks rank 7th.  That's the reason both teams have improved so dramatically over last year.  The Bucks are missing a point guard after trading Brandon Knight to Phoenix, and having his replacement, Michael Carter-Williams, currently injured.  These teams have squared off twice this season, and both times it resulted in defensive battles.  They combined for 184 points in their first meeting and 175 in their second.  I look for this game to finish in a similar range.  Betting the UNDER on all teams where the total is 190 to 199.5 points who are playing their 2nd game in 5 days on Sunday games are 63-23 (73.3%) over the last five years.  Take the UNDER.

7* Missouri Valley Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Drake -2.5

The Key: There's no question that Missouri State (10-17) and Drake (8-19) are two of the worst teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.  However, these are two teams going in opposite directions.  The Bears are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games overall, while the Bulldogs are 5-5 in their last 10 games overall.  Drake has been a covering machine, too, going 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 contests.  It will be out for revenge from a 37-62 loss at Missouri State in the first meeting of the season way back on January 3rd. The Bulldogs have been a completely different team since then, and they are now more equipped to beat the Bears.  The home team is 4-0 in the last four meetings.  The Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.  The Bears are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  Take this combined 17-1 Angle backing the Bulldogs straight to the bank.  Take Drake.

7* Pac-12 GAME OF THE MONTH on California +10

The Key: The Golden Bears have gone 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  Four of those six have come on the road, and three resulted in upset wins as underdogs over Washington, Washington State and Colorado.  The only loss was a 15-point setback at Utah as 17.5-point dogs.  Stanford has gone 1-4 SU & 0-5 ATS in its last five games overall.  Its only win came by 8 at home against USC as 14.5-point favorites.  The road team is 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in this series.  I look for Cal to play Stanford tough as it is out for revenge from a 10-point home loss to the Cardinal earlier this season.  Take California.

6* Big 12 *CA$H COW* on West Virginia +5

The Key: The West Virginia Mountaineers are quietly 20-6 this season and one of the best teams in the country.  They gained a lot of confidence by beating Kansas 62-61 at home last time out, which was on January 16th.  Oklahoma State last played on January 18th in a 65-70 home loss to Iowa State, giving it just two days in between games.  That extra rest and preparation for the Mountaineers certainly favors them coming into this one.  WVU lost both meetings to Oklahoma State by a combined 7 points last year, and it has not forgotten.  The Mountaineers have played their best basketball on the road this season, going 10-3 in all games away from home.  Take West Virginia.

6* NCAAB Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Duquesne +8

The Key: The general public is going to see the records of these two teams and automatically jump on Dayton (20-5) over Duquesne (8-16).  The oddsmakers have adjusted for it, leaving us with a ton of value to swoop in and back the home underdog.  Duquesne is 7-6 at home this season, including a perfect 5-0 ATS.  It beat George Washington 78-62 as a 7-point underdog in its last home game.  It beat George Mason 62-53 as a 3-point favorite in its home game prior.  It only lost to Rhode Island by 1, VCU by 6, and St. Bonaventure by 3 in its last three home losses.  Dayton's is 1-3 in its last four road games with a 60-77 loss to Davidson, a 64-66 loss to UMass, a 64-65 loss to George Washington, and a 51-44 win at Saint Louis.  The Friars are 1-8 ATS off two straight games where they gave up 9 or less offensive rebounds this season.  Dayton only has one day in between games after beating St. Josephs 68-64 on Thursday.  Duquesne has had two days off since its 72-87 road loss at LaSalle on Wednesday.  That extra day of prep and rest certainly favors the Dukes in this one.  Take Duquesne.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Bulls/Pistons UNDER 194

The Key: These teams have met up once already this season in a game that saw 193 combined points.  In fact, the Bulls and Pistons have combined for 193 or less in six of their last eight meetings.  I expect that this contest will fit that criteria considering the Pistons are without a point guard right now.  They traded D.J. Augustin to Oklahoma City, and while they did get Reggie Jackson back in return, he's not expected to play tonight.  The Bulls have allowed 88.3 points per game in their last four games, and they are 5-1 UNDER in their last six.  The UNDER is 10-2 in Pistons last 12 after allowing 100 or more points in their last game.  The UNDER is 14-3 in Bulls last 17 road games off a win by 10 points or more.  Take the UNDER.

7* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +5.5

The Key: The New Orleans Pelicans have been dominant at home this season, but it has been a completely different story on the road.  They are just 10-16 away from home where they are getting outscored by 3.6 points per game.  They do have Anthony Davis back healthy, but Jrue Holiday remains out with an injury.  The Magic are fully healthy as arguably their best player in Tobias Harris is expected to return to the lineup tonight.  Orlando is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six games overall.  It continues to be undervalued here as 5.5-point home dogs to the Pelicans.  The home team has won three straight meetings in this series.  Plays on home underdogs like the Magic after a game where they failed to cover the spread, a well rested team playing 3 or less games in 10 days, are 80-41 (66.1%) ATS since 1996.  Take Orlando.

6* Utah/Oregon State Pac-12 *CA$H COW* on Oregon State +7.5

The Key: The Oregon State Beavers (16-9) could really use a win over Utah to boost their NCAA Tournament résumé.  Considering they are a perfect 14-0 at home this season, where they are outscoring opponents by 14.2 points per game, I like their chances of not only staying within the 7.5 points, but also pulling off the upset.  They have beaten the likes of Arizona, ASU and UCLA at home this season, so they can certainly hang with the Utes.  Utah is just 5-4 in all road games compared to 15-0 at home, so it has been beatable on the road.  The Beavers have held visiting opponents to an average of 52.6 points and 34.4 percent shooting.  They've won nine of 10 home meetings all-time with Utah.  Take Oregon State.

7* Mavericks/Thunder TNT *HEAVY HITTER* on Oklahoma City -4.5

The Key: The Thunder were red hot going into the All-Star Break, and I look for them to come out of it the same way.  They have won five of their last six games overall with four of those victories coming by double-digits.  This team is on a mission as it is now just 0.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot in the West.  Oklahoma City has won 11 of its last 14 meetings with Dallas.  The Thunder are 23-5 ATS in their last 28 home games against a team with a road winning percentage of 60% or better.  Take Oklahoma City.

7* Missouri Valley Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Loyola-Chicago +8.5

The Key: Loyola-Chicago is simply catching too many points tonight against Northern Iowa.  Loyola-Chicago only lost by 9 at Northern Iowa in their first meeting of the season back on January 4.  Now, they are catching 8.5 points at home in the rematch.  That fact alone shows that there is value to be had in backing the Ramblers, who have gone 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and are playing some of their best basketball of the season.  Also, the home team is a perfect 6-0 straight up in six meetings between these teams dating back to 2005.  Take Loyola-Chicago.

6* Louisville/Syracuse ESPN *CA$H COW* on UNDER 131

The Key: I look for an ugly, defensive battle between Syracuse and Louisville in this contest tonight.  Both Louisville and Syracuse struggle offensively, but both are elite defensively.  The Cardinals shoot just 43.4% on the season, including 30.5% from 3-point range.  The Orange shoot 44.0% on the season, and 31.7% from 3-point range.  Louisville gives up just 59.0 points per game on 37.6% shooting. Syracuse allows 63.1 points per game on 39.7% shooting.  The Cardinals are going to be without Chris Jones, who is their third-leading scorer at 13.6 points per game.  They are going to struggle even more offensively tonight without him.  The UNDER is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Syracuse as they've combined for 111, 107, 126 and 124 points.  That's an average of 117.0 combined points per game.  Take the UNDER.

6* SEC *CA$H COW* on Auburn +1

The Key: The Auburn Tigers are starting to play up to their potential here in recent games.  They have two of the biggest road wins of the season in the SEC during this stretch.  They beat LSU 81-77 as 10.5-point road underdogs on February 5th.  Last time out, they upset Georgia 69-68 as 11-point road dogs.  Those two efforts show that they can play with anyone in the conference.  The Alabama Crimson Tide are reeling, losers of four of their last six games overall with their only wins coming against SEC bottom feeders Missouri and Mississippi State.  They remain without second-leading scorer Ricky Tarrant (13.1 ppg), which has been a big reason for their struggles.  Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 6-0 SU in the last six meetings.  Alabama beat Auburn 57-55 as 11-point home favorites in the first meeting this season, so it's revenge time for the Tigers.  Auburn is 9-2 ATS revenging a loss where they scored 60 points or less over the last two seasons.  Alabama is just 2-6 SU in true road games this year.  Take Auburn.

7* Big East GAME OF THE WEEK on Georgetown -7

The Key: The Hoyas have had ample time to rest and prepare for the Red Storm tonight.  They have had six days off in between games as they played last Tuesday in a 19-point road win at Seton Hall.  St. John's has only had two days off in between games after upsetting Xavier 78-70 on the road Saturday.  Not only are the Red Storm the more tired, less-prepared team, but they're also in a letdown spot off that win.  Georgetown is 6-1 in its last seven meetings with St. John's.  It has won all six of those games by 10 points or more, and by an average of 16.7 points.  The Hoyas are 6-0 ATS in home games against teams that shoot 45% or better and allow 42% or less over the past two seasons.  The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings, making for a 10-0 ATS angle backing the Hoyas.  Take Georgetown.

7* Big East GAME OF THE WEEK on Seton Hall +16

The Key: The Villanova Wildcats are getting a little too much respect from the books here as 16-point favorites over the Seton Hall Pirates.  After all, Seton Hall beat Villanova 66-61 earlier this season as 7-point underdogs.  In fact, it was the Pirates' 3rd win in the last five meetings in this series.  They also upset Villanova 64-63 in the Big East Tournament last year.  Seton Hall has lost four straight coming in to drop to 15-10 and outside of the NCAA Tournament bubble, so it will be highly motivated for a win.  The Pirates are 21-10 ATS in their last 31 road games.  The Pirates are also 9-1 ATS in road games off two consecutive losses to conference opponents over the last three years.  Take Seton Hall.

7* NCAAB Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Wisconsin-Milwaukee +5.5

The Key: This couldn't possibly be a worse spot for the Valparaiso Crusaders.  They are coming off a huge win over Horizon League contender Wisconsin-Green Bay on Friday that moved the Crusaders into first place in the conference.  This is a letdown spot after that win, and I just cannot foresee them being able to get motivated to face a Wisconsin-Milwaukee team that they already beat by 25 in the first meeting at home.  What also makes this a tough spot for Valpo is that it will only have one day off in between games after playing on Friday, while Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be well-rested and ready to go after last playing on Tuesday.  The Panthers are 9-3 at home this season, including 5-1 in Horizon League home games.  Bryce Drew is 2-9 ATS in road games when playing with one or less days' rest as the coach of Valpo.  Take Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

7* SEC GAME OF THE MONTH on Alabama -3

The Key: The Alabama Crimson Tide are pretty much right on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament.  They need this win, and I fully expect them to go out and get it Saturday.  They have protected their home court very well this season, going 12-2 with their only losses coming to Kentucky and Florida.  Vanderbilt has been terrible on the road, going 1-6 in true road games this season, including 0-5 in SEC road contests.  These home/away records alone show you that there is a ton of value in backing the Crimson Tide as only 3-point favorites today.  Take Alabama.

6* West Coast Conference *CA$H COW* on Pepperdine +18.5

The Key: The Pepperdine Waves were one of the few teams to play Gonzaga this season when they met on January 15th.  They only lost 76-78 as 12-point home underdogs.  Now, they find themselves as 18.5-point road dogs in the rematch.  Once again, the Waves are getting overlooked here like they have all season.  They are 15-6-2 ATS in all lined games this year, and 15-10 straight up.  Pepperdine is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games as an underdog of 10 or more points.  Meanwhile, Gonzaga is just 1-9 ATS after scoring 80 points or more in two straight games over the last two seasons.  The last three meetings in this series have been decided by 17 points or less.  Take Pepperdine.

6* Big 12 *BLOWOUT* on Oklahoma State -3

The Key: The TCU Horned Frogs played a very weak non-conference schedule, and as a result, they jumped out to a 13-0 start.  Reality has hit them very hard in Big 12 play, where they are just 1-10 SU & 3-8 ATS, getting outscored by an average of 8.8 points per game.  They have dropped seven straight coming in with five of those losses coming by 12 points or more.  I look for more of the same today against an Oklahoma State team that comes in playing its best basketball of the season.  The Cowboys are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall, beating Baylor (64-53) and Kansas (67-62) at home, along with Texas (65-63) and Baylor (74-65) on the road.  Oklahoma State is 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in four meetings with TCU over the past two years, winning by 22, 32, 17 and 22 points, respectively.  The Horned Frogs are 23-52 ATS in their last 75 home games.  TCU is 2-15 ATS after having lost 6 or 7 of its last 8 games over the last three years.  The Horned Frogs are 0-6 ATS when playing against a good team (60% to 80%) this season.  TCU is 1-9 ATS in home games versus good defensive teams that allow 64 points or less over the last three years.  Take Oklahoma State.

7* MAC GAME OF THE MONTH on Toledo -8.5

The Key: The Toledo Rockets had big expectations coming into the year with four starters back from a team that went 27-7 last year.  They were a huge disappointment during a 10-8 start, but they have really shifted it into high gear here of late.  They have won six straight coming in while covering the spread in four straight as well.  They will be out for revenge from a 67-60 road loss at Kent State in the first meeting this season.  Kent State had their best player in Jimmy Hall then, but now Hall has missed the past three games with Mono and will sit out again tonight.  Hall leads the team in scoring (15.1 ppg), rebounding (7.5 rpg), field goal percentage (52.7%) and 3-point percentage (50.0%), so it's a huge loss to say the least.  The Golden Flashes have gone 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall as they've missed him greatly.  Plays against road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points, after going under the total by more than 12 points in two straight, in a game between two good teams that win 60% to 80% of their games are 61-27 (69.3%) ATS since 1997.  Take Toledo.

7* Stanford/Utah Pac-12 *HEAVY HITTER* on Stanford +10

The Key: The Stanford Cardinal are getting no love from oddsmakers tonight as double-digit underdogs to the Utah Utes.  They are 16-7 on the season and easily could be better considering five of their seven losses have come by 7 points or less.  They have even lost four times by a combined 10 points.  The fact of the matter is that this team just doesn't get blown out, which is what it would take for Utah to cover this spread tonight.  The Cardinal have had the Utes' number, winning four of the last five meetings with their lone loss coming by a single points.  Stanford is 5-1 (83%) ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Stanford.

6* Pac-12 *CA$H COW* on California +7

The Key: The California Golden Bears have won four straight to get to 15-9 on the season and back into the NCAA Tournament discussion.  They have beaten Washington State and Washington outright as road underdogs, as well as USC and UCLA at home during this solid stretch.  They just don't seem to be getting much love from the books here as 7-point road dogs to the Colorado Buffaloes, who are just 11-11 on the season.  The Buffaloes have lost six of their last eight coming in with their lone wins coming against conference bottom feeders USC and Washington State.  The two meetings between these teams last year were decided by a combined 4 points.  Colorado is 1-4 ATS in its last five vs. a team with a winning record.  Take California.

7* Mountain West GAME OF THE MONTH on Air Force +9.5

The Key: The Boise State Broncos are way overvalued right now due to having gone 7-0 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall.  It's time to fade, especially considering this is a letdown spot for the Broncos if I've ever seen one.  They are coming off a huge 61-46 win over San Diego State, which is the favorite to win the MWC.  After having already beaten Air Force by 9 on the road earlier this season, the Broncos won't be 100% focused for this game to say the least.  That 9-point win over the Falcons came when Air Force leading scorer Max Yon (14.2 ppg) was out.  The Falcons went 1-5 without him, but they are 2-0 since his return with impressive wins over New Mexico (53-49) and Wyoming (73-50).  Boise State is 0-6 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points over the last two seasons.  Take Air Force.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Grizzlies/Thunder UNDER 198

The Key: Four of the last eight meetings between Memphis and Oklahoma City have gone to overtime.  I believe that has helped provide us with excellent line value here to back the UNDER in this battle between two of the best teams in the West tonight.  If you don't count overtime, it's easy to see that this total has been inflated when looking at recent meetings.  The Thunder and Grizzlies have combined for 186, 198, 170, 160, 180, 188, 229, 180 and 159 points in their last nine meetings.  As you can see, only once in those nine meetings have they surpassed 198 combined points.  They have averaged a combined 183.3 points per game at the end of regulation in their last nine meetings.  I believe we are getting 15 points of value here with this 198-point total as a result.  The UNDER is 10-1-1 in Grizzlies last 12 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Kings/Bulls UNDER 197.5

The Key: There is some serious value with this UNDER 197.5-point total in this game between Chicago and Sacramento.  The Kings are 6-0 to the UNDER in their last six games overall.  They have scored just 89.7 points in their last six contests.  The Bulls are 4-0 to the UNDER in their last four games overall.  They have allowed 92.3 points in their last four games.  The UNDER is 3-0 in the last three meetings in this series.  They have averaged a combined 180.3 points per game in those three meetings.  Add these three trends up and that's a 13-0 angle backing the UNDER in this game tonight.  Take the UNDER.

7* American Athletic *HEAVY HITTER* on Temple -3

The Key: The Temple Owls will be out for revenge on the Cincinnati Bearcats after suffering their worst loss of the season to them on the the road by a final of 53-84 on January 17th.  The Owls have been rolling since that loss, going 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games.  They won four of those five games by 13 points or more, and the only exception was a 1-point win at Memphis as 3.5-point road underdogs.  Temple is 10-2 at home this season.  Cincinnati is 3-4 in true road games, including 2-3 in AAC play.  The Owls are 5-0 ATS in their last five vs. AAC opponents.  The Bearcats are 8-18 ATS in their last 26 road games.  Take Temple.

6* Iowa State/Oklahoma ESPN *CA$H COW* on Iowa State +5.5

The Key: Iowa State has won five of its last seven meetings with Oklahoma with one of its two losses coming by 5 points or less.  This has clearly been a one-sided series, and I expect the Cyclones to likely pull off the upset in this one tonight.  Any time you can get them as an underdog you should give it a look.  While they are 2-3 in true road games, only one of their losses came by more than 5 points, and that was a 13-point loss at Big 12-leading Kansas.  The Cyclones are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games.  Iowa State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games following a win by more than 20 points.  Take Iowa State.

7* NBA Eastern Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Orlando Magic +9

The Key: The Magic are playing some great basketball here of late as they have gone 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.  They lost at Oklahoma City by 7 as 10.5-point dogs, at San Antonio by 7 as 13.5-point dogs, at home against Chicago by 1 as 6-point dogs, and beat the Lakers by 6 as 4.5-point home favorites.  They want revenge on the Wizards after losing their first three meetings this season by 7, 5, and 2 points.  They should have a great chance to take this one right down to the wire considering how poorly Washington is playing of late.  It has lost five of its last six games overall, and it is also 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games.  The Magic are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Take Orlando.

6* USC/Stanford Pac-12 *BAILOUT* on USC +14.5

The Key: The USC Trojans are undervalued coming into this game due to having lost seven straight.  Well, five of those seven losses have come by 8 points or less, including four by 4 points or fewer.  They have been competitive and will continue to be tonight.  This losing streak started with a 76-78 home loss to tonight's opponent, Stanford, as 6-point underdogs back on January 11th.  That means the Trojans will be out for revenge in this game, and after staying within 2 at home, I have no doubt they can keep it within 14.5 on the road.  Six of the last seven meetings have been decided by 12 points or less, including five by 8 points or fewer.  The Trojans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.  USC is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Trojans are 6-0 ATS after failing to cover two of their last three against the spread this season.  Take USC.

7* NBA Non-Conference *HEAVY HITTER* on Memphis Grizzlies -2

The Key: The Atlanta Hawks may have the best record in the NBA at 42-9 on the season, but that's the reason they are overavlued at this point in the season, especially tonight as only 2-point road underdogs to the Grizzlies.  This is the perfect spot to fade the Hawks, who are set up to have a letdown following their big win over the Warriors on Friday.  The Grizzlies continue to get no respect.  They have won 12 of their last 14 games overall and are 21-5 at home this season.  They have held their last nine opponents to an average of 86.3 points per game.  Their defense is the reason they'll prevail tonight.  Take the Grizzlies.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Celtics/Bucks UNDER 195.5

The Key: The reason the Bucks are one of the most improved teams in the league this year at 27-23 is the way they play at the defensive end.  In fact, they rank 2nd in the league in defensive efficiency this season.  The UNDER is 15-6 in Bucks' last 21 games overall, including 13-3 in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.  They are coming off a high-scoring loss to the Houston Rockets last night, which is the reason I believe the oddsmakers have inflated this total.  The UNDER is 11-5 in the Boston Celtics' last 16 road games.  The UNDER is 8-2 in Bucks last 10 home games.  The UNDER is 6-0 in the last six meetings between these teams in Milwaukee dating back to 2011.  Take the UNDER.

7* American Athletic GAME OF THE YEAR on South Florida +15

The Key: South Florida has been much more competitive here of late against some really good teams in the American Athletic.  They have lost their last four games all by 13 points or less to UConn, SMU, Tulsa and Temple.  Cincinnati is in the perfect letdown spot here off its huge road win at SMU on Thursday.  That also means the Bearcats are playing on just one days' rest, while the Bulls come in on two days' rest after playing on Wednesday.  The last four meetings between the Bulls and Bearcats have all been decided by 8 points or less.  South Florida is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 meetings with Cincinnati, including 8-1 ATS in its last nine road meetings.  Take South Florida.

6* Big East *CA$H COW* on DePaul +13

The Key: The Blue Demons continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers.  They have gone 6-5 straight up and 9-2 ATS within the Big East this season despite being picked by many to finish at or near the bottom of the conference coming into the years.  In fact, they have only lost by more than 13 points in Big East play one time.  That was a 17-point loss at Villanova as 21.5-point underdogs.  Eight of Butler's 10 Big East games have been decided by 12 points or less.  Six of its last nine games have been decided by 4 points or fewer as well.  The Blue Demons are 6-0 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season.  Take DePaul.

7* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Orlando Magic -4

The Key: The Orlando Magic are favored for good reason here.  They have lost 10 straight coming in, but their opponents in the Lakers have lost 11 of their last 12.  This is bad versus worse here tonight, and I'll side with the bad.  That's because the Magic have showed me a lot in their last two games.  They only lost by 7 at Oklahoma City as 10.5-point dogs, and by 7 at San Antonio as 13.5-point dogs.  I fully expect them to put an end to their losing streak tonight.  After all, the home team has won 8 of the last 10 meetings in this series.  The Lakers are 0-8 in their last eight road games will all eight losses coming by 4 points or more.  Seven of those eight losses have come by 8 points or more as well.  Take Orlando.

6* NBA Situational *SLAM DUNK* on Sacramento Kings +3

The Key: The Dallas Mavericks expended a lot of energy last night trying to keep up with the Golden State Warriors in a 114-128 shootout.  Not only will they be playing the second of a back-to-back, but also their 5th game in 7 days, which is about as tough a situation as there is in the NBA.  I don't expect them to have a lot left to give against the Sacramento Kings tonight, especially since they're short-handed playing without Rajon Rondo.  The home team is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings.  The Mavericks are 0-7 ATS in their last seven vs. NBA Pacific Division opponents.  Take the Kings.

7* SEC GAME OF THE MONTH on Auburn +11

The Key: Each of Auburn's last five games have been decided by 10 points or less.  It lost at Alabama by 2 as 11-point dogs, and at Tennessee by 8 as 8.5-point dogs.  Seven of LSU's last eight games have been decided by 7 points or less.  What's more, five of the last six meetings in this series have been decided by 9 points or fewer.  Auburn is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 meetings with LSU.  Auburn is 8-0 ATS in its last eight trips to LSU over the past eight seasons.  Take Auburn.

6* Ohio Valley *CA$H COW* on Tennessee State +15.5

The Key: Tennessee State is 6-0 ATS in its last six games overall.  It is easily one of the more undervalued teams in the country right now due to its poor 5-18 record on the season, but it has won two in a row coming in.  Morehead State isn't a whole lot better at 10-14.  Plus, the Eagles have only won one of their last eight games by more than 13 points.  They have really struggled at home here of late, going 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games overall.  The Tigers are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games.  Tennessee State is 9-0 ATS off a home win against a conference opponent over the last three years.  The road team has won the last three meetings in this series, including a 70-68 victory for the Tigers as 12-point road dogs last year.  Take Tennessee State.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Magic/Spurs OVER 203

The Key: The Orlando Magic have become a more up-tempo team in recent weeks.  It hasn't worked out very well for them at all, but it has been very good for "over" bettors.  The Magic are 9-3 to the OVER in their last 12 games overall.  Their defense has been absolutely atrocious as they have allowed 101 or more points in 13 straight games.  Off a poor offensive performance last time out against the Clippers, look for the Spurs to get back on track offensively in this one.  The last time these teams met in San Antonio, the Spurs won 121-112 for 233 combined points.  The OVER is 9-2 in Magic last 11 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.  The OVER is 15-5 in Spurs last 20 games following a double-digit loss at home.  The OVER is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings, including 6-1 in the last seven meetings in San Antonio.  Take the OVER.

6* Big 12 *CA$H COW* on Texas -6.5

The Key: The Longhorns are in need of a win after losing three straight to Kansas, Iowa State and Baylor coming in with two of those three coming on the road.  Oklahoma State is just 1-5 in true road games this season, losing by an average of 7.8 points per game.  It has lost its last three road games all by 10 points or more.  The home team is 7-1 straight up in the last eight meetings between the Cowboys and Longhorns.  All seven of those victories came by 9 points or more, so the home team usually wins in blowout fashion.  The Cowboys are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 road games, including 1-8 ATS int heir last nine road games as an underdog of 6.5 or less points.  Take Texas.