Sports Picks & Predictions

7* NCAAB Non-Conference Blowout Game of the Year on Virginia -10.5
The Key: Back home, motivated by back-to-back upset defeats and having had two weeks to prepare, expect Virginia to give Northern Iowa a beating. The Panthers pulled off an upset of VCU in their last game but are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following an ATS win. That win came at home. Things haven't gone as smoothly for Northern Iowa on the road where it is 0-4 SU and ATS in its last four. The Cavaliers are a perfect 7-0 ATS all-time at home when laying 9.5 to 12.0 points under coach Tony Bennett. They have won these contests by an average of 24.0 points. Lay the number.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Kings +11
The Key: The Heat won't give Sacramento their full attention following a big come from behind win over the Pacers. Expect Miami to just go through the motions here. You want to fade Friday night home favorites of 10 or more points that check in off a home win as doing so has produced a 44-18 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. This system tightens up to 32-11 ATS if the team we are fading checks in off 3 or more consecutive wins. You also want to back Friday night road underdogs of 10 or more points that check in off a double-digit road loss as doing so has produced a 38-13 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. The Heat are just 32-49 ATS when laying double-digits under Spoelstra. They are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games versus a team with a road winning percentage less than .400. The Kings are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600. Take the points.

6* NCAAB Annihilator on Georgia State -12.5
The Key: This game is all about revenge for Georgia State, which returns four starters from a team that was upset at Georgia Southern last season. Home court has been huge in this series as the home team is 4-0 SU and ATS in the last four meetings. Georgia State won both of its home games during this stretch by 20 points. The Eagles haven't been a good investment on the road where they are 0-4 ATS in their last four overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four versus teams with a winning home record. Georgia Southern was fantastic defensively Wednesday, holding Kennesaw State to 55 points in a blowout win. However, the Eagles are 0-6 ATS in road games after allowing 55 points or less over the last three seasons, losing by an average of 19.7 points in this spot. Lay the points.

6* NCAAB Line Mistake on Texas State +15
The Key: This line is an overreaction to Utah's blowout win over BYU and Texas State's lopsided loss to Texas. Texas State returns four starters from a team that lost to Utah by only 5 points last season despite shooting a pathetic 36.9% and allowing the Utes to shoot 53.1%. The Bobcats stayed in that game by dominating the offensive glass, and that's something they are very capable of doing again here. Texas State is on a 13-3 ATS run in road games after a loss by 10 points or more. Also, you want to fade December favorites of 10 or more points if they have a shooting percentage of 52% or higher on the season. Doing so has produced a 30-11 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Take the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Bulls +13.5
The Key: The Bulls were thumped in Houston last night, but I expect them to respond. This veteran team has a lot of pride and hasn't forgotten that it was crushed by 30 points the last time in visited Oklahoma City. It knows it needs to show up or it will be embarrassed again. The haunting memory of that defeat provides ample motivation. The Thunder are off a big win in Denver, and they have a big game in San Antonio on deck so they won't give this struggling Chicago team their full attention. The time to start fading this hot OKC squad is now as it is just 13-28 ATS after 5 or more consecutive wins under coach Brooks. The Thunder are also only 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games versus a team with a winning percentage below .400. You want to fade favorites of 10 or more points after 6 or more consecutive wins if they have a winning record on the season and are playing a losing team. Doing so has produced a 46-18 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. You also want to back underdogs of 10 or more points that have been beaten by a total of 18 points or more ATS in their last 3 games if they have a win percentage of 25-40% and are playing a winning team. Doing so has produced a 44-17 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Auburn +6.5
The Key: Fueled by back-to-back ugly losses to Iowa State and Illinois, Auburn will respond tonight. The Auburn Tigers are on a 13-3 ATS run following 2 straight double-digit losses. Teams headed up by Clemson coach Brad Brownell are a dismal 1-9 ATS as a road favorite of 6.5 to 9 points. It's tough enough to win on the road in college basketball, and Brownell's half-court offense isn't conducive to big wins on the road. Clemson has been outstanding defensively, but Auburn has been good offensively at home. It should dominate the free throw battle as it averages 23 made free throws at home while Clemson only takes an average of 18. Take the points.

6* NBA Bailout on Pelicans +10.5
The Key: The Pelicans by 11 at Golden State last night. However, you want to back road underdogs of 10 points or more if they have a losing record and check in off a road loss of 10 points or more. Doing so has produced a 100-58 ATS mark the last five seasons. In addition, the Pelicans are an impressive 26-7-1 ATS in their last 34 games following a loss of more than 10 points. The Clippers are coming off a big double-digit upset win over the Spurs. But, teams headed up by Doc Rivers are just 4-15 ATS in home games following an upset victory of 10 points or more. The Pelicans are 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings, including 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Los Angeles. Take the points.

7* NBA Humpday *HEAVY HITTER* on Jazz +3.5
The Key: The Jazz see this game as an excellent opportunity to get back in the win column, and they'll go after it with all they've got. While its record would lead you to believe otherwise, Utah is a better team than the Magic. It has been hurt by playing in the superior Western Conference. The Jazz are just 2-6 in their last 8 games, but five of their losses during this stretch came to Indiana, Portland (twice), San Antonio and Miami. The Magic are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games. They are also 2-15 ATS when laying points under coach Vaughn. The Jazz are 5-0 in their last five games against the Magic. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *Upset Alert* on Ohio +3.5
The Key: Ohio has been flat out awesome at home, going 44-3 in its last 47 home games, including 7-0 in its last seven. The three defeats during this stretch came in OT, by 1 point and 3 points. The Bobcats are on a 16-5 ATS run as a home underdog of 6 points or less, winning by an average score of 71.2 to 67.6 in this spot. The Bobcats are also 20-7 ATS in their last 27 non-conference games and 25-10 ATS in their last 35 home games versus a team with a winning road record. Look for Ohio to hand UMass its first defeat of the season.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Arkansas State +1.5
The Key: I expect Arkansas State to hand Toledo its first loss here. The Red Wolves have been unbeatable of late at home where they are on a 9-0 run. They are 20-2 at home dating back to 2011-12 season. Arkansas State is coming off a loss at Nebraska, but it is 23-12 ATS in home games after playing a road contest under coach John Brady. It is also 13-5 ATS under Brady in home games against poor defensive teams like Toledo that allow opponents to shoot 45% or higher from the field. Take Arkansas State.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Cavaliers +5
The Key: The Cavs aren't getting the respect they deserve at home where they have won four straight and are 7-3 on the season. They defeated the Clippers 88-82 Dec. 7 so they have shown they can take care of business against elite competition in Cleveland. The Cavs will be the fresher team tonight as they have had two days of rest while the Trail Blazers will be playing their third road game in four days, and they were pushed to overtime in their last game. The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games versus a team with a winning record and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Tuesday games. The Trail Blazers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Hawks -5
The Key: The Hawks went down at the Knicks last game, but they are a perfect 7-0 ATS this season following a road loss. Look for this trend to continue against an L.A. squad that's really hurting in the backcourt. With Steve Nash, Jordan Farmar and Steve Blake all out with injuries, Kobe Bryant has been forced to play bigger minutes sooner than the Lakers would have liked. He's also been forced to handle the ball a lot more, which hasn't been a good thing since he's showing rust with 25 turnovers. Look for the Hawks to pressure Bryant to wear him out and force him into miscues. The Lakers are 11-22 ATS as a road underdog over the last 2 seasons and 16-30 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons. The home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings, and the Lakers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta. Lay the points.

7* NBA Game of the Week on Kings +6.5
The Key: Motivated by back-to-back defeats and further fueled by two straight losses to Houston, the Kings will be ready to roll when they hit the floor Sunday evening. Houston will be fatigued as this will be its third road game in four days. The Kings should be the fresher side as they have had a day off in between each of their last four games. Prior to an ugly performance against Utah in their last home game, the Kings had won or lost by fewer than 6.5 points in six straight at home. This stretch included games against the Suns, Clippers, Warriors, Thunder, Lakers and Mavs. The Rockets are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 road games versus a team with a losing home record while the Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games versus a team with a winning road record. Take the points.

7* NCAAB Game of the Week on South Dakota State +5
The Key: This game is all about revenge for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, who were embarrassed at Belmont in last year's meeting. I expect a much different result with South Dakota State playing host as it is 7-0 ATS in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. It is also 5-0 ATS in its last 5 home games versus a team with a winning road record and 6-0 ATS in home games versus good shooting teams that make 45% of their shots or better over the last 3 seasons. Belmont comes into this one overconfident following a big upset win at Middle Tennessee State. Plus, I expect it to show some rust having not played since Dec. 3. The Bruins are 6-18 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons and 9-19 ATS in road games after a win by 10 points or more under coach Byrd. Take South Dakota State.

6* NCAAB National TV Annihilator (ESPN) on Notre Dame +5
The Key: Expect Notre Dame to respond following an ugly upset loss at home to North Dakota State. The Fighting Irish are a perfect 7-0 ATS the last 2 seasons after playing 3 consecutive games as a home favorite. The Hoosiers check in off a blowout win over Oakland, but they are just 2-9 ATS when playing away from home under coach Crean after a blowout win of 20 points or more. They are only 10-19 ATS under Crean in road/neutral floor games versus non-conference opponents. Take the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Pistons -5.5
The Key: This is a tough spot for Brooklyn as it goes on the road following last night's big win over the Clippers. That was a statement game for a Nets squad that has been a disappointment to this point, and the big win sets Brooklyn up for a letdown. The Nets lost the season's first meeting with Detroit 109-97 at home, but it's not like that loss has been eating away at them. Brooklyn feels like it is the superior team and won't draw any added motivation from the earlier defeat in this spot. The Pistons, on the other hand, will be extremely motivated because they have lost three in a row. They should also be a little more rested having had last night off. You want to fade underdogs that are out for revenge for a double-digit home loss to an opponent if that foe checks in off a road defeat. Doing so has produced an 88-46 ATS mark the last five seasons. Teams fitting these parameters have lost by an average of 11.0 points. It is also worth noting that the Pistons are on an 8-0 ATS run versus Atlantic division opponents. Lay the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Denver +8.5
The Key: You want to fade home teams that return one of no starters when they check in off a blowout win of 30 points or more. Doing so has produced a 29-10 ATS mark the last five seasons. You also want to back road underdogs or pickems that return two starters in the first 10 games after a game where they were held to 25 points or less in the first half. Doing so has produced a 106-56 ATS mark the last five seasons. Denver will be lacking no motivation as it looks to snap a 4-game losing streak in the series. The Pioneers have won or lost by fewer than 8.5 points in 7 of the last 8 meetings, including 3 straight at Colorado State. The Rams are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a win and 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 home games. The underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Take the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Celtics +6.5
The Key: The Celtics needed no added motivated for this game as they will be facing their old coach, but they got it with last night's loss in Brooklyn. Expect to see a very charged-up Boston squad tonight. The Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing without a day of rest. Plus, the Clippers could actually be more fatigued as they will be playing their 5th road game in 8 days with a short bench. The Celtics are a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS loss. They are also on a 15-3 ATS run at home versus poor defensive teams that allow 99+ points/game. The Clippers have struggled on the road where they are just 6-6 and have won by more than 6 points only 3 times. Boston has won its last 3 at home, and the underdog is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings. Take the points.

6* NBA Line Mistake on Magic +6.5
The Key: The books are giving Charlotte a little too much respect tonight. The Magic see this game as a chance to end their six-game skid, and they'll go after it with all they've got. Orlando will be further fueled by losses in its last three games against Charlotte. Two of those defeats came by fewer than 6.5 points. In fact, Orlando has won or lost by less than 6.5 points in 25 of the last 28 meetings. That's a 25-3 trend I'll gladly get behind. The Bobcats upset the Warriors last time out and are just 5-17 ATS following an upset win since the start of last season. They also have a big game at Indiana up next so they could easily be looking ahead. The road team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Take the points.

7* NCAAB *HEAVY HITTER* (ESPN2) on West Virginia +3
The Key: This is a game West Virginia had circled prior to the season. The Mountaineers will be out for blood tonight as they are fueled by the memory of last season's 84-50 loss to Gonzaga. Now is the time to fade the Bulldogs. They are 2-9 ATS after 3 straight wins of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons and 4-13 ATS in road games after 2 straight wins of 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons. West Virginia has performed well at home where it is 5-0 this season. It is also more battle-tested than Gonzaga, having played a tougher schedule thus far with games against Wisconsin and Missouri. The Mountaineers have had more time to prepare for this contest as well. Take the points as WVU has an excellent opportunity to win this one outright.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Wizards +2
The Key: This is an extremely tough spot for Denver, which will be playing its sixth road game in nine days. I expect the Nuggets to be feeling the effects of this gruesome stretch. To make matters worse, there's a good chance they'll be without Ty Lawson, who is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. The Wizards have had two days of rest and will be playing for just the third time this month. All of these games have been at home so they haven't had to endure the extra fatigue that comes with travel. While Nene is expected to miss, I don't think it will matter as John Wall should have a big game without Lawson tiring him out on the defensive end. The Wizards are 24-11 ATS in their last 35 home games, 4-0 ATS in their last four games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss. The Wizards are also 3-0 ATS in their last three versus Denver, winning the last two outright as an underdog.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Raptors +6
The Key: Toronto doesn't help itself by getting many points off turnovers as it averages just 7 steals per game. However, it should still be able to keep this one within the number given how much the Lakers are being overvalued here. Odds makers overvalue a very public L.A. team at home constantly. As a result, the Lakers are 0-8 ATS in home games versus teams who average 7 or less steals per game under D'Antoni. This trend also indicates that teams that don't gamble a lot defensively have had a lot of success defending the Lakers. Toronto has been very competitive with L.A. lately, winning or losing by fewer than 6 points in 6 of the last 7 meetings. 4 of these games were decided by 2 points or less. Kobe Bryant is expected to make his debut although it is uncertain how many minutes he will play. Initially, I expect his presence on the court to throw a hitch in the Lakers' giddy-up as they have been used to playing without him, and the ball tends to stop when it hits his hands, disrupting the flow of the offense. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Cavaliers +6.5
The Key: Look for the Cavs to cover this number at home where they are 5-3 this season, including 2-0 against the West. Leading the charge will be Kyrie Irving, who I fully expect to bounce-back after being held scoreless for the first time in his career. The Cavs played last night but have won three of their last four in the second game of back-to-backs. Los Angeles is 0-3 on the road against the East. The Cavs are 11-2 in the last 13 meetings overall and 10-1 in the last 11 meetings at home. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Northeastern -1
The Key: UAB took down North Carolina in its last game, but now it plays its first true road game of the season. Following that big win, the Blazers won't give Northeastern the attention it deserves. A 20-point win over the Huskies last December will help UAB look right past them tonight. That game was at home, however. UAB hasn't been the same team on the road where it is 4-11 in last 15 true road games. Northeastern has a win over Georgetown, and it has prepared itself for this revenge contests by playing a challenging schedule. The Blazers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a win, 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games and 10-21 ATS in their last 31 non-conference games. The Blazers are also 2-9 ATS in road games since the start of last season versus good shooting teams that make 45% or more of their shots. They have lost to these teams by an average score of 76.5 to 67.6. The Huskies are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS loss. Take Northeastern.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Jazz +11.5
The Key: Expect a letdown from Portland following back-to-back wins over the Pacers and Thunder. After defeating those giants, it will be very difficult for the Trail Blazers to get up for the lowly Jazz. They'll likely be looking right past Utah to tomorrow's showdown with 12-8 Dallas. The Jazz have quietly covered the spread in eight of their last 12 games and have been a different team since rookie Trey Burke started logging big minutes. You want to fade favorites of 10 points or more on Friday night if they check in off a home win. Doing so has produced a 47-17 ATS record the last five seasons. These teams have been favored by an average of 12.2 points but have won by only 8.8 points on average. This system is 20-5 ATS the last three seasons. You also want to back road underdogs of 10 points or more on Friday nights if they are coming off one of more consecutive losses. Doing so has produced a 72-32 ATS mark the last five seasons. These teams have been underdogs of 12.2 points on average but have lost by an average of 9.6. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Cal-Santa Barbara +2.5
The Key: This is Cal's first true road game of the season, and I don't expect it to make it out alive. Cal won last season's meeting by nine points at home, but things will go differently on the road against a dangerous Santa Barbara squad. Star center Alan Williams can't be tamed. The Gauchos are 3-1 this season with him in the lineup, and he's averaging 27.5 points and 10.8 rebounds. The Gauchos lost by 13 at UCLA last time out in a game that was closer than the final score looks, but they are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss and 31-19 ATS off a road loss of 10 points or more under coach Bob Williams. Here's the clincher. UCSB is a perfect 6-0 ATS in home games on Friday nights under Williams, winning these by an average score of 75.0 to 61.8. Take the points.

7* NCAAB *HEAVY HITTER* on Eastern Kentucky +16
The Key: VCU relies on creating turnovers to facilitate its offense, but Eastern Kentucky doesn't turn it over. The Colonels have committed 11 or fewer turnovers in seven of their eight games. This is significant because VCU is 0-7 ATS the last two seasons versus teams that average 12.0 turnovers or less per game. The Rams have actually lost by an average of 2.0 points to these teams. Eastern Kentucky checks in off a 19-point loss at NC State that was much closer than the score leads you to believe (trailed by three w/ six minutes remaining). Still, the way the loss looks benefits us as it has given us a better number than we would have gotten otherwise. The Colonels are 7-0 ATS in road games following a road loss over the last three seasons, winning by an average score of 66.8 to 62.4 in these contests. E. Kentucky is a fantastic 19-6 ATS as a double-digit underdog under coach Neubauer. It is 13-4 ATS under Neubauer as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points. It is also worth noting that VCU is 6-15 ATS as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points under Shaka Smart. The Colonels are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 versus Atlantic-10 foes. The Rams are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games. Take the points.

6* NBA Revenge Rout on Bucks +4.5
The Key: Milwaukee was crushed 113-94 in Detroit Nov. 25, and that loss will be all the motivation it needs here. The Bucks have the good fortune of catching Detroit at just the right time. The Pistons are riding high off last night's win in Miami, setting them up for a letdown. While both teams played last night, this is Detroit's third game in four days. Milwaukee had two days off prior to playing last night so it should be a little fresher. You want to fade favorites like Detroit that check in off a double-digit road win if they have a losing record. Doing so has produced a 47-24 ATS mark the last five seasons. You also want to back underdogs like Milwaukee that have failed to covered the spread in 12 or more of their last 15 games when they're up against a team that has covered the number in four or five of their last six games. Doing so has produced a 69-35 ATS mark since 1996. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Penn +18
The Key: This line is an overreaction to Villanova's recent win over Iowa in the Battle 4 Atlantis championship game. Penn lost to Iowa by 31. However, that game was in Iowa City. Villanova played Iowa on a neutral floor and actually trailed the Hawkeyes by double-digits halfway through the second half before it became unconscious from three-point range. The Wildcats are not a very good three-point shooting team, but they made 14 three-pointers for the game. They are averaging just 31.4% shooting from three on the season, but that doesn't keep them from attempting an average of 26 per game. Nova's three-point shooting volume plays right into Penn's hands as the Quakers have defended the three pretty well, holding opponents to 32.8%. Consider that Penn is 6-0 ATS in road games versus teams who attempt an average of 21 or more three-point shots per game over the last 3 seasons. It has lost these games but only by 3.3 points on average. You also want to fade favorites of 10 to 19.5 points that are undefeated on the season if they have covered the spread in four or five of their last six games. Doing so has produced a 30-12 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Penn has played Nova to within 12, 8 and 13 points the last three seasons, and I expect a similar result tonight.

7* NBA Situational Game of the Week on Cavaliers +4.5
The Key: This is an extremely unfavorable situation for Denver, which will be playing its second road game in as many nights and its third in four days. The Cavs have three full days of preparation and fresh legs on their side, and that gives them a sizable advantage. The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games when playing without a day of rest. They are also 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games versus a team with a losing record. You want to back underdogs like Cleveland that have failed to cover the number in 12 or more of their last 15 games when they're matched up with an opponent that have covered the spread in four of their last five games. That's because doing so has produced a 36-13 ATS mark since 1996. Take the points.

6* NBA Line Mistake on Nets +5
The Key: The Nets picked up a much-needed, confidence-boosting win at Memphis last time out, and I expect them to carry the momentum into tonight. The season hasn't started the way Brooklyn envisioned, but it has been plagued by injuries and has played a road-heavy, challenging schedule. Still, the Nets are just 1.5 games out of first in the Atlantic division so they can remain positive knowing they can make a huge run once their health returns. They'll have Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, Kevin Garnett and Andre Blatche tonight, and this core should not be catching this many points at home against a road-weary Nuggets squad that's playing on the road for the fourth time in five games. Plus, the Nuggets have had just one day of rest in between each of their last seven games. Brooklyn has had two days to gear up for this one and the extra rest should treat it well. The Nets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on 2 days' rest. The home team has dominated this series, going 6-0 in the last 6 meetings with a 12.5-point average winning margin. The Nets are 11-4 in their last 15 home games against the Nuggets with their last two wins coming by 16 and 11 points. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Eastern Michigan +6
The Key: I expect UMass to come out flat in its first true road game of the season following an eight-day layoff. Eastern Michigan brings a lot of confidence into this one after testing Kentucky on the road. Plus, it will be hungry to avenge last season's 75-61 loss at UMass. Eastern Mich is 6-0 in its last six home games and has won or lost by fewer than six points in a ridiculous 40 of its last 45 home games. UMass has performed well defensively in the early going. However, E. Mich is 6-0 ATS in home games the last 2 seasons versus good defensive teams that hold opponents to an average of 42% shooting or worse. The Eagles have won these games by an average score of 60.8 to 54.2. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Jazz +8
The Key: Expect a letdown from the Rockets following a big win in San Antonio that ended a seven-game road losing streak in the series. In addition, Houston has been far from dominant on the road where it hasn't won by more than seven points in its last five games. Houston won by 11 in Utah earlier this season. That comfortable victory, and the huge win over the Spurs, will make it rather easy for the Rockets not to give Utah their full attention. The Jazz have quietly covered the spread in seven of their last 10, and they are a different team with Trey Burke in the lineup. The rookie has averaged nearly 16.0 points while helping the Jazz with two of their last three. The Rockets are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 road games versus a team with a losing home record while the Jazz are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 home games versus a team with a winning road record. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on UAB +7
The Key: North Carolina is feeling pretty good about itself after upsetting Louisville. And with Michigan State on deck, the Tar Heels will have a tough time focusing on the task at hand, especially since they defeated UAB 102-84 last season. That game was in Chapel Hill, and I expect things to go much differently in Birmingham. This is the Tar Heels' first true road game of the season, and it comes against a team that will be very prepared for them. UAB head man Jerod Haase spent 13 years as an assistant to Roy Williams so he knows everything that Williams will throw at the Blazers. UAB is tough to beat at home where it has won 11 of its last 15. Furthermore, the Blazers have won or lost by fewer than 7 points in 11 straight home games. Now that's a perfect 11-0 trend I can get behind. Additionally, the Blazers have lost by more than 7 points just once in their last 35 home games. Take the points.

6* NBA Situational *CA$H COW* on Wizards -3.5
The Key: This is a tough situation for the Hawks, who will be playing the second game of a back-to-back and their fourth game in five days after spending a lot of energy in last night's come-from-behind win over Dallas. The Wizards also played last night, but they didn't spend nearly as much energy in a lopsided loss to the Pacers. Plus, the Wizards are an impressive 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games when playing without a day of rest while the Hawks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games when their starting five players combine for more than 160 minutes the previous day. You also want to back favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points following a blowout loss of 20 points or more if they average 98-102 ppg and are matched up against a team that allows 98-102 ppg. Doing so has produced a 38-12 ATS mark since 1996. This system is a perfect 4-0 ATS the last 3 seasons. Lay the points.

7* NBA Game of the Week on Pistons -5
The Key: The Pistons fit perfectly into an extremely lucrative system that tells us to take home teams that are out for revenge for a road loss of 10 points or more to an opponent if they also check in off an upset defeat of 15 points or more. Doing so has produced a 64-30 ATS mark since 1996. The Lakers are a dismal 8-21 as a road dog going back to the start of last season as well as a soft 9-19 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points during the same time frame. In addition, L.A. is a pitiful 1-11 ATS in road games off an upset win over the last 3 seasons, losing by an average score of 104 to 92.1 in this spot. Lastly, the home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Lay the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Texas State pk
The Key: Look for Texas State to pick up its first win of the season here. First off, Tulane is a miserable 3-18 ATS in games when the line is +3 to -3 under coach Ed Conroy. The Green Wave are also on a 6-17 ATS slide as an underdog and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home. Texas State is 7-0 ATS when playing away from home after 4 or more consecutive losses and 4-0 ATS in its last 4 neutral site games. Take Texas State.

7* NBA Humpday *HEAVY HITTER* on Timberwolves -6
The Key: Motivated by back-to-back defeats and further fueled by a 117-113 loss at Denver in the season's first meeting, the Timberwolves will be all business when they take the floor tonight. Minnesota is 6-2 at home and hasn't lost three consecutive games this season. The two previous times it has dropped two in a row this season, it responded with a 116-108 home win over Dallas and a 111-81 home win over Brooklyn. The Nuggets are just 2-4 on the road and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games versus a team with a winning home record. Denver is also 2-14 ATS in road games after scoring 55 points or more in the first half in 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons. It has lost by an average of 7.7 points in this situation. The Timberwolves are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a loss, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a loss of more than 10 points, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games versus a team with a losing road record. Take Minnesota.

6* NBA *TOP DOG* on Bobcats +8.5
The Key: The Pacers are getting too much respect on the road against a much improved Charlotte club. Indiana is 5-1 on the road, but only one of these wins came by more than 8 points. It's not like the Pacers have been playing elite competition either. Their road games have been against New Orleans (6-8), Detroit (6-8), Brooklyn (4-10), Chicago (6-7), New York (3-10) and Boston (6-10). Charlotte has been completely embarrassed the last two times it's faced the Pacers so it will bring a little something extra to the court tonight. The Bobcats are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 versus Eastern Conference opponents as well as 6-0 ATS in their last 6 versus NBA Central division foes. The Bobcats are also 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a defeat. Take the points.

7* NCAAB *HEAVY HITTER* on Weber State +2.5
The Key: Weber State will be extremely motivated and well prepared when it takes the floor tonight. The Wildcats will be hungry for their first win as they lace 'em up on their home floor for the first time this season. They will also be hungry to avenge last season's 10-point loss at Utah State. The Wildcats haven't played since Nov. 16 so they have had a lot of time to prepare for this game. Weber State is on a 16-3 ATS run at home when the line is +3 to -3. It's on an 8-1 ATS run off 2 or more consecutive road losses and a 20-3 ATS run off a road loss of 10 points or more. The Wildcats are also 6-0 ATS all-time under coach Randy Rahe after a blowout loss of 20 points or more. They have won by an average score of 73.2 to 64.7 in this spot. Take the points.

6* NCAAB National TV Annihilator on Cal +4
The Key: Cal will want this game just a little bit more as it seeks revenge for last season's six-point loss to Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament. Syracuse is off to a 5-0 start, but this is not yet the same that went deep in the Big Dance last season. Gone are Brandon Triche, James Southerland and Michael Carter-Williams. The Golden Bears bring back more experience and have the motivational edge. The Golden Bears are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Timberwolves +7
The Key: You want to fade home teams like Indiana that outscore their opponents by 9.0 points or more per game and are matched up against an opponent that allowed 105 points or more in its last game. Doing so has produced an eye-popping 31-4 ATS record the last 5 seasons. This system is 3-0 ATS this season. Minnesota is just 2-5 on the road, but four of those losses came by 4 points or less. The T-wolves lost by 11 at Houston in their last game, but they are 27-14 ATS after a loss of 10 points or more under coach Adelman. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on South Florida +9.5
The Key: This line is an overreaction to Oklahoma State's 101-80 rout of No. 11 Memphis, during which Marcus Smart scored a career-high 39 points. I expect a much different fate for the Cowboys tonight as they venture out on the road for the first time this season. The Cowboys are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 road games following three or more consecutive home games. In addition, teams headed up by Travis Ford are 0-9 ATS all-time in road games after two straight wins of 15 points or more. His teams have lost by an average of 11.4 points in this situation. USF played the Cowboys to a 12-point game on the road last season, holding them to just 61 points so it will be lacking no confidence as it looks to return the favor at home. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Bulls +7
The Key: Rose is out indefinitely with a meniscus tear, but the Bulls have been through this before and will rise to the occasion in his absence. The Bulls have had a day of rest while the Clippers will be playing their second game in as many days and their fourth in five days so I believe Chicago will have more energy to exert at the defensive end. The Bulls have been the better investment of late as they have covered the spread in five of their last seven games while the Clippers are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven. Chicago is an impressive 55-36 ATS after one or more consecutive losses under coach Thibodeau. It is also 26-10 ATS under coach Thibs following a loss of six points or less. The Bulls have won or lost by less than 7 points or less in 8 of the last 11 meetings with the Clippers. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Magic +13.5
The Key: Orlando will be the much more motivated team tonight after getting clubbed by Miami in its last game. Even with that loss, Orlando has won or played the Heat to within 13 points in 13 of the last 15 meetings. I expect a lackadaisical performance from the Heat here as it will be very difficult for the two-time defending champs to get their juices flowing for a team they just crushed. The Heat are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a win of more than 10 points. You want to fade home favorites of 10 or more points that have a win percentage of .750 or greater after 3 or more consecutive wins when they are playing a team with a losing record. Doing so has produced a 45-20 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Teams fitting into this situation have been favored by 12.8 points on average but have won by just 9.2. You also want to back underdogs of 10 or more points that have a win percentage of .250 to .400 if they have been beaten by the spread by 18 or more points total in their last three games when they are playing a team with a winning record. That's because doing so has produced a 42-16 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Teams fitting this situation have been underdogs of 12.2 points on average but have lost by just 9.7. Take Orlando.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Iona -4
The Key: You want to fade road underdogs or pickems, like George Mason, in the first 10 games of the season that return all five starters and held their last opponent to 55 points or less. Doing so has produced a 29-7 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Teams fitting these parameters have lost by 12.1 points on average. This system is 13-2 ATS the last 3 seasons and 2-0 ATS already this season. George Mason is off to a 4-0 start but is just 3-12 ATS following 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons. Iona played Kansas last and should benefit from having stepped on the floor with arguably the most talented team in the country. George Mason hasn't seen a team nearly as talented as Kansas, and it takes a big step up in competition here. Lay the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* (ESPN) on Grizzlies +1.5
The Key: Memphis has rebounded following a slow start and is now ready to get a little revenge against the Spurs. San Antonio swept the Grizzlies in last season's playoffs and then beat them in the season's first meeting so this is a game Memphis wants badly. The Grizzlies are 9-0 ATS since the start of last season versus excellent teams that shooting 46% or better and hold opponents to 43% shooting or worse. They have defeated these teams by an average score of 95.7 to 89.4. Also, the Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four games versus teams with a winning record. Take Memphis.

6* NCAAB National TV Annihilator (ESPN2) on Boston College +10.5
The Key: Now's the time to fade UConn. The Huskies are off to a 4-0 start but are 0-7 ATS after 4 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons. Boston College checks in off a 3-point win over Florida Atlantic and is 6-0 ATS after a close win of 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons. The underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two schools. UConn has faced a bunch of offensively challenged teams since getting a scare from Maryland in its opener. B.C. has put up 92 and 82, respectively, in its last two games and has enough fire power to keep this one within the number.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on BYU -5.5
The Key: Expect a letdown from Iowa State as it hits the road for the first time this season following a big win over Michigan. BYU has been nearly unbeatable at home where it is 120-11 since 2005, and it will be hungry to avenge last season's ugly 21-point loss at Iowa State. The Cyclones lost four players from last year's team that averaged 9.0 points or more. These were experienced vets that could be counted on down the stretch in big games like this. They will miss that senior leadership in this road test. In addition, BYU gets a big lift with Tyler Haws expected to be back in action tonight. At home and with momentum, BYU has been tough as nails. The Cougars are on a 12-3 ATS run in home games off 2 or more consecutive home wins, winning by an average of 22.4 points in this spot. Lay the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Bucks +5.5
The Key: You want to back home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points that have failed to cover the spread in 4 of their last 5 games when they're matched up with an opponent that has covered the number in 6 or 7 of its last 8 games. That's because doing so has produced a 66-33 ATS mark since 1996. Teams fitting these parameters have been underdogs of 6.0 points on average, but have lost by only 2.5 points on average. This system is an explosive 24-3 ATS the last 5 seasons. This is a tough spot for Portland as this is its 4th road game in 6 days. The Bucks have had 3 full days off and are expected to get Caron Butler and Ersan Ilyasova back in the lineup. Milwaukee has given Portland fits. The Bucks are 4-0 SU and ATS in the last 4 meetings. Take the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Wizards +5
The Key: I'll gladly take the home team catching points considering how valuable home-court has been in this series. The home team is 6-1 SU and ATS in the last 7 meetings with the six wins coming by an average of 9.7 points. Washington is 8-1 in its last 9 home games against the T-Wolves, winning these by 9.8 points on average. The Wizards are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings, including 7-1 ATS in the last 8 at home. In addition, Washington is 19-7 ATS as a home underdog over the last 2 seasons, 13-3 ATS in home games after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons and 16-6 ATS in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Siena +6
The Key: St. Bonaventure is 3-0 but has faced three inferior opponents on its home floor. Now, it heads out on the road for the first time. Siena is 0-3 and will be hungry to notch its first win and happy to be home after back-to-back road games. It brings a great deal of confidence into this matchup following a strong showing at La Salle, and it will be further motivated by last season's 15-point loss at St. Bonaventure. Prior to that defeat, Siena had played the Bonnies to within six points or less in three straight meetings. And, Siena hasn't lost by more than six points in its last three home games against the Bonnies. Siena is 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings and 2-0 ATS in the last two home meetings. It is also 15-7-1 ATS in its last 23 versus Atlantic 10 foes. Teams headed up by Jimmy Patsos are an impressive 73-50 ATS all-time as an underdog. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Bobcats +11.5
The Key: The Bulls are being overvalued following four consecutive SU and ATS double-digit wins. The Bobcats have won their last 3 road games outright as underdogs and will be lacking no motivated here against a Chicago team that defeated them by 30 the last time they met. Prior to that loss, Charlotte had defeated the Bulls by double digits as an 11.5 point dog and lost by only 8 points as a 13-point dog for back-to-back covers in the series. The Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Chicago, and the road team is a perfect 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings. The Bulls are a lousy 4-14 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons. You also want to take underdogs of 10 or more points that have shot team 42% or worse in 3 straight games when they're up against a team that has allowed a shooting percentage of 42% or less in 5 straight games. Doing so has produced a 28-8 ATS mark since 1996. Teams fitting these parameters have been underdogs of 12.8 points on average but have lost by just 7.3 points on average. Take the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on North Dakota State -5
The Key: North Dakota State brings back its entire starting five, and it will be extremely focused and motivated tonight after losing by double-digits at St. Mary's last game. The Bison have been nearly unbeatable at home where they are 13-1 in their last 14. North Dakota State is on a 9-1 ATS run following a double-digit road loss. It's also an impressive 26-10 ATS in its last 36 non-conference contests. The Golden Eagles have been a poor investment at 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games overall and 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 road games. You also want to take home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points like N. Dakota State that return two more starters than their opponent and had a good defense last season, one that held opponents to 42% shooting or worse. Doing so has produced a 41-14 ATS mark since 1997. Teams fitting these parameters have won by an average of 11.4 points. This system is 9-1 ATS the last 3 seasons and 3-0 ATS this season.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Denver +2
The Key: Motivated by a 27-point loss at Cal in its opener, and further motivated by a 13-point loss at Stanford last season, Denver will be ready to defend its home court, which is something it has done extraordinarily well under coach Joe Scott. The Pioneers are 50-29 ATS at home under Scott, winning these by an average score of 67.4 to 57.8. They are 20-10 ATS in home games following a road loss under Scott, winning these by an average score of 67.5 to 57.7. The Cardinal are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win, 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The Pioneers are a perfect 13-0 in their last 13 home games. Take Denver.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Wisconsin-Green Bay +5.5
The Key: It's safe to say this game means a lot more to Green Bay. The Badgers check in off a big revenge win over Florida and are now likely riding a little too high on the horse to give Green Bay its full attention. This is a game the Phoenix want badly. They have lost by double digits to the Badgers each of the past three seasons, but those games were at Wisconsin. Now, Green Bay gets to play host, and the last time it did (2009) it upset a ranked Wisconsin squad as a 5-point dog in OT. That was one of only 7 regular-season losses for Wisconsin that year. The Phoenix again has a team capable of knocking off the Badgers. It will be a packed house at Resch Center where the Phoenix are 35-9 in their last 44. The Badgers are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 road games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 versus Horizon League opponents. The Phoenix are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 versus Big Ten schools. Wisconsin-Green Bay is also 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in the series. Take the points.

6* NCAAB Bailout Blowout on UNLV -14
The Key: This is a tough spot for Nebraska-Omaha, which is playing its 4th game in a week and will be on the road for the 3rd time during this stretch. To make matters worse, it will be up against a UNLV squad that has been at home and will be playing just its 3rd game in a week. Additionally, UNO catches the Runnin' Rebs at a bad time as they were upset by 21 points by UC Santa Barbara last game. You can bet that loss got their attention. The Runnin' Rebels are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home. Lay the points.

7* NBA Game of the Week on Cavs -6.5
The Key: Motivated by back-to-back blowout losses on the road, and further fueled by a 6-point loss at Charlotte earlier this month, Cleveland will be all business when it takes the floor this evening. The Cavs have been a different team at home where they are 3-0. Home-court advantage has also treated them well against Charlotte as they are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last 4 home games against the Bobcats, winning these by 16.0 points on average. Charlotte has been a lousy investment when catching points on the road as it is 16-28 ATS as a road underdog over the last 2 seasons. It falls to 8-18 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points during this span. The Bobcats pulled off an upset win at Boston last game. However, they are 4-14 ATS off an upset win the last 2 seasons. Charlotte is also just 4-16 ATS on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons. Lay the points.

6* NBA "Total" Annihilator on Thunder/Warriors Under 207
The Key: You want to play the under on all teams with a winning record playing another winning team in the first half of the season when the total is 200 to 209.5. Doing so has produced an amazing 93-36 (72.1%) mark the last 5 seasons. We've seen just 197.0 total points scored on average in this situation. We have seen 217 and 213 total points scored the last two times these teams have met, and yet we're seeing a line of 207.0? Clearly, odds makers expect Golden State's stingy defense to be more of a factor this time around. The Warriors rank 4th in field goal percentage defense and first in 3-point field goal percentage defense. The Thunder haven't been too shabby defensively either, ranking 9th in field goal percentage defense and 11th in 3-point field goal percentage defense. Take the under.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Towson -5
The Key: Temple defeated Towson by 11 points at home last season, but now it's payback time. The Owls lost four of their top five scorers from last year's team, including Khalif Wyatt, who did it all. The Tigers bring back their top five scorers, including CAA Preseason Player of the Year Jerrelle Benimon. Look for the Owls to struggle in the early going as they continue to adjust to life without Wyatt. You want to take favorites in the first five games of the season that return four starters if they combined with their opponent to score 155 points or more last game. Doing so has produced a 71-38 ATS mark the last five seasons. Lay the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on UC Riverside +3
The Key: UC Riverside was roughed up in its opener by a San Diego State team that won a game in last season's NCAA Tournament, and it will be all the better for it here. Pepperdine played a cupcake (SD Christian) in its opener and won't be ready for the intensity of a UC Riverside squad that will be hungry to avenge last season's 62-40 loss at Pepperdine. You want to take home teams in the first 5 games of the season like the Highlanders who closed out last season poorly with 13 losses or more in their last 15 games. Doing so has produced a 146-93 ATS result since 1997. It is also worth noting that the Highlanders are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games versus West Coast Conference opponents. Take the points.

6* NBA Line Mistake on Bobcats +5.5
The Key: Boston has won four in a row since an 0-4 start and has covered the spread in its last five, but I'm not sold. The Celtics did find a way to beat a Miami team that is playing uninspired ball but their other wins against Utah and Orlando are far from impressive. Plus, two of their wins have come by two points or less. The Bobcats will be motivated here as they have lost back-to-back games after winning two in a row. Plus, they have proven they can win in a tough environment as they defeated the Knicks at MSG. The Bobcats are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games, 8-1 ATS in their last 9 versus NBA Atlantic division foes and 10-3-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Boston. Also, the underdog is 19-7-1 ATS in the last 27 meetings. Take the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Lakers +3.5
The Key: This line is an overreaction to several things: a 96-85 loss at New Orleans Friday, a 113-90 loss to Minnesota Sunday and the absence of Steve Nash. The Lakers had won 11 straight against New Orleans before Friday's loss so they will be hungry for revenge to say the least. They will be further motivated by Sunday's brutally embarrassing loss to Minnesota. Also, Nash hasn't been much of a factor this season as he's averaging just 6.7 points and 4.8 assists. Nash had a quiet 3 points and 5 assists in the Lakers' win over the Clippers, and he has a mediocre 12-point, 6-assist performance in their win over the Rockets. The Lakers have already defeated a pair of teams I believe will contend for the Western Conference title without much help Nash. New Orleans hasn't been the same team on the road where it is 1-2 with losses to the Magic and Suns, teams I believe will end up toward the bottom of their respective conferences. The Lakers are 5-0 in their last 5 home games against New Orleans, winning these by 8.2 points on average.

7* NCAAB *HEAVY HITTER* on Cal-Irvine +1.5
The Key: This is a game Cal-Irvine had circled heading into the season. Pacific defeated the Anteaters in the Big West tournament championship game to secure its spot in the Big Dance, and Irvine will be out for some serious revenge as a result. The Anteaters check in off an overtime loss at home to Fresno State in their opener. This is significant as they are 10-2 ATS under coach Turner off a home loss. They have won by an average score of 77.3 to 75.0 in this situation. It is also significant that Pacific checks in off a win at Nevada. That's because you want to fade favorites off a road win that had a good record last season (60% to 80%) and are matched up against a team that had a winning record. Doing so has produced a 37-12 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. Take Cal-Irvine.

6* NBA Annihilator on Rockets -8
The Key: Off back-to-back defeats, the Rockets will be extremely motivated when they take the floor this evening. As if Thursday's 1-point loss to the Lakers wasn't painful enough, Houston squandered an 11-point third-quarter lead in Saturday's 107-94 defeat to the Clippers. I have no doubt the Rockets will be all business following these results. In addition, this is a tough scheduling spot for Toronto, which will be playing its 5th game in 7 days. The Rockets have had a day off after each of their last two games and haven't had to travel as they've been at home. They will be the fresher side. The home team has had a big edge in this series. In fact, the home team is 12-0 in the last 12 meetings with an average winning margin of 12.8 points. Lay the points.

6* NCAAB Annihilator on Davidson -12
The Key: Motivated by a brutal 111-77 loss at Duke and further fueled by last season's upset loss at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Davidson will roll tonight. The Wildcats are 6-0 ATS since the start of the 2011 season following a loss of 10 points or more. They have won these six by an average of 19.6 points. It is also worth noting that Wisconsin-Milwaukee is 0-7 ATS since the beginning of the 2011 season following a loss of 6 points or fewer. Lay the points.

6* NCAAB *CA$H COW* on Marist pk
The Key: Elon went 21-12 last season while Marist went 10-21. However, an examining of last season's like opponents suggests Marist is the better team. Both teams went 2-4 against the likes of Canisius, Colgate, College of Charleston, Columbia and VMI last season, but Marist averaged 76.7 points on 47.2% shooting in these games while Elon averaged just 66.5 points on 39.5% shooting. The Red Foxes were better defensively as well, holding the opposition to just 42.8% shooting and had a losing margin of only 0.3 points. The Phoenix allowed these teams to shoot 45.0% and had a losing margin of 4.2 points. The Phoenix rolled Division II Washington & Lee in their opener, but they take a big step up in competition here. They are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a win and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Red Foxes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games versus a team with a winning record. Take Marist.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Nets -1.5
The Key: I expect Brooklyn to hand Indiana its first defeat this evening. Brooklyn lost in OT at Washington last night but only one player logged more than 35 minutes. Plus, the Nets had two days off prior to the contest so I believe they'll be the fresher side. This will be Indiana's fourth game in five days, and it comes on the road against the deepest and most talented team it's seen thus far. Brooklyn has struggled on the road but has taken care of business on its home floor where it is 2-0 with one of those being a win over the defending champs. The Pacers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games versus a team with a losing record. They are also 0-6 ATS in their last 6 meetings with Brooklyn, losing the last four straight up by an average of 10.0 points. Bet the Nets.

6* NCAAB Annihilator on College of Charleston +22
The Key: This experienced Cougars club, which returns 7 of its top 8 scorers, will be lacking no motivation when it takes the floor this afternoon. They were brutally embarrassed by a score of 80-38 in last season's meeting with the Cardinals, and they'll be out to save face here. Louisville lost Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng, and Chane Behanan is out serving a suspension and Luke Hancock is out with an Achilles injury. That's a lot of fire power. C of C is on a 19-6 ATS run as a road underdog of 10 or more points. Take the points.

6* NCAAB Opening Night *CA$H COW* on South Alabama -6.5
The Key: Detroit finds itself at a sizable disadvantage opening at South Alabama where the Jaguars were an impressive 10-3 last season, including 7-0 in their last 7 (won these by 9.3 points on average). Detroit is at a further disadvantage because it loses the top four scorers from last year's team, including Horizon League player of the year Ray McCallum Jr. South Alabama brings back a lot more fire power (3 of their top 4 scorers), including Augustine Rubit, who was named the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Player of the Year. The Titans have been a poor investment in non-conference play at 4-11 ATS in their last 15. They have also been a poor early season investment at 1-8 ATS in their last 9 November contests. Lay the points.

6* NBA Situational Annihilator on Raptors +9
The Key: This is a bad spot for Indiana. The Pacers are coming off a big win over Chicago, and they have a big game at Brooklyn tomorrow so the tendency is to look ahead. You want to fade Friday night home favorites like Indiana that are outscoring opponents by 6.0 points or more per game as doing so has produced a 75-39 ATS mark the last 5 seasons. These teams have been favored by 9.9 points on average but have won by just 7.3. The Raptors are 0-2 SU and ATS in their last two and were upset at Charlotte last game. However, they are 19-8 ATS in road games off a road loss since the start of the 2011 season. They are also on a 22-10 ATS run after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games during the same time frame. The Raptors gave Indiana big problems last season. They won both meetings in Indiana straight up as 9 and 7-point dogs, respectively, and played the Pacers to a two-point game in one of the other two meetings. In fact, Toronto has won or lost by less than 9 points in 7 of its last 8 meetings with the Pacers. The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games versus a team with a losing record, and the road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Take the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Nuggets -3
The Key: I fully expect Denver to break into the win column tonight at home. The Nuggets have lost their first two home games this season, and that can't be sitting well with a team that went 38-3 at home during the 2012-13 regular season. The Nuggets showed drastic improvement last game against the defending Western Conference champs, and I believe they break through here against a team they have owned. They are 6-0 in their last 6 home games against the Hawks, winning these by 9.2 points on average. Lay the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Clippers +5.5
The Key: The Clippers got caught looking ahead last night and lost to the Magic. That loss assures us they will be even hungrier when they take the floor this evening. The Clippers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games when playing without a day of rest and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes the previous day. The Heat are coming off a win and cover against the Raptors but are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. You also want to back underdogs that average 103.0 points or more per game if they trailed in their last game by 15 points or more at the half. Doing so has produced a 54-24 ATS mark since 1996. These teams have been underdogs of 5.8 points on average but have lost by only 2.1 points on average. This system is a perfect 6-0 ATS the last 3 seasons. Take the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Bulls +3
The Key: The Bulls haven't played since Nov. 2 when they blew a 20-point lead in a loss to the 76ers so they will be fresh and hungry when they hit the floor tonight. Indiana just played last night in Detroit so it is at a big disadvantage in terms of preparation. The Bulls will also be out to make a statement since they went just 1-3 against the Pacers last season. They did not have Rose, however, and are 14-6 against Indiana with Rose in the lineup. There are plenty of trends supporting this play too. Chicago is 33-12 ATS following an upset loss under coach Thibodeau. It has won by an average of 10.0 points in this situation. The Bulls are also 16-6 ATS in road games after one or more consecutive losses since the start of last season and 26-9 ATS after a loss by six points or less under Thibodeau. The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games versus a team with a losing record. Take the points as the Bulls are in excellent position to hand Indiana its first loss of the season.

6* NBA Bailout on Trail Blazers -121
The Key: This is a tough, tough spot for Houston, which spent a lot of energy trying to get back in the game last night in L.A. Then, it had to make the long flight up to Portland and will be up against a team that has had two full days to rest up and prepare. The Blazers defeated the reigning Western Conference champs in their last game so they will be lacking no confidence. They'll also be lacking no motivation as they were embarrassed with an 18-point loss the last time Houston visited. The Rockets struggled on the road last season, and that has continued this season. They were down by 19 in Utah in their first road game before rallying and then crushed in their second road game against the Clippers last night. The Rockets are 10-25 ATS in road games after a game where they failed to cover the spread since the start of the 2011-12 season. They are also 9-23 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses during the same time frame. Take Portland.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Cavaliers -2
The Key: Motivated by back-to-back losses on the road, look for the Cavs to hand Minnesota its first loss of the season. The Cavs beat the Brooklyn at home in their first game of the season so they have already proven they can beat a more talented team than they'll see tonight on their home floor. Plus, they have had an extra day to rest their legs and game plan for the Timberwolves. Minnesota, on the other hand, just pulled off an upset win at Madison Square Garden yesterday so it has a quick turnaround. The Timberwolves are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a win and 7-18 ATS off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons. The Cavaliers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss of more than 10 points and 27-12 ATS versus teams outscoring their opponents by 9+ points per game since 1996. The favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings between these teams. Lay the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Magic +6.5
The Key: After a thrilling 1-point win over the reigning NBA champs, a game against the lowly Orlando Magic isn't going to get Brooklyn's juices flowing. Expect the Nets to come out flat here. While beating the Heat is certainly something to brag about, we can't forget that Brooklyn lost its only other road game of the season in Cleveland. We also can't forget that this team has a lot of new pieces, which likely means inconsistency early in the season. Brooklyn swept the Magic last season so Orlando will be lacking no motivation. The Nets are a soft 26-44 ATS after a cover since the 2011 season, and, zooming in, they are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. The Magic are off to a 3-0 ATS start, and I expect them to pick up another cover.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Jazz +6
The Key: Right away, one has to like the fact that home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points that won 45-55% of their games last season are 40-12 ATS since 1996. This system has already produced a 2-0 ATS record this season. Houston is 2-0, but now it goes out on the road for the first time. The Rockets were a dismal 16-25 on the road last season, and they're visiting a team tonight that was 30-11 at home last season. Last season, the Rockets were only 4-14 ATS in road games versus teams that had a losing record, and they lost these games by 1.0 point on average. The Jazz are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes the previous day. The Rockets are only 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing without a day of rest. Take the points.

6* NBA Situational Slam Dunk on Bobcats +3
The Key: Cleveland's upset win over Brooklyn makes it a dead fade tonight. Consider that fading any team off an upset win in the first six games of the season, provided that team closed out last season with five or more consecutive losses, has produced a 30-8 ATS mark since 1996. In addition, the Cavaliers are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games versus a team with a losing record and 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. The Bobcats are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss of more than 10 points. Charlotte lost by 2 and won by 7 in its two home games against the Cavs last season so I like our chances catching points here.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Wizards -9.5
The Key: Riding high off a shocking with over Miami, Philadelphia is prime for a letdown. Washington, meanwhile, will be extremely hungry after dropping its opener at Detroit. And, the fact it lost by double-digits the last time it hosted the 76ers adds fuel to the fire. Everything went right for the 76ers against the Heat. They raced out to a 19-0 lead, shot the lights out (53.7%) and benefited from 19 Miami turnovers. Additionally, they caught Miami at just the right as it was coming off a big win over Chicago and looking ahead to tonight's game against Brooklyn. It all goes south for Philly here against a hungry Washington squad. The 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a win. The Wizards are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games. Lay the points.

6* NBA on TNT *CA$H COW* on Clippers -6.5
The Key: After laying an egg in Tuesday's opener, I expect the Clippers to be very focused and determined tonight. Historically speaking, this is a great spot for L.A. Favorites in the first six games of the season that check in off an upset loss as a road favorite (they were the designated road team in their opener) are 28-7 ATS since 1996 if they were a playoff team the previous season and lost four or more of their last five games. Teams fitting these specs have been favored by 6.7 points on average and have won 11.2 points on average. This awesome early season system is a perfect 6-0 ATS the last three seasons. The Clippers have had a day to gear up for this matchup while the Warriors played at home last night and then had to make the trip south. The Warriors won three of last season's four meetings, which provides the Clippers with added motivation tonight. Lay the points.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on 76ers +12
The Key: Miami came out flat as expected last night. However, it went nuts in the second quarter and finished 11 of 20 from 3-point range. Off that emotional statement win, on the road and playing back-to-back, I expect a much weaker performance from the Heat. Tonight's opponent won't get their juices flowing, which means Miami will already be looking ahead to Friday's game at Brooklyn. The often overvalued Heat have been a terrible investment following any kind of win. They are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a win, 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a win of more than 10 points and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a game where they covered the spread. It is also worth noting that the 76ers are an impressive 55-31 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points since 1996. Take the points.

6* NBA Opening Night *CA$H COW* (TNT) on Bulls +4.5
The Key: Chicago will be the more motivated team here. Tonight is about celebrating last season for Miami, which will be getting its championship rings and raising its championship banner. For Chicago, on the other hand, tonight is about sending a message to the Heat. Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls played Miami tough last season. They split the regular-season series 2-2, and the Bulls were the team that ended Miami's 27-game win streak. The Bulls have had some success against the Heat because of how hard they work at the defensive end. I expect a very gritty performance from Chicago here as they use last year's playoff loss to Miami as motivation. Offense was an issue at times for Chicago in that playoff series, but now Rose is back. Chicago is on a 20-9 ATS run in road games when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points. It is also 77-54 ATS in road games under coach Thibodeau. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Take the points.

6* NBA Finals Game 7 "Total" Annihilator on Spurs/Heat Under 189
The Key: It's hard for teams to play loose in Game 7 of the NBA Finals knowing what's at stake. We've seen a recent trend of teams struggling at the offensive end as a result. Some of the struggles can also be attributed to teams playing at a higher level on defense. We've seen only 174, 155 and 162 total points scored in the last three NBA Finals Game 7's. Playing the Under on all teams in the NBA Finals when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points has produced a 50-18 mark since 1996. We've seen just 180.4 total points scored on average in this situation. Take the Under.

7* NBA Finals Game 7 *HEAVY HITTER* on Heat -5.5
The Key: San Antonio won't be able to recover from blowing an NBA title in Game 6. The Spurs appeared to have it in the bag up five with 28 seconds left, but they let it slip through their fingertips. Besides an emotional letdown, I expect a physical letdown from the Spurs. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker both logged big minutes in Game 6. With short recovery time, it will be tough for them to be at the top of their games tonight. Miami should be able to respond better to the short turnaround and will be lifted by the home crowd. The Heat are 46-7 at home where they carry a 10.5-pt average margin of victory. Also, home teams are 41-12 in the last 53 Game 7's. Lay the points.

7* NBA Finals Game 6 *HEAVY HITTER* on Heat -7
The Key: Miami hasn't lost consecutive games in these playoffs. It is a perfect 6-0 in the postseason following a loss and has won these games by an average of 20.7 points. Each of these wins have come by at least 11 points. Looking back further, the Heat haven't lost consecutive games since early January. They are 12-0 in their last 12 games following a loss and have won these by an average of 19.5 points with the lowest winning margin being 10 points. The defending champs have answered the bell each time they've tasted defeat over the last five months, and I expect no different tonight on their home floor. Lay the points.

6* NBA Finals Game 5 *CA$H COW* on Spurs +1.5
The Key: Just like the Miami Heat, the Spurs have been incredibly resilient in these playoffs. San Antonio has not lost consecutive games this postseason and is a perfect 3-0 following its previous 3 postseason defeats. It has won these games by an average of 21.3 points. This is a game the Spurs know they must get because it will be extremely difficult for them to win two straight in Miami. The Spurs are 22-9 ATS all-time under coach Popovich when tied in a playoff series. They are 16-4 ATS the last 3 seasons when out for revenge for a home loss to an opponent. They are also a perfect 7-0 ATS this season following a defeat at home and have won these 7 by an average of 14.0 points. Take the Spurs.

7* NBA Finals Total of the Year on Heat/Spurs Under 188
The Key: I'm confident both teams will bring the "D" in this all-important Game 5. San Antonio knows it's not going to beat the Heat if it allows them to shoot 52.9% like it did in Game 4. The Spurs will tighten the screws defensively. I also expect them to do a much better job of taking care of the rock. San Antonio had 18 turnovers in Game 4. Those turnovers led to a lot of easy opportunities for Miami. If the Spurs cut down on the giveaways, they can keep the Heat out of transition offense. The Spurs hit 8 3-pointers in Game 4, but Miami did a much better job of chasing shooters off the 3-point line. I expect it to do an even better job in Game 5. The Heat made just 4 3-point shots in Game 4 and took just 12. I believe it will look to attack the basket again in Game 5, which bodes well for us because the 3-point shot can spoil the under. There is also a great amount of history on our side. Plays on the under on all teams in the NBA Finals when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points are 50-16 since 1996. In addition, plays under on all #1 seeds in the NBA Finals (Miami in this case) when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points are 24-5 since 1996. The defensive intensity of both teams will be at its height in Game 5, and this one should come in under the total as a result. Take the Under.

7* NBA Finals *HEAVY HITTER* on Heat +2
The Key: The defending champs won't go down without a fight. We saw the way they bounced back in Game 2, and I expect them to bounce back strong again. Miami hasn't lost 2 in a row since early January. It's a perfect 11-0 in its last 11 games following defeat with each of these 11 victories coming by double digits. It's 5-0 following a loss in these playoffs, winning these 5 by an average of 21.6 points. I expect Tony Parker to play in Game 4, but there's a good chance he'll be bothered by his hamstring. Plus, the odds are against Danny Green and Gary Neal going off again. LeBron James is the best player in the world, but he's yet to play like it in this series. That changes in Game 4. Take the Heat.

7* NBA Finals *HEAVY HITTER* on Spurs -2
The Key: The Heat have played 8 games since they last won consecutive contests. They are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win, 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. Miami has lost its last two on the road by 7 and 14 points. Nothing will come easy in San Antonio where the Spurs are 6-1 in the playoffs and 41-7 on the season. They are also 12-2 in their last 14 home games versus the Heat. Look for the Spurs to bounce back strong in Game 3.

7* NBA Playoffs Game of the Year on Heat -5.5
The Key: The Heat had won 4 straight against San Antonio before going down in Game 1, and I'm confident they will respond tonight. Miami is 14-4 ATS this season when out for revenge for a same-season loss to an opponent. It was won by an average score of 102.0 to 89.1 in this situation. Also, the Heat haven't lost consecutive games since early January. They are a perfect 10-0 in their last 10 games following a loss and have won these games by an average of 19.9 points. Each of these wins came by at least 10 points. The Heat have responded in big ways all season following defeat, and I expect no different here. Lay the points.

7* NBA Finals *HEAVY HITTER* on Spurs +5
The Key: The Spurs should benefit from extra rest and preparation time in Game 1 as they go up against a Miami team that is coming off a grueling 7-game series. The Heat won Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in impressive fashion but are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a win. Miami has struggled in Game 1s the last two rounds as well, losing to the Bulls and edging out the Pacers in OT by a single point. You might also recall that it lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals last season. Miami was hurt on the glass last round as it didn't have the bigs to match up with Indiana. The Spurs are bigger than Miami as well, and that bodes well for us here. Consider that San Antonio is 8-0 ATS in road games played in the second half of the season the last 3 seasons versus teams who average 48 or less rebounds/game. The Spurs have defeated these teams by an average score of 102.0 to 94.9. This is the last rodeo for this veteran Spurs squad, and they'll leave it all on the floor in an attempt to add to their legacy with another championship. Take the points.

7* NBA Playoffs 3rd Round Game of the Year on Heat -7
The Key: Miami will be able to deal with the pressure of a Game 7 on this big of a stage better than Indiana. In Game 7 of last year's Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat covered an 8-point spread with a 101-88 home win over Boston. The Big Three showed up in that game as they combined for 73 points. I believe LeBron James will finally get some help from D-Wade and Bosh tonight. Those two are just too good to lay another egg. Taking favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points that are out for revenge for a loss where they were held to less than 85 points and are off an upset loss of 10 points or more on the road has produced a 24-4 ATS record since 1996. Teams fitting in this system have been favored by 6.9 points on average and have won by 12.8 on average. This system is a perfect 3-0 ATS the last 5 seasons. The Heat are also 13-4 ATS this season when out for revenge for a same-season loss to an opponent. They have won by an average score of 102.2 to 89.8 in this spot. Lay the points.

6* Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 *CA$H COW* on Heat -2.5
The Key: Indiana is a terrific basketball team, but it's missing one thing - LeBron James. James was the difference in Game 5, and he'll be the difference tonight. The Heat are 2-0 in closeout games in these playoffs and 5-0 in closeout games dating back to last year's playoffs. They won Game 6 at Indiana to win the series in last year's postseason, and I expect history to repeat itself. The Heat are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 road games, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games versus a team with a winning home record and 18-8 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more this season. The Pacers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games versus a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600 and 25-40 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons. Lay the points.

7* NBA Playoffs "Total" Annihilator on Pacers/Heat Under 185.5
The Key: We saw 191 total points scored in Game 4, and these teams have combined for at least 190 points in each of the last 6 meetings. And yet oddsmakers have come up with a number of 185.5? The books are begging for the money to come in on the over, but we won't oblige them. The defensive intensity of this series will be at an all-time high tonight, and this one should find its way under the number as a result. Both teams have played to the over in their last 5 games. However, plays "under" on any team after 5 or more consecutive overs, provided it is a good team that outscores opponents by 3.0 points per game or more, are 156-96 since 1996. This system, which applies to both teams, is 10-5 this season. Also, plays "under" on all teams when total is between 180 and 189.5 points in a playoff series that is tied are 104-64 since 1996. We've seen an average posted total of 184.5 in these games but have seen just 181.3 total points scored on average. Take the Under.

6* NBA Playoffs Game 4 *CA$H COW* on Pacers +3
The Key: I'll gladly take the Pacers catching points at home in this bounce back spot. They are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss and 13-5 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more this season. They are also 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games. Despite the Game 3 defeat, the Pacers have still won 2 of 3 at home against the Heat this season with 2 of those wins coming by double digits. They may be down 1-2 in this series, but one of those defeats came by a single point in OT. Take the points.

7* Conference Finals Total of the Year on Heat/Pacers UNDER 185.5
The Key: Indiana knows it must play better defensively if it's going to win this series. After allowing the Heat to shoot 54.5% from the field in Game 3, expect the best defensive team in the NBA to tighten the screws tonight. The Pacers have allowed just 90.1 ppg at home on 41.4% shooting on the season. The Heat are on a 73-43 Unders run in road games versus teams that allow 91 points or less per game. It is also worth noting that Indiana is on a 56-24 Unders run when out for revenge for a home loss of 10 points or more to an opponent. Miami is on a 59-33 Unders run in games following a blowout win of 15 points or more. Bet the Under.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Grizzlies -2.5
The Key: The Grizzlies are down 0-3, but this series has been much closer than that as they lost the last two games in OT. They aren't about to roll over here. That's not the personality of this team. Memphis is the first team in NBA history to fall behind 0-2 and win four straight by double digits. It pulled off that feat in the first round against the Clippers. Also, it hasn't been swept in the postseason since 2006. The Spurs caught a break with there being 3 days in between Game 2 and 3. They aren't as fortunate here with only 1 day in between games, and I expect them to feel the effects of the Game 3 overtime contest more than Memphis, which is younger and will be able to feed off the energy of the crowd. The Grizzlies are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss. They are also 7-0 ATS this season when they check in with losses in 3 of their last 4 games. They have won by an average score of 92.0 to 82.6 in this situation. Lay the points.

7* NBA *HEAVY HITTER* on Heat pk
The Key: Miami hasn't lost consecutive games since early January. It is 7-0 ATS in its last 7 games following a defeat, and I expect this trend to continue. It is also worth noting that the Heat are 22-6 ATS in their last 28 road games, and that Indiana is 3-11 ATS this season following a win by 6 points or less. The Pacers have actually lost by an average of 2.3 points in this situation. In addition, road teams when the line is +3 to -3 that check in off an upset loss at home, provided they are playing 3 or less games in 10 days, are 25-6 ATS since 1996. Teams fitting this situation are winning by 6.6 points on average. LeBron James failed down the stretch in Game 2, but I don't see it happening again. Plus, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh won't shoot a combined 42.8% from the field again. Both players shot over 50% during the regular season. I also expect the Heat to pick up the defensive intensity after allowing Indiana to shoot 50.0% in Game 2. Take Miami.

6* NBA *CA$H COW* on Grizzlies -5.5
The Key: This is basically a must-win game for Memphis given the history of teams facing 0-3 deficits, and I expect it to rise to the occasion. The Grizzlies erased a 13-point 4th-quarter deficit in Game 2 and nearly pulled it out in overtime despite shooting only 34.0% from the field. The comeback speaks volumes about what this team is capable of doing defensively, and I believe it will tighten the screws even more in Game 3. Down 0-2 to the Clippers in the first round, Memphis responded with a 94-82 home win in Game 3 and never lost again in the series. After losing Game 1 to the Thunder, it bounced back to win four straight. You can be rest assured that Memphis still believes it can win this series. The Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss and 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games. Also, the home team is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings with a 9.4-point average winning margin. Lay the points.