15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Nuggets/Mavs UNDER 231

The Dallas Mavericks are without their two best players in Doncic (28.1 PPG) and Irving (24.3 PPG).  Points are going to be hard to come by for the Mavericks until these two return, and they are going to have to rely a lot more on defense to stay competitive.

They have done a good job of that beating the Lakers 118-97 for 215 combined points and the Blazers 117-111 for 228 combined points in their last two games without them.  The UNDER is 4-2 in Mavericks last six gmaes overall with 228 or fewer combined points in five of those six games.

The Nuggets have their three best players listed as questionable in Jokic (31.6 PPG), Murray (19.0 PPG) and Gordon (13.7 PPG) tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, so don't be surprised if any of these guys sit, especially Murray who got injured last night in a 124-105 win over the Nets for 229 combined points.  

The Nuggets and their opponents have gone for 229 or fewer combined points at the end of regulation in each of their last five games.  This is an early 3:10 EST tip and these games tend to be lower scoring as NBA teams aren't used to playing this early in the day.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* Big West PLAY OF THE DAY on UC-Irvine +6.5

UC-San Diego has been one of the most underrated teams in all of college basketball over the last two seasons.  But this is where it has finally caught up to them as they are now being asked to lay 6.5 points to a team I believe to be better than them in UC-Irvine.

UC-Irvine is 14-2 SU & 11-4 ATS this season while UC-San Diego is 14-2 SU & 11-3 ATS this season.  This line should be much closer to PK.  These Big West teams have almost no home-court advantage, and home court is consistently given too much credit in this conference.  These teams are almost dead even power rating wise.  There's clearly value with the Anteaters tonight.  Bet UC-Irvine Saturday.

15* UCF/Arizona Big 12 Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 156

This game between UCF and Arizona will see a ton of possessions as both teams like to get up shots in a hurry.  Arizona ranks 60th in adjusted tempo and 46th in average length of offensive possession while also ranking 15th in adjusted offense.  That's a potent combination as the Wildcats are averaging 84.1 points per game this season.

The UCF Knights are averaging 78.5 points per game this season.  They rank 61st in adjusted tempo and 41st in average length of offensive possession.  They scored 87 points in their last road game at Texas Tech.  I think both teams have a chance of getting in the 80's tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Grizzlies/Timberwolves OVER 228.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 1st in pace and 5th in offensive rating despite battling injuries all season.  But now Morant, Jackson Jr. and Bane are all healthy and they are without one of their best defenders in Marcus Smart, making them even more of an OVER team.

This total of 228.5 is very low for a game involving the Grizzlies right now.  The OVER is 6-2 in Grizzlies last eight games overall with 229 or more combined points in seven of those eight games, including 234 or more in six of them.

I think the books have adjusted this total down due to the Minnesota Timberwolves going under the total in each of their last three games.  But they played two dead nuts under teams in the Clippers and Magic, plus the injury-ravaged Pelicans.

The Timberwolves had gone 5-0 OVER in their previous five games against teams that have a pulse on offense.  But they also faced some great defensive teams during that stretch against Houston, Boston and OKC.  This has the making of a shootout.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Total DOMINATOR on North Dakota/Oral Roberts OVER 160

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 11-4 OVER in all games this season.  The OVER is 8-1 in their last nine lined games with 155 or more combined points in eight of the nine, including 165 or more combined points in five consecutive games.  They rank 347th in adjusted defense.

Speaking of poor defensive teams, Oral Roberts ranks 360th in adjusted defense.  The Golden Eagles like to play fast.  The OVER is 3-0 in their last three games overall combining for 160 with Oklahoma State, 157 with Kansas City and a whopping 206 in regulation with North Dakota State last time out.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* Summit League TOTAL OF THE WEEK on South Dakota/St. Thomas OVER 168

The South Dakota Coyotes are a dead nuts OVER team going 12-1 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 8th in adjusted tempo, 111th in adjusted offense and 352nd in adjusted defense.

The St. Thomas Tommies also profile as an OVER team going 12-3 OVER in all games this season.  They are 147th in adjusted tempo and amazingly 62nd in adjusted offense despite playing in the Summit.  They are 227th in adjusted defense.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* MWC TOTAL OF THE DAY on Nevada/Fresno State OVER 147.5

After being a dead nuts UNDER team for years, the Fresno State Bulldogs got a new head coach in Vance Walberg and a new up-tempo philosophy this season.  Books have struggled to keep up with the drastic change.

Indeed, the Bulldogs are a dead nuts OVER team going 11-5 OVER in all games this season.  They are 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall with 155 or more combined points in all five games.  They rank 5th in adjusted tempo this season.

Nevada is a dead nuts under team that plays at a slow tempo.  But that's why this total has been adjusted down too much.  Fresno State will control the tempo playing at home, and Nevada won't mind running with them as they'll be motivated to end a four-game losing streak and run up the score.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Wake Forest -2

The Miami Hurricanes are a complete dumpster fire.  Head coach Jim Laranaga resigned after a 4-8 start.  The Hurricanes went on to lose their next three games without him to fall to 4-11 SU & 3-12 ATS this season.

Worse yet, Miami has gone 1-11 SU in its last 12 games overall which includes upset home losses to Mount St. Mary's and Charleston Southern as massive favorites.  The Hurricanes are already on 'quit watch' and we just started ACC play after a 15-point home loss to rival Florida State last time out.

Wake Forest is playing well going 4-1 SU in its last five games with its only loss coming at Clemson.  That includes a 10-point road win at Syracuse and an 18-point home win over NC State.  The Demon Deacons have been off for the last week and will have the rest advantage over the Hurricanes, who just lost on Wednesday at home to FSU and will only have two days in between games.

Leading scorer Nijel Pack (13.9 PPG) is out for the Hurricanes after missing their last five games, which is a big reason for their recent struggles.  Divine Ogochukwu (5.6 PPG) is questionable as well.  Bet Wake Forest Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Suns OVER 228

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  The OVER is 12-4 in Jazz last 16 games overall with 236 or more combined points in 11 of those 16 games. This total of 228 is very low for a game involving the Jazz, who rank 29th in defensive rating.

The Phoenix Suns are fully healthy right now and an elite offensive team when that's the case.  But they rank 22nd in defensive rating this season.  They are coming off a 123-115 home win over the Atlanta Hawks for 238 combined points.  It should be more of the same against the Jazz tonight.

The OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings between the Jazz and Suns with 230 or more combined points in all six meetings.  They combined for 260 points in their last meeting this season.  Enough said.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Valparaiso +8

Valparaiso is one of the most underrated teams in the Missouri Valley this season.  The Beacons are 5-3 SU and 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  The losses were as impressive as the wins during this stretch.

Valparaiso only lost by 6 as 10-point home dogs to Drake and by 6 as 14-point road dogs at Bradley.  They also upset Northern Iowa at home, and Missouri State and Western Michigan on the road during this stretch.

This is a massive letdown spot for Murray State.  The Racers are now getting a lot of respect after upsetting both Drake and Northern Iowa on the road in their last two games.  They had gone 1-5 SU & 1-4-1 ATS in their previous six games with their lone win coming by 3 over a bad Loyola-Chicago team.  They were upset by Illinois State in their last home game.  Bet Valparaiso Saturday.

15* Atlantic 10 PLAY OF THE DAY on St. Joe's -5

I love the spot for St. Joe's today hosting Loyola Chicago.  The Hawks will be highly motivated for a victory after two consecutive road losses to Saint Louis and Duquesne, which are two of the best teams in the Atlantic 10.

Now the Hawks are back home today and taking on one of the most overrated teams in all of college basketball in Loyola-Chicago.  The Ramblers are 3-5 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.

The three wins came at home against USF by 2 as 10.5-point favorites, at home against Canisius by 12 as 24-point favorites and on the road at lowly La Salle as 2-point favorites.  The losses are concerning as they were upset by Oakland, College of Charleston and Murray State and lost to VCU by 19 and San Francisco by 10.  Bet St. Joseph's Saturday.

15* MWC PLAY OF THE DAY on San Jose State -1.5

The San Jose State Spartans are one of the most underrated teams in the country largely due to the fact that head coach Tim Miles is grossly underrated.  The Spartans have gone 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.

After four consecutive SU losses against a brutal schedule of Boise State (by 2), Colorado State, UNLV (by 6) and Utah State (by 7), the Spartans finally get a reprieve today against the worst team in the Mountain West in Air Force.

The Falcons are 3-12 SU this season.  Their three wins have come against Jacksonville State, Mercyhurt and Stony Brook.  They are legitimately one of the worst teams in all of college basketball.  They lost by 18 to Boise State, 19 to UNLV and 29 to San Diego State recently.  Bet San Jose State Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Illinois-Chicago ML +125

Illinois-Chicago is one of the most underrated teams in the Missouri Valley this season.  The Flames are 11-5 SU & 9-4 ATS this season. They are 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall including upset road wins over Illinois State, Seattle, Little Rock and Missouri State.

The most impressive win of the bunch was handing 12-0 Drake its first loss of the season in a 74-70 upset home win as 6-point dogs.  That gives these teams a recent common opponent as Bradley just lost 64-57 as 2-point home favorites to Drake.

It's been a bad stretch for the overrated Braves who are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.  They only beat Valpo by 6 as 14-point home favorites, Indiana State by 1 as 3.5-point road favorites and Missouri State by 9 as 11.5-point home favorites.  The Flames just beat Missouri State by 17 on the road last game.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet Illinois-Chicago on the Money Line Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Afternoon Total DOMINATOR on North Dakota State/Denver OVER 155.5

North Dakota State is a dead nuts OVER team.  The Bison are 12-3 OVER in all games this season and scoring 82.6 points per game.  They are 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall with 154 or more combined points in all five games, including 160 or more in four of them.

What makes them such an OVER team is that they rank 30th in adjusted offense and 324th in adjusted defense.  They take on a Denver team that ranks 355th in adjusted defense.  So don't expect either team to be getting many stops here.

Denver is 5-0 OVER in its lat five games overall with 157 or more combined points in all five games.  This total is too short today folks.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Iowa State/Texas Tech Big 12 ANNIHILATOR on Texas Tech ML -125

This is the classic unranked team favored over the ranked team, and not just any ranked team but the No. 3 team in the country in Iowa State.  The Texas Tech Red Raiders are favored for good reason at home today.

Texas Tech just got Toppin back in the lineup and is at full strength.  The Red Raiders promptly went on the road and crushed Utah 93-65 and upset BYU 72-67 in their last two games coming in.

Iowa State only beat Utah by 23 at home in its last game while Texas Tech beat Utah by 28 on the road to give these teams a common opponent.  This will be by far Iowa State's toughest road game of the season after winning by 9 at Iowa and by 10 at Colorado in its previous two road games.  This is a big step up in class for the Cyclones here.  Bet Texas Tech on the Money Line Saturday.

15* Big East PLAY OF THE DAY on Georgetown +5

What more does Georgetown have to do to get some respect? The Hoyas are one of the most improved teams in the country and the books have failed to catch up to just how improved they are this season.

The Hoyas are 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  The lone losses came on the road at West Virginia by 13 and at Marquette by 8 as 13.5-point dogs.  They beat Xavier by 6 and Creighton by 24 in their two Big East home games this season.

UConn finally had its lucky 8-game winning streak come to an end in their last game, losing 68-66 at Villanova.  Five of the eight wins during that streak came by 6 points or less, so they were simply fortunate in close games.

The Huskies have struggled since losing 2nd-leading scorer Liam McNeely (13.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG) two games ago.  Prior to losing at Villanova, they only beat Providence by 3 at home as 14.5-point favorites.  The Hoyas are live underdogs today.  Bet Georgetown Saturday.

15* Big East TOTAL OF THE DAY on UConn/Georgetown UNDER 143.5

UConn ranks 318th in adjusted tempo this season playing as one of the slowest teams in all of college basketball.  The Huskies just lost 2nd-leading scorer Liam McNeely (13.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG) two games ago and will be without him today.

The Georgetown Hoyas are improved this season but it's largely due to defense rather than offense.  The Hoyas are 119th in adjusted offense but 29th in adjusted defense.  They have been without second-leading scorer Jayden Epps (14.7 PPG) in their last couple games and he is questionable to return today.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

20* Big 12 TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Iowa State/Texas OVER 147

The reason Iowa State is a national championship contender this season is improvement on offense.  The Cyclones are actually the 6th-most efficient offensive team in the country.  They are scoring 86.3 points per game.

Texas Tech is 8th in adjusted offense, so this is a matchup of two Top 10 offenses with a total of only 147.  The Red Raiders rank 3rd in effective FG% and 11th in 3-point percentage.  They are scoring 85.5 points per game.  The OVER is 9-4 in all Texas Tech games this season.

These teams combined for 156 points in their lone meeting last season.  This thing should sail OVER the number again.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* MVC TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Belmont/Indiana State OVER 170

Indiana State is a dead nuts OVER team going 12-2 OVER in its 14 games this season.  The Belmont Bruins are also a dead nuts OVER team going 11-4 OVER in all games this season.  This game shapes up to be one of the highest scoring games in college basketball in 2025.

Indiana State ranks 9th in adjusted tempo and 275th in adjusted defense.  Belmont ranks 29th in adjusted tempo and 251st in adjusted defense.  Both teams are much better on the offensive end than they are on defense.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Thunder/Knicks NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on OVER 225

The New York Knicks are a dead nuts OVER team this season.  They have done a 180 becoming one of the best offensive teams in the NBA while simultaneously slipping a lot on defense.  They rank 3rd in offensive rating only slightly behind the Cavs and Celtics.

The Oklahoma City Thunder rank 8th in offensive rating and like to play fast.  They are more of an OVER team right now without Alex Caruso, who is one of their best defenders but doesn't provide much on offense.  They just got in a 129-122 shootout with the Cavs last game for 251 combined points, and it will be more of the same against the Knicks tonight.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings with 224 or more combined points in all six meetings between the Knicks and Thunder.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Kings/Celtics OVER 229.5

Note: Fox has since been listed out since I posted this pick.  I would no longer play it.

De'Aaron Fox was seen participating in shootaround in Boston Friday.  They are an OVER team with him and an UNDER team without him.  I'm expecting him to play tonight, which is why I added this OVER 229.5

The Celtics rank 2nd in offensive rating this season only behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Kings rank 7th in offensive rating.  These are two of the best offensive teams in the NBA, and they are both fully healthy right now.

The Kings have scored at least 122 points in five of their last six games, and the OVER is 5-2 in their last seven games.  The Celtics are coming off three consecutive unders which are keeping this total lower than it should be.  They played the Nuggets without Jokic, the best defensive team in the NBA in the Thunder and the 3rd-best defensive team in the NBA in the Rockets during this three-game stretch.

Both teams are fresh, healthy and ready to run.  The Celtics have had the last two days off, while the Kings have had the last three days off.  I expect this game to be played at a very frenetic pace.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Utah Jazz +6

The Utah Jazz are exactly the type of team you can make money on in the NBA.  They have a poor record but they show up to play every night.  And that has especially been the case of late as the Jazz are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall with four outright upset victories.

Without Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat have no business being 6-point road favorites over the Jazz tonight.  The Heat were 9-point home favorites over the Jazz in their first meeting this season and lost 136-100, failing to cover the spread by 45 points.

This is a very tough spot for the Heat.  They will be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days and their 6th game in 9 days.  They had to go to double-OT against Sacramento three nights ago to add to their fatigue.  Now they have to go into altitude in Salt Lake City, and I don't expect them to handle it very well tonight.  Bet the Jazz Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Hawks/Suns OVER 236.5

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 2nd in pace and 20th in defensive rating.  The Hawks and their opponents have combined for at least 230 points in eight of their last 10 games overall.

The Phoenix Suns are at full strength right now and a deadly offensive team when that's the case, which hasn't been the case for much of the season.  Booker, Beal and Durant are all healthy as are all their role players with the exception of Royce O'Neale.

The OVER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Hawks and Suns.  They have combined for 243 and 249 points in their last two meetings, and 232 or more points in eight of their last 10 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Heat/Jazz OVER 221.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  The OVER is 12-3 in Jazz last 15 games overall with 236 or more combined points in 11 of those 15 games. This total of 221.5 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  

What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They have scored at least 103 points in 12 consecutive games, including 120 or more in six of them.

The Miami Heat don't miss much offensively without Jimmy Butler, but they do miss him defensively.  They have had to go more small ball and they shoot a ton of 3-pointers, which makes them more of an OVER team.  They have fallen off defensively allowing 120 or more points in four of their last seven games.

The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.  That includes 236 combined points in their first meeting this season.  They have combined for 226 or more points in seven of their last eight meetings, including 233 or more in six of those.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Oklahoma PK

Oklahoma (13-1) finally suffered its first loss of the season in blowout fashion at Alabama over the weekend.  You could see it coming as it was the first true road game for the Sooners against one of the best teams in the country.

But now the Sooners are back home where they are 8-0 SU this season and 22-4 SU dating back to the beginning of last season.  They take on a Texas A&M team in a letdown spot off a 20-point blowout home win over rival Texas over the weekend.

This will be just the 2nd true road game of the season for the Aggies.  They lost 64-61 at UCF as 6-point favorites in their season opener.  That's a UCF team that just lost by 51 at home to Kansas in their last game.

This will be Texas A&M's toughest test of the season.  Making matters worse for the Aggies is that they will be without their best player in leading scorer Wade Taylor (15.7 PPG, 4.8 APG).  That's a huge loss for them and it's not being factored into the line enough.  Bet Oklahoma Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Toronto Raptors +12

The Raptors have managed to stay competitive despite dealing with a plethora of injuries all season.  There is a lot of talent on this roster when fully healthy, and the Raptors are fully healthy for the first time all season tonight.

The New York Knicks are a tired team and it is showing going 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  They lost outright to the short-handed Magic last game as double-digit home favorites.  They lost by 13 at Chicago as 5.5-point favorites.

Tom Thibodeau keeps playing his starters 40-plus minutes on a nightly basis.  It is catching up to them in the injury department as both Towns and McBride are questionable to play tonight after sitting out last game.

The Knicks will be playing their 8th game in 13 days, while the Raptors will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  The Raptors will be playing with double-revenge after losing by 5 at home and by 14 on the road to the Knicks in their two meetings in December.  This number is a couple notches too high.  Bet the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Detroit Pistons -7

The Brooklyn Nets are a dumpster fire right now.  They have already made a couple big trades and have failed to replace the players they lost.  Making matters worse is that they are without 7 key players right now, including each of their top 4 scorers.

All these injuries and lack of talent have really showed up in their last two games as the Nets lost by 29 at home to the 76ers and by 14 at home to the Pacers.  I don't expect it to go much better for them tonight.

Now they take on a Detroit Pistons team that has quietly gone 7-1 SU in their last eight games overall.  They are legit playoff contenders sitting at 18-18 on the season.  I don't expect Detroit to have a letdown here considering they have a chance to get above .500 for the first time this season.  This has blowout written all over it.  Bet the Pistons Wednesday.

20* Thunder/Cavs ESPN No-Brainer on Cleveland -2

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 30-4 SU this season including 18-1 SU at home.  They are the healthier, more rested team tonight in this huge matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While the Cavs will be playing just their 3rd game in 9 days, the Thunder will be playing their 4th game in 7 days.  The Thunder are coming off a big comeback home win over the Celtics, setting them up for a big of a letdown spot here.

You won't find a tougher two-game stretch than Boston followed by Cleveland.  This is also the first road game for the Thunder after playing their last five games at home.  This will be their toughest test of the season.  Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Florida State +2

The Miami Hurricanes are a complete dumpster fire.  Head coach Jim Laranaga resigned after a 4-8 start.  The Hurricanes went on to lose their next two games without him to fall to 4-10 SU & 3-11 ATS this season.

Worse yet, Miami has gone 1-10 SU in its last 11 games overall which includes upset home losses to Mount St. Mary's and Charleston Southern as massive favorites.  The Hurricanes are already on 'quit watch' and we just started ACC play.

Florida State has been undervalued going 10-4 SU & 9-5 ATS this season.  That includes 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games.  Leading scorer Nijel Pack (13.9 PPG) is a game-time decision for the Hurricanes after missing their last four games.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet Florida State Wednesday.

20* MVC GAME OF THE WEEK on Bradley -2.5

The Bradley Braves have one of the best home-court advantages in the country.  The Braves went 14-3 SU at home last season and they are 8-0 SU at home this season including a win over San Francisco.  They basically just have to win this game to cover this short number against Drake tonight.

The Bulldogs have been a great story getting off to a 12-0 start this season.  But they have been overvalued since, getting upset in each of their last two games at Illinois-Chicago and at home against Murray State as double-digit favorites.  

G Isiah Jackson is questionable for Drake after missing their last game against Murray State.  He starts and plays 28 minutes per game and does a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs.  Meanwhile, Bradley is fully healthy coming into this one.

The Braves have had this game circled all offseason.  They will be playing with quadruple revenge after losing each of their last four meetings with Drake.  Their NCAA Tournament hopes were crushed with two consecutive losses the last two years to Drake in the MVC Tournament.  I expect a big effort from the Braves tonight.  Bet Bradley Wednesday.

20* Big East GAME OF THE WEEK on Villanova +1

The UConn Huskies have been very fortunate during their current 8-game winning streak.  Five of the eight wins have come by 6 points or less.  That includes a 3-point home win over Providence as 14.5-point favorites last time out.

A big reason the Huskies struggled to put away Providence was because they were without their 2nd-leading scorer in Liam McNeely (13.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG) for the first time this season.  McNeely is out again tonight.

Villanova has gone 8-2 SU & 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games overall playing its best basketball of the season.  The two losses came by 1 on a neutral to Maryland and by 7 at Creighton.  The Wildcats are 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six home games, including a 44-point blowout of DePaul last time out.

UConn only won by a single point in their trip to Villanova last season.  The Huskies aren't nearly as strong this season after winning the national title the last two years.  The Wildcats are one of the most improved teams in the country, and I think they get some revenge here.  Wrong team favored.  Bet Villanova Wednesday.

20* Celtics/Nuggets TNT No-Brainer on OVER 235.5

The Denver Nuggets are without their best defender in Aaron Gordon right now.  They are a dead nuts OVER team without him having to go small ball by inserting Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup in his place.

In their last 22 games, the Nuggets and their opponents have combined for at least 229 points in 17 of them.  Here of late they have gone for 233 or more combined points in five of their last six games, including 259 with the Hawks, 253 with the Jazz, 255 with the Pistons and 284 with the Cavs.  The Nuggets rank 4th in offensive rating on the season.

The Celtics are fully healthy right now for basically the first time all season with only Derrick White listed questionable with an illness.  They are setting records for shooting 3-pointers and rank 2nd in offensive rating only behind the Cavaliers.  When fully healthy they are arguably the best offensive team in the NBA.  They will gladly go small ball to match the Nuggets tonight.

The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Big 12 TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Texas Tech/BYU OVER 148.5

Texas Tech is a dead nuts OVER team going 9-3-1 OVER in all games this season.  The Red Raiders are elite on offense ranking 10th in adjusted offense, 1st in effective FG percentage and 10th in 3-point percentage.  They are loaded with 3-point shooters all over the floor.  They have scored at least 76 points in 12 of their 13 games this season.

The BYU Cougars are also pretty elite on offense.  They rank 92nd in average length of possession so they get shots up quickly.  They do so efficiently ranking 29th in adjusted offense, 23rd in effective FG percentage and 62nd in 3-point percentage.

Like Texas Tech, BYU attempts a ton of 3-pointers, and thus this game will see a lot of long rebounds and easy scoring opportunities for both teams in transition.  This total is way too short when you consider Texas Tech and its opponents have combined for at least 151 points in nine of its 13 games this season.  

These teams combined for 163 points in their regular season meeting and 148 in the Big 12 Tournament last season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on New Orleans Pelicans +5.5

This is a very tough spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers last night.  Four starters played at least 31 minutes for the Timberwolves in the win.  They haven't had two days off in a row since December 17-18.  They won't have much left in the tank for the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.

The Pelicans are as healthy as they have been in a long time and now Zion Williamson makes his return tonight.  They are only for sure without Brandon Ingram.  This is a very talented roster, and a lot more talented than their 7-29 SU record would indicate.  But because they have such a poor record we are getting great value with them tonight and in the immediate future as long as they are as healthy as they are right now.

The Pelicans are coming off consecutive blowout victories over the Wizards by 12 and 12 points in a home-and-home situation.  They are rested after having yesterday off and will be playing just their 5th game in 11 days.  The spot really favors the home underdog tonight.  Bet the Pelicans Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Suns/Hornets OVER 222

The Charlotte Hornets have been battling injuries all season.  But they are finally pretty healthy only missing Mann and Grant Williams.  They are a dead nuts OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball (29.8 PPG, 7.3 APG) is on the court, and he is currently healthy right now.  The Hornets also recently got Brandon Miller (21.5 PPG) back from injury.

The Suns are basically fully healthy for the first time all season.  Durant, Booker, Beal and Nurkic are all healthy.  They are brining Beal and Nurkic off the bench to help out with their depth issues, and it's working as they just upset the 76ers last night.  They are a deadly offensive team when all these guys are healthy.

The Hornets and Suns have combined for at least 225 points in four of their last six meetings with the OVER going 3-2-1.  This total of 222 is way too short for a game involving healthy Suns and Hornets teams tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Tennessee/Florida ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Florida -3

The Tennessee Vols are 14-0 and the No. 1 ranked team in the country.  Yet they are underdogs to the Florida Gators tonight.  They are underdogs for good reason as I fully expect the Gators to win and cover and hand the Vols their first loss of the season.

This will be just their 3rd true road game of the season for the Volunteers.  They beat Louisville and got past Illinois 66-64.  This is their toughest road game of the season now against a 13-1 Florida team that is highly motivated coming off its first loss of the season at Kentucky by a final of 106-100.

But now the Gators are back home where they are 7-0 this season and outscoring opponents by nearly 30 points per game.  Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Bet Florida Tuesday.

20* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Chicago Bulls +3

The Chicago Bulls are fully healthy right now with the exception of Dosunmu.  They have quietly been playing some pretty good basketball here of late going 6-4 SU in their last 10 games, including a 139-126 win as 5.5-point underdogs over the Knicks last time out.  They also upset the Celtics and Bucks during this stretch.

The Bulls are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 5 days.  They have owned the San Antonio Spurs, going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  That includes a 139-124 win as 1.5-point dogs in San Antonio in their first meeting this season on December 5th.

I think this is a terrible spot for the San Antonio Spurs.  They are coming off a home-and-home series with the Denver Nuggets on Friday and Saturday.  After beating the Nuggets 113-110 on the road Friday, they lost 122-111 (OT) to the Nuggets at home on Saturday.  This has the makings of a flat spot for the Spurs after those two grueling games, and now playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

15* NBA Monday Night BLOWOUT on Indiana Pacers -10

The Indiana Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and playing their best basketball of the season as a result.  They have opened 2025 by beating the Heat by 13 on the road and the Suns by 18 at home to improve to 8-3 SU & 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

Now the Pacers should make easy work of the Brooklyn Nets, who have traded away a few of their best players and are in transition.  Making matters worse for the Nets is their laundry list of injuries right now.

Indeed, the Nets have 8 players on the injury report.  They are without Bogdanovic, Melton (10.3 PPG), Thomas (24.7 PPG) and Johnson (19.5 PPG), and they could be without Russell (12.7 PPG, 5.0 APG) and Simmons (5.9 PPG, 6.9 APG), who are both questionable to play tonight.  They are basically a G League team right now.  This has blowout written all over it.  Bet the Pacers Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Magic/Knicks UNDER 210

The Orlando Magic are without each of their top four scorers in Banchero (29.0 PPG), Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG), Suggs (16.4 PPG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG).  It's safe to say points have been very hard to come by for the Magic without these guys.

Indeed, the Magic are 2-4 SU in their last six games overall while averaging just 94.8 points per game during this six-game stretch.  They rank 29th in the NBA in offensive rating, 5th in defensive rating and 29th in pace over those six games.  They are a dead nuts UNDER team as it is, but especially in their current form.

Both Karl-Anthony Towns (25.3 PPG) and Miles McBride (9.8 PPG) are questionable to play for the Knicks tonight, and Jalen Brunson (25.4 PPG) is playing through a calf injury.  The Knicks aren't in great shape right now either in the injury department.

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will already be the 4th meeting between the Knicks and Magic this season and all four have come within the last month.  After a 121-106 win by the Knicks in their first meeting where the Wagner brothers combined for 50 points.  The the last two have been extremely low scoring with just 191 and 193 combined points.  It will be more of the same in the 4th meeting as this one stays well UNDER the 210-point total.  Bet the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* Suns/76ers NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Phoenix +3.5

The Phoenix Suns will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost four straight games to the Pacers, Grizzlies, Warriors and Mavericks coming in.  But they are now fully healthy for basically the first time all season and should put their best foot forward tonight.

The Suns will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days to start 2025.  They are fresh and ready to go, and now Durant, Beal, Booker and Nurkic are all healthy when all four has missed significant time this season.  Jones is back in the lineup as well after sitting out last game.

The 76ers do have George and Maxey back, but Embiid is questionable every night and remains questionable tonight.  Both Oubre (12.8 PPG) and Lowry are questionable, and McCain (15.3 PPG) and Martin (6.4 PPG) are both out.  The 76ers are a top-heavy team and missing some key role players.

The Suns have owned the 76ers going 9-2 SU in the last 11 meetings.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Suns Monday.

20* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Portland Trail Blazers +6.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are quietly playing their best basketball of the season right now largely due to the fact that they are fully healthy with the exception of Jeramy Grant.  They have gone 3-2 SU in their last five games with an upset home win over the Mavericks and an upset road win over the Bucks as double-digit underdogs.

The Detroit Pistons are getting too much respect now after going 6-1 SU in their last seven games.  They are coming off an outright upset win over the Timberwolves as 6.5-point dogs, setting them up for a big letdown spot here tonight.

Cade Cunningham had 40 points in the win, and he is going to have to shoulder even more of the load moving forward now that Jaden Ivey (17.6 PPG, 4.0 APG) is out with a broken fibula.  Ivey is one of the more underrated players in the league and the Pistons will miss him sooner rather than later.  Amen Thompson (7.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG) is questionable.

The Blazers own the Pistons going 8-1 SU & 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Their lone loss came by 6 in OT.  That makes for a 9-0 system backing the Blazers pertaining to this 6.5-point spread.  Bet the Blazers Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Magic OVER 212

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 11-2 in Jazz last 13 games overall with 236 or more combined points in 10 of those 13 games.

This total of 212 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.  They have scored at least 103 points in 10 consecutive games, including 120 or more in five of them.

The Orlando Magic are an under team, but that is being factored into this line too much.  They will be able to hang a big number on the Jazz, and I expect the Jazz to hang right with them.  

The Jazz and Magic have combined for at least 213 points in five consecutive meetings, including 220 or more in each of the last four.  I like OVERS in non-conference games because teams are unfamiliar with one another only facing each other twice a year, and that unfamiliarity favors offense.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz +6.5

The Utah Jazz are as healthy as they have been all season.  That return to health has led to a 6-2 ATS run in their last eight games overall.  That includes a 136-100 upset win over the Miami Heat last night.

This line has been adjusted too much in Orlando's favor due to the Jazz playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But they had two days off prior to that win over Miami, and it was a blowout so their starters didn't even play in the 4th quarter.  Nobody played more than 30 minutes for the Jazz last night.

It's a short trip from Miami to Orlando, so I expect the Jazz to still be plenty fresh tonight to put forth another big effort.  But this play is as much a fade of the Magic as anything with all the injuries they are dealing with right now.

Indeed, the Magic will be without each of their top four scorers in Banchero (29.0 PPG), Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG), Suggs (16.4 PPG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG).  The Magic have gone 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall clearly struggling with all these injuries.  The only wins were by 9 over Toronto and by 1 over the Nets, which are two of the worst teams in the NBA.  Bet the Jazz Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Chicago Bulls +5.5

I love the spot for the Chicago Bulls tonight.  They are rested after having the last two days off, and they are pissed off coming off one of their worst losses of the season to the Wizards.

The Bulls have a big rest advantage over the Knicks, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 117-107 loss in Oklahoma City last night.  It will also be the 6th game in 9 days for the Knicks, which is about as tough a situation as there is in the NBA.

Amazingly, all five starters for the Knicks played at least 40 minutes last night.  Don't be surprised if one or more of those starters rest tonight.  They were already without key backup PG Miles McBride due to a hamstring injury, and they really miss him backing up Brunson.

The Bulls upset the Knicks 124-123 as 8.5-point road underdogs in their first meeting this season on November 13th.  Now they are catching 5.5 points in the rematch at home in a much more favorable rest spot.  Bet the Bulls Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Jazz/Heat OVER 223.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 10-2 in Jazz last 12 games overall with 237 or more combined points in nine of those 12 games.

This total of 223.5 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.

I think the Heat without Jimmy Butler are actually more of an OVER team.  He is a great defender, and the ball sticks in his hands on offense.  So they play more freely and more team basketball without Butler on the court, while also being much worse off defensively.  The OVER is 3-1 in their last four games overall with 227 or more combined points in three of those four games.

The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings with 226 or more combined points in six of those seven meetings.  I like OVERS in these non-conference games between teams that aren't familiar with one another because the unfamiliarity tends to favor offense.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nuggets/Spurs UNDER 239

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  This is one of those rare home-and-home situations in the NBA.  The Spurs just beat the Nuggets 113-110 in Denver last night for 223 combined points, and now they square off again tonight in San Antonio.

I was actually on the OVER 235.5 last night in that game and lost.  Now they have set the total at 239 for the rematch, and it should not be set higher than it was last night given the situation of the familiarity.  Victor Wembenyama defends Jokic as well as anyone in the NBA, so points for the Nuggets are very hard to come by.

The UNDER is 3-1 in the last four meetings with 223 or fewer combined points in three of those four meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Denver/South Dakota OVER 163

South Dakota is a dead nuts OVER team.  The Coyotes are 10-2-1 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 9th in adjusted tempo and 26th in average length of offensive possession at 15.5 seconds.  They are one of the worst defensive teams in the country ranking 353rd in adjusted defensive out of 364 teams.

Now they face another terrible defensive team in Denver, which ranks 337th in adjusted defense.  The Pioneers also let their opponents get shots up quickly ranking 14th in average length of possession defensively at 16.1 seconds.  South Dakota will control the tempo playing at home today.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Suns/Pacers OVER 234.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 21-13-1 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 7th in pace, 9th in offensive rating and 23rd in defensive rating.

The Phoenix Suns are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which they are right now.  Durant, Booker, Beal and Nurkic have all missed significant time this season, but all are healthy with the exception of Beal, who is questionable after playing last game so it's likely he plays again tonight.  Especially since the Suns have had the last three days off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.

The OVER is 5-0 in Pacers last five games overall with 232 or more combined points in all five games.  They are as healthy as they have been all season.  They are up against a Phoenix team that ranks 22nd in defensive rating and 10th in offensive rating.  The Pacers will control the tempo playing at home.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Texas Tech/Utah OVER 154

Utah is a dead nuts OVER team.  The Utes rank 30th in adjusted tempo and 35th in average length of offensive possession.  They like to play fast and they have scored at least 78 points in 11 of their 12 games this season.

Texas Tech is a dead nuts OVER team going 8-3-1 OVER in all games this season.  The Red Raiders are elite on offense rank 14th in adjusted offense, 6th in effective FG percentage and 13th in 3-point percentage.  They are loaded with 3-point shooters all over the floor.  They have scored at least 76 points in 11 of their 12 games this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Afternoon BLOWOUT on Cincinnati -2.5

Cincinnati is one of the best teams in the country this season.  The Bearcats are 10-2 with their two losses coming to Villanova and Kansas State, but thoe were two true road games.  They beat Xavier at home and Dayton on a neutral.

Cincinnati went 16-5 SU at home in the rugged Big 12 last season and is 7-0 SU at home this season.  The Bearcats have one of the better home-court advantages in the conference, and they will be highly motivated in their Big 12 home opener here after losing by 3 at Kansas State on the road in their Big 12 opener.

Arizona is one of the most overrated teams in the country.  The Wildcats are 7-5 SU & 5-7 ATS this season.  They lost by 15 at Wisconsin, by 14 at home to Duke, by 5 on a neutral to Oklahoma, by 7 on a neutral to WVU and by 3 in a semi-home game against UCLA.  Their seven wins have all come against suspect competition.  Their best win was a 9-point home win over TCU as a 14-point favorite.  Bet Cincinnati Saturday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Nebraska -1

It will be a sellout for the Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-2) today in what is one of the toughest environments to play in the country.  This will be just the second true road game this season for UCLA, and I don't expect it to go well for the Bruins.

This is such a tough spot for UCLA.  After losing by 2 to North Carolina at Madison Square Garden, the Bruins bounced back with a 65-62 upset win over Gonzaga on a neutral.  This is their 3rd huge game in a row, and I don't expect them to be up to task.

After going 18-1 SU at home last season, the Huskers are 7-0 SU at home this season for a combined 25-1 SU record at home the last two seasons.  So getting them as only 1-point favorites is tremendous value today.  Bet Nebraska Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Arkansas +12

The Tennessee Vols are 13-0 and the No. 1 ranked team in the country.  With that #1 ranking comes expectations from oddsmakers and the betting public that are very difficult to live up to.  In fact, I'm confident if you bet against the #1 team in every game this season you will make a big profit.

The Volunteers are 0-2 ATS in their last two games overall.  They only beat Middle Tennessee by 18 as 26.5-point home favorites and Norfolk State by 15 a 29.5-point home favorites, not even coming close to covering in either game.  Now they are laying 12 points to one of the best teams they have faced all season in Arkansas.

It was going to take some time for John Calipari's squad to gel, but the Razorbacks are on a roll now improving to 11-2 on the season with six consecutive victories.  Their only two losses this season came by 5 to Baylor on a neutral and by 13 to Illinois on a neutral.  They beat Miami on the road and Michigan on a neutral, so they have been tested.  

I think they'll be up to the test today ranking 23rd in adjusted defense, so their effort on that game will keep them competitive for 40 minutes.  Bet Arkansas Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Early ANNIHILATOR on Oklahoma State +8.5

This is a massive letdown spot for West Virginia.  The Mountaineers are coming off a 62-61 win at Kansas as 13.5-point underdogs in their Big 12 opener.  It was the first time since 1991 the Jayhawks opened 0-1 in conference play.

The Mountaineers won't be nearly as motivated to beat Oklahoma State, which hung tough with Houston at home in its Big 12 opener.  I think the Cowboys are very live underdogs today given the letdown spot for the Mountaineers.

The Mountaineers will be without Tucker DeVries (14.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG) and could be without Amani Hansberry (10.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG), who is questionable.  They aren't good enough without these two to be laying this big of a number.  

The Cowboys are 5-2 SU & 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Bet Oklahoma State Saturday.

20* SEC GAME OF THE WEEK on Ole Miss -4

Ole Miss is 11-2 this season with its only losses coming on a neutral to Purdue by 2 and at Memphis.  The Rebels should be bigger home favorites over the Georgia Bulldogs today.

Georgia is getting a lot of respect for its 12-1 record this season.  But the Bulldogs have played the 331st-ranked schedule in the country with one of the easiest slates in the nation.  

They have only played one true road game and that was an 8-point win at lowly Georgia Tech, which wasn't that much of a road game.  Their true colors showed in an 11-point loss to Marquette on a neutral, the best opponent they have faced outside Ole Miss.  Bet Ole Miss Saturday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Spurs/Nuggets OVER 235.5

Since losing their best defender in Aaron Gordon to injury, the Denver Nuggets have been a dead nuts OVER team.  They have inserted Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup in place of Gordon, and Westbrook is a dead nuts OVER play adding a lot on offense but taking away a lot on defense.

The OVER is 7-2 in Nuggets last nine games overall with 250 or more combined points in seven of those nine games.  These games have been flying OVER the total.  They combined for 259 with Atlanta, 253 with Utah, 255 with Detroit, 284 with Cleveland, 261 with New Orleans, 250 with Portland and 259 with Sacramento.

The San Antonio Spurs are as healthy as they have been all season and we are seeing more high scoring games as a result.  The OVER is 8-4 in Spurs last 12 games overall.  The OVER is 3-2 in the last five meetings with 242 or or combined points in three of those five.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Wizards/Pelicans OVER 232

The Washington Wizards finally have both Poole and Kuzma on the court at the same time, which has been rare this season.  They are dead nuts OVER team with these two on the court because they are both scorers on offense and terrible defenders on defense.

The Wizards rank 4th in pace and 27th in defensive rating, which makes them a dead nuts OVER team.  They take on a New Orleans Pelicans team that ranks 29th in defensive rating, so these are two of the four worst defensive teams in the NBA.

The OVER is 5-0 in Pelicans last five games overall with 227 or more combined points in all five games.  They combined for 256 with Memphis, 239 with Houston and 261 with Denver.  They are healthier than they have been in a long time too and Murray, Murphy III and McCollum are all good offensive players but not good defenders.

The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the Wizards and Pelicans.  The last two have been crazy high scoring combining for 259 points in New Orleans and 264 points in Washington.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston Rockets +2.5

This is a tough spot for the Boston Celtics tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a hard-fought 118-115 win in Minnesota last night.  Four of five starters played at least 35 minutes for the Celtics last night.

They were without both Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis and there's a good chance both of them sit tonight.  They could elect to rest one of either Tatum, Horford, Holiday or White who were the five starters to play at least 35 minutes last night.

The Houston Rockets are rested and ready to go after having yesterday off, and playing just their 2nd game in 5 days tonight.  The Rockets are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA going 22-11 SU & 20-13 ATS this season.  They will be licking their chops at the opportunity to take down the defending champs at home tonight.

The Celtics have been grossly overvalued this season after winning the title last year.  They are just 12-20-1 ATS in all games.  They are 2-3 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.  Bet the Rockets Friday.

20* Michigan State/Ohio State Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State -1

No conference has a better home-court advantage than the Big Ten.  I think we are getting the Ohio State Buckeyes at a discount tonight as only 1-point favorites over the Michigan State Spartans in a battle between two pretty evenly-matched teams.

Ohio State is 7-1 SU & 6-1-1 ATS at home this season with their only loss coming by a single point.  The Buckeyes are playing very well here of late including a 85-65 win over Kentucky on a neutral as 8.5-point dogs two games ago.  They won their lone conference home game 80-66 as 5-point favorites over Rutgers.

Michigan State will be playing just its 2nd true road game this season.  The first was a win against one of the worst teams in the Big Ten in Minnesota.  This is going to be the toughest test of the season for the Spartans tonight.  Their two losses came to Memphis and Kansas on a neutral.  

The Buckeyes are 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with the Spartans.  Bet Ohio State Friday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Pepperdine +17.5

St. Mary's is one of the most overrated teams in the country.  The Gaels are just 3-10 ATS in lined games this season.  Recent results for them have been very concerning.

In their last three games they only beat Merrimack by 5 as 20.5-point home favorites, lost outright to Utah State by 7 as 5.5-point home favorites and only beat Pacific by 10 as 20.5-point home favorites.  Now they are laying 17.5 points to an underrated Pepperdine team.

The Waves are grossly undervalued going 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They only lost by 7 to Gonzaga as 20.5-point home dogs last time out to show their potential.  They lost by 11 at Santa Clara as 15-point dogs, crushed UC Davis by 39 as 1-point home favorites and also covered in wins over NAU and Grambling.  That 7-point loss to Gonzaga says all you need to know about their potential.  Bet Pepperdine Thursday.

20* CBB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on South Dakota/UMKC OVER 157

The South Dakota Coyotes are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 10-1-1 OVER in all lined games this season.  They are scoring 86.6 points per game and allowing 80.0 points per game.  They rank 6th in adjusted tempo and 354th in adjusted defense.

Kansas City has let opponents get up quick shots all season as they rank 40th in average length of possession on defense.  They are also a pretty poor defensive team ranking 207th in adjusted defense.  They shoot a ton of 3-pointers ranking 43rd in 3PA/FGA, which will help the OVER as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Pacers/Heat OVER 223.5

This total is way too low for a game involving the Pacers and Heat.  Each of the last six meetings between the Pacers and Heat have seen 227 or more combined points, making for a perfect 6-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 223.5-point total.

Both the Pacers and Heat are as healthy as they have been all season and clicking offensively.  The OVER is 4-0 in Pacers last four games overall with 232 or more combined points in all four games.  The Heat have gone for 227 and 230 combined points in two of their last three games.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Jazz/Knicks OVER 230.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 10-1 in Jazz last 11 games overall with 237 or more combined points in nine of those 11 games.

This total of 230.5 is very low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  What makes them such an OVER team is that they like to play fast while also simultaneously ranking dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  Their offense is much better when they are as healthy as they are right now.

The New York Knicks have had a huge switch this season from a defensive team to an offensive team simply with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns.  The Knicks actually rank 2nd in offensive rating only behind the Cavaliers.  They have really slipped defensively ranking 14th in that category.

The OVER is 4-1 in Knicks last five games overall with 231 or more combined points in four of those five games.  This total is simply too short tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons ML -120

The Orlando Magic are without Banchero (29.0 PPG), Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG).  Jalen Suggs is banged up and Anthony Black (8.5 PPG) is questionable.  That's so much production they are without right now, and I don't think they should be listed close to a PK on the road at Detroit tonight.

The Pistons are as healthy as they have been all season and playing as well as they have all season as a result.  The Pistons are 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall, winning 133-125 as 6-point dogs at Phoenix, 117-114 as 6-point dogs at the Lakers and 114-113 as 5-point dogs at Sacramento.  Their lone loss came by 13 on the road at Denver.

The Pistons have had the last three days off and will be fresh and ready to go tonight.  They will also be playing just their 3rd game in 9 days.  It will be the 4th game in 7 days for the Magic, so the Pistons have a big rest advantage as well.  The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Bet the Pistons on the Money Line Wednesday.

20* Cavs/Lakers Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on OVER 228

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 21-11 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 7th in pace this season which is a deadly combination.  They are playing faster and shooting a lot more 3's this season.

The OVER is 3-0 in Lakers last three games overall with 254, 228 and 231 combined points.  They have scored at least 113 points in five of their last six games overall.  The only exception was when they were held to 103 points by the Kings the game after playing the Kings, so they were both very familiar with how to stop one another.

The Cavaliers have scored at least 124 points in five of their last six games overall, and 113 or more points in 12 consecutive games coming in.  The Cavaliers beat the Lakers 134-110 for 244 combined points in their first meeting this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday UPSET SHOCKER on San Jose State +3.5

San Jose State is one of the most underrated teams in the country.  The Spartans have gone a perfect 9-0 ATS in their last nine games overall.  Even their losses were impressive recently as they lost by 6 at New Mexico as 19.5-point road dogs and by 2 to Boise State as 8.5-point home dogs.

Now the Spartans face one of the most overrated teams in the country in Colorado State, which is 7-6 SU & 4-9 ATS this season.  The Rams just lost by 8 at home to New Mexico as 1-point favorites to give them a common opponent with San Jose State, which gave the Lobos more of a fight on the road to boot.

Colorado State lost by 17 at Colorado and by 15 to Ole Miss on a neutral.  They were upset by UCRiverside at home and really just don't have many good wins.  They needed OT to beat Tennessee State early in the season at home which was a sign of things to come for the Rams.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet San Jose State Tuesday.

20* CBB GAME OF THE WEEK on Arizona State +9.5

Arizona State is one of the most underrated teams in the country this season.  They got blown out by Duke in exhibition season and have been undervalued since.  The Sun Devils are 9-2 SU & 8-3 ATS this season despite facing a brutal schedule.

The Sun Devils have faced the 49th-toughest schedule int he country.  Their two losses came to Florida and Gonzaga, which are both Top 10 teams.  They beat the likes of New Mexico, St. Mary's, Grand Canyon and Santa Clara.  I would put BYU in the same category as those four teams in terms of talent level.

BYU is 9-2 SU & 6-5 ATS this season against a much softer schedule.  In fact, the Cougars have played the 361st-ranked schedule in the country.  Only three teams have faced an easier schedule.  BYU lost by 11 to Ole Miss and by 19 to Providence, and that loss to Providence looks really bad.  Asking the Cougars to win this game by double-digits to beat us is asking too much.  Bet Arizona State Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Notre Dame/Georgia Tech UNDER 143

Notre Dame is a dead nuts UNDER team.  The Fighting Irish rank 279th in adjusted tempo and 302nd in average length of possession on offense.  They are even more of an UNDER team now that they are without their best player in PG Markus Burton (18.2 PPG).

Georgia Tech has injury concerns of its own missing G Kowacie Reeves Jr. (9.3 PPG) with fellow G Javian McCollum (10.7 PPG) listed as questionable.  The Yellow Jackets are dreadful on offense as it is.  In their last four games against respectable opponents, they scored 56 against Duke, 60 against Northwestern, 65 against UNC and 61 against Oklahoma.

I don't think either team exceeds 70 points in this one, so there is tremendous value on the UNDER 143 today.  GT and ND have combined for 138 or fewer points at the end of regulation in each of their last four regular season meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* Cavs/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 229.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 21-10 OVER in all games this season.  They rank 1st in offensive rating and 8th in pace this season which is a deadly combination.  They are playing faster and shooting a lot more 3's this season.

The Golden State Warriors are more of an OVER team now with Steph Curry and Dennis Schroeder healthy and on the court at the same time.  They give away some defense with both of them, but they need them offensively or they are broken.

The Cavs beat the Warriors 136-117 at home for 253 combined points in their first meeting this season when the total was set at 230.  This total of 229.5 is too short given that both teams are almost fully healthy right now.  The OVER is 5-0 in Cavs last five games overall, including 284 combined points with Denver last time out.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nuggets/Jazz OVER 239.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 9-1 in Jazz last 10 games overall with 237 or more combined points in eight of those 10 games.

The Denver Nuggets are a dead nuts OVER team right now without Aaron Gordon, who is their best defender.  The OVER is 5-2 in Nuggets last seven games overall with 250 or more combined points in five of those seven games.  They combined for 284 points with the Cavs and 255 with the Pistons in their last two games coming in.

The Jazz rank dead last (30th) in defensive rating while the Nuggets rank 18th.  These are two very poor defenses that like to play fast with the Nuggets 5th in pace and the Jazz 12th.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +12

I love the spot for the Washington Wizards tonight.  They get a shot at quick revenge after a 136-132 (OT) loss to the Knicks at home on Saturday.  Now they get to host the Knicks two days later here and will be the much more motivated team.

The Wizards are also the fresher team playing just their 3rd game in 7 days.  They are also as healthy as they have been all season as Kyle Kuzma is expected back from injury tonight.

Jalen Brunson had 55 points in 44 minutes of action as all five starters played at least 38 minutes for the Knicks in that game Saturday.  Brunson is questionable to play tonight with a calf injury.  The Knicks will be playing their 3rd game in 4 days and their 4th game in 6 days, so don't be surprised if they rest him or others.  Bet the Wizards Monday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Cincinnati -3.5

The Cincinnati Bearcats are one of the most underrated teams in the country.  They are 10-1 SU this season with wins over Xavier and Dayton.  They will be fully motivated for their Big 12 opener tonight against a Kansas State team that has been grossly overrated this season.

The Wildcats are 6-5 SU but 3-8 ATS this season.  Their six wins have come against New Orleans, Cleveland State, Mississippi Valley State, George Washington, Longwood and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

When the Wildcats have stepped up in class they have not only lost, but they have been handled.  They lost by 11 to LSU at home, by 2 to Liberty on a neutral, by 17 at St. John's, by 3 to Drake in a semi-home game and by 19 at Wichita State.  I would argue Cincinnati is the best team they have played all season if it's not St. John's, and I do not expect it to go well for them tonight.  Bet Cincinnati Monday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Memphis Grizzlies +7

Injuries are starting to pile up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  They were already without Holmgren, and now Dort, Wallace and Caruso are out.  The lack of depth will catch up with them today.

The Thunder will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 106-94 road win at Charlotte yesterday as 13.5-point favorites against a depleted Hornets team.  They will also be playing in their 3rd different city in 4 days.  Four starters played over 31 minutes for the Thunder yesterday.

While the Grizzlies have injuries of their own, it's something they have gotten used to the last couple season and they just play through it and have shown off tremendous depth.  Despite all the injuries, the Grizzlies are 22-10 SU & 22-10 ATS this season as one of the most undervalued teams in the NBA.

The spot really favors the Grizzlies after having yesterday off.  They will be the fresher team, and that's worth a lot in the NBA.  I think getting +7 with Memphis is a nice value as they will be motivated to prove to the Thunder that they are the kings of the West this season.  Bet the Grizzlies Sunday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Toronto Raptors ML +105

This is a terrible spot for the Atlanta Hawks.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a 120-110 home win over the Miami Heat last night, who were missing Jimmy Butler.  They will also be playing their 3rd game in 4 days.

After playing four straight home games, the Hawks now hit the road for the first time since December 19 and have to travel across the border to Toronto.  They won't be motivated at all to beat the 7-24 Raptors.  They are extremely banged up without Okongwu, Daniels, Bogdanovic and Nance.  I wouldn't be surprised if any of their other starters sit after playing last night, including Young and Johnson, who both played more than 35 minutes.

The Raptors continue to fight every night.  They have Barrett, Barnes, Dick and Agbagi healthy and six other key players have been upgraded to questionable, including Poeltl, Brown and Mitchell after each sat out last game.  The Raptors are rested and ready to go after having the last two days off.  They'll be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days as well.

This is a huge step down in class for the Raptors after facing the Grizzlies and Knicks on the road and the Rockets at home in their last three games.  I think they take advantage here and put an end to their current nine-game losing streak against a brutal schedule.  Bet the Raptors on the Money Line Sunday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on 76ers/Jazz OVER 222.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 8-1 in Jazz last nine games overall with 237 or more combined points in eight of those nine games. This total of 222.5 is too low for a game involving the Jazz right now.

The Philadelphia 76ers finally have Maxey, George and Embiid on the court at the same time right now and it has made all the difference for them offensively.  The 76ers are 4-1 SU in their last five games overall scoring at least 108 points in all four wins, including 118 against the Celtics last time out in a 118-114 upset win as 9.5-point dogs on Christmas.

Now the 76ers are in line for one of their best offensive outputs of the season against a Jazz team that ranks dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  The Jazz also like to play fast so there will be a lot of possessions in this game with them controlling the tempo playing at home.

The Jazz and 76ers have combined for 251, 229 and 235 points in their last three meetings, respectively.  Unfamiliarity favors offense and high-scoring games, and these teams are unfamiliar with one another playing only twice a year in different conferences.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +6

The Detroit Pistons cap off a four-game road trip out West tonight and will be highly motivated to sweep it.  They have opened 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS upsetting Phoenix 133-125 as 6-point dogs, upsetting the Lakers 117-114 as 6-point dogs and upsetting the Kings 114-113 as 5-point dogs.

The Pistons are as healthy as they have been all season and grossly undervalued.  They are also rested and ready to go after having the last two days off.  And that rest advantage over the Denver Nuggets is a big reason I am backing them tonight.

The Nuggets are the most tired team in the NBA right now. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 149-135 loss to Cleveland last night.  They will also be playing their 5th game in 7 days here, which is as tough a situation as there is in the NBA.

Aaron Gordon is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and he is out right now for the Nuggets.  All five starters played at least 29 minutes for the Nuggets last night, including 40 from Jamal Murray and 36 from Jokic.  They have one of the worst benches in the NBA so they lack depth.  Bet the Pistons Saturday.

15* Warriors/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 215.5

The Golden State Warriors will be without Stephen Curry (22.5 PPG) tonight.  He means everything to them from an offensive standpoint, and the Warriors are a dead nuts UNDER team without him.

The Clippers are already a dead nuts UNDER team going 19-11 UNDER in all games this season.  They rank 8th in defensive rating and 25th in offensive rating and they play slow.  The Warriors rank 2nd in defensive rating this season.

This will be the 2nd meeting between the Warriors and Clippers this season.  The first was an absolute defensive battle with the Clippers winning 102-99 at home for 201 combined points.  Curry had 26 points in that game to boot.  It will be more of the same without him tonight.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Cleveland Cavaliers -2

The Cleveland Cavaliers are as healthy as they have been all season.  They remain undervalued despite being 26-4 SU & 21-9 ATS this season.  They have won five consecutive games all by 10 points or more coming into this one.

The Cavaliers are rested and ready to go after having the last three days off.  They come out of this break motivated to beat the Denver Nuggets, a team they already handled 126-114 at home as 3.5-point favorites on December 5th in their first meeting.

Aaron Gordon had 18 points and 7 rebounds for the Nuggets in that first meeting.  Well, the Nuggets won't have Gordon this time around as he is out with calf injury.  Jamal Murray will play but is hampered by an ankle injury.  I give the Nuggets almost no shot of winning this game without Gordon.

The Nuggets played on Christmas Day in a 110-110 loss at Phoenix despite the Suns playing without Devin Booker.  They will now be playing their 4th game in 6 days tonight.  They also have to deal with the distractions that come with Christmas, and I just believe this is a gassed team right now that lacks depth.  Bet the Cavaliers Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Jazz/Blazers OVER 227

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 7-1 in Jazz last eight games overall with 237 or more combined points in seven of those eight games.  The only game that went under was against the Charlotte Hornets, who are a dead nuts under team.

This total of 227 is too low for a game involving the Jazz right now.  That's especially the case considering the opponent in the Portland Trail Blazers, who are as healthy as they have been all season and we are seeing higher scoring games with them recently as a result.

The Blazers and their opponents have combined for at least 225 points in four of their last five games, including 240 with Dallas, 250 with Denver and 234 with San Antonio.  They also recently lost 141-99 to the Jazz in a game that saw 240 combined points.

The Jazz and Blazers have now combined for at least 226 points in eight of their last nine meetings, including 227 or more in seven of those.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/Wizards OVER 226.5

The Hornets are a pretty easy team to figure out.  They are an OVER team with La'Melo Ball (30 PPG, 7.5 APG) healthy and an UNDER team without him.  He is their most important player by far as he makes everyone's job easier offensively. Ball is healthy right now.

The OVER is 7-3 in the last 10 games that Ball has played.  There have been 229 or more combined points in seven of those 10 games.  They did go under with the Rockets and 215 combined points last time out, but that was very fluky as they shot 42% as a team and the Rockets only shot 43%.

Now the Hornets take on a dead nuts OVER team in the Washington Wizards tonight.  The Wizards rank 4th in pace and 29th in defensive rating.  They play fast and they play zero defense.

The Hornets and Wizards have combined for 231 or more points in four of their last five meetings, including 237, 241 and 248 in three of those.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* Nuggets/Suns ABC Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 232.5

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games.  The Nuggets and Suns just squared off on Monday in Denver with the Nuggets winning 117-90 for just 207 combined points.  They have set the total at 232.5 for the rematch here two days later, and it's simply too high.

This has been a low-scoring series to say the least.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last six meetings with 207, 201, 204, 230, 225 and 220 combined points at the end of regulation.  So they have combined for 230 or fewer points at the end of regulation in six consecutive meetings, making for a 6-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 232.5-point total.  The last three of 207, 201, and 204 have been extremely low-scoring.

Injuries to both teams are another reason to like the UNDER.  The Suns are without Devin Booker and Grayson Allen, and both are missed much more on the offensive end than the defensive end.  Jamal Murray is questionable to play for the Nuggets and offers a lot more on the offensive end than the defensive end as well.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

20* Lakers/Warriors ABC No-Brainer on OVER 221

When the Lakers and Warriors get together a shootout is usually the end result.  The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings with 223 or more combined points in all six meetings, which makes for a 6-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 221-point total.

The last four meetings have been especially high scoring with 254, 249, 238 and 236 combined points at the end of regulation.  LeBron and AD are both questionable, but both played in their last game and combined for 65 points in a 117-114 loss to the Pistons.  I expect both to play in this game since it's Christmas Day on National TV.

The Warriors are fully healthy with the exception of Gary Payton II, who is questionable. But not having him on the floor would make them even more of an OVER team because he is their best perimeter defender.  Getting Dennis Schroeder in a trade has opened up their offense and given Steve Kerr more options around Steph Curry.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Chicago Bulls +2

The Milwaukee Bucks are going to struggle to be motivated in the immediate future after winning the NBA Cup.  In their first game out of their cup championship, they lost 124-101 at Cleveland.  They did beat the Wizards 112-101 in their next game, but the Wizards are the worst team in the NBA.

More concerning even than motivation are injuries to their two best players.  They will be without Damian Lillard tonight, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable to play tonight.

The Bulls are fully healthy right now with only Josh Giddey listed as questionable.  They are playing well going 3-1 SU in their last four games overall including a 117-108 road win at Boston as 14.5-point dogs.  Their only loss came to the Celtics at home in the revenge game.

This will be the 3rd game in 4 days for the Bucks off the NBA Cup so they are the more tired team.  This will be just the 5th game in 15 days for the Bulls, and all that rest is a big reason they are playing so well right now.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Bucks/Bulls UNDER 236.5

The Milwaukee Bucks will be without Damian Lillard tonight and could be without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is questionable.  They are a dead nuts UNDER team in their current state and that has played out recently.

The Bucks and their oppoenents have combined for 235 or fewer points in nine consecutive games, making for a 9-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 236.5-point total.  They have combined for 225 or fewer points in five consecutive games.

The UNDER is 4-1 in Bulls last five games overall with 225 or fewer combined points in four of those.  Familiarity favors defense and UNDERS, and this will already be the 3rd meeting between the Bucks and Bulls this season.

The Bucks and Bulls have combined for 236 or fewer points at the end of regulation in 19 of their last 20 meetings, making for a 19-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 236.5-point total.  Bet the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Night BLOWOUT on Memphis Grizzlies -6

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the NBA this season but they aren't being priced like it, thus we continue getting value in backing them.  The Bucks are 12-2 SU & 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games overall with their last four wins all coming by 16 points or more.  Their only two losses during this stretch came on the road to the Mavericks by 5 and the Lakers by 6.

The Los Angeles Clippers are struggling right now going 2-4 SU & 2-4 ATS in their last six games overall with all four losses coming by 11 points or more.  Their two wins came over the Jazz and over the Mavericks who were without both Doncic and Irving.  This looks like another blowout in Memphis' favor at home tonight.  Bet the Grizzlies Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Rockets/Hornets OVER 217

The Hornets are a pretty easy team to figure out.  They are an OVER team with La'Melo Ball (30.4 PPG, 7.5 APG) healthy and an UNDER team without him.  He is their most important player by far as he makes everyone's job easier offensively. Ball is healthy right now.

The OVER is 7-2 in the last nine games that Ball has played.  There have been 229 or more combined points in seven of those nine games.  This total of 217 is very low for a game involving the Hornets with Ball healthy.

The OVER is 7-1 in Rockets last eight games that weren't in the NBA Cup, where defensive intensity is high.  We have seen 223 or more combined points in seven of those eight games.

The Hornets and Rockets have combined for at least 219 points in seven of their last eight meetings, making for a 7-1 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 217-point total.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Jazz/Cavs OVER 230.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team when healthy, which is the case right now.  The OVER is 6-1 in Jazz last seven games overall with 238 or more combined points in six of those seven games.  The only game that went under was against the Charlotte Hornets, who are a dead nuts under team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are also more of a dead nuts OVER team this season going 19-10 OVER in all games. They rank 1st in offensive rating this season and they'll be up against a Jazz team that ranks dead last (30th) in defensive rating.  The OVER is 4-1 in Cavs last five games overall with 231 or more combined points in three of them.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with 242, 240 and 230 combined points.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Indiana Pacers +3

This is a terrible spot for the Sacramento Kings.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after a 103-99 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night.  Fox, DeRozan and Sabonis all played at least 37 minutes last night and won't have much left in the tank for the Indiana Pacers tonight.

The Pacers are not the team you want to play on tired legs since they play with so much tempo.  And the Pacers come in playing their best basketball of the season going 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall, which includes 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three road games upsetting Phoenix by 9 as 6-point dogs, upsetting the 76ers by 14 as 6.5-point dogs and topping the Bulls by 9 as 3.5-point favorites.

The Pacers are the much fresher team here after having the last two days off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 7 days.  They should not be underdogs to the Kings today given that huge rest advantage.  Bet the Pacers Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Kent State +20.5

Kent State is 8-2 this season with its two losses coming to UC-Irvine and Auburn, who are a combined 21-3 this season.  Auburn is the best team in the country and the Golden Flashes lost by 23 on the road to the Tigers, so I think they can stay within 20 of Alabama here.

These games over Christmas Break are sleepy spots for many of these home teams.  I don't see Alabama being all that motivated to blow out Kent State.  The Crimson Tide only beat North Dakota 97-90 as 25-point home favorites last time out on December 18th in another sleepy spot.  Bet Kent State Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Knicks/Pelicans OVER 225

The Knicks are the most improved offensive team in the NBA with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns.  They rank 2nd in the NBA in offensive rating only slightly behind the Cavaliers and slightly ahead of the Celtics.  They are fully healthy right now and just hung 133 points against a very good Minnesota defensive team.

The Pelicans have gotten much healthier in recent weeks and are playing better on offense as a result, but they are still terrible defensively.  The Pelicans rank 28th in defensive rating this season and have fallen off a cliff on that end.

The Pelicans and their opponents have combined for at least 220 points in seven consecutive games, including 228 or more in five of those.  They just lost 133-113 at Houston for 246 combined points against a Houston team that isn't very good on offense but is elite on defense.  This has the making of a shootout.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Warriors/Timberwolves OVER 213

The Golden State Warriors just combined for 237 points with Memphis and 276 points with Dallas at the end of regulation it their last two games.  They are fully healthy right now, and it's no surprise they are playing in shootouts since trading for Dennis Schroeder to give their offense a spark, but he brings nothing on defense.

The Minnesota Timberwolves just lost 133-107 to the New York Knicks for 240 combined points.  They also recently lost to the Warriors 114-106 in a game that saw 220 combined points with a total of 216.  There's no way the oddsmakers should have adjusted this number down to 213 for the rematch as there's clearly value on the OVER.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Washington Wizards +11.5

The Milwaukee Bucks just won the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.  They are going to struggle to be motivated for a while in these 'meaningless' NBA regular season games compared to the level of intensity they played with in the NBA Cup.

We saw that on display last night in their 124-101 loss at Cleveland as 8.5-point underdogs.  Now they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and come back as 11.5-point favorites over the Wizards tonight.  This is a game they could legitimately lose outright.

The Bucks are a tired team due to playing in the NBA Cup Championship Game.  Damian Lillard is doubtful to play tonight, and they certainly should not be double-digit favorites without him.

The Washington Wizards are about as healthy as they have been all season.  They are 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall only losing by 10 as 16.5-point dogs at Cleveland, by 14 as 17-point dogs at Boston and upsetting Charlotte by 9 as 4-point home dogs.  

This team is grossly undervalued right now, especially given the tough spot for Milwaukee.  The Wizards are also 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings with the Bucks pulling the outright upset as 12.5-point home dogs, and only losing by 3 as 13.5-point road dogs and by 10 as 14.5-point road dogs.  Bet the Wizards Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Jazz/Nets OVER 221.5

The Utah Jazz are fully healthy and a dead nuts OVER team right now.  They rank dead last (30th) in the NBA in defensive rating.  The OVER is 6-0 in Jazz last six games overall with 245, 251, 260, 238, 240 and 239 combined points.  So this total of 221.5 is very low for a game involving Utah right now.

The Brooklyn Nets aren't a great offensive team, which is why this total is so low.  But I think they will have one of the best outputs of the season here against the worst defensive team in the NBA.

The Jazz and Nets have combined for at least 220 points in six consecutive meetings, including 261 and 233 points in their two meetings last season.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* CBB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on South Dakota/Santa Clara OVER 167

The South Dakota Coyotes are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 9-1-1 OVER in all lined games this season.  The OVER is 7-0 in their last seven games overall with 162 or more combined points in all eight games during this stretch.

The Coyotes embrace pace ranking 6th in the country in adjusted tempo and 354th in defensive efficiency.  They play a Santa Clara team that also doesn't mind running ranking 153rd in adjusted tempo.  The Broncos are a great shooting team and will hang a big number on this awful Coyotes defense.

Santa Clara put up 81 points on Fresno State, 84 on Bradley and 94 on Kennesaw State in its last three games coming in.  The Broncos are lighting up the scoreboard and could push for 100 points in this one to lead the way to us cashing this OVER ticket.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* UCLA/UNC CBS ANNIHILATOR on UCLA -1

The UCLA Bruins are one of the most underrated teams in the country.  The Bruins are 10-1 SU & 8-3 ATS this season with upset wins over both Oregon and Arizona on the road recently.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are one of the most overrated teams in the country.  They are 6-5 SU & 4-7 ATS this season and their lack of defense and lack of production from their big men is alarming.  They have some good guards but that's all there is to like about this team.

The Bruins are 4th in adjusted defense while the Tar Heels are 44th and that number doesn't reflect how poor they are on that end.  They have allowed at least 90 points five times already this season.  Bet UCLA Saturday.

15* Louisville/Florida State ACC ANNIHILATOR on Florida State PK

The Louisville Cardinals are short-handed and struggling.  They have gone 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone win coming 77-74 as 14.5-point home favorites against UTEP.

They are without on of their best players in F Kasean Pryor (12.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG) who does a little bit of everything for them.  They are also without a few key role players in F Traore and G Johnson.  They did have a big effort against their biggest rivals in Kentucky last time out but came up short.  They will have a hard time being as motivated to face FSU as they were to beat Kentucky.

Florida State is 9-3 SU & 8-4 ATS this season with its only losses coming to unbeaten Florida at home, and on the road to LSU and NC State.  The Seminoles have looked very good against everyone else with all nine wins coming by 8 points or more.  I think this is a Louisville team they can handle, especially playing at home.  

The Seminoles are 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings with Louisville.  They should be much bigger favorites today instead of just PK at home.  Bet Florida State Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/76ers OVER 215.5

Note: La'Melo Ball ruled out since I published the pick. Bet much smaller than normal if you purchased.

The Charlotte Hornets are an OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball (30.4 PPG, 7.5 APG) is healthy and playing.  He opens everything up for them offensively.  It's no surprised that after missing three weeks due to injury, Ball returned and the Hornets went 2-0 OVER in his two games since returning with 229 combined points with the 76ers and 237 with the Wizards.

The Hornets also recently got back Miles Bridges and Mark Williams from injury, and Brandon Miller may return tonight.  They will be much better offensively moving forward, but they are still one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.

The 76ers have both Tyrese Maxey and Paul George back and healthy and starting to form a chemistry playing together.  Maxey had 40 points and George 33 in that 121-108 win over the Hornets last time out.

That game had a total of 218.5, so we are getting a discount here with this total at 215.5 for the rematch.  I'm going to be on Hornets OVERS as long as Ball is healthy until the oddsmakers adjust the totals up enough, which they haven't here.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Pacers/Suns NBA No-Brainer on OVER 234.5

The entire NBA is rested and ready to go tonight with almost everyone having at least three days off in between games due to the NBA Cup.  I am taking a lot of OVERS tonight with these guys on fresh legs and healthy and ready to run tonight.

The Indiana Pacers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 6th in pace and 22nd in defensive rating.  The OVER is 16-10-1 in all Pacers games this season.  They are as healthy as they have been in a long time.

Speaking of healthy, the Suns will have all hands on deck tonight and they are a dead nuts OVER team when that's the case.  Durant, Beal and Nurkic have all missed time this season but all are healthy now.

The Suns are 15-10 OVER in all games this season.  They are 4-1 OVER in their last five games overall.  The Pacers and Suns combined for 264 points in their last meeting.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Hawks/Spurs OVER 234

The entire NBA is rested and ready to go tonight with almost everyone having at least three days off in between games due to the NBA Cup.  I am taking a lot of OVERS tonight with these guys on fresh legs and healthy and ready to run tonight.

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 3rd in pace and 17th in defensive rating this season.  They are fully healthy right now with the exception of C Okongwu, but not having him on the court makes them even more of an OVER team.

The OVER is 4-1 in Spurs last five games overall with 234 or more combined points in four of those five games.  The lone exception came against the Timberwolves, who profile as an under team.

The OVER is 7-2 in the last nine meetings between the Hawks and Spurs with 230 or more combined points in eight of those nine meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* Warriors/Grizzlies NBA No-Brainer on OVER 235.5

The entire NBA is rested and ready to go tonight with almost everyone having at least three days off in between games due to the NBA Cup.  I am taking a lot of OVERS tonight with these guys on fresh legs and healthy and ready to run tonight.

The Grizzlies rank 2nd in the NBA in pace while the Warriors rank 8th, so this game will see a ton of possessions as both teams get up and down the court in a hurry offensively.

The Grizzlies are about as healthy as they have been all season and showing what they can do offensively when that's the case.  They have gone for at least 237 combined points with their opponents in five of their last seven games.

The Warriors are fully healthy now and just added Dennis Schroeder to give them that much needed extra guard to give Steph Curry a breather.  They just took part in a 143-133 shootout loss to Dallas and 276 combined points in their last game.

The Warriors and Grizzlies have combined for at least 241 points in five of their last seven meetings, so this has been a very high-scoring series.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Chicago Bulls +14.5

The Boston Celtics are one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season.  They won the NBA title last year and there's a tax that bettors have to pay to back them because of it.  The Celtics have failed to live up to expectations, going just 10-16 ATS this season.

Asking the Celtics to beat the Bulls by 15-plus points tonight to beat us is asking too much.  The Bulls are a pesky underdog and tend to play to the level of their competition.  We saw that a few weeks ago when they only lost 138-129 to the Celtics as 12-point home underdogs on November 29th.  Now they will be revenge-minded in the rematch three weeks later.

The Bulls are as healthy as they have been all season right now due with only Josh Giddey listed as questionable.  The Celtics could be without Kristaps Porzingis, who is a game-time decision, ass is role player Sam Hauser.  I think the Bulls keep this closer than expected either way. Bet the Bulls Thursday.