07-25-24 |
Saskatchewan +4.5 v. Montreal |
Top |
16-20 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 27 m |
Show
|
Record-wise these are the two best teams in the CFL. Both have outstanding defenses and both are missing their injured starting quarterbacks. The situation favors Montreal, which had a bye last week and is home. But taking more than a field goal with Saskatchewan makes sense knowing Montreal QB Cody Fajardo is out with a hip injury suffered in the Alouettes' last game, a 37-18 home loss to Toronto. The Roughriders have the top run defense in the league. I don't believe the Alouettes have a strong enough passing game with backup QB Caleb Evans to exploit the Roughriders through the air, especially if they are in unfavorable yardage situations. Saskatchewan has been underrated all season. The Roughriders have the best point spread record in the league at 5-1. Their backup QB, Shea Patterson, is a running threat and Montreal ranks second-to-last in the league in run defense.
|
07-17-24 |
Fever v. Wings +4.5 |
Top |
93-101 |
Win
|
100 |
20 h 60 m |
Show
|
There's a player in this Fever-Wings game who is the No. 3 scorer in the WNBA, leads the league in steals per game and is tied for second in averaging the most made 3-pointers per game.
And her name isn't Caitlin Clark. It's Dallas' Arike Ogunbowale.
But it's not because of Ogunbowale that this game is a sellout and being televised nationally by ESPN.
Clark's presence is sure to arouse passion and an all-out effort from the underachieving Wings, who have better talent than their 5-19 record indicates.
Dallas is 2-2 in its last four home games with wins against Atlanta and Minnesota. However, the Wings are off a disappointing home loss to the Sparks in their last game this past Saturday. They have had ample time to rest and prepare for a rare nationally televised sold-out home game.
These are the two-worst defensive teams in the league. Dallas, however, is the better rebounding team with a height advantage on Indiana.
|
07-12-24 |
Lynx v. Storm -5.5 |
Top |
63-91 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 5 m |
Show
|
I have the utmost respect for the Lynx and their coach, Cheryl Reeve. The overachieving Lynx have the third-best record in the WNBA at 16-6.
But the Lynx aren't good enough to beat Seattle on the road without their superstar, forward Napheesa Collier. She's expected to miss her third straight game because of a foot injury. Collier is arguably one of the five best players in the league.
Minnesota is 2-0 since Collier has been out. Those wins, though, were against the Mystics and Sparks, whose combined record is 11-34. Now the Lynx step way up in class and are on the road.
Seattle has a star-studded lineup that has come together to win 13 of its last 18 games. Take away Collier and the Storm will have four of the five best players on the court in Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Ezi Magbegor.
|
07-02-24 |
Fever v. Aces -13.5 |
Top |
69-88 |
Win
|
100 |
23 h 59 m |
Show
|
Caitlin Clark returns to Vegas on Tuesday. That's motivation enough for the two-time defending champion Aces. The timing is good for the Aces to bury Clark's Fever team like they did in the first meeting. Las Vegas won that home game, 99-80, on May 25.
The Aces accomplished that blowout victory despite not having star point guard Chelsea Gray.
Gray has been back for four games now after missing the first 12 games of the season. No coincidence the Aces have gone 4-0 while playing their most consistent ball of the season. Gray is off her best game, too, making 8-of-9 shots from the floor in the Aces' 88-77 road win against Washington this past Saturday.
Not only does Indiana catch the Aces playing well, but this marks the end of a five-game road trip for the Fever. The Fever upset Phoenix this past Sunday in a nationally televised game. It was the first time they had beaten an above .500 team all year.
|
06-30-24 |
Fever v. Mercury -6.5 |
Top |
88-82 |
Loss |
-120 |
18 h 59 m |
Show
|
The Mercury are a mid-tier WNBA team. They are a level higher than the Fever, playing at home with major incentive.
That incentive is a rare nationally televised (ESPN) game for the Mercury courtesy of the network's fascination with rookie Caitlin Clark.
Hardened 41-year-old veteran Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, isn't going to let Phoenix get embarrassed by hotshot Clark.
Clark is a generational talent. I already find her the best passer and 3-point shooter in the league. But Clark is going against a double whammy - extremely motivated opponents and the egregious coaching of her head coach, Christie Sides. Clark is rarely put into favorable situations because of Sides' ineffective coaching.
Phoenix is much stronger at home going 7-2. This includes victories against Seattle and New York during the last two weeks. The Fever lost by 12 points to the Storm in their last game this past Thursday.
This marks the Fever's fourth consecutive road game. Phoenix has a winning record. The Fever have yet to beat an above .500 team. Phoenix is 3-0 this month against below .500 teams with the average victory margin being 13.3 points.
Indiana is the worst defensive team in the WNBA giving up 87.9 points per game. The Mercury have the scorers to take advantage with Taurasi, Kahleah Cooper and Brittney Griner.
|
06-28-24 |
Sparks +11.5 v. Mercury |
Top |
78-92 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 9 m |
Show
|
The Sparks have lost six in a row and are dealing with key injuries. Their excellent rookie center, Cameron Brink, is out for the season and rotation guard Lexi Brown will miss the game.
But laying this many points with the Mercury is a bridge too far. Phoenix is 8-8. Only once have the Mercury beaten an opponent by more than 10 points.
Los Angeles is well-coached by Curt Miller, who twice has been named WNBA Coach of the Year. The Sparks have had nearly a week to rest and prepare for this game. They've played extremely tough opponents in five of their last six games going against the Liberty twice, Sun, Lynx and Storm. All on the road and in a span of 11 days. Those four teams have a combined record of 53-16.
The Sparks' defense has gone downhill without Brink, an excellent defensive center. But LA still has Dearica Hamby, one of the better all-around players in the league. Rickea Jackson is one of the top rookies. She's been overshadowed by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese so you don't hear that much about her. Backup center Li Yueru has been drawing more minutes and displaying potential.
The Mercury are the second-worst shooting team in the league and rank ninth out of 12 teams defensively. The Mercury also will be hosting Clark and the Fever on Sunday in a rare nationally televised game for them. So this is a look-ahead spot for Phoenix, which isn't good enough to cover this number without playing at a high level.
|
06-27-24 |
Fever v. Storm -8.5 |
Top |
77-89 |
Win
|
100 |
26 h 11 m |
Show
|
The wonderful Caitlin Clark continues to soak publicity. But her team, the Fever, is last in the WNBA defensively and has the worst coach in the league in Christie Sides.
The Fever haven't defeated an above .500 team all season - and they won't until Sides is gone.
Seattle added more firepower in the offseason. After a slow start, the Storm have gelled going 9-3 in their last 12 games. They just beat Connecticut, 72-61, in their last game this past Sunday. The Sun are tied for the second-best record in the WNBA at 13-3.
The Storm aren't just one level above the Fever, but two levels. That should be enough to win by double-digits at home. Seattle's past eight victories have all been by eight or more points. The Storm's average victory margin during this span is 15.2 points.
The Storm buried the Fever, 103-88, when they last played. That was in Indiana on May 30.
|
06-23-24 |
Fever v. Sky +1.5 |
Top |
87-88 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 22 m |
Show
|
The Sky and Fever have become a rivalry because of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. There certainly is no love lost between these teams.
The teams have met twice this season: The Fever nipped the Sky, 71-70, on June 1 and won 91-83 last Sunday. Both games were in Indiana. Now the Sky get to host the Fever. I see a Chicago victory here.
Indiana has a four-game win streak. Those victories, though, were against the 3-13 Mystics and twice against the below .500 Dream. The other was against Chicago where the Fever shot 56.5 percent from the floor and attempted five more free throws than the Sky. Chicago shot 40.7 percent from the field.
So I'm not that impressed with Indiana's win streak. The Sky got a much-needed confidence boost in their last game, defeating Dallas this past Thursday. The Sky are an improving team with center Kamilla Cardoso fully back from injury and Reese proving a serious challenge to Clark for rookie-of-the-year honors.
This is going to be an intense game. I don't trust the Fever on the road and I certainly don't trust their coach, Christie Sides, who I regard as probably the worst coach in the WNBA.
|
06-22-24 |
Diamondbacks v. Phillies -1.5 |
Top |
1-12 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 16 m |
Show
|
This is a kill spot for the Phillies in a pitching matchup of Tommy Henry vs Zach Wheeler.
The Diamondbacks irked the Phillies edging them, 5-4, Friday night. But Arizona lost Gabriel Moreno (thumb) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (elbow) to injuries in that game. Both of those players had homered in the game.
Henry has a 6.23 ERA. This will be his first start since April 29. He gave up five runs on five hits in four innings of relief against the weak-hitting White Sox during his last appearance, which was a week ago. Henry has an 8.79 career ERA against the Phillies in three previous starts. Philadelphia has a top-five offense.
Wheeler isn't going to lack motivation after he allowed a career-high four homers and eight runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Orioles this past Sunday. He had an eight-game win streak entering that game. Wheeler is 6-3 with a 2.96 ERA lifetime against Arizona in 11 career regular season starts. He went 2-0 vs the Diamondbacks with a 1.84 ERA in three postseason games last year.
|
06-21-24 |
Sun +6.5 v. Aces |
Top |
74-85 |
Loss |
-110 |
21 h 16 m |
Show
|
I hold no doubt that come the playoffs, the two-time defending champion Aces will be right back as a formidable force, probably the team to beat again.
But the Aces are not at that stage yet. Connecticut and New York are the two best teams in the WNBA right now and Connecticut has the best record at 13-1. The Sun are 5-0 on the road.
Las Vegas should not be this high of a favorite against the Sun. The Aces will be fortunate to win the game straight-up. The Aces are 7-6, including 4-4 at home with home losses to the Mercury, Storm, Lynx and Liberty.
The Aces will get rolling when star point guard Chelsea Gray returns to top form. Gray made her season debut this past Wednesday helping spark the Aces to a 94-83 home win against the Storm. That was a revenge spot for the Aces and the team was pumped to finally get Gray back from her foot injury.
Gray played 15:30. She scored only one point while attempting only two shots. Gray averaged 15.2 points last year. Her minutes likely will go up in this game, but there's plenty of rust. So the timing isn't that good for the Aces to draw this elite opponent right now.
Connecticut is the top defensive team in the league, holding opponents to 70.7 points per game. The Aces have yet to get their defense straightened out allowing 83 or more points during their last five games.
|
06-17-24 |
Mavs v. Celtics -6.5 |
Top |
88-106 |
Win
|
100 |
21 h 3 m |
Show
|
Boston ran away with the best record in the NBA at 64-18. The Celtics have continued their dominance in the postseason going 15-3. However, that third playoff loss came this past Friday when the Mavericks stayed alive burying the Celtics by 38 points in Dallas.
The Celtics responded from their previous two playoff losses winning by 20 points against the Heat and winning by 13 points against the Cavaliers. Those were road games. Now the Celtics return to Boston properly chastised and embarrassed for their non-show appearance in Game 4 after winning the first three games of the series.
Overconfidence certainly won't strike the Celtics now. Look for Boston to close out the series regardless if Kristaps Porzingis plays or not. The Celtics have won their past five home games, including defeating the Mavericks by 18 and seven points, respectively, in this championship series.
Dallas' role players stepped up in Game 4. That's been the Mavericks' rotation history, though. Their rotation and bench players have performed statistically better at home in the playoffs than away. The Celtics have too much depth and versatility for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to overcome unless they get sufficient help, which hasn't been the case when playing in Boston.
The Mavericks scoring 122 points in Game 4 was an outlier. A case of pouring it on at home long after the Celtics had surrendered. Boston had held the Mavericks to an average of 95.3 points during the first three games of the series.
Joe Mazzulla has grown as a coach. I trust him to make good adjustments and have the Celtics mentally ready and refocused to close out the series in this Game 5.
|
06-16-24 |
Royals v. Dodgers -1.5 |
Top |
0-3 |
Win
|
100 |
15 h 49 m |
Show
|
A healthy Tyler Glasnow is one of the best pitchers in baseball. Glasnow is healthy and pitching in a day game. He's 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in day games this season.
The Dodgers are 43-28. That's to be expected. The Royals have been a major surprise with a 40-31 record. But regression is starting to hit the Royals. Even after their upset victory against the Dodgers on Saturday night, they still are 2-5 in their last seven games.
The Royals opened this series with their two best pitchers, Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Now, though, they are dropping way down in class going with Brady Singer. He's going against an LA offense that ranks in the top-four in many major offensive categories.
The Royals aren't likely to have their star catcher Salvador Perez either. He's been out with knee inflammation.
|
06-14-24 |
Celtics v. Mavs +1.5 |
Top |
84-122 |
Win
|
100 |
25 h 55 m |
Show
|
The Celtics didn't sweep their playoff series against the Heat. Nor did they sweep their playoff series against the Cavaliers. I don't see them doing it again against the Mavericks, who have come close in the past two games despite making only 15 of 51 shots from beyond the arc for 29.4 percent during this time span.
The open looks for Dallas have been there. The Mavericks just haven't converted. The Celtics are the superior team, but that edge is negated by the Mavericks at home in must-win mode and Kristaps Porzingis unlikely to play, or not be at 100 percent if he does.
Luka Doncic is a superstar. But he's also thuggish and a whiny crybaby always griping and gesturing about calls he thinks he's not getting. It's disgusting to watch someone that talented sink that low. However, he's likely to get the benefit of the doubt in this Game 4 after he fouled out of the last game.
Kyrie Irving should have his confidence back after scoring 35 points in Wednesday's Game 3.
The last time there was a championship series sweep in the NBA was 2018 when the Warriors took out a decimated Cavaliers team. Before that you have to go back to 2007 when the Spurs swept the Cavaliers. It's just not that common. There's too much pride at stake.
The Mavericks are the healthier team with Porzingis probably out. This is their game to win.
|
06-14-24 |
Sky -2 v. Mystics |
Top |
81-83 |
Loss |
-115 |
23 h 0 m |
Show
|
Pity the poor Mystics. They just got their best all-around player, guard Brittney Sykes, back in their last game against Atlanta. Sparked by Sykes' return, the Mystics beat the Dream, 87-68, for their first win of the season after 12 consecutive losses. However, Sykes suffered a foot injury in the victory and is out indefinitely again after missing eight games.
Shakira Austin is the Mystics' top low-post player and she's out, too, with a hip injury. I don't see the 1-12 Mystics beating the 4-7 Sky minus those two players and in a letdown spot after finally achieving their much-needed first victory of the year. Washington is 0-5 at home.
Chicago is the better team, especially with highly-touted rookie center Kamilla Cardosa back in shape and not limited anymore with a minutes restriction. Cardosa and Angel Reese give the Sky a big front-court edge. Reese is proving to be a tremendous talent in her rookie season with four straight double-doubles. She had a season-high 20 points and 10 rebounds in Chicago's last game, an 83-75 loss to Connecticut, the best team in the WNBA with an 11-1 record. Now the Sky are going from being competitive against the best team to playing the worst team.
The Sky and Mystics met in Washington just eight days ago. The Sky shot just 38 percent from the floor and made only 1-of-14 shots from 3-point range. Yet the Sky still beat the Mystics, 79-71.
|
06-13-24 |
Aces -5.5 v. Mercury |
Top |
103-99 |
Loss |
-110 |
29 h 11 m |
Show
|
Missing injured star Chelsea Gray, the Aces have lost three straight games for the first time under Becky Hammon, who has been Las Vegas' head coach the past three seasons.
Clearly, the Aces are in stop-the-pain mode. Hammon is the best coach in the WNBA in my view. I'm confident she'll have the Aces ready for this matchup. I don't see them losing for a fourth consecutive time.
Phoenix has upgraded its roster and coaching staff from last year's 9-31 disaster. The Mercury are improved. But they are far from elite. They are what their 6-6 record says they are - a .500 team.
The Aces are dropping down in class after losing, 100-86, to Minnesota at home this past Tuesday. The Lynx are one of the top-three teams in the league right now.
Even without Gray, the Aces still are the No. 3 scoring team in the WNBA and second-best free throw shooting team. A'Ja Wilson is the most dominant player in the league. Wilson, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young give the Aces the three best players on the court.
The Aces have gotten a boost from rookie spark plug Kate Martin and veteran Tiffany Hayes, who came out of retirement to join the Aces and is getting more comfortable with each game. She still brings something.
Phoenix has gunners in Kahleah Cooper and ageless Diana Taurasi. But the Mercury ranks third-from-last defensively. The Aces are going to get their points here. The key question is can the Aces' defense be good enough for them to cover this mid-range number? I'm betting it will be after Hammon expressed her extreme unhappiness following the loss to Minnesota.
|
06-10-24 |
Fever v. Sun -10.5 |
Top |
72-89 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 44 m |
Show
|
The excitement Caitlin Clark brings to Indiana can't offset that the Fever isn't very good. They are poorly coached, have the worst defense in the WNBA and rank third-from-the-bottom in scoring despite having Clark.
I don't see the Fever staying within single digits of Connecticut, which is 9-1.
The Sun aren't going to lack motivation playing the 3-9 Fever at home having suffered their first loss of the season. That came to the Liberty, 82-75, two days ago at home.
Connecticut should have plenty of energy to go with motivation. This only is the Sun's second game in six days. Before losing to the Liberty, the Sun had blowout victories in three of their previous four games defeating Phoenix by 23 points, Atlanta by 19 points and Washington by 17 points.
The Fever were just barely able to get past the 0-12 Mystics in their last game, winning by only two points. Before that, the Fever had lost by a whopping 36 points to the Liberty.
This is the third meeting between the two teams. The Sun buried the Fever by 21 points at home and beat them by four points at Indiana.
The Sun are the No. 1 defensive team in the WNBA. They have far more depth than the Fever. Alyssa Thomas is one of the few players in the league better than Clark.
|
06-09-24 |
Aces v. Sparks +11.5 |
Top |
92-96 |
Win
|
100 |
20 h 47 m |
Show
|
Los Angeles considers this a rivalry series. The Sparks will be taking this game more seriously than Las Vegas just like they did when they met during the second game of the season. The Aces didn't come close to covering in an 89-82 victory. Dearica Hamby is the Sparks' best player. She used to play for the Aces and departed the team under bad circumstances. So she certainly won't lack motivation. Jackie Young scored 22 points, dished off 11 assists and had six rebounds for the Aces in their earlier win against Los Angeles. Young has played great for the Aces, who have been without star Chelsea Gray all season. Gray remains out with a leg injury. Reserve Kierstan Bell is out, too, with a leg injury and now Young won't play against the Sparks due to illness. That's huge. Young was under the weather when the Aces lost, 78-65, to Seattle at home this past Friday night. Young managed only three points. Superstar center A'ja' Wilson got roughed up in that game, too. Newcomer Tiffany Hayes and rookie Kate Martin have been receiving extended minutes because Las Vegas is short-handed. Hayes is a veteran, who came out of retirement. She's trying to adjust to her new team. Martin has become a fan favorite for her hustle. But these are not players you want in the rotation when laying double-digits like the Aces are here.
|
06-04-24 |
Mystics +12.5 v. Sun |
Top |
59-76 |
Loss |
-110 |
27 h 22 m |
Show
|
Considering the Sun are the WNBA's lone unbeaten team at 8-0 and the Mystics have the worst record in the league at 0-8, this large point speed seems justified on the surface.
But it's not really.
Connecticut has padded its record against lower-tier opponents. The Sun have yet to play the Aces or the Liberty, who they will host in their next game. The toughest team the Sun have played is the Lynx. Connecticut won that game in overtime by one point.
Despite their easy schedule, the Sun haven't dominated in most of their victories with five of their past seven wins coming by seven or fewer points. This includes beating the Wings by two points, Fever by four points and Sky by four points. Connecticut has a losing ATS mark.
Washington and Connecticut have met this season with the Sun winning, 84-77, failing to cover as an 8-point home favorite. The Mystics are 0-8, but 4-3-1 ATS. They've lost by more than 11 points only once.
Washington has been idle since Friday, while the Sun enter this matchup fat and happy after a blowout road victory against Atlanta this past Sunday. The Sun have averaged just 71 points per game during their last three games. The Mystics are the lowest-scoring team in the league, but still average 74.4 points a game.
|
06-02-24 |
Sun -3.5 v. Dream |
Top |
69-50 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 51 m |
Show
|
There is just one undefeated team in the WNBA - and it's not the two-time defending champion Aces or the Liberty. It's 7-0 Connecticut.
The Sun put that mark on the line against Atlanta. I see Connecticut covering a short road number here. The Dream has played an easy schedule and are in a letdown spot following a home upset of the Aces, 78-74, this past Friday. The Aces had an off-shooting night making only 36 percent of their shots from the floor.
Before knocking off the Aces, the Dream had played just one tough team this season. That was Minnesota and the Dream lost to the Lynx, 92-79, at home.
Connecticut is not a good matchup for Atlanta, especially given the letdown spot. The Sun are the slowest tempo team in the league. Atlanta prefers to run-and-gun. Connecticut won three of the four meetings last season with the winning margin being by an average of 10.3 points.
|
06-01-24 |
A's v. Braves -1.5 |
Top |
11-9 |
Loss |
-140 |
15 h 46 m |
Show
|
Reynaldo Lopez recorded a season-high eight strikeouts in the Braves', 4-2, home win against the A's on Friday. That doesn't bode well for Oakland in today's game because now the A's draw lefty Chris Sale.
Sale has returned to his pre-injury superstar status with an 8-1 record, 2.12 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 10 starts. Sale's 78 strikeouts rank 10th in the majors. He's had eight or more strikeouts during his last five starts. The White Sox rank 29th in batting vs southpaws hitting just .211.
Oakland has scored three or fewer runs in six of its last seven games. The A's rank third-from-the-bottom in runs. The A's also are without injured Lucas Erceg, one of the more underrated setup pitchers in the league.
The Braves should do plenty of damage against Aaron Brooks, who is 0-2 with a 3.63 ERA and is due for regression. Brooks has had ERA's of 7.71, 5.65 and 6.67 during the last three years he has pitched in the majors. His lifetime ERA is 6.29 with a 1.51 WHIP.
|
05-31-24 |
Mystics +15.5 v. Liberty |
Top |
79-90 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 48 m |
Show
|
The Liberty are the most overrated team in the WNBA right now. They are 1-6 ATS. In their last three games, the Liberty got past the Mercury by three points as a 14-point home favorite, lost by 17 points as a 7-point road favorite against the Lynx and lost by nine points at home as a 16 1/2-point favorite vs the Sky.
The Mystics are in rebuild mode. They are 0-7 on the season. However, they've been competitive going 3-3-1 ATS. Washington has lost just once by double-digits. The Mystics have lost four games by a combined 16 points for an average loss of four points.
The teams met on opening night on May 14. The Liberty won, 85-80, as an 11 1/2-point road favorite. New York has won only one game by more than 11 points and that was against Indiana.
The Mystics haven't been healthy. Now, though, they are just down one starter, guard Brittney Sykes. Julie Vanloo is doing a good job replacing Sykes.
|
05-30-24 |
Mavs +5 v. Wolves |
Top |
124-103 |
Win
|
100 |
20 h 1 m |
Show
|
The record is 155-0. That's the mark of NBA playoff teams winning a best-of-seven playoff series after falling behind, 3-0. I don't see the Timberwolves putting a halt to that 155-series losing streak.
The Timberwolves stayed alive with a 105-100 road win against the Mavericks this past Tuesday. Minnesota shot 53 percent from the floor and 46 percent from 3-point range. Dallas was missing big man Dereck Lively II, who was out with a sprained neck. He's likely to play in this game. Luka Docic and Kyrie Irving were a combined 13-for-39 from the floor and missed 17 of 22 3-point shots. Yet the Timberwolves only won by five points.
Dallas is 2-0 at Minnesota in the playoffs and 6-1 SU and ATS in its last seven road playoff games. Only once in their last 15 games, have the Mavericks lost by more than five points.
Minnesota is 1-4 SU and ATS in its past five home contests.
I don't trust the Timberwolves as home favorites where all the pressure is on them. Maybe the Timberwolves will force a Game 6, but I'll take this many points to find that out.
|
05-28-24 |
Sparks v. Fever -5.5 |
Top |
88-82 |
Loss |
-115 |
21 h 23 m |
Show
|
I'm looking for a big performance from the Fever as they return home following three consecutive road games. Indiana has played five tough games out of seven - Liberty twice, Sun twice and Aces once - and now get to step way down in class.
The rebuilding Sparks are the worst team in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is 1-4. Its lone victory was at home against the 0-6 Mystics by two points. If the Mystics aren't the worst team in the WNBA than the Sparks are.
This is only the Sparks' second road game of the season. Their only other away game was back on May 18. It was a short one, just an hour flight to Las Vegas.
Indiana's 1-6 record is deceiving because of the tough schedule it has played. The Fever can expect great support as this is only their third home game and first since May 20. The Fever has played the most games in the league. But they were able to get two full days of rest having last played this past Saturday.
The Fever's lone victory came against the Sparks, 78-73, this past Friday at Los Angeles. A record Sparks crowd of 19,103 turned out for the game.
It's not just Caitlin Clark for the Fever. Indiana center Temi Fagbenle has emerged, giving the Fever another low-post presence and energetic force to go with Aliyah Boston, one of the better inside players in the league. Boston and Fagbenle combined to make 14-of-26 shots from the floor against the Sparks.
Los Angeles is not a deep team relying mostly on a six-player rotation. The Sparks will be without veteran guard Layshia Clarendon, one of those six rotation players. She's out with a head injury.
|
05-26-24 |
Wolves +2.5 v. Mavs |
Top |
107-116 |
Loss |
-110 |
19 h 52 m |
Show
|
Minnesota is down 2-0 to Dallas in this Western Conference Finals series. Worse for the Timberwolves is the two losses were at home.
But don't write off Minnesota yet.
Luka Doncic is the best player on the floor. But the Timberwolves own the better and deeper roster. They also are 5-1 on the road in the playoffs.
Dallas nipped the Timberwolves, 108-105, in Game 1. Minnesota was emotionally and physically drained after winning the last two games of its series against the defending champion Nuggets, including winning at Denver in Game 7.
The Mavericks shot 49 percent from the floor in Game 1. Minnesota shot 43 percent. Dallas again made 49 percent of its field goals in Game 2, while the Timberwolves shot just 41 percent from the floor. Yet the Mavericks needed a late 3-pointer by Doncic to pull out a 109-108 victory.
The Timberwolves are due to shoot better, especially Anthony Edwards. He's 11-for-33 from the floor in the series for 33.3 percent.
The Mavericks are due for shooting regression against a defense this good. Minnesota was the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA both in fewest points allowed and defensive field goal percentage at 45 percent. The Timberwolves are giving up only 94.2 points in their last four games.
|
05-25-24 |
Fever v. Aces -15.5 |
Top |
80-99 |
Win
|
100 |
12 h 22 m |
Show
|
It took six games, but Indiana and Caitlin Clark finally won their first WNBA game of the season. The Fever defeated the Sparks, 78-73, Friday night in Los Angeles. But now the Fever have to play the Aces today in Las Vegas. The Aces haven't played since Tuesday when they were upset as double-digit home favorites by the Mercury. The two-time defending WNBA champion Aces aren't going to lack motivation, having had four full days off to stew about their dreadful loss to Phoenix. A packed arena and the presence of Clark only adds to Las Vegas being sky-high for this home matchup. The Aces go on the road for three straight games following this matchup. The Fever has little time to celebrate their first win. They've played the most games in the WNBA and carry a high fatigue rating in action for the sixth time in 10 days and third time in four days, while playing without rest. The Aces are vastly superior to the Fever and they are in a highly favorable situation, too. That should spell a blowout victory and a cover to this high point spread.
|
05-23-24 |
Mystics +6.5 v. Mercury |
Top |
80-83 |
Win
|
100 |
21 h 2 m |
Show
|
Phoenix is much improved from its disastrous 9-31 season of a year ago. The Mercury upgraded both their roster and coaching staff. So it wasn't a total shock Phoenix upset defending WNBA champion Las Vegas, 98-88, as 13 1/2-point road 'dogs this past Tuesday night.
Washington, on the other hand, is 0-4 and in for a long season with its superstar, Elena Delle Donne, choosing not to play this season. Brittney Sykes, the Mystics' best all-around guard, is out with an ankle injury.
So why get involved with the Mystics on the road against the Mercury here?
Because there's more than meets the eye.
The Mercury returns to Phoenix fat and happy after holding off the Aces, who railed from 15 points down with 5 1/2 minutes to pull within two points. This is a huge letdown spot for a team that didn't do much winning last year and remains without its top rim protector and rebounder, injured Brittney Griner.
The Mercury made an unbelievable 16 of 33 shots from 3-point range in upsetting the Aces. Highly unlikely they repeat that shooting performance against Washington, which ranks No. 2 in the league in 3-point defense.
The Mystics have yet to win, but they were ahead in the fourth quarter in three of their four games. This includes leading the Liberty by eight points with 9:25 left and the Sun by seven points with 9:20 to play. Those are two of the three best teams in the league. Washington also led Seattle in the fourth quarter and was nip-and-tuck in a 70-68 road loss to Los Angeles this past Tuesday.
|
05-22-24 |
Fever +6 v. Storm |
Top |
83-85 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 41 m |
Show
|
The record shows Indiana to be 0-4. Not the start Caitlin Clark wanted. Keep in mind, though, the Fever's four games have come twice against the Liberty and twice against the Sun. The Liberty was the league's runner-up to the Aces, while the Sun had the third-best record in the league last year.
New York and Connecticut remain two of the three best teams in the WNBA this year. So this is a huge step down in class for Indiana.
Seattle had the second-worst mark in the WNBA last season at 11-29. The Storm were expected to show great improvement adding Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith to go with Jewell Loyd, the league's top-scorer last year.
But the Storm has yet to jell. Ogwumike has missed the past two games with an ankle injury. Loyd and a rusty Diggins-Smith, who missed all of last season, are a horrendous combined 40-of-142 shooting from the floor this season for 28.1 percent.
Indiana is getting better. The Fever were tied with the Sun with 10 seconds left before losing by four points this past Monday.
Seattle is 1-3. It's lone win coming against the 0-4 Mystics. The Storm just played the Liberty in New York on Monday. Now they had to fly cross-country back home. It's Seattle's fourth game in six days - all at different sites.
|
05-21-24 |
Pacers v. Celtics -9.5 |
Top |
128-133 |
Loss |
-110 |
46 h 32 m |
Show
|
Great job by the Pacers upsetting the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Game 7 of their series. That puts the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston. Game 1 is Tuesday in Boston. It's a bad spot for Indiana. Very bad. The Celtics are 41-6 at home. They've been idle since Wednesday. The Pacers will be in action for the eighth time in 15 days. They haven't had enough time to recover from getting past the Knicks. Boston is the superior team and has a strong situational edge. It's enough for the Celtics to cover a double-digit spread. The Celtics are 8-2 in the playoffs disposing of the Heat and Cavaliers in five games each. Boston won seven of those eight games by double-digits. The Pacers are 2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS on the road in the playoffs. They got through two severely banged-up opponents, the Knicks, and Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Indiana had the top offense in the league during the regular season. However, the Pacers ranked 27th defensively. Offense doesn't win conference titles. Defense does.
|
05-21-24 |
Wings v. Dream -4.5 |
Top |
78-83 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 14 m |
Show
|
The Dream has had this game circled ever since Dallas knocked them out of the playoffs last season, 2-0, with both of the Wings' victories coming at home.
Now Atlanta gets Dallas at home. It's the Dream's first home game of the season and the Wings' first road contest.
The Dream are at full strength. Dallas is not. The Wings are without starting guard Jaelyn Brown (broken nose) and star forward Natasha Howard (broken foot).
The Wings hosted rebuilding Chicago for their first two games. Dallas was favored in each game, but could only manage a split against one of the lower-tier teams in the league.
Atlanta beat the Sparks by 11 in Los Angeles, but lost as a short road favorite to the much-improved Mercury.
The Dream have too much firepower for the Wings, which heavily rely on Arkie Ogunbowale for the bulk of their scoring. Ogunbowale is a prolific scorer, but is only shooting 37.3 percent from the floor.
Atlanta is No. 1 in the WNBA in field goal and 3-point shooting percentage. The Dream rank No. 3 in scoring, averaging 88.5 points per game. Rhyne Howard and Alish Gray give the Dream one of the top scoring backcourt tandems in the league. Veteran Tina Charles still remains highly effective averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Charles could be in line for a big game with Howard out.
|
05-17-24 |
Knicks v. Pacers -5.5 |
Top |
103-116 |
Win
|
100 |
24 h 43 m |
Show
|
I'm going with the Zig-Zag theory here, figuring the Pacers to tie this series at 3-3 after being embarrassed, 121-91, at New York this past Tuesday. The Pacers are 5-0 at home in the playoffs. This includes a pair of victories against the Knicks with an average winning margin of 18.5 points.
The Knicks are extremely short-handed with Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mitchell Robinson and now OG Anunoby all ruled out. Jalen Brunson is playing hurt. The Knicks are effectively down to just seven players. The Pacers' bench has been taking advantage. The Knicks are wearing down this late in the season and as this series goes deeper.
So the Knicks just might pull the plug on this game if it gets out of hand looking ahead to Game 7 at home on Sunday.
|
05-16-24 |
Nuggets +2.5 v. Wolves |
Top |
70-115 |
Loss |
-110 |
21 h 40 m |
Show
|
Help. The Timberwolves have fallen down and I don't see them picking themselves up. The Timberwolves' lack of big-game playoff experience is showing in lost composure and immaturity.
After falling behind 0-2 in this series, the Nuggets have won the last three games by an average of 16.7 points. Denver is 2-0 in Minnesota winning those games by eight and 27 points, respectively.
The momentum is clearly with Denver. The Timberwolves hadn't lost three straight games all season. Now Minnesota faces adversity they never had to deal with all season.
I don't see the Timberwolves having enough poise to force a seventh game by winning this matchup. Nikola Jokic has gotten off to average 33 points during the last three games. I trust him more than any of the Timberwolves' stars.
Mike Conley missing Tuesday's Game 5 with a sore right Achilles really hurt the Timberwolves not just with his heady point guard play, but also his veteran leadership on the court. Conley is the one player who can keep the Timberwolves' emotional temperature at an even keel. He's questionable for Thursday's game.
|
05-14-24 |
Wolves +4.5 v. Nuggets |
Top |
97-112 |
Loss |
-110 |
21 h 3 m |
Show
|
I'm not panicking about the Timberwolves losing two straight home games to the Nuggets. The Timberwolves have played better on the road in the playoffs. It could be because their young team feels less pressure when they're not expected to win.
Minnesota has been an underdog four times this postseason - twice at Phoenix and twice at Denver. The Timberwolves are not just 4-0 ATS in those games, but they won each of those games straight-up!
I see that pattern continuing here.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert are elite players. They are due to play better. Meanwhile, Denver's Aaron Gordon is due for a huge regression.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are going to get their points. Just as Anthony Edwards will for the Timberwolves. But I don't see Gordon continuing with his unbelievable shooting. He's 16-of-19 from the floor for 84 percent during the last two games.
|
05-13-24 |
Thunder +1.5 v. Mavs |
Top |
100-96 |
Win
|
100 |
15 h 14 m |
Show
|
Oklahoma City wasn't just the best team in the Western Conference. The Thunder had far and away the top record in the West, six games better than the next closest team.
But after sweeping the Pelicans in the first round and burying Dallas by 22 points in Game 1, the Thunder have dropped the past two games.
Aside from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are getting underachieving scoring from their four other starters. Dallas, on the other hand, is getting shocking offensive production from P.J. Washington. He's averaging 28 points in the past two games after averaging fewer than 13 points per game during the regular season. He is 12-for-23 (52 percent) from 3-point range in the last two games after shooting 32.4 percent from beyond the arc in the regular season.
Washington's surprising hot hand has covered up that Luka Doncic is not nearly at 100 percent bothered by both a knee sprain and ankle soreness.
I expect the Thunder to step up their game, make a necessary adjustment on Washington and even the series with a win today. The Thunder had their chance leading by 10 points in the third quarter in Game 3. They weren't sharp and poised enough, though, to hold that lead. Lesson learned. Oklahoma City is the better team and will prove it here.
|
05-10-24 |
Knicks v. Pacers -6 |
Top |
106-111 |
Loss |
-115 |
43 h 2 m |
Show
|
The Knicks are up 2-0 in this series. But I'm expecting things to catch up to the Knicks in a big way starting in this Friday's Game 3 with the venue switching to Indianapolis.
The Pacers should have won Game 1. There were several controversial official's calls that went for the Knicks, which swung the result. The Knicks then battled through injuries to produce a gutty, 130-121, Game 2 win on Wednesday night.
The Pacers made only 10 of 17 free throws in Game 2 for 59 percent. Indiana is an above average free throw shooting team. The Pacers made 78.2 percent of their free throws during the regular season.
Indiana's reserves have outscored New York's bench by a staggering 77 points. The Knicks are extremely thin without Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic. The problem is now made worse with OG Anunoby suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday's game and Jalen Brunson dealing with a foot injury.
I see all of this coming to a head in Game 3 where the Pacers will be as motivated as they have been all season. Look for the frustrated Pacers to unleash their pent-up energy to blow the Knicks out.
|
05-08-24 |
Pacers +4.5 v. Knicks |
Top |
121-130 |
Loss |
-107 |
21 h 32 m |
Show
|
I'm far from convinced the Knicks are superior to the Pacers. I thought that way before this series and my belief has only been strengthened by what happened in Game 1.
The Knicks were lucky to escape with a 121-117 victory after trailing by nine points with 10:28 left. The Knicks won by only four points despite shooting 54 percent from the floor, receiving seven more free throw attempts and getting several controversial calls in their favor down the stretch.
What's ominous for the Knicks is Indiana's reserve players outscored New York's bench by 43 points. The Knicks aren't likely to shoot that well again either. They were a below average scoring team, ranking 19th in points per game and 20th in field goal percentage at 46.5 percent during the regular season.
Tyrese Haliburton is due to play better for Indiana and the officiating should be more even after the Game 1 scrutiny.
|
05-07-24 |
Cavs v. Celtics -11.5 |
Top |
95-120 |
Win
|
100 |
17 h 21 m |
Show
|
If the Celtics didn't own enough of an edge against the Cavaliers being the best team in basketball, they also have two added things going their way for today's Game 1 series matchup:
Boston is home and holds a huge situational advantage.
The Celtics are 39-5 at home. They polished off the Heat in five games with an average winning margin of 22 points during their four victories. The last game in that series was six days ago.
Cleveland had to go the full seven games against the Magic in a physical series that didn't conclude until this past Sunday. That isn't enough time for the Cavaliers to fully recover and be ready for this step-up game.
The Cavaliers have lost 11 of their last 12 road games. This includes going 0-3 at Orlando with a losing margin of 22.6 points in those playoff games.
So, yeah, I see a Boston blowout here.
|
05-06-24 |
Wolves +5.5 v. Nuggets |
Top |
106-80 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 39 m |
Show
|
I get that the defending world champion Nuggets don't want to fall to 0-2 in this series, especially being the home team.
However, the Timberwolves are playing their best ball, while the Nuggets are not, and Minnesota matches up well to Denver.
Minnesota is 5-0 in the playoffs with each victory being by at least six points. This includes a 106-99 road win against the Nuggets this past Saturday.
The Timberwolves rank first in fewest points allowed and defensive field goal percentage. They have an emerging superstar in Anthony Edwards and big athletic skilled defenders to bother Nikola Jokic with Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid. Jokic shot just 11-of-25 from the floor in Game 1.
Minnesota easily was the superior team in Game 1. There is no reason the Timberwolves can't repeat that. The Nuggets are 0-4 ATS the past four times they've been favored. Denver and the Lakers scored the same amount of points during the last four games of their series.
While Edwards is averaging 39.6 points in his last three games, Denver's key scorer, Jamal Murray, hasn't been 100 percent because of a calf strain. Murry is shooting just 40.3 percent from the floor in the playoffs compared to 48.1 percent during the regular season.
|
05-04-24 |
Wolves +4.5 v. Nuggets |
Top |
106-99 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 54 m |
Show
|
We may not see a point spread this high the rest of the series. These teams are more even than perceived. Minnesota outscored Denver during the 2-2 split the teams had during the regular season.
The Timberwolves are the No. 1 defensive team. They gave up the fewest points per game and also were first in defensive field goal percentage. The Timberwolves are brimming with confidence after sweeping the Suns in four games with a winning margin of 15.5 points. Minnesota is rested and healthy.
The Nuggets did what they had to do in taking out the Lakers in five games. But they weren't sharp. The points were even during the final four games of the series. Denver went 0-3 ATS the last three times it was favored against the Lakers.
Minnesota matches up well to the Nuggets because of its size and physical defense. Anthony Edwards is emerging into a superstar. Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns can make things difficult for Nikola Jokic.
Denver is banged-up. Jamal Murray is dealing with a calf injury. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a defensive ace who likely will cover Edwards, isn't 100 percent of a sprained ankle sustained against the Lakers in Game 5 this past Monday.
|
05-01-24 |
Heat +14.5 v. Celtics |
Top |
84-118 |
Loss |
-115 |
11 h 60 m |
Show
|
I'm betting that desperation, excellent defense and fine coaching will keep the Heat inside of this large number in this Game 5 playoff matchup. Miami is eliminated by a loss.
The Heat have held Boston to an average of 102.3 points during the past three games. I regard the Heat's Eric Spoelstra as an elite coach.
The Celtics will be without their star big man, Kristaps Porzingis. He's out with a calf injury.
Miami lost by 14 points in the last game. The Heat shot just 41 percent from the floor, 27 percent from 3-point range and only got to shoot 12 free throws. I expect the Heat to shoot better this game.
|
04-28-24 |
Clippers +6 v. Mavs |
Top |
116-111 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 32 m |
Show
|
I'm taking the Clippers in this point range knowing Kawhi Leonard isn't going to be 100 percent - and that's if he even plays. He's questionable due to knee soreness.
But I want the better defensive team, which are the Clippers, and this many points in what shapes up as an intense, defensive-focused matchup. The first three games of the series all went Under. Now we have the lowest total of the four games. LA has held Dallas to an average of 98 points during the first three games.
Down 2-1 in the series, the Clippers will be at their most intense. It's not that they're lacking star power with James Harden, Paul George and a combative Russell Westbrook. The problem for the Clippers is cold-shooting. They are 18-for-54 from 3-point range, which is 25 percent. The Clippers made 38 percent of their 3-pointers during the regular season.
The Mavericks' defense is below average, ranking 20th in points allowed and 18th in 3-point defense. The Clippers have a top-10 defense.
I'm not counting on him being out, but Luka Doncic is questionable because of a sore knee. It would be an unexpected bonus if he didn't play. Tim Hardaway is doubtful with an ankle sprain. He's the Mavericks' third-leading scorer.
|
04-27-24 |
Rays -1.5 v. White Sox |
Top |
7-8 |
Loss |
-135 |
17 h 47 m |
Show
|
Give me a reason, any reason, to fade the 4-22 White Sox. OK, I have one. The Rays just were embarrassed, 9-4, by the White Sox on Friday night. The White Sox haven't won two in a row all season. They are the worst offensive team in baseball by far ranking last in various major categories, including runs, batting average and homers. I don't see Tampa Bay starter Aaron Civale having too much trouble handling such a weak lineup. The Rays should do plenty of damage against rookie White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon, who has a 7.27 ERA and 1.62 WHIP.
|
04-26-24 |
Wolves v. Suns -4 |
Top |
126-109 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 60 m |
Show
|
Down 2-0 in the series and fresh from hearing Minnesota fans screaming, "Wolves in four! Wolves in four," I expect a monster effort here from the Suns.
Phoenix won all three regular season games against the Timberwolves. The Suns won those games by an average of 15.7 points.
But the Suns have struggled against the Timberwolves during the first two games of this playoff series with both games being in Minnesota. Now, though, the Suns are back in Phoenix in must-win mode.
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are overdue for big performances especially Booker.
|
04-25-24 |
Knicks v. 76ers -4.5 |
Top |
114-125 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 10 m |
Show
|
I've never seen Joel Embiid more mad than after the Knicks', 104-101, Game 2 win this past Monday.
Embiid has good reason to be fuming: The Knicks stole the game. The referees blew several calls in the final seconds that cost the 76ers that game as the home Knicks scored eight straight points in the final 30 seconds to pull out the victory.
That puts the Knicks up 2-0 in the series. But now the scene shifts to Philadelphia where the fired-up 76ers will be in Circle-The-Wagons mode in this must-win spot.
Embiid and emerging star Tyrese Maxey will have had two full days to get healthy. The next game isn't until Sunday. So the 76ers will be laying it all on the line here. I want them going for me.
|
04-21-24 |
Heat +14.5 v. Celtics |
Top |
94-114 |
Loss |
-108 |
11 h 56 m |
Show
|
Can Boston just turn it off and on? I'll take this many points with Miami to find out.
Since clinching home-court, the Celtics have covered only once going 1-3-2 ATS. Their straight-up victories during their final six regular season games were by one point against the Kings and wins against the Trail Blazers, Hornets and Wizards whose combined record is 57-189. Boston lost by 13 points to the Bucks and by nine points to the Knicks during their two other games.
It has been a week since the Celtics last played.
No such rust, or lack of intensity, with the Heat. Miami had to defeat the Bulls, 112-91, this past Friday in a play-in tournament elimination game to get to this series. The Heat won that game despite not having Jimmy Butler, who remains out.
The Heat made the playoffs as a No. 8 seed last season. They proceeded to win the Eastern Conference, including taking out the Celtics.
No Butler, but the Heat still are the Heat. That means excellent coaching, big-game experience, tough defense and both physical and mental toughness.
|
04-19-24 |
Kings v. Pelicans +1.5 |
Top |
98-105 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 51 m |
Show
|
I know why the Kings are a road favorite against the Pelicans in this loser-goes-home play-in game. New Orleans won't have injured Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are off two losses to the Lakers and the Kings looked great in eliminating the Warriors, 118-94, at home this past Tuesday.
But these reasons aren't valid enough to change my mind that New Orleans is better than Sacramento and will prove it here. It's an added bonus the Pelicans are home and in an underdog role.
Yes, the Pelicans are off consecutive defeats to the Lakers. They have trouble matching up to LA. Sacramento doesn't have LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Pelicans play with far more confidence against the Kings. They are 5-0 vs Sacramento this season, including a 12-point road victory a week ago.
The Pelicans know how to win without Williamson. They've done it before. This isn't to downplay Williamson's absence, but the Kings have their own injury woes. Starter Kevin Huerter is out for the season with a shoulder injury and sixth man Malik Monk is sidelined with a knee injury.
The Kings smashed the Warriors. But even with that victory, Sacramento is just 5-7 in its last 12 games.
A big reason why the Pelicans are 5-0 against the Kings is superior defense. New Orleans ranks eighth in scoring defense, seventh in defensive field goal percentage and No. 2 in 3-point defense. Sacramento, by contrast, is 17th in scoring defense, 21st in defensive field goal percentage and 29th in 3-point defense.
|
04-17-24 |
Heat v. 76ers -4.5 |
Top |
104-105 |
Loss |
-115 |
19 h 8 m |
Show
|
There's a reason the Bucks and other NBA teams didn't want to draw Philadelphia in the playoffs. The 76ers are the hottest team in the league winning and covering each of their last eight games. This includes a four-point win at Miami on April 4. The 76ers have covered the past nine times they've been favored.
Superstar center Joel Embiid returned this month after being out since February. Philadelphia is 6-0 SU and ATS in the six April games Embiid has played. It's not just Embiid. Tyrese Maxey shot up Miami's zone defense averaging 27.3 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Heat this season.
Miami has a history of stepping up come playoff time. But that perception doesn't fit this season, especially against a 76ers team the Heat have trouble matchup up against. The Heat rank 26th in scoring. They can easily beat the Raptors, but they don't have it in a step-up playoff game such as this one.
|
04-12-24 |
Bulls v. Wizards +2 |
Top |
129-127 |
Push |
0 |
10 h 58 m |
Show
|
Surprised the Bulls opened such a short favorite against the Wizards?
Don't be. The spot sets up extremely well for Washington. The Bulls played last night in Detroit. They were intense, highly-motivated and routed the Pistons, 127-105. That victory was significant in that it clinched the No. 9 seed for Chicago and allowed the Bulls to claim home court edge against the 10th-seeded Hawks. That was what the Bulls were aiming for since that's the best they could finish during the regular season.
So this road game against the Wizards is meaningless. It's also Chicago's fourth game in six days and the Bulls will be playing without rest - at least the Bulls who Billy Donovan chooses to play. As the Bulls coach could be sitting out his key starters, or at least heavily cutting back their minutes in anticipation of the playoffs.
The Wizards are 15-65. This is their chance to at least finish their home schedule with a victory. Washington is 3-2-1 ATS in its last six home games, including upsetting the Bucks 10 days ago. (Update: The favorite has flipped since I released this play early in the morning. Still, while some line value has been lost, I expect the Wizards to soundly win this game. The Bulls already have ruled out Andre Drummond and Ayo Dosunmu. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso are questionable.)
|
04-11-24 |
Flyers v. Rangers -1.5 |
Top |
4-1 |
Loss |
-100 |
10 h 38 m |
Show
|
The Rangers have dominated this series going 9-0-1 during the past 10 meetings, including beating the Flyers the past six times.
New York is trying to win its division and won't lack motivation especially after losing to the Devils two days ago.
This is more of a fade against Philadelphia, though. The Flyers have lost eight straight games with six of the defeats occurring by multiple goals.
The Flyers have been outscored by 24 goals during their eight-game losing streak.
|
04-09-24 |
Pistons +16.5 v. 76ers |
Top |
102-120 |
Loss |
-115 |
19 h 57 m |
Show
|
It's a bonus if Cade Cunningham is available to play. He's questionable after missing the last three games due to knee soreness.
Regardless of his status, though, this is too many points for the 76ers to be laying this late in the season when they carry a high fatigue rating and need to be careful in doling out minutes to their starters.
It's the 76ers' third game in four days and fourth matchup in six days.
The 76ers nearly were upset by the Spurs in their last game this past Sunday, needing overtime to win.
This is Philadelphia's first home game in a week having played its last three games on the road.
Joel Embiid is questionable after missing the Spurs game. If he does suit up, the 76ers are likely to be careful in monitoring his minutes. Same with Tyrese Maxey, who scored 52 points against the Spurs, but logged 54 minutes. The 76ers could get Tobias Harris and Kyle Lowry back, but aren't expected to have De'Anthony Melton and Robert Covington.
|
04-06-24 |
Hawks v. Nuggets -12 |
Top |
110-142 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 39 m |
Show
|
By virtue of winning six of their last eight games, the Hawks have clinched a play-in berth. So they don't have huge incentive here.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, are going for No. 1 seeding in the West trailing the Timberwolves by half-a-game for that distinction. Denver won't play again until Tuesday. That should ensure a strong, all-out effort especially since the Nuggets are off a 102-100 loss to the Clippers on Thursday. Denver's previous loss was to the Timberwolves at home eight days ago. The Nuggets followed that defeat by burying the Cavaliers at home by 29 points.
The Hawks haven't beaten the Nuggets in Denver since 2019.
|
04-05-24 |
Kings +9.5 v. Celtics |
Top |
100-101 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 1 m |
Show
|
I understand the Kings just blew a 21-point lead in suffering a 120-109 road loss to the Knicks Thursday night.
But this is a great spot to back the Kings - and yes it's against the Celtics.
This is Boston's first game since clinching home-court throughout the playoffs. The Celitcs will talk about staying motivated, but they can't help relaxing and taking their foot off the gas now that their regular season goal has been achieved.
Boston's priority is to be cautious with its stars. No reason to risk injury, or burn any of them out, now that the rest of the regular season has become meaningless.
The Kings are an underrated adversary.
Even with that defeat to the Knicks, the Kings are 21-17 on the road. They are trying to chase down the Pelicans and Suns for the sixth playoff spot in the West.
Sacramento has quietly, below the radar, picked up its defense holding 11 of its last 13 opponents to 109 or fewer points. During their last 16 games, the Kings have lost by more than eight points just twice.
|
04-04-24 |
76ers v. Heat -2.5 |
Top |
109-105 |
Loss |
-115 |
9 h 45 m |
Show
|
Sparked by Joel Embiid's return after missing nine weeks due to knee surgery, the 76ers beat the Thunder, 109-105, at home on Tuesday. The 76ers are going to be careful with Embiid. This is going to be a much tougher task for the 76ers playing the Heat in Miami. It's Philadelphia's fourth straight different venue.
Erik Spoelstra has Miami peaking again at the right time. The Heat have won four of their last five games, including the past three. The Heat should be pointing to this matchup as they go on the road following this game for their next three games facing the Rockets, Pacers and Hawks.
Terry Rozier has been hot for Miami averaging 27.6 points in his last three games. The Heat's rotation gets a boost with the return of Kevin Love. The 76ers have Embiid back, but may be minus two important cogs, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. Both are questionable.
|
04-03-24 |
Pistons +11.5 v. Hawks |
Top |
113-121 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 45 m |
Show
|
The Hawks are riding high after an important, 113-101, win against the Bulls two days ago. The Hawks are at the Mavericks on Thursday night in a challenging matchup.
But first the Hawks need to take care of business at home against the lowly Pistons.
This is Atlanta's fifth game in eight days. The Hawks remain without superstar Trae Young. So I find value in a point spread this high to back Detroit.
The Pistons are much more respectable with Cade Cunningham in the lineup. He's averaging 22.7 points and 7.5 assists.
Detroit has a winning ATS mark in its last eight road games and has played the Hawks tough during its two meetings this season, losing by six points each time.
|
03-31-24 |
Bulls +8 v. Wolves |
Top |
109-101 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 26 m |
Show
|
The timing is right for the Bulls to cover this road number - if not pull off a surprising upset.
The Timberwolves return home fat and happy after an impressive, 111-98, road win against the defending champion Nuggets Friday night.
The Bulls enter this matchup off an embarrassing, 125-108, road loss to the Nets Friday night.
Chicago defeated Minnesota earlier in the season. The Bulls can do it again. Even with that loss to the Nets, the Bulls are 9-5 SU and ATS in their last 14 away games.
The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS the past five times they have been favored by eight or more points. There's a chance, too, Minnesota could be minus Rudy Gobbert and Anthony Edwards. Both are questionable with injuries.
|
03-29-24 |
Lakers v. Pacers -3 |
Top |
90-109 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 10 m |
Show
|
The teams met just six days ago in LA. The Lakers won a wild, 150-145, shootout. But it wasn't so much the Lakers winning that irked the Pacers, it was how Los Angeles prevailed.
There were 31 fouls called on the Pacers in that game. The Lakers made 38 of 43 free throws. Only 14 fouls were whistled against the Lakers. The Pacers shot just 16 free throws, which were 27 fewer than the Lakers!
The Pacers are doubly mad after losing by 26 points to the Bulls on the road this past Wednesday. They are home now and rested having been idle the past two days.
The Lakers are very much in a situational disadvantage and not just because of the short revenge angle. This marks LA's third game in four days and fourth in six days. It's also the Lakers' third consecutive road game.
There's also the possibility of LeBron James not playing. He's questionable with a sore ankle.
|
03-25-24 |
Pacers v. Clippers -5.5 |
Top |
133-116 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 10 m |
Show
|
The Clippers are 22-12 at home, but coming off an embarrassing 14-point loss to the 76ers in LA on Sunday afternoon. The Clippers are a much better defensive team than the Pacers and won't lack motivation for this matchup following that defeat. Indiana played, too, yesterday at night where it lost a wild, 150-145, game to the Lakers in LA. The Pacers gave it a great effort trailing by 17 points entering the fourth quarter. That game finished much later than the Clippers game did. The Pacers are 2-10 when playing without rest. They have lost the past four times playing the Clippers in LA losing all of those games by six or more points. So this is a bad spot and bad opponent for Indiana.
|
03-24-24 |
Texas A&M +10.5 v. Houston |
Top |
95-100 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 54 m |
Show
|
Notice the low total here. It's justified. Houston is the top defensive team in the nation. Texas A&M also is strong defensively. The pace is going to be extremely slow. It means points are going to be hard to come by. So grabbing double-digits is the way to go especially given the line value and various edges that are in favor of the underdog Aggies.
Texas A&M has picked up its offense at the right time averaging 90.2 points in its last five games. The Aggies rank third in the nation in offensive rebounding and are a better free throw shooting team than Houston.
It takes good guards to beat Houston. Texas A&M has that. The Aggies also are healthier than the banged-up Cougars.
The two teams played each other this season. The game was played in Houston and the Cougars won, 70-66, failing to cover as a 7-point favorite. Now the game is at a neutral site and the point spread is much higher.
The Aggies have proven themselves against some elite opponents beating Tennessee, Kentucky and Iowa State. The Cougars just met Iowa State in the finals of the Big 12 Tournament championship game and lost big, 69-41.
|
03-23-24 |
Oregon +5.5 v. Creighton |
Top |
73-86 |
Loss |
-120 |
20 h 52 m |
Show
|
I have tremendous respect for Creighton. The Bluejays are strong on both sides of the ball and have an elite defensive center in Ryan Kalkbrenner. But I'm going to ride Oregon's momentum. The Ducks are at their peak, have a tremendous coach, Dana Altman, and a dominant center, N'Faly Dante.
Sparked by Dante stepping up the past few weeks as he's gotten fully healthy, the Ducks won the Pac-12 tournament - beating Arizona in the semifinals - and then knocking off South Carolina by 14 points in their opening NCAA Tournament game.
This game holds special meaning for Altman, a native of Nebraska who spent 16 seasons coaching Creighton leading the Bluejays to seven NCAA Tourney appearances.
Akron couldn't handle Creighton's height and shot poorly in losing to the Bluejays in the first round. Creighton, though, is stepping up in class with Oregon.
The Bluejays have to contend not only with Dante, but Oregon's hot-shooting guards. Dante missed the start of the season, but he's averaged 19.9 points on 84.1 percent shooting from the floor during his last seven games.
|
03-22-24 |
Northwestern v. Florida Atlantic -3 |
Top |
77-65 |
Loss |
-110 |
10 h 29 m |
Show
|
Florida Atlantic was ranked as high as No. 7 this season in The Associated Press Top 25 before slipping out. The Owls were superior to Northwestern back then and they still are much the better team especially given the Wildcats' injury situation. The Owls reached the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament last season before losing to San Diego State by one point on a buzzer beater. Florida Atlantic returns that experience and is in an angry mood after a stunning upset loss to Temple in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.
Northwestern was fortunate to even be picked for the NCAA Tournament. I have Florida Atlantic ranked way ahead of the Wildcats in my power ratings. Not helping matters for Northwestern is injuries. Senior guard Ty Berry is out. He's the Wildcats' fourth leading scorer and center Matthew Nicholson is dealing with a knee injury.
|
03-21-24 |
NC State v. Texas Tech -4.5 |
Top |
80-67 |
Loss |
-120 |
22 h 42 m |
Show
|
Tremendous kudos for North Carolina State to win the ACC Conference Tournament as a No. 10 seed. The Wolfpack accomplished that by winning five games in five days. Great feat, but reality catches up to North Carolina State here. The NCAA Tournament committee did the Wolfpack no favors by making them play in Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Grant McCasland continued a recent Texas Tech tradition of strong coaching. The Red Raiders were riding a hot streak until running into second-ranked Houston in the Big 12 Conference Tournament semifinals.
The Big 12 may be the best conference in the country this season, while it was a down year for the ACC.
|
03-20-24 |
Appalachian State +7 v. Wake Forest |
Top |
76-87 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 18 m |
Show
|
Some teams aren't happy to have to settle for playing in the NIT. Appalachian State isn't one of those teams. The Mountaineers are excited to compete and even more excited to go against a bigger name in-state school, Wake Forest, a team they have never beaten. It's a quick 80-mile trip for the Mountaineers to meet the Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem, N.C.
"Playing in the postseason is a huge deal,'' Appalachian State coach Dustin Kerns was quoted as saying. "This is another stair taken upwards in the evolution of our program. No one on our team has ever played in the NIT, so this will be a great experience for everyone."
Appalachian State has the motivation and is good enough to upset Wake Forest straight-up. The Mountaineers rank 30th defensively and fourth in defensive field goal percentage. Each team averages 78 points a game. The Mountaineers are the stronger defensive team.
The Mountaineers can contain Wake Forest's pick-and-rolls and they have elite rim protector Justin Abson, who was the NCAA's fourth-leading shot-blocker. The Mountaineers defeated James Madison, a team getting a lot of love in the NCAA Tournament, twice this season.
The Mountaineers have won 16 of their last 18 games. Wake Forest is 2-4 SU and ATS in its last six games. Appalachian State and Wake Forest last met two years ago and Wake Forest won by one point.
|
03-18-24 |
Cavs +7.5 v. Pacers |
Top |
108-103 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 18 m |
Show
|
No Donovan Mitchell for the road Cavaliers. But that doesn't justify this high of a line.
Cleveland is better than Indiana. The Cavaliers have lost five fewer games and rank in the top-five defensively. Cleveland gives up an average of 109.6 points per game. Indiana ranks second-to-last in points allowed and defensive field goal percentage. The Pacers surrender an average of nearly 12 more points per game than the Cavaliers.
Cleveland has covered five of the last six times it has been an underdog. During their last seven games, the Cavaliers have beaten three teams with better records than Indiana - the Celtics, Timberwolves and Pelicans in New Orleans.
So I find this line out of whack.
|
03-17-24 |
Wisconsin v. Illinois -2.5 |
Top |
87-93 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 3 m |
Show
|
It took a layup at the buzzer to force overtime and then a great effort in overtime for Wisconsin to upset Purdue, 76-75, in a Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinal game Saturday.
But now the Badgers go from getting past the best big man in the Big Ten in 7-foot-4 Zach Edey to perhaps the most talented player in the conference, Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr.
The Badgers entered the Big Ten Tournament losing eight of their last 11 games. The Badgers beat Maryland and banged-up Northwestern. Their victory against Purdue was a gutty effort. However, I don't see the Badgers pulling off a second straight upset in two days with some of their energy zapped from such a physical and emotional tussle with the Boilermakers.
Illinois also is not a good matchup for Wisconsin. The team's met once this season at Wisconsin on March 2. Illinois won, 91-83. Now the teams are on a neutral court in Minneapolis.
The Illini are explosive and talented, none more than the dynamic Shannon. Illinois is going to get its points. The Illini rank 12th in the country in scoring at 83.9 points a game. The way to beat Illinois is exploit its weak 3-point defense that ranks 259th.
Wisconsin, though, is a below average 3-point shooting team. The Badgers rank 192nd in 3-point accuracy at 33.9 percent. The Illini didn't have nearly the tough time with Nebraska in their semifinal Saturday game as the Badgers did in upsetting Purdue.
|
03-14-24 |
Colorado State v. Nevada -2.5 |
Top |
85-78 |
Loss |
-110 |
21 h 33 m |
Show
|
I'm going to roll with Nevada, which has won 10 of its last 11 games. The Wolf Pack also won both regular-season games against Colorado State, 77-64, at home and, 77-74, on the road where they led nearly the entire game. Nevada defeated the Rams on the road minus Kenan Blackshear, its best all-around player. Blackshear is healthy now.
The Wolf Pack get a scheduling edge, too, with the Mountain West Conference Tournament being in Las Vegas.
Matchup-wise, Nevada has a size advantage in the low post with Nick Davidson and has a trio of excellent defensive guards to hound Colorado State's star point guard Isaiah Stevens.
Colorado State has been out of sync when playing Nevada due to the Wolf Pack slowing things down and playing excellent perimeter defense. The Rams were just 12-of-41 (29 percent) from 3-point range in their two games against Nevada while the Wolf Pack made 14-of-31 shots from beyond the arc for 45 percent. This isn't surprising since Nevada is a top-50 3-point shooting team while the Rams ranked second-to-last in the Mountain West in 3-point accuracy.
|
03-13-24 |
Bulls +4 v. Pacers |
Top |
132-129 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 10 m |
Show
|
Big road win for the Pacers on Tuesday night defeating the Thunder, 121-111. Indiana also beat the Magic in Orlando this past Sunday.
But now's the time to sell high on the Pacers as they return home to host the Bulls playing without rest following that 2-0 road trip. It's the Pacers' first home game in six days and just their second game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since Feb. 28.
Oh, yes, the Pacers are 1-8 the past nine times when playing the second of back-to-back games. They've lost to far worse teams than the Bulls during this span when playing without rest.
The Bulls have won eight of their last 11 road games with two of those defeats occurring to the Cavaliers by three points and to the Magic in overtime.
There's a negative perception of the Bulls because Chicago is missing Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball and Patrick William. But the Bulls still have star power with DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic along with emerging Coby White, who has quietly averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds a game.
|
03-11-24 |
Warriors -4 v. Spurs |
Top |
112-102 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 42 m |
Show
|
No Stephen Curry for the Warriors here while the Spurs are expected to get back rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, their top scorer, and Devin Vassell, their second-leading scorer.
I know that going in. But it doesn't matter. I like the Warriors to soundly beat the Spurs in this rapid revenge spot.
The Spurs stunned the totally flat Warriors, 126-113, at San Francisco this past Saturday as 12 1/2-point underdogs. Curry didn't play and he remains out with an ankle injury. The Warriors have the rest of their stars back in action, though, including Klay Thompson and Chris Paul.
Golden State is holding onto the 10th playoff spot in the West, giving it a place in the play-in tournament. The Warriors, however, can't afford to take the 14-50 Spurs lightly. Golden State's next two games are on the road against the Mavericks and resurgent Lakers, who are off home victories against the Timberwolves and Bucks.
The Warriors are 8-1 SU and ATS during their past nine road games with the only defeat in this span coming to the Celtics. They've defeated the Spurs four straight times in San Antonio. The Spurs haven't been home in eight days. So their concentration level could be off and their motivation down after having just upset the Warriors.
|
03-09-24 |
Cal Poly v. UC San Diego -18 |
Top |
87-92 |
Loss |
-110 |
17 h 20 m |
Show
|
Yes, San Diego is a much better team than Cal Poly SLO. That's why the point spread is as high as it is. But motivation also matters in this season-finale. San Diego has it. Cal Poly doesn't and that is why the Tritons will bury Cal Poly by far more points than even this lopsided point spread.
The Mustangs are one of the worst teams in the country with a 4-27 record. Their last victory was on Dec. 21. They are an embarrassing 0-19 in the Big West Conference.
San Diego is 20-11 and 14-5 in the Big West, which is the second-best mark in the league. However, the Tritons are ineligible to play in the conference tournament, NCAA Tournament and NIT. That's because they transitioned from Division II to Division I when they joined the Big West in 2020. There is a four-year transition period before the team can be eligible to play in those postseason tournaments. This is the final year the Tritons have to wait.
So look for San Diego to come out strong with this being its final game. The Tritons were upset by Cal-Davis at home in their previous game this past Thursday. They certainly don't want to close their season with another disappointing performance. They should come out focused and they have the perfect patsy to make amends.
The overmatched Mustangs just want their horrendous season to close. They are a terrible defensive team and the sixth-lowest scoring team in the nation averaging a puny 62.9 points a game. San Diego averages nearly 15 more points per game than the Mustangs.
|
03-06-24 |
Bucks v. Warriors -4 |
Top |
90-125 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 2 m |
Show
|
Regardless if Giannis Antetokounmpo plays or doesn't, I like the Warriors to soundly beat the Bucks.
The Warriors could be back to full strength and are off an utterly humiliating, 140-88, nationally televised road loss to the Celtics this past Sunday afternoon.
I want Golden State going for me at home following that embarrassment.
The Bucks, by contrast, are fat and happy having defeated the Clippers, 113-106, at home this past Monday despite not having superstar Antetokounmpo. He missed that game due to Achilles soreness, which has rendered him questionable for this game.
Despite the loss to the Celtics, the Warriors are 11-3 in their last 14 games. They are expected to get back Brandin Podziemski and Andrew Wiggins, who had missed the past four games because of a personal matter. Wiggins is the Warriors' fourth-leading scorer and an ace defender. Podziemski is Golden State's fifth-leading scorer and is second on the team in rebounds per game.
Not only could the Bucks be minus Antetokounmpo, but they are down their third-best player, Khris Middleton. He's out with an ankle injury. The Warriors have won and covered against the Bucks at home each of the past three seasons.
|
03-03-24 |
Warriors +11.5 v. Celtics |
Top |
88-140 |
Loss |
-115 |
18 h 22 m |
Show
|
I don't get this line. Yeah the Celtics have won 10 in a row and own the best home record in the NBA at 28-3. But the Warriors are much improved from earlier in the season and playing their best ball.
Golden State has won eight consecutive road games. The Warriors are 6-1 in their past seven overall games. Only once in their last 20 games have the Warriors been defeated by more than nine points.
The Warriors are used to being on center stage and they won't be intimidated by the Celtics, who they beat in overtime when they played them earlier this season at home.
"...We've just gotten healthy and found a groove," Warriors coach Steve Kerr was quoted as saying. "... It took us a while, frankly, just to figure out our team. We were leaning on what we were two years ago when we won the championship early in the season and that wasn't working. ... We've got a good bit of momentum going and we're just going to try and keep it going.''
This is a nationally televised game (ABC) and should have playoff-type intensity.
|
03-01-24 |
Fairfield +1.5 v. Marist |
Top |
55-58 |
Loss |
-115 |
16 h 38 m |
Show
|
Marist opened the smallest of favorites. Still, The Red Foxes opened as a favorite - and that's wrong. Fairfield is the superior team.
Fairfield leads the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) with a 12-5 mark. Marist is in fourth place with a 10-6 mark. The Red Foxes have three fewer overall victories than Fairfield.
Marist lost, 69-60, to Saint Peter's as 3 1/2-point road 'dogs in its last game this past Sunday. Fairfield defeated Saint Peter's, 64-62, on the road and whipped them, 76-67, at home.
The Staggs also rolled past Marist, 82-61, as short home favorites back on Jan. 7. Fairfield has the healthier frontcourt and holds a strong backcourt edge on the Red Foxes. The Staggs have the top guard depth in the MAAC. They forced 18 turnovers against Marist in the first game. That wasn't unusual. Marist has a turnover problem and the Staggs' guards are excellent defenders.
Marist has a stingy defense that is aided by its offense's half-court slow, deliberate style. However, Fairfield averages 12 points more per game and ranks 10th in the nation in 3-point accuracy. Caleb Fields, one of four good guards Fairfield has, burned the Red Foxes for 33 points while hitting 10-of-18 3-pointers in the first meeting.
The Staggs are in excellent current form, too, winning six of their last seven games, including going 3-0 SU and ATS in their past three games. The Staggs have won outright five of the last six times they've been underdogs. Marist has a losing ATS record the past nine times it has been favored.
Fairfield has defeated Marist each of the previous five seasons on the road. This includes a 70-61 away win last year.
|
02-29-24 |
Wizards +9.5 v. Lakers |
Top |
131-134 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 45 m |
Show
|
The good news for the Lakers is they are off their best comeback win of the season. They came from 21 points down in the fourth quarter to upset their in-city, division rival the Clippers, 116-112, last night. LeBron James led the rally scoring 19 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter.
The bad news for the Lakers is they have a game today. Yes, the opponent is the Wizards, who have lost 11 of 13 games since replacing Wes Unseld Jr. with interim coach Bran Keefe.
But the Wizards are rested, play at the fastest tempo in the NBA and are 5-4 ATS in their last nine games.
The Lakers are 1-3 ATS in their last four games and have failed to cover three of the past four times when favored. The Lakers are down several big men on their rotation with Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood both out. James played 37 minutes last night. Anthony Davis logged 36 minutes. It wouldn't shock if either was rested, or had their minutes reduced tonight.
This is a huge spot for former Laker Kyle Kuzman, who has emerged as arguably the best player on the Wizards. Backed by Kuzman, look for the Wizards to be motivated for this matchup after being idle yesterday. The spot sets up nicely for Washington.
|
02-27-24 |
Nevada +7.5 v. Colorado State |
Top |
77-74 |
Win
|
100 |
23 h 58 m |
Show
|
Colorado State has yet to lose at home in seven Mountain West Conference games this season. But it wouldn't shock me if the Rams lost straight-up to Nevada.
The Wolf Pack are a tough matchup for Colorado State. That was proven in the first game between these teams on Jan. 24. The Wolf Pack won, 77-64, as 4 1/2-point home favorites. That was the most points the Rams allowed in regulation during their last 19 games.
Nevada took advantage of its height advantage to make 56.8 percent of its shots inside the paint.
The Rams are heavily reliant upon point guard Isaiah Stevens. But Stevens had trouble against the Wolf Pack's 38th-ranked defense making only four-of-16 shots from the field. Nevada held Colorado State to just 26.1 percent from 3-point range as the Rams missed 17 of 23 shots from beyond the arc. This wasn't a fluke as the Wolf Pack have some of the Mountain West Conference best perimeter defenders in Tre Coleman, Daniel Foster and Kenan Blackshear. They are a big reason why the Wolf Pack give up just 66.3 points a game.
The Wolf Pack have held six of their last seven opponents to 66 or fewer points. Discount an 83-82 loss to New Mexico and Nevada is surrendering an average of only 61.6 points in its last six games.
|
02-25-24 |
Nuggets v. Warriors +1 |
Top |
119-103 |
Loss |
-110 |
18 h 45 m |
Show
|
Never count out Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Golden State is making its move winning 10 of its last 12 games. This includes a 2-0 mark since the All-Star break with double-digit home victories against the Lakers and Hornets.
Look for the Warriors to continue their momentum against the defending world champion Nuggets.
Denver also is 2-0 coming out of All-Star break. However, the Nuggets' victories were against two patsies - the Wizards and Trail Blazers. Denver had gone 0-3 in its three previous games with a pair of losses to the Kings and one to the Bucks.
Now the Nuggets face another real opponent. The Warriors should be extremely motivated. Not just because they have triple revenge having gone 0-3 to the Nuggets this season losing those games by an average of four points. But because they are playing their best ball, are home and need to prove they can beat the Nuggets.
Jamal Murray is questionable for the Nuggets. Murray, Denver's second-leading scorer, missed the Nuggets' last game because of shin splints.
|
02-24-24 |
Duke +2.5 v. Wake Forest |
Top |
79-83 |
Loss |
-105 |
16 h 25 m |
Show
|
This is only the second time Duke is an underdog this season. The first came against North Carolina on the road. The Blue Devils lost to North Carolina. Since that defeat, though, Duke has won and covered five in a row.
Wake Forest is 14-0 at home, the only ACC team without a home loss. But the 17-9 Demon Deacons aren't as good as the 21-5 Blue Devils, who are 12-3 in the ACC compared to Wake Forest's 9-6 league mark.
I was far more impressed with Duke's 84-55 road victory against Miami this past Wednesday than Wake Forest's, 91-58, home victory against Pittsburgh, which shot just 29 percent from the field vs the Demon Deacons.
Duke handled Wake Forest, 77-69, as seven-point home favorites on Feb. 12. So I find plenty of line value on the Blue Devils as an underdog.
|
02-22-24 |
Troy State +2.5 v. Arkansas State |
Top |
71-79 |
Loss |
-110 |
22 h 53 m |
Show
|
Troy is 7-1 in its last eight games. However, that one defeat came at home to Arkansas State, 82-71, last Thursday.
The Trojans were 6 1/2-point favorites in that matchup. Now, a week later, they opened as underdogs to Arkansas State.
I'm not buying that. It's not just rapid revenge for Troy. The Trojans are the superior team. Troy is 18-9 and 11-3 in the Sun Belt Conference, tied for second one game behind Appalachian State. Arkansas State is 13-4 overall and 8-6 in the Sun Belt.
Both teams average 79 points. The difference comes on defense. Troy gives up 69.4 points a game. Arkansas State permits 78.4 points per game, which ranks 334th. The Red Wolves also are 300th in defensive field goal percentage.
Don't expect Troy to have a second straight off-shooting game against Arkansas State. So I'll take the points with the superior team.
|
02-21-24 |
UNLV -5.5 v. Air Force |
Top |
72-43 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 37 m |
Show
|
Air Force is the worst team in the Mountain West Conference. The Falcons are 1-11 in the conference and have lost 14 of their past 15 games. Guess who that one victory came against? Yep, it was against UNLV.
The Falcons stunned the Rebels, 90-58, as 10 1/2-point road 'dogs on Jan. 23. Air Force is 0-6 SU and ATS since then. Air Force made 14 of 28 3-pointers against the Rebels.
Not only do the Rebels have revenge, but they also are in a kill mood after blowing an 11-point second-half lead in a 69-66 home loss to arch-rival Nevada this past Saturday. That loss snapped a five-game UNLV win streak.
The Rebels are 14-10 on the season, 7-5 in the Mountain West Conference. They are a much better team than Air Force and should have huge motivation. Air Force ranks 315th in scoring at 67.9 points per game. The Falcons rank 337th in defensive field goal percentage and 354th in 3-point defense.
Oh, yes, the Falcons also are 0-8 SU and ATS in their last eight home games.
|
02-20-24 |
Wyoming +14.5 v. Nevada |
Top |
58-76 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 43 m |
Show
|
There is no team Nevada gets more motivated to play then its in-state rival, UNLV. The Wolf Pack had lost four in a row to UNLV - until this past Saturday night.
Nevada rallied from nine points down to nip the Rebels, 69-66, as two-point road 'dogs. It was a very satisfying victory for the Wolf Pack. But it also puts the Wolf Pack in a letdown spot for this matchup against Wyoming.
The Cowboys are a respectable .500 Mountain West Conference team that has a winning overall record and a winning league road mark. They are not an easy opponent for Nevada. The Cowboys proved that back on Jan. 20 when they upset the Wolf Pack, 98-93, as seven-point home 'dogs. Now the line has doubled, which I find way too high.
|
02-20-24 |
Blue Jackets +1.5 v. Kings |
Top |
1-5 |
Loss |
-115 |
26 h 44 m |
Show
|
Having gone just 9-9-1-5 in LA, the Kings have burned the most money at home of any team in the NHL.
Don't be shocked if the Kings fail to win at home again even against Columbus. This is a horrendous situational spot for Los Angeles.
The Kings returned to Southern California after winning their last three games of a four-game road trip. This marks their fifth game in eight days and first in the Pacific time zone since Feb. 10.
Contrast this with the Blue Jackets, who are in action for only the third time in 10 days. They last played this past Saturday at San Jose where they nipped the Sharks, 4-3.
Columbus has the fourth-fewest points in the NHL. So the Kings can't help but feel cocky and confident. However, if you give the Blue Jackets plus 1 1/2 goals, they would be 12-8 in their last 20 games.
|
02-19-24 |
Iowa State +9.5 v. Houston |
Top |
65-73 |
Win
|
100 |
23 h 43 m |
Show
|
Maybe it's because Houston dominated Texas this past Saturday holding the Longhorns to their lowest point total of the season in an 82-61 victory. But I find this line way too high on the Cougars.
So I'm on the Cyclones.
Yes, Houston has a 19-game home win streak and is ranked first in the country defensively. Iowa State, however, ranks seventh defensively in the nation, averages more points per game than the Cougars and is a better free throw shooting team.
The Cyclones have had the Cougars' number, too, winning seven of the past eight times. This includes a 57-53 home victory against Texas on Jan. 9 when the Cyclones were a much shorter underdog.
Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger is one of the top-five coaches in the country, in my view. The Cyclones are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games. Texas had failed to cover in its past four games before its victory against Texas.
|
02-18-24 |
Canisius -2.5 v. Siena |
Top |
73-64 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 16 m |
Show
|
Canisius is nothing great. But Siena is the Washington Generals of college basketball. Canisius is 9-15. Siena is 3-21 in its last 24 games. The Saints very well could be the worst offensive team in the country.
The Golden Griffins average 71.8 points a game. That's nearly 12 points more per game than the Saints.
Siena is averaging 60.1 points. That miniscule average shrinks even more to 54.2 points in its last eight games.
The Saints rank 360th in scoring, 354th in free throw accuracy, 348th in field goal percentage and 358th in 3-point percent.
Siena's below-average defense can't make up for its lack of offense. The Saints rank 278th defensively allowing 75.2 points a game. Canisius defeated Siena, 67-63, on Jan. 12. The Saints have gotten worse since then losing eight of their last nine games.
|
02-17-24 |
Indiana State -4.5 v. Southern Illinois |
Top |
69-74 |
Loss |
-110 |
18 h 14 m |
Show
|
There hadn't been this much excitement about Indiana State since Larry Bird played for the Sycamores. Unfortunately for the 23rd-ranked Sycamores they are coming off a stunning home upset loss to 12-14 Illinois State this past Tuesday.
Indiana State coach Josh Schertz ripped his team following that defeat calling them soft and lacking toughness.
I'm expecting the Sycamores to be fired-up and to bury Southern Illinois even if Jayson Kent, their leading rebounder, can't play.
Southern Illinois was no match for Indiana State when the teams met earlier this season on Nov. 28. The Sycamores buried the Salukis, 77-48. Southern Illinois ranks 239th in defensive field goal percentage. The Salukis have allowed their past three opponents to shoot at least 50 percent from the field. Indiana State is the third-best shooting team in the country and ranks eighth in points per game at 84.9.
Despite their Top 25 ranking, Indiana State is not a lock to make the NCAA Tournament. The Sycamores lead Drake by just one game in the Missouri Valley Conference.
|
02-16-24 |
Brown v. Princeton -12.5 |
Top |
63-72 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 7 m |
Show
|
Princeton has the best overall record of any team in the Ivy League at 17-3. Brown has one of the worst records at 6-16 with a 3-9 road mark.
The teams met two games ago on Feb. 3. Princeton beat the Bears, 70-60, covering as seven-point road favorites. The Tigers accomplished that despite a bad shooting game. They shot 44 percent from the floor and 27 percent from 3-point range. The Tigers' season average is 46.3 shooting from the field and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Brown then lost as a 4 1/2-point home favorite to Columbia, 83-69, in its last game. I don't see Brown staying within this number on the road to Princeton. The Bears lost by double-digits to the Tigers at home when Princeton wasn't shooting well.
Princeton is 8-0 at home. The Tigers permit only 64.7 points per game, which ranks 23rd in the nation. The Tigers also are the second-best free throw shooting team in the country making 79.9 percent.
Brown is below par on both sides of the ball. The Bears average just 70 points and could be the worst free throw shooting team in the land making only 64.7 percent.
|
02-15-24 |
Northwestern v. Rutgers -3.5 |
Top |
60-63 |
Loss |
-110 |
17 h 4 m |
Show
|
Big Ten Conference basketball is all about defense and protecting your home floor. Both of these key factors are in play for Rutgers in this matchup.
The Scarlet Knights have won their last three games posting upset victories against Wisconsin at home and road wins against Michigan and Maryland. It's not a coincidence that these three victories have all come since Iowa State transfer Jeremiah Williams became eligible and played in his first three games for Rutgers. Williams sparked the Scarlet Knights to their, 78-56, upset of 11th-ranked Wisconsin this past Saturday by scoring 18 points, dishing off seven assists and grabbing five rebounds.
Williams provides offense and all-around play to the Scarlet Knights, who give up the 28th-fewest points in the nation and rank 13th in defensive field goal percentage.
Northwestern is much better at home than on the road. The Wildcats are 1-5 in their Big Ten away contests.
|
02-14-24 |
Clippers +4.5 v. Warriors |
Top |
130-125 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 42 m |
Show
|
No need to overthink. The Clippers are 35-17, one of the three best teams in the Western Conference along with the Timberwolves and Thunder. The Clippers' goal is to finish with the best record in the NBA. That's a lofty goal, but attainable for a team this good.
Golden State is 26-25. The Warriors are off an emotional road victory against the Jazz this past Monday. They play at Utah again on Thursday to close out the first half of their season. It's a game that was rescheduled following the untimely death of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic from a heart attack. So returning home for this one game against the Clippers sandwiched in between trips to Utah is an usual and tough spot for the Warriors. Their concentration level may be hindered.
There's also a physical fatigue to go with the mental stress as this marks the Warriors' fifth game in eight days.
Unlike the Warriors, the Clippers won't play again until after the All-Star break. Also unlike the Warriors, the Clippers are off a huge, disappointing loss. They were embarrassed at home by the Timberwolves, 121-100, this past Monday. That defeat dropped the Clippers 1 1/2 games behind the Timberwolves for best record in the Western Conference.
Even with that loss to Minnesota, the Clippers still are 10-3 in their past 13 games. They won't lack motivation for this matchup and should be fully focused and engaged.
The Clippers have both a top-10 offense and defense. They rank first in 3-point field goal percentage. The Warriors are below average defensively ranking 19th.
|
02-13-24 |
Wolves v. Blazers +8.5 |
Top |
121-109 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 59 m |
Show
|
This is enough line value for me to take the Trail Blazers given the probable return of Anfernee Simons and the favorable spot Portland is in.
Minnesota is fat and happy off an impressive, 121-100, road victory against the Clippers last night. The Timberwolves can't be faulted if they take the lowly Trail Blazers, a team they buried, 116-93, at home on Jan. 12, not very seriously.
Portland, though, is well-rested and off a tremendous defensive performance. The Trail Blazers held New Orleans to 93 points in their last game this past Saturday. That was 23 points below the Pelicans' season average. However, the Trail Blazers didn't have Simons, their top player and leading scorer, so they couldn't muster up enough offense to win.
Simons is expected to return today from his left ankle sprain. That's huge. It's an extra bonus if Scott Henderson also can play for Portland. He's questionable with a foot sprain.
Portland has been home for eight days, idle for the past two full days. Minnesota is playing its fourth consecutive road game. The Timberwolves have a losing ATS mark when playing in the second of back-to-back days.
The Trail Blazers are 4-3 in their last seven home games with straight-up upset victories against the Bucks, 76ers, Pacers and Nets during this span.
When the Timberwolves rolled past the Trail Blazers in the team's first meeting, Portland was at the tail end of a seven-game road trip and had just played the Thunder the previous night. Now it's the Timberwolves who have a fatigue rating.
Note, too, the teams meet again in Portland on Thursday. So the Timberwolves may hold back some things knowing they have to play this same opponent in their next game.
|
02-13-24 |
Duquesne v. Dayton -8.5 |
Top |
59-75 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 17 m |
Show
|
You have to go back 12 years to find the last time Duquesne won at Dayton. I don't see the Dukes ending their long road losing streak here against the Flyers.
Dayton is ranked 16th, but coming off an ugly, 49-47, road loss to VCU this past Friday. The Flyers held VCU scoreless during the final 5:57, but still couldn't win because of their cold shooting. This was highly unusual since the Flyers rank seventh in 3-point shooting percentage.
That loss has put Dayton in a bounce back spot, while Duquesne is fat-and-happy after upsetting St. Bonaventure this past Saturday.
The Flyers' DaRon Holmes II leads the Atlantic 10 in scoring at 19.4 points per game. Holmes, though, is off a terrible performance against VCU. I expect the Flyers and Holmes to bounce back strong against Duquesne, which is a well below average shooting team. Dayton gives up the seventh-fewest points in the country at 64.3.
Prior to losing to VCU, the Flyers had gone 16-1 with one of those victories during this span coming against Duquesne, 72-62, on the road on Jan. 12.
|
02-12-24 |
Bulls +4 v. Hawks |
Top |
136-126 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 44 m |
Show
|
This is an important game for playoff seeding in the East. The Bulls rank ninth while the Hawks are 10th, one game behind Chicago. The Bulls are the superior defensive team and have a winning point spread mark. They are 7-4 ATS in their past 11 games.
The Hawks give up 123.7 points a game. That ranks second-to-last in the NBA. The Bulls rate 11th defensively, allowing 11 fewer points per game than Atlanta.
Atlanta has the worst point spread mark in the NBA at 17-36 (32 percent) ATS. The Hawks are very bad in this role going 6-16 ATS when favored by more than 1 1/2 points. It's also Atlanta's third game in four days.
|
02-09-24 |
Dayton -1.5 v. VCU |
Top |
47-49 |
Loss |
-110 |
20 h 6 m |
Show
|
Dayton is 18th-ranked in the country, leads the Atlantic 10 Conference and has won 16 of its last 17 games. But this matchup against VCU holds special meaning for the Flyers.
It's their revenge game of the year. VCU defeated Dayton, 68-56, in the Atlantic 10 title game last season.
VCU is good again this season at 15-8, 7-3 in conference. But 19-3 Dayton is better. The Flyers are a better offensive team than they were when they lost to VCU last season. The Flyers average three points more per game than the Rams and rank fifth in the nation in 3-point accuracy. Dayton's DaRon Holmes II leads the A-10 in scoring at 19.7 points per game.
The oddsmaker agrees that Dayton is the superior team, opening the Flyers a road favorite. I'm going to back Dayton on the money line with the line as short as it is.
|
02-08-24 |
Nuggets v. Lakers +3.5 |
Top |
114-106 |
Loss |
-105 |
12 h 15 m |
Show
|
The Lakers have picked up their pace winning eight of their last 12 games. This includes three straight victories to close out a six-game road trip. Sometimes it's dangerous to back a team playing their first home game following a lengthy road trip. That certainly was the case with the Clippers last night. They lost to the Pelicans by 11 points as a 6 1/2-point home favorite. The Clippers had been playing well, too.
But this is a different case and much different situation. The Clippers only had one day of rest after returning to Los Angeles. The Lakers concluded their road swing this past Monday giving them two full days of rest and preparation.
This also is the Lakers' biggest game of the season and it isn't just because they're playing the defending world champion Nuggets.
It's a special night because the Lakers organization will be honoring the late Kobe Bryant before the game unveiling a statue of him. The game is going to be heavily attended with many dignitaries. It is being shown nationally on TNT.
"Win one for Kobe,'' will be the Lakers' motto. So I'm expecting maximum motivation and effort.
The Nuggets are off back-to-back home victories against the 15-35 Trail Blazers. Not exactly a worthy opponent. Denver has lost in its two previous road games, falling to the Thunder and getting blown out by the Knicks.
|
02-07-24 |
Pelicans +6.5 v. Clippers |
Top |
117-106 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 43 m |
Show
|
The Pelicans are in prime position to ambush the Clippers.
The Clippers returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday after finishing a seven-game, 11-day road trip with a victory against the Hawks in Atlanta this past Monday night. There were 293 points scored in the Clippers' crazy, 149-144, victory against the Hawks. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden each played more than 37 minutes in that game.
Now the Clippers have to get used to being home having played in a different arena for the past seven games. LA has to be feeling good having gone 6-1 on its road trip. The Clippers are not only in a letdown spot, but their concentration could be off having been gone for so long. They also might be dealing with dead legs in action for the third time in four days and fourth time in six days.
New Orleans is playing well, too, riding a three-game win streak. The Pelicans don't have nearly the fatigue factor LA does. This is just the Pelicans' second game in five days.
The teams are meeting for the third time this season. The road team has won each of the first two games. Attendance could be less than normal for the Clippers because of the heavy rains that hit southern California.
|
02-06-24 |
Oklahoma State v. Houston -20 |
Top |
63-79 |
Loss |
-110 |
10 h 3 m |
Show
|
I want Houston going for me at home after it was smashed, 78-65, by Kansas on the road this past Saturday. That was the Cougars' worst regular-season defeat in two years.
Even giving up 78 points in that game, the Cougars still rank first in the country in fewest points allowed per game at 54 and in defensive efficiency. Oklahoma State is the worst team in the Big 12 Conference. The Cowboys only average 71.1 points, which ranks 259th. They also rank 314th in free throw percentage.
The Cowboys are actually a little fat and happy, though, after upsetting Kansas State at home this past Saturday. That was just their second win in their past nine games.
Texas has a strong record as a big favorite covering 62 percent of the past 104 times when they've been chalk of more than 10 points.
|
02-04-24 |
Bucks v. Jazz +1.5 |
Top |
108-123 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 17 m |
Show
|
At first glance this opening line might look strange with the 33-16 Bucks around a pick'em against the 24-26 Jazz. But the spot sets up extremely well for Utah. So I'm on the Jazz. The Bucks came back to beat Dallas on the road Saturday night. Milwaukee trailed by 25 points at one stage. The Bucks' three best players all logged heavy minutes in the victory. Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton each played more than 38 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo logged more than 40 minutes. It wouldn't be shocking if any of those three were rested today. I'm getting down now on the Jazz because the line would change if Antetokounmpo or Lillard sat out. Note, too, the Bucks are going into Utah's high altitude. Milwaukee also is in transition with new coach Doc Rivers. Beating Dallas was the Bucks' first win under Rivers this season. The Jazz are 15-7 at home - and rested. They last played this past Thursday. The Jazz lost to the 76ers, 127-124, in their last game. Philadelphia didn't have injured Joel Embiid. However, the Jazz had just returned from a six-game road trip and been idle for only one day before hosting the 76ers. Now they are rested and ready to go with a strong home court.
|
02-03-24 |
Tennessee v. Kentucky +1.5 |
Top |
103-92 |
Loss |
-110 |
20 h 25 m |
Show
|
This is Kentucky's game to win and I see the Wildcats doing just that. Getting any points with the Wildcats is just a bonus.
Kentucky defeated Tennessee in both meetings last season. Kentucky won those games by a combined 19 points. The Wildcats close their regular season at Tennessee. So it is paramount they beat the Volunteers in Lexington, Ky.
Both teams got caught peeking ahead to this marquee matchup in their last game. Kentucky blew a four-point home lead with 20 seconds and lost in overtime to Florida this past Wednesday. That was just the Wildcats' second home loss in 12 home contests. Tennessee looked far worse, though. The Volunteers lost, 63-59, to South Carolina as a 14-point home favorite this past Tuesday. Tennessee is going to have to play far, far better than that to stay competitive against the Wildcats.
The Wildcats own the deeper bench and have a highly-underrated shooting guard in Antonio Reeves. Not only is he an elite defensive player, but he's scored 19 or more points in eight of the last 10 games.
|
02-02-24 |
Magic +8 v. Wolves |
Top |
108-106 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 36 m |
Show
|
Points are going to be hard to come by in this matchup between the Magic, who ranked fifth in the NBA defensively, and the Timberwolves, who give up the fewest points per game. That's why the oddsmaker has set a low total. So I find this to be a lot of points to get.
The Timberwolves are a bit fat and happy after a blowout victory against the Mavericks two days ago.
Orlando has the best point spread mark in the NBA at 31-17, which is 64.5 percent. The Magic have held two of their last three opponents to 98 points, the Spurs and Suns. That was 18 points below the Suns' season average.
|
01-31-24 |
Mavs +14 v. Wolves |
Top |
87-121 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 41 m |
Show
|
I'm more interested in the Mavericks when they are underdogs - and they certainly are underdogs in this matchup judging by the lopsided point spread. It's way too many points for the Timberwolves to be laying. Dallas has ended its mini-slump winning two of its past three games, including nipping the Magic, 131-129, at home two days ago. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been picking up the slack for Kyrie Irving's absence. He had 36 points against Orlando. The Mavericks are 12-9 on the road. They have covered seven of the last 11 times when getting points. Dallas also defeated the Timberwolves, 115-108, in the last meeting on Jan. 7 at home. The Timberwolves are coming off a satisfying road win against the Thunder, in which Minnesota coach Chris Finch challenged his defense, but are just 3-3 in their last six games. It's not an ideal situational spot either for the Timberwolves being their first home game in nine days following four consecutive road games. Minnesota is 0-2 in its last two home contests losing to the Hornets and Thunder.
|
01-30-24 |
San Diego State v. Colorado State -1.5 |
Top |
71-79 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 18 m |
Show
|
It's gut check time for Colorado State after consecutive road losses to Wyoming and Nevada. The Rams are in the NCAA Tournament hunt with a 15-5 record, but blew an 11-point lead with 1:11 left to fall to Wyoming in overtime this past Saturday in their last game.
The Rams are home now where they are 10-1, including 3-0 in Mountain West Conference games and with a victory against 19th-ranked New Mexico. San Diego State has been idle for a week. The Aztecs are 0-5-1 ATS in true road games and have been known to struggle when playing in high altitude venues, which Moby Arena is.
The Aztecs are 16-4, but have feasted on weak competition going 14-0 vs Quad 2 or lower opponents and 2-4 against Quad 1 foes. Colorado State is the seventh-best shooting team in the country. San Diego State is the second-worst shooting team in the Mountain West ahead of only Boise State. The Aztecs are the worst 3-point shooting team in the conference.
San Diego State could be rusty, too, having been idle for a week. The Aztecs have a bigger game up next when they host 17th-ranked and Mountain West leader Utah State.
|
01-27-24 |
Colorado v. Washington State +1.5 |
Top |
69-78 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 31 m |
Show
|
It's easy to cite revenge for Washington State when going with the Cougars to beat Colorado at home in this matchup. The Buffaloes beat the Cougars, 74-67, in Boulder on Dec. 31.
But it's more than that. Washington State has come together a lot more since that defeat going 5-2 in their last seven games. The Cougars are strong at home and Colorado is coming off a road win against Washington this past Wednesday. I don't see the Buffaloes knocking off both Washington and Washington State on the road. Prior to defeating Washington, Colorado had played four true road games. The Buffaloes lost and failed to cover in each of those contests.
Washington State is 9-2 at home. The Cougars won and covered against Utah and Arizona during their last two home games.
The Cougars are a better defensive team than Colorado and can take advantage of the Buffaloes' weak 3-point defense.
|
01-26-24 |
Ohio v. Kent State -2.5 |
Top |
71-64 |
Loss |
-110 |
20 h 55 m |
Show
|
Kent State is far superior to Ohio in two key categories - 3-point shooting and free throw shooting. The Golden Flashes also are home for this Mid-American Conference matchup. That's a key, too. Ohio is 0-5 SU and ATS in its five true road games.
The Bobcats lost on the road this past Tuesday to Akron, 67-58, as an 8-point 'dog. The Bobcats remain a fade on the road until they prove they can cover a true away game.
Kent State has the better overall record, although both teams are 3-4 in the MAC. The Golden Flashes rank 54th in 3-point accuracy. Ohio is 199th in 3-point defense. Kent State also makes 76 percent of its free throws compared to Ohio, which ranks 221st in free throw percentage at 70.4 percent.
|
01-24-24 |
Hawks v. Warriors -7 |
Top |
112-134 |
Win
|
100 |
21 h 3 m |
Show
|
A disappointing season turned tragic for Golden State when assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died of a heart attack last Wednesday. The Warriors haven't played since.
The Warriors will honor Milojevic, showing a video tribute of him before the game.
Look for the Warriors to treat this matchup as their Super Bowl. I'm expecting a highly-motivated home performance from Golden State in memory of Milojevic.
Golden State did hold a full practice on Tuesday. Draymond Green also has been getting better since coming back from suspension. This will be his first home game since his Dec. 14 suspension for striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face.
Then there is the opponent. It's Atlanta, which has the worst point spread mark in the NBA by far at 11-32 ATS (25.5 percent).
The Hawks also are going to be without their best player, Trae Young. He missed the Hawks' last game, a 122-107 road loss to the Kings this past Monday, because of a concussion.
While the Warriors should be full of energy, the Hawks are playing for the fourth time in six days. It's also their fourth straight different venue.
|
01-23-24 |
Houston v. BYU +2.5 |
Top |
75-68 |
Loss |
-107 |
8 h 31 m |
Show
|
Houston is finding out the hard way that winning on the road in the Big 12 Conference is tough. The Cougars are ranked fourth in the country, but they are 0-2 SU and ATS on the road in the Big 12 losing to Iowa State and TCU.
BYU has one of the best home-courts in the country. The Cougars slaughtered Iowa State, 87-72, at home a week ago. BYU lost at Texas Tech in its previous game this past Saturday after blowing a 16-point halftime lead. But at home, BYU is 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS, outscoring foes by an average of nearly 30 points a game.
The Cougars are the 11th-highest scoring team in the nation averaging 85.3 points. That's 11 points more per game than Houston averages. The Cougars also could be without J'Wan Roberts, a key defender and their leading rebounder.
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