Sports Picks & Predictions

I like the Nuggets to cover this spread on the road against the T-Wolves tonight. The Nuggets have now won 3 in a row in this series after falling in the first two and the pendulum has completely swung. The Nuggets have won the last 3 games by an average score of 16 points and have had no response for the Joker & Murray. Experience matters the deeper you get into the playoffs and this is evident with the young T-Wolves roster who are now in a BIG hole. Denver has one of the most complete rosters and will not take any chances tonight. The Nuggets are 8-4 ATS as a dog and the Timberwolves are 20-24 ATS at home. Take the Nuggets with the points here. -Joey Tron

I like the Pacers to cover this spread on the road against the Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. The Pacers absolutely dominated the Knicks in Indiana, by a scoreline of 232-195. The Pacers not only controlled almost every game in Gainbridge wire to wire, but they maintained control of the pace and tempo which is imperative in beating this Knicks team. The Pacers offense was shooting lights out in Games 3 & 4, averaging 41.5% from 3PT and averaged 52% from the field. The Knicks have looked fatigued since they left MSG and the non-stop playing of Jalen Brunson & Donte DiVencenzo is starting to take a toll on this Knicks starting 5, as no one else has been able to step up from their bench. Tyrese Haliburton is finding his stride and Pascal Siakam has shown the difficulty of defending him without having OG Anunoby. The Pacers are 28-16 ATS after playing a home game this season and 25-16 ATS as a dog. Take the points with the Pacers here. -Joey Tron

I like the Thunder to cover this spread on the road against the Mavs in a quick turnaround game which favors OKC. Defense was slowly turned off by both teams in Game 2, and a more offensive tempo gives a big edge to the OKC Thunder. The Thunder offense is averaging 120 PPG and are shooting 38% from 3PT range, which is 1st in the NBA. In addition to this, they rank 3rd in overall offensive rating where as the Mavs defense sits T16th in this category. OKC no doubt struggled to stop the Mavs 3PT ball last game as Dallas shot 49% (18-37), and won by only 9 points. OKC typically holds teams to 36% from 3PT and we will see Dallas come back down to reality in this one, where they are used to shooting just 36% from 3. Road teams are 130-79 ATS the last 5 seasons when revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a favorite. OKC will have revenge on their mind and do everything possible to not fall 2 in a row. Take the points with OKC here. -Joey Tron

I like the T-Wolves to cover this spread at home in Game 3 against the Nuggets, after winning both games on the road in Denver. The T-Wolves defense has show they are too much to handle as they are stronger and quicker on the ball than Denver is both offensively and defensively. Minnesota has forced a total of 28 turnovers thru the first 2 games and has held this Nuggets offense to below 100 points in both Games 1 & 2. Offensively, the T-Wolves have been shooting great from 3 PT - 39% in Game 1 and 41% in Game 2. The Nuggets defense has struggled to defend the 3PT line all series and I do not see it getting any better for them tonight as Minnesota typically shoots the ball even better at home. The Wolves return a key component in their lineup tonight in Rudy Gobert and his presence will make a big difference on the court. The Wolves are 16-7 ATS after covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games this season and the Nuggets are 18-24 ATS on the road. Lay the points with the T-Wolves at home here. -Joey Tron

We took the Pacers in Game 1 giving us the cover, and we are taking them again in Game 2, which is what I see a MUST win game for them. The Pacers were up 9 going into half, and played sloppy down the stretch however their offensive productivity is exactly what they need against this Knicks defense. The Pacers shot 52% from the field and 38% from 3PT (10 made) and that is how you contest with them. In addition to this, Indiana scored 64 points in the paint and had 46 bench points showing the depth of this offense. It will be hard for the Pacers to contain Jalen Brunson, but containing Josh Hart and Donte DiVencenzo to 50 or less is the recipe to success at MSG. The Pacers are 27-16 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent this season and the Knicks are just 8-9 when the spread was -6 to -3. Take the points with the visiting Pacers here. -Joey Tron

I like the Thunder to cover this spread at home and start their second round series with a win. The Thunder swept the Pelicans with ease holding them to 92 points or less in every game and displayed a physical and fast paced tempo. The Mavs took the Clippers to 6 games and their were signs of vulnerability that the Thunder can certainly capitalize on. The Mavs defense really struggles to stop shooting near proximity (64%) and from 3PT (36.8%) and this is two of OKC's strongest offensive components as they rank 1st in 3PT shooting and 8th from the mid range. This game can very well become a shootout, and I like the OKC Thunder to close this out for us down the stretch, as they are shooting 82% at the FT Line. OKC is 28-15 ATS at home this season and 17-8 ATS when playing 6 or less games in 14 days this season. Take the well rested OKC Thunder to cover this spread. -Joey Tron

I like the Pacers to cover this spread on the road against the Knicks. Both teams had great Game 6 victories and the Pacers momentum will be difficult to stop. The Pacers offense scored 115+ in 4 of the 6 games they played against the Bucks and played the Knicks great in the regular season, shooting 49% from 3 PT range against them in the 3 games they played and averaged 123 PPG. The Knicks defense struggles to stop shooting from the Mid Range (43.5%) and 3PT (36.5%) and this the Pacers two strongest areas on offense giving them a huge advantage here. The Pacers thrive when they control the tempo and pace early on and I look for them to do just that behind the likes of Haliburton and Siakam. The Pacers are 26-16 ATS following a home game this season and the Knicks are 2-11 ATS off a road win against a division rival over the last 3 seasons. Take the points with the visiting Pacers here. -Joey Tron

I like the Celtics to cover this spread at home and finish off this series against the Heat. Outside of Game 2, the Celtics have dominated every moment of this series. The Heat have been held to 94 points or less in 3 of the 4 games this series and I do not see it getting any better tonight, as they are facing a win or go home game on the road. The Celtics rank 1st in offensive rating shooting an eFG of 57.8% and are lethal behind the 3PT line shooting 38.8%. The Heat defense has struggled immensely at stopping this Celtics offense, especially under the rim. Defensively, the Celtics rank 2nd in defensive rating and have been shutting down this Heat offense. The Celtics are too fast and to versatile for this Heat team to keep up with. The Celtics are 11-3 ATS when the spread is -15.5 to -12.5. Lay the points with the Boston Celtics here. -Joey Tron

I like the Thunder to cover this spread and finish this series with a sweep. The Pelicans have had zero answer for this Thunder offense and it is hard to believe they will put the pieces together tonight. The Pelicans offense has yet to score over 100 points in a game this series, and they will be desperate to take as many shots as they can tonight if they want any chance at winning. The Thunder defense has held the Pels to an eFG of 45% or worse every game this series and are dominating the paint. The Thunder have scored 130 points in the paint and this where all the bleeding is happening and will continue to happen. The Thunder have found their groove and are shooting lights out, especially from 3 PT where they are ranked 1st in the NBA. The Thunder are 15-2 ATS off a road win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons. Lay the points with the Thunder here. -Joey Tron

I like the Nuggets to cover this spread on the road tonight and end the series with a sweep. The Lakers looked read to go home towards the end of last game and that 2nd half comeback by Denver sucked the life out of the Lakers. The Nuggets have dominated the Lakers since last playoffs series where they swept them 4-0 and theirs no reason they cannot do it again tonight. Denver has been out playing Lakers all series, and AD has no response to Murray or Jokic. The Nuggets have now out rebounded the Lakers 145 to 116 and that is truly the difference in this series. The Nuggets are getting plenty of second chance scoring chances and are limiting the Lakers rebounds on offense preventing them for scoring. Denver is too lethal from different areas on the court for the Lakers to stop them. This game can get ugly down the wire. Lay the points with the Nuggets here. -Joey Tron

I like the Pacers to win this game and cover this spread at home against the Bucks tonight. Outside of the first half in Game 1, the Pacers have out played the Bucks and I look for that to continue at home tonight. The Pacers offense is ranked 1st in FG% at 50.5% and are averaging the 11th most made 3s per game, with 13. At home, their FG% goes up to 51.5% and I look for them to shoot over that tonight, the same way they did in Game 1. The Bucks biggest weakness on defense is their Mid Range defense as teams are shooting 44% against them from here and this where the Pacers can take control of the game, where they are shooting 48.9%. The Bucks are beat up and looking fatigued while the Pacers are looking energized and refocused returning to play home. The Bucks are 3-8 ATS as a road dog and the Pacers are 22-17-2 ATS at home. Lay the points with the Pacers here. -Joey Tron

I like OKC to cover this spread at home against the Pels after just barely edging them out by 2 last game. The Thunder are ranked 3rd in offensive rating and have one of the best FG%’s in the NBA, shooting 57.3%. They are ranked 1st in 3PT shooting at 38.8% and are Top 4 from the Mid Range. The Thunder shot 44% from the field and 31% from 3PT - something I do not see them doing in back to back games. The Thunder defense is ranked 4th in the NBA and is holding teams to an eFG of 53% are lethal are guarding under the rim, keeping teams to just 59% near proximity. The Thunder are 3-0 after falling to score 100+ points in a game, winning those games by an average of 10.3 points. Home favs are 32-11 ATS in the 2nd game of a playoff series over the L5 seasons. Lay the points with the Thunder here. -Joey Tron

I like the Cavs to cover this spread and jump out to a 2-0 series lead against the Magic. The difference maker in Game 1 was the presence in the paint where the Cavs out rebounded them by 14 and scored 12 more points in the paint than them. The Cavs offense is shooting 44.8% from the mid range and 63% in front of the rim and this is two of the Magic's weakest links on defense. The Cavs defense was excellent holding the Magic to 33% from the field and 22% from 3PT. I do not expect the Cavs defense to repeat those excellent numbers, however the Cavaliers are taller, stronger and more experienced than the Magic and will have their way with them in front of their home crowd once again on Monday night. Home teams are 35-10 ATS in the 2nd game of a playoff series over the L5 seasons. Lay the points with the Cavs at home. -Joey Tron

I like the Pelicans to cover this spread at home against the Kings and and take the 8 seed in the NBA playoffs. The Pelicans may be on a slide and without Zion - however the Pels have owned the Kings this year (5-0 ATS & SU) and I do not see that changing without Zion Williamson. The Pelicans are ranked 6th in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating and are going to have a great match up against the Kings. The Pels are holding teams to 34% from 3PT and 42% from the mid range and will give the Kings a hard time scoring as this is their strongest link on offense. New Orleans ranks 13th in adjusted offensive rating and will have certain key strengths against this Kings defense. The Pels are shooting 38% from 3PT and the Kings rank 29th in 3PT% defense giving a huge advantage for the Pels as they rank 1st in the NBA in 3PT% their L5 games. The Kings are 5-13 ATS against Southwest division opponents this season. Take the points with the Pels here. -Joey Tron

I like the Sixers to cover this spread at home against the Heat and take the 7 seed. The Sixers looked great down the stretch winning and covering 8 straight - the Heat have won 3 of 4 and covered 50% of those games. The Sixers offense ranks 14th in offensive rating and shoot 42% from the mid range and 36% from 3PT. The Heat defense is great at defending the 3PT shot however teams are 65% in the front of the rim, and I look for Embiid to EAT down low in this game. Defensively, the Sixers are ranked 11th in defensive rating and are ranked 1st in defensive mid range shooting %. The Sixers weakest link on defense is their Rim% defense, however the Heat rarely play the ball down here. The Sixers have been playing great and I do not see them wanting to play in a win or go home game. The Sixers are 10-2 ATS in home games off a home win by 10 points or more this season. Lay the points with the Sixers here. -Joey Tron

I like the Lakers to cover this spread against the Pelicans on the road in a game that affects Western Conference playoff seeding significantly. The Pels are riding a 4 game winning streak and the Lakers have won 7 of 10 making this a great clash. The Lakers had one of the most difficult Strength of Schedules ranking 5th in the NBA and have been putting that to good use down the stretch. The Lakers offense has been playing great averaging 119 PPG their L10 - rank 5th overall in FG% and are shooting 68% in from of the rim, which is 1st in the NBA. Defensively, the Lakers struggle however they are holding teams to 42% from the midrange and this is where the Pelicans move the ball the most. The Pelicans are 1-6 ATS their L7 home games and the Lakers will make them struggle Sunday afternoon. Take the points with the Lakers here. -Joey Tron

I like the Knicks to cover this spread at home against the Nets in a Eastern Conference clash. I backed the Knicks on Thursday and they gave us a BIG 9 point win on the road against Boston and I expect no different against the Nets, whose season was done in March. The Knicks are in Playoff mode right now covering in 8 of their L11 and can gain huge ground with a win, as the Bucks are in OKC. The Knicks rank 8th in both offensive and defensive rating while the Nets sit ranked in the 20s in both offensive and defensive rating. The Knicks offense thrives thrives in the paint, shooting 44% and have an eFG of 54%. The Nets defense is going to have a tough time stopping this high powered offense and will be playing from behind most of the game - like we have seen before this season when playing the Knicks. NY Knicks are 28-17 ATS as a fav and 17-11 as a home fav. Lay the points with the Knicks. -Joey Tron

I like UConn to cover this spread in the Championship game tonight against Purdue. Theirs no doubt that these are the two best teams in College Basketball from start to finish this season. UConn is ranked 1st in offensive efficiency shooting an eFG of 57% and are lethal from all areas on the court with the ball in their hands. Purdue's biggest weakness is from the 2PT area where they are conceding more than half of their points from this area, and UConn shoots 59% from here. Defensively, UConn ranks 4th in defensive efficiency holding teams to an eFG of 44% and are blocking 14% of their opponents shots. UConn has a very balanced and difficult defense to figure out that will give Purdue problems early. Offense wins games and defense wins championships - UConn covers and wins back to back tonight. Lay the points with UConn here. -Joey Tron 

I like UConn to cover this spread against Alabama and move on to the Championship game. Since losing to Creighton, UConn has now gone on to win 11 straight and covering in 10 of those. Offensively, UConn is ranked 1st in adjusted efficiency and are shooting an eFG of 57%. In addition to this, the Huskies are shooting 59% from 2 PT which can be a huge mismatch for the Tide - as they are letting teams shoot 50.7% from here. Defensively, UConn is ranked 1st in defensive efficiency and will be the best defense Alabama has faced so far. UConn is holding teams to an eFG of 44% and is arguably one of the best 3PT defenses which is where Alabama strives. No team has scored over 60 points against the Huskies in the Tournament yet, and this will be an uphill battle for the Tide. Lay the points with UConn here. -Joey Tron

I like Indiana State to cover this small spread and win the NIT Championship - I have been on the Sycamores every game this tournament and I will not stop now. The Sycamores offense ranks 12th in offensive efficiency and is shooting an eFG of 59.9%. They are lethal from all areas on the court offensively, but especially from 3PT. Their 3 ball is accounting for 38% of all of ISUs points and this is a weak spot for Seton Hall, as more than 1/3 of points against them, come from the 3PT area. Defensively, Indiana State is grabbing 23% of their opponents rebounds and they have a decent 2PT defense holding teams to just 48.8%. Seton Hall thrives in front of the 3PT line, and Indiana State can give them issues here. Indiana State has been battle tested this tourney numerous times and have come out victorious. The Sycamores speed and shooting will prove to be much for Seton Hall. Lay the points with Indiana State. -Joey Tron

I like Indiana State to cover this spread and advance to the NIT Championship. The Sycamores have been dominant all tourney and I don't see Utah stopping them - in essentially a home game for Indiana State as Hinkle Fieldhouse is just 90 min away. Indiana State is ranked 16th in offensive efficiency and shoot 62% from 2PT and 38% from 3PT. 3PT shots make up 38% of their point scored and Utah defense is letting teams shoot 33% from here. Defensively, the Sycamores rank 109th in defensive efficiency and have a good perimeter defense. In addition to this, Indiana State has been battle tested this tourney numerous times and have come out victorious. The Sycamores speed and shooting will prove to be much for Utah. Lay the points with Indiana State. -Joey Tron

I like Purdue to cover this spread against Tennessee and advance to the Final Four. Purdue has been dominant all tournament and have destroyed every team they have played thus far. Purdue ranks 19th in defensive efficiency and is holding teams to an eFG of just 47%. More than a 1/3 of Tennessee's points come from behind the 3PT line however the Purdue defense is ranked 40th overall in 3PT defense which will make this for the Vols. Offensively, Purdue ranks 2nd in offensive efficiency and is shooting an eFG of 56%. Purdue is a very well balanced offense that can score anywhere on the court giving them a huge advantage on this end of the floor, along with their size. The Boilermakers are on a mission and they will make this a long day for the Vols. Lay the points with Purdue here. -Joey Tron 

I like Alabama to cover this spread against Clemson in the Elite 8 and move on to the Final Four. Alabama has one of the most efficient offenses ranking 4th in efficiency and are shooting 57% from 2PT and 36.8% from 3PT. Alabama realies heavily on 3PT shooting as this makes up nearly 36% of their accumulated points - and this is where Clemson struggles, allowing more than 1/3 of points against them from this area. The Alabama defense is ranked 102nd in defensive efficiency and have one of the best 3PT defenses in the country, which is going to test Clemson who is a heavy 3PT shooting team. Clemson may have won earlier in the season, however this is a different Alabama team that is hungry for a Final Four. Alabama's pace and strength will prove to much for Clemson. Lay the points with Alabama here. -Joey Tron

I like Houston to cover this spread against Duke and advance to the Elite 8. Duke has played against two teams that are ranked outside of KenPoms top 50 defensive efficiency and are now tasked with a beast in Houston. Houston is ranked 2nd in defensive efficiency holding teams to a 43% eFG and is forcing turnovers on 24% of possessions. Dukes realies heavily on their 2PT shooting as they makes up 50% of their points accumulated while Houston is ranked one of the best in this range. Theirs no denying the Duke offense is loaded with talent, but their fundamental playing they used against JMU and Vermont will not work against the Cougars. Defense matters down the stretch, and I look for Houston to rebound in a statement way after their OT win against the Aggies. Lay the points with Houston here. -Joey Tron 

I like Indiana State to cover this spread and advance to the Round of 4 in the NIT. Indiana State has been dominating offensively throughout this tournament and I look for that today as well. They are ranked 18th inoffensive efficiency and are shooting 38% from 3PT and 62% from 2PT. The Cincinnati defense struggles from 2PT as teams are scoring 52% of points against them from this area. In addition to this, the Sycamores are great from the FT line, shooting 80%. Defensively, Indiana State is ranked 103rd in efficiency and is strong defensively both from 2PT and 3PT. In addition to this, they are more experienced and play MUCH better at home. The Sycamores dual threat offense will prove to be too much for the Bearcats. Lay the points with Indiana State. -Joey Tron

I like the Celtics to cover this large spread on the road against the Atlanta Hawks in an Eastern Conference clash. The Celtics are playing some of their best basketball right now and it seems like nothing can stop them. They have won nine in a row and are 9-1 their L10. They are ranked 1st in adjusted offensive rating and 2nd in defensive rating. They are shooting an eFG of 57% and are 39% from 3PT land. The Hawks defense ranks 28th in 3P% and teams are shooting an eFG of 57% against them. The Celtics shooting game can significantly drowned out this Hawks offense. The Hawks are 12-22 ATS at home and the Celtics are 6-0 ATS their L6 road games. Lay the points with the Celtics. -Joey Tron

I like SDSU to cover this spread against Yale in the R32. Yale had a fierce come back against a sloppy Auburn team and are now tasked with an elite defense in the Aztecs. SDSU ranks 10th in defensive efficiency and has one of the best 2PT defenses in the country. They are holding teams to just 48% from here where Yale scores more than half their points from this range and SDSU is allowing just 48% of points against teams from 2PT range. Offensively, they are ranked 62nd in offensive efficiency and are led by one of the best forwards in the nation, Jaedon LeDee. SDSU is shooting 73% at the FT line and 51% from 2PT making this a great match up for them against an Ivy League school who had 19 personal fouls last game and does not force many turnovers, only on 16% of possessions. Lay the points with SDSU here. -Joey Tron

I like James Madison to cover this spread against Duke in the R32. JMU’s win against Wisconsin was no fluke and they can compete with Duke here, who struggled to score against Vermont last game. James Madison is ranked 65th in offensive efficiency and are a threat from multiple areas on the court. They are shooting 36% from 3PT and 54% from 2 PT - Duke allows 54% of points against them from 2PT and JMU must work the ball down low periodically. Defensively, JMU is ranked 55th in defensive efficiency and plays TOUGH defense. They are stealing it on 12% of possessions, while forcing turnovers on 20%. They have the 2nd best 3PT defense holding teams to just 28% from here - and 3PTs only make up 25% of points against them, one of the lowest in CBB which is where Duke thrives. JMU plays at a much faster pace and will be able to keep up with Duke. Take the points with JMU here. -Joey Tron

I like Indiana State to cover this spread against Minnesota in the R16 in the NIT. Indiana State had a great 2nd half comeback against SMU and the Gophers squeaked out a win on the road against Butler. Indiana State has one of the best offenses in CBB ranking 16th in offensive efficiency and are shooting 38% from 2PT and 62% from 2PT. More specifically, they are shooting 66% in the paint, and can dominate down low with their fast pace of play. Defensively, the Sycamores are ranked 110 in defensive efficiency and hold teams below the NCAA average in both 2PT% and 3PT%. They are far from elite on defense however they are one of the fastest pace of play teams and will make this game a track meet behind their home court fans. The Gophers are just 3-5 SU / ATS their L8 games and have been slowly regressing. Lay the points with the Sycamores here. -Joey Tron

I like NC State to cover this spread against Oakland in the R32. NC State is on the run off a lifetime and I do not see it stopping today. NC State is ranked 43rd in offensive efficiency and excellent at maintaining possession and turn it over on just 13% of their possessions. They are strong from 2PT shooting 50% and this is where they accumulate 53% of their points - also one of Oakland’s weakest links is their 2PT defense. On the defensive side, NC State is ranked 77th in defensive efficiency and are great at stealing and forcing turnovers, at a combined 25%. They have a slight height advantage that must be utilized in containing the 3PT line where NC State struggles at times. NC State players have more playing experience and play at a much faster pace. Lay the points with NC State. -Joey Tron

I like Gonzaga to cover this spread against Kansas in the R32. Gonzaga won handedly against McNeese State and Kansas struggled against Samford down the stretch. Gonzaga ranks 8th in offensive efficiency and has a very dual threat offense. They are 36% from 3PT and 58% from 2PT range. The Kansas defense is one of the worst 3PT defending teams in the nation and the Zags must take advantage of this. On the defensive end, Gonzaga ranks 42nd in defensive efficiency and is one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the country grabbing them at 27%. The Kansas offense loves to play downlow where Gonzaga is the strongest - holding teams to only 44%. This is going to be a phenomenal game where I see Gonzaga pulling away down the stretch, where they are 73% at the FT line. Lay the points with Gonzaga here. -Joey Tron

I like Bradley to cover this spread against Cincinnati in the 2nd round of the NIT Tourney. Bradley won comfortably in their first game - and should be able to compete strongly against an inconsistent Cincinnati team. Bradley ranks 74th in offensive efficiency and rely heavily on their 3 PT shooting. They are converting 37% and the Cincinnati defense struggles from 3PT defensively as teams are shooting 33% from here. On the defensive end, Bradley ranks 57th in defensive efficiency and hold teams to an eFG of 47%. The Cincinnati offense is dependent on the 2 ball as this makes up 54% of their total points - however the Bradley defense allows one of the lowest amount of points in this area, at 47%. Bradley has the offense and defense to keep this one close. Take the points with Bradley. -Joey Tron

I like JMU to cover this spread against Wisiconsin. JMU had a great season starting off with a road win against Big Ten team MSU and are battle tested for this one. JMU is ranked 84th in offensive efficiency and thrives from the 3PT range, where they are shooting 36%. Wisconsin’s weakest link on defense is their 3PT defense ranking 345th in nation. Defensively, JMU sits ranked 80th in defensive efficiency and has a great 3PT defense, ranking 2nd over in 3PT%. They are forcing TOs on 19% of possessions and stealing it on 12%. JMU is going to shoot 3s all game and can even win outright. Take the points with JMU here. -Joey Tron

I like Colorado to cover this spread in the final Play-In game and move on to the Round of 64. Colorado ended their season on a great run and I see that momentum carrying over into the big dance. Colorado is loaded with weapons including Cody Williams, who returned for Colorado in the Pac-12 tourney. Colorado has one of the best shooting offenses in the country with an eFG of 55% and are 39% from 3PT and 53% from 2PT. The Boise State defense has one of the worst 2PT defenses making this a big advantage for Colorado. Defensively, the Buffs are ranked 39th in defensive efficiency and display great athleticism grabbing 24% of their opponents rebounds. This has the making to be a long night for Boise State. Lay the points with Colorado. -Joey Tron

I like Princeton to cover this small spread at home against UNLV in the R of 16 in the NIT. Princeton has one of the best offenses in college basketball ranking 28th on offensive efficiency and show great ball control turning it over on just 12% of their possessions. Princeton has a balanced tempo of shooting from 2 or 3, and are shooting well above the NCAA average in both. Defensively, Princeton is is grabbing 24% of their opponents offensive rebounds and have a solid 3PT defense, holding teams to just 32%. The Princeton defense may struggle at times, however their offense carries the load and UNLV will not be able to keep up. Lay the points with Princeton here. -Joey Tron

I like Indiana State to cover this spread at home in the NIT Round of 16. Indiana State was snubbed of March Madness and they will take their anger out here on SMU. Indiana State has a great offense ranking 20th in offensive efficiency and are shooting 60% from 2PT. The SMU defense is going to have their hands full with a dual threat offense like the Sycamores do. Defensively, Indiana State will give SMU problems down low in the paint and around the 3PT line as the Sycamores rank 97th in defensive efficiency an are grabbing their opponents offensive rebounds on 23% of their possessions. Indiana State is hungry for more basketball and they will show it tonight. Lay the points with Indiana State. -Joey Tron

I like Colorado State to cover this spread against Virginia and move on to the Round of 64 in March Madness. Colorado State has a great defense ranking 38th in adj efficiency and are holding teams to an overall eFG of just 49%. The Virginia offense has struggled a lot this season ranking 194th in adj efficiency and are horrid from the FT line at just 63%. The Colorado State offense is lethal shooting an eFG of 54% and 57% from 2PT. CSU has one of the best Point Guard's in the country in Isiah Stevens, which will make this an interesting game for UVA. Look for the CSU defense to shine and create chances for their offense. UVA is 1-6 ATS as a dog and CSU is 13-11 ATS as a fav. Lay the points with Colorado State. -Joey Tron

I like Richmond to cover this spread in the first game of the NIT Tournament. Richmond has a great defense that will push VT to their limits on offense. Richmond is ranked 32nd in defensive efficiency and are holding teams to just a 46% eFG. In addition to this, they are forcing turnovers on 17% of opponents possessions and are ranked 35th in 2PT%. Offensively, Richmond is going to give VT issues on this side of the ball as well. They have an eFG of 53% and display great ball control, turning it over on less than 13% of their possessions. Their biggest strength is scoring from 2PT range as this makes up more than half of Richmond's accumulated points - and this is where VT allows most of their points. VT struggles to cover against good teams winning 65% or more of games going just 5-10 ATS against them this season. Take the points with Richmond here. -Joey Tron

I like Illinois to cover this spread and win the Big Ten title against Wisconsin this afternoon. Illinois is shooting 35% from 3PT and Wisconsin has one of the worst 3PT defenses in College Basketball, as teams are shooting 37% against them from here. On the defensive side Illinois is is ranked 81st in adjusted defensive efficiency and are holding teams to a 47% overall eFG. Wisconsin's biggest weakness is their 3PT defense and it can haunt them in transition. Illinois is averaging 8 more rebounds per game and that will be the difference maker here. Lay the points with Illinois. -Joey Tron

I like Western Kentucky to cover this spread and win the CUSA Final in this match up against UTEP. The UTEP offense is ranked 305th in offensive efficiency and will not be able to withstand the force of WKU's defense. They are ranked 105 in the nation in defensive efficiency and are holding teams to just a 48% overall eFG. Offensively, WKU will have a few turnovers here and there however they are shooting 52% from the field and are shooting 34.8% from 3PT. WKU has played strong throughout the entire CUSA Tourney and they should be able to close it out today. Lay the points with WKU. -Joey Tron