Sports Picks & Predictions

The Clippers are healthy and are making their push for the playoffs. They have won four straight and this team is really starting to gel. OKC has been playing well, but they played a real stinker last time out in a 40+-point loss at Milwaukee. That has to be concerning for OKC backers. We think this is a really tough spot for them to bounce back and with LA at full strength they are clearly the superior team here.

4 Unit Play. Take #620 Rutgers over Maryland (7p.m., Tuesday, March 3 BTN) Both teams need this game but for completely different reasons. Maryland has a chance to win the outright regular season title with a win. Rutgers needs a win to ensure they make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in what seems like forever. Rutgers have played a brutal schedule of late, but Maryland has been shaky as well laying an egg last time out at home against Michigan State. Maryland is 2-6 ATS (1 push) in their last 9 games played on Tuesday. Rutgers is 10-3 ATS (1 push) in their last 14 home games.

4 Unit Play. Take #608 Georgia State over Arkansas Little Rock (7p.m., Tuesday, March 3 ESPN+) Little Rock has already clinched the top seed in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and thus this game does not mean much to them. This is a one bid league and that means it will all come down to the conference tournament to who makes it to the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans have lost 2 of their last 3 road games. Georgia State is 13-5 ATS (1 push) in their last 19 home games. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

6 Unit Play. Take #842 Wisconsin over Minnesota (6:30p.m., Sunday, March 1 BTN) Wisconsin continues to get little respect from the oddsmakers despite being in position for a double bye and possible a share of the regular season title. Minnesota is coming off numerous home losses in games they were in control of and should have won. The Badgers have a chance to win their final three games and that will allow them to finish atop the standing. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Badgers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games played on Sunday. The Golden Gophers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog. 75% of the money is coming in on Wisconsin and this line is just a couple of points low.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

Both teams are playing well right now but we think Boston is the better and more well rounded team right now. Boston is one of the best bets in the NBA year after year, and that’s true once again this season with one of the best ATS marks in the league. They continue to be underestimated by the oddsmakers and they play great team basketball and strong defense. They have covered in their last five games and we see another cover at home here tonight.

10 Unit Play. Take #706 Maryland over Michigan State (8p.m., Saturday, February 29 ESPN) Maryland is the best team in the Big 10 and they are riding high at the moment. They had no business beating Minnesota last time out, but they did and now see a regular season title well within sight. Michigan State has been one of the biggest disappointments this season and they continue to be ranked based on name recognition only. They lost to Maryland two weeks ago and things will be much tougher tonight in College Park. Maryland has the best starting line-up in the league and a win today will clinch at last a share of the Big 10 Championship. The Terrapins have won 10 of their last 11 games. Too much on the line for Maryland to take this game lightly and expect them to win it by 7-9 points.

4 Unit Play. Take #678 Hofstra -13 over James Madison (4p.m., Saturday, February 29) The Pride still have a chance to clinch the regular season title on Thursday but laid an egg at home against Towson. That will not be the case today, as the Pride get to face the worst team in the CAA at home. We will lay the big number with them. James Madison is 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games. Hofstra is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite. Hofstra is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games played on Saturday. The Pride will complete the season sweep of the Dukes and get some hardware as well.

4 Unit Play. Take #682 Notre Dame -2 over Wake Forest (4p.m., Saturday, February 29 ACCNX) We used Florida State last week fading NC State after they beat Duke. We will follow that trend again on Saturday, as Wake Forest is coming off a double overtime victory against Duke last time out. Notre Dame is the better coached and better all-around team. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings between Notre Dame and Wake Forest. The Fighting Irish were 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.

4 Unit Play. Take #634 Clemson +3.5 over Florida State (2p.m., Saturday, February 29 ACCNX) The Seminoles have been living well of late and they cannot continue to get down big in first halves and win games. In their last two games they had to mount a big second half in order to win but that will not be the case if it occurs today against Clemson. The Tigers have some impressive wins at home this season and I believe they will be able to take this game down to the wire as well. The home team is 6-2 ATS (1 push) in the last 9 games between Florida State and Clemson.

3 Unit Play. Take #605 Towson over Hofstra (7p.m., Thursday, February 27) The Pride have been on a roll of late winning 8 straight games. They just need 1 victory in their final two games to clinch the regular season CAA standing. I expect this to be a battle tonight and the deficit to be under single digits. Towson has won 3 of their last 4 games. Towson are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Hofstra is 15-34 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 51 home games vs teams with a winning road record. The road team is 19-7 ATS (2 pushes) in the last 28 games between Towson and Hofstra.

3 Unit Play. Take #614 Wisconsin over Michigan (7p.m., Thursday, February 27 ESPN2) Wisconsin may be due for a blowout but I just do not believe it will happen. Michigan continues to get too much respect from the oddsmakers and I do not believe they are as good as their power ratings warrant. The underdog is 15-5 ATS in the last 20 games between Wisconsin and Michigan. The Badgers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games played on Thursday.

2-Unit Play #518 Take Utah over Boston (10 p.m. EST, Wednesday Fab 26) We think the Jazz are in a good spot here to get back on the winning track. They are catching the Celtics on a back-to-back while the Jazz are badly in need of a win. They were embarrassed last time out in a blowout to the Suns, and they have no choice but to put their best foot forward here. We expect them to do just that. We think they will get a comfortable win here in front of the home fans. It should not matter if Walker is in the lineup for Boston or not.

--Best of Luck, Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play. Take #830 Arkansas over Tennessee (8:30p.m., Wednesday, February 26 SECN) Arkansas is whole again and needs to win game to keep their hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid alive. They have revenge for this game having gotten pounded by Tennessee on 2/11. But that came without Isaiah Joe, who showed no rest returning Saturday to score 21 points after a 3-week layoff. This is the Volunteers second straight road game and they seem to struggle to close out games against good teams. That will be the case again today with Arkansas pulling away to win this game by 7-8 points. Tennessee is 1-7 ATS (1 push) in their last 9 games played on Wednesday. Arkansas is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games against teams with a losing road record. The home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 matchups between Tennessee and Arkansas.

Both teams are missing star players here, but the loss of Walker hurts less than the loss of Lillard because the Celtics have a much deeper and more talented team. Boston has been one of the better bets in the NBA the last few years, and that is because of the great team basketball and solid defense they play. Boston has been trending to the over, but we don’t see the Blazers doing anything special on offense tonight and we think this is an inflated total tonight.

The Bulls have a ton of injuries right now and this team wasn’t very good even when more healthy. This team isn’t going anywhere this season and they are playing for pride here, while the Thunder need every win. OKC has been one of the best bets in the NBA on the road, where they have covered in 22 of their last 27 road games. We feel this line is short once again as we see this is a probable double-digit win for the road team. The Bulls got a rare cover last time out but this team is 1-7 ATS after covering their last game. So when they play above expectations they normally follow that up with a stinker.

The Jazz have been very streaky and they are trending in the wrong direction right now. We think this is just too many points for them to be laying right now to a Suns team that has won two of three. We think Phoenix will come in with confidence tonight and we expect a close game.

4 Unit Play. Take #874 Florida State over Louisville (7p.m., Monday, February 24 ESPN) We hit our top play on Saturday with Florida State and will use them again on Monday in what will likely be a playout game. The loser will struggle to win the ACC Regular Season title and we fully expect that to be Louisville tonight. The Seminoles have already beaten the Cardinals in Louisville and Louisville has lost their last two road games. Both have come against teams that will not make the NCAA Tournament this season. Florida State is 4-1 ATS in their last 4 games.

4 Unit Play. Take #828 Wisconsin over Rutgers (1p.m., Sunday, February 23 BTN) Rutgers is not a lock to reach the NCAA Tournament and they have been leaking of late. They lost their first home game last time out and now themselves in a place where they have never won. Rutgers has lost 3 of their last 5 games. The home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 match-ups between Rutgers and Wisconsin. The Badgers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games played on Sunday.

4 Unit Play. Take #794 Nevada -7 over Fresno State (10p.m., Saturday, February 22 ESPNU) Fresno State has some size to do damage to Nevada but they have lost every conference game they have played against the top teams in the MWC. The Bulldogs are 0-9 against the conference's top-six teams and 6-1 against the rest. Nevada relies on the 3 for their points and Fresno State does not depend the arc very well allowing team to shot over 35% against them. The favorite has covered the spread in 4 of the last 5 meetings between the Bulldogs and the Wolf Pack. Fresno State is 3-12 ATS in their last 16 games against teams with a winning record. Nevada is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as a favorite.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. Take #792 Arizona -4.5 over Oregon (9p.m., Saturday, February 22 ESPN) Arizona does not lose often at home and I just do not believe Oregon is as good as their ranking is. The Wildcats have won 3 straight games all via blowout and the loser of this game will lose their chance to win the regular season PAC-12 Championship. The Ducks have lost 3 of their last 5 games and their success is dependent on Payton Pritchard. Arizona should have won the first meeting in Eugene and they will win this game by close to double digits. Oregon is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. Arizona is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.

We think the Bulls are a team to fade down the stretch. The Suns aren’t a very good team but they have nice potential for the future and we think they are the better team in this matchup. They are being punished too much by the oddsmakers for a back-to-back but these teams are rested after the break and the B2B shouldn’t be a big deal. The Bulls played some of the worst defense in the NBA leading into the All-Star Break, and we think the Suns will put up a massive point total tonight. We think this game has a great chance for a blowout, and we could see the Suns scoring 120+ tonight.

Maybe no Kyrie could be a good thing for this team? Sometimes certain players don’t fit in, and Kyrie has had his problems in other locations. Now he is out for the season, and the Nets played pretty good in an OT loss to Philly right out of the break. Now they take a big step down in competition. The Nets have been good at bounce backs lately with a 4-0 ATS mark after a loss. They are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 meetings in Charlotte. We think they are the much better squad here tonight.

10 Unit Play. Take #730 Kentucky over Florida (6p.m., Saturday, February 22 ESPN) Florida has underachieved this season and does not have that many impressive wins in conference play. Kentucky is the best team in the SEC, and they will enter this game having won 5 straight games If Kentucky can make shots from behind the arc they could win a national championship this season. They did so in the second half against LSU and now sit atop the standing by 2 full games. The favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 games between Kentucky and Florida. The Gators just do not have the right chemistry this season despite picking up Kerry Blackshear from Virginia Tech. Kentucky pulls away and wins this game by 9-10 points.

4 Unit Play. Take #681 Florida State -1 over NC State (4p.m., Saturday, February 22 ACCN) TOP NCAA PLAY OF THE DAY Just expect a letdown for NC State coming off their big win against Duke last time out. Florida State might be the best team in the ACC, and they must win this game in order to win the regular season title. NC State is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a win in their previous game.

The Blazers are a walking infirmary right now and we don’t see them having any success tonight against the surging Pelicans. New Orleans is really gelling as a team right now and they have been winning games and covering lines. We think we are getting a good line here since the Pels are on the road. But the injury issues for Portland will be too much tonight, and there’s a great chance the road team could win this one by double digits.

Just too many points here tonight. After a slowish start the Grizzlies have been one of the better bets in the NBA. This squad plays team basketball, and they found a real leader and start in Ja Morant. The Lakers are going to get a lot of love from the oddsmakers and betting public as they are the biggest public betting team in the NBA. But we had this game handicapped at 8, so we think there is some very nice value in this double digit line.

The Jazz have been hot and cold this season, but they entered the All-Star Break hot with four straight wins and we think they carry the momentum over tonight in their first game out of the break. The Spurs finished strong out of the break but before that lost five straight. This is just a down year for the Spurs, and we think this line is short. When playing their best, the Jazz can blow teams like this out by 10+, and coming out of the break we see no reason why they won’t put their best foot forward.

4 Unit Play. Take #874 Saint Louis over VCU (9p.m., Friday, February 21 ESPN2) The Rams are banged up and have lost three straight games. They played well against Dayton last game, but I do not believe that they will be able to muster that energy tonight on the road. The Billikens have been struggling as well but they are on their way to receiving an NIT bid if they can win games like this at home. VCU is 2-10 ATS (1 push) in their last 13 games played on Friday. Saint Louis is 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games against teams with a winning record.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

Boston has been one of the most reliable bets in the NBA the last few years. They are 32-20-2 ATS this season so they are getting it done at the window once again. This Minnesota team is a mess, and we think with the extra rest after the All-Star Break that Boston has an even bigger advantage in this one. Every team wants to get off to a strong start after the break, and we think Boston brings their A Game here against a very vulnerable opponent. We see them locking down defensively tonight in a blowout win.

The second part of the season is here for the Pacers after the All-Star Break and we think they will be a team to watch down the stretch. This team is healthy and dangerous in the east. This Indiana club plays team basketball and solid defense. That is the recipe for success. Teams always want to play well out of the break but New York had their little hot streak before the break, winning four straight, but then they lost their last two and we just see more motivation and a much better team coming from the visitors locker room tonight.

5 Unit Play. Take #672 Washington over Stanford (10p.m., Thursday, February 20 PAC12N) It ends tonight! Sooner or later Washington is going to win a game and it will be tonight against a Stanford team that is in a tailspin of its own as well. Stanford has lost 4 straight games including back-to-back home games last weekend against the Arizona schools. The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between Stanford and Washington. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings. Not much good cane be said against Washington but tonight I expect things to fall in line.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. Take #784 Rutgers over Michigan (7p.m., Wednesday, February 18 BTN) Rutgers is not a lock to make the NCAA Tournament and they need more wins to ensure they get there. Rutgers is a much better team when playing at home and expect them to win this game by 6-8 points. Michigan has been playing better of late but most of their damage has come at home. Rutgers does not lose at home and they are coming off a 15-point victory against Illinois last time out. Michigan will need to shoot it well to win this game and I believe Rutgers will match them or beat them from the 3-point line.

4 Unit Play. Take #620 Wisconsin over Purdue (7p.m., Tuesday, February 18 ESPN) Purdue is not the same team on the road and their chances of making the NCAA Tournament have crumbled of late. They have lost two straight games by double-digits and I do not see things getting any better tonight in Madison. The Badgers have won two straight games by double-digits and they have a chance for a double bye as their schedule lightens up some down the stretch. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings between Purdue and Wisconsin. Wisconsin is 3-1 ATS (1 push) in their last 5 games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

5 Unit Play. Take #861 Xavier over St Johns (6:30p.m., Monday, February 17 FS1) The Musketeers need to complete the season sweep of the Red Storm to stay on the NCAA Tournament bubble. They already beat them once this season by 8 points and now St. Johns is without Mustapha Heron. The favorite is 3-1 ATS (1 push) in the last 5 meetings between Xavier and St Johns. Xavier is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games.

2 Unit Play. Take #852 Arizona State over California (6p.m., Sunday, February 16 ESPNU) Arizona State has been creeping up the standing of late winning 4 straight games. All 4 of those wins came against teams that are better than Cal. Mark Fox is doing wondering with this team to get it some wins this year in a rebuilding phase. ASU has too much to lose to take this game lightly and the road team is 23-11 ATS in the last 34 meetings between ASU and Cal. The Golden Bears are 6-21 in their last 27 games following an ATS loss in their previous game.

7 Unit Play. Take #765 Seton Hall over Providence (8p.m., Saturday, February 15 CBSSN) Seton Hall is coming off a surprising home loss to Creighton last time out. They are still the best team in the Big East and whenever you can get them with a short number you have to take notice. The Friars have talent but they have not played like it as times this season. They are coming off an embarrassing loss to St. Johns this week, as the Red Storm where without one of their key players and still beat them my double-digits. A win tonight will about guarantee the Pirates a share of the Big East regular season title and I feel they will come out ready to make a statement tonight in Rhode Island. Seton Hall has not lost a conference road game this season. Seton Hall is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Providence is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.

7 Unit Play. Take #694 Baylor -5.5 over West Virginia (4p.m., Saturday, February 15 ESPN+) TOP NCAA PLAY OF THE DAY Just not a fan of West Virginia this year. They struggle to score points when playing away from home and just need to muck up the game to be successful. They will likely not be able to play as aggressive away from Morgantown. Baylor just wins game and has the best defense in the country. Their game against Texas was not as close as the final score would indicate. West Virginia is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. Baylor is 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games. This will be a grind for 40 minutes but in the end expect Baylor to pull away late and win it by double digits

10 Unit Play. Take #636 Miami (FL) over Wake Forest (2p.m., Saturday, February 15 RSN) Miami has played better than what their 4-10 record would indicate. They are coming off their best performance of the season last time out and expect them to take care of business today against a bad Wake Forest teams. The Demon Deacons have done nothing with Danny Manning as their head coach and this will be there third road game in their last 4 games. The home team is 8-1 ATS (2 pushes) in the last 11 meetings between Wake Forest and Miami. The Hurricanes are the better coached team playing at home and expect them to win this game by 7-9 points giving us the cash.

4 Unit Play. Take #670 USC over Washington (9p.m., Thursday, February 13 ESPN2) This play is mostly going against Washington, as they have fallen apart having lost 6 straight games. They have thrown in the towel on the 2019-2020 season. USC is also shaky but they do have talent and should be able to get back on track after playing a brutal schedule of late. USC also have revenge on their minds losing to Washington by 32 points earlier this season in Seattle. Washington is 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog. USC is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss in their previous games.

We will go with recent form in this one as the Thunder have lost two straight, while the Pelicans have won three straight entering tonight’s game. New Orleans has covered in all of their last five games when favored, and we think this spread is too small tonight. With the All-Star Break looming, you have to like the home teams to finish the first half of the season with some extra momentum while the road teams just want to enter the break, especially if they haven’t been playing well coming into this last game before the break.

This Clippers team looks like they are ready for the All-Star Break. Maybe no team in the NBA cares less about the regular season than these Clippers. This is the fourth game on their current road trip and they are probably over it and ready for the break. They have not been playing too well lately and were blown out in Minnesota and also lost by 7 at Philly. This team is still figuring things out and Paul George hasn’t been playing up to the level we expect. And Pat Bev is out tonight also. This looks like a good spot for a comfortable Boston win.

The Hawks have covered in five of the last seven meetings here in Cleveland. We think this is a great chance for Atlanta to get a rare road win tonight. Cleveland has lost six straight games and things are not good right now with this team. We just don’t see them playing well here and this team looks like it is ready for the all-star break. Atlanta is one of those bad NBA teams that is playing for momentum for next season while the Cavs are a no hope team right now that is trying to figure out what to do. The Hawks are better poised for success here, and we expect them to win this one comfortably.

4 Unit Play. Take #786 Georgia over South Carolina (6:30p.m., Wednesday, February 12 SECN) The Bulldogs have been a massive disappointment this season but it is not for a lack of talent. Georgia has blown big leads the last two games and they will likely have a big lead in this game as well. Carolina got blown out on the road last time out and I see them losing this game by double digits as well. Georgia is 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing 90 points in their previous game. Anthony Edwards is the best player on the floor and he will be the difference tonight as Tom Crean and company get a much needed win at home.

The Bulls weren’t a good team to begin with, but they are super banged up right now and have an injury report as long as your grocery list. Washington is very healthy in comparison. The Wizards have won three of their last five and this team has been playing well recently. They are on a 6-4 ATS run and the oddsmakers are a bit behind on this team right now. They are coming off a loss but are 4-1 ATS in bounce-back situations and they are also 4-1 ATS in their last five against teams with a record below .400, meaning they are getting the job done against lousy teams. Because of the Bulls injury situation we had this game handicapped at 7, so there is nice value there tonight.

6 Unit Play. Take #620 Tennessee over Arkansas (7p.m., Tuesday, February 11 SECN) Arkansas has been exhausted of late coming off back-to-back overtime losses in their last two games. They are clearly on the bubble when it comes to the NCAA Tournament and they struggle to score points at times in each game especially without Isaiah Joe. Tennessee is not having good year but they have been competitive in most of their recent losses and this is a game they are the better team in. Arkansas is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games. Tennessee is 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following a double-digit loss at home in their previous game.

Utah seems to be over their funk and they have scored two very impressive wins, vs. a very hot Portland team and also at the Rockets last night. Yes, they come in on a back-to-back tonight, but Dallas had a back-to-back Saturday so they are playing their third game in four nights as well. Utah is really healthy right now also, which is a plus for this bet. When both teams are at full strength the Jazz are the much better squad, but they have better health here with Doncic out for the Mavs. Utah is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings. Dallas has been very inconsistent lately and we think that Utah keeps their positive momentum going with a big win tonight. When this team has issues it seems to be in their heads and when they win it builds a lot of team confidence and that confidence normally keeps them playing to their ability.

10 Unit Play. Take #840 Wisconsin over Ohio State (1p.m., Sunday, February 9 CBS) Wisconsin is a different team when playing at home and have only lost one time this season at the Kohl Center. Coach Gard has a knack for getting the big win when it needs it just like he did last Saturday against Michigan State. Ohio State has won 3 in a row but those wins came against fringe tournament teams and thus will be their third road game in their last 4 overall. Wisconsin beat Ohio State in Columbus earlier this season for one of their few road wins on the year. The favorite is 12-5 ATS in the last 17 meetings between Ohio State and Wisconsin. Ohio State is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games played on Sunday. Wisconsin is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games played on Sunday. 

4 Unit Play. Take #814 Utah State -9.5 over Boise State (10p.m., Saturday, February 8 CBSSN) The Aggies have been playing much better basketball of late and when they win games it comes by double digits. Their last 6 wins have all been by double digits. Boise State has been on a roll as well winning 5 straight games but those have come against some bad teams and undermanned squads. They are not playing as well as their record would indicate. Boise State is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Utah State has covered the spread in 4 straight road games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports.

The Hornets are 0-4 ATS in their last four despite some very generous lines from the oddsmakers. They have one win in their last seven games and all of their losses were by double-digits. The Mavs enter on a back-to-back but they have a winning record both SU and ATS in these situations this year. The Mavs aren’t playing their best recently and are dealing with some injury issues, but this should be an easy win for them and they can’t afford a letdown here after losing two straight to much better teams than this Hornets club.

The Knicks have won three straight and are flat out playing harder than the Pistons right now. They have the same wins at 8 on the road as they do at home, so this New York team doesn’t have a real home court advantage. They can get the job done here tonight. The Knicks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games, and the oddsmakers are behind on this team right now. The Pistons come in on a back-to-back and this is not a good spot for them tonight.

10 Unit Play. Take #666 Missouri over Arkansas (3:30p.m., Saturday, February 8 SECN) I thought Arkansas would play well against Auburn on Tuesday, but game 2 without Isaiah Joe will prove to be much more difficult. Missouri is nothing to brag about but they have talent and getting points at home is too good to pass up. 5 of their last 7 games have come on the road and they are ready for some home cooking this afternoon in Columbia. Arkansas is 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as a favorite. Missouri is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog. The underdog has covered the spread in 11 of the last 16 games between Arkansas and Missouri. Arkansas losing in overtime to Auburn last time out affects this today.  

6 Unit Play. Take #654 Villanova -3.5 over Seton Hall (2:30p.m., Saturday, February 8 FOX) TOP NCAA PLAY OF THE DAY The Pirates are in great shape in the Big East and thus I feel the Wildcats need this game more. Villanova has lost two straight games but playing this game in Philadelphia will get them back on track. The Wildcats are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 home games against teams with a winning road record. The home team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings between these two teams. Seton Hall struggled to put away Georgetown on Wednesday and will lose this game by 7-9 points.

4 Unit Play. Take #621 Kentucky over Tennessee (1p.m., Saturday, February 8 CBS) Just think Kentucky is the best team in the SEC this season and they should be able to take down a bad team in Tennessee, even though the game is in Knoxville. Tennessee is 5-4 this season in the SEC but none of those 5 wins have come against teams that will reach the Big Dance. Kentucky has wins at Arkansas and at Texas Tech in the last month and they are starting to put it together as they usually do in February under Coach Cal. The Volunteers have not handled prosperity well this season going 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a victory in their previous game.

Utah has reverted back to their early-season ways and they are playing very poor basketball right now. They faced the same spread pretty much last time out vs. Denver and got spanked on their home court. Portland has won and covered in five of their last six games and they are in great form right now and playing some of their best basketball of the season. We just think this spread is way overinflated. Could Utah play their game and blow the Blazers out? Of course. But we have to go with recent form here and this line just looks way off to us.

We like to take a good team after an embarrassing loss and that is the case tonight as the Heat ran into a buzzsaw last time out at Staples against the Clippers. But they are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 after a blowout loss, and we expect them to get back to their winning ways tonight. Miami was playing well before that Clippers have and have covered in three of their last five. They are the much better team in this matchup and we think they bounce back well tonight.

Memphis is one of the better ATS teams this season, and Philly is one of the worst. We think this line is out of whack once again on Friday. The Grizzlies are playing much better right now. They have won six of seven games and are playing their best basketball of the season. They have covered in all the wins. They seem to be playing with a chip on their collective shoulders, and that is the kind of team you want to back with your betting dollars. Philly has lost four straight and have covered only one in their last seven. The Sixers are good at home, but they are vulnerable tonight.

Westbrook is questionable in this one but we think the Rockets will play it close whether he plays or not tonight. Houston is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 games in Los Angeles against the Lakers, and we think they will cover this inflated line tonight. Houston has won three straight and they are playing well right now. We think the Rockets could challenge for the win but we like the points here in what we think will be a close game.

4 Unit Play. Take #668 Weber State over Sacramento State (9p.m., Thursday, February 6) The Wildcats are a traditionally strong team in the Big Sky and they should be able to take care of business at home against Sacramento State tonight. 76% of the money is coming in on the home team and they favorite has covered the spread 4 of the last 5 games in this series. Sacramento State is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games.

4 Unit Play. Take #621 Delaware over Towson (7p.m., Thursday, February 6 CBSSN) The Blue Hens have been playing well of late having won 4 straight games including a victory at Hofstra. Towson is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog. Delaware is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games played on Thursday.

4 Unit Play. Take #833 Wisconsin over Minnesota (9p.m., Wednesday, February 5 BTN) The Badgers are coming off their best performance of the year dominating Michigan State on Saturday. Now they get Brad Davison back and should be able to take this game down to the wire. Minnesota has lost 2 straight games and they are one of the few Big 10 teams not expected to make the NCAA Tournament.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. Take #829 Seton Hall over Georgetown (8:30p.m., Wednesday, February 5 FS1) TOP NCAA PLAY OF THE DAY Both teams likely have a key player out, but Seton Hall has better team from 1-15 and that will be the difference tonight. Georgetown has no business beating St Johns on Sunday and expect them to be down big in this game as well. Seton Hall is coming off a shocking home loss to Xavier by double digits last Saturday, but they are still 8-1 in Big East play. The Hoyas are 3-6 with 2 of the wins coming against St Johns. The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Georgetown is 5-13 ATS in their last 19 games as a home underdog. Seton Hall is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. Without Matt McClung, Georgetown lacks any depth and that will be the difference tonight in the district.

The Blazers suddenly are playing their best basketball of the season right now. They have won four straight and covered in all those games. And it wasn’t any easy schedule, either. We think they come to play again tonight and we will ride the hot hand here on Tuesday. Portland has better rest coming into this game and we think they are primed for another solid performance. We expect a close game here, and the visitor definitely has a chance to score the upset.

4 Unit Play. Take #628 Michigan State over Penn State (8p.m., Tuesday, February 4 BTN) Michigan State laid an egg last Saturday against Wisconsin but playing at home will get them back on track. Penn State has won 4 straight games and will reach the NCAA Tournament this season, but they will not be able to shoot it well enough in this game. Michigan State is 48-23 ATS (1 push) in their last 72 home games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

6 Unit Play. Take #610 Arkansas over Auburn (7p.m., Tuesday, February 4 SECN) Unranked team that is favored over a ranked team is usually a receipe for success when it comes to college basketball betting. This is a tough spot for Auburn coming off a big win over Kentucky on Saturday with the college gameday crew in town for that occasion. Arkansas is coming off a bad home loss to South Carolina and needs some more quality wins to ensure they reach the NCAA Tournament in Coach Musselman’s first season. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings. Arkansas is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on Tuesday.

3 Unit Play. Take #824 Hawaii -6.5 over CS Northridge (1a.m., Sunday, February 2) This game takes place during the overnight hours early Sunday morning. This is a tough trip for the Matadors who played Thursday in California and now must travel to the islands to play this game against one of the top teams in the Big West. Northridge is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win in their previous game. Hawaii is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win in their previous game.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

Utah has lost three straight, but it’s not time to panic. They had an off game against Houston at home where they didn’t play good. And then they lost at San Antonio, a very tough place for a visitor to get a win. Then on a back-to-back they had a strong game at Denver but faded in the second half on the backend of a back-to-back. They really have to choice but to play with a sense of purpose here. And now Portland is the team on a back-to-back. And they just played in an unprecedented emotional game in LA. They played with the Mamba Mentality and left everything on the floor. They won as 13-point underdogs last night. We were on Portland in this game. But we just think they will be spent and have nothing more to give tonight. Portland isn’t a deep team and they are 2-4-1 ATS on the second end of a back to back. And they spent so much effort last night. Against a very good team tonight, and a legit title contender desperate to end a losing streak. Also, Utah is 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games on Saturday. This just looks like a great spot for a dominating win tonight.

4 Unit Play. Take #822 Washington over Arizona State (10:30p.m., Saturday, February 1 PAC12N) Washington played pretty well last time out against Arizona and should use that to win this game by double digits. Arizona State does not have the top end talent that Arizona does, and I believe they will not make enough shots in this game against the zone. Washington shot 50% from the 3-point line and made 14 of 28. If they come anywhere near those number tonight, they will win big. Arizona State lost to Washington State last time out and has had to stay in the Pacific Northwest for two days stewing on that performance. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games between Arizona State and Washington. The Huskies finally get a get-well game and we collect big in the process as well.

3 Unit Play. Take #728 North Carolina -12 over Boston College (6p.m., Saturday, February 1 ACCN) The Tar Heels have played much better of late winning two straight games by double digits and now should have Cole Anthony back for this game. Boston College just beats the bottom feeder teams and will not be very competitive in Chapel Hill today.

10 Unit Play. Take #711 Rutgers over Michigan (4:30p.m., Saturday, February 1 BTN) When Michigan agreed to play this game in New York City instead of Ann Arbor they could never imagine that Rutgers could be this good. The Wolverines will likely have Zavier Simpson back for this game, but it will not matter, as Rutgers is the better and more talented team. Michigan got back on track last game against Nebraska, but they still have lost 4 of their last 5 games and that included two home games to Penn State and Illinois. The magic during the nonconference season has worn off and there is a lack of talent and once can see why John Beilein left. Rutgers has won 4 of their last 5 games and playing this game in New York City should give them a big edge in the stands. Rutgers is 19-7 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 29 games. Michigan is 1-5 ATS (1 push) in their last 7 games.

Since the game against the Lakers and Clippers was cancelled, bettors have been looking to this game as the first game after the Kobe Bryant tragedy where the Lakers will win one for Kobe. But as a result we knew this line would be inflated and it has come out even a couple more points than we expected. And it's not like Kobe didn’t have friends on the Blazers that will want to play hard in his honor. The Blazers aren’t going to roll over and let the Lakers win. We think they give everything they have tonight against a Lakers team that is still grieving. The Blazers have a strong history in this series (10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings in LA and 45-22 ATS as a long-term trend). If the Lakers just play their game they will probably have success but we feel like they might try to hard or do something different than normal. We think there’s a great chance for a close game here.

Toronto is coming in on a back-to-back, but they barely broke a sweat last night against the Cavs. That was their ninth straight win. We don’t see them letting up here. Detroit has lost four straight and this team just has not been playing with any enthusiasm lately. Injuries have staked up and everyone is on the trade block, so it’s no wonder why this team hasn’t played with a sense of purpose lately. We think this could be a double-digit win for the road team.

4 Unit Play. Take #873 VCU over Rhode Island (7p.m., Friday, January 31 ESPN2) This line has swung in the morning and we will follow the line movement. VCU was terrible ATS early in the season but they have come on of late, winning 4 straight games and all of them by double digits. Rhode Island already beat them once this season in Richmond, but I do not believe they will be able to beat them twice in one season. VSU is 25-10 ATS in their last 35 games as a road favorite. Rhode Island is 2-6 ATS (1 push) in their last 9 games as a home underdog. The favorite is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings between these two Ram teams.

Despite identical records, we think the Jazz are the much better team in this matchup. Remember, they got off to a super slow start this season and since have turned it on and are playing as well as anyone in the league right now. And this is a very important game and should have a playoff-like atmosphere, and we just think the cream will rise to the top tonight. We like to back a good team after a bad loss, and the Jazz certainly fit the bill here as they had the floor wiped with them against the Rockets last time out and Houston was without Westbrook and Harden. Utah was a double-digit favorite and lost by 9. But they have had two nights off since then (Denver has had only one), and this game is more important, so win here and that loss is officially in the rearview mirror. After playing horrible defense last time out we are sure the focus for Utah has been strong defense, and we think the Jazz will lock down on that end tonight. The Jazz are 16-7 ATS in the last 23 meetings, and we feel this is their game to take tonight.

The Sixers road woes are well documented as they are 9-15 on the road this season. They are 7-15-2 ATS on the road and on a 1-7-1 ATS plunge in their last nine games. The Hawks have been playing hard despite a lack of talent, and they have covered in five of their last eight games. The Sixers haven’t covered in the last four meetings in Atlanta. We think the Hawks will put up a fight and play to win here tonight.

6 Unit Play. Take #628 Illinois over Minnesota (7:30p.m., Thursday, January 30 FS1) Illinois is a top team in the Big 10 this season and Minnesota has won just one road game in the league this season. The Fighting Illini have won 6 straight games and the favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 games. Minnesota got blown out by Michigan State last time out and this will be a double-digit loss as well.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

The Thunder are 32-16 ATS on the season and this team continues to hold value while some of the other teams in the NBA are grabbing all the headlines and respect from the oddsmakers. But Oklahoma City is quietly having one of the most surprising seasons in the NBA this season. They had a five-game winning streaked snapped last time with a double-digit loss to the Mavs, and we think they will come out in this one focused and hungry against a Sacramento team that has lost six of eight, with only wins over Minnesota and Chicago to their credit.

4 Unit Play. Take #836 TCU over Texas (8p.m., Wednesday, January 29 ESPN+) Texas is not any good this season despite having some talented players. They enter this game having lost three straight games including a 38-point loss to West Virginia the last time they were on the road. TCU is well coached, and they will not beat themselves. That should be good enough to win this game against a team in freefall with a coach squarely on the hot seat. The home team is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings between Texas and TCU. Texas is 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games. TCU is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss in their previous game.

7 Unit Play. Take #628 Rutgers over Purdue (8p.m., Tuesday, January 29 BTN) TOP COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAY OF THE NIGHT Purdue is just a different team on the road compared to at home. Rutgers is ranked and on their way to the NCAA Tournament if they take care of business at home. The Boilermakers have not won a road game this season in Big 10 play. Rutgers has won 3 of their last 4 games and they have better talent at the guard position than does Purdue. The Boilermakers are 1-6 ATS (1 push) in their last 8 games as an underdog. The Scarlet Knights are 8-1 ATS (1 push) in their last 10 home games. The home team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games between Purdue and Rutgers.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

We think this is too many points. We think the Hawks match up well with Toronto. And the Raptors lines are starting to grow too big. These teams played a little more than a week ago in Atlanta, and the Hawks hung tough with the Raps all game long. It was a one-point game entering the fourth quarter and Toronto won by 5. Atlanta has been a good bet lately, covering in five of their last seven games. They are also 6-2 ATS when catching double digit points. We expect them to keep this one within double digits tonight.

4 Unit Play. #602 St Johns over Villanova (6:30p.m., Tuesday, January 29 FS1) This line is begging you to take Villanova, but I feel playing their second straight road game will doom them in tonight at MSG. The Wildcats were not very impressive last time out against Providence and would have lost if Providence did not play to lose that game. St Johns has won 2 of the last 3 games against Villanova. The underdog has covered the spread in 4 straight games between the Wildcats and the Red Storm. Villanova is 3-9 ATS (1 push) in their last 13 road games. St Johns is 8-2 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 12 games.

4 Unit Play. Take #869 Wisconsin over Iowa (8:30p.m., Monday, January 27 BTN) Wisconsin struggles in certain venues but this is not one of them. The Badgers have won 8 of the last 8 games against the Hawkeyes. Iowa does not have the explosive players to threaten the Badgers and thus I expect this game to go down to the wire. The road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games between Wisconsin and Iowa.

The Clippers will for sure be without Paul George and we don’t know the status of Pat Beverly as of this writing, but even if he plays he probably won’t be anywhere near 100%. The Clippers are coming off their big win over Miami and then play the Lakers next, so this is a big sandwich game for them, and they don’t have their full complement of players. This game reminds us of the recent Hawks game, where we were also on the underdog, and they won outright. Just doesn’t seem like a spot for a full effort from the road team.

4 Unit Play. Take #826 Indiana over Maryland (1p.m., Sunday, January 26 CBS) Some Big 10 road teams have been winning of late but for the most part this league has been dominated by the home teams. Indiana has won 2 straight games and 4 of their last 5 overall. Maryland seems to lose on the road against good teams and today will be no different. The home team has covered in 5 of the last 6 meetings and the favorite is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings between Maryland and Indiana.

We always look for situations where the Cavs are favored against other lousy teams. This has been one of the best bets in the NBA this season as the Cavs are a perfect 0-5 ATS when favored. The Bulls are quite a bit better than Cleveland and they have been able to take care of business against bad teams. We expect more of the same tonight.

Dallas has been playing very well and they are a legit team. But they are just not on the same level as the Jazz. Utah is a true championship contender, and they have been playing like it lately, while the Mavs are a year or two away from being a true contender. There is probably no team in the NBA playing as well as the Jazz right now, and they are not only winning but covering on a regular basis. This line has moved early with sharp action, but we still don’t think it moved enough as we had this game handicapped at -7.5 for the Jazz so we think there is some real good value here. Utah is 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games and we think they cover easy again tonight.

10 Unit Play. Take #638 Oklahoma over Mississippi State (2p.m., Saturday, January 25 ESPN2) The Bulldogs have won they have all come in Starkville against weaker teams in a suspect SEC Conference. They have lost their last two road games including getting blown out at Alabama. Oklahoma has lost just 1 game at home this season and that came against a Kansas before their suspensions happened last Tuesday night. They took Baylor to the wire last time out despite Kristian Doolittle not doing much in that game. Expect a much better performance from him today at home. Both teams need this victory if they have visions of making the NCAA Tournament and expect the home team to prevail by 6-8 points. Mississippi State is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games following three or more consecutive home games.

NBA handicapping can be very streaky. The Houston Rockets had lost four straight and people were wondering what was wrong with the team. Then they flexed their collective muscle in an extremely impressive home win over the Nuggets last time out. We think they will build on that positive momentum tonight against a very lousy Minnesota team. The Wolves have lost seven straight. They have covered in only one of those games despite some very generous lines courtesy of the oddsmakers. Houston is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings between these teams. We don’t think there is any chance of a letdown tonight since that losing streak is still fresh on the Rockets minds, and they need to take care of business, hopefully with an exclamation point, against a sub-par opponent.

The Grizzlies have three more wins on the season than do the Pistons. But Memphis was putting together a whole new roster this season and it took them awhile to get it together. But they have been playing their best basketball of the season lately and this team is solid. Detroit just can’t put anything together consistently. We think the disparity in these teams is greater than those three extra wins on Memphis’ record and we think the better team will take this one tonight.

4 Unit Play. Take #632 Utah over Washington (8p.m., Thursday, January 12 PACN12) We will follow the line movement in this game. Washington opened as a -2.5 favorite and now is it close to a pick’em. The Huskies are just not the same team without Quade Green. Utah is just 1-4 in PAC 12 play but they have played a brutal schedule and getting back to the Huntsman Center should allow them to get back on track. Washington is coming off a brutal loss to Oregon over the weekend in which they controlled that game until overtime. Washington is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games. Utah is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games following 3 or more consecutive road games.

We think this is a throwaway game for the Clippers tonight. They had their big game against the Mavs last night and won. And that game will be crucial for tiebreakers. But now they go out of conference for a game that doesn’t mean much. They got in to Atlanta super late last night. Pat Bev was hurt in the game last night and probably won’t play here. This will be a back-to-back so Kawhi is unlikely. And Paul George probably isn’t ready to come back. Atlanta has covered in three of their last four and we think they have a great chance for the outright win.

The Sixers road woes are highly publicized this season. They have won two straight road games, but they didn’t impress us with those wins. They were against both New York teams. Now they take a big step up in competition against one of the better ATS teams in the NBA this season. Toronto has covered in seven of the last nine meetings at home in this series. We just think the Sixers will fall on their faces again here and we don’t see them being too competitive here.

4 Unit Play. Take #794 Davidson over Saint Louis (7p.m., Wednesday, January 22 ESPN) The Billikens are coming off a tough fought game to Dayton last time out and I don’t think they will have much left in the tank tonight against the Wildcats. Davidson is better than what their record indicates and hopefully they get back on track tonight after getting some wins against the bottom feeder teams in the league. Saint Louis is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a losing record. Davidson is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games played on Wednesday.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. Take #602 Villanova over Butler (7p.m., Tuesday, January 21 CBSSN) Butler is heading in the wrong direction having lost two straight games including a double-digit loss to DePaul last time out. Villanova has won 4 straight games, and this is a must win game for them if they have visions of winning the Big East Regular Season Championship. The home team has covered the spread in 4 of the last 5 games between Butler and Villanova. Butler is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss in their previous game. Villanova is 16-7 ATS in their last 23 home games against teams with a winning road record.

We will plug our nose and go with the Knicks here as we just don’t think the Cavs should be laying points to anyone in the NBA at this point. Cleveland has been a favorite only four times this season. And the result? 0-4 ATS. We just think the Knicks have been playing a bit better overall and this is the perfect chance for them to get a rare road win. (As we were compiling the writeup the Knicks moved to slight favorites and that is OK because we see them winning this one clearly.).

Detroit has won two straight but that just means we are getting a better line here for the home team. Sharp bettors took the Wizards on the opening line and moved this number ½ point but there is still value here. Despite the records these teams are pretty much even and Detroit has been inconsistent and we just don’t see them going on the road and winning this one for this Monday matinee.

3 Unit Play. Take #855 South Dakota State over South Dakota (4:30p.m., Sunday, January 19 ESPN3) The Jackrabbits are playing well at the moment and will enter this in-state battle having won 5 straight games. They have been on an ATS run of late having covered the spread in 12 of their last 14 games. The Coyotes are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games played on Sunday.

We think the Thunder are the much better team here. They have lost two straight coming into this one, both against Eastern Conference opponents. Now they are back against a familiar divisional foe, and we think they will be very focused here. A two-game losing streak isn’t the end of the world, but a three-game slide starts to become concerning, and this team is going all out for a playoff bid after everyone wrote them off. This is a down year for Portland, one of the worst ATS teams in the NBA this season.

Utah is almost an automatic play lately. This team started off slow like last season but is coming on strong now and one of the hottest teams in the NBA despite the loss last time out. That loss will keep them focused here, and they have a big time talent advantage over the Kings. The Jazz have not only been winning lately but when they win they have been covering as well, and we think this will be a double-digit win tonight as the Jazz stay hot.

The Sixers have been horrible on the road this season. But this is a good team and they will figure out their road woes at some point, and there is no better time than tonight against this horrible Knicks team. The Sixers are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings. They are being punished by the oddsmakers because of their road record and the fact they are on a back-to-back, but they are 5-2 in back-to-backs this season and this is a good spot for them laying a short number tonight.

The Celtics come in off two straight losses, so they will be primed to get back on the winning track. And this is a great opportunity to do just that against a team they will have a talent advantage over. Over the last several years the Celtics have been one of the most trustworthy betting teams. They have covered in three of their last four despite the two straight losses, and we feel this line is short as well. Phoenix has covered in just one of their last six games. We think this is a great opportunity for a double-digit win for the Celtics.