15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Long Beach State +27

I love the spot for Long Beach State tonight.  They Beach already played at UCLA once this season back on November 15th and lost 79-100 as 26-point underdogs.  Now they are 27-point dogs in the rematch.

UCLA probably thinks it can just show up and win tonight.  And there will be a rust factor for the Bruins, who have been off since December 11th so nearly a full month.  They cannot be trusted to cover this inflated 27-point spread given the spot and the fact that these teams already played once to a 21-point game.

Long Beach State knocked the dust off yesterday with a 90-64 win over Westcliff.  That came after their last game was on December 12th and it was a great showing, only losing 62-73 at USC as 24-point dogs.  That's a 12-0 USC team right now.

Long Beach State is 9-1 ATS when revenging a loss over the last two seasons, including 7-0 ATS when revenging a road loss.  The Beach are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games as road underdogs.  The Beach are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with four losses coming by 4, 7, 11 and 21 points.  Roll with Long Beach State Thursday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Toronto Raptors +7.5

The Toronto Raptors have gotten healthy recently and are playing as well as anyone in the NBA.  They have gone 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They beat the Clippers by 8, the Knicks by 15 and the Spurs by 25 in their last three games overall coming in.

Yes, the Raptors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but that is being factored too much into this line tonight.  Because they won 129-104 over the Spurs, they were able to rest their starters in the 4th quarter and nobody played more than 32 minutes.  They'll have plenty left in the tank tonight, and they won't be lacking any motivation facing the defending champion Bucks.

Milwaukee has played and extremely soft schedule of late with its last four games coming against the Magic (twice), Pelicans and Pistons.  They lost outright as 16-point favorites against the Pistons.  Their previous two games against better teams in the Celtics (won by 4) and Mavericks (won by 7) were close.  They'll be without both Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen tonight among a few others.

The Raptors are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning record.  Toronto is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with four outright wins as underdogs.  The Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Milwaukee.  Roll with the Raptors Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder +7.5

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves after going 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  They are coming off a double-header at the Staple Center where they had a close loss to the Lakers before beating the short-handed Clippers outright.  Now they return home and this is a definite flat spot.

The Timberwolves go from being an underdog in 12 of their last 13 games overall to being a 7.5-point favorite against the Thunder.  In fact, the Timberwolves haven't been more than a 3.5-point favorite in any of their last 31 games.  We'll take advantage and fade them in this hefty favorite role when it's uncertain whether or not D'Angelo Russell or Karl-Anthony Towns will return to the lineup tonight.

What I do know is the Oklahoma City Thunder have been undervalued all season.  They are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall and now they get three key players back tonight in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley and Tre Mann from COVID.  They have won five of their last nine games outright as underdogs and they are a live dog again tonight, especially with their best player in Gilgeous-Alexander back.

The Thunder are 6-1 SU in their last seven meetings with the Timberwolves with their lone loss coming by 3 points.  Oklahoma City is 8-0 ATS after allowing 100 points or less this season.  The Thunder are 9-1 ATS after losing three of their last four games this season.  Minnesota is 1-8 ATS in home games vs. a team that allows 108 or more points per game this season.  Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games playing on two days' rest.  The Timberwolves are 9-22 ATS in their last 31 games as home favorites.  Bet the Thunder Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Rockets/Wizards OVER 228.5

The OVER is 15-3 in Rockets last 18 games overall.  They have allowed 104 or more points in all 18 games.  But they are getting it done on the other end by scoring 102 or more points in 19 of their last 21 games overall.  They are playing at a fast tempo and playing no defense, making them a perfect OVER team.  The OVER is 4-0 in their last four games overall with combined scores of 230 or more points in all four.

The Washington Wizards are 5-1 OVER in their last six games overall.  They ahve score 109 or more points in six of their last seven games.  But they have allowed 117 or more points in five of their last six.  They are coming off two straight high-scoring games with 245 combined points against the Hornets and 239 combined points against the Bulls.  It should be more of the same against the Rockets tonight.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.  The Rockets and Wizards have combined for 250 or more points in four of their last five meetings.  Houston is 9-0 OVER in its last nine games after allowing 120 points or more in three straight games.   The OVER is 11-1 in Rockets last 12 games following a loss.  The OVER is 6-0-1 in Wizards last seven games following a win.  Take the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on St. Joseph's +4.5

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Davidson Wildcats.  They have gone 9-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last nine games overall.  That includes an upset win over Alabama as 9.5-point dogs on a neutral in their last lined game.  This is now a huge letdown spot for the Wildcats, and you're paying a premium to back them at this point.

St. Joseph's has quietly put together a nice run itself in going 7-1 ATS in its last eight games overall.  The Hawks have an upset win over Georgetown as well as an extremely impressive 83-56 win at Richmond as 11.5-point underdogs last time out.  They are more than capable of not only covering tonight, but upsetting Davidson.

St. Joseph's is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last five home meetings with Davidson.  The Hawks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. excellent 3-point shooting teams that make 41% or better.  St. Joseph's is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following a game where it had two or fewer steals.  The Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as underdogs.  St. Joseph's is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games.  The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Take St. Joseph's Wednesday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Pittsburgh +12.5

The Pittsburgh Panthers have quietly gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  All seven games were decided by 9 points or fewer and that includes games against quality competitive in Virginia, St. John's and Notre Dame as all three of those games were decided by 1 or 2 points.

Louisville has no business being a 12.5-point favorite over Pittsburgh tonight.  The Cardinals aren't blowing anyone out other than overmatched non-conference opponents, and even then they only beat Southern by 12 and lost outright to Furman as a 9-point favorite.  Their three ACC wins have all come by 5 points or fewer.

Pittsburgh is 8-1 ATS in its last nine road games off a home loss.  The Panthers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games after committing eight or fewer turnovers last game.  Louisville is 0-6 ATS in its last six home games following a road win.  The Cardinals are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games.  Bet Pittsburgh Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Tulsa +14

Memphis is grossly overvalued this season and continues to be here as 14-point favorites over Tulsa.  The Tigers are just 7-5 SU & 5-7 ATS this season while battling COVID issues currently.  They are getting too much respect after their blowout win at Wichita State last time out.

The Tigers had gone 1-5 SU & 1-5 ATS in their previous six games.  They lost by 19 to Iowa State as an 11.5-point favorite, lost outright to Georgia as an 11.5-point favorite, lost outright to Ole Miss as a 1.5-point favorite, lost outright to Murray State as a 10-point favorite and lost outright to Tulane as a 6-point favorite.  How can this team be trusted to lay 14 points given those results?

Tulsa is 6-6 this season but all six losses came by 14 points or less, including five by 7 points or fewer.  And the Golden Hurricane simply have Memphis' number.  Tulsa is 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings winning outright as underdogs four times.  Tulsa hasn't lost any of its last eight meetings with Memphis by more than 9 points, making for an 8-0 system backing the Golden Hurricane pertaining to this 14-point spread.  Take Tulsa Tuesday.

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Georgia Tech +18.5

Georgia Tech was hampered all season by illness and injury.  But they are finally fully healthy for the first time and it's starting to show.  After beating Georgia State 72-62 as 5-point favorites on a neutral, they gave Louisville a run for its money in a 64-67 loss as 3-point dogs.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Yellow Jackets as they are a much better team than their 6-6 record would suggest, they just haven't been healthy.  Now they are healthy and ready to give Duke a run for its money tonight.  It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Blue Devils after going 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall against a soft schedule.

Few teams have played Duke as tough as Georgia Tech in recent seasons.  The Yellow Jackets are 3-1 ATS in their last four games against the Blue Devils.  They haven't lost any of their last five meetings with the Blue Devils by more than 13 points.  In fact, eight of the last nine meetings have been decided by 17 points or fewer.

The Yellow Jackets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.  Josh Pastner is 9-2 ATS as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points as the coach of Georgia Tech.  Take Georgia Tech Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Cavaliers -3

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.  They have gone 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  That includes their win in Brooklyn last night as 6.5-point underdogs.  That makes this a letdown spot for them after beating the Nets, and they will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back as well.

Cleveland has been grossly undervalued all season.  The Cavaliers are 21-16 SU & 25-11-1 ATS in their 37 games this season.  They had yesterday off and will be the fresher team.  They get one of their best players back from COVID tonight in Darius Garland (19.5 PPG, 7.3 APG), which is huge because they are already without Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.  They are healthier than they have been in a few weeks right now.

Cleveland is 10-2 ATS when revenging a road loss this season.  The Cavaliers are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Cleveland is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 home games.  The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Cleveland is 21-8 ATS in the last 29 meetings.  Roll with the Cavaliers Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Wake Forest ML -115

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are one of the most underrated teams in the country.  They have gone 11-3 this season with all three losses coming on the road to LSU, Louisville and Miami.  They are 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS at home while outscoring opponents by 19.8 points per game.

Florida State is clearly down this season at 7-4.  They have gone just 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall as they have consistently been overvalued.  They lost by 28 at Purdue, were upset as 6.5-point home favorites by Syracuse and were upset as 6.5-point favorites against South Carolina on a neutral.  They also only beat Boston by 1 as 17.5-point home favorites during this stretch.

Florida State is 1-8 ATS in its last nine road games vs. teams that attempt 21 or more 3-pointers per game.  The Seminoles are 0-7 ATS in their last seven road games.  They have played three true road games this season, losing by 16 at Florida, by 28 at Purdue and only beating a bad NC State team by 2 as 2.5-point favorites.  Roll with Wake Forest Tuesday.

20* Kentucky/LSU ESPN No-Brainer on LSU -2

The LSU Tigers opened 12-0 before finally suffering their first defeat on the road at Auburn in their SEC opener.  Look for them to bounce back tonight at home where they have been dominant all season.

Indeed, the Tigers are 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by a whopping 32.7 points per game.  They face a Kentucky team that has only played one true road game this season, losing 62-66 at Notre Dame as 4.5-point favorites.

Plays against all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Kentucky) - after beating the spread by 30 or more points in their last five games against an opponent that went under the total by more than 6 points in three consecutive games are 24-6 (80%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet LSU Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Atlanta Hawks -5.5

The Atlanta Hawks recently got some players back from COVID and they are getting even more back tonight, including Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari and Delon Wright.  They already got Trae Young and Clint Capela back.  They are getting closer to full strength and should make easy work of the struggling, short-handed Blazers tonight.

The Blazers are 3-14 SU & 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games overall.  They have lost four straight games by 14 points or more.  It won't go any better for them tonight as they will be without three starters in CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic.  They could be without Anfernee Simons as well.

Portland is 2-12 ATS as an underdog this season.  The Blazers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  Portland is 1-8 ATS in its last nine home games.  Atlanta is 7-2 ATS in its last nine road games.  Take the Hawks Monday.

20* Heat/Warriors NBA TV No-Brainer on OVER 216.5

The Golden State Warriors are back to close to full strength and it showed in their 123-116 win over the Utah Jazz on the road last time out.  Look for them to hang a big number on the Miami Heat, who are missing their key defensive player in Bam Adebayo and have taken a step back on defense without him.  They are also missing several other key defenders.

The Heat have had to try and outscore teams of late because they have allowed 110 or more points in four of their last five.  They have done a good job of it by going 5-1 in their last six games while scoring 113 or more points in five of those six games.

Recent meetings between the Warriors and Heat have topped this 216.5-point total.  In fact, each of the last seven meetings have seen 214 or more combined points with six of those seeing 218 or more combined points.  They have averaged 226.1 combined points per game at the end of regulation in their last seven meetings.

The OVER is 35-15-1 in Heat last 51 games playing on zero rest.  The OVER is 9-1 in Heat last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The OVER is 6-1 in Warriors last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Rockets/76ers OVER 219.5

The OVER is 14-3 in Rockets last 17 games overall.  They have allowed 104 or more points in all 17 games.  But they are getting it done on the other end by scoring 102 or more points in 18 of their last 20 games overall.  They are playing at a fast tempo and playing no defense, making them a perfect OVER team.

The 76ers figure to hang a big number on them as they recently got all their playmakers back on offense and have now scored 110 or more points in three straight.  They should top 120 tonight as the Rockets have allowed 118 or more points in seven straight coming in.  The 76ers have allowed at least 101 points in nine of their last 12 and the Rockets should top 100 tonight.

The Rockets and 76ers have combined for at least 226 points in each of their last four meetings.  They have averaged 234.3 combined points per game at the end of regulation in those four meetings.

The OVER is 10-1 in Rockets last 11 games following a loss.  The OVER is 6-0 in 76ers last six games vs. a team with a losing record.  Take the OVER in this game Monday.

15* CBB Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Towson -2.5

Towson is one of the most underrated teams in the country.  The Tigers have gone 9-4 SU & 11-2 ATS in their 13 games this season.  Even their four losses were impressive as they lost to Monmouth by 8, Pittsburgh by 4, San Francisco by 10 and Ohio State by 11 while covering the spread in three of those against four quality teams.

Drexel is 5-5 this season with losses to Syracuse by 15, Tulane, Jacksonville State, Princeton and Abilene Christian by 17.  The five wins all came against suspect competition in Neumann, St. Joe's, Charlotte, Farleigh Dickinson and Coppin State.  Drexel has been off since December 14th due to COVID and will be rusty playing their first game in three weeks.

Towson is +8.9 points per game based on what their opponents normally average on offense and allow on defense.  Drexel is +1.4 points per game based on the same factor, meaning Towson is 7.5 points better than Drexel on a neutral.  So we are getting the Tigers at a discount as only 2.5-point road favorites considering there won't be much of a home-court advantage for the Dragons tonight.

The Tigers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games.  Towson is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games overall.  The Tigers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games as road favorites.  Towson is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 road games after a win by 10 points or more.  Drexel is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games vs. good defensive teams that allows 42% shooting or lower.  Roll with Towson Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Mavs/Thunder UNDER 209.5

Both teams are missing a ton of players that will have this game being played at a snail's pace and make points hard to come by.  Look for a defensive battle between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks tonight because of it.

The Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Tre Mann, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and could be without Luguentz Dort tonight.  They just played in a defensive battle in a 95-80 win over the Knicks last time out for just 175 combined points.

The Mavericks will be without Kristaps Porzingis and Trey Burke and could be without Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Frank Ntilikina tonight.  They just combined for 189 and 208 points in their last two games, both against the Kings who are a great offensive team and terrible defensive team.

The UNDER is 11-4 in Mavericks last 15 games overall.  The UNDER is 5-2-1 in Thunder last eight games overall.  The Thunder are 15-4 UNDER in their last 19 games when revenging a home loss by 10 points or more.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* Pacers/Cavs NBA TV No-Brainer on UNDER 212.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be without their top three guards in Collin Sexton, Ricky Rubio and Darius Garland tonight.  The Indiana Pacers are going to be without their PG as well in Malcolm Brogdon as well as two other key guards in Jeremy Lamb and Chris Duarte.

Because of these absences due to COVID or injury, both offenses are going to be out of sync.  Points are going to be hard to come by and this is going to be a defensive battle with the offenses run through their big men more than normal.  It will be slowed down to a snail's pace.

The UNDER is 10-1 in Pacers last 11 games as underdogs.  The UNDER is 11-2 in Pacers last 13 road games.  The UNDER is 8-0 in Pacers last eight games as road underdogs.  The UNDER is 12-5 in Cavaliers last 17 home games.  The UNDER is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.  Cleveland is 9-1 UNDER in its last 10 games vs. poor 3-point shooting teams that make 33% or less.  Take the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* CBB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Saint Louis -2.5

The Saint Louis Billikens are one of the best mid-majors in the country.  They are 8-4 this season with their four losses coming to Memphis, UAB, Belmont and Auburn with the latter three losses all coming by 5 points or less.  They also beat Boise State on the road and Boston College at home along with solid wins over Stephen F. Austin and Illinois State on a neutral.

Richmond is overvalued this season.  The Spiders have lost almost all of their step up games against Utah State, Drake, Maryland and Mississippi State.  Five of their last six wins have come by single-digits.  They finally ran out of luck last time out, getting blasted 56-83 as 11.5-pint home favorites against St. Joseph's, failing to cover the spread by 38.5 points.

Saint Louis is +12 points per game based off what their opponents average on offense and give up on defense, while Richmond is +9 points per game based on the same criteria.  That means Saint Louis is 3 points better on a neutral, so they aren't even factoring in the huge home-court advantage for the Billikens today.

Richmond is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games after two straight games where opponent was called for 15 or fewer fouls.  The Spiders are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games after a game where they made 28% of their shots or worse.  The Billikens are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games after having lost two of their last three games.  Saint Louis is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 home games.  Bet Saint Louis Sunday.

20* Warriors/Jazz NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Golden State +5

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Utah Jazz off six straight victories.  That includes their 120-108 home win over the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves last night.  They will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 10 days and won't have much left in the tank for the Golden State Warriors tonight.

Meanwhile, the Warriors come in on three days' rest and playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.  They will give a big effort here, especially since they have recently gotten a lot healthier with Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins returning to the lineup.  This is arguably the best team in the NBA when healthy and they should not be catching 5 points to the Jazz given the favorable spot for them and the terrible one for the home team.

Utah is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 home games following a division game.  Golden State is 10-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record this season.  The Warriors are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Golden State is 35-17-2 ATS in its last 54 games overall.  Utah is 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight games overall.  The Jazz are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six home games.  They are getting way too much respect from the books of late, including tonight.  Roll with the Warriors Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Spurs/Pistons UNDER 224.5

This will be the 2nd meeting in a week between the Spurs and Pistons.  Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games, and I look for this game to go well UNDER this 224.5-point total because of the familiarity and a few other reasons.

I just don't know how the Pistons are going to score enough points to get this game over the total.  They have 12 players out due to injury or COVID, including their two best scorers in Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham.  They only managed 85 points last time out against the Knicks while being short-handed.

The Spurs aren't going to be looking to push the tempo much because they are a tired team.  They are playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 105-118 loss in Memphis last night.  That came after a 104-110 loss in Salt Lake City the game prior.

San Antonio is 12-4 UNDER in road games this season.  Detroit is 27-14 UNDER in its last 41 games when revenging a same-season loss.  The UNDER is 8-2 in Spurs last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is 220 or greater (Detroit) - after one or more consecutive unders, a terrible offensive team scoring 104 or fewer points per game against an average defensive team that allows 108-114 points per game are 35-10 (77.8%) since 1996.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Toledo +2

The Toledo Rockets are probably the best team in the MAC this season.  They are 9-3 with all three losses coming on the road to quality competition in Michigan State, Richmond and Oakland.  They covered against the first two teams in their road losses.

The Rockets have pretty much been crushing everyone else.  They are +7.6 points per game based on what their opponents average on offense and give up on defense.  Kent State is only +0.5 points per game based on what their opponents average on offense and give up on defense, so the Rockets are 7 points better on a neutral by my numbers and getting 2 points here on the road.

Kent State is just 5-6 this season.  The Golden Flashes have losses to Towson State at home by 15 as 6.5-point favorites, Southern U at home as 14.5-point favorites and Central Michigan at home as 16-point favorites.  If they're losing to those three teams outright at home, they aren't beating Toledo.

The Rockets are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games after going under the total in their previous game.  Toledo is 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall.  The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as road underdogs.  The Golden Flashes are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  Kent State is 1-5 ATS in its last six home games.  Take Toledo Saturday.

20* Baylor/Iowa State Big 12 No-Brainer on Iowa State +8.5

The Iowa State Cyclones continue to get no respect from oddsmakers despite their 12-0 start this season.  They have upset Xavier by 12 as 9-point dogs, Memphis by 19 as 11.5-point dogs, Creighton by 6 as 5.5-point dogs, and Iowa by 20 as 5-point dogs.  They have proven themselves against quality competition.

Yet here they are catching 8.5 points at home to the Baylor Bears.  It's time to 'sell high' on Baylor, which won the national championship last year and is off to a 12-0 start of its own this year.  There won't be a better time to 'sell high' on them the rest of the season in my opinion than here in their Big 12 road opener against the Cyclones.

Baylor has only had to play one true road game this season.  That resulted in a 78-70 win at Oregon as 7.5-point favorites.  But that is a down Oregon team this season, and the Bears needed a late surge not only to cover, but to actually win the game straight up.  Iowa State is much better than Oregon this season and now catching more points than Oregon was.

Iowa State is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team that wins more than 80% of their games on the season.  A bad Cyclones team that went 2-22 last year gave Baylor a run for its money twice, losing by 11 as 15.5-point home dogs and by 5 as 24-point road dogs.  Bet Iowa State Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Mavericks/Kings UNDER 217.5

The Sacramento Kings just beat the Dallas Mavericks 95-94 for 189 combined points on Wednesday.  Now they meet in Sacramento just two days later and familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This one will stay well UNDER the total as well.

Amazingly, the Kings and Mavericks combined for just 189 points despite both teams shooting well from the floor.  The Mavericks shot 48% and the Kings 46.9%.  But the Mavericks have to play at a snails' pace to have a chance right now with all their are missing.

Indeed, the Mavericks are without Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr, Maxi Kleber and Trey Burke right now due to COVID.  They have been smart in staying competitive by slowing down the pace and playing great defense.  That will be their formula against the Kings again tonight.

The UNDER is 5-0 in Mavericks last five games as favorites.  The UNDER is 10-4 in Mavericks last 14 games overall.  The UNDER is 14-6-1 in Mavericks last 21 games following an ATS loss.  The UNDER is 6-0 in the last six meetings.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Sacramento.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Chicago Bulls -4.5

The Chicago Bulls just got several players back from COVID and are playing like one of the best teams in the NBA right now because of it.  They are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with all five wins coming by 5 points or more.  That will be enough to cover this 4.5-point spread at Indiana.

The Pacers are really struggling right now in going 2-5 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall with their two victories coming against two of the worst teams in the NBA in the Pistons and Rockets.  Each of their last four losses have come by 8 points or more.  They are without Malcolm Brodgon and Chris Duarte right now due to COVID among a few others.

Chicago is 9-1 ATS vs. teams that force 13 or fewer turnovers per game this season.  The Bulls are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as favorites, including 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as road favorites.  Chicago is 21-11 ATS in all games this season.  Take the Bulls Friday.

20* Suns/Celtics Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Phoenix -4.5

The Phoenix Suns are 27-7 this season and in much better shape than the Boston Celtics right now in the COVID and injury department.  They have five of their top six scorers available for this game against the Celtics with the exception behind De'Andre Ayton, who they have managed to play well without anyway.

The Boston Celtics will be without their best player in Jayson Tatum (25.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG) and their third-leading scorer in Dennis Schroder (16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG) today.  Boston has lost three straight coming in, including an 82-91 upset home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers as 6-point favorites last time out.

Plays against underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Boston) - revenging a blowout road loss by 20 points or more against an opponent that is off a cover as a double-digit favorite are 77-37 (67.5%) ATS since 1996.  The Suns are 18-6 ATS in the last 24 meetings, including 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Boston.  They won 111-90 at home in their first meeting this season.  Bet the Suns Friday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Denver +15

Denver is much better than its 5-10 record would indicate.  Eight of the 10 losses have come by 14 points or more.  And I fully expect them to stay within 15 points or Oral Roberts as this is a great spot to 'buy low' on the Pioneers.

Denver is only getting outscored by 3.8 points per game on the season.  The Pioneers are actually only -1.5 points per game based on what their opponents normally average and allow on offense and defense.  Compare that to Oral Roberts and we have an easy play here on Denver.

Indeed, Oral Roberts is only +3.1 points per game based on what their opponents normally average and allow on offense and defense.  So the Golden Eagles are only +4.6 points per game better than Denver on a neutral based on my numbers.  So they shouldn't be 15-point home favorites here.

The Pioneers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last 15 games as an underdog.  The Pioneers are 6-0 ATS in their last six games after two straight games where they gave up 9 or fewer offensive rebounds.  Oral Roberts is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games as a home favorite of 10 points or more.  The Pioneers are 7-0 ATS vs. very good teams that outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game this season.  Roll with Denver Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on South Alabama -2

South Alabama is one of the most underrated teams in the country.  The Jaguars are 10-3 this season and 7-2 ATS in lined games.  They are +8.3 points per game based on what their opponents normally average and allow on offense and defense.

UT-Arlington has been a huge disappointment this season at 4-7 SU & 3-6 ATS.  They are -2.9 points per game based on what their opponents normally average and allow on offense and defense.  So that means South Alabama would be 11.2 points per game better than UT-Arlington on a neutral.  

So we are getting tremendous value on the Jaguars as only 2-point road favorites here.  Kenpom has South Alabama roughly 7 points better on a neutral.  Close road losses to Alabama by 5 and Wichita State by 6 as 20.5 and 12.5-point dogs, respectively, shows what the Jaguars are capable of.  Arlington lost by 20 to Oklahoma, by 9 to Oral Roberts, by 19 to Utah State and by 28 to North Texas.

Arlington is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 vs. good teams that outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game.  Arlington is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games following a home win.  The Jaguars are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games.  The Mavericks are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 games overall.  Arlington is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games following a win.  Take South Alabama Thursday.

15* SDSU/NDSU Summit League ANNIHILATOR on South Dakota State -2

South Dakota State +8.4 points per game based on what their opponents normally average and allow on offense and defense.  North Dakota State is actually -0.6 points per game based on what their opponents normally allow on offense and defense.

That means I have South Dakota State 9 points better than North Dakota State on a neutral.  So getting them as only 2-point road favorites here against North Dakota State is a huge discount.  Kenpom also has the Jackrabbits nearly 9 points better on a neutral.

The Jackrabbits have also played the tougher schedule facing the 144th-ranked slate compared to North Dakota State and the 264th-ranked slate.  The Bison are getting too much respect for their 7-0 home record against Concordia-St. Paul, Tarleton State, Idaho, Northland, CS-Northridge, Indiana State and South Dakota.  This will be by far their stiffest home test of the season.

North Dakota State is 0-6 ATS in its last six games after scoring 85 points or more.  The Bison are 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games vs. explosive offensive teams that average 84 or more points per game.  The Jackrabbits are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games following an ATS loss.  South Dakota State is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Bison are 1-7-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Roll with South Dakota State Thursday.

20* Michigan/UCF ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Michigan -2.5

It's a good time to 'buy low' on the Michigan Wolverines after a shaky 7-4 start to the season against a brutal schedule.  They are better than they have shown thus far, and I look for them to handle their business in their final game before the new year.

UCF has struggled when stepping up in class.  They lost at home to Oklahoma and on the road to Auburn by 17.  This will be one of their toughest tests of the entire season, and it's basically in the pick 'em price range where Michigan just has to win to cover.

Michigan is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games after scoring 80 points or more in its previous game.  UCF is 2-9 ATS in its last nine games vs. very good teams that outscore their opponents by 8-plus points per game.  The Wolverines are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as road favorites.  The Knights are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.  Take Michigan Thursday.

15* Tennessee/Alabama ESPN 2 ANNIHILATOR on Alabama -3

This is a great time to 'buy low' on Alabama.  They have been overconfident since a 91-82 upset win as 9.5-point underdogs to Gonzaga.  They have since gone 2-2 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.  They are coming off an upset loss to Davidson as 9.5-point favorites that will have them pissed off and playing with a chip on their shoulder in this SEC opener against Tennessee.

The overconfident, relaxed team here is going to be Tennessee.  That is because the Volunteers are coming off a 77-73 win over Arizona to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season.  That was a massive victory, and it was at home while this will be just the 2nd true road game for the Volunteers this season.  This is a much stiffer test playing this pissed off Alabama squad.

The Crimson Tide are 6-0 SU at home this season and have a huge home-court advantage.  The Volunteers are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games vs. good offensive teams that score 77 or more points per game.  Alabama is 18-7 ATS in its last 25 games vs. good offensive teams that score 77 or more points per game.  Take Alabama Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hornets/Pacers OVER 227

Charlotte ranks 1st in pace this season and 2nd in offensive efficiency.  The Hornets are also dead last (30th) in defensive efficiency.  That has made them a tremendous OVER team this season and they should take part in a shootout with the Indiana Pacers, who rank 20th in defensive efficiency.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings between the Pacers and Hornets with combined scores of 261, 245 and 239 points.  So this total of 227 simply has not been set high enough based on recent history between these two teams.  None of those three games went to overtime, either.

The OVER is 7-0-1 in Hornets last eight games playing on one days' rest.  The OVER is 9-2 in Pacers last 11 home games.  The OVER is 8-1 in Pacers last nine games as home favorites.  Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Big East GAME OF THE WEEK on Butler -2

The Butler Bulldogs are 7-4 this season with their four losses coming to Purdue, Houston, Michigan State and Texas A&M.  Three of those teams are three of the best teams in the country.  They also upset Oklahoma as an 11-point road underdog.

While Butler has been through the gauntlet in the non-conference that will have them prepared for the Big East schedule, DePaul is grossly overvalued due to a 9-1 SU & 8-2 ATS start against a much softer schedule.  It's time to 'sell high' on the Blue Demons in their Big East opener.

DePaul played eight straight home games to open the season against soft competition.  They played their last two on the road against more soft competition in Louisville and Illinois Chicago.  While the Louisville upset was solid, that is a down Louisville team that is nowhere near as good as they were expected to be coming into the season.  This is the toughest test of the season for the Blue Demons in my opinion.

Butler is 5-1 at home this season with its only loss coming to Michigan State.  The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  The Bulldogs are 14-1 SU in their last 15 meetings with DePaul with 12 wins by double-digits.  That includes 7-0 SU in their last seven home meetings.  Bet Butler Wednesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers just continue being a gravy train and the books continue to fail to adjust for it.  They have gone 20-13 SU & 25-8 ATS this season.  They should be more than 5.5-point favorites tonight over the lowly New Orleans Pelicans, who are 12-22 SU & 15-19 ATS this season.

The Pelicans will be without Nickeil Alexander-Walker and could be without both Brandon Ingram (doubtful) and Josh Hart (questionable) tonight.  This team is getting too much love for a recent 4-1 SU run against some weak competition.

The Cavaliers are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games overall.  They are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games with all 11 victories coming by double-digits!  That includes a 144-99 home win over the Raptors last time out.  And the Cavaliers are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game 6 days.  They will be missing a few guys due to COVID, but they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA.

Cleveland is a perfect 9-0 ATS as a favorite this season and winning by 23.0 points per game.  Take the Cavaliers Tuesday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Philadelphia 76ers -7

The Toronto Raptors are a mash unit right now.  They are missing three of their top five scorers in Fred VanVleet (20.1 PPG), OG Anunoby (19.3 PPG) and Scottie Barnes (15.6 PPG).  The other two in the top five are questionable in Pascal Siakam (19.1 PPG) and Gary Trent Jr. (16.8 PPG).

The Raptors have a whopping 12 players on the injury report with nine listed as out and three as questionable.  It's no wonder they had their doors blown off last time out in a 144-99 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  It won't go much better against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

The 76ers are close to being back to full strength and it showed last time out in a 117-96 win at Washington.  They key is that they have each of their top four scorers healthy in Embiid, Harris, Maxey and Curry, who all average at least 16.2 points per game.

The 76ers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.  The Raptors are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games as home underdogs.  Roll with the 76ers Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Celtics/Timberwolves UNDER 217.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a world of hurt right now, and I think it will lead to a low-scoring game tonight against the Boston Celtics.  They will be missing at least seven players tonight due to COVID and four of their top five scorers.

The Timberwolves will be without Karl Anthony-Towns (24.5 PPG), Anthony Edwards (22.1 PPG) and De'Angelo Russell (18.7 PPG, 6.7 APG).  They had been playing better with a healthy Russell back, and he makes them an OVER team.  Without him plus both those guys they are definitely an UNDER team because I don't know where the offense is going to come from.

The Celtics have six players OUT due to COVID and three more either probable or questionable.  One guy they will be missing that will impact this total is PG Dennis Schroder (16.3 PPG, 4.7 APG).  He is a guy that likes to push the tempo and create easy baskets for himself and his teammates.  Without Russell and Schroder, this is definitely an UNDER game.

The UNDER is 9-4-1 in Celtics last 14 road games.  The UNDER is 13-5 in Celtics' 18 games as a favorite this season.  The UNDER is 9-2 in Timberwolves last 11 Monday games.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -5

The Chicago Bulls had five days off prior to beating the Pacers 113-105 last night.  So I'm not concerned about them having to play the 2nd of a back-to-back here, especially since they just got Zach LaVine and five others back from COVID last night.  They are a deep team and won't be tired anyway after having five days off prior to that game.

The Bulls should have plenty in the tank to blow out the short-handed Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks have 12 players out due to either COVID or injuries.  That includes Trae Young, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Heurter, Lou Williams and John Collins.  They are without seven of their top 10 scorers and coming off an 87-101 loss to the Knicks on Christmas Day.

Chicago is 31-13 ATS in its last 44 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Atlanta is 3-11 ATS when playing a team with a winning record this season.  The Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as road favorites.  The Hawks are 0-8 ATS in their last eight home games.  Atlanta is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take the Bulls Monday.

15* Pacers/Bulls NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Chicago -6.5

The Chicago Bulls are champing at the bit to get back on the court.  They have been off since December 20th.  That can only be a good thing as this time off has allowed them to get healthy and get several players back from the COVID list.

The Bulls get Zach LaVine and five others back from COVID today.  They have compiled a 19-10 record this season despite battling through some COVID and injury issues.  They are one of the best teams in the NBA when healthy, and that is pretty much the case now here at the end of December.

The Indiana Pacers are just 14-19 this season, including 3-12 on the road.  They could be without their two best players in Malcolm Brogdon (achilles) and Domantas Sabonis (calf), who are both questionable.  But they haven't been playing well even when healthy with recent blowout road losses to the Heat by 29 and the Bucks by 15.  And it's worth noting the Heat were without Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo while the Bucks were without Giannis among others.

The Pacers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on two days' rest.  The Bulls are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 Sunday games.  Chicago is 35-17 ATS in its last 52 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Bulls are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games as favorites.  Take the Bulls Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Oklahoma City Thunder PK

The Oklahoma City Thunder have quietly gone 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with three outright upset victories over the Clippers, Grizzlies and Nuggets.  They also covered in losses to the Pelicans and Suns.

Now the Thunder get their shot at revenge after a 110-113 home loss to the Pelicans on December 15th.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied the game with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, only to lose on a heave from beyond half court at the buzzer.  They haven't forgotten, and they will get their revenge.

While the Thunder are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA with nobody on the injury report, the same cannot be said for the Pelicans.  They have eight players on the injury report and will be without both Jonas Valanciunas and Nickeil Alexander-Walker tonight, which are their 2nd and 3rd-leading scorers behind Brandon Ingram.

The Pelicans are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games.  New Orleans is 1-5 ATS in its last six Sunday games.  The Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on two days' rest.  The Thunder are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall.  Oklahoma City is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 Sunday games.  The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on two days' rest.  Oklahoma City is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Bet the Thunder Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Liberty +8.5

The Liberty Flames are one of the better mid major teams in the country.  They have played a brutal schedule this season and already have wins over the likes of Missouri, Northern Iowa and East Carolina.  They only lost to Stanford by 3 last round and will give BYU a run for its money in this game tonight.

BYU has not impressed me at all lately.  They were upset by Utah Valley State as 13-point favorites. Creighton as 4.5-point favorites and Vanderbilt as 5-point favorites.  They should not be 8.5-point favorites over this game Liberty team tonight.

The Flames are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games after playing two consecutive games as an underdog.  Liberty is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 December games.  The Flams are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. teams that make 8 or more 3-pointers per game.  The Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as favorites.  Roll with Liberty Saturday.

20* Warriors/Suns ABC No-Brainer on UNDER 215

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 3rd meeting between the Suns and Warriors since November 30th.  They combined for 200 points in that first meeting and 214 points in the 2nd meeting.  This 3rd meeting will stay UNDER this 215-point total as well.

A big reason the Warriors and Suns have the two best records in the NBA is because they are the top two defenses.  Indeed, the Warriors rank 1st in defensive efficiency, allowing just 99.3 points per 100 possessions.  The Suns are 2nd at 100.5 points per 100 possessions.

The Warriors are without some offensive firepower today as they will be without Jordan Poole (17.9 PPG) and Andrew Wiggins (18.7 PPG), their top two scorers behind Steph Curry.  Points will be a lot harder to come by for the Warriors, especially with 5th-leading scorer Damion Lee (8.4 PPG) out as well.

Golden State is 9-0 UNDER when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The UNDER is 10-0 in Warriors' 10 games against teams with winning records this season.  The UNDER is 12-0 in Warriors 12 games vs. good passing teams that average 23 or more assists this season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* Spurs/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 223.5

The Lakers are missing so many players right now that they will have no other choice but to slow it down.  They are without Anthony Davis, Malik Monk, Avery Bradley, Austin Reaves and Kent Bazemore.  Look for them to continue slowing it down and run the offense through LeBron.

The Lakers are averaging just 101 points per game in their last five games.  They have been solid defensively in holding nine of their last 11 opponents to 110 points or fewer.  They are allowing just 103.1 points per game at the end of regulation in their last eight contests.

The Spurs are 11-3 UNDER in road games this season.  The UNDER is 8-1 in Spurs' last nine road games revenging a loss this season.  The Lakers are 30-16 UNDER in their last 46 games with a total of 220 to 229.5.  The UNDER is 7-1 in Lakers last eight games overall.  The UNDER is 6-0 in Lakers last six games as favorites.  Roll with the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Thunder/Suns UNDER 214.5

The Phoenix Suns are one of the best teams in the NBA this season due to ranking 2nd in defensive efficiency.  They'll be up against an Oklahoma City team that ranks 29th in offensive efficiency tonight.

But the Thunder have been getting after it defensively of late in holding three straight opponents to 103 points or less and an average of 98.7 points per game.  The Thunder will be tired tonight playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 108-94 win over Denver last night, so they won't be looking to push the tempo.

The UNDER is 9-2 in Thunder last 11 games following a win.  The UNDER is 5-1 in Thunder last six games overall.  The UNDER is 67-32-1 in Thunder last 100 games as road underdogs.  The UNDER is 19-11 in Thunder's 30 games this season, while the UNDER is 17-12-1 in Suns' 30 games.  Take the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Wizards PK

The Washington Wizards come in on four days' rest having last played on December 18th in a 109-103 upset win at Utah as 9.5-point underdogs.  Not only are the rested and ready to go, but they are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA right now.

The same cannot be said for the New York Knicks.  They are just 3-8 SU in their last 11 games overall and decimated by COVID and injuries right now.  They will be without Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Immanuel Quickley, Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel tonight.

Plays on road teams (Washington) - after losing five or six of their last seven games, with a winning record on the season playing a losing team are 33-9 (78.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Knicks are 0-6 ATS in their last six games as underdogs.  New York is 0-5 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.  The Wizards are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 trips to New York.  Take the Wizards Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Houston Rockets +10.5

The Milwaukee Bucks have been a juggernaut when Giannis, Middleton and Holiday have been on the floor at the same time this season.  Unfortunately for them, that has been few and far between.  And the Bucks are not only without Giannis tonight, but also the underrated Bobby Portis.

Milwaukee has gone just 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in its last three games overall with losses to the Celtics by 14, the Pelicans in overtime and the Cavaliers by 29.  There's no way they should be a double-digit favorite against the Houston Rockets without Giannis and Portis.

This is a Rockets team that is about as healthy as any team in the NBA right now and playing well over the past month.  The Rockets are 9-5 SU & 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They lost by 9 at home to a healthy Bucks team during this stretch on December 10th and will be out for revenge here tonight.

Milwaukee is just 1-12 ATS in its last 13 vs. Southwest Division opponents.  The Bucks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.  Milwaukee is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and haven't lost any of the last five meetings by more than 9 points.  Roll with the Rockets Wednesday.

20* CBB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Oral Roberts/South Dakota State OVER 162.5

Oral Roberts and South Dakota State are both fast-tempo teams and offensive juggernauts that play little defense.  The Jackrabbits average 87.4 points per game this season while the Golden Eagles put up 81.1 points per game.  Both shoot a ton of 3-pointers and shoot them well with South Dakota State at 44.3% as a team and Oral Roberts at 39.5% as a team.

This total has been set too low based on the three meetings between these teams last season, and both teams have almost all their players back.  They combined for 189, 175 and 178 points in their three meetings last season.  This total has been set at just 162.5, so there is plenty of value with the OVER.

South Dakota State is 11-1 OVER in its last 12 games after playing a home game.  The Jackrabbits are 9-0 OVER in their last nine games off a blowout home win by 20 points or more.  South Dakota State is 8-0 OVER in its last eight games vs. up-tempo teams that average 62 or more shots per game.  The OVER is 45-15 in Golden Eagles last 60 games following an ATS win.  The OVER is 20-6 in Jackrabbits last 26 home games.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Murray State/Auburn SEC Network ANNIHILATOR on Murray State +12.5

Murray State is 10-1 this season and getting zero respect from oddsmakers today as 12.5-point underdogs to Auburn.  We'll take advantage and back the Racers in a game I believe they take the Tigers to the wire.

Murray State already went on the road and upset Memphis as a 10-point underdog, so they have proven they can hang with the big boys.  And I look at this as a letdown spot for the Tigers, who are coming off a 74-70 win at Saint Louis and have their SEC opener against LSU on deck.  This is a sandwich and lookahead spot for Auburn.

Matt McMahon is 9-1 ATS in road games after scoring 85 points or more in two straight games as the coach of Murray State.  Bruce Pearl is 10-19 ATS in home games vs. good offensive teams that score 77 or more points per game as the coach of Auburn.  The Tigers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take Murray State Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Southern Illinois +11

San Francisco is coming off five straight huge games against UAB, UNLV, Fresno State, Grand Canyon and Arizona State with four of them decided by 8 points or fewer.  This is an obvious letdown spot for them with Southern Illinois coming to town.  Not to mention, the Dons are tired playing their 3rd game in 5 days here.

Southern Illinois has impressed me this season with its 7-4 start with three of the four losses coming by 4 points or fewer.  The Salukis are that close to being a 10-1 team.  I love how they get after it defensively in holding opponents to 58.5 points per game and nearly 8 points per game below their season averages.

The Dons are 8-22 ATS in their last 30 games overall as they have consistently been overrated.  The Dons are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games as favorites.  San Francisco is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games following a win.  The Salukis are 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning record.  San Francisco is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 vs. good shooting teams that make at least 45% of their shots.  Take Southern Illinois Wednesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt rout on Indiana Pacers -1.5

The Indiana Pacers have gone 4-2 SU in their last six games overall with their only losses coming to the Warriors (by 2) and the Bucks on the road.  They are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA right now and should be able to handle the short-handed Miami Heat tonight.

The Heat are coming off an upset loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons as 6.5-point favorites.  They are without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Markieff Morris, PJ Tucker and Caleb Martin.  They would be without Tyler Herro, who is questionable.  They won't even be able to compete with a team the caliber of Indiana without these guys.

The Pacers have had the last four days off, so they are fresh and ready to go.  Indiana is 39-19-2 ATS in its last 60 games playing on 3 or more days' rest.  The Pacers are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Pacers Tuesday.

15* Xavier/Villanova Big East ANNIHILATOR on Xavier +6.5

Xavier continues to get no respect from oddsmakers as a 6.5-point underdog to Villanova tonight.  All the Musketeers have done is go 11-1 SU & 9-3 ATS this season with their only loss coming to a Top 10 Iowa State team.  

They have gotten healthy and with Freemantle back and are rolling right now going 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  That includes wins by 9 over Marquette, by 23 over Morehead State, by 20 over Cincinnati, by 46 over Ball State, by 6 at Oklahoma State as underdogs, by 33 over Central Michigan and by 1 over Virginia Tech as underdogs in those seven games.

Villanova clearly isn't as good as they were supposed to be coming into the season, but oddsmakers keep pricing them like they are.  They have lost to all the best teams they have faced in UCLA, Purdue, Baylor and Creighton.  The last two losses were very concerning as they lost 36-57 at Baylor and 59-79 at Creighton despite being a 7-point favorite.

Xavier is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games vs. good teams outscoring their opponents by 8-plus points per game.  The Musketeers are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games as underdogs.  Roll with Xavier Tuesday.

15* CBB BLOWOUT PLAY OF THE DAY on Toledo -3.5

The Toledo Rockets are one of the best mid-major teams in the country.  They are 7-3 this season with two of their losses coming on the road to both Michigan State and Richmond in games taht they covered the spread in competitive losses.

Toledo should handle this Marshall team that remains overrated.  The Thundering Herd are 3-4 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  Their three wins during this stretch came against Duquesne (by 1), Eastern Kentucky and Bluefield College.  They lost by 10 to Ohio, but 15 to Northern Iowa and also lost to another MAC team in Akron.  Toledo is better than both Ohio and Akron.

Toledo has owned Marshall in recent seasons, going 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings.  The Thundering Herd are 0-10 ATS in their last 10 games vs. good free throw shooting teams that make 72% or better.  Marshall is 0-8 ATS in its last eight games vs. teams who average 6 or fewer steals per game.  Take Toledo Tuesday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Elon +22

Elon has already shown they can stay within big numbers against some good teams this season.  They lost by 17 to North Carolina, by 13 to Florida, by 19 to West Virginia and by 18 to Ole Miss.  Their only really bad loss came to Duke by 31.  So as you can see, they have played one of the toughest schedules in the country.

I expect Elon to stay within 22 points of Arkansas tonight.  The Razorbacks were overvalued due to playing a home-heavy, easy schedule en route to a 9-0 start.  They finally played a true road game and lost by 22 at Oklahoma.  They followed up up with an upset loss to Hofstra as a 12.5-point favorite.  And they have no business laying 22 points to Elon tonight.

Elon is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games after losing eight or more of its last 10 games.  The Phoenix is 6-2-1 ATS in their last seven games following a loss by more than 20 points.  The Razorbacks are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Bet Elon Tuesday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City Thunder +8.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games overall and are way more competitive than they get credit for.  Look for them to stay within this lofty number against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.

While the Thunder are rested playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, the Grizzlies will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 100-105 home loss to Portland last night.  It will also be the 8th game in 13 days for the Grizzlies.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on Memphis as it is considering they are 10-2 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have done most of this without Ja Morant and being short-handed without Brandon Clark and a few others as well.  But now these injuries will start to catch up with them in this tough rest spot tonight.

Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games after losing two of its last three games.  The Thunder are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Oklahoma City is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games as an underdog.  Memphis is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  

Finally, Oklahoma City wants revenge from the worst loss in NBA history, a 79-152 loss at Memphis on December 2nd earlier this month.  You know they are going to be motivated to avenge that defeat.  And their best player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21.6 PPG) did not play in that game and he is playing at an All-Star level right now.  Bet the Thunder Monday.

15* CBB Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on St. Thomas -2.5

Nebraska-Omaha is one of the worst teams in the country.  They are 1-10 this season and losing by 18.0 points per game on average.  They haven't won a game since their 67-57 victory over Hastings College in their opener.  All 10 losses have come by 4 points or more and eight of them by double-digits.

St. Thomas has been competent this season at 4-5 and 4-2 ATS in lined games.  Four of their five losses came by 10 points or fewer.  They were competitive in losses to Drake and Montana State recently, which are two of the better mid-major programs.  They should handle Nebraska-Omaha here.

The Tommies are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.  St. Thomas is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.  The Mavericks are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games.  Omaha is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games as a home underdog.  Roll with St. Thomas Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on San Antonio Spurs -4.5

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the healthiest teams in the NBA and it is showing with their play. They have gone 7-4 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall and coming off an upset win at Utah as 11.5-point underdogs.

The Spurs are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 3rd game in 7 days. They should make easy work of a struggling Sacramento Kings team that is just 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with their last three losses coming by 14 points or more.

Things aren't getting any better for the Kings any time soon due to COVID hitting them hard. They will be without De'Aaron Rox, Marvin Bagley, Alex Len, Terence Davis and Davion Mitchell tonight. They could also be without Richaun Holmes, who is questionable.

The Spurs are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as favorites. The Kings are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as home underdogs. Sacramento is 0-5 ATS in its last five Sunday games. San Antonio is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings with all three wins by 9 points or more. Bet the Spurs Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Oklahoma -17.5

I expect the Oklahoma Sooners to be one of the most improved teams in the country from the beginning of the season to the end. That's because they have one of the best head coaches in the country in Porter Moser, who is in his first year at Oklahoma.

The Sooners are 8-2 SU this season with their two losses coming by a combined 7 points. They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall with impressive wins over Florida, Arkansas and UCF. They just blasted Arkansas by 22 points last time out.

Now the Sooners have had a full week to get ready for UT-Arlington having last played on December 11th. They'll be rested and ready to destroy a 3-6 Arlington team that already has blowout losses to Oklahoma State by 37, North Texas by 28 and Utah State by 19.

Arlington is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games vs. good teams that outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game. The Mavericks are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games overall. Arlington is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 road games. Moser is 21-9 ATS as a head coach in home games after scoring 80 points or more. Take Oklahoma Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +10.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Washington Wizards tonight after going 1-7 SU & 0-7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall. They are now catching double-digits against the Utah Jazz. The Wizards are as healthy as they have been in a while and should give the Jazz a run for their money tonight.

The reason is simple. This is a terrible spot for the Jazz. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a hard-fought 126-128 upset loss to the San Antonio Spurs as 11.5-point favorites last night. Now they come back as 10.5-point favorites tonight against a better Washington team, which makes no sense. Take the Wizards Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They have gone 9-2 SU in their last 11 games with all nine wins coming by double-digits!

The two losses were to the Jazz by 1 and the Bucks by 8. Now they have a chance to avenge that defeat to the Bucks, who are in a terrible spot tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days after a 112-116 (OT) loss in New Orleans last night.

It will also be the 11th game in 18 days in December for the Bucks. Making matters worse is that they will be without Giannis antetokoumpho, Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews and could be without Khris Middleton, who is questionable. I don't give them much of a chance against the Cavaliers tonight without Giannis and in this awful rest spot. Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

20* Auburn/Saint Louis CBB No-Brainer on Saint Louis +5.5

The Saint Louis Billikens are one of the better mid-majors programs in the country under Travis Ford. They are 8-3 SU & 6-4 ATS this season with two of their three losses coming by 5 points or fewer.

The Billikens are battle-tested in the early going with wins over Stephen F. Austin, Boise State and Boston College as well as losses to Memphis, UAB and Belmont. They are ready to take on an Auburn team that has feasted on a weak schedule and is overrated.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Tigers after opening 9-1 SU & 7-3 ATS this season. This will be just their 2nd true road game of the season as they have played a home-heavy schedule. The first was a shaky 58-52 win at South Florid as 13-point favorites and that is a terrible Bulls team.

Saint Louis is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games after playing two consecutive home games. The Billikens are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 home games. Saint Louis is 42-20 ATS in its last 62 games as an underdog. Auburn is 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine games as a road favorite. Roll with Saint Louis Saturday.

15* CBB BLOWOUT PLAY OF THE DAY on Georgia -1.5

Georgia should be a bigger favorite at home over George Mason tonight. After a rough start to the season against a brutal schedule, the Bulldogs have turned the corner.

They had tough losses to Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Northwestern and Wofford in a 2-5 start. But they have since put together two straight great performances in an upset win over Memphis as 11.5-point dogs and a cover against Jacksonville as 9-point favorites.

Now the Bulldogs take on a reeling George Mason team that is just 1-5 SU & 2-4 ATS in its last six games overall. The lone win was a 71-65 home victory over Navy which is far from impressive. They also lost to Old Dominion by 10, James Madison, Washington, South Dakota State and Nevada by 19. Roll with Georgia Saturday.

15* South Carolina/Clemson CBB ANNIHILATOR on South Carolina +8.5

Frank Martin always seems to have his South Carolina Gamecocks flying under the radar. That appears to be the case again this season as the Gamecocks are off to an 8-2 SU & 5-4 ATS start this season.

Indeed, the Gamecocks have already pulled off upset wins over UAB and Florida State as well as a 13-point win over Georgetown, an 11-point win over Wofford and an 11-point win over Western Kentucky.

Clemson is 7-4 this season with losses to Rutgers, Miami, West Virginia and St. Bonaventure. The Tigers don't have many impressive wins as their seven victories have come against Miami Ohio, Drake, Charleston, Temple, Bryant, Wofford and Presbyterian. So Wofford is a common opponent and they beat them by 8 while South Carolina beat them by 11, both at home.

South Carolina is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 road games after a home win where it scored 85 points or more. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings, including a 67-54 upset win by the Gamecocks as 6-point road dogs in their last meeting. Take South Carolina Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Canisus +15.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on this 2-9 Canisius team that just doesn't get blown out. Eight of their nine losses have come by 14 points or fewer, so within this 15.5-point spread.

This is a terrible spot for Buffalo. They are coming off two straight huge road games against St. Bonaventure and Western Kentucky and won't be nearly as motivated for this game with Canisius. It's time to 'sell high' on the Bulls after opening 6-1 ATS in their lined games this season.

Canisius is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games vs. good rebounding teams that average 4-plus boards more than their opponent per game. The Golden Griffins are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games as home underdogs. Bet Canisius Saturday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -2.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are fully healthy and a dangerous team when that is the case. That has shown in their last two games as they have pulled outright road upsets over the Blazers 116-111 and Nuggets 124-107.

Having De'Angelo Russell healthy has really made all the difference for this game. With him, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards on the floor at the same time the Timberwolves are capable of beating anyone. They will take down the short-handed Lakers tonight.

The Timberwolves are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and their 6th game in 14 days. The Lakers won their last three games against three short-handed, terrible teams in the Thunder, Magic and Mavericks. Now they take a step up in class here and it's time to 'sell high'. 

The Lakers will be without Russell Westbrook, Avery Braldey, Malik Monk, Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard tonight due to COVID. Los Angeles is 7-25 ATS in its last 32 games following a win. Take the Timberwolves Friday.

15* CBB Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Tarleton State ML +105

I love the spot for Tarleton State tonight. This is a home-and-home situation. After losing 62-69 at South Alabama on Tuesday, the Texans host the Jaguars four days later here Friday and will be out for revenge. They blew a 4-point halftime lead in that game.

Tarleton State has played the 3rd-toughest schedule in the entire country this season, so they are battle-tested. They were competitive against Stanford, Wichita State, Michigan and Gonzaga which is all that needs to be said about the potential of this team.

South Alabama has feasted on a much weaker schedule and is overvalued with its 9-2 record. It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Jaguars after opening 6-1 ATS in all lined games. This is clearly a flat spot for them, and they won't be nearly as motivated as Tarleton State after winning the first meeting.

The Texans are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games as underdogs. The Jaguars are 2-8-2 ATS in their last 12 games as road favorites. South Alabama is 9-20 ATS in its last 29 games as a favorite overall. Roll with Tarleton State Friday.

15* NBA Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on New York Knicks -5

This is a terrible spot for the Houston Rockets tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days in their 4th difference city.  They won't have much left in the tank for the New York Knicks tonight.

Making matters worse for the Rockets is that they are likely to be pretty short-handed.  They will be without Jalen Green (14.0 PPG), Danuel House (4.8 PPG) and Christian Wood (16.5 PPG), who is doubtful.  Both Kevin Porter Jr. (12.8 PPG) and Eric Gordon (15.1 PPG) are questionable tonight as well.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Knicks, who have gone just 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall against a brutal schedule.  Their seven losses have come to the Nets, Bulls, Nuggets, Pacers, Raptors, Bucks and Warriors.  Now they take a big step down in class here against the Rockets and should get back on track with a blowout victory.

Houston is 3-18 ATS in its last 21 games vs. a team with a wins between 40% & 49% of their games.  The Rockets are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 home games.  New York is 7-1 ATS in its last eight trips to Houston.  Take the Knicks Thursday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -2

The Indiana Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and it's starting to show.  They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 points to the Golden State Warriors, who are one of the best teams in the NBA.

The Milwaukee Bucks are in a world of hurt right now in the injury department.  They were already wtithout Brook Lopez and Donte DiVencenzo, but now they will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wesley Matthews, DeMarcus Cousins and Semi Ojeleye tonight.  Khris Middleton is questionable as well.  Missing Giannis gives the Bucks almost no chance of winning this game against the Pacers tonight, let alone all these other injuries.

The Pacers are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and their 5th game in 12 days.  The same cannot be said for the Bucks, who will be playing their 9th game in 15 days and in their 5th different city in 8 days.  That makes matters even worse considering their injury situation.

Indiana is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games after playing three consecutive home games.  The Pacers are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Bucks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as underdogs.  Milwaukee is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Bet the Pacers Wednesday.

20* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on SE Missouri State +13

SE Missouri State is simply catching too many points today.  They are 5-5 this season with only one loss by more than 13 points.  That includes their 99-94 win at Missouri State as 16-point dogs, a fellow Missouri Valley Conference team like Southern Illinois.

The Salukis haven't shown me enough to warrant being 13-point favorites in this matchup.  They are 5-4 this season with their five wins coming against Southern Miss, Alcorn State, Evansville, Austin Peay and Colorado.  They have just two wins by more than 4 points this season.

Southern Illinois is 20-35 ATS in its last 55 games as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points.  The road team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.  Bet SE Missouri State Wednesday.

15* Lakers/Mavs ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles +1

The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to play up to their potential now that they have had LeBron, Westbrook and Davis healthy for a decent stretch.  They have gone 5-2 SU in their last seven games overall with each of their last four wins by double-digits.  Davis is questionable tonight but he usually plays when he is questionable.

Amazingly, the Dallas Mavericks have won two games in a row without Luka Doncic over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets.  But the Lakers are a different animal, and I don't give the Mavericks much of a chance at all to win this game without Doncic.

Plays on road favorites (LA Lakers) - after allowing 100 points or fewer in two straight games against an opponent that led by 20 points or more at halftime last game are 43-17 (71.7%) ATS since 1996.  The Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.  Dallas is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games following a win.  Roll with the Lakers Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Night Line Mistake on Middle Tennessee +11.5

Middle Tennessee is 8-2 this season with its only losses both coming on the road to Stephen F. Austin by 13 and Murray State by 6 as double-digit underdogs in both games.  The Blue Raiders are a legit mid-major team this year and fully capable of hanging with Ole Miss tonight.

This is a 6-3 Ole Miss team with some very bad losses already.  They are coming off a 23-point loss to Western Kentucky as 5.5-point favorites.  They were also upset by Boise State by 10 and Marquette by 6.  Their only good win was a 67-63 victory over Memphis at home, but that Memphis team has clearly been overrated this season.

The Blue Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  Middle Tennessee is 4-0 ATS in its last four road games.  Ole Miss is 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a home favorite.  The Rebels are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a loss by more than 20 points.  Take Middle Tennessee Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers.  They are 17-12 SU & 21-6-2 ATS this season.  They have been especially dominant of late, going 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.

The Cavaliers are now 8-2 SU in their last 10 games overall with their only losses coming by 1 to the Jazz and by 8 to the Bucks, two of the best teams in the NBA.  What's most impressive about this run is that all eight of those victories have come by 11 points or more!

Now the Cavaliers should win by double-digits over the Houston Rockets, who are starting to get respect from oddsmakers after going 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  But this isn't the same Rockets team that had all that success due to some recent injuries.  

They will be without Jalen Green (14.0 PPG), Danuel House (4.8 PPG), Kevin Porter Jr. (12.8 PPG) and Eric Gordon (15.1 PPG) tonight.  Not to mention, Christian Wood (16.5 PPG) is questionable.  Take the Cavaliers Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Santa Clara +8

Santa Clara is a veteran team that didn't lose a single double-digit scorer from last season.  But they have been disappointing after a 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS start with upset wins over Nevada, Stanford and TCU.  They have since gone just 2-4 SU & 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.

Now I think it's a great time to 'buy low' on the Broncos as they are catching 8 points against Boise State tonight.  They have only lost one time by more than 7 points all season, so this is a nice value.

And this isn't a very good Boise State (6-4) team compared to previous versions with all they lost from last season.  The Broncos already have four losses this season including upset losses to UC-Irvine and CS-Bakersfield.  Their six wins have come against Prairie View A&M, CS-Northridge, Ole Miss, Temple, Tulsa and Utah Valley State as they were favored in five of those six games.

Santa Clara is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 games following an ATS loss.  Santa Clara is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games as an underdog.  Boise State is 1-5 ATS in its last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Take Santa Clara Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Illinois-Chicago +11.5

DePaul is grossly overrated right now after opening 8-1 SU & 8-1 ATS against an extremely soft schedule with eight home games and just one road game.  That road game was impressive with an upset win at Louisville last time out, but that also makes this a letdown spot for them and a great time to 'sell high' on the Blue Demons as double-digit road favorites.

Illinois-Chicago is just 3-6 this season but most of the losses have been within this number against quality teams.  They only lost by 10 at Dayton, upset Valpo on the road, and covered as 18-point dogs at Loyola-Chicago.  Their other four losses all came by 12 points or fewer as they were dogs in three of the four and a 1-point favorite in the other.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (DePaul) - after covering five or six of their last seven games, a top-level team winning 80% or more of their games on the season are 154-95 (61.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  

This is also a sandwich spot for the Blue Demons.  They are coming off the upset win at Louisville and now they have a road game at Northwestern on deck Saturday.  They won't be giving Illinois-Chicago their full attention tonight, and that's going to make it difficult to cover this 11.5-point spread.  Roll with Illinois-Chicago Tuesday.

20* CBB Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Arkansas State +24

This is the ultimate letdown spot for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.  They are coming off two straight road games against Providence and Tennessee in which they lost by 4 to the Friars before rebounding with a 5-point win over the Volunteers.  

Now the Red Raiders have an even bigger game on deck against Gonzaga on Saturday.  That makes this a sandwich spot and a huge lookahead spot to that Gonzaga game.  The Red Raiders won't be fully focused for this one, and that's going to make it very hard for them to cover this 24-point spread.

That's especially the case considering Arkansas State is a quality, veteran team that returned all five starters from last season.  The Red Wolves are off to a 7-2 start this season with their losses coming to Illinois and Morehead State.  But they have failed to cover three in a row coming in SU wins at big favorites, so it's a great time to 'buy low' on them.

Texas Tech is 0-7 ATS in its last seven home games after winning four or five of its last six games coming in.  Arkansas State is 6-0 ATS in its last six games vs. good teams that shoot 45% or better and allow 42% or less.  The Red Wolves are 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games vs. good teams that outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game.  Arkansas State is 5-0-1 ATS in its last five games following an ATS loss.  These four trends combine for a 31-2 system backing the Red Wolves.  Bet Arkansas State Tuesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors +8.5

The books have adjusted this line too much for this back-to-back spot for the Toronto Raptors.  Well, they had two days off prior to beating the Kings 124-101 last night.  And that blowout allowed them to rest their starters in the 4th quarter.

The Raptors will still have plenty left in the tank for the Nets tonight.  It will be just their 4th game in 9 days.  Nobody played more than 32 minutes for the Raptors last night in a dominant team win with nine players scoring in double figures against the Kings.

I just don't think the Nets can be trusted to lay these big numbers without Joe Harris and Paul Millsap.  It just puts so much pressure on James Harden and Kevin Durant to do more because they don't have much talent outside of those two.  It's a big reason it has been profitable to fade the Nets this season.  They are only outscoring opponents by 3.7 points per game on the season.

The Raptors are playing their best basketball of the year right now at 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  They are about as healthy as they have been all season.  The Nets are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS win.  Brooklyn is 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as favorites.  The Nets are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last six trips to Brooklyn.  Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

20* Suns/Clippers NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 210.5

Both the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers will be without their top two scorers tonight in Devin Booker (23.2 PPG) for the Suns and Paul George (25.0 PPG) for the Clippers.  They will both be looking to make up for it on defense as they'll be a little lost on offense without these guys.

The UNDER is 3-0 in Suns' last three games overall without Booker.  They are a great defensive team as it is though, ranking 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency.  The Clippers went UNDER the total in their first game without George last time out.  They are also an elite defensive team, ranking 4th in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

The UNDER is 5-0 in Suns last five games playing on two days' rest.  The UNDER is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Los Angeles.  The UNDER is 29-15 in Suns last 44 division games.  Take the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Charlotte Hornets +3

This is a terrible spot for the Dallas Mavericks.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 7 days after a win in Oklahoma City last night.  It will be their 4th different city during this stretch.  And they will be without their best player in Luka Doncic tonight.

It's a great spot for the Charlotte Hornets, who come in on two days' rest and get back Terry Rozier from COVID tonight.  They have managed to play well despite missing some key players, going a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with their only losses coming by 2 points at Milwaukee, by 3 to Philadelphia and by 4 to Philadelphia.  They can beat the Mavericks without Doncic given the favorable spot.

Dallas is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 home games after losing four or five of its last six games.  The Mavericks are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 home games following a road win.  Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last five games as an underdog.  Dallas is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 home games.  The Mavericks are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games following a win.  The Hornets are 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Dallas.  Roll with the Hornets Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia 76ers -2.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are back healthy with Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey.  It's starting to show as they have gone 4-1 SU in their last five games overall, including a win over the potent Warriors last time out.  Look for them to make easy work of the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies tonight.

The Grizzlies have been winning despite their injuries, going 7-1 SU in their last eight games overall.  But there's more added to the list tonight.  They were already without JA Morant and Brandon Clarke and remain without those two tonight.  But now Steven Adams is doubtful, and that's key because they need him to defend Joel Embiid.  Jaren Jackson Jr. is questionable for the Grizzlies as well.

The 76ers are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games as road favorites.  Plays against home underdogs (Memphis) - after covering four or five of their last six games, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 42-19 (68.9%) ATS since 1996.  Take the 76ers Monday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Cleveland State +13

The Cleveland State Vikings returned all five starters from a team that made the NCAA Tournament last year.  After 10 and 11-point losses to two quality teams in BYU and Ohio to open the season, respectively, the Vikings have reeled off six straight victories with five by double-digits.

Now they are ready to give Oklahoma State a run for its money tonight.  The Cowboys are grossly overrated this season, and it has really shown in their last three games.  They only beat Oral Roberts by 1 as 9.5-point favorites, were upset by Wichita State by 9 as 6-point home favorites and were upset by Xavier by 6 as 3.5-point home favorites.  They were also upset by Oakland as 17-point home favorites earlier this season.

Oklahoma State is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 home games following an upset loss as a home favorite.  The Cowboys are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games vs. good defensive teams that allow 39% shooting or less.  The Vikings are 21-9-1 ATS in their last 31 games overall.  Cleveland State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games as a road underdog.  Bet Cleveland State Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +4.5

The Dallas Mavericks are just 3-9 SU in their last 12 games overall.  They have no business being road favorites over the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight considering they will be without their best player in Luka Doncic (25.6 PPG, 8.5 APG, 8.0 RPG).  There may not be a more important player in the NBA to his team than Doncic.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season posting a 15-10 ATS record.  They pulled off two straight upset road wins over the Pistons and Raptors before getting crushed by a motivated Lakers team last time out.  I think that blowout loss by 21 points has them undervalued today.

Dallas is 1-8 ATS after losing two of its last three games this season.  The Mavericks are 16-35 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 19-4 ATS in their last 23 Sunday games.  Oklahoma City is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Thunder are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games as underdogs.  Bet the Thunder Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday UPSET SHOCKER on Dayton +2.5

Dayton is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall with its only loss coming on the road to SMU by a final of 69-77.  This run includes three upset wins over Miami 76-60 as 5.5-point dogs, Kansas 74-73 as 16-point dogs and Belmont 63-61 as 3.5-point dogs.  

The Flyers followed up those three upsets wins with blowout victories over Alabama State 93-54 as 19.5-point favorites and Northern Illinois 79-41 as 17.5-point favorites.  So they avoided the letdowns in those games, and that is not a bad loss at SMU.  Look for them to get back in the win column at home today against Virginia Tech.

The Hokies are 6-3 this season with their six wins all coming against cupcake opponents other than Maryland, which is way down this season.  They lost to Memphis and Xavier on neutrals and were blasted at home by Wake Forest 61-80 as 8.5-point favorites.  This will be just their 2nd true road game of the season today.

Dayton is 22-6 ATS when playing just its 2nd game in 8 days over the last three seasons.  The Flyers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games vs. ACC opponents.  The Hokies are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 road games.  The Flyers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss.  Take Dayton Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Washington Wizards +7

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Utah Jazz.  They have gone 6-0 SU & 4-2 ATS in their last six games overall.  They just beat the 76ers by 22 and the Timberwolves by 32 in their last two games.  But that was a short-handed Timberwolves team, and that was a tired 76ers team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.

Now the Jazz have to face a rested, motivated Washington Wizards team.  The Wizards will be fresh and ready to go coming in on two days' rest.  They will be motivated after losing three of their last four games.  Washington has been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season, going 15-11 SU, including 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS at home.

Washington is 11-2 ATS vs. teams that attempt 39 or more 3-pointers per game.  The Wizards are 2-0 SU & 2-0 ATS in their last two meetings with the Jazz with two outright upsets as 10.5-point underdogs in both games.  Utah is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.  Bet the Wizards Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Toledo +9.5

The Toledo Rockets are one of the best teams in the MAC this season.  They are off to a 7-2 start this season with their only losses coming on the road to Michigan State and Oakland, two very good teams.  They have handled all other comers, and they will hang with Richmond Saturday.

The Spiders are one of the most overrated teams in the country.  They are 5-4 SU this season with their five wins coming against NC Central, Georgia State, HOfstra, Wofford and Northern Iowa.  They have lost to the four best teams they have faced in Utah State, Maryland, Mississippi State and Drake.  And Toledo ranks as one of the best teams they have faced.

Richmond is 0-6 ATS in its last six games after two straight games where opponent was called for 15 or fewer fouls.  The Spiders are 5-20 ATS in their last 25 home games vs. teams who average 40 or more rebounds per game.  Take Toledo Saturday.

15* Arizona/Illinois FOX ANNIHILATOR on Illinois +1

The Illinois Fighting Illini were expected to be one of the best teams in the country this season.  But they were without their best player in Kofi Cockburn for the first three games, and it has taken time for them to form some chemistry.

Illinois opened 2-2 with upset losses to Cincinnati and Marquette.  That loss to Cincinnati was Cockburn's first game back.  They have since reeled off five straight victories over Kansas State, UTRGV, Notre Dame, Rutgers and Iowa.  The 86-51 win over Rutgers as 9-point favorites and the 87-83 upset win at Iowa showed their potential.

Now the Fighting Illini will hand Arizona their first loss of the season.  The Wildcats have been impressive in their 8-0 SU & 7-1 ATS start, but it has come against the 242nd-ranked schedule in the country.  Illinois has played the 92nd-ranked schedule.  It's time to 'sell high' on the Wildcats, who will be playing just their 2nd true road game of the season with the other being against lowly Oregon State.  This will be their toughest test of the season by far.

Illinois is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games after allowing 80 points or more last game.  The Fighting Illini are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games with a total set of 150 to 159.5.  Illinois is 6-0 ATS in its last six games with a line of +3 to -3.  The Fighting Illini are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. up-tempo teams that average 62 or more points per game.  These four trends combine for a perfect 27-0 system backing the Fighting Illini.  Take Illinois Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Oral Roberts +9.5

Oral Roberts made a run to the Sweet 16 last year and brought back a lot of talent from that team.  Now they have played a tough early schedule that ranks 135th in the country.  They are 5-4 with three of their losses coming as big dogs to Colorado State, Oklahoma State (1-point loss) and TCU (8-point loss).

Oral Roberts has proven they can hang with teams like Oklahoma State and TCU, and now they will stay within single-digits of an even worse Missouri State team today.  The Bears are also 5-4, but it has come against the 309th-ranked schedule int he country.  They have upset losses to SE Missouri State as 16-point favorites, E. Tennessee State as 7-point favorites and Illinois State as 6.5-point favorites.  They have no business being a 9.5-point favorite against Oral Roberts today.

Plays on road underdogs or PK (Oral Roberts) - off a road win by 10 points ormore against an opponent that is off a road win by 20 points or more are 80-39 (67.2%) ATS since 1997.  

The Golden Eagles are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS win.  Oral Roberts is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Golden Eagles are 20-6-2 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.  Roll with Oral Roberts Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +9

The Los Angeles Clippers were already without their best player in Kawhi Leonard.  Now they will be without their second-best player in Paul George, who is nursing an elbow injury.  The Clippers should not be 9-point favorites against anyone without these two, not even the Orlando Magic.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Magic, who have lost three straight road games to Houston, Golden State and Sacramento.  But now they come in fresh and ready to go today on two days' rest.  They will give the Clippers a run for their money without George.

It's not like the Clippers were playing well with George recently, either.  They are just 5-7 SU & 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  Three of those five wins came by 6 points or less, so they aren't blowing anyone out either.  They certainly won't be beating the Magic by double-digits today.

The Clippers are 0-8 ATS in home games with a total set of 210 to 219.5 this season.  The Magic are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.  Los Angeles is 0-4 ATS in its last four games as a home favorite.  The Clippers are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games playing on two days' rest.  Roll with the Magic Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado State -2

What more does Colorado State have to do to get respect from oddsmakers?  They brought back all five starters from a team that nearly made the NCAA Tournament last year.  They are well on their way to the Big Dance after a 9-0 start this season, outscoring opponents by 17.9 points per game.

The Rams have already picked up some very quality wins over Oral Roberts by 29, Bradley by 6, Creighton by 14 and St. Mary's by 16.  Now they will take down a Mississippi State team that got off to a fast start against a weak schedule, but some holes have showed up of late.

The Bulldogs are 2-2 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall.  They lost by 14 to Louisville on a neutral as a 1.5-point favorite.  They only beat Lamar by 15 as a 22.5-point home favorite.  And they were upset as 11.5-point home favorites by a bad Minnesota team.  I would argue this is their toughest test of the season to date.

The Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  Colorado State is 4-0 ATS in its last four games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Rams are 11-3 ATS vs. poor pressure defensive teams that force 12 or fewer turnovers per game.  Niko Medved is 27-12 ATS after allowing 60 points or less last game in all games as a head coach.  Bet Colorado State Saturday.

20* Celtics/Suns ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 216.5

The Phoenix Suns are picking up where they left off last season.  They are 20-4 and it's largely due to being one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.  Indeed, the Suns rank 2nd in defensive efficiency this season at 101.7 points per 100 possessions allowed.

But they are hampered on offense right now without leading scorer Devin Booker (23.2 PPG).  And they'll be up against an improved Boston defense that ranks 10th in defensive efficiency, allowing 104.9 points per 100 possessions this season.  This total is simply too high with these two good defensive teams and Booker and Jaylen Brown (21.4 PPG) out.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Phoenix.  The UNDER is 8-3-1 in Celtics last 12 road games.  The UNDER is 4-1 in Suns last five games overall.  Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Cleveland Cavaliers PK

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the single-most underrated team in the NBA this season.  They are 14-12 SU & 18-6-2 ATS this season.  That includes an 8-1 ATS run in their lsat nine games with wins over Chicago by 23, Miami by 31, Dallas by 18 and Washington by 15.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 0-4 SU in their last four games overall with the four losses coming by an average of 14.0 points per game.  De'Angelo Russell is questionable to play tonight and they aren't nearly as good of a team without him.  But I believe the Cavaliers win this game whether he plays or not.

Cleveland is 9-1 ATS after covering four of five of its last six games this season.  The Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a double-digit home loss.  Bet the Cavaliers Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Indiana Pacers -1.5

The Indiana Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and it's starting to show.  They had three straight close losses by single-digits before winning their last two games by 6 over the Wizards and by 20 over the Knicks.

The Pacers are healthy, but they are also fresh and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 7 days tonight.  The same cannot be said for the struggling Mavericks, who will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and in their 3rd different city.  The Mavericks are 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall with losses to the Pelicans, Grizzlies and Nets.  They are also 3-8 SU in their last 11 games.

Dallas is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games following a win.  The Mavericks are 17-36 ATS in their last 53 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Roll with the Pacers Friday.

20* Iowa/Iowa State ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Iowa State +3.5

The Iowa State Cyclones are just getting no love from the books or bettors alike.  We'll take advantage tonight and back them as home underdogs.  TJ Otzelberger is doing one of the best coaching jobs in the country, and it's all of his recruits that are making the biggest impact for the Cyclones this season.

Iowa State is 8-0 this season with upset wins over Xavier 82-70 as 9-point underdogs on a neutral, Memphis 78-59 as 11.5-point underdogs on a neutral and Creighton 64-58 as 5.5-point road dogs.  Penn State transfer Isaiah Brockington (16.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG), Minnesota transfer Gabe Kalscheur (12.1 PPG), stud freshman PG Tyrese Hunter (11.6 PPG, 5.4 APG) and UNLV transfer Caleb Grill (7.6 PPG) are the top four scorers for the Cyclones thanks to Otzelberger's recruiting.

But the biggest difference has been Otzelberger's coaching to get this team to play defense, which is something Steve Prohm didn't do a good job of before him.  The Cyclones are holding opponents to 60.1 points per game this season, and those opponents typically average 70.1 points per game, so they are holding opponents to 10.0 points per game less than their season averages.

Iowa is overvalued after a 7-0 start against a very soft schedule.  They opened with six straight home wins as 19.5-point favorites or more before beating Virginia by 1 as 2-point road underdogs.  That's a down Virginia team.  Then they finally played some big boys in Purdue and Illinois and lost despite making some big rallies late after falling behind by double-digits to both.  Those final scores were closer than the games actually were.

The underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.  The home team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  The Cyclones are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.  Fran McCaffery is 6-15 ATS in road games after allowing 75 points or more in two straight games as the coach of Iowa.  Take Iowa State Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Lakers -3

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting healthy now with Lebron, Davis and Westbrook all on the floor together.  They flashed their potential with a 117-102 win over Boston last time out.  And now they are fresh and ready for another big effort tonight playing just their 2nd game in 6 days.

The same cannot be said for the Grizzlies, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after a 96-104 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks last night.  They are already short-handed as it is playing without JA Morant, plus Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clark and Sam Merrill are all questionable tonight.  They can't compete with the Lakers without Morant, especially not in this tough rest spot.  

Plays against home underdogs (Memphis) - after covering three of their last four ATS in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 41-16 (71.9%) ATS since 1996.  It's time to 'buy low' on Los Angeles after a shaky start to the season due to injuries.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on New Orleans Pelicans +2.5

The New Orleans Pelicans are as healthy as they have been all season.  It's no surprise they are playing some of their best basketball of the season of late as a result.  They have gone 4-3 SU & 4-3 ATS in their last seven games overall with upset wins over the Clippers, Jazz, Wizards and Mavericks.

Now the Pelicans are rested and ready to go coming in on two days' rest.  They take on a Denver Nuggets team that is banged up right now playing without Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray and Austin Rivers.  Nikola Jokic is banged up as well and has missed a few games lately, though he is supposed to play tonight.

These injuries are taking their toll as the Nuggets are 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Denver is 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games.  The Nuggets are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following an ATS loss.  New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last five games following a loss.  The Pelicans are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  Take the Pelicans Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Wizards/Pistons OVER 209

The OVER is 3-1 in Wizards last four games overall with combined scores of 217 or more points in all three OVERS.  The OVER is 2-0 in Pistons last two games with combined scores of 217 points or more in both games.  And I think there's ample value to pull the trigger on the OVER 209 tonight in this showdown.

Washington and Detroit have combined for 211 or more points in six of their last eight meetings, so this number is short based on head-to-head history as well.  Both teams are getting healthier of late and should start thriving on offense more than they have thus far this season.

The OVER is 5-1 in Wizards last six games overall.  The OVER is 18-7 in Pistons last 25 games following four or more consecutive losses.  Washington is 32-17 OVER in is last 49 road games following a road game.  Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season.  They are 13-12 SU & 18-5-2 ATS this season.  They are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall and coming off two competitive losses to the Jazz by 1 and Bucks by 8.  Look for them to bounce back at home tonight against the short-handed Bulls.

Chicago is an underrated team too, but they are banged up and without several key players due to COVID.  They are without DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Coby White and Javonte Green tonight.  I don't give them much of a chance of even keeping this game competitive against the Cavaliers without these guys.

The Cavaliers are 18-5 ATS in their last 23 games overall.  Cleveland is 15-2 ATS in its last 17 games following an ATS win.  The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Connecticut +2.5

Connecticut is one of the best teams in the country.  The Huskies are 8-1 this season with their only loss coming to Michigan State in overtime after they blew a big late lead.  They also have a win over Auburn on a neutral the day prior that went to multiple overtimes, so it explains how they ran out of gas against Michigan State.

West Virginia is 7-1 this season against a very easy schedule.  They have late bad teams like Oakland (won by 7) and Eastern Kentucky (won by 3) hang around at home.  They lost by 11 to Marquette on a neutral with their best win coming against Clemson by 7 on a neutral.  This will be their toughest test of the season for a rebuilding Mountaineers squad.

West Virginia is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 games after playing two or more consecutive home games.  The Huskies are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 road games.  The Mountaineers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.  Take Connecticut Wednesday.

20* CBB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Wisconsin -4.5

The Wisconsin Badgers are clearly one of the most underrated teams in the country.  They are off to a 7-1 start this season with their only loss coming to Providence.  They have five quality wins already over Texas A&M, Houston, St. Mary's, Georgia Tech and Marquette.  They have played the 56th-toughest schedule in the country.

Indiana is also 7-1, but it has come against the 273rd-ranked schedule in the country.  They were double-digit favorites in six of their seven wins.  In their lone road game, they lost outright to a bad Syracuse team.  And now this will be their toughest test of the season by far at Wisconsin.

Wisconsin simply owns Indiana at home, going 18-1 SU in the last 19 meetings in Madison.  Indiana is 0-6-1 ATS in its last seven road games.  The Hoosiers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games as underdogs.  The Badgers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  Bet Wisconsin Wednesday.

20* Celtics/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 219

These teams played in a shootout in their first meeting on November 19th in a 130-108 victory by the Celtics in Boston for 238 combined points.  The OVER is now 7-1 in the last eight meetings with combined scores of 226 or more points in six of the last seven.  It should be more of the same tonight, especially with the way these two teams are trending.

The OVER is 4-1 in Lakers last five games overall and they just got LeBron James back healthy.  They lost to the Clippers 115-119 for 234 combined points last time out.  The OVER is 2-0 in Celtics last two games overall as they combined with the Jazz for 267 points and the Blazers for 262 points without overtime in either!

The Lakers play at the 2nd-fastest pace in the NBA this season.  Russell Westbrook has been an OVER machine everywhere he has gone because he pushes the pace at the PG position.  Dennis Schroder loves to do the same for the Celtics and has been a great addition to their team this season averaging 17.9 points per game.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on North Dakota State +5.5

North Dakota State is one of the better mid-major teams in the country.  They returned all five starters this year and are off to a 5-3 start with their only losses coming on the road to UNLV (by 2), Arizona and Creighton.  They have taken care of business against everyone else.

Montana State lost to a team the caliber of North Dakota State in South Dakota State by a final of 74-91.  The Bobcats are 5-4 this season with their only wins coming against Rocky Mountain, Portland, Incarnate Word, SE Missouri State and Sacramento State with two of those wins coming by 3 points or less.

The Bobcats should not be this big of favorites against the Bison, let alone favorites at all.  It's also a tougher rest spot for the Bobcats as they will be playing their 3rd game in 6 days, while the Bison come in on four days' rest after blasting Northland 114-51 last time out on December 2nd.

North Dakota State is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 road games following an ATS loss.  Montana State is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games vs. good teams that outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game.  The Bobcats are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.  Montana State is 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take North Dakota State Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Kansas -18.5

The Kansas Jayhawks have faced a brutal schedule thus far and are 6-1 with their only loss coming to Dayton by a single point after blowing a double-digit lead.  They beat St. John's by 20 and Michigan State by 13 with five of their seven games on a neutral thus far.  Now they are back home where they have beaten Tarleton State by 26 and Stony Brook by 29.

Kansas has played the 72nd-toughest schedule in the country.  Now they take a on a 4-3 UTEP team that has played the 192nd schedule.  Their toughest games were two losses to New Mexico State.  The their five games have come against Western New Mexico, Northern New Mexico, Pacific, UC-Riverside (lost by 12) and Florida A&M.  It's safe to say this is a massive step up in class for the Miners.

UTEP is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Miners are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games following three or more consecutive home games.  This is an elite Kansas offense averaging 85.4 points per game against teams that only allow 66 points per game, scoring nearly 20 points per game more than their opponents typically allow.  They will run it up here.  Roll with Kansas Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +7.5

The Phoenix Suns finally had their 18-game winning streak snapped by the Golden State Warriors last time out.  I always like fading teams the game after having a long winning streak snapped because it tends to be a hangover spot.  The wind is lifted out of their sails.

A big reason the Suns lost to the Warriors is because they were without their best player in Devin Booker.  He remains out tonight with a hamstring injury, and the Suns have no business laying this big of a number against the San Antonio Spurs without him.

This is a fresh Spurs team playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with four straight upset victories over the Celtics by 8, Wizards by 17, Blazers by 31 and Warriors by 5 as 9-point road dogs.  They will be playing just their 4th game in 10 days tonight.

Plays on road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (San Antonio) - after going under the total by 48 points or more in their last 10 games, a bad team winning 25% to 40% of their games on the season are 40-14 (74.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a loss.  San Antonio is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to Phoenix.  Take the Spurs Monday.

20* Illinois/Iowa Big Ten No-Brainer on Illinois +4

The Illinois Fighting Illini were expected to be one of the best teams in the country this season.  But they were without their best player in Kofi Cockburn for the first three games, and it has taken time for them to form some chemistry.

Illinois opened 2-2 with upset losses to Cincinnati and Marquette.  That loss to Cincinnati was Cockburn's first game back.  They have since reeled off four straight victories over Kansas State, UTRGV, Notre Dame and Rutgers.  That 86-51 win over Rutgers as 9-point favorites showed their potential, and I think we get their 'A' game against Iowa tonight.

The Hawkeyes are overvalued after opening the season 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS.  But their first six games were all at home against suspect competition as they were basically 20-point favorites or more in every game.  They escaped with a 75-74 win at Virginia, a team that is down this season.  And they lost by 7 at Purdue last time out, which was a respectable showing but I think has them overvalued tonight as 4-point favorites against the Fighting Illini.  

I have no doubt Illinois is the better of these two teams and it will show on the court.  The Fighting Illini are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 37% or better.  The Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as road underdogs.  Roll with Illinois Monday.